35 The Beginning Of Their Spring (End)

{Omniscient Reader's POV}

Our favorite hypocrite, the hero of this story, Hachiman is currently facing a crisis.

It is all caused by his slip of tongue two days ago, where he casually mentioned about Asako. Shizuka, who was VERY curious at that time, asked him about her.

Hachiman, being an insensitive jerk he is, answered, "Oh, Asako is my gym instructor. Though very brief, we ever had a fling in the past," before shrugging casually.

At this point, Shizuka already lost her curiosity regarding his relationship with Asako. However, Hachiman is different. He doesn't understand feelings at all.

"You don't have to worry though. We had sex just once in the past," he said nonchalantly.

Hearing no response, he turned his head to his right. However, instead of seeing Shizuka, he was met with Sheisgone. And that's how he lost Shizuka.

It's been a day and a half now, and he still can't find a way to bring Shizuka back. He knows where she is; she's staying in his family's house!

Because of that, he can't do anything. He is sure Maiko, his mother, is plotting against him with Shizuka.

Now, alone in his apartment, he is standing in front the mirror while posing in every JoJo poses he remembers; which means EVERY poses.

"Shizuka, your method is very dirty, but brilliant. However, you forgot that I can offer a headphone to a deaf person while smiling!" Hachiman laughs evilly. "I will definitely bring you back!"

"Nyaaaa~"

Hachiman froze. Raphtalia's snide comment has brought his sanity back. Still, he can't just accept what Raphtalia said.

"What did you say, dumb cat?" He asked solemnly.

"Nyaaa."

"Having an attitude, huh?"

Raphtalia ia unimpressed. "Nya nya nyaa~"

Hachiman feels insulted. However, he is a cool headed and extremely intelligent person. Therefore, he has thought of a way to win the debate.

"Alright, I'm going to have cat for dinner."

He is not joking. He can fillet so well, not even Gordon Ramsay can recognize a human meat fillet; he can do the same thing to cat.

He will definitely eat Raphtalia with Shizuka for dinner.

"Nyaaaaaaaa~ nya nyaa." Raphtalia climbs on Hachiman's leg and shows him the best eye technique in her repertoire. She knows Hachiman is being serious.

"Awww.. you're so cute. But, acting sweet won't get you anywhere, dumb cat. I'll definitely eat your ass tonight."

Raphtalia blinks her eyes, before a mischievous smile appears on her face.

"I should've worded it better." Upon noticing Raphtalia's smile, Hachiman frowns. "You know that I can cook you right here right now. Don't test my patience; wipe that smirk off your face!"

Raphtalia wipes the smile off her face, then scurries away from Hachiman. He nods his head in approval at that scene. However, soon a realization dawned upon him.

"How the fuck could a cat understand what I was saying?" But as always, he is quick to move on. "Well, shit happens." He shrugs.

Picking up his keys and his helmet, he heads to the parking lot. He is fully intending to go to his family's house to pick Shizuka up. After zipping up his jacket, he puts his helmet on, then rides Saber-chan.

Since his apartment and his family's house is not far apart, it doesn't take him long to arrive there. He parks Saber-chan, before heading to the house's door, and rings the bell.

Ding-dong!

He waits.

"Well... It's supposed to be my home, but no one opens the door for me?"

Ding-dong! Ding-dong! Ding-dong!

He rang the bell three times consecutively. He has no reason; he just wants to piss everyone inside the house. True to his expectation, the door is finally opened by someone.

Click.

The person peeks behind the door, showing only half of her face. Hachiman can perfectly understand the glare he is given though.

"I'm here to deliver a package, miss." Hachiman faintly smiles.

"I don't recall I ordered something," the lady behind the door replied.

"You didn't order anything, indeed, miss." Hachiman puts his hand on his chest. "I'm merely here on Hachiman-sama's behalf to deliver his apology and unending love to you, miss."

Shizuka's eyes faltered slightly, and a faint blush can be seen on her cheek. However, as quick as it comes, it goes even quicker. Her glare returns, and her mouth opens once again.

She replies, "I don't receive package from stranger." Then, she proceeds to close the door.

Hachiman is quick-witted. Therefore, he managed to stop the door from closing. A power struggle soon occurs between the two; it's a battle between a female Gorilla and a protein enthusiast.

Hachiman stares deeply into Shizuka's visible eye, and says, "I am a straightforward guy, so I will be honest to you. I didn't know anything about love, and I still don't. Therefore, I don't know what upset you."

"Oh, you don't have to know it. It doesn't really matter." Shizuka said sarcastically.

The previous Hachiman will definitely nod his head and agree immediately. However, the current him, who has tasted a little bit of emotion, is different.

"It matters to me. I'm not well-versed in emotional things. However, I know I don't want to lose you." Hachiman's eyes turned apologetic. "Therefore, let me know where I am wrong, and let me fix my mistake."

The power struggle stopped; Shizuka, who is behind the door, silently looks into Hachiman's eyes.

"For an insensitive jerk, you are quite sincere in your words."

"I'm as sincere as I'm straightforward."

"Does that mean you have always meant the insults you have spewed?"

"Firstly, yes, I meant them. Secondly, they are not insults; they are the truth!"

"Sure..." Shizuka replied mildly.

She sighs, before opening the door. Hachiman just stands there, while silently looking at her. Shizuka quirks her eyebrow, as if asking what he is waiting for.

"Can I?" Hachiman asked. "Of course." Shizuka replied.

Hachiman steps inside, and swiftly hugs Shizuka. "As expected, not a single Dutch Wife can beat my Japanese Wife!" He declared.

"W—what are you doing?!" Shizuka is flustered.

Hachiman looks down at Shizuka weirdly. "I'm hugging you. What do you think I am doing?"

"That's why I asked, idiot! What are you doing hugging me?"

"What are you talking about? I asked you earlier, and you said yes."

"So, that's what you asked?!"

Hachiman ignores it, and merely hugs her tightly. Shizuka tries to pry him off of her, but gives up in the end. Hachiman is already stronger than her.

She sighs helplessly, before melting in his embrace. They stay like that for a while, before she breaks the ice.

"It's trivial to be honest. I just don't like hearing you getting close to any other women. Furthermore if that woman is your ex. I know she's not your ex and I'm being childish, but I can't help the jealousy."

Hachiman hums to himself. "I think now I get it..." He proceeds to caress Shizuka's hair. "What makes a relationship special is the feeling, in my opinion. Having a physical relationship with someone doesn't make that relationship special at all."

He separates himself slightly, then stares at Shizuka right in her eyes. "Our relationship is special—no, you are special to me. You don't need to feel rivaled; no one can beat you. It sounds corny, but you have secured the highest place in my heart."

Shizuka silently looks at Hachiman, before sighing softly. She doesn't really know how to react. She knows Hachiman is always sincere in his word. But, her feminine side feels the need to doubt him just to mess with him.

It is honestly amusing to see the usually emotionless Hachiman shows so many expression in these few minutes.

"If you still feel rivaled though, we can have se—"

"Shush! Stop talking, you're ruining the mood!"

Of course, she knew something like this would happen. Hachiman is that insensitive. He always thinks every matters practically and logically, after all. That's actually good. But at times like this, it's just the worst.

Still, Shizuka is too smitten by him to concern about that.

She sighs helplessly. "Huuh... I hate that I love you."

Thinking he has succeeded, Hachiman replies, "I love that I love you!"

"We're not done yet! You have to please my stomach first to gain my forgiveness!"

Hachiman smirks. "That's easy. Your stomach is practically my cooking slave already." Shizuka rolls her eyes, and Hachiman chuckles slightly. "Anyway, where is my family?"

Shizuka is about to answer him, but someone beats her to it. "Kuhum! We are here." It is Maiko. She has been watching them with Komachi since the beginning.

"Wow... Gomi-chan is a scum! He's the worst man alive!" Komachi exclaimed in sincere disgust.

"Now, now, Kumacchi. I know you're just jealous. But, know that Onī-chan's love for you is as unending as mosquito coils." Hachiman replied.

"But that will definitely burn out!"

"Exactly."

Komachi gapes her mouth in disbelief, before ignoring Hachiman for the entire day. In the end, Hachiman is forced to stay overnight at his family's house to mend his "broken" relationship with Komachi.

Komachi gets to SLEEP together with him in his room, and Shizuka gets to spend a night full of woman talks with Maiko.

Just like that, the last night before the Opening Ceremony passed.

...

Morning has come; everyone is already sitting at the table, waiting for Hachiman's godly cooking.

"I believe I have said it to you, but I'll remind you once again. As the highest scorer at the school entrance examination, you have to deliver a speech later." Shizuka said to Hachiman.

"I know it, honey. You don't need to tell me twice."

"Have you prepared your speech?"

"Why should I?"

Shizuka sighs helplessly. "It's good to be a genius, huh?"

Maiko merely smiles at the two's interaction. She was sceptical at the two's relationship at first; she knew everything would get complicated when Shizuka became Hachiman's teacher.

Therefore, she showed them her utmost support to encourage them so they could maintain their relationship as long as possible. However, Hachiman, her son, is more mature than she thought.

He handles the matter so well, her support isn't really needed. She's glad, but a little bit sad inside. She knows it won't be long until Hachiman is gone out of her reach.

When the breakfast is ready, she eats it silently while enjoying the comical interaction between Shizuka and Hachiman. From time to time, she will smile and feel sad at the same time; she is conflicted.

When the breakfast finished, Hachiman stands up, then picks up his bag. "Alright, I'm going to take Komachi to school before heading to mine."

"Don't be late." Shizuka reminded.

Hachiman smiles, before hugging her and gives her a light peck on her cheek. All of that was done right in front of Komachi and Maiko.

"H—hey, we are in front of your family!"

Hachiman chuckles lightly, before saying, "I do it for everyone. No need to sweat over it."

She is about to ask what Hachiman meant, when she sees Hachiman does the same to Maiko.

"See you later, Maiko-chan." Then, Hachiman left with Komachi in tow.

"Take care!" Maiko waves lightly.

She looks at Hachiman's back warmly with a small smile. Hachiman made her realize something: although her son already has someone else, he's still hers after all. Therefore, she doesn't need to be afraid of losing him.

...

Hachiman has arrived at Komachi's school, his former school, Kaihin Sōgō Middle School. Every eyes are planted on them, as he is riding his beloved Saber-chan to school. But as always, he completely ignores it.

Komachi got down from Saber-chan, takes her helmet off, then gives it back to Hachiman. "That was awesome, Onī-chan! I hope I can ride more with you!"

Hachiman also takes off his helmet—revealing his handsome face in the process—then chuckles lightly. "Of course, you can ride more with me, Komachi." He motions Komachi to come closer, then kisses her forehead. "Have a nice day at school"

He puts on his helmet back, before taking off. He completely ignores the uproar he has caused due to his stunt.

Komachi just stands there, while silently waving her hand at the disappearing back of Hachiman. She is already used to her brother's antics at this point; but still, she can't stop her heart from beating wildly.

...

Hachiman is having the time of his life by slithering between the cars on the road with his beloved Saber-chan. No one can even get mad at him, as he is doing it smoothly.

A few minutes in the ride, he sees a girl with fair skin, light orange hair that is styled in a loose side bun, and peach-reddish eyes. She is wearing the same uniform as him, and is currently walking her dog.

Hachiman knows not to judge a book by its cover, but the girl looks dumb. How can he know? The leash on her dog is loose—that's why!

As he is familiar with this scene, he quickly pulls over, then runs toward the dumb girl's dog. Surprising her in the process, Hachiman silently tightens the leash on the dog, before looking up at the owner.

"You should pay more attention to your dog's leash. You can cause an unwanted accident, if your dog is let loose."

"O—oh, I—I am sorry." The girl quickly bows her head.

Hachiman stands up, and extended his hand. "I'm Hikigaya Hachiman."

The girl raises her head, then also extended her hand. "O—oh, I—I am Yuigahama Yui! Nice to meet you, Hikki!"

Hachiman doesn't care of what people call him. However, he can't stand stupidity. "Oi. Did you let go of your dog's leash?" He points his eyes to Yui's hand.

Yui blinks her eyes, before looking down on her hand. Then, she finds that the dog leash isn't in her hand anymore. "Uh... I guess?"

"Stupid bitch!" Hachiman doesn't know what drives him, but he quickly chases Sablé. Yui also follows suit, but she doesn't forget to retort. "I'm not a bitch!"

Everything slows down in Hachiman's vision. He knows he will get to Sablé in no time, but he needs to think of a maneuver to dodge the incoming limousine. He doesn't believe in fate, but this time he feels the need to just to curse it.

By the time he gets ahold of Sablé, the limousine is already a few steps away from him. Like a gymnast athlete, he jumps as high as he can and lets his body roll graciously on the car roof while hugging Sablé, before landing on the ground like a hero.

The limousine stops in its track, and everyone watching the acrobatic scene is gaping at him. Uncaring to the people's eyes, he is focused in his mind instead.

'Why the fuck did I decide to save this stupid dog?!' He is puzzled by his own action.

He rights himself up, then turns to the gaping Yui. At that moment, the passenger of the limousine also comes out. It is an extremely beautiful girl with black hair and charming purple eyes.

She also seems surprised by the event that has just happened.

"Hikigaya-kun? What a coincidence."

Hachiman turns to the girl, Yukino, and stares at her neutrally. "How about asking, 'Are you okay?' instead of that?"

"Oh, are you okay?"

"I am okay." He smiles sardonically.

Ignoring the implicit sarcasm, Yukino puts her hand on her chest in relief. "I'm glad."

On the side, Yui looks at the two in puzzlement. "Uh.. you guys know each other?"

The two people's head turn to her at the same time. "Shut up, dumbass! It all happened because of you!" They also exclaimed in unison.

With fate meeting the three with each other, their spring begins that way.