Under the warm rays of the sun, I, Hachiman Hikigaya, dragged my feet lazily toward the bus stop. What is this? I really don't want to go. I began recalling how I even agreed to this in the first place.
It all started after I graduated from Sobu Middle School. Since my friend aims for success and top ranks, she applied to the best school in Japan and was accepted. Her father, because of his status, gave me a recommendation that guarantees my admission without any exams. Of course, I rejected the idea at first. I don't want to leave beloved Chiba and leave Komachi behind—who will protect her? But everything changed when she said:
"I see, Hikigaya-kun, don't you think it's a precious opportunity for us to build our future together?"
Was it magic? It's impossible for this level of cuteness to be natural.
The strange thing is that my family agreed to this very quickly. I can understand that the reason is that they won't have to pay money for my education, and therefore fewer working hours, but why was Komachi so happy? I thought she couldn't live without me.
Even Shizuka Hiratsuka liked the idea and said that their advanced methods might fix my twisted personality.
"Hikigaya-kun, I haven't seen your eyes this rotten in a while."
A cold voice pulled me out of my thoughts. I raised my head to find a girl in a school uniform dominated by a dark red color, standing like a queen from a fairy tale. Her long black hair, with two red ribbons decorating it, her pale skin, and her cheeks slightly flushed due to the warmth of spring… it's Yukino Yukinoshita.
I can give 300 reasons not to leave Chiba and go to this school, but her presence alone will destroy my weak reasons.
"Well, I was just thinking… you are going way too early for a trip that only needs 50 minutes."
Chiba is not far from central Tokyo, and the school is even closer than that. We don't need all this time.
"Hikigaya-kun, every time I say that you've changed, you shock me with your corrupted mindset."
"What does my mindset have to do with our timing?"
"Arriving early on the first day is basic etiquette, and also why are you not wearing your tie?" she said while pressing her temples as if she had a headache.
"I don't like it, and I heard they don't focus much on students' behavior in terms of independence."
Although the information about this school is limited, I found out that they are lenient with students regarding clothing.
"Even so, it is a school for elites. You should respect even the simplest rules."
Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School includes the most outstanding talents in the country. It takes care of their high school education and covers all their expenses, on the condition that they do not leave the school during the three years. Housing, food, and education… all are covered by them. It looks like a delicious free meal, but all I know is that what follows free meals is hard labor.
The sound of a sports car interrupted my thoughts as it stopped in front of us. What is this? Don't they respect the rules? This is a place for buses. I raised my head to find a dark-colored sports car, and inside it was a woman in her mid-twenties.
"Hiratsuka-sensei?" My lips moved involuntarily. Although she left the school in our second year, we stayed in contact from time to time because I don't mind a free bowl of ramen along with advice based on experience.
"Hikigaya, come here!" the woman shouted at me. I looked at Yukinoshita, and she nodded as a sign of approval, so I moved toward the car.
"What are you two doing? You are making things complicated! Come with me, I'll take you."
"Huh, but we are going by bus."
"Yes, sensei, it's about to arrive."
Miss Hiratsuka hit her forehead with her palm.
"If you don't come, I will punch Hikigaya in the stomach!" she growled clearly angry.
"Oh, if that's the case, then fine." I don't want a punch this morning.
I hurried toward the car without looking at Yukinoshita, but there I was struck by shock like lightning—I couldn't even move. I heard Yukinoshita's footsteps approaching calmly.
"Hikigaya-kun, what is…" I am sure Yukinoshita felt the same as I do now.
"Yahallo! Yukino-chan, Hikigaya-kun!" A girl with short black hair was sitting in the seat next to the driver… the last person I want to see this morning.
"Onee-san, what are you doing here?" Yukinoshita asked while still in shock.
"I decided with Shizuka-chan to take you to school," said Haruno Yukinoshita in a cheerful tone.
"Yes, I went to Hikigaya's house first, but his sister said that he said goodbye and left early. That surprised me. I expected you would leave an hour earlier than the departure time because the trip only takes 50 minutes."
Yes, that was the plan.
"It seems this is Yukino-chan's influence," said Haruno while placing her hand on her cheek.
"No, I was just trying to arrive early," I said in an embarrassed voice, looking away to the side. I saw Yukinoshita blushing; it seems the reason is the heat… don't underestimate the warmth of spring.
"Well, get in quickly, we don't have time."
We nodded, and I opened the back door so Yukinoshita could get in first. Ladies first, as they say, although I doubt its credibility… what if there was danger ahead? This would just make them a sacrifice.
Yukinoshita got in, and I followed quickly to close the door.
"Ah, how romantic!" Haruno shouted shamelessly.
"Onee-san, no one asked for your opinion."
I felt a bit embarrassed, so I started looking out the car window to fix as many scenes of Chiba in my memory as possible. It truly deserves a visit… I promise, I will come back and live in you for the rest of my life after graduating—this is a promise.
I drifted into my thoughts and didn't feel the car moving until I heard sensei's voice:
"Oh, Hikigaya, why aren't you wearing a tie?" she said while looking at the road.
"As you know, I don't like it."
"Do you still have the same ideas?" she said, frowning.
I looked at the window to avoid the question. The weather is nice today.
"What? It seems there is a story behind this. Hey, hey, tell us, Shizuka-chan," said Haruno while covering her mouth.
"When he was my student, I asked him why he doesn't follow the dress code and wear a tie, and he said it reminds him of corporate slaves… something like: damn work. What's wrong with you, boy? I thought you had changed," she said, her face growing more displeased.
Well, I have changed… I no longer express my thoughts in essays. I keep them to myself, just like I will keep this thought in my head. I don't want to get hit.
"Well…" she sighed. "We expect you, Yukinoshita, to change him this time."
"Yes, this is your task, Yukino-chan. As my mother said, you can use all means." Yukinoshita looked to the other side as if trying to hide her expression.
But seriously, if those methods include violence and torture, then no thanks… I don't want that.
×××
"Well, here we are," said Hiratsuka-sensei as she opened the door and got out of the car.
I couldn't get out or even move from the shock.
The gate was exactly like those seen in noble schools in movies and series. Do I really have to be here?
I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to see a small white hand.
"Hikigaya-kun, don't worry. Let's go."
It seems Yukinoshita also felt my tension.
"Alright…" I opened the door and got out, standing in front of the huge gate.
"Yukino-chan, hug me!" Haruno jumped on her, and for a moment I saw a trace of sadness in her eyes… those eyes that always showed a fake cheerful expression.
I could even sense a bit of sadness or weakness from Yukinoshita… I don't know exactly, but I think this is normal when parting from family. Not like my family.
I adjusted my bag on my shoulder, put my hand in my pocket, and started walking inside.
"Hikigaya, won't you say goodbye?"
Oh right… Hiratsuka-sensei.
I went back to her. She extended her hand toward me. I looked at her hand for a second, then extended mine.
"It seems this is our farewell. Take care of yourself… and Yukinoshita, she needs you here."
"Goodbye, sensei."
"Goodbye, Hikigaya."
Haruno slipped behind me as well, and her perfume reached my nose. She leaned close to my ear and whispered:
"Take care of Yukino-chan for me… she's sensitive."
I found no response except to nod. I will do what is necessary.
"Let's go," said Yukinoshita, now beyond the gate.
The idea of three years here is annoying… but if she is here, then it's fine.
I stepped inside the gate.
Hachiman Hikigaya
at Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School