My Rom-Com Now Has a Demon King

Sōbu Senior High School

Service Club, 4:48 PM

…

The late afternoon light clung to the air, and the scent of tea steeped the clubroom in a profound stillness.

For the second time, Yukinoshita poured tea for Yuigahama. Serving her companion had settled into a comfortable sort of ritual upon arriving at the club. She couldn't quite find the right words to describe the sensation, but she felt a desire to do it; it made her feel useful.

As the cup drew close to the brim, she lowered the teapot and moved to her companion's left side.

"Thanks, Yukinon!" Yuigahama chirped, addressing her friend with her usual boundless gratitude and spirit.

Yukinoshita replied with a faint, thin smile.

"Think nothing of it, Yuigahama-san".

Upon answering, she took a deep, steadying breath. Her blue eyes drifted toward Hikigaya.

"Ought I to serve him?" The doubt surfaced. "Would he even want any?" she wondered once more. She wanted to be certain; she had no desire for him to accept out of mere hollow politeness. "Should I simply ask?" It would be for his own good, Yukinoshita reasoned. Tea was a far better choice than that sugary concoction he was always seen nursing.

More questions. She was overthinking things.

It took her precisely four seconds to serve her companion. Steam curled from the disposable cup. "Drink it before it goes cold", Yukinoshita said, nudging the cup toward him.

As Hikigaya watched Yukinoshita return to her seat, the rising vapour from the cup before him momentarily obscured his view.

"A-Ah… dōmo (thanks)". Taking the cup, he began to blow at the steam. "I hope it's not scalding", Hikigaya muttered to himself, blowing away. "I've a cat's tongue..."

A few moments later, Hikigaya took a sip. Sweet, but not excessively so. A bit hot, certainly.

Yukinoshita joined him then, inhaling the tea's aroma. A small smile escaped her, while the room filled with the scent of the brew.

Meanwhile, Yuigahama was poring over the leaflet their friends had given her. The school was organising a trip to Kyoto—a class field trip. It was a staple for most institutions.

The pamphlet informed the students that Sōbu High would be taking them on a three-day journey to Kyoto. This was to enrich and learn more about the culture of their beloved country. It detailed the landmarks they would visit: tourist spots, points of interest, temples, and the like.

As she read on, one particular location caught her fancy. A place of beauty, seemingly perfect: a straight path where the light filtered through the bamboo trees that sheltered the spot.

"Arashiyama Chikurin no Komichi…", the murmur escaped Yuigahama.

"Yuigahama-san, did you say something?" Yukinoshita's voice made her companion startle.

"Nandemo nai, nandemo nai (nothing, nothing)", Yuigahama replied, waving her hands frantically. She hadn't expected Yukinoshita to overhear. At least Hikigaya hadn't noticed; he was far too preoccupied with his light novel.

To lighten the atmosphere once more, Yuigahama spoke up. "You know, I rather wanted to go to Okinawa, but it seems everyone else opted for Kyoto. Like every other school, wouldn't you say, Yukinon?"

"Personally, I prefer Kyoto, Yuigahama-san", Yukinoshita replied with her customary poise.

"Ah, really? Doushite? (Why?)", Yuigahama asked, tilting her head slightly.

"There is much to be done in Kyoto", Yukinoshita said, setting down her cup. "One might, for instance, observe our culture and history more closely and—"

"That's hardly the point", Hikigaya interrupted, without lifting his gaze from his book.

Yukinoshita's eyes settled on Hikigaya with a flicker of interest.

"Oh?", her tone held a slight edge of curiosity. "Then why are we going to Kyoto, Hikigaya-kun? If not for any particular educational merit?"

"It's to provide a simulation of life in society", Hikigaya said. Both girls tilted their heads in unison, though Yuigahama's tilt was rather more pronounced. Seeing this, he continued. "Let's look at a hypothetical situation". Hikigaya coughed to clear his throat. "If you go on a business trip, you won't be able to choose the food or the accommodation. But if you manage to compromise, you can find a certain degree of enjoyment. They're training us to have that mindset—to stop whinging. That's how it works…"

"Hikki…", a dejected tone was directed at him. "Your school trips sound dreadfully dull and miserable".

Yuigahama was well aware of Hikigaya's pessimism, but she had hoped he might enjoy something as simple as a holiday.

"Yuigahama-san is quite right, Hikigaya-kun", Yukinoshita added. "Surely you must have things you'd like to see for yourself, don't you think?"

Hearing his companion's words, Hikigaya conceded. He gave a nod.

"Perhaps…", he replied, as thoughts drifted through his mind. "I could go for a soak with Totsuka…", he mused for a fleeting second.

"But I haven't looked into a single thing yet", Yuigahama's voice broke through his thoughts. She propped her elbows on the table and rested her head in her hands. "What about you, Yukinon? I'm sure you've already decided what you want to do".

"I do have an itinerary…", Yukinoshita replied. Catching her reflection in the tea, she began to form a mental map of the sites she wished to see.

"An itinerary?", Yuigahama questioned, looking at her friend.

To which Yukinoshita nodded.

"Yes. I'd like to see Ryōan-ji Temple or Kiyomizu-dera. Though I should prefer to visit Rokuon-ji and Jishō-ji first".

"Rokuon-ji…?", Yuigahama asked again, sitting up straight. She couldn't recall any temples by that name.

"Sounds like the name of a supporting character", Hikigaya added, looking just as bewildered.

"They are commonly known as Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji", Yukinoshita clarified, taking a small sip of her tea.

"You should've just called them that from the off, Yukinon", Yuigahama complained.

"But I think…", Yukinoshita began. "I'll head to Ryōan-ji first; I should like to see the famous dry garden. It is one of the most representative examples of karesansui, where the arrangement of the rocks is designed so that one can never see them all from a single vantage point. And Kiyomizu-dera, on the other hand, was constructed without the use of nails and offers a breathtaking view, especially in autumn".

Yukinoshita tilted her head slightly and continued. "But I am also quite fond of Rokuon-ji, known as Kinkaku-ji. It reflects not only its golden structure upon the pond, but an aesthetic philosophy rooted in harmony and balance. And Jishō-ji, or Ginkaku-ji, represents a more refined beauty—quite distinct, yet equally significant…", she took another sip of her tea and lowered the cup once more. "Oh, something to that effect".

When Yukinoshita finished, both Yuigahama and Hikigaya were struck by the sheer volume of information she possessed regarding Kyoto.

"You're like a proper guide", Yuigahama spoke with genuine awe.

"A guide?", Hikigaya replied, surprised. "She's more like a walking tourist pamphlet", he thought, equally impressed. "Is it just my imagination, or is she actually excited?"

"Knowing such things about Kyoto is quite normal", Yukinoshita replied with her customary composure. "It is merely general knowledge".

Both Hikigaya and Yuigahama exchanged a glance. They both smiled, but Yuigahama's amusement got the better of her as she let out a slightly louder laugh.

"Nani ka? (What?)", Yukinoshita turned toward her two companions.

"Nothing, nothing!" Yuigahama responded quickly.

Yukinoshita, not quite grasping the reason behind Yuigahama's laughter, decided to let the matter rest.

It took only a few seconds for the aroma of the tea to reclaim the atmosphere. The small group relaxed once more. Yukinoshita sipped her tea, while Yuigahama checked her phone.

Though Hikigaya wouldn't care to admit it, he found himself fond of these moments. Just the three of them—

The wood of the door creaked.

Three sharp, dry knocks deafened the room.

The sound shattered the peace instantly.

All three shifted their gaze to the door. The echo produced by the sound was enough to fill the entire room. A silence rose, becoming rather uncomfortable.

"Who could it be?" Hikigaya wondered.

The scent of tea was no longer the only thing lingering in the room.

…

Hikigaya was still staring at the door.

"Hiratsuka-sensei? No. She never knocks. In that case… a student…?", Hikigaya wondered.

"Yukinon", Yuigahama's voice broke the silence, "do you think it's a student?".

Yukinoshita did not reply immediately. It was far too late for a student to be seeking them out. She considered that it might be Hiratsuka-sensei, but had it been her, she would have simply barged in. "Yukinoshita, I'm coming in!", she recalled her advisor's voice. "A student? At this hour?", Yukinoshita finally replied to Yuigahama. "It is quite unusual", her words remained guarded regarding her companion's idea.

Yukinoshita thought the notion strange. After all, thanks to Hikigaya's antics during the Cultural Festival, he was now known as the most loathed boy in Sōbu.

The rumours concerning him had spread with alarming speed.

Who would possibly want their help?

Nevertheless, Yuigahama remained unconvinced.

"Even so", she responded. "If it's one of our classmates, we ought to help them, right Yukinon?".

Yuigahama's pleading gaze forced Yukinoshita to look towards Hikigaya, hoping he might assist her.

Feeling Yukinoshita's eyes upon him, he muttered to himself: "Don't look at me. She's your friend", Hikigaya thought.

Yukinoshita let out a weary sigh.

"Yes!". Yuigahama leapt from her seat with utter delight. Upon reaching the door, she peered through the circular glass at the silhouette. "A boy… a tall one", she noted to herself.

As she reached for the handle, a slight shiver ran down her spine; the coldness in her hand began to fade as she slid the door open.

Finally, she saw him.

A tall boy, his hair a shade of chestnut like a pale sunset.

His eyes were the colour of gold. His irises looked like molten metal.

Two locks of hair stood out from his hairstyle.

His uniform was complete—jacket and waistcoat, both neat and tidy. However, he wore a necktie that did not belong to the school.

Yuigahama's gaze travelled upwards until she took in the boy's face completely.

He wore a perfect smile, one that made it seem as though he had fangs instead of teeth.

"Ho!".

Yuigahama slammed the door shut instantly.

"It's my imagination…", she told herself. She couldn't believe it; it was impossible for it to be him.

Thus, she slid the door open once more.

"La!".

The sound of the door closing again, much more forcefully this time, echoed through the small room.

The racket startled Yukinoshita.

Hikigaya, who had just taken a sip of his tea, nearly choked.

"Blast it, I've burnt myself again", he cursed to himself.

Yukinoshita straightened herself in her seat.

"A-Ah, Yuigahama-san, might you tell us what exactly you are doing?", she asked as she composed herself, pretending the din hadn't rattled her.

"Yukinon!", Yuigahama hissed in a frantic whisper, "The Dark Prince is here! What do I do?".

Yuigahama's voice was somewhat erratic, filled with panic.

Yukinoshita had never seen Yuigahama act in such a manner. Ordinarily, she was always cheerful and lively with everyone.

"The Dark Prince", she thought immediately. She had never heard such a nickname. It was nothing short of ridiculous. She wasn't privy to the latest rumours, but that title was rather distinctive. And so, she asked: "The Dark Prince?".

Her confusion was quite evident.

"Oh, for heaven's sake. Even you ought to know who he is...", Hikigaya directed at her, while he dabbed away the droplets of tea he'd spilt. "I rather thought you knew the names of every student in the school".

Hikigaya's words brought a smile to Yukinoshita's lips.

"That sounds more like a sobriquet than a proper name, Hikigaya-kun", Yukinoshita replied, a satisfied smile playing on her face as she corrected her companion. "But no, I've no idea whom you are speaking of...".

She confessed once more, glancing towards Yuigahama before returning her gaze to Hikigaya with a look that could only be described as... tender.

Hikigaya found himself unable to evade her gaze. To look directly into those blue eyes was to appreciate that slight shimmer upon them, making them glisten. Out of sheer inertia, he swallowed hard, quite against his will.

"Mmmh...", he coughed to clear his throat.

But Yuigahama spoke up first.

"Do you truly not know who he is, Yukinon?"

Yukinoshita shook her head again.

"I'm afraid not, Yuigahama-san".

"He was the student who thrashed several boys from Kaihin; they were sent to hospital", Hikigaya said, regaining his composure. "They say he never stops smiling. Besides, I thought he'd been expelled; he hasn't attended classes for some four or six months. I believe...".

Yukinoshita rested a finger against her chin.

"It would seem Hikigaya-kun knows him rather well...", Yukinoshita remarked in a calm voice. "Could it be that Hikigaya-kun actually has a friend?"

"Not in the slightest...", Hikigaya retorted immediately, his tone laced with annoyance. "Zaimokuza told me".

Hikigaya recalled the conversation with his non-friend. A grand source of information, indeed. They both shared Class 2-C. He had mentioned using the rumours about that fellow to create the Demon King for his light novel.

A plagiarised one, at that.

Yukinoshita, still keeping her finger to her chin, tilted her head slightly.

"Zai... Zaitsu-kun? Your friend?"

Hikigaya shook his head vigorously.

"He is not my friend...".

Yukinoshita spoke again, enquiring about what Hikigaya had mentioned.

"Expelled, you said, did you not?"

Hikigaya nodded.

"Yes, Yukinon", Yuigahama chimed in this time. "That boy is terrifying. They say the screams of those he beats can be heard through the school's loudspeakers. Even Yamato-kun said he fought him once".

"Yamato? Who on earth is Yamato?", Hikigaya asked quickly.

"Hikki!", Yuigahama cried out, exasperated. "He's our classmate. He was away for a week because of that", she replied with a hint of pique. Yet, Hikigaya still seemed to have no inkling of whom she was talking about. "He's a friend of Ōoka...", Yuigahama tried again. Still nothing. "And of Hayato-kun...".

"Oh...", Hikigaya barely managed to mutter.

Yuigahama gave Hikigaya a slight pout. She wanted to change things. She wanted him to get along better with their group of friends, but no one was making the effort.

Neither them, nor him.

In a way, it pained Yuigahama.

"I see", Yukinoshita's voice made Yuigahama turn towards her. "Another bully... violent", Yukinoshita began to murmur. "A friend of Hikigaya-kun's...".

"He is not my friend", Hikigaya snapped. "I don't even know the man".

But Yukinoshita ignored Hikigaya's words and continued her introspection.

"Abusive, Hachiman...".

"Oi", Hikigaya protested. "Do not use my name as a synonym for violence".

"Sou, sou (certain, certain)", Yuigahama intervened. "Yukinon, don't be so hard on Hikki. At least he isn't violent. He's quite soft...", Yuigahama noted, smiling at her companion.

"Thanks for calling me weak, Gahama-chan", Hikigaya thought. He glanced at the door; the figure was still there. "Yes, well, regardless. He's still at the door".

Both girls looked at the shadow cast by his silhouette upon the frosted glass of the door.

"Oops!", Yuigahama walked towards the door. But she stopped a few paces short. "Yukinon... shall I let him in?"

Yukinoshita was surprised by her companion's attitude. She wasn't exactly frightened, but she was acting rather uncomfortably. Thus, she stood up.

"I shall go".

Hearing Yukinoshita, Hikigaya grew tense. He would have preferred to remain seated, but he didn't want her getting anywhere near that sort of fellow.

He had heard the most dreadful things about him.

And although Hikigaya didn't put much stock in rumours, there was surely some kernel of truth in them.

"Wait, Yukinoshita-san", Hikigaya spoke up.

"What...?"

The way Hikigaya spoke made Yukinoshita pause. She hadn't even realised it herself.

"Perhaps he doesn't want anything at all. We ought to leave it be...", Hikigaya began to say. "Besides, there are only ten minutes left before we depart. What would be the use of attending to him? It would be better to wait until tomorrow...", Hikigaya's voice, though not trembling, sounded restless, as if he were trapped. He nearly let a stammer escape, so he pressed on. "He's just a bully, isn't he? We don't want any of that here. Perhaps he's only come to cause trouble. It would be best to call Hiratsuka-sensei".

He loathed it; he loathed empty words.

A hollow speech.

Yukinoshita listened to Hikigaya's words; she heard him and saw that he was truly distressed.

He was worried about her...

She looked at him with astonishment, and a faint crimson tint began to emerge on her pale cheeks. However, the sun behind her prevented him from noticing.

Unlike Yuigahama.

The words, the tone—they pained her. A physical ache that burned within. She didn't want to see this. Something in her chest began to hurt.

She knew what it was. But she didn't want to feel it. Not now.

She didn't want to see it.

Thus, her eyes fixed upon the shadow cast by the silhouette of the Dark Prince, and she began to walk with hurried steps towards the door. Immediately, her hand went to the latch. The anguish she had felt moments ago had vanished.

She slid the door open, and there he was.

An unshakeable smile.

And while he toyed with his fingers, cracking his nails, he addressed Yuigahama.

"May I speak now?", he spoke with a charming tone, the corners of his mouth upturned.

Yuigahama nodded.

"You may", she replied, inhaling deeply. "You ne—"

"Matsuba Haruto", he took Yuigahama's hand with abnormal speed. "It is a pleasure to meet you, lovely. One of the protagonists of the Cultural Festival. Quite a marvel...", he gave her hand a light squeeze and used the momentum to pull himself inside.

"Lovely…", Yuigahama barely murmured, almost inaudibly.

It was clear he had disconcerted her enough to leave her speechless. To be called "lovely" by someone other than her mother or father caused her to flush fiercely. It wasn't deep, nor was it romantic, yet it was unexpected enough to set her cheeks ablaze.

Matsuba, now inside the clubroom, had not even heard Yuigahama. He had left her where he intended: at the entrance, as still as a potted plant.

Upon entering the room, he observed the scene and spotted the two students who interested him.

The most hated boy in Sōbu and the Ice Queen.

Seated at opposite ends.

Adorable…

His smile broadened, almost despite itself.

"Pray, forgive my sudden intrusion", Matsuba continued upon seeing the two students. "But I witnessed your fiasco at the Cultural Festival".

He turned briefly to look at Hikigaya, though his eyes darted quickly about the room.

Yukinoshita knit her brows as she heard him. "Our fiasco?", the words pricked like a thorn. She did not know what he referred to, and that irritated her even more than she cared to admit. "Fiasco…", she muttered, annoyed.

"But what a magnificent performance!", Matsuba went on, spreading his arms in a theatrical and mocking gesture.

As for Hikigaya, when he felt those eyes upon him, he saw a reflection of himself for a fleeting second.

A chill ran down his spine; his skin pricked with gooseflesh. He could not believe the fellow was referring to what had transpired on the rooftop. It was impossible for him to know. The only ones present when it happened were her friends, Hayama, himself… and Sagami herself…

"Mmmh…", Hikigaya managed to grunt.

Unless he…

"Ha, ha, ha", Matsuba's laughter filled the room, cutting through Hikigaya's brief train of thought. "I haven't laughed quite so much since my time at Keiai Gakuen High School. Ha, ha, ha…", his voice dropped. "So much screaming…". But instantly, an animated tone resurfaced. "And I simply couldn't resist! So, I asked your advisor to make me a member of the club".

Hikigaya's heart nearly stopped.

"Advisor…?", Hikigaya spoke as softly as he could. He could hardly believe it. "This chap actually broke Hiratsuka-sensei". Hikigaya pressed a hand to his forehead, struck by a mixture of astonishment and dread.

Matsuba laughed a bit more, taking a few paces across the clubroom.

"Ha, ha, ha… a curious woman. I don't expect she'll ever marry…", Matsuba remarked. "So—"

"Wait", Yukinoshita cut him short. Matsuba turned to face the owner of those words. Hikigaya, turning to look at her, hadn't noticed Yukinoshita's movement. She had stood up and begun to circle the table. Hikigaya had been so preoccupied with Matsuba that he hadn't seen what was happening around him. Yukinoshita, now only metres away from him, continued. "Matsuba-kun…, is it not?"

Matsuba, who until a few moments ago had been scanning the room with his eyes, now fixed them upon Yukinoshita's.

His smile grew even wider.

Hikigaya felt a knot form in his stomach.

"Mmmh…", he nodded with a murmur, causing his smile to become even more pronounced.

Yukinoshita's brow furrowed immediately at the sight of him. His attitude galled her. It was irritating, invasive, and entirely devoid of respect.

"Hiratsuka-sensei has informed me of no such thing regarding a new member", her crisp, gelid tone highlighted her distaste. However, rather than daunting Matsuba, this seemed to have the opposite effect. Noticing this, Yukinoshita pressed on. "I do not know what sort of jest this is. If you have merely come to mock us, I must ask you to leave. Should you refuse, I shall report the matter to Hiratsuka-sensei, Matsuba-kun".

His smile sharpened.

"Yes! Yukinon is right", Yuigahama cried from the doorway. She hurried to her friend's side and continued. "If you only want to make fun of us, we'll tell Hiratsuka-sensei".

Hikigaya, who remained in his seat, did nothing but watch Matsuba without blinking. He was trying to read him. He couldn't; he saw nothing at all.

The boy simply stood there, smiling in that conceited manner.

He could find no reason whatsoever as to why the Dark Prince of Sōbu would be in their club. He had no way of predicting him. Usually, he could discern the intentions of others with ease. It was clear that Yukinoshita would be the first to speak; she would assert herself over him, regardless of what the rumours whispered. But he had no idea how the boy would react to her…

That was what troubled him.

However, he did know one thing. If matters began to escalate, he knew precisely what had to be done.

His breath hitched. He felt his head begin to spin.

He knows what he must do.

The only thing he can do.

Sacrifice himself.

"Yuigahama is right", Yukinoshita spoke, crossing her arms over her chest. "Hiratsuka-sensei will be here shortly. If you lay a hand on us, you shall be expelled from the school".

Matsuba merely allowed the corners of his mouth to curl further upwards.

"Itoshii (dear)…", instantly, a faint tint of red rose from Yukinoshita's cheeks.

"Itoshii…", Yukinoshita repeated in a murmur; without realising it, she drew her arms tighter around herself.

Matsuba's grin widened, revealing more of his teeth.

"If I truly wished to hurt someone here", his charming tone began to shift. It was like listening to the static of an old television set. "I would… have… DONE SO… already".

Hikigaya's eyes snapped open instantly.

"Is he a demon?!" Hikigaya shouted to himself. "Did he just call Yukinoshita 'dear'? Is he looking to get himself killed?!"

Yukinoshita, whose cheeks were still flushed, was not alone. Yuigahama, though the endearment had not been directed at her, also found herself wearing a slight shade of crimson.

"No!" Matsuba raised his voice, pivoting back to his cheerful tone. "I want to help!" he continued.

Yuigahama, seeing how incredibly fast his manner of speaking changed, grew even more bewildered.

"Now what did he say?", her embarrassment vanished, replaced by confusion. "Help?"

"Help!" Matsuba repeated with utter glee. He began to laugh and reached out to stroke Yuigahama's hair. He did it as one might with a confused puppy that had lost its owner or the spot where its food bowl usually sat. "Ha, ha! Hello! Are you in there, little brain?"

Matsuba's hand ruffled Yuigahama's hair. She pulled away with a look of annoyance, attempting to straighten her fringe while letting out miffed pouts at Matsuba's expense.

Yukinoshita, who had yet to react, took a deep breath. She brought a hand to her forehead, rubbing it gently.

"Help…", she continued massaging her temple. She hadn't expected his words to affect her quite so much. "Help with what, exactly?"

"This club!" Matsuba did not abandon his jovial tone. He positioned himself between both girls, extending his arms and resting his hands upon their shoulders, holding them. "This thing you're trying to do, this silly little club…", but in a swift movement, he pulled Yuigahama away from Yukinoshita's side, bringing her directly in front of him. "I want to help you run it".

Yukinoshita's cheeks took on a fresh tint of red.

"A-Ah, run it?", Yukinoshita attempted to hide any further nervousness by taking a few steps back.

"That's right!" Matsuba approached Yukinoshita once more, his cheerful tone becoming even more animated.

Hikigaya did not take his eyes off him. What was he after? He tried to read him again, searching for any sign at all. But there was nothing; he gave nothing away.

What does he want?

Hikigaya watched how he approached Yukinoshita; it was far too invasive.

"What on earth is wrong with this fellow? Does he think he's a foreigner?", Hikigaya thought. "Has he no concept of personal space? Or even the fact that one shouldn't touch a girl with such brazen confidence?"

Yuigahama was now standing a few metres away from Yukinoshita, with a clear view of her friend's back and Hikigaya just behind her. She turned repeatedly toward Hikigaya.

Her face said it all...

"Hikki, help her".

But he could do nothing but swallow hard.

Yukinoshita took a few steps away from Matsuba.

"Why?", she questioned, without averting her gaze from him.

Matsuba quickly withdrew his hands from Yukinoshita and turned to face her. Now, he held the three of them in his peripheral vision, arranged in a perfect zigzag.

"Why do people do anything?", Matsuba replied. "Because they are utterly bored!" He brought both hands to his cheeks, stretching them wide. "Inspiration simply hasn't struck me". He paused and began to toy with the strands of his hair. "Doing the same old thing has become monotonous; it lacks a certain je ne sais quoi…", he said, gesturing with his hand like a chef tossing spices to season a dish. "That is precisely why I came here: to create something entirely new in entertainment! Ha, ha, ha!"

His laughter echoed throughout the clubroom.

"This fellow is incredibly strange", Hikigaya said to himself.

Yukinoshita, who had been listening intently, appeared more composed this time. She controlled her breathing, and her blush had almost entirely vanished.

"So, participating in the Cultural Festival is merely entertainment to you… Matsuba-kun", Yukinoshita spoke. She truly did not fathom what it was he wanted.

To participate in extracurricular events?

To form relationships?

Hikigaya grew slightly tense upon hearing Yukinoshita's declaration.

"Ha, ha!" Matsuba laughed. "Sō yo, anata… (that's right, darling)". Yukinoshita stiffened once more, yet she kept her flushing cheeks under control. "It is the purest thing there is—true passion!" He began to pace across the room, eventually stopping by the window and turning sharply. "In the end, all the world's a stage, and a stage is a world… of entertainment".

A golden glint reflected in his eyes.

More so than before.

Compared to the flush on Yukinoshita's cheeks, it was quite visible. However, that did not stop her from bringing her fingers to her chin.

She was thinking; it was more of a conjecture than a reality. Yet, no retort came to her mind.

"A stage is a world of entertainment".

Yukinoshita repeated the words to herself.

That way of thinking—she knew it only too well.

Her elder sister.

She loathed her sister's way of thinking.

And with this, she could prove it.

That she was the one in the wrong.

"Matsuba-kun, then…", this time Yuigahama spoke up, taking his words in the least cruel manner possible. "You are saying you wish to help other people, right?"

"Ha, ah! Certainly not, in any sense!" Matsuba replied. "Ooooooh! Helping. The existence of the 'ought to be'…" He drifted toward the window behind him. "No, no, no". He watched the students coming and going. "There is nothing to be helped or saved regarding those students. Whatever trouble they find themselves in is their own responsibility, and they shall have to live with the consequences and regret". Matsuba turned, looking directly at Yukinoshita. "And that is their punishment! One cannot help to undo what has already been done".

Having finished, Matsuba leaned against the window frame and looked out at the students once more.

Hikigaya's eyes widened.

He was astonished; he could hardly believe what he was hearing.

"Did he truly just say that in front of Yukinoshita?", Hikigaya said to himself.

He even felt a twinge of pity for the Dark Prince. Had he not known Yukinoshita, he wouldn't have known what was about to happen—but he did know her. He knew her well.

Thus, Hikigaya closed his eyes, considering the day effectively over.

"Then why do you wish to join the club…", Yukinoshita's words were so frigid they seemed to issue a challenge. This only made Matsuba's smirk widen. "If it is not to help others, Matsuba-kun".

"What?" Hikigaya shouted internally. His eyes flew open upon hearing Yukinoshita. "What on earth is going on?!"

Had Yukinoshita actually let it slide?

Everything Matsuba had said was a direct provocation. It was a challenge not only to the club, but to the very ideology that had sustained Yukinoshita for as long as he had known her.

Ever since he had entered this nearly empty room.

Matsuba, who still held his gaze on the students moving to and fro, found his smirk growing wider at Yukinoshita's words.

"Why do you wish to be here?", Yukinoshita asked again, but this time she took several steps toward him with more confidence than before.

Matsuba felt her approach; in a swift movement, he spun around and began to stride toward her.

His grin broadened.

"Consider it an act of charity towards my person", Matsuba said as he took Yukinoshita's hand. Her face slowly turned a shade of crimson, but he ignored it. He began to twirl her as if they had reached the climax of a waltz. "I wish to see the school's scum attempt to reach for their dreams upon the mountain of solidarity we shall provide…", he halted the continuous spinning to pull Yukinoshita into an embrace from her shoulder, holding her mere centimetres from his jaw. "Only to watch them fall repeatedly into the very same pit of despair that is failure…"

Matsuba's breathing quickened briefly. It was like watching a predator eyeing its prey.

Instead of showing fear or disgust at Matsuba's words, Yukinoshita simply removed his hand from her shoulder.

"Right…", she murmured, ignoring how his voice had deepened. Her embarrassment had vanished, replaced instead by confusion.

Yukinoshita glanced briefly at Hikigaya.

He noticed, but there was nothing he could do.

Their gazes met.

Yet, before Hikigaya could realise what was happening, Matsuba swept his arm around Yukinoshita's waist, ushering her out of the clubroom.

Yukinoshita's eyes widened in surprise. She hadn't expected that, but by the time she was about to speak, Matsuba already had her centimetres from the door, leading her out.

"Without a shadow of a doubt, I sense great things here. And who better to assist you than I, darling!", Matsuba shouted with excitement, spiriting Yukinoshita away from the club.

As they both departed, the Dark Prince's voice grew fainter and harder to hear.

Hikigaya could not believe what had just transpired.

That fellow had barged into their club and talked as much as he pleased.

And he had been unable to do a thing about it.

Thus, the best he could do was talk to himself.

It was all he could manage.

Now.

"Yukinoshita-san is strong".

However, he didn't truly believe his own words.

"Bloody hell".

…

Only a few seconds passed before the silence became unbearable.

Yuigahama broke the stillness, as she always did.

"Hikki, what do we do? Matsuba-kun has taken Yukinon away", she said, her voice trembling. "Do you think he might do something to her?"

Hikigaya turned pale.

He did not want to hear it; he did not want to imagine it.

"Yuigahama-san", Hikigaya's tone was grave. "Do not say such a thing. Even if I find no amusement in Yukinoshita-san calling me a 'potential predator', do not say that even in jest. Not ever again, please…".

The mere thought of it made his stomach begin to churn. To think of Yukinoshita being vulnerable around someone like Matsuba was sickening. He did not wish to dwell on it, for if he did, he knew exactly how far he would be willing to go.

Yuigahama realised what she had said—the way she had spoken.

Her eyes widened, and she replied immediately.

"I'm sorry, Hikki".

The sound of the door was heard once more.

"Yukinoshita…"

Hikigaya's words.

"Yukinon".

Both their thoughts coincided.

"Douzo (come in)", Yuigahama called out.

A blonde head appeared.

Hayama Hayato.

"Hello", he greeted them.

However, he was accompanied by someone else: Tobe Kakeru.

"Hayato-kun, Tobecchi", Yuigahama addressed them. "What are you doing here?"

Though Yuigahama's tone was normal and light, there was a certain air of bewilderment. At that moment, she had no desire to receive anyone in the club, even if it were a request.

Hayama noticed the way she spoke.

He did not know Yuigahama entirely, but it was easy for him to tell when someone was not being altogether sincere. Meanwhile, Tobe simply fidgeted from side to side, paying no mind to her or anything else.

"Where is Yukinoshita-san?", Hayama asked abruptly.

The way he said it was not annoying, nor was it a display of hostility. It was merely an immediate need to know.

However, it took Hikigaya no time to deduce the situation upon seeing him. His brow furrowed. Without turning to look, he answered.

"She isn't here", he replied. The tone was clear, and a thought overtook him. "If he cannot help himself… how can he possibly help her?"

One, two, three seconds passed. Hayama nodded.

"I see, Hikitani-kun", he said. After a brief pause, he took Tobe by the shoulder and guided him out. "We shall come back at another time".

"A-Ah, but Hayato-kun, I nee—"

"We'll return later. Another time. We can wait", the exhaustion in the blonde boy's voice was evident as it echoed down the school corridor.

As the sound of the two of them faded, silence fell once more.

The ticking of the clock weighed heavily on Hikigaya.

Yuigahama said nothing.

He lifted his gaze to the clock. The second hand advanced until it marked the start of the next hour.

Time continued to march on, yet Yukinoshita did not return.

Hikigaya did not want to consider the worst-case scenario, but his mind would not obey him.

…

The door slid open once more. Barely fifteen minutes had passed in truth, yet it had felt like hours.

Unbeknownst to himself, Hikigaya breathed again.

However, the door opened only far enough to reveal the hand of the person behind it. Then, Yukinoshita stepped inside, as composed as ever—and behind her, him.

Hikigaya clicked his tongue.

He had rather hoped Matsuba wouldn't have returned.

Yukinoshita moved to the centre of the table; her eyes were closed, and her chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm. Standing now between her two club mates, her gesture was subtle yet clear. She had news.

She took another breath.

"I have considered Matsuba-kun's proposal", she said, gesturing towards him. Both Hikigaya and Yuigahama turned to look. He, in response, simply smirked. "And from this moment forth, he shall be attending the club. He may participate in whichever requests he chooses to assist us with. We were merely clarifying a few points".

Hikigaya felt a hollow pit form in his stomach.

"You can't be serious…", he murmured.

He could scarcely believe it. Was the person speaking truly the same Yukinoshita he had first met?

Yuigahama wore an uneasy smile.

"Furthermore, Matsuba-kun is now…", Yukinoshita continued. "He is the Vice President of the Service Club".

Hikigaya could no longer maintain his silence.

Vice President?

"Just what sort of bribe did he use to get Yukinoshita to give him that post?", Hikigaya said to himself. "I didn't even know such a position existed". A few seconds were all he needed before he spoke up. "Yukinoshita. You cannot possibly be serious".

A growing sense of desperation was evident in his voice.

Matsuba's smirk, far from fading, only broadened. Hearing Hikigaya's distaste, his anger, his frustration and his discomfort only served to pull the corners of his mouth higher—the same grin he had worn since the moment he first entered the clubroom.

"Yes, Yukinon", Yuigahama added. "Don't you think it's a bit soon? Perhaps we could wait a while…"

Yuigahama's words only made Matsuba's smile wider still.

Hikigaya noticed; his frown deepened further. The man seemed to feed on their desperation.

"This fellow", Hikigaya thought. At that, the Monster of Logic reared its head. "And you simply permitted him to join just like that? What about Hiratsuka-sensei?", Hikigaya no longer cared that the man was present. He could well have waited for Matsuba to leave to speak with Yukinoshita in private, but Matsuba's attitude was becoming insufferable. "Doesn't it strike you as a trifle impudent? We know absolutely nothing about him".

The words came tumbling out at great speed.

Yukinoshita maintained her calm demeanour, her eyes remaining closed as she listened.

Meanwhile, Yuigahama attempted to say something more. Her eyes darted from Hikigaya back to Yukinoshita, and she nodded fervently at Hikigaya's words, wearing an expression of bewilderment with her eyes wide open.

"Hikigaya-kun", Yukinoshita said, opening her eyes to look at him. "I'm afraid it wasn't I who authorised it; it was Hiratsuka-sensei. Whilst I was out, I received a message from her granting her approval".

Once again, the sound of Hikigaya clicking his tongue filled the room.

"Tsk, that woman".

And while the three students were preoccupied with one another, Matsuba drifted across the room to reach Yukinoshita.

"So then…", he spoke, extending his arm towards her with his palm upturned, "do we have a deal?"

His smile lengthened, his golden eyes shimmering.

"No", Yukinoshita replied immediately, brushing Matsuba's hand aside. "There shall be no deals. You will be Vice President. You shall assist as you see fit, and you will have the freedom to decide whether or not to participate in club activities. There is no need for any deal".

Hikigaya's eyes widened further.

"A deal? What deal?", he thought to himself.

Matsuba closed his palm and drew his hand back. He took a few paces around the room, his index finger resting against his chin.

"Mmmh, mmh", he hummed. "Very well, that seems fair enough".

As he continued to pace about the place, he touched various objects, running his finger along the surfaces as dust kicked up. When he saw the spot where Yukinoshita kept her teapot, he smirked.

Two cups, yet there were three people present.

His eyes shifted to Hikigaya.

And he smirked even more.

Hikigaya looked at him with sheer distaste as he felt Matsuba's eyes upon him. He averted his gaze and—

"Smile, my friend!", Matsuba was suddenly mere centimetres from his face. He stroked Hikigaya's chin with his index finger. "They say one is never fully dressed without a smile!"

"What?!", Hikigaya started. "How on earth did he move so fast? I didn't even see him!"

Hikigaya brushed Matsuba's finger away with a resentment that bordered on rage.

Matsuba's smile only grew longer as he watched Hikigaya's brow furrow even further.

While Matsuba pestered Hikigaya with his finger, Yuigahama hurried across to the table to reach her friend. She grasped Yukinoshita's arms, which were still folded across her chest.

"Yukinon", Yuigahama whispered. "Are you sure about this? We… this…"

The words wouldn't come.

Matsuba continued his circuit, finally leaving Hikigaya in peace.

Seeing that Yuigahama was with Yukinoshita, Hikigaya approached his two companions. He, too, wanted answers. Moreover, he hoped that Yuigahama's knack for persuading Yukinoshita might make her reconsider bringing someone else into the club.

After all, it was only them, wasn't it?

Only the three of them…

"I am sorry", Yukinoshita began. "Hiratsuka-sensei gave me no other choice. Her text message was quite explicit. If we do not secure more members, the school shall shutter the club. We do not do much, and the institution might well utilise the clubroom for other activities".

Hikigaya's eyes flew open.

"So that was why", he thought.

The three of them looked at one another, and in a moment of habit, Yukinoshita and Hikigaya's gazes locked. Her crystalline blue eyes met those of the boy with the dead-fish eyes.

She desperately wished she could say it…

"Did I do the right thing, Hikigaya-kun?"

But she knew that no matter how much she desired it, the words simply would not come.

The sound of footsteps ceased.

"And where are the other members of the club?", Matsuba asked, turning towards Yukinoshita. His tone held no trace of mockery, yet he never ceased to smirk.

He approached slowly, drawing closer and closer until he was dangerously near to Yukinoshita's face.

"Too close, far too close!" Hikigaya shouted internally. Yuigahama offered an awkward smile, but she turned to see her companion with a look of such seriousness that it baffled him. "Don't look at me, Yuigahama, do something!"

Yukinoshita's cheeks took on a faint tint of red.

"Mmmh…" she murmured. She looked toward her two fellow club members with a touch of embarrassment.

Matsuba smirked.

"Ha, ha", he laughed, twirling a strand of Yukinoshita's hair. "We are going to need rather more than that".

The sound of the sliding door once again interrupted the room.

Matsuba moved towards the door. When he opened it, no one was there.

The camera panned downwards.

There stood a girl with reddish hair.

Matsuba lifted the girl by her waist with both hands, presenting her to the group as if she were a puppy.

"This girl is Aisaka Aiko".

Upon seeing the new girl, Hikigaya's first thought was…

"She's short", he said to himself.

Her height reminded him of that girl he had met some time ago.

"Hello!", Aisaka spoke excitedly, waving her hand. "I am Aisaka Aiko. Class 2-B. You may call me by my first name, don't hesitate", Aisaka's hand didn't stop waving until Matsuba caught it. "It is a pleasure to meet you all. It has been such a long time since Haru-kun made new friends".

"Friends…?", Hikigaya murmured, almost soundlessly.

Yuigahama, caught off guard, didn't quite register it. She startled and came back to her senses.

She hadn't realised.

Everything was happening far too quickly.

She hadn't wanted this….

"A-Ah, Yahallo, Aiko-chan. I am Yuigahama Yui. You may call me by my first name as well".

Yuigahama stammered slightly during her introduction.

"Hikigaya Hachiman".

He looked up as he spoke.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Aisaka-san. I am Yukinoshita Yukino", her tone rang out with its usual poise and decorum. "I belong to Class 2-J. I am the President of the Service Club".

Aisaka smiled upon hearing Yukinoshita.

"By my first name is fine, Yukino-san".

Yukinoshita started slightly at the casual use of her name. For someone to use her first name with such ease quite discomposed her.

"A-Ah, I see…", Yukinoshita replied.

She took a deep breath. Considering how her afternoon had gone, hearing her name used so familiarly was a minor grievance at best. Her eyes inevitably slid toward her new Vice-President.

But Matsuba merely smirked at her.

Just as Yukinoshita was about to speak again, Aisaka cut in.

"There are only two women here", she began, looking all around the room. Suddenly, her eyes widened. "Oh, goodness! What a filthy place. It certainly needs a feminine touch, and that is saying something considering the majority here are women. No offence intended".

Naturally, both Yukinoshita and Yuigahama took offence.

Hikigaya covered his mouth with his fist, stifling a laugh.

"Is something amusing, Hikigaya-kun?", Yukinoshita looked directly at him. Her frigid voice froze the atmosphere instantly.

"A-Ah, no. No", Hikigaya inhaled. "It's nothing".

"Hikki", Yuigahama said feebly, a hint of anger in her voice.

Hikigaya swallowed hard.

"My apologies".

What would be the point in talking back? He would only lose.

Aisaka dashed across the room, cleaning with remarkable speed. She cleared away vast amounts of dust and shifted several desks with ease.

"No, no. Not this either", Aisaka muttered as she cleaned. "Nope. What is this?"

As Hikigaya watched the girl stack the chairs, he was somewhat astonished. She was incredibly fast—and strong, despite her height.

Once again, the sound of the sliding door echoed through the room.

"Hiratsuka-sensei", Hikigaya thought.

But what emerged was a mane of black hair. A boy, whose stature was taller than that of Matsuba. Perhaps he was a third-year.

"Hey, hello", the boy began, without turning to look at the others. "I was told I could earn more credits here… and…". Upon seeing the group, the boy in question looked at Hikigaya first. Then at Yuigahama, and finally at Yukinoshita. His face contorted. "What is this? A romantic comedy?", he murmured to himself. His eyes wandered across the room and found the person standing a few yards away. "You…".

The annoyance in his voice was unmistakable.

"Hajime!", Matsuba replied, smirking as he moved towards the newcomer, slinging an arm over his shoulder. "My friend. What a pleasure to see you. I am glad you came so quickly".

"To hell with this", he cursed, passing a hand over his face. "Why on earth are you here? You know I was just about to be with that girl and…". He cut himself off as he noticed the girls present. "What the devil do you want now?".

Matsuba squeezed his shoulder lightly, utterly ignoring his personal space.

"My friend", the golden eyes drew close to the newcomer's black ones. "I am performing an act of charity. Thus, I took the liberty of having your counsellor send you here". Matsuba leaned closer to his iris. "I trust you don't mind".

The clarity of his voice dropped so that only the boy could hear him.

"What?! You bastard". Just as he was about to shove Matsuba, the latter dodged him with a small leap backwards. "You think you can play that card whenever you fancy! Do you think I owe you my soul?!".

"More or less", Matsuba replied in a mocking fashion.

Upon hearing the declaration, the boy clicked his tongue. He knew exactly how his "friend"—as Matsuba called him—operated.

"I don't do charity, Prince", he began to walk towards the door, but Matsuba appeared out of thin air in front of him, blocking his path.

"Well, I thought that with your grand attitude and welcoming presence, you would be the perfect face to bring unfortunate souls to the club". Matsuba returned to the centre of the room, leaning against the table. "And if you prefer, I can make your stay here more accommodating".

Matsuba drew a sheet of paper from his inner pocket, bearing the signature of the boy's counsellor.

He began to walk towards Matsuba.

"Ha! You truly think you can compare that to a credit or two?". When he saw the paper, he snatched it from Matsuba's hand. "Well, you were right".

"Excellent!", Matsuba said with glee.

Hikigaya, Yukinoshita, and Yuigahama all watched the exchange in silence. Seeing the tension in the atmosphere, Yuigahama tried to speak.

"Mmh, hello. I am Yuigahama Yui, a pleasure, etto (well)…".

When Hajime heard Yuigahama, she gave a little start. His eyes were even more frightening than Hikigaya's.

Seeing this, Hajime cursed.

"Shit". He took a deep breath and spoke again. "I am Hasegawa Hajime, Class A, second year".

Yuigahama smiled this time, but with composure.

"A pleasure, Hasegawa-kun".

Upon hearing the name, a small memory surfaced in Hikigaya's mind.

"Hasegawa Hajime", he repeated the name to himself.

He had heard it before. In the middle of the second year, it had been a popular topic. Rumours of a student who had been expelled. But if that student had been expelled, it couldn't be him. Could it?

"Yukino Yukinoshita", she introduced herself with a slight bow. "A pleasure to meet you, Hasegawa-kun".

Hasegawa nodded, mimicking Yukinoshita's gesture.

"Pretty", Hasegawa thought as he looked at her. "The pleasure is mine…", he replied and began to walk towards the desk in front of him. As he grasped the wood of the desk, Aisaka stopped him.

"Hajime-kun!", Aisaka's smile brightened upon seeing him.

"Ai-chan?". Hasegawa looked down at her. "I hadn't seen you. How are things?".

Aisaka tucked her hands behind her back.

"They're going well", Aisaka replied, pointing to the spot beside her chair. "That is your seat".

Hasegawa looked at the desk. His jaw tightened.

"This fellow. He already has the places where we'll be sitting mapped out", he thought as he went to sit down. His eyes instinctively drifted to Matsuba. "What is he plotting now?".

Their eyes met, and Matsuba's smirk widened.

Yukinoshita, seeing the silence return, spoke up.

"Matsuba-kun, whilst I should like to attend to the requests of your…", she paused for a moment to look at the new faces in the club. "Friends…", she doubted they were such. "I am afraid it is almost time for us to depart, so—"

"Ha, ha", Matsuba's laughter rang out. "They are not here for that, Yukino…". He paused briefly, before continuing, "...shita-san". Her eyes widened momentarily, causing Hikigaya to knit his brows. "They shall be the new members of the club".

Yukinoshita's eyes widened in surprise.

"Club members!", Yuigahama shouted. "But it's so sudden!".

Hikigaya remained in silence, unable to believe what he was hearing.

"Members…", Yukinoshita repeated without emotion. "I don't recall having accepted any more members, Matsuba-kun".

"Well, as Vice-President, I took the liberty of calling for more hands". Matsuba moved around Yukinoshita, toying with her hair. "So, my dear President, you may rest easy. They shall obey whatever you ask of them".

Yukinoshita looked at them. The girl with the reddish hair and the tallest boy in the room.

She did not quite understand it.

"Do whatever I ask", she said to herself.

Hikigaya still watched the new club members. He felt such helplessness at being unable to act.

Meanwhile, Yuigahama walked to her seat, which was now gleaming and nearly polished.

"She did all this with a simple rag", she said to herself. "Impressive!".

Seeing Yuigahama sit down, Matsuba began to walk towards Yukinoshita's chair and pulled it out towards the head of the table.

"President, if you please…", Matsuba smiled as he brought the chair towards him.

Without further heart for an argument, Yukinoshita began to walk to her seat. As she sat, Matsuba gently pushed the chair in.

"Thank you, Matsuba-kun", Yukinoshita replied with a small flush on her cheeks as she settled in.

Meanwhile, Aisaka finished dusting Hikigaya's seat.

He merely watched what was happening. Feeling Aisaka's eyes upon him, Hikigaya turned to her, then looked at his completely shiny chair.

"Mmmh, dōmo (thanks)… Aisaka-san", Hikigaya murmured with slight signs of discomfort.

Aisaka smiled and immediately went to her seat beside Hasegawa.

The table was arranged with the new members sitting opposite Yuigahama. She was now closer to Hikigaya. Yukinoshita took the place at the head of the table.

The leader.

Now, only a single vacancy remained: the left side of the table, adjacent to the President. Beside her sat Aisaka, followed by Hasegawa, which placed him almost at the far end. This left the foot of the table free—a space reserved for those seeking the club's assistance.

Everyone was settled in their respective places, save for Matsuba.

Matsuba prepared to take his seat beside Yukinoshita, but first, he drew a deep breath.

"Now, for our first activity, I should like to—"

The sharp crack of shattering glass hitting the floor made the room shudder.

"What on earth was that!", Yuigahama cried out, bolting from her seat with startling speed.

Hikigaya's eyes widened as he caught sight of the projectile.

A stone.

Matsuba tilted his neck towards the window. The stone had missed him by a mere matter of inches. A near-perfect trajectory, one might say. His smirk could not have broadened further; his eyes glittered with sheer excitement.

Yukinoshita turned her head towards the window, utterly bewildered.

"Matsuba-kun, what is the meaning of this?", Yukinoshita spoke sharply, rising to her feet instantly. "You assured me you would cause no disturbances".

Matsuba turned to Yukinoshita at a speed that caused his neck to crack audibly on purpose.

"Quite so", he replied with a boyish grin. "I did not occasion this".

Hasegawa was already in the process of retrieving the stone, which had a slip of paper rolled around it.

"It says here: For Matsuba Haruto…"

Yukinoshita, her gaze never leaving Matsuba, knit her brows. To this, Matsuba merely tilted his head slightly, his smile never wavering.

"Mmmh", he replied with his characteristic murmur.

Yukinoshita pressed a hand to her temple in utter vexation.

"What is he!" Hikigaya was awestruck. He had witnessed first-hand how Matsuba dodged the stone without even looking. "He's like a character from a shōnen manga".

He could hardly believe it; the boy had moved his head only a few centimetres. Hikigaya stood up to head towards the window.

But…

Hasegawa reacted first, catching Hikigaya by the shoulder.

"Hikki!", Yuigahama's scream made Hikigaya recoil.

A second stone had reached the back of the room.

Hikigaya felt the hand firm upon his shoulder. Hasegawa. Then, his eyes fell upon the shards of glass that had almost struck him. From the perspective of the stone, everyone's reaction was plain to see.

Yukinoshita brought her hand to her chest, relieved. Yuigahama let out a heavy sigh.

"Bloody hell…", Hikigaya muttered. "That was a close one", he thought to himself. When he turned to face Hasegawa, he managed a breath. "A-ah, thank you".

Hasegawa nodded.

"Think nothing of it, mate", he replied, beginning to walk towards where the stone had landed.

Yuigahama rushed to Hikigaya's side.

"Hikki, are you alright?"

Hikigaya wavered, still a bit dazed.

"W-What? Yes, yes", he answered hurriedly. "I'm quite alright, Yuigahama-san".

Yukinoshita's eyes remained fixed upon Hikigaya.

"Hikigaya-kun…" her words were almost inaudible.

And yet, they were not; everyone could hear Yukinoshita with perfect clarity. The loner involuntarily opened his eyes in surprise, a flush of bashfulness creeping toward his cheeks.

Yuigahama saw this.

"We ought to call a teacher!", she shouted, causing everyone to turn her way. Her cry broke the tension of a few moments prior.

However, Matsuba ignored the suggestion and walked with total nonchalance towards the broken window. Upon reaching it, he used the sleeve of his blazer to clear away the remaining glass. He leaned his weight upon the frame, interlacing his arms. Looking outside, he saw a boy with ruffled hair.

"Matsuba Haruto! Come out here, you cursed demon!", the boy's shouts grew louder.

Matsuba leaned on his arms while watching the boy. He looked fascinated. It was as if he were watching an ant begging for attention.

Yukinoshita, still disconcerted, continued to stare at Hikigaya. She blinked rapidly. It was as though she had been possessed for a fleeting second. Returning to her senses, she reached for her telephone, searching for Hiratsuka-sensei's contact. As she looked at the icon, she glanced at her other companions: Yuigahama watched her with concern; Hikigaya showed signs of embarrassment; Hasegawa was too far off to see clearly. Aisaka sat perfectly still in her seat, unmoving.

Before she could place the call, something made her desist.

Matsuba.

Look at his confidence, the way he leaned against the shattered window without a care in the world. As if it were all a jest, as if he were merely entertaining himself.

"This is a problem…", she thought. "I can resolve this…".

Thus, Yukinoshita tucked her phone away, though she kept Hiratsuka-sensei's contact ready. As she slipped it into her waistcoat pocket, she began to stride towards the window, coming to stand beside Matsuba, albeit keeping a measured distance. Upon seeing this, Hikigaya's fingers tensed. He nearly dashed towards Yukinoshita. He followed her footsteps, with Yuigahama clutching the hem of his shirt without even realising it. Now, the three of them stood to Matsuba's right, arranged in different tiers.

Yukinoshita was at the front, Yuigahama at the rear, and Hikigaya stood between them both.

Hasegawa, watching this, let out a sigh, yet he approached the window nonetheless. He felt no need to stand particularly close to anyone. Aisaka, who remained in her seat, observed the situation. There wasn't much she could do; the danger was far off, and the stones had never reached her. Not to mention that Matsuba was there. So, she simply scurried towards the window as well, weaving through everyone's legs until she reached the front beside Matsuba, rising on her tiptoes to peer outside.

"Matsuba! Get down here, you coward!".

The boy shouted again, with much more force than before.

Matsuba's smirk widened even further.

Yukinoshita noticed, but she offered no comment.

Hasegawa looked up.

"Aren't you going to do anything, Haruto?", he asked with moderate surprise.

It was hardly typical behaviour for the Prince of Sōbu.

The boy below reached for the ground once more and grasped another stone. He wound up and hurled it directly at Matsuba's head.

A dull thud.

The impact was dissipated in the palm of Matsuba's hand.

With a simple flick of his wrist, he caught and then tossed the stone back towards the boy as if it were a mere marble.

The trajectory was clean—a nearly perfect, visible diagonal line.

The impact struck the boy's leg.

"Shit!".

The boy stumbled and collapsed to the ground.

Matsuba began to stride towards the clubroom door.

"Well then…", he raised his voice to address them all. "My dear friends…". His eyes shimmered as the sunset reflected in his golden irises. "Let us see what our very first request desires!"

…

Aisaka was the first to follow him towards the door, followed closely by Hasegawa. As he crossed the threshold, the two shared a look. Matsuba was smirking, gesturing for Hasegawa to follow Aisaka towards the stairs. Hikigaya, Yukinoshita, and Yuigahama looked at one another, their faces displaying varying degrees of astonishment at what had just transpired.

Thus, just as Hikigaya took a breath, preparing himself to depart, he was interrupted by Yukinoshita walking ahead of him.

Yuigahama followed her, glancing back at Hikigaya, expecting him to follow.

"What on earth is Yukinoshita doing?", he asked himself while following both girls. "We have no inkling of his intentions; why the devil are we following him?".

Hikigaya began to ponder. He had heard the very worst regarding Matsuba. Rumours of the Dark Prince of Sōbu: violent, sadistic, unpredictable…

When the three of them passed through the door, they were met by a smiling Matsuba.

Yukinoshita took a few steps forward, then turned around.

"Go on ahead", she said, her words reflecting neither concern nor fear. Her arms were folded across her chest like a fortress wall.

"Yukinon…", Yuigahama's faint voice escaped her.

Hikigaya observed the brief interaction between them, and so…

"I don't think that—"

"Hikigaya-kun", Yukinoshita called his name. "Please, go on ahead".

Being interrupted, Hikigaya's jaw tightened. He cast a sidelong glance at Matsuba, only to see that persistent smirk. He nodded at Yukinoshita's request and began to walk. Yuigahama watched Hikigaya head down the corridor and then looked back at Yukinoshita. The latter gave a nod, and Yuigahama began to follow the solitary boy.

Now the two of them were alone once more. Yukinoshita took a moment to observe Matsuba.

His smile was not entirely chilling. She regarded him with a mixture of incredulity and caution. Matsuba was reflected in her eyes. Without uttering a word, he made a subtle gesture, bowing slightly, and with a light flick of his hand, indicated that Yukinoshita should walk first. She knit her brows in distrust. However, his manner was so natural that she felt compelled to walk, whether out of astonishment or curiosity.

Or perhaps, a blend of both.

As Matsuba walked, he drew level with Yukinoshita.

"You have a plan", Yukinoshita said, looking at him from the corner of her eye, "don't you?"

Matsuba turned towards her.

"Mmmh!", he murmured in an animated tone. "Quite so".

…

As the group reached the ground floor, they made their way out into the courtyard.

Upon arriving, they found the boy who had thrown the stone writhing in pain, clutching his leg. His movements were exaggerated, his gaze attempting to maintain a facade of courage that he simply did not possess.

Matsuba came to a halt a few paces ahead of the group.

With his posture straight and relaxed, and his smirk intact, he watched the boy, positively relishing the sight. It was as though he were spectating a performance staged solely for his own amusement.

"Matsuba! You finally show your face!"

The boy struggled to find his footing until, eventually, he managed to stand. He adopted a fighting stance, his hands raised and his fists clenched tight.

Matsuba tilted his head in an almost endearing fashion.

"Do I know you?".

Confused, the boy lowered his fists, appearing more offended than annoyed.

"Damn you! We've already met! I am Kanayaki Kaito!".

Matsuba's golden eyes blinked.

"Mmmh?".

The boy—Kanayaki—clenched his fists with renewed force, frustrated by the utter indifference he was receiving.

"We fought two days ago!", Kanayaki shouted. Matsuba merely shifted his head from side to side, signalling further confusion. "In Kurosana!".

"Oh, yes, I recall now", Matsuba said, striking his palm with his fist.

"You see!", Kanayaki cried out, encouraged.

"That shop had quite delicious pastries", Matsuba said, bringing a finger to his chin. "Were you the one who sold them to me?".

"What? No!", Kanayaki shouted once more. But as he went to speak, he cried out in pain. "Auch!".

He had bitten his tongue.

"Kanayaki-kun?", Yukinoshita spoke, stepping up beside Matsuba. "Did I pronounce that correctly?". Kanayaki instantly trembled under Yukinoshita's frigid gaze.

Kanayaki broke into a sweat, faltering before her. She intimidated him.

"Yes… you said it right…", Kanayaki replied with a hint of bashfulness.

Yukinoshita took a step towards him.

"Why are you attempting to fight with Matsuba-kun?".

Kanayaki retreated a few steps.

"A-Ah, because… etto (well), we are enemies…".

Yukinoshita arched her brows.

"Enemies? I see…", she replied, resting her index finger against her chin.

"Yes!", Kanayaki shouted, his eyes wild.

Yukinoshita looked him in the eye once more.

"Could you please refrain from shouting. It is quite tiresome, Kanayaki-kun".

"A-Ah-ah, yes… gomen (sorry)", he murmured, utterly defeated.

Analysing the situation, Yukinoshita let out a sigh.

"Kanayaki-kun", she addressed him, and instinctively, the boy straightened up. "You realise you could have seriously injured someone, do you not?".

"No…", Kanayaki murmured, his head bowed.

"Kanayaki-kun, I am unaware of the nature of your grievance with Matsuba-kun, but from what I can see, this will achieve nothing. If you truly wish to take action against Matsuba-kun, you ought to be direct—speak. Do not throw stones".

Yukinoshita took a breath and continued to elaborate. Her words were precise; she spoke with both patience and authority, explaining the potential repercussions. She detailed the importance of tempering one's emotions and the sheer futility of purposeless violence.

Everyone paid attention in their own way.

Hikigaya understood precisely what Yukinoshita was saying, while Yuigahama watched her with fascination, marveling at how she controlled the situation—something she herself could never manage. Now more relaxed, Hikigaya looked at the boy, Kanayaki. He seemed weak to him; he didn't look like a tough sort or a bully. He was short, thin, and possessed a gaze that wouldn't frighten a fly.

However, when Hikigaya's eyes drifted back to Yukinoshita, the sun's rays obscured his vision, and he saw Matsuba instead.

Hikigaya was baffled.

"Why hasn't he struck him?", Hikigaya wondered for a moment.

This was not the demon he had been told about. The rumours suggested that anyone who so much as looked at him the wrong way ended up in hospital. This situation was obviously far more severe than a stray glance.

Hikigaya had been counting on that.

The monster of logic did not rest. He could well use this situation to ensure a teacher witnessed it; that would surely see Matsuba expelled.

Sōbu did not permit violence of any sort. And yet, he remained here…

Hikigaya continued to observe him, seeing exactly what it was that Matsuba eyed with such relish.

Yukinoshita.

He was looking at her. Hikigaya felt that strange sensation in his stomach once more. But there was something else now. Was it rage? Anger, frustration, irritation.

An absolute nuisance.

Fear. Anguish. Pain.

Hikigaya was experiencing everything he had never felt in his entire life, all in the span of a Tuesday afternoon.

It was a sensation akin to that of a prey being stalked by a predator.

Dread.

What did he seek from her? What did he want with her? Did he... like her?

Questions upon questions flooded Hikigaya's mind.

Aisaka was quite taken aback.

The manner in which Yukinoshita spoke, the way she expressed herself—Yukinoshita's composure in diffusing the situation seemed incredible to her, truly admirable. She had expected Matsuba to take charge. That was the usual state of affairs for as long as she had known him. But he had not.

Hasegawa, meanwhile, saw exactly where Yukinoshita's point was heading, so to speak. Her words, her delivery. An idealist, he presumed. Her parents were likely politicians. Perhaps that was it. The name Yukinoshita felt familiar; he had certainly heard it somewhere before.

He looked at Matsuba.

He was smirking more than usual. Was he... excited?

Hasegawa, accustomed to such situations, sighed. Much like Hikigaya, he was worried that Matsuba had not yet acted.

It was unlike the Dark Prince.

The Prince that Hasegawa knew was erratic, cynical, and dreadfully mocking. In fact, the moment the first stone was dodged, he would have caught up easily and returned the blow instantly, knocking the boy out and leaving him there… half dead.

"Is he plotting something?", Hasegawa said to himself, watching as Matsuba refused to look away from Yukinoshita. "This girl has no idea what she's done. She has roused the dragon that had been slumbering…".

Though Matsuba had been calm over the past year, now…

Hasegawa hoped he was mistaken.

"Do you understand, Kanayaki-kun…?", Yukinoshita finished her lecture.

"…Yes…", Kanayaki murmured.

Matsuba smirked.

"Ha, ha", he laughed, turning to the others behind him. "I see I shall no longer need to do anything. Our President has resolved the matter".

"Idiot! You let your guard down!", Kanayaki shouted.

The boy's fist aimed directly at Matsuba's face.

Yukinoshita's eyes widened in surprise. She had thought the problem solved. She turned toward where Matsuba had been standing, but there was nothing there. She saw only Hikigaya, Yuigahama, Aisaka, and Hasegawa.

"Where is he?", Yukinoshita's eyes remained wide. "Has he gone?".

Then she saw the eyes of her companions; they were not looking at her, nor at Kanayaki, but at the person standing directly behind him.

"Ha, ha, ha", the laughter made itself present once more. "Mmmh, you really oughtn't to have done that", Matsuba's hand curled around Kanayaki's shoulders. "Darling…"

Matsuba's grip tightened on his shoulder before he delivered a sudden, violent yank backwards. Kanayaki went sprawling into the equipment shed, vanishing beneath a mountain of footballs.

The group, witnessing this, displayed a spectrum of reactions.

Yukinoshita was beyond astonished; her blue eyes were wide with shock. Yuigahama stood with her mouth agape, utterly stunned. Hikigaya's eyes were as wide as saucers.

Hasegawa, however, was not truly surprised. To him, this was merely the status quo.

"At least the lad didn't bleed", Hasegawa thought to himself.

Aisaka wore a calm, serene smile.

"How kind Haru-kun is; he forgave him", the girl thought.

Now that silence had fallen over them all, Matsuba addressed Kanayaki.

"And thank you for yet another memorable keepsake", he said, bowing mockingly to the boy buried amongst the footballs.

As the balls rolled across the floor, Kanayaki attempted to speak with what little strength remained to him.

"Y-You're welcome…", he barely managed to murmur.

Matsuba turned his attention to Hasegawa.

"Hajime, be a dear and fetch our new friend".

Hasegawa let out a weary sigh, trudged over to the shed, and hoisted Kanayaki over his shoulder.

Every eye was fixed on Matsuba.

"Right then… who fancies baking biscuits!", Matsuba raised his voice, sounding positively thrilled. Aisaka's hand shot up immediately. "I know a recipe; my aunt taught me back when I was about Ai-san's size". Matsuba took Aisaka's hand, leading her along. "In fact, my aunt and I nearly burnt the house down! Ha, ha, ha", Matsuba's laughter rang out. "I know you'll simply love them".

Matsuba began to weave his way through the middle of the group.

Aisaka followed him with little hops of excitement. Meanwhile, Yukinoshita, Yuigahama, and Hikigaya exchanged uncertain glances.

The trio had no idea what to say or do, other than to follow Matsuba back inside the school building.

"This fellow is going to put us through absolute hell…", Hikigaya thought, never ceasing to follow. His gaze drifted to Yukinoshita, then to Yuigahama. "Bloody hell…" he barely whispered.

This left Hasegawa at the rear, still lugging an unconscious Kanayaki over his shoulder.

"I am quite certain…", Matsuba spoke once more. "From tomorrow onwards, we shall have the time of our lives…"

The group began to follow Matsuba, and a voice seemed to emerge from the very words written on the page.

"So, don't you dare stop reading. Ha, ha… ha…"

…

Epilogue,

Home Time

…

Matsuba and Aisaka walked together towards the Sōbu exit.

It had always been this way, yet during Matsuba's absence—that span of time when he was gone—Aisaka had walked home alone.

Today, thank the heavens, that was no longer the case.

Aisaka glanced at Matsuba; he wore his habitual smirk, though it seemed less malevolent now, almost calm. As she walked, she gripped both straps of her rucksack, feeling a touch restless. She desperately wanted to ask Matsuba where he had been these past months. No one had heard a word from him during that time.

He was not the sort of person to vanish without good reason.

Just as she was about to speak, his voice rang out.

"Don't you find them rather agreeable?", Matsuba said, his voice honeyed and laced with his usual mockery.

Aisaka gave a firm nod.

"They are very sweet, Haru-kun", she replied, lost in thought. "Ah, Yukino-san quite liked your cat-shaped biscuits".

Matsuba laughed at the remark. He recalled with relish how he had disarmed the icy Yukinoshita with nothing more than a few biscuits.

Yet, despite the calm atmosphere, Aisaka tried to press for the truth…

"Haru-kun…"

"Ai-san", Matsuba interrupted once more. "I've forgotten something", he said, halting his stride. "Go on ahead, my dear; I shall catch you up in a jiffy".

Aisaka noted his smile.

It held no malice, nor was it malevolent; it was simply a smile—normal and plain.

Aisaka nodded, offering a small smile of her own. She watched as Matsuba vanished into the shadows of the corridor, heading back towards the school.

…

Through the infirmary window, a few stray students and teachers could be seen passing by.

"I wondered when you might wake…".

The boy turned toward the masculine voice, which made his very skin crawl.

"Matsuba…".

His smirk rose. The moonlight caused his golden eyes to shimmer.

"And here I thought you might forget me. They usually do, eventually", Matsuba said, picking up the nurse's clipboard. "A tumble down the stairs. I see Hajime-kun still knows how to handle a job". He set the board down and looked at the boy, his head tilting slightly to the side. "Now… er, Kanikama? Katsudon? It began with a 'Ka', did it not?".

The boy knit his brows, visibly annoyed.

"Kanayaki", he murmured.

"That's it!", Matsuba tapped Kanayaki's leg lightly. "Right then, now that we are quite alone. Will you tell me?".

Kanayaki sat up straight in the bed.

"Tell you… what?".

Matsuba's smirk twisted.

"Oh, for heaven's sake, Kana…", he paused, his mind going blank. "Friend-kun", he said, his smile widening once more. "Simply tell me who it was, and you shall owe me nothing more…".

Kanayaki drew back slightly, clutching the bedsheets.

"I haven't the faintest what you're on about, and I don't owe you a thing".

"Don't do that", Matsuba's smile grew. "Don't do it".

Somehow, Kanayaki found a surge of misplaced confidence.

"Do… what?".

In a split second, Matsuba seized Kanayaki by the collar of his shirt.

"Is this how you repay me, Kana-whatever?", Matsuba spoke, tightening his grip on the collar and pulling the boy toward him. "Pardon the insult. Have you truly no inkling of what I could do to you?".

Kanayaki's breathing became ragged and irregular. He felt a heavy weight pressing down upon him. His throat went dry, and his eyes bulged.

"A-All right, all right", he stammered quickly, recoiling. "I-I'll tell you…".

Matsuba returned to his natural smirk and straightened the boy's collar for him.

"Speak", his voice turned deep in the blink of an eye.

Kanayaki's eyes widened at the sound of that voice; he swallowed hard.

"I-It was a girl. She told me…", he took a deep breath and continued. "S-She told me to challenge you to a fight. She promised that if I did, she'd get me ten thousand followers on Mixi".

Matsuba's head tilted, his smile never wavering.

"What did this girl look like?".

Kanayaki shook his head frantically.

"I never saw her. It was all via message", he clarified, desperately fumbling through his clothes for his telephone.

Matsuba's voice grew even more somber.

"Mmmh", it irritated him that the boy didn't fear him quite enough. "What avatar did her contact use…?". Matsuba had no time to wait for him to find the phone.

Kanayaki nodded fervently at the command.

"Y-Yes, his avatar. I can't remember which one it was, but the hair colour w-was… o-oh, bloody hell, P-Purple! Yes, purple…"

Matsuba smirked instantly. Now he knew exactly who it was. With a leap, he stood up.

"Purple… mmh…" Matsuba's grin widens, the corners of his mouth stretching further. "Let's keep this between us, shall we?" Kanayaki nods frantically, unable to look away from those golden eyes. Matsuba walks towards the door but turns back before leaving. "Oh, and we'll be staying in touch. Remember… you owe me."

Matsuba walked out once more, leaving Kanayaki alone in the infirmary. The light in the room suddenly cut out.

"Bloody hell!", Kanayaki shouted in terror.

To which, Matsuba's laughter echoed throughout the school corridor.

"Ha, ha, ha", the laughter rang out through the darkness.

Kanayaki groaned, vexed.

"That fellow…".

…

First Chapter Notes: The Service Club's Newest Member

Who are the new characters?

Matsuba Haruto, widely known as the Dark Prince of Sōbu. A student of Class 2-C.

He possesses dark brown hair with two prominent, stray locks. His eyes are a striking gold, set against a light olive complexion. Standing at 1.79 m with a slender build, his blood type is AB. Though born in Kyoto, he spent a significant portion of his childhood in Hokkaidō.

He is a lad defined by an ingrained arrogance and a haughty nature that stems from the very depths of his being. His preferences include the colour blue and the sensation of being feared by others. He loathes excessive sweets but has a profound love for tea, silence, and white cats. He finds great amusement in people who feign their personalities. His parents are divorced, and he currently resides with his maternal aunt, Kisaragi Mizuki, due to the proximity of her home to Sōbu. His wider family consists of his father, Matsuba Satō, and his stepmother, Matsuba Ōsuki. His biological mother abandoned his father when he was twelve years old, relocating to Tokyo.

Upon his arrival at Sōbu in his second year, the student body collectively assumed he would be the "Hayama Hayato" of Class C. He seemed to have it all: good looks, an easy rapport with everyone, and, most crucially, a smile that never faded. It was for these reasons he was dubbed the "Prince". However, when an upperclassman attempted to harass the new "pretty boy", everything unravelled. Rumours ran rampant during those first few days. It was said he had injured the older student so severely that the boy would never return to school. Then came another incident; nearby schools reported that a Sōbu student had caused grievous bodily harm to their pupils. The school denied the claims, but the student body remained unconvinced. Another rumour surfaced when he was spotted in Chiba's red-light district causing disturbances and vandalising establishments.

Consequently, it was not long before he effectively took command of the school. Whilst the students made this quite clear, the teachers and the institution itself appeared to be shielding him.

Since then, he has been known as the "Dark Prince". Nevertheless, he had been missing for six months and two weeks; he had neither attended classes nor been seen in the local area. Unlike others in his hierarchy, he controls the Sōbu district and has recently taken over the Kaihin area as well. Before these two, he attended Chiba Higashi High School.

(1 Chome-18-52 Todorokicho, Inage Ward, Chiba, 263-0021, Japan)

However, he ceased attending and transferred to Sōbu for reasons unknown.

He has now chosen to join the Service Club solely for his own continued entertainment. He seeks neither romance nor friendship, nor the creation of fond memories or anything "genuine". He merely wishes to enjoy himself.

"Long live the Vice-President of the Service Club!"

…

Hasegawa Hajime, former leader of one of the largest gangs in Chiba. A student of Class 2-A.

He has raven-black hair, matched by his eyes. He possesses a threatening gaze and a small scar upon his chin. Standing taller than average at 1.84 m, he has a robust, sturdy build. His blood type is B, and he was born in Chiba.

He is a calm and focused lad, a stark contrast to his disposition before arriving at Sōbu. He makes a concerted effort not to lose his temper with others. His preferences include extra-spicy ramen and the sound of birdsong. He consumes far too much coffee. He loathes anything sour and is a devoted dog lover, owning a Labrador. His family consists of his mother, Hasegawa Haruka, and his younger sisters, Hasegawa Umi (aged 6) and Nami (aged 15).

His dislikes include his father. Whilst he does not fear Haruto, he is well aware that should they ever come to blows, he would undoubtedly lose. He also detests it when people mispronounce his surname, or when anyone attempts to flirt with his sister, Nami.

He has been at Sōbu since his first year. He failed his second year due to an "altercation", though it remains a mystery why he was not expelled; instead, his punishment was to resit the second year entirely. He maintains several acquaintances in the most dangerous quarters of Chiba, yet has few friends within Sōbu itself. He has had several girlfriends in the past, though he has never dated any of them seriously. As previously mentioned, he belonged to one of the most formidable gangs in Chiba. However, the group fractured over time due to the rise of new gang leaders. It is still widely believed that Hajime is involved in the criminal underworld. He was formerly known by the moniker "The Black Whirlwind".

…

Aisaka Aiko, a student of Class 2-B.

She is a girl with reddish hair and honey-coloured eyes. She has a slender frame and stands at 1.43 m in height. Her blood type is A, and she was born in Chiba.

She is cheerful, enraptured by the prospect of making new friends, and incredibly energetic. She excels at athletics and maintains excellent marks, currently holding the tenth position in the overall academic rankings at Sōbu. She tends to get along famously with everyone and is considered a model student within her class. Her preferences include black tea with an excessive amount of sugar and cats of all colours. She strongly dislikes it when people raise their voices. Her family consists of her mother, Nanoka, and she lives with her alone.

She is a faithful servant to Haruto, if one might put it that way. Her loyalty to him is absolute, regardless of his actions. This devotion stems from the time he defended both her and her mother from a group of thugs when they first met. This occurred before he entered Sōbu and became known as the "Dark Prince", back when he was still a student at Higashi High School. Since then, she has loved him as if he were her own elder brother.

She places no stock in rumours and loathes it when people speak ill of others. Furthermore, she is not one to be easily intimidated by anyone.

And that concludes the introduction of the new characters. As the chapters progress, further details regarding them shall be revealed.

…

Note 2: Project Overview and Narrative Direction

This is the second revision of the chapter, and quite likely the final one. I have refined several arguments and paragraphs, whilst altering certain aspects of Haruto's backstory to better suit the overarching plot. The first "season" of this narrative is now effectively complete.

Regarding the story itself, it shall proceed from the events of Season 2, taking into account all chapters and OVAs. I shall be bypassing the first season, though subtle references to it may appear. The second and third seasons will follow the established canon, albeit with the addition of new chapters and the rearrangement of existing ones. A prime example of this will be seen in Chapters 11 and 12. Furthermore, there shall be crossovers with other series, such as:

Classroom of the Elite

Komi Can't Communicate

Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai

The Quintessential Quintuplets

Hyouka

My Dress-Up Darling

Kaguya-sama: Love is War

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian

I must clarify that these are merely crossovers; they shall not hold significant sway over the main plot. Each chapter is expected to span between 10,000 and 15,000 words.

As for the plot, Hachiman remains the primary focus and protagonist. New Original Characters (OCs) will be introduced to influence the trajectory of the story, as my goal is to see the main cast interact with the world I have created.

Another point of importance: Haruto shall not have a romantic interest. This is a fundamental part of his character, a theme I intend to expand upon in future chapters. Additionally, I plan to explore the love triangle—Hikigaya, Yukinoshita, and Yuigahama—more thoroughly, rather than focusing solely on Hachiman and Yukino.

Key Plot Focal Points:

The repercussions of becoming acquainted with Haruto.

Increased prominence for Yukinoshita and her family.

Greater involvement and development for Yuigahama.

Hikigaya demonstrating his prowess as a "Monster of Logic".

Upcoming Chapters:

Chapter Two: Biscuits once More – This will follow Hayama's request, as seen in the original canon. I omitted it here to allow proper introductions for the new characters.

Chapter Three: The Demon brings forth more Demons – The introduction of the story's antagonists (Original Characters). This chapter will also briefly expose Matsuba Haruto's past.