Chapter Text
Bonds, A single word used to explain the relationship or emotional attachment we have with other people and even things. Familial bonds, friendly bonds, professional bonds, come in different categories and are often seen as a positive thing, but few truly understand the negative side of these things we call bonds. Obligation is the first thing that comes to mind, the feeling that you must do something because of your connection. You're obligated to respect your boss because they're your superior, You're obligated to listen, care about and do favors for friends even if it inconveniences you because 'that's what good friends do' and 'they would do the same for you', and you're obligated to forgive and forget when your little sister takes the pudding cup you were saving for your post shower gaming session. Okay that last one gets a pass because my dear little sister is adorable and gave her big bro extra special ice cream as an apology. Nevertheless, bonds are truer to their other definition, they tie you down and restrict you, but I have no such restraints as the few bonds I have are of my choosing, my little sister the cutest one to exist and my dear vita-chan who's always given me hours of entertainment.
Before I can continue my philosophical thoughts dissecting the lie that is relationships I'm interrupted by a knock on the clubroom door. Right, I was currently doing my mandatory service, my free time so savagely taken away from me by my teacher and now I'm forced to come to this service club after school.
"Come in" a calm elegant voice came from the complete opposite end of the table I was sitting at.
Yuki Yukinoshita, the president of this club and effectively my correctional officer tasked to 'reform me into a proper member of society'. I look up from the light novel I was pretending to read while daydrea- I mean having my internal discussion. My eyes just happened to glance at the third person in the room, the one who sat next to Yukinoshita, the peach haired girl herself Yui Yuigahama. After successfully (more or less) completing her request she's basically made herself at home here. As the clubroom door opens I turn my gaze to the figure entering, it was an individual that I recognized and to be fair it would be hard not to. A tall guy with dark brown skin, short messy black hair, a relatively average looking build and sharp piercing brown eyes with a visible scar across the bridge of his nose. He was wearing our school uniform but replaced the blazer with a navy-blue hoodie, a pair of headphones hung on his neck, and he seemed to have a laptop tucked under his arm. I have passed by him a few times in the hallways during lunch and using one of my 108 loner skills 'loner sense' I was able to get the vibe that he was a loner as well, just like Kawa-whatshername from my class. Also like her I didn't know his name, I've heard it before, it began with a K I'm sure…am I just bad with K names?
"Ah Kaito Kaitsuki, what brings you here?" Yukino asked.
Yukino knew his name…of course she did, she was in fact the Yukicyclopedia of course, it still made no sense to me why she put in the effort to memorize all the students in our school. Kaito Kaitsuki from what I remember is in Class 2J, the elite class that consists of 90% girls. He's also one of the only people to turn down an invitation to join Hayato Hayama's group which was a plus in my books.
"Sup" He replied casually, his brown eyes scanning the three of us with a sense of indifference. "Ms Hiratsuka recommended I come here" He basically droned out with his monotone voice.
Ms Hiratsuka sent him here huh? I'm starting to think she is using this club as a dumping ground for loners and socially awkward teens…Yuigahama excluded of course…I think. My attention comes back to the person in front of us at the moment as he begins to speak again.
"She said you guys could assist me with a problem I'm having"
What kind of problem could he have that Ms. Hiratsuka decided to send him here?
"I see, well what's your request then Kaitsuki?" Yunkino questioned.
I watched as he took a seat in front of us leaning back into the back of the chair.
"There's a song I've been trying to make but I'm in a slump and can't figure out how to go about it, I essentially have the skeleton of if but that's pretty much it." Kaitsuki simply shrugs afterwards, his posture never changing from relaxed.
A song? This guy makes music? I suppose in hindsight with the headphones and laptop he does give off that kind of vibe.
"Oh wow! I didn't know you made music Kaikai" Yuigahama said with enthusiasm.
Kaikai? She has a nickname for him already, that was fast.
"Kaikai?" Kaitsuki replied, raising a brow at her name for him.
Looks like he was caught off guard too.
"What is it that you need assistance with? I play many instruments so I may be able to give some advice." Yukinoshita offered.
Oi oi aren't you being a bit too smug when you mentioned that?
"Ooo Ooo and I listen to tons of popular songs, so I can maybe help with lyrics." Yuigahama said, bouncing in her seat.
"Thanks, but this song doesn't have any lyrics in it." Kaitsuki explained, which caused Yuigahama to freeze in place. I can practically see the gears in her head sputtering for a moment before resuming.
"Heh?! What kinda song doesn't have lyrics in it?!" Yuigahama shouted a little bit too loudly for my taste.
"Hm, could it be a more classical piece then?" Yukinoshita reasoned.
"Not classical either, it's a more modern instrumental style." Kaitsuki explained further.
A song with no lyrics, not classical but still an instrumental in a more modern style huh?
"Like a videogame OST?" The words escaped my mouth before I could cull them.
Curse my quick mouth, it's usually good for my witty comebacks but sometimes it has a will of its own. Kaitsuki's indifferent eyes caught my dead ones and in the moment I felt a strange wave of understanding or more accurately a form of recognition and respect?
"Yeah exactly, like a videogame OST. I know I'll add piano to it because what good videogame OST doesn't." Kaitsuki said with a nod towards me, and I couldn't help but smirk and nod back with a confident look on my face.
"Truer words have never been said, the piano is a key instrument in many good OSTs along with the violin" I said wisely, showing off my knowledge on the subject.
"Agreed." He continued to lock eyes with me.
I could tell I was being appraised and I was doing the same to him but not visually…no we were appraising each other like two experts that studied in the same field would do to make sure that the other was legitimate.
"What videogame soundtracks have you listened to?" He asked me.
A prodding question, he's fishing to see if I'm a casual or not. Heh, little do you know that I am well versed in this, but I have a decision to make? Do I give a surface level answer? Or do I give a deep cut answer to prod his knowledge as well. A mixture of both should do.
"Persona 4, Final Fantasy X , Ninja Gaiden and Oddworld" I accidentally let my smirk grow at my own answer.
"Hm" he hummed in acknowledgement and contemplation.
"Singleplayer Sony games huh, I'm guessing you have a PS Vita?" Kaitsuki deduced.
My eyes widened in surprise, Vita-chan we've been discovered! I quickly cool my emotions to answer,
"I do." I was reluctantly impressed; this guy knows his stuff.
"Thoughts on the PlayStation All Stars soundtrack?" Kaitsuki asked me as a follow up question.
I couldn't help but cross my arms and smirk ready to put my accumulated knowledge on videogame OSTs that I've acquired. While the two of us were locked in conversation Yuigahama and Yukinoshita were both staring at the both of us in bewilderment.
"Yukinon" Yuigahama said half whispering to Yukinoshita as she leaned towards her. "What are they talking about?" She sounded genuinely confused.
Yukinoshita simply sighed before responding "From what I've gathered so far they're engaged in a classic male assessment ritual."
Yuigahama looks at her with a tilted head. "What?" She said even more confused than before.
"They're sizing each other up." Yukinoshita clarified with a sigh.
Yuigahama made an o shape with her mouth in realization before looking back at the two of us. We were currently locked in a battle of opinions, somehow we moved on from the topic of videogame soundtracks to Anime openings. At the moment we were debating which Soul Eater opening was better. I was of the opinion that Resonance was superior, but he disagrees and believes that Paper Moon is better. Before I could steer him back from the wrong path I was interrupted by Yukinoshita clearing her throat and raising her voice.
"Excuse me, I believe we were supposed to be discussing how to fulfill your request, not debate about whatever all this is"
I blinked, how long was I talking to this guy? This was the longest conversation I've had with someone that didn't include any insults to my person or a punch to the gut. When was the last time I got lost in discussions with someone? It was horrifying, I just met this guy, and he managed to lock me into casual conversation.
"Uh right…" was all I could say in response.
How did I fall so far to let my loner defenses be breached so easily? Then again it wasn't a normie conversation, we were discussing culture after all, it was simple loner to loner communication.
"Kaitsuki please give us some more information so we can find ways to assist you." Yukinoshita requested to get us back on topic.
His eyes moved to meet hers "Right. Well just like-" He paused and looked back over to me. "What was your name? I never got it."
That's right I never introduced myself. "Hachiman Hikiguya."
He nods at me then looks to Yuigahama "And you?"
Yuigahama jumps at his question eager to introduce herself "I'm Yui Yuigahama! Nice to officially meet you KaiKai!"
Officially? What does she mean by that, has she heard of him before? Are all Class 2J members well known? Hm not really, these two are the only ones I know about. Then again I didn't know Yuigahama and she's in my class so maybe I'm not the best person to make that call.
"Officially?" asked Kaitsuki.
Was this guy reading my mind? Did he also possess Esper abilities like Ms Hiratsuka?!
"Hehe yeah, I've only heard of you from Hayama and the other boys in our group that play sports." said Yuigahama.
Kaitsuki sighs as if reminded of something.
"Right…of course. Anyways, as I was saying, similar to what Hikiguya suggested I want the song to have a videogame OST vibe. When you listen to it you can believe it's from a game you've never played, something indie with a retro theme" He elaborated.
"Unfortunately, I am not very well versed in videogames so my input may not be useful" Yukinoshita relents.
It might just be me, but she sounded mildly irritated when she said that.
"I play games on my phone so like maybe I can help a little bit?" Yuigahama chimes in.
Of course she's a mobile gamer, I highly doubt Yuigahama owns a console or maybe even a PC at this point.
"As much as it pains me to say this, it seems you're going to have to rely on Hikiguya for your request. You have my sincerest apologies Kaitsuki, hopefully his rotten eyes and personality do not influence your opinions on our fair club." Yukinoshita elegantly said while attempting to tarnish my good name.
"Laying it on thick aren't we…" I say giving her my best deadpan stare which she expertly ignores.
Kaitsuki looks between the both of us for a short moment before focusing on Yukinoshita "I appreciate the warning Yukinoshita, but I'll do fine, I can tell Hikiguya isn't a bad guy."
Eh? He just met me; how can he say such a thing? I narrow my eyes in thought for a moment. Maybe it's because of the conversation we had earlier, did he evaluate me entirely based on that?
"Though I'll keep him at arm's length for now since he has the audacity to think the Super Smash Bros Ultimate theme is more iconic than the Super Smash Bros Brawl theme." He follows up.
I felt my left eye twitch "That theme only feels iconic because of nostalgia, and you know it!" I rebutted.
"Yeah, yeah whatever you say" Kaitsuki said while waving away my response.
"Yukinon, they're doing it again…" Yuigahama whines.
"It's quite disturbing how fast they're getting along." Yukinoshita responds with barely contained disgust.
"Oi, I can still hear you two ya know." I reply with a deep sigh.
But they weren't wrong, for some reason I was able to talk to this guy easily which disturbs me. It's whatever I'll just help him with his request and probably never talk to him again. Kaitsuki opens his laptop and plays the bare bones of the song he currently has. We then listened to several videogame soundtracks looking for inspiration and after finally agreeing on a few our allotted club time was over.
"That's all the time we have for today Kaitsuki, but we'll continue to assist you until your request is fully completed so feel free to visit the club room until then." Yukinoshita said dismissing us for the day.
On my ride home today, I found myself reflecting on today's events and how this was the most I've ever talked to someone in one sitting with the sole exception of my dear little sister Komachi of course. It's fine though, I'm not one to keep my hopes up. We shared a few common interests, it doesn't go beyond that. Once this request is over we'll probably go back to being strangers though a part of me feels a pang of…something at the thought of that but I quickly stuff it down into the depths of my mind. The next day while walking to my class, I was following my normal routine and using stealth Hiki to get through the morning bustle in the hallway unimpeded. However it failed and I was noticed, it was him again, Kaitsuki. He was easily recognized in the crowd, being tall and half Japanese would do that. As we locked eyes a few paces away from each other he nodded his head upwards in greetings to me. Almost instinctively I nodded my head down, returning the greeting before we passed each other. It was quick and smooth, seamless communication without words and the first time I was able to pull something off like that. Usually when I think someone is greeting me it was directed at someone behind me but through eye contact I could tell that it was meant for me.
"Don't get ahead of yourself Hachiman, he was simply doing so out of obligation since you're helping him out" I quickly thought to myself to wave away any notions I may have developed.
Once again I took my usual route to the clubroom but before I could open the door I heard voices on the inside discussing something. Now I'm not one to eavesdrop but I must admit that my curiosity won out at this moment. I lean closer to the door and use one of my 108 loner skills, conversational focus. By blocking out all other sounds I can focus my hearing on the conversation I'm trying to overhear.
"How's progress coming along?" a cold yet clear voice asked that clearly belonged to Yukinoshita.
"It's coming along." a brief reply from a deeper monotone voice belonging to a male, it was clearly Kaitsuki but why was he here so early?
"I see. Well don't let this affect your performance in class, we have a reputation to keep after all, and we don't need anyone dragging the class down." Yukinoshita replied in her usual sharp demeanor.
Right, these two were in the same class. I kind of forgot about that given how different the two of them are.
"I should be the least of your worries when it comes to class performance." Kaitsuki counters with another brief exchange of words.
"Hikki? What are you doing?" A voice to my left suddenly caused me to almost yelp and blow my cover.
It was Yuigahama and she was staring at me skeptically. Damn, the one flaw of conversational focus; by blocking out all other sounds I lose awareness of my surroundings, and I couldn't hear her footsteps approaching.
"I heard some voices coming from inside the club room and Yukinoshita usually sits quietly and reads until we arrive, so I got curious." I explained coolly.
Yuigahama pauses for a moment a look of intrigue on her face as she too leaned in to listen.
"So, this is where you've been spending your time after school huh, can't say I dislike it here." Kaitsuki comments.
"It's pleasant and usually quiet enough for me to get some reading in." Yukinoshita remarks.
After that the conversation seemed to die off as both parties seemed satisfied to end things there. Silence soon took over the room and Yuigahama and I looked at each other briefly before she placed her hand on the door and slid it open with a joyous "Yahallo!Hi Yukinon! Hi Kaikai!"
I walk in soon after her with my signature "Yo".
"Good afternoon you too" was Yukinoshita's reply.
"Sup" Kaitsuki replied before giving me an upwards nod which i returned with my own downwards one as I took my seat.
He was seated in the same place as yesterday, a chair that faced the three of us but positioned closer to me than the other two.
"You're here early Kaikai" Yuigahama brought up.
"I had nothing to do after class, so I just came to the club with Yukinoshita." he said looking up from his laptop.
"Oh right! You and Yukinon are in the same class! What's that like? Is Yukinon any different in class than she is here?" Yuigahama probed with the grace of a sledgehammer. But it was a valid question, we've only interacted with her during club hours and never seen her outside of it.
"Not really, other than she's a lot more talkative here than in class" he said going back to looking at his laptop.
"Oh really?! That means you must like talking to us! Right, Yukinon?!" Yuigahama exclaimed while scooting her already close seat even closer to Yukinoshita.
"You are tolerable Yuigahama but please do not claim that I would enjoy talking to that thing at the end of the table" Yukinoshita said with a hint of disgust.
I deadpan at her "So I've been reduced to a thing? I'm human, you know." I say trying to defend myself.
"You are? It's hard to tell, I swore you were a walking corpse the first time I saw you" she said, placing a delicate finger up to her chin.
Just like yesterday Kaitsuki looked between the two of us, those indifferent eyes scanning us both before he spoke to Yuigahama.
"I'm guessing this happens often?" he inquired.
"Yup, hehe it's kind of like their thing." she replied with a giggle.
"I see, glad to see she's actually capable of talking to people casually." Kaitsuki remarked.
A cold expression forms on Yukinoshita's face as she looks over to him.
"I am more than capable of having a conversation with someone, I've talked to you multiple times have I not?" she says almost defensively.
"You only talk to me when academics are involved, that's not casual, that's professional." He counters.
She opens her mouth partly to make a rebuttal but pauses for a moment before deflecting and changing the topic. "Don't you have a song to complete? It's the reason you're here is it not?"
Did Yukinoshita just lose an argument? This is what they call skill-based match making, I can't help but conceal a smirk.
Yuigahama, the peace maker, inserts herself back into the conversation. "Yukinon's right, besides I'm like super excited to hear what you've done so far Kaikai"
I looked over to the laptop placed on the table; I was also curious about the progress he's made so far. He nods and reaches into his bag to acquire a small portable Bluetooth speaker which he then connects to his laptop. With the press of the space bar the song he's working on begins to play, it felt more complete than yesterday, but you could tell there was more to be done.
"That's what I have so far." he said, sitting back in his seat.
"I can definitely hear some of the inspiration from the tracks we picked yesterday for reference." I commented while crossing my arms.
"I haven't listened to a lot of songs like this, but I like it a lot!" Yuigahama states.
"It's more complete than yesterday but I have no opinion on whether it is good or not." Yukinoshita inputted afterwards.
"I feel like it's almost done but It's missing something important." Kaitsuki says before staring up at the ceiling.
Yuigahama tilts her head and asks curiously, "What's it missing?"
Kaitsuki closes his eyes before he replies "Feeling."
There's a pause in the room for a moment before Yuigahama asks her second question. "Feeling?"
Ah yes, simply repeat what was said but as a question, thank you Yuigahama.
"All songs should evoke emotions in its listeners, when an artist makes a song it's usually to tell a story, send a message or evoke emotions. Especially songs that lack lyrics like the one I'm making, it must be able to tell that story, send that message or evoke those emotions all with just its melody alone."
He had a point there, most music I listened to like that had a specific goal, as if they were made specifically for it.
"Hm, like how classical music can have a calm, refined feeling to it." Yukinoshita wagered.
"Or how pop songs make you happy and wanna dance!" Yuigahama pitched.
"Or how boss music makes the boss, and the fight feel grander." I claimed.
"Exactly. I want this song to evoke something; make you imagine things in your head while you listen to it even though those images would obviously differ between listeners. I want the overall theme to be the same." Kaitsuki sits back up and looks at his laptop. "I just need to figure out what I want to evoke and then I can find a means to do it."
This was a more difficult request than simply reading Zaimokuza's manuscript and giving him critiques. This one requires a bit more brain power, how do we help this guy find something so vague like that? I look to my clubmates to see if they have any ideas but from the look on their faces they seem to be drawing blanks too.
"Well, if inspiration is all you need then maybe we try different ways people get inspired?" Yuigahama tosses out.
"I suppose we can give it a try, throw things against the wall until it sticks as they say" Yukinoshita replies with a sigh.
Looks like this is the best we have for now. We get to work trying various methods of inspiration like meditation, listening to other songs, motivational speeches and our last resort, sightseeing. Although we were restricted to the school grounds, Sōbu's location near the coast gave it a nice atmosphere. We visited many places on campus, the school courtyard, the auditorium, the library, even the art gallery which I didn't know we had. In the end, as the sun began to set, Kaitsuki still couldn't find what he was looking for.
As we were walking back to the clubroom in defeat one more place popped up in my mind. "There's one more place I think we could check out before we call it quits"
The three of them looked at me with intrigue and before they knew it we were all on the school roof. The view from up here is one I don't see often as the rooftop is not a place I visit, from up here we could see the city all around us and even further the water. The sunset burned the sky orange; I never noticed how cloudless today was and even as I closed my eyes the inland breeze washing passed towards the sea gave this place a scenic atmosphere. I open my eyes to see the girls staring next to me, following their gaze I find Kaitsuki laying on his back staring upwards into the sky.
"What are you doing?" the question slipped out of me before I could stop myself.
"I…don't know, it just felt right." He turns his head to look at me. "You should try it." he offered.
At first I found his suggestion ludicrous, but it honestly didn't hurt to try. I lower myself to the ground and look, I can see what he means now, from this angle I can see how the sky splits, how the dark blue of the night conflicts with the orange of the setting sun.
"Huh, this isn't half bad actually" I commented.
As the two of us laid there Yukinoshita looked at the time. "Club hours are over now so it's time to depart, apologies Kaitsuki looks like we couldn't h- "
She was quickly cut off as Kaitsuki abruptly got up, a strong breeze passed by, but his eyes were locked onto a bird flying by over us. It flew in a swooping manner before soaring off towards the city.
"That's it…I got it!" he exclaimed.
"You do?" the three of us asked in unison.
"Yeah, I've found the feeling I want to evoke" His eyes did not leave the direction that bird flew off to. "The ability to explore, to go and do what you want without restriction…Freedom."
I got up slowly and placed my hands in my own pockets.
"Freedom huh, well if that's what you're going for then good luck" I say with a shrug.
"I like, totally think that's cool Kaikai!" Yuigahama says supportingly.
"If you believe you can evoke something like Freedom then be my guest, I'm curious whether you can pull it off or not." Yukinoshita states while heading to the door.
With that done we split up for the day, as I make my way home I couldn't help but look forward to tomorrow not for any silly reason like enjoying the club or potentially listening to the song but simply to see if the fruits of my labor bear fruit. Nothing is better than the feeling of a difficult job being finished and getting another win against the ice queen in our competition. The afternoon comes faster than I realize as the last bell of the day rings. As usual I head to my prison sentence for the day where my correctional officer is already waiting for me, it doesn't take long for the third member of this odd trio of ours to show up with her signature "Yahallo".
As she takes her seat she turns towards Yukinoshita "Yukinon, did Kaikai not come with you from class today?"
I glance up from my light novel for a moment. It was surprising for him to show up early last time, but I doubted he'd do a repeat, perhaps it was to prevent any rumors between himself and the ice queen, a good move on his part.
"No he did not, when classes were over he left immediately but I'm unaware where he went off to." Yukinoshita answered.
Just then the door slid open and Kaitsuki walked in, speak of the devil.
"I believe you were raised with enough manners to know you should knock before entering Kaitsuki." Yukinoshita chastised coldly yet Kaitsuki wasn't fazed at all.
"I finished it." was his simple reply.
Yuigahama's eyes lit up with excitement. "OMG you did?! Can we hear it?!"
He nods and turns to the door "Yeah, follow me."
He didn't give us room to argue and just left expecting us to follow. I found myself in yet another room I didn't know our school had. It was definitely a music room of sorts but had what looked like a recording booth, this must be where they hosted school broadcasts sometimes. Kaitsuki was already by his laptop setting something up
"Are you going to explain yourself?" Yukinoshita demanded more than asked.
"I wanted you guys to be the first to listen to the finished product but hearing it through a speaker in the club room wouldn't do it justice so I wanted you to experience it live and with good acoustics." Kaitsuki explained.
With his setup seemingly finished he moves over to the keyboard in the room, but it looked odd, it had a lot more buttons and nubs than I imagine a normal keyboard would have along with a slot he seems to slide his laptop into. He does a few test key presses and we could hear it come through the speakers around us.
"You guys ready?" asked Kaitsuki with a hint of finality in his voice.
It was a simple question, but he asked with such gravity, as if telling us there was no turning back beyond this point. I gave him a casual nod as did Yukinoshita while Yuigahama gave two supportive thumbs up.
"Hit it Kaikai!"
He nods and hits the play button, the song starts out the same way it did before, nothing surprising as we've heard it twice before. The retro inspiration kicks in but I can hear hints of additional audio clips that seem to build up into a drop. It was good but It wasn't evoking that feeling Kaitsuki was so eager to find yesterday, but maybe it was due to my natural cynicism that things like this just couldn't affect me, was my initial thought but then…the piano hit and my eyes were opened. That melody added something to the already upbeat song that elevated it. I could see it, that scene from yesterday flashes into my mind, that bird flying overhead and toward the city how freely it moved with all obstacles beneath it. The song then faded off into something more subdued and quieter, it was almost somber like a small moment of contemplation or deep thought. Only small chimes from the piano could be heard for a few seconds but slowly the different sounds and melodies added themselves back in. It gave me the feeling of a slow realization, things clicking back into focus after being lost for a moment. It all built up into another drop with that sweet piano in the center of it, I couldn't help but close my eyes and listen, I didn't even notice I was nodding my head and tapping my foot to it. Kaitsuki looked like he was putting his all into performing it, for a guy who usually had a neutral or indifferent look on his face it was clear the emotions he poured into each key press to bring this melody to our ears. The song ended on a hopeful high note, one that promised that good things laid ahead, Kaitsuki exhaled and took his headphones off letting them hang around his neck before looking towards us wordlessly for our thoughts.
"Wow! That was amazing Kaikai! It made me feel so many things at the same time but like it was such a good song that I couldn't help but feel happy while listening to it!" She was the first one between us to break the silence and it was definitely a Yuigahama answer, simple but heart filled.
"Thank you Yuigahama, I'm glad you liked it" He replied before looking at the remaining two of us who've yet to speak.
Yukinoshita cleared her throat "I am personally not a fan of this genre of music but even I can admit when a song is well executed and you seem to have managed to evoke what you set out to." She looked away a bit while saying the last part, was she embarrassed that a song managed to move her?
I returned my focus to Kaitsuki as his eyes moved back over to me waiting for my thoughts.
"It's good." I said simply.
"Oh come on Hikki you can't just give a lame answer like that!" Yuigahama said, pouting at me with puffy cheeks.
"How expected of a Hikiguya, can't even put in the effort to articulate a satisfactory response." Yukinoshita stated with disdain.
There she goes, using my name as an insult again, Yukinoshita never changes but to my surprise a smirk finds its way onto Kaitsuki's face. "Good huh, that's high praise coming from you, I'll take it"
Yuigahama and Yukinoshita pause their verbal abuse towards me to stare at Kaitsuki an "Eh?!" escaping from the former.
Seeing their confusion Kaitsuki decided to elaborate "From the few conversations I've had with him, he usually says something is alright or gives a shrug when he's not into it but only things he truly likes get the title of good."
My eyes widened in surprise, did he really figure me out like that with the few times we talked? Also damn you for exposing me like that, now I know the two of them will be keeping note of what I say from now on.
I sigh and don't correct him deciding to change the topic "I guess that means your request is completed then."
Kaitsuki gives what I assume is a satisfied nod "Yeah, thanks for the help you three."
Our club's official second request since this stupid competition was fulfilled and I received a point in my book. The next day I sat in class waiting for the last minutes of my final class to tick down, as I expected things went back to normal now that the request was over. I would continue this usual routine of mine until the next request came and so on. Hands in my pockets I walk down the hallway towards the club, it was just like my life to dangle a possible positive in front of me before taking it away just to remind me that a loner like me can only find solace in himself. I shake my head and disperse those thoughts, what am I talking about? I have a few good conversations with someone and I'm already thinking like this? How foolish, like I'd become attached so easily, I must remind myself that our interactions were completely professional and nothing else. I enter the club and take my usual seat, take out my usual light novel and sit in the usual silence between myself and Yukinoshita before Yuigahama comes in with her usual greeting. This was my stagnant routine for the foreseeable future, and I was not looking forward to it. Before I could dive deeper into my mind and begin one of my monologues there's a knock on the door.
"Come in." Yukinoshita voiced.
Who was it this time? It definitely wasn't Ms. Hiratsuka, she'd just barge in. Was it another request already? It usually takes a few days before the next one. My questions are answered when the door opens and I see the culprit enter. I witness Kaitsuki enter the club as casual as ever
"Oh Kaikai! Welcome back!" Yuigahama greets.
"What brings you back here Kaitsuki?" Yukinoshita prods.
I was curious too, so much so I put my light novel down momentarily.
"Hm? I thought Ms. Hiratsuka would have told you by now." He sighs and opens up his bag to retrieve something.
What does Ms. Hiratsuka have to do with him being here? My questions are vaguely answered when he approaches the table and places a piece of paper in front of Yukinoshita. She picks it up and looks it over
"A club application form?" she says with a hint of disbelief in her tone.
"Yeah, I plan on joining this club." Kaitsuki reveals.
My mundane routine has been stirred up now with the potential addition of a fourth member to this club and for some reason I don't mind it at all.
"OMG I'm like so excited you're joining the club as our fourth member Kaikai!" Yuigahama says happily.
"Third member." Yukinoshita said in her usual cold tone.
"Eh?! What do you mean Yukinon?!" Yuigahama says in distress.
"You're not an official member of the club Yuigahama, you never filled out a club application form to join"
The silence in the club was palpable.
"T-Then let me get a form and fill it out!" Yuigahama exclaimed.
Kaitsuki shakes his head before looking back to Yukinoshita "You can delay the acceptance of my application so Yuigahama can become the third member."
Yuigahama bounced "R-Really?! You'd do that for me?!"
"Bold of you to assume I was going to accept your application." Yukinoshita cut in.
"For a member to join they need the approval of the president and the club supervisor, I already got Ms. Hiratsuka's so all that's left is yours and you have no reason to deny me." he says laying out the facts.
"No reason to deny you? I can think of many a reason to." Yukinoshita retorts
"And I bet they're all personal gripes and petty." He counters.
He got her there, Yukinoshita's natural hostile personality makes her prone to making sharp, off handed and often petty remarks toward the people she talks to, but it seems having someone who's relatively on her level makes it a bit more difficult to. This must be what Yuigahama sees when Yukinoshita and I have our verbal exchanges.
"I finished filling it out!" Yuigahama the saving grace announced while giddily handing her application to Yukinoshita.
She reads it over and nods approvingly "Very well, you are now an official member of the club."
Oi oi, what happened to needing the approval of the supervisor? Then again I highly doubt Ms. Hiratsuka would say no to Yuigahama.
She then fixes her icy blue gaze on Kaitsuki meeting his sharp brown ones. "Very well, I accept your application Kaitsuki, just make sure you're useful."
Kaitsuki gives a nod as he walks over to grab a chair. "As pragmatic as ever, I'll be sure to pull my weight."
He places his acquired seat relatively close to my left, getting himself behind the table and setting his laptop down before looking at me.
"Looks like we'll be working together for the foreseeable future." Kaitsuki says, raising up a fist towards me.
I looked at him then back to the fist, was he waiting for me to do what I think he does? Wasn't this supposed to be a sign of respect? A symbol of closeness or familiarity? This was the first time I've been offered something like this, and I froze for a moment. He was offering me this only after a few days of getting to know each other officially, but I suppose since he'll be my new cohort I should reciprocate to make things easier for me.
I raise my fist and bump it against his before looking away. "Looks like it."
And so, the fledglings of a new bond slowly forms