Apologies for not uploading last week. If you read my message on my profile about two days back, I promised two chapters. Hopefully I'll be able to release them, but if the second chapter doesn't release Saturday, it will most likely be released Sunday. If it doesn't, you have full permission to kill me...nah, just kidding. But, I will try to deliver on my promise. Anyway, onto the chapter. Enjoy.

----

After learning some new information from Hikigaya, Y/N sat in his seat, pondering. First Yukinoshita and now Yuigahama? The only thing he could think was calling them idiots.

Sure, Yukino was the logical choice for picking student council president. All the teachers and the student body wouldn't be surprised, but Yuigahama was another case. While she shared some things with Shiromeguri, as in being cheerful, outgoing and very social, being reliable in the task itself she was not. In fact, she was far from it. Then again, what could Y/N do? Him and Yukino weren't necessarily on talking terms, Yui he was fine with, and Hachiman basically had the same idea as him.

The green-eyed boy rubs his temple with annoyance, the stress getting to him. Saki watched from afar, noticing the dull look in Y/N's eyes. She knew that Y/N wouldn't be like this usually. Not unless there was a problem. But she wasn't one to pry into someone's life. Especially with her cousin's family considering the drama between them and their father. For now, she let's it go.

In any case, he needed to formulate a plan to keep those days in the Service Club. Preventing Yukino or Yui from becoming student council president.

Overhearing some grunting, Y/N turns his head slightly to see Yui with a pencil and notebook. She taps her pencil on the book as a look on struggle was visible on her face. Yumiko and Hina were with her, helping her with her speech.

Yumiko: Oh, how about no uniforms?

Yui: (perks up) That's it!

Hina: Also, it'd be nice if there were no more bag checks. Those really suck.

Y/N: (thoughts) While I don't want Yuigahama to be president, those bag checks really need to go. It's annoying to have them check my bag every so often.

Hina: They end up finding fanzines I'd borrowed and stuff like that.

Y/N: (thoughts) ...I retract my previous statement.

Yumiko: That only happens to you.

Yui: I-I'll put it down just in case.

Yumiko: Don't bother. Anyway, I'd like to be able to eat on the rooftop.

Hachiman could be seen getting out of his seat, him gesturing to the L/N boy to follow. Sighing, Y/N gets up and heads out the door with Hachiman.

Following him, they go to the library. Hachiman was looking for something and Y/N was leaning up against the opposite bookcase, watching him. As Hikigaya pulled the book he needed, the books start to fall and topple on him. Y/N watches with slight amusement.

???: You look pathetic, Hachiman Hikigaya! (laughs heartily)

Y/N: (mutters) Oh god dammit...

Turning to their right, they see the familiar person with eight-grade syndrome, Zaimokuza Yoshiteru.

Hachiman: What're you talking about?

Y/N: Seriously, looking pathetic is his default state.

Hachiman: I never asked you to finish my sentences.

Y/N: (shrugs) Eh.

Hachiman: Anyway, you need something?

Zaimokuza: A foolish question. The library id my haunt of choice during lunch. And who do I see here today but you, my partner in crime?

Y/N: ...Is being a stalker all you're good at?

Zaimokuza: (hears Hachiman sigh) Hmm? What's the matter, Hachiman?

Hachiman: Nothing important.

Zaimokuza: You may speak.

Y/N: Nah, we'll pass.

Hachiman: What he said. Besides, I shouldn't be talking to others about this.

Zaimokuza: Don't be stupid. How many times have you had to listen to my prattle?

Y/N: Unwillingly? All the time. 

Zaimokuza: I don't mind listening to yours.

Hachiman and Y/N only stare in disbelief.

Zaimokuza: I'm so cool for extending a helping hand to the weak.

Y/N: (cracks knuckles) Wanna say that again?

Zaimokuza: (panics) I take that back!

Y/N: Thought so.

Hachiman: (looks to Zaimokuza) You actually were, until that last line.

Y/N: So, who're are you ripping off this time? 

Zaimokuza: Nay, I speak from the heart.

Hachiman: Dumbass. Don't start acting legitimately cool on me. (smirks) Zaimokuza, I need a favor from you.

Deciding to talk about it elsewhere, the three boys went to a nearby restaurant and talk there.

Hachiman: As for how to go about it...

Komachi: Oh, there he is!

Turning their heads, they see Hikigaya's sister. Zaimokuza gasps and Hachiman looks annoyed.

Hachiman: What're you doing here?

Komachi: Since you're going through all this effort for me, I figured I should do my bit, too. Ta-da! I brought reinforcements!

Bringing her arms out to the right, she introduces to who she brought. She had brought along Saki and Saika, both were willing to help out. Well, Saki only came because she was concerned for her cousin, not that Y/N could complain. They always looked after each other, especially when they were younger.

Saki: Why me? Whatever, I only came because of my dear old cousin of mine.

Komachi: On that note, let's get right to "Operation Keep Yukino and Yui!"

Saika: Yeah!

Y/N and Saki: (unenthusiastic and monotone) Yeah...

Small Timeskip

Upon sitting down, Y/N was next to Zaimokuza, who had the window seat, and Saki was next to Y/N. Hachiman was next to his sister and Saika was next to Komachi.

Saki: Not that I care, but if Yukinoshita and Yuigahama are out, who's actually gonna be the president?

Y/N: That's what we're trying to figure out.

Hachiman: Oh...

Saki: Dude...

Saika: (raises hand) Uh...why must we prevent those two from being elected?

Zaimokuza: Umu. That's a good question. Going to war with them is a fool's errand, I must say.

Y/N: Well, I guess that makes me a fool then.

Hachiman: Y-You've got a point there, but...

Komachi: Onii-chan, I want the two of them to stay in the Service Club. Honestly, I couldn't care less about the student council elections.

Hachiman: R-Right. But what about Isshiki?

Y/N: The fox girl?

Komachi: Is this Isshiki person that important to you?

Hachiman: (shakes head) Nope. Not in the least.

Komachi: Then what's the problem?

Hachiman: But a job's a job...

Komachi: (pouts) What's more important to you, me or your job?

Hachiman: Totsuka, of course!

Saika: (smiles happily) Hachiman!

Hachiman then starts to gasp and shake uncontrollably, Totsuka's cute factors overwhelming him.

Wait a minute...that isn't the right line. Play the right one dammit! Rewind!

Rewinding a few moments...

Komachi: (pouts) What's more important to you, me or your job?

Hachiman: You, obviously. I don't wanna work.

Saika: You had to go by elimination, huh?

Y/N: Siscon?

Hachiman: Idiot, no I'm not!

Komachi: I'm not really happy about it, but whatever. So what're you gonna do?

Hachiman: Let's see... Negotiate with Isshiki, I guess.

Y/N: Not another candidate? Aside her?

Zaimokuza: B-But she's a girl, right? Will she understand our language?

Y/N: What the hell does that have to do with anything?

Hachiman: My initial approach was all wrong. (takes paper) Kawasaki.

Saki: Hmm?

Hachiman: Gimme a list of names you'd like as student council president.

Saki: Eh?

Not long, Saki starts to list who she would want as student council. First being Y/N, second Yukino, third Yui, fourth one being Hayato, the fifth one being Hina, the sixth one being Yumiko, the seventh one being Minami, and the eight one being Tobe.

Y/N: (eye twitches) Is that some kind of joke?

Saki: Nah, I was kidding. (erases Y/N's name) Oh, and...you, I guess?

Hachiman: Eh? ...Ha, very funny. But you're not gonna find thirty people to back me.

Y/N: He's right there. And if you pick me, I'd only have fan girls backing me.

Saki: I know that. I just thought I'd say it.

Komachi: Onii-chan...make sure you talk to Yukino-san and Yui-san. Promise?

Hachiman: Sure, but it won't do any good if it's not convincing. I need to prepare first.

Komachi: You seem so logical, but you always blow things off along the way. It worries me.

Hachiman: (pats Komachi's head) It'll be fine.

With their problem, reason, and obtained the means, the only thing they needed to do was carry it out.

Next Morning

It was the next morning and Y/N and Hachiman were walking into class, Y/N following behind the other black haired boy.

Everyone was on their phones. Yumiko, Hina, and Yui were still figuring out on how Yui should write her message.

Hina: Oh, I think we should have LCD graphic tablets in the art room!

Yui: LCD?

In another room, the library, Yukino was seen writing out her message and what promises she would bring. But she would stop writing every now and then, remembering Y/N's face and his words.

Why do you go so far? You said you seek to change the world? ...It's pointless. All of it.

Wet spots soon appear on the notebook she was writing in. Yukino was crying slightly.

Yukino: Baka...

On the students phones, there were various messages of dummy accounts. Obviously the student body wasn't aware of this, but a few people were.

Later that night, Y/N was in Hachiman's room and he was standing over his shoulder. The two boys were on Hachiman's computer, watching the numbers of the votes on the dummy accounts grow.

Y/N: A third of the entire student body, huh?

Hachiman then takes out his phone and begins to call someone.

Zaimokuza: (on phone) It is I.

Hachiman: We've got enough. Let's move to the next phase.

Zaimokuza: (on phone) I can't say I wholly commend this method. It's dangerous.

Hachiman: Zaimokuza...

Zaimokuza: (on phone) Ah, don't get me wrong! I'm not worried about you. I'm worried that I'll be held responsible for executing it, that you'll drop me like a lizard drops its tail to save itself. Nothing more! I'll warn you that I am prepared to expose the both of you, should that be the case.

Hachiman: You're such a scumbag, it's almost refreshing. Don't worry. Even if anyone tries to find us, the person behind this account doesn't even exist.

Y/N: Then again, it's off my old gaming account that I don't use anymore.

Hachiman: Yeah, no one will take any damage. Are you aware, Zaimokuza? So long as a problem doesn't cause problems, it can't be called a problem.

Next Day

It was the next day and the two were finally going to negotiate with Isshiki. Heading to class C-1, they walk in and ask for said girl.

Hachiman: Could you get Isshiki-san for me?

Y/N: It's important business.

The person they asked then walk over to Isshiki's desk, the lightly, brown haired girl looking in their direction.

Small Timeskip to the library

Iroha: Senpais, it's such a pain to copy this.

Iroha and the two boys were sitting in the library, copying down something on a piece of paper.

Iroha: By the way, those two girls you guys were out with the other day were Hayama-senpai's and L/N-senpai's girlfriend?

Y/N: I'm not even dating anyone at the moment. I'm not even looking for a relationship.

Iroha: Aww...how about Hayama-senpai?

Hachiman: Who knows?

Iroha: Aww, come on. You can tell me.

Hachiman: After we finish this.

Isshiki: (fiddles with pencil) Well, if that's all it was, it doesn't seem like there'll be a problem. I guess it's okay.

Hachiman: So anyways, do you l-- What do you think of Hayama?

Iroha: ...Huh? (blushes) What is this? Are you hitting on me? (bows head) I'm sorry. I can't. There's someone I like.

Y/N: Eh...that's one of the fastest rejections ever. (pats Hachiman on the back) Good on you.

Hachiman: I don't mean that. I only wanted to know what you think of him, nothing more.

Iroha: Well, I don't know...if I thought things were going well, I'd try to make a gr-- To hold his hand, I guess.

Hachiman: (thoughts) She just started to say "make a grab," didn't she!?

Iroha: Hey, Senpais! Is there any point in doing this?

Hachiman: Well, there isn't not one.

Iroha: That's kind of a vague answer.

Y/N: Well, no matter what you try to do, you can't beat Yukinoshita and Yuigahama.

Hachiman: In that sense, no, there's no point.

The two notice that stopped writing, her looking at them dead in the eyes.

Iroha: Well, it's not like I want to win...but if I'd actually happened to win, it'd be kinda scary.

Y/N: There is nothing you can top them in.

Iroha: (goes back to writing) Well, no.

Hachiman: And even the people who initially backed you won't vote for you. They must be laughing their heads off.

Y/N: I suppose. They'll probably laugh even harder if they see you lose.

Hachiman: That probably pisses you off, huh? If someone does something to you, you should get them back.

Iroha: Well, yeah, if I could...

Hachiman: You can...

Y/N: Precisely. (holds up paper) What do you think we've been having you write is?

Iroha: Lists of backers, right?

Y/N: That's right. But...

Hachiman: It's Iroha Isshiki's list of backers.

Iroha: Oh... (eyes widen) What!? Um, I already have my backers...

Y/N: The rule was you need at least thirty, right?

Hachiman: Correct. You can get as many as you want.

Hikigaya then lays a stack of paper, lists containing the backers from the dummy accounts.

Hachiman: There's a support account for you on the internet. A third of the student body follows it.

Y/N: So basically, with this many followers, you can win it.

Iroha: (sweating nervously) B-But I can't pull it off just like that! And even if I did win, I don't think I could handle the job. I'm not really confident...and I have my club, anyway.

Hachiman: Well, it certainly would be tough to juggle both. But there's something great to gain from it.

Y/N: What do you think it is?

Iroha: Huh? Well, experience and stuff, I guess? And it'd look good on my record...you know, Senpais, you guys sound like teachers.

Hachiman: Wrong. Listen. What you'd gain is... (girl voice) "I'm student council president as a first-year, but I still attend my own club!" That.

Y/N: (struggles to keep laugh in) Th-That was the worst girl impression I've ever heard. (chuckles) So stupid.

Iroha: Ew.

Hachiman: (clears throat awkwardly) A first-year would be forgiven for failing.

Y/N: And when you don't want to do student council work, you could use your club as an excuse. Not only that, the other way around would work too.

Iroha: B-But it would be hard work, wouldn't it? Or something...

Hachiman: If it gets to that point, you can talk to Hayama. You might as well have him help you. If you can catch him after your club, you'd get the perk of him walking you home.

Y/N: Pretty good deal, don't you think?

Iroha: ...Senpais, are you actually really smart?

Y/N: What's that supposed to mean?

Hachiman: Maybe. 

Iroha: (looks down at papers) Well, If I have this much support, I guess there's not much choice.  And that proposal is attractive on its own way. And I don't want people in my class laughing at me behind my back. (grins) I'll let you twist my arm, Senpais.

Y/N: ...What are you a masochist?

Iroha: (laughs sheepishly)

Timeskip-End of day

It was the end of the day and the four Service Club members met again. In their respective seats, no eye contact was made.

Silence.

Hachiman: ...You guys won't change your minds?

Yukino: No. This is the best choice.

Yui: I won't either.

Yukino: There's no need for you to run.

Yui: I will run. And I don't intend to lose.

Yukino: Why are you doing this?

Yui: Because without you, we'll have no club. I don't want that.

Yukino: It won't come to that.

Yui: But...

Y/N: There really is no need for you to run.

Hachiman: Not just for Yuigahama, but for you either, Yukinoshita.

Yukino: What do you mean by that? I believe we rejected your idea.

Y/N: You did, but it was just that idea. He didn't mean that idea. Simply put, he gave up on that.

Hachiman then takes out the lists of backers for Isshiki and hands them to the two. The two of them view at it with disbelief.

Yukino: Did you both do this?

Hachiman: It must've been some sympathizer.

Y/N: We don't know who, or where they came from.

Yukino: I see.

Yui: That's a lot of people.

Hachiman: Yeah. At least a third of the entire student body.

Y/N: (thoughts) Well, those numbers are the truth. Of course, it wouldn't have been possible for Isshiki to get that much support. That means there's just one big lie here.

Flashback

Back to where Y/N and Hachiman were at Hachiman's house and in front of his computer, they were still on the phone with Zaimokuza.

Zaimokuza: (on phone) Just don't end up making me take the blame for this! Seriously, please!

Hachiman: I know. Later.

Hikigaya then ends the call and Y/N stares at him.

Y/N: You have the mind of a criminal mastermind, you know that?

Hachiman: Shut up.

Hachiman then goes back onto his computer, editing the profiles of the dummy accounts and changing them to support for Iroha instead.

Y/N: (thoughts) So in turn, it was nothing but a bluff. This was just a starting point for us to convince the girls. We just had to get through that day and Hachiman would then delete the account altogether. It would all disappear.

Flashback End

Hachiman: This clears all the conditions we were bound by for making Isshiki president. So...

Y/N: There's no need for either of you to run for this stupid election. 

Yui only stared at the two in shock before going back to the paper.

Yui: "Support account"... (smiles) Good. It's solved, then.

Yukino: ...I see...then there's no problem, nor any reason for me to do anything.

Hachiman: So it would seem.

Yukino: Yes. You thought you understood, didn't you? (stands up) I'll go report to the teacher.

Yui: We'll go with you...

Yukino: (smiles) I can handle it myself.

The ice cold queen leaves the room, now leaving only the other three in there. There was a brief silence at first. Not until Hikigaya spoke.

Hachiman: So, uh...I'm sorry.

Yui: Huh? Wh-Why are you apologizing?

Hachiman: Well, you worked hard on a lot of stuff, right? Like your pledge, and your campaign speech...

Yui: Oh...that doesn't matter. You both did a lot, too, didn't you guys? Look, you let your hair grow out and get all scruffy.

Y/N: I wouldn't say my hair is scruffy, but it has gotten a bit longer.

Yui: I'll fix it.

Y/N: Not unless you want a death wish. My sister was planning on cutting my hair this week and she finds out that someone else messed up my hair, she'll freak out.

Hachiman: ...What kind of sister do you have?

Y/N: Haven't you already seen? She's an overprotective, annoying hag.

Yui: That's mean!

Y/N: But...she wouldn't be Setsuna if she changed her ways.

Yui smiles before she moves to Hachiman, going to fix his hair. The other boy simply moves his head to try and get her to stop.

Yui: You worked hard, too, didn't you guys?

Y/N: Not really.

Hachiman: No.

She stops all of a sudden before she wraps her arms around his head.

Yui: You guys protected the place that's most important to me. You know, the truth is, I knew. That I probably couldn't eat Yukinon--

Y/N: It's not just the truth, it's also a fact.

Yui: (clears throat) As I was saying, that if I did win and became president, I wouldn't be able to come to this club. So it's all thanks to you, Hikky, L/N-san.

Hachiman: You're wrong about that. (moves Yui's hand off head) Are you done?

Yui smiles before she grabs her chair and moves it closer to Hachiman, shocking him. Y/N only grins and leans back in his chair.

Yui: You guys worked hard!

Hachiman: Where's this coming from?

Yui: (giggles) You guys worked hard.

Hachiman: Cut it out. We didn't do anything. 

Yui: Yeah...you guys didn't do anything that we could see. But if we could have, I'm sure we would've seen you doing something that wasn't easy. I don't think your methods can be changed, even if you wanted to. Guilt doesn't go away.

Y/N: (whisper) Guilt doesn't go away? ...Yeah...it doesn't.

Yui: I couldn't do anything, but I still can't help thinking this was for the best. So it must be even more so for you two. We can all go back to normal now, right?

Hachiman: I don't know.

Y/N: ...Perhaps...we just have to wait and see.

Yukino's voice was then echoing in Y/N's mind.

"You thought you understood, didn't you?"

"This club isn't that demanding, and I understand the work that comes with being on the student council. 

"My doing this was the best choice."

"Even against Isshiki-san, I can win easily. And I don't mind doing it."

Y/N: (thoughts) If they're not given a problem, if they're unable to find a reason, some people can't bring themselves to act. Perhaps we got something wrong somewhere. But, it's over now...what's the point in caring? ...Hell if I know.

Next Day-Student Council Room

Hachiman: You're starting work today already?

On the bulletin board, Iroha's name was displayed as the student council president. Y/N, Hachiman, and Tobe were in the room.

Y/N was helping Tobe out while Hachiman was talking to Iroha.

Iroha: Yeah. I doubt anything will come of it at first, though.

Hachiman: My sister's going to be starting here next year.

Iroha: Huh?

Hachiman: So make this a good school.

Iroha: (wide eyes) ...What is this? Are you hitting on me? I'm sorry, you're trying too hard and it's creeping me out and I can't!

Hachiman: (thoughts) That's not the reason you gave me for rejecting me last time. (normal) Well, work hard.

???: Oh, Hikigaya-kun!

The two talking turn their heads to the former student council president, Meguri Shiromeguri. She was carrying a box with a few boxes behind her.

Hachiman: I'll carry that. L/N, help me out over here.

Y/N: Yeah, yeah, I'm coming. Think you can handle this? (sees Tobe nod) Right.

Meguri: Thanks. I didn't realize how much stuff I had.

Handing the box to Hachiman, his eyes widen when he feels the weight of it, almost dropping the box. His eyes widen even more when he sees Y/N pick up two boxes no problem.

The two then walk out of the room and Meguri looks at the room now.

Meguri: It sort of looks like a different room now.

Meguri then catches up with two and she leads Hachiman and Y/N down the hall to where they're going to take the boxes to.

Meguri: To be honest, I had my hope up.

Hachiman: Pardon?

Meguri: I thought it'd be great if Yukinoshita-san became president. And Yuigahama-san would be vice president, and you two would handle general affairs.

Hachiman: We're the only ones who doesn't get an official postion?

Y/N: Well, not that I mind. As long as it isn't boring.

Hachiman: You're fine with anything as long as it isn't boring.

Y/N: Exactly.

Meguri: And then. After graduation, I'd drop in to visit the student council every now and then, and we'd talk about how much fun the cultural and athletic festivals were. Maybe L/N-san and Yukinoshita-san would have gotten together.

Y/N: (chokes on spit) Huh?

Meguri's Future Vision

Meguri opens the door to the student council room. All four of the former Service Club members would be sitting at the desks.

Yukino laying her head on Y/N's shoulder as the L/N boy lays his head on Yukino's, the two would say hello the former president. Yui exclaims happily that Meguri has come to visit while Hachiman looks up from his book and gives a nonchalant "yo." The room was full of laughter as smiles were present on their faces.

Vision End

Meguri: I sort of always wanted to do that.

Y/N: (thoughts) Hypothetically...if it were possible to return at that point, and make a different choice, would life change? My answer..."who knows?"

--------

Again, apologies for not uploading last week. I do hope you enjoy this one and await the next one. Should be on tomorrow, if not Sunday. Who knows? If I'm not feeling lazy after the second upload, there may be a third upload the following day as I'm exempt from my English III exam so that's good news! There may be hope for me to write next week after all!

I will also apologies in advance if the chapters are also shorter. The second season mostly revolved around Hachiman, as it did in the first seven minutes of this episode, Hachiman was speaking to his sister. So, I apologize in advance if the chapters are shorter.

Anyway, again, I do hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Until then. I bid you all adieu and you have a good week.

-okami