In Class 2-F, Hachiman and Y/N were preparing to leave class, both persons not wanting to go to the Service Club as their relationship with Yukino and Yui were quite rocky.

As they begin to stand up from their seats, someone calls out to them.

Hayato: Can I talk to you guys for a minute?

Y/N: Hmm?

Hachiman: What?

Hayato: I wanted to talk to you guys about what to do on Saturday.

Hachiman: I thought I wasn't going?

Y/N: You're going with me, "partner in crime."

Hachiman: ...I thought that was just for the Kyoto trip?

Y/N: Well, it's official starting now. So? This is with those two girls, Orimoto and Nakamachi?

(A/N): Note, Y/N refers to everyone by their last names not unless it's with someone he's close with or if it's just them, in some cases.

Hayato: Yeah.

Y/N: (sigh) Nee-san somehow found out the password to my phone and read my messages and is urging me to go on those dates. Tsk. Such a waste of time though.

Hachiman: I didn't hear about this.

Y/N: Obviously. That's why, you're coming along with me, "partner."

Hachiman: (thoughts) ...Kill me. (normal) Yeah, right.

Hayato: (bows slightly) Will you think of it as a favor to me?

Y/N: (slightly wide-eyed) Eh...what do you know, the great Hayato Hayama is offering a favor.

Hachiman: I can't be of any help to you. You're not the type who'd meed help with that, anyway. Besides, I don't want to go out on a day off.

Y/N: Well, I have to go either way. See you on Saturday, I guess.

Y/N waves goodbye and Hachiman leaves without another word.

Hayato: I see...

From the distance of the classroom, Ebina was nodding happily, thinking that the boys were thinking of "spicy" things, her love for yaoi kicking in.

Yui on the other hand was curious. Curious of what their plans on Saturday were. With her and Yukino's current relationship with them, she couldn't go up to them and ask them what their plans were. She could only look down saddened.

That Night

It was late at night, Y/N was sitting in his room, playing a certain fantasy game. It had a band of five people in the party, him controlling the black-haired male with blue eyes.

He was currently in a dungeon, fighting for hours of what it seemed, grinding the EXP levels in order to get to level 120. While it didn't annoy him a great deal, he still found enjoyment on it, this being one of the few things to entertain himself over the years.

Blue-eyed male: (on TV) Specs, you're up!

Glasses make: (on TV) On you're mark, Noct!

The battle ends quickly, Y/N pressing so many buttons that he memorized certain combos he's made for himself when he battles.

Blonde haired male: (on TV) It just occurred to me, but this is totally like King's Knight.

Blue-eyed male: (on TV) Huh?

Blonde haired male: (on TV) There's five of us, just like in the game!

Blue-eyed male: Well, then I gotta be a five-star character.

Black haired buff male: Hell no. If anyone's a "Rare," it's me.

Red haired male: (on TV) If you're "Rare," then I'm "Legendary."

(A/N): Hehehe. It would be great if someone could guess my references. Particularly this one above.

Sitting there for hours, Y/N checked his clock to see that it's 12:30. Seeing as it was late, he saved his game and got into his bed.

That night, he only dreamed of those nights his mother and "father" were yelling in his "father's" study. He saw himself, his younger version, going into the corner of the room, sitting in a ball. Small sniffles could be heard coming from the younger version. It pained him to seem himself like this again, even if it was a dream.

It was the next morning and Y/N, groggily wakes up, brushing his teeth and got ready, him getting ready to go on this date. Apparently, Hayato had moved the date to a week day so it was right after school. Hachiman, Hayato, and Y/N wait at Chiba Station.

Hayato: Sorry you guys have to come along.

Y/N: If I didn't, my sister would have dragged me here.

Hachiman: (thoughts) Older sisters are scary. (normal) I only came because Yukinoshita's sister scares me. Thank her, not me. And why'd you move this to a weekday just to get me to...

Hayato: Oh, isn't that them?

Kaori: (running up to three) Sorry we're late! Huh? Hikigaya, what are you doing here?

Hachiman: (points to Y/N) He forced me.

Y/N: Who would you rather me call, my sister or Haruno?

Hachiman: ...Fair point. Plus, you're older sister is worst.

Y/N: Yeah. Where the hell does she keep getting that rope?

Hayato: Ready to go? Hikigaya is here at the request of Y/N here.

The five of them then walk down the street, strolling through Chiba's streets to wonder what to do.

Hayato: Were we going to see a movie first?

Kaori: Yeah! I want to see a movie!

Chika: Let's go see one.

Y/N: (monotone) Sure.

Kaori: What genre should we go for?

Y/N: Don't really care. You guys can decide.

Chika: Hmm...romance?

Kaori: Yeah totally!

Timeskip

The five of them now sat in the movie theater. Chika was next to Hayato, who sat next to Kaori. Kaori was next to Hachiman and Y/N was sitting next to boy, eyes closed as he wasn't interested in watching at all.

Hachiman wasn't interested either, but watched the movie anyway.

Kaori: (whispers to Hachiman) I can't believe I'm seeing a movie with you. If I told the girls from middle school about this, they'd freak!

Hachiman: (whispers) I'm sure.

Kaori: (whispers) Totally! (giggles before resuming attention to movie)

Hachiman: (thoughts) Looking back, I feel like this is how it was in middle school, too. We never once got any closer to each other. Kaori Orimoto just acts this way toward people she has no interest in, too. That's all it is. Now, I finally feel like I managed to end something that never started.

Now exiting the theater, they waited outside, talking about the move.

Well...Y/N only stood there next to Hachiman, his usual bored expression on his face.

Kaori: Anyway, that explosion was really huge, huh? Hikigaya jumped out of his skin!

Y/N: (thoughts) The sounds were too loud...I couldn't even sleep.

Kaori: The way he was moving was so creepy, it was hilarious!

Hachiman: Well, it was louder than I expected...

Y/N: He's not wrong. I kinda jumped out of my seat.

Hayato: Yeah, it startled me, too.

Chika: (leans towards Hayato) But Hayama-kun, you were totally calm, weren't you?

Kaori: Yeah, I thought the same thing! I jumped a little, but Hayama-kun didn't even flinch! But...the way Hikigaya... (laughs uncontrollably) 

Hachiman: Y-Yeah...

Y/N: (pats Hachiman's back) Yeah...I don't want to be here either.

Hayato: We should hurry, or we don't have tome to hit the stores.

Heading the mall labeled "Palco," they visited many stores, roaming the area. Chika and Kaori would often go up to Hayato and Y/N, asking what they thought of the outfits they picked out. Hayato would act flustered, but Y/N would give his honest opinion, even if the opinion seemed harsh, the girls decided to go with it.

Hikigaya on the other end would just watch, seeing the pleading look in Y/N's eyes from time to time saying, "Help me out of this situation."

He looks away, but he was surprised to find two people there in the other clothing store. He saw Hina and Yumiko, Hina letting out an audible surprised sound. Yumiko was trying on boots, not paying attention to her surroundings. 

Yumiko: Ebina, what's up?

She glances up to see Hachiman standing there awkwardly, a surprised look on his face. Looking over to the right some more, she sees the two girls talking to Hayama, Y/N now noticing Yumiko's stare, slightly wide-eyed.

Yumiko: (goes to stand up) Hayat--

She doesn't continue as Yumiko had stood up wrong, her accidentally tripping backwards. Y/N and Hachiman look away, blushing as they saw something they shouldn't have seen.

Y/N: (thoughts) Panties! Pink! Unexpected! I didn't see anything! Nothing at all!

Hina: (concerned) Hey, Yumiko, are you okay?

Yumiko: (strained) Haya...

Hachiman: (walks up to Hayato) We should be going.

Hayato: Huh?

Glancing back, he sees why and the five of them rush out of that store, separating themselves from Miura and Ebina.

Hayato: I want to check out the snowboarding gear.

Y/N: Oh, I forgot you do that stuff.

???: Hey, is that Hayato-kun?

Glancing to where the voice was coming from, they see Iroha and Tobe going down the escalator, both with shocked looks.

Tobe: (runs up to Hayato) Dude, Hayato-kun!

Hayato: Tobe? What's is it?

Tobe: Listen to this! Irohas wanted a new tracksuit, so we came to buy one, but all we've seen is protein stuff!

The orange-haired male gains a curious look as soon as he glances to the two girls behind Hayama.

Tobe: Uh...sorry! Did I interrupt? My bad! We'll leave! Right, Irohas?

He sees that she wasn't there, confused as to where she went.

Iroha: Senpais!

Turning to her voice, they see Iroha in front of both Y/N and Hachiman, up in their faces.

Hachiman: (thoughts) You're fast! Irohas, you're fast! Scary!

Iroha: What brings you here, senpais? Oh, you both were out having some fun?

However, both Y/N and Hachiman knew what she meant, her actual translation meaning, "You've got some balls to be goofing off with chicks while you've got some work to do."

Y/N: (thoughts) That sounds like what she really means...

Hachiman: No, I wouldn't say fun--

He was interrupted as she had pulled both Y/N's and his ears down to her level, whispering something in their ears.

Iroha: (whispering) Who's the girls, anyway? Oh, are they your girlfriends? Wow. What's your relationship with them?

Hachiman: (thoughts) She's scary! Irohas is scary!

Y/N: (thoughts) How can she sound so cold when she's smiling like that?

Iroha only gives them the playful she always has, slightly scaring the two.

Hayato: Sorry, Iroha. I dragged those two out with me.

Iroha: Oh, so that's it! Hey, I was just killing time here, too. Why don't we hang out together?

Tobe: C'mon, Irohas, let's get going, too, okay? All right! Irohas, let's go to Riding Sport!

Iroha: I'll pass. They have mostly baseball stuff, anyway.

They disappear down the escalator, heading to the lower levels.

Hayato: I guess even Iroha lets you see her that way.

Y/N and Hachiman: Huh?

Hayato: Iroha wants to look cute to everyone. I think she wants to be liked. So it's unusual for her to be her real self.

Hachiman: (thoughts) That would mean she can be herself around me because she doesn't want me to like her...

Continuing on, Chika and Kaori were dragging Y/N off to somewhere, Hayato and Hachiman talking to each other as they watch the two girls drag Y/N to each store, much to his annoyance.

Hayato: So you liked her in middle school, huh?

Hachiman: Huh?

Hayato: Was that the type you liked? Didn't expect that.

Hachiman: Shut up. It wasn't just Orimoto. There were much quieter girls and noisier girls that I--that were my type, too.

Hayato: That's not what you'd call a "type."

Hachiman: Just because it was true then doesn't make it true now, anyway.

Hayato: True. We've probably never really, truly liked anyone...you and me both.

Flashback to Chiba Mura Trip

It was in the boy's cabin, Y/N was sleeping with his siblings, all the boys were lying down in their sleeping bags.

Tobe: I actually think Ebina-san's pretty cool. What about you, Hayato-kun? Huh? Huh?

Hayato: I...

Tobe: C'mon!

Hayato: Nah, I'm saying nothing.

Tobe: C'mon! That's no fair, Hayato-kun! Just give me an initial!

Hayato: (sigh) ...Y.

Flashback End

Hayato: I guess that's why I had the wrong idea.

The two then look over to see a dazed Y/N and happy looking Chika and Kaori. They had dragged him around to so many stores that Y/N had became so dizzy that he didn't even know what he was doing half the time.

They then begin to leave the mall, discussing their next plans.

Hayato: Are you hungry?

Kaori: Yeah!

Hayato: What do you want to eat, then?

Chika: Anything's good.

Kaori: (glancing to Hikigaya) What should we eat?

Hachiman then turns around slightly, spotting the sign called, Saizeriya, Ristorante Ecaffe.

Hachiman: Maybe...Saize?

Y/N: Hmm...not a bad place actually.

Hachiman: Really?

Y/N: Yeah. That was the restaurant that my sister worked for part time in high school and Nii-san would take me there to visit her and eat dinner there.

Hachiman: What happened then?

Y/N: The pay wasn't that great so Setsuna-nee quit. After that, we never really talked about it since.

Hayato: Well, we probably don't want anything that heavy.

Y/N: I suppose. Guess next time then.

Hayato: How about that cafe?

They look to where Hayama was pointing, seeing the cafe that was just across the street. With that settled, they went to find seats.

Chika: The food here is so good!

Kaori: I know! It's awesome! And so trendy!

Chika: I know, right? Trust Hayama-kun to pick a good one!

Y/N: (mutters) Saize was slightly better.

Kaori: Compared to Saize...

Y/N: (thoughts) Oi...

Y/N notices Hachiman staring at someone and he sees Haruno wearing a hat, smiling at them as she waves.

Y/N: Are you...

Kaori: Hmm?

Y/N: Nothing.

Kaori: Seriously, though, who suggests Saize?

Chika: Yeah, really.

Y/N: (exhausted sigh) So tired...

Kaori: (giggles) It took me ages to figure out what he was talking about at first!

Chika: I know what you mean! (laughs along)

Kaori: Yeah. I'm so glad we came to this cafe.

Hayato: I don't like it when people do that.

Y/N: (thoughts) Eh...he's finally snapped?

Hachiman looked shocked. Hayama, him of all people, defending he, a loner.

Chika: ...I know, right?

Hayato: (closed eyed smile) No, I didn't mean that. I'm talking about you two.

The two girls perk up.

Chika: U-Um...r-right?

Kaori: (unsure) Yeah...

They hear footsteps coming from their left.

Hayato: Oh, they're here. (stands up and waves)

The other four's attention is brought to their left and they look, seeing Yui and Yukino there.

Hachiman: (stands up) You guys...

Yui: Hikky...

Yukino's attention was on Y/N however, the L/N boy glancing in her direction slightly before closing his eyes.

Hachiman: Why are you here?

Hayato: I called them. (looks to Chika and Kaori) Hikigaya isn't the loser you two think he is, right, Y/N?

Y/N: ...Yeah. I guess that's what happens when you're forced to become club mates. You end up getting to know them and be acquaintances.

Hayato: He's friends with girls and someone who are much cooler than you. Could you stop making selfish comments after making only surface judgments?

Kaori: ...Sorry, I'm going home.

Chika: Y-Yeah...sorry...I'm going, too.

The two girls stand up and leave, leaving a shocked Hachiman and go past Yui and Yukino. Orimoto glances at Yuigahama and Yukinoshita slightly and grins.

Kaori: I see.

The two girls leave and Yukino was snapped out of her trance, looking at Hayato with an annoyed look.

Yukino: I was told we were meeting to discuss the election.

Hachiman: Election? The student council one?

Yui: Uh, actually, we thought we'd ask Hayato-kun to run in the election...so we...

Hachiman: Oh...

Y/N: Do what you want. Yukinoshita proposed that this request was free participation, did we not? Meaning we don't have to use each other's methods and can go our own way. (thoughts) Putting Hayama in the running isn't a bad choice...but...

Hayato: I just wanted to do whatever I could.

Haruno: Hmm...I see.

They turn around to see Haruno walking up to them, hands in her jacket pockets.

Yukino: Nee-san?

Haruno: So you're not going to be student council president, Yukino-chan? Not even you, Y/N?

Y/N: That was my sister. Besides, they know and I know that I'm not the type to lead.

Haruno: (looks to Yukino) And I was sure that's what you'd do. The way you push things like that onto others is just like Mom. But maybe that's fine for you. You don't need to do anything, after all. Someone will always do it for you, right?

Having fed up with the mention of her mother, Yukino slaps her sister's hand away.

Yukino: Yes, that's right. ...If there's nothing else to discuss, I'm leaving.

Yui: W-Wait, Yukinon!

Hachiman: Why did you do that to Yukinoshita?

Haruno: You even have to ask? It's just the usual.

Hachiman: That was just too elaborate to say you were just messing with her.

Haruno: Was it?

Hachiman: (sighs) Well, I have a little sister myself, so it's not like I don't understand...

Haruno: (smirks) You understand everything, don't you, Hikigaya-kun?

Hachiman: (scoffs)

Haruno: Don't make that scary face. I'm honestly impressed.

Hachiman: Well, thanks.

Haruno: You're so interesting. You always try to read what's behind every word and action. I kind of like that, you know. It's so cute, like you're afraid everyone has evil intentions. There's nothing interesting about someone who can handle everything flawlessly, is there?

Hayato: (grunts)

Haruno: Well, I found out what I wanted to know. I guess I'll get going now, too. This is boring now, anyway. (walks off)

Hachiman: ...Don't get weird ideas like that.

Hayato: That wasn't my intention. I only did what I wanted to do.

Y/N: Including what you said to Orimoto and her friend, Nakamachi?

Hachiman: You sure that was a good idea?

Hayato: I'm in a crappy mood now. I never want to do it again.

Hachiman: Then you shouldn't have done it.

Y/N: (gestures to Hikigaya) Gonna sit down?

Hayato: (ponders) ...I've been thinking all this time of how I can get back what I destroyed.

Hachiman: Huh?

Hayato: I put my hopes in you...that's why I relied on you, even though I knew how you were. And because of that, you...

Hachiman: Hey...

Hayato: You need to realize how much you're worth. And so do the people around you.

Hachiman: (clenches fist) What are you...huh?

Hayato: But that's hard to do. I wish I'd done it better. But this was all I could do. This is how you've always lived, isn't it? Why don't you stop making yourself a sacrifice?

Hachiman: Don't put me on your level. Sacrifice? That's bull. This is what's natural for me. Because I'm always alone. So what everyone else thinks doesn't mean a thing. Whatever happens in front of me happens to me, and me alone. Don't get weird ideas and try to butt in.

Hayato: Isn't the reason you help people because you want someone to help you?

Hachiman: No. (grabs bag) Don't force your disgusting idea of sympathy onto me. I don't need your pity.

Hachiman leaves and it was just them too once again.

Y/N: ...Fixing what you destroyed in the path, huh? Those kinds of things...they're never easy. You've gotten better, Hayama. But...I've fallen down to far of a hole to be helped. See ya.

Y/N then leaves, the only one there was now Hayato Hayama.

Hayato: Fallen too far down the hole, huh? That's where your wrong. Someone is saving you. You just don't realize it.

Next Morning

Y/N and Hachiman were with Shizuka as they were called to see her. As usual, she was smoking a cigarette.

Hiratsuka: Yukinoshita came to talk to me this morning. She says she's entering the running for student council president.

Y/N: ...Huh?

Hachiman: I see.

Hiratsuka: (sigh) Hikigaya, L/N, what will you do?

Y/N: ...Hell if I know.

Hachiman: Nothing. Speaking strictly of credentials, she's fit for the job.

Hiratsuka: True. When the teachers and everyone else finds out, they should be thrilled.

Y/N: You haven't told anyone else yet?

Hiratsuka: Nope. So let me ask you two again. Hikigaya, L/N, what will you do?

Later on in the day, Lunch

The four Service Club members were now sitting in their club room. Silence. It wasn't until Y/N spoke up.

Y/N: Yukinoshita. You plan to announce your candidacy?

Yui gasps, in shock as she stares at Yukino.

Hachiman: You didn't know?

Yui: (shakes head) No...

Yukino: I was just about to discuss it with you.

Y/N: Discussion my ass, that wasn't one. Was it because of what Haruno said?

Yukino: That has nothing to do with it. This is my decision.

Yui: Yukinon, will the club...

Yukino: Don't worry. This club isn't that demanding, and I understand the work that comes with being on the student council. It won't place much strain on me. Objectively speaking, my doing this was the best choice. Even against Isshiki-san, I can win easily. And...and I don't mind doing it.

Y/N: That may be, but not trying at all is also an option.

Yukino: Then are you talking about his suggestion?

Y/N: Yeah.

Yukino: Thinking that anything he says or does will move the entire student body is arrogant.

Hachiman: Then I just have to think of how to do it with that in mind.

Yukino: Thinking that everyone concerns themselves with you enough to hate you is overly self-conscious.

Y/N: ...So what if you and him don't go about things the same way. That...

Yui: I see...so that's what you're going to do, Yukinon...

Y/N: ...This is stupid. It's just like the Cultural Festival again. Didn't I tell you before? Baka...

With an exasperated sigh, Y/N opens the door, slamming it in the process. He walked a bit before he stopped. In frustrating, he slams his fist on the wall.

Y/N: God damn it! Damn it...they're all idiots...all of them.

Timeskip

It was the end of the day now, Y/N walking home to the apartment. Upon unlocking the door, his sister was sleeping, her head lying on the table. There was a note on the table.

He read it and Itsuki was going to be in the office all night. Dinner hadn't been cooked or anything. Y/N drops his stuff into his room and he made his way back to his sister, carefully picking her up, he takes her to her room, placing her on the bed. Y/N then made it back to the living room, sitting in the seat, he covers his eyes with his arm.

Y/N: Kaa-san...I...

He sighs to himself and goes back to his room. Dressed up in casual clothing, he left the apartment and began walking around, not knowing what to do.

With nothing left to do, he went to Saki's house. When he arrived, he knocked on the door and it opens up to Saki.

Saki: Hmm? What are you doing here at this hour?

Y/N: Bored. Can I come in?

Saki: Don't see why not.

Saki lets him in and Y/N sits on the couch, exclaiming a tired sigh.

Y/N: I'm so tired...

Saki: So? What's been going on?

Y/N: A lot of things.

Saki: Like what?

Y/N: Yukinoshita running for student council president?

Saki: Isn't that a good thing?

Y/N: I don't know. At first, she was trying so hard not to be like Haruno-nee, but in the end, what she said to her yesterday...they're all idiots.

Saki: (sits down next to Y/N) Wanna talk about it?

Y/N: I don't know. My feelings about everything, I'm confused.

Saki: Confused about what?

Y/N: You know I usually don't care about others, but when it comes to Yukinoshita...I...I...

Saki: (sigh) I don't know why you came to me, but feelings are confusing.

The bluish hair colored girl rests her head on her cousin's shoulder. This was something that they did when they were younger. Though that was many years ago.

The two start to chuckle as they began talking and reminiscing about the memories back then. They were having fun. But it was ruined until Setsuna had started to bombard Y/N with calls, causing him to go back home. 

It was the next day and Y/N was getting his school shoes from his locker. He felt a tap on his shoulder and Hachiman gestures him to follow.

Y/N: So? What is it?

Hachiman: Yuigahama told me something yesterday.

Y/N: And what's that?

Hachiman: (sigh) She's running for student council president.

Y/N's eyes widen slightly before they became dull.

Y/N: ...Idiots.

-------

And with that, chapter four is finished. Thank you all for reading and I have a question for you. Would you like for me to do the OVAs for the anime as well, but in a separate book? Let me know what you guys want. Anyway, stay safe out there.

-okami