Had some time today so, "fuck it." Also, Saki Kawasaki is the second best girl in my opinion. Fight me about it.

On to the chapter. Hope y'all enjoy it. Apologies if it's also short than what it normally is.

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Y/N awoke the next day, rubbing his eyes. He glances over to Saki, who was sprawled all over the bed.

Normally, Saki and Y/N would be in the same room of their gender, meaning Y/N would be in the same room as the other males and Saki would be in the same room as the other girls, but due to Setsuna doing some sort of "influence," they were put in a room together.

Nonetheless, Y/N got ready for the day and stood over Saki, who was still sleeping.

Y/N: (poking Saki's cheeks) Oi...Sakisaki. Wake up.

Saki: (murmers) Five more minutes...please...

Y/N: (sigh) You were always like this...forgive me for doing this.

Taking his phone, he played a video recording of his sister screaming. In the past, when the two were younger, the only thing that woke Saki up was Setsuna screaming in her ear. Setsuna would find enjoyment out of it, much to Saki's displeasure and annoyance.

Playing the video out loud in her ear, Saki shrieks, leaping quickly sitting up before she tumbles backwards, falling of the side of the bed.

Saki: Ow...you ass.

Y/N: Not my fault you weren't waking up. Hurry up. Wouldn't want to be late.

Saki: Yeah, yeah.

Y/N leaves the room, leaving Saki to do her business as Y/N waited.

Timeskip

It was now the second day and Y/N and Saki were grouped with Hachiman, Yui, Saika, Hayato, Yumiko, Hina, and Tobe. The first thing they did was go to a haunted house experience.

Yumiko: (light blush) Hayato, I'm sacred!

Hayato had an awkward smile on his face, sweat dropping. Tobe was clutching onto his other arm as Yumiko was on the other. Ebina smiles at Tobe's misfortune, him being scared.

Tobe: Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit!

Ebina: (giggles)

In the back, Yui was clutching onto Hachiman's arm and Saki was clutching onto Y/N's arm with Saika beside him. They had terrified looks, aside Y/N, who as always has a bored look, and Hachiman, who was irritated to having Yui clutch his arm. Saika on the other hand had a cheerful look.

Saki: What was that creepy laughter?

Y/N: (deadpan) Talk about boring...

Yui: I can't handle this stuff.

Hachiman: What's so scary about ghosts in haunted houses? Human beings are far scarier.

Y/N: Honestly, I expected more out of this.

Yui: Contrarian or not, you're kinda like a knight in shining armor right now.

Hachiman: I'm saying that I'm terrified of haunted houses where people do the scaring.

Yui: Or not! Some knight you are! And L/N-san! How, like, are you not scared!

Y/N: (scratches back of head) I play too much horror games and watch too much horror films so I kind of expect these things. It's honestly boring.

Hachiman: (looks to Saika) You seem just fine, Totsuka.

Saika: Yeah, I love this stuff.

Y/N: (slightly wide-eyed) Eh...I thought you were the type of person to run and scream at jump scares.

Saika: Nope!

There was a person who was sitting on their right, dressed up as a zombie. He gets up, screaming at them, doing his best impression to scare them.

An unfazed look on Y/N's, a terrified one on Yui's, irritation still remained on Hachiman's, Saki's hair was covering her eyes, and a look of joy on Saika's. Yui was so terrified that she reeled her head back, hitting Hachiman's chin. Y/N simply shakes his head, walking ahead with the unfazed look on his face still. 

Saika: Kawasaki-san!?

Saki then jumped on Y/N's back, wrapping her arms around his neck. Y/N's face then changed to a look of strain as Saki was shrieking with terror, causing the green-eyed boy to start running.

Saki: (shrieks) Run, Y/N! Go faster!

Y/N: (strained) How can I...when you're practically...choking me...!

Outside, Hayato's group had made it out. They were startled when they heard screaming, causing the four of them to turn around.

They were soon met with a terrified Saki, still clutching onto Y/N's back, with Y/N running as fast he could, a strained look on his face. But, Y/N ends up tripping on a piece of stone from the stone floor, causing the two to fall, Y/N's face hitting the stone floor as Saki remains safe and sound.

After awhile, Hachiman and Yui come out to see the scene in front of them, Y/N being held back Tobe and Hayato and Saki catching her breath.

Y/N: You freaking--I'll (mouth covered) Mmmpphh!

Hayato: Now, now. (looks to Yui and Hachiman) Shall we get going, then?

Hachiman: (thoughts) ...What the hell is wrong with this family?

Small Timeskip

Y/N was now away from his group, sitting down and staring at a rock in front of him.

Y/N: (clutches neck) Ow...Saki's grip is still as strong as ever...

???: Fancy running into you.

Turning his head over, he is greeted with the sight of Yukino, a look of curiousness on her face as she stares at the rocks in front of her.

Y/N: Didn't know you were here.

Yukino: Well, I am. Apparently this place is also known as "The Garden With Tiger Cubs Crossing." I wanted to find out which part represented the tigers.

Y/N: (thoughts) Hmm...her interests were piqued because tigers are felines? Then again, she has a pesky, frisky love of cats.

Y/N then notices the look of irritation on Yukino's face. Looking a bit downward, he sees that some of her classmates were there.

Since Y/N was quite popular, probably more popular than Hayato, he was receiving flirtatious looks, much to his annoyance. Trying to pay no mind to them, he resumes his attention back in front of him.

Yui: Oh, Yukinon!

She turns her head around to see Hayato's group, Hachiman, and Yui, who was waving happily.

Yukino: (stands up) Let's take this elsewhere.

Moving to a more secluded area, away from prying ears, Yukino then checks up on the other three's progress.

Yukino: How are we doing with the request?

Yui: Umm...it's not as easy as we thought. Right?

Hachiman: We don't want to go too far and turn Ebina off. Also...

Y/N: A certain someone acting weird? Yeah.

Yui: Who?

Y/N: (waves off) Nothing. Never mind.

Yukino: I'm sorry for leaving it all in your hands.

Yui: Nah, no biggie!

Yukino: I don't know if this makes up for it, but I came up with some ideas myself.

Hachiman: What kind of ideas?

Yukino: (digs into pocket) Famous spots in Kyoto that girls might like. (hands paper) I thought it could come in handy.

Yui: That's my Yukinon!

Y/N: When did she become your possession?

Yui: Huh!?

Yukino: I'll head back, then.

Yui: 'Kay. (waves) See you tomorrow!

Yukino: See you tomorrow.

Timeskip-Night

It was late at night and Y/N and Hachiman were heading to the convenience store.

Y/N: Why am I here again?

Hachiman: Partner in crime.

Y/N: (sigh) How the hell did you rope me into this?

Walking inside, Hachiman goes to the magazines to browse and Y/N walked through the aisles.

Yumiko: Well if ain't Hikio.

Hachiman: Hmm?

He glaces to his right to see Yumiko, who was reading a magazine.

Yumiko: ...Hey, what exactly are you guys tryin' to pull? Could you stop messin' with Ebina? You listenin' to me?

Hachiman: (grabs magazine) I am. And we're not messing with her.

Yumiko: You totally are. It's clear as day. (closes magazine) You're being a pain, y'know.

Hachiman: A pain, huh? But that's what someone wants us to do. Why do you even care? It's not like it's affected you in any way.

Yumiko: 'Scuse me? It's about to. Y'know...hasn't your relationship with Yui taught you anything 'bout Ebina?

Hachiman: W-We're not in a relationship.

Yumiko: Hold your horses, creep. I know Yui'd never date you. That ain't what I was talkin' about. I meant talkin' to Yui, and all that stuff. Creep.

Hachiman: (thoughts) Did you have to say it twice?

Yumiko: Ebina's a pretty face so long as she keeps her trap shut, so a lotta guys asked me to introduce them. Then when I try an' set 'em up, she acts like she'd rather drop dead. I thought she was just shy, so I kept at it. And then she smiled and went, "Fine. Whatever." Like she didn't know me no more. Ebina doesn't like talking about herself and I don't ask, but I'm pretty sure she hates that kinda stuff.

Hachiman: (thoughts) That's not quite right. If you had to sacrifice a bunch to protect something, you'd probably throw it all away. Even the relationships you currently have.

Yumiko: Y'know, I'm having fun right now. So stop stickin' your nose where it don't belong.

Hachiman: You don't need to worry, then. Hayama said he'd handle it.

Yumiko: Wassup with that? (smiles) Well, if Hayato says so, then we're good.

After while, Y/N returns back to his room, opening the door to find Saki in a ball on her bed.

Y/N: What's wrong with you?

Saki: Y-You--

Y/N: Yeah, yeah. I'll make it up to you sometime. I'm tired. Night.

Without bothering to change out of his clothes, Y/N plants himself on his bed, asleep. Saki smiles a little, noticing that his behavior has been changing for the better. 

Next Day

Yui: Whoa! This is amazing!

Hachiman: Time for a break.

Y/N: Yes please.

Yukino: You're right.

On their next day, they went to visit shrines. After climbing up the steps, despite it taking awhile, the view from climbing it was well worth it.

Currently, Y/N was seated at the opposite bench, which was to the right of the one Yukino was on. Yukino was drinking something, tired as her stamina from climbing up the steps had rapidly depleted.

Yui: Oh, it's Tobecchi! Yahello! We meet again!

Y/N: She's overly excited.

Hachiman: Yeah.

Hina: Hikitani-kun, you remember my request, right?

Hachiman: Huh? Yeah.

Hina: How's it among the men? Are you and Y/N getting closer?

Hachiman: It's going good, I guess?

Y/N: Leave me out of this.

Hachiman: They played cards at night and shit.

Y/N: Eh? Cards?

Hina: But if I can't see it, it's not a feast for my eyes! I want the guys to be tight where I can see them! That'd be the best!

Y/N: Heh. Fat chance.

Hachiman: Well, we're going to Arashiyama, too. Maybe then...

Hina: ...I'm counting on you.

Small Timeskip

The four Service Club members were now walking by the Arashiyama Station, Yui eating some delicacies as they go.

Yukino: You won't have any room left for dinner.

Yui: Eh!? (offers to Hachiman) You eat it, Hikky.

Hachiman: I don't want it.

Y/N: Don't even bother. Besides, why did you start biting into most of them?

Yui: Because I wanted to taste them! (looks to Yukino) What do I do with this, Yukinon?

Yukino: (sigh) I'll have just a bit.

Happily, she offers some to Yukinoshita, who moves some of her hair out of they and takes a bite. Y/N and Hachiman only stare before Yukino notices them and puts on an annoyed look.

Yukino: (mouth full) You two help out.

Hachiman: I guess I could eat some.

Y/N: Don't want any...

Yui: Then... (breaks meat bun in half) Here.

Y/N: I said--

As Hachiman bites into his, Yukino takes a meat bun out of one of the bags Yui was holding, shoving one down Y/N's mouth. Despite his protests, Yukino continues to shove the piece of food down his mouth.

With irritation, Y/N forces Yukino's hand off and takes a bite, eating the meat bun.

Y/N: (mouth full) Are you happy now?

Yukino: Yes. Now be a good boy.

Y/N: (gulps) Huh? Again, when--

Yukino: Enough chatter.

The four of them continue down the sidewalk, eating away at the delicacies that Yui bought. Shortly, they come in to a bamboo forest.

Yui: Wow! This place is incredible!

Yukino: Indeed. Look at the ground, too.

Y/N: Lanterns, huh?

Yui: This is it! This is the perfect spot, I think!

Hachiman: For what?

Yui: (shyly) T-To be asked out.

Y/N: (thoughts) Why did you say it in the passive voice? Actually, isn't this place kinda cliche?

Yukino: It does seem to be the ideal location.

Yui: R-Right!

Hachiman: (nods) If Tobe's gonna go for it, it's gotta be here.

Y/N: (sigh) I guess.

Timeskip

Meeting at the boys lodging, Tobe was nervous. The sun was starting to set.

Tobe: Damn! I'm startin' to get nervous! Shit!

Yamato: It's all good.

Ooka: You're getting a girlfriend, huh? I bet you'll stop hanging out with me.

Tobe: That won't happen! This is bad!

Yamato: You got this, man!

Y/N: Hmm...so this is where you guys sleep, huh?

Saika: Oh, L/N-san, you don't sleep here, right?

Y/N: Yeah. Let's just say...my sister has a powerful influence.

Hachiman: (thoughts) ...Older sisters are scary.

Saika: But even I'm getting kinda nervous.

Hayato: Hey, Tobe.

Tobe: What is it, Hayato-kun? I'm losin' my mind here!

Hayato: Actually, never mind.

Tobe: What the hell?

Hayato: I thought I'd tell you to break a leg, but I lost confidence once I got a look at you.

Tobe: Wow, you jerk! Oh, but that helped me relax.

Outside

Hachiman and Y/N walk out, seeing Hayama stand out by the river that was near the lodging.

Hachiman: You're being awfully uncooperative.

Hayato: Am I?

Y/N: You are.

Hachiman: In fact, it even felt like you were getting in the way.

Hayato: I didn't really mean to, but I don't want things to change. I like Tobe, Hina, and all the time we spend together.

Y/N: ...I guess I know what you mean. Change is never a good thing. But...sometimes it can be necessary. But what do I know?

Hachiman: If this is all it takes to tear you apart, then maybe you weren't good friends at all.

Hayato: Maybe. But...once you lose something, it's gone forever.

Y/N: (thoughts) Gone forever, huh?

The one thing that was most important to him was his mother. Most people should know what. He adored his mother with everything he had. The things she did, the things she would do for everyone, it admired Y/N greatly and he wanted to be like that too. But when she died, he "died" too. The old him had died and a new one came in. The current one.

The current "him" is someone who doesn't care anymore, no emotion, and no reason to go on. But since then, he's been changing. But he stopped at a certain point. Right now, he sat at an interval, a crosswalk essentially. Whether he should return to his old self, or stay as the current person he is. He was unsure of what to do. Always looked for guidance from his mother, but every time he called out to her, he would receive no answer. Like how it's always been.

Hachiman: In my opinion, it's messed up to try and make such shallow relationships work.

Hayato: Really? I, for one, don't think they're shallow. Right now, my surroundings mean everything to me.

Hachiman: No, they are shallow. And where does that leave Tobe?

Hayato: I told him many times to forget about it. I don't think Hina's ready to open up just yet, but you never know what might happen in the future. That's why I didn't want Tobe to rush things.

Y/N: What do you expect? Human beings are stubborn. If they want something, they'll do anything to get it. That's just your perspective.

Hayato: In that case, what about you two? What would you two do?

Y/N: (laughs slightly) I wonder? Not many care about me anyway. The only thing I keep close is my family. That's all. Everything is a waste of time anyway.

Hachiman: Nobody cares about me anyway either. ...So basically, you don't want anything to change?

Hayato: Yeah...that's right. (looks away) You were the last person I wanted to rely on...

Hachiman: (thoughts) The feeling's mutual, dumbass.

Hachiman leaves and it was just the two of them. Old friends. Y/N was only staring off into the distance, admiring the sun and the scenery in front of him.

Hayato: What are you still doing here?

Y/N: ...The sunset.

Hayato: Huh?

Y/N: She loved the sunset. It was her favorite time of the day. And I would sit with her when the time came.

Flashback, Y/N's Memories

A six year old Y/N was sitting on the balcony with his mother, laying his head on her lap. His mother was gently stroking her son's hair, the wind flowing gently.

Y/N: Kaa-san?

Sarashiki: Hmm? What is it, sweetie?

Y/N: Why do you like the sunset?

Sarashiki: ...My sister and I would watch it from our room in our old house. It was the most beautiful sight to see. And it reminds me...reminds me how happy I am with such wonderful children I have. And it was also the time when that special someone told me how much he loved me. Maybe one day you will meet that special someone at this time of day.

Y/N: (lifts head off lap and tilts head) What do you mean?

Sarashiki doesn't respond and only hugs her son.

Sarashiki: My son. You and your siblings are the best things that happened in my life. When you grow up, always remember you will be my baby boy.

Y/N: Yes mommy.

Sarashiki: Come now. Your brother and sister will be coming home from school now. We still need to prepare dinner.

Y/N: (excitedly) Can I help?

Sarashiki: Of course you can, my little bean.

Y/N: Yay!

The younger Y/N chimes excitedly, quickly running back inside, heading down the stairs. Sarashiki's smile only brightens, happy to see her son's cheerful attitude.

Flashback End

Y/N: ...In the end, I never understood what she met.

Hayato only stands there, confused but also curious. Y/N only closes his eyes and heads in the other direction.

Y/N: It's almost time for Tobe to confess. You coming' or what?

Hayato doesn't respond and only follows behind.

Night soon rolls around and everyone were in different hiding spots in the bamboo forest. Tobe stood in the middle, waiting for Ebina to show up.

Tobe was nervous, sweat running down his face.

Hachiman: Tobe.

Tobe: (nervous) Hikitani-kun? Dude, I can't take it. My heart might explode at any moment.

Hachiman: Say, what if you get rejected?

Tobe: Why are you bullying me right before I ask her out?

Hachiman: Just answer me before Ebina gets here.

Tobe: Well, I ain't gonna give up that easily. You know I'm usually whatever about stuff, right? But this--I'm serious about this.

Hachiman: That so? Then you'd better keep at it until the bitter end.

Tobe: Sure thing! You're a real bro, after all.

Hachiman: (hurries to hiding spot) Hell no, dumbass!

Yui: You can be a nice guy at times, huh?

Yukino: What brought this on?

Hachiman: It's not what you think. Seriously. Tobe's going to get rejected.

Yukino: ...Perhaps.

Yui: I guess.

Y/N: (thoughts) He will. You're going to do that, huh, Hikigaya?

Hachiman: But there is a way to make things work out.

Yukino: What is it?

Hikigaya doesn't respond and looks away slightly, confusing the two girls.

Yukino: (smiles) Well, we'll leave it to you.

Yui: (nods) Yep.

Footsteps could be heard and everyone can see Hina walking towards them. She obviously couldn't see them as they were hiding.

Tobe gulps, the tension and the atmosphere increasing. His nervousness wasn't making it any better.

Tobe: Uh...

Hina: Yeah?

Y/N: (thoughts) Tobe's gonna get shot down for sure. He's probably prepared for the worse, but what about the others? Tobe's not the only one who holds their group dear. That's why she came to us, specifically Hikigaya, with that request. And that's why Hayama was agonizing over it. Not wanting to lose it or let go. All three of them want the same thing.

Tobe: I, uh...er...

Y/N: (thoughts) In order to keep Tobe from being rejected and their group from falling apart, Hikigaya...there's only one thing he'll do.

On cue, Hachiman leaves his hiding spot. Yukino and Yui were shocked, but Y/N only closes his eyes and turns around.

Tobe: The thing is...I...I...I...

Before Tobe could finish, he was startled as Hachiman runs past him.

Hachiman: I've liked you for a long time! Please go out with me!

Hina caught the gesture of what he was doing, but Tobe and his other friends, aside Hayato, were shocked, genuinely believing that he of all people like Hina.

Silence.

Silence was all there was. Not until Ebina took a deep breath.

Hina: I'm sorry. I don't want to be in a relationship right now. It doesn't matter who asks me. I will not date them. Is that all? Bye.

She quickly leaves and Tobe goes to call out to her, but he doesn't.

Hachiman: (to Tobe) You heard her.

Tobe: Hikitani-kun, dude, that was not fair. Well, I'm glad I found out before I got shot down, but...that was not cool at all.

Hayato: It just means now's not the right time. But hey, enjoying what we have right now isn't all that bad.

Tobe: I guess. She did say "right now." (grins) Hikitani-kun, bro. I'm sorry, but I'm not gonna back down.

They go on, but Hayama stays behind.

Hayato: I'm sorry.

Hachiman: Huh?

Hayato: I knew that was the only way you could do things, and yet...I'm sorry.

Y/N: He doesn't want your damn apologies. That's the kind of person he is.

Hayato walks off and Hachiman turns around with Y/N, both walking back with a displeased Yukino and Yui.

Yukino: I hate your methods.

Yui: Yukinon...

Yukino: I'm having trouble putting it into words, but I really hate the way you do things. (looks to Y/N) And you...why...why didn't you say anything?

Y/N: ...I didn't think there was a reason to. What are you worrying over me for? I never asked you to.

Yukino: ...I'm heading back.

She walks past the two, hurt evident in her eyes. But Y/N didn't see it. He didn't face her.

Yui: W-We should go too.

Hachiman: Right.

The three walk back, Yui trying to make conversation.

Yui: That wasn't such a great plan, huh? It came out of nowhere, so Hina let it get away from her...

Hachiman: Yeah...

Yui: Still, that was quite shocking. For a second, I thought you were serious.

Hachiman: Don't be stupid.

Yui: I know, right? (giggles awkwardly) But...but, hey. Make this the last time, okay?

Hachiman: It was the most effective way. That's all there is to it.

Yui: It's not about that.

Y/N: There were people who didn't want a resolution. People who wanted maintain the status quo. And you can't please everyone, right?

Yui: Tobecchi didn't get rejected, the guys seemed to still be on good terms, and it was a weight off Hina's shoulders...now things can go back to normal tomorrow, like nothing's changed. But...but, you know, would it kill you to spare a thought for how someone feels?

Y/N: ...I wonder.

Y/N leaves the two, his eyes dull. The request was complete. What's done is done. That's all there is.

Next Day

It was the next and it was time to head back. They were all waiting at the Kyoto train station. They all boarded the train, Y/N sitting in the seat across from Saki. Earbuds in his ears as he played music. "Aoi Shiori." His favorite song played.

Saki looked on in concern. He was deep in thought, but she couldn't make any conversation. She had thoughts she wanted to talk with him about, but she kept them to herself. The rest of the ride home, it was quiet for Y/N. The only thing he could hear was the music blaring in his ears. He was in comfort. At the moment, he was in peace. But it wouldn't last long.