CH. 121 - Hikigaya's Help

In late may… An office building bustles and works as another normal day plays out. A familiar man types at his computer for a moment before stopping and leaning over to his office phone and picking it up, dialing a number.

“Hello Diana, did you have a chance to get the Mattpad contestants in order yet?” Mr. Murphy from Conarc Editing, asks before pausing for his answer and smiling a bit. “Great, mind if I swing by now to take a look? Be there in a few.” He says before hanging up and standing. He knocks on a door frame to another office where a woman is sitting at her desk.

“Diana.” He says.

“Murphy, perfect. Let’s get this list in order so we can have our editors go through and pick the winners.” Diana says as she adjusts her seat to give him room at her computer. He pulls up a chair next to her as she pulls up a list of book covers and descriptions. As they cycle through, discussing each one briefly, Murphy gets a surprised look when he notices one in particular.

“Wait, could you scroll back up?” He asks. Diana is confused but does as she’s told. “There, wait a moment.” He says, analyzing one book in particular with a familiar cover art. He reads the description before getting a warm look. “The Shadow and Her Pet…” he says softly.

“Quite the name. Definitely an eye catcher, and that cover. Think she got that commissioned by a professional?” Diana asks. Murphy smiles a bit before sitting back in his chair.

“Could you send that one to my computer? I want to take a look at that one myself.” Murphy says as Diana smiles at him smugly.

“Oh yeah? I know that look, you want to make this one a winner already, don’t you?” She asks as Murphy smiles at her before looking back at the computer.

“Come on, let’s finish up.” He says. She sticks her tongue out playfully before they continue on with the rest of the list. 

Early another morning, Shiori stands in her inner world. Rain pours down from the thick layer of clouds above her, just like before, but she doesn’t seem to mind this time. She lets her head fall back, and she closes her eyes as the rain hits her face gently.

“Are we okay?” The young Shiori asks, sitting in front of her. Shiori takes a deep breath in before answering.

“I don’t know. But maybe… maybe I never did.” Shiori says as she looks at her younger self with a gentle look. “Most of my life, I was so focused on what I should feel. Maybe I should just try feeling it instead. Right now I’m.. okay. Tomorrow I might not be but it’ll be alright because…” she gently raises her arms and holds herself with a blushing, warm smile. “I have someone who loves me for who I am.. mood swings and all.” She says softly. Her younger self smiles at her before looking up, noticing something.

“Look. The rains starting to let up.” She points out. Shiori nods as she feels an embrace around her. Her younger self looks at her with a smile. “You should find him.” She says. Shiori looks at her younger self confused. “Our first friend.”

Shiori then opens her eyes to find herself in her bed, just waking up. Hikigaya sleeps behind her, wrapping her in his arms. She looks tired but smiles a bit while holding his arms warmly. 

“I’ve already found him…” She whispers as they cuddle together. Later, Shiori eats breakfast as Hikigaya sits down next to her. 

“The contest winners come out soon, don’t they?” He asks, eating a spoonful of cereal.

“They were announced a few days ago.” Shiori says casually. Hikigaya chokes on his cereal a bit, coughing before looking at her.

“Did you win?” He asks with a sweat. Shiori shrugs.

“I dunno. I didn’t get any emails or anything.” She says, looking at her bowl with half-lidded eyes. Hikigaya stares at her with a soft look before digging his spoon around in his bowl.

“Well, that’s okay. It wasn’t a big thing, anyway. There’s always next time.” He says supportively. Shiori nods a little.

“I know I did my best. I’m proud of my book, even if no one else reads it.” She says confidently as Hikigaya smiles before kissing her on the cheek.

“I love you. And hey, at least you’ll always have one reader.” He says with a smile, pointing a thumb at himself as she smiles and blushes, nodding at him. She then hears her phone vibrate on the counter they’re sitting at so she checks it, noticing an email. She looks surprised before opening it.

“What is it?” Hikigaya asks.

“An email… from Conarc Editors…” Shiori says softly and surprised. Hikigaya looks confused.

“I thought you said you totally blew it with them?” He says blatantly as Shiori gives him an upset look at his abrasiveness causing him to look away awkwardly. She then exhales as she looks at her phone.

“I thought I did. I mean, I walked out of our meeting and they never called me back so…” she says, trailing off as she reads the email. “ ‘Dear Ms. Inabi, We saw you submitted your book ‘The Shadow and Her Pet’ to Mattpad for the Springling Contest and although we have decided to select others as winners for out contest, we have also decided your book would be undersold if only labeled as an online contest winner. We would like a chance to complete the paperwork on your book to get it integrated in our system and give you the platform you have so obviously earned. Looking forward to hearing from you again. - Murphy Law, Conarc Editors.’ ...” She reads out loud, softly trailing off as her eyes grow wide. Hikigaya stares at her with wide eyes too.

“Shiori… do you know what that means?” He asks softly. Shiori simply nods slowly, staring at her phone. Hikigaya gets up and quickly grabs her shoulders. “Baby, you did it! Your book is gonna make it big!” he shouts excitedly as she stares at him.

“I… did it…” she says softly before a smile spreads across her face. “I did it.” She repeats as Hikigaya smiles back.

“You did!” He says as Shiori quickly jumps up and latches onto him.

“I did it! I did it!” She cheers as Hikigaya holds her up and spins her around, laughing and cheering with her. As they celebrate, Asami walks in with a smugly proud look, leaning against the wall.

“I knew you could do it. Who said you needed my help to pull some strings?” Asami asks sarcastically as Takanou steps next to her with a raised eyebrow.

“I distinctly remember you offering to cheat for her multiple times.” He says with a smile, crossing his arms. Asami leans back towards him and smirks smugly as she presses her head against his shoulder.

“Did I now?” She says playfully. Hikigaya and Shiori eventually calm down and start trying to compose themselves as Shiori grabs her phone and stares at the screen with shining eyes.

“I can’t believe it. This is really happening! My dream is coming true!” She says warmly, proud of what she’s accomplished but as she scrolls down the email, her smile shifts to slight confusion. Hikigaya picks up on her look and looks concerned.

“Is everything okay?” He asks.

“Yeah, there’s just a follow up email. ‘Also, if you're able, we would like you to stay in contact with the artist who made your book cover. We’ll cover any commission fees that arise. We were very impressed with the artwork and want you to continue working together.’ ” Shiori says, her smile returning as she looks at Hikigaya. He stares blankly for a moment, unsure of what to say before Shiori suddenly jumps on him, kissing him happily causing Hikigaya to stumble back against the wall. As they do, Hamasaki joins Asami and Takanou as they watch their growing children chase their dreams together.

“Ah~ they’re growing up so fast..” Hamasaki says, an almost melancholic look on her face. Takanou holds her shoulder warmly as Asami takes her hand.

“Yeah… but at least they’ve got each other.” Asami says softly. Hikigaya then pulls back with his hands on Shiori’s shoulders as he smiles excitedly at her.

“Okay! I’m gonna get working on some character sheets! Can’t show up empty handed.” He says with a smile before rushing upstairs. Shiori smiles at him as he goes before looking back at her parents. They wave to her gently as Shiori smiles warmly at them. Asami then nods her head up in Hikigaya’s direction as Shiori nods back then rushes upstairs.

“Hikigaya! Wait, I wanna help!” She shouts excitedly, chasing after him as they chase their dreams together.

Late one night, Hikigaya draws at his desk with a happy expression on his face. He works hard and diligently when suddenly his phone begins to ring. He picks it up, seeing Alice calling him, and answers happily.

“Yo.”

“Hey Hiki, could you come to your balcony for a sec?” Alice asks through the phone. Hikigaya looks surprised for a moment before getting up and walking to his balcony.

“Sure.” he says.

“Thanks.” She replies. He steps outside and looks around, trying to figure out why she’d ask such a thing.

“Okay, what now?” He asks.

“Look up.” She says casually. Hikigaya looks up only to see Alice falling through the sky, screaming with a scared look on her face and her phone to her ear, before slamming into Hikigaya with a loud thump. They both groan on the floor of his tiny balcony. “Thanks for the catch..” Alice mumbles.

“Sure.. no problem..” Hikigaya responds. He then sits up and looks at her across his lap an upset look. “Hey, wait a minute! Didn’t Shiori tell you no flying yet??” he shouts. Alice giggles awkwardly while rubbing the back of her head. They both stand up as Alice gets an excited look.

“Come on! I’m really starting to get the hang of this! Let’s spar!” Alice says as she puts up her fists at him. Hikigaya stares at her with an uninterested and unimpressed look.

“No way. I’d crush you 50 different ways from Wednesday.” He says. Alice blushes a little as his words before smiling at him flirtatiously.

“Crush me?.. is that a promise?” She asks softly as Hikigaya gets upset.

“Stop that, you perv!” He shouts as she snickers.

“You know, getting hands on lessons from my super idols is really beneficial for more than one reason.” She says smugly as she thinks of Shiori guiding her closely with her hands along Alice’s body causing her to blush intensely. Hikigaya sighs.

“You’re making me really not want to train you now.” He says. Alice whines in response.

“C’monnn! Shiori told me you think I’m cute!” She whines. Hikigaya blushes before crossing his arms and turning around.

“W-Why should I waste my time training a perv like you? No way.” He says as Alice falls to her knees, grabbing his shirt as she cartoonishly cries.

“Nyoooo! Please! I’ll behave, I promise!” She begs him. Hikigaya softly looks at her over his shoulder for a moment.

‘She’s so excited about her powers.. She’s really making an effort to achieve her goals. Just like all the others… Maybe I should step up too?’ He thinks for a moment with a soft look before relenting. “Fine, but only for a bit, I’ve got stuff to do.” He caves. Alice then shoots up with a big smile on her face.

“Yes! Time for Watchdog training! Super quick, no problem! Ten minutes tops.” She says.

Hours later, as the sun begins to rise, Hikigaya tiredly walks back into his room, dragging his feet. He collapses on his bed with a groan.

“So much for a quick session…” He grumbles before giving himself a moment to relax. The moment doesn’t last long however as Riku calls for him downstairs. 

“Hikiii!” Riku calls out. Hikigaya groans again as he gets up and heads downstairs to the child. Riku smiles at Hikigaya with excitement on his face. “Ready to train me some more?” Riku asks excitedly. Hikigaya exhales a bit before taking a deep breath then smiling fired up at him.

“Question is, are you ready?” Hikigaya asks back. Riku laughs a bit before rushing outside with Hikigaya following him. A couple hours pass as Hikigaya cracks his back while coming back inside. He goes back to his room and takes a seat at his desk as Shiori steps into his doorway.

“Hey, thanks again for helping my brother. I know he’s a little overly excited about his powers.” She says warmly.

“No worries, I was the same way. The little guy has a lot of energy though. Can’t imagine how he’s related to you in that field.” He says playfully as Shiori giggles a bit.

“Also, how’s the character sheet coming along? I don’t want to schedule the meeting before it’s all put together.” Shiori asks. Hikigaya looks a little disappointed in himself as he looks at the papers on his desk.

“Yeah.. they’re not done yet, but I promise I’ll get them done soon. I’ll work on them at school tomorrow.” Hikigaya says.

“No, no, it’s okay! I was just.. I was wondering how it’s going. Take your time. I’ll leave you to it then.” Shiori says softly with a smile, but Hikigaya can hear the disappointment in her voice through her words. 

The next day during school, Hikigaya draws intently as Samuel speaks. He draws and draws as his eyelids begin to droop for a moment but he shakes it off and continues working. After a bit, Ryuji leans to him and taps him on the shoulder. 

“Hey, Hikigaya, do you mind coming by the restaurant for a bit after school for the next few days?.” Ryuji whispers. Hikigaya looks at him surprised.

“Mr. Kagen already stepped down?” Hikigaya asks. Ryuji shakes his head.

“Not yet, but with the transition, things have been a little crazy and we could use the help.” He says honestly. Hikigaya thinks about it for a moment, torn between his friend and his art for Shiori.

“Mm… Okay, sure, I think I can do that.” He agrees with a conflicted smile. Ryuji smiles back.

“Thanks man, you’re the best.” Ryuji says happily.

Later that night, after his shift at the restaurant, Hikigaya gets home, worn out from the past few days. He collapses on his bed, still in his dark shirt from work, before turning and looking at his desk where his art supplies lay. He stares at it for a moment with tired eyes before pushing himself back up with a determined look and approaching his desk. Before he can get started though, he gets a text from Shiori.

‘Cum ere’ it reads. He looks confused but does as he’s told and enters her room, closing the door behind him. As soon as he steps in, Shiori wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him, pushing him against the door with a thud. He’s surprised as she smiles, giving him a sloppy kiss. She opens her mouth and tries to push her tongue into his mouth but Hikigaya gently pushes her back a little, pulling from the kiss with a blush.

“Shiori, what’s-…” he starts but then he catches a scent. His brow furrows as he looks at her. “Is that alcohol?.. Shiori, were you..?” He asks as she smiles at him with half-lidded eyes.

“Yep~.” She says with a pop. She stumbles back a little as she sits on the bed. Hikigaya looks concerned.

“How did… when..?” He asks as Shiori giggles.

“You know how yur mama likes to drink. I jyusssst borrowed some.” She says with a head tilt as she forms her tail and slides it across her bed to grab the empty bottle from the floor. She then lifts it up making a silly noise as she does, to show Hikigaya. “Only a lil thoughhh.” She says as Hikigaya’s eyes widen a little.

“Shiori! Was that full?” he asks, stepping closer to her.

“Mm mostly. Why? Did ya want some~?” She teases, shaking the bottle at him. He rolls his eyes and goes to grab the bottle but as he steps closer to her, she suddenly drops the bottle and latches onto him, pulling him over her onto the bed. “C’mon, baby. let’s fuck!” She says rather loudly. Hikigaya gets stressed as he looks back over his shoulder.

“Shiori, shush! Our families are home..!” He says in a firm whisper.

“Is fineeee. Just be quiet. We gotta celebrate properly~” she says as she grabs his hand and puts it on her chest. Hikigaya blushes as he looks at her. Then with her other hand, she reaches down and starts rubbing him. Hikigaya grunts as she stares at him lustfully. “Shhshhh you say quiet..” she mumbles as Hikigaya looks at her, frustrated.

“Shiori… we shouldn’t… not like this…” he says.

“Why not? I know you love me, so what if I’m drunk? it’s be ohkay.” She slurs. Hikigaya struggles to stay composed as Shiori pulls her hand away and starts grinding on him, pressing herself against him as she wraps her legs around his waist.

“No, it’s… this isn’t… it’s a distraction…” he says as Shiori slowly stops and looks at him softly. “I know how you feel… but there’s a healthier way to go about-” he says when Shiori suddenly kisses him again. He’s surprised as she pulls back with half lidded eyes and a slightly annoyed look.

“I don want healthy now.. I want.. I don’t wanna…” she struggles to say before getting frustrated and throwing her head back onto the bed. “Forget it…” she mumbles. Hikigaya looks at her softly as she lets him go. She then puts her hands over her eyes as she starts crying. “I’m so awful…” she whimpers. Hikigaya looks at her with a sad look before she palms her forehead gently. She then does it again then again before she starts hitting herself on the head repeatedly, hitting harder each time. Hikigaya quickly grabs her wrists, stopping her.

“Hey! Hey hey hey, it’s okay. Shiori, it’s okay.” He says softly as he pulls her up and into an embrace. Shiori cries loudly, sobbing in his embrace as Hikigaya holds her. “I know. I know…” he says gently as he rubs her hair, tears in his eyes too.

The next morning, Riku gets up bright and early and rushes to Hikigaya’s room, knocking on the door excitedly.

“Come on, Hiki! Let’s get some practice in before school!” He shouts, startling Hikigaya awake at his desk, a pencil still in his hand. He looks at the time and reads 5 a.m. He grunts a little as he gets up and changes out of his work clothes before going down to practice with Riku. At school, Hikigaya sleeps at his desk as Shiori looks at him out of the corner of her eye.

‘I guess working on it at school is a no go today… I don’t blame him though after what I did last night…’ she thinks softly, as she groans and puts her head in her hands.

“What say you, Mr. Oshiro?” Samuel calls on him purposefully as he lifts his head up, a piece of paper stuck to his face.

“Wha? Sorry, I was busy.” He says, one eye half open. Samuel raises an eyebrow at him with a smile.

“I can tell. I know school is almost over, but these last lessons are the most important before the big test. Please pay attention.” She lectures as Hikigaya gets an embarrassed look and nods. Later that night, as Hikigaya is coming home from his shift at the restaurant, tired and worn out, Alice runs up from behind with a big smile on her face, hugging him around his neck.

“Hey Hikigaya! Mind if we do a little training tonight?” She then notices his uniform as he looks at her. She lets go and steps back. “Oh, sorry, I didn’t realize you were working tonight. We can do it some other time if you want.” She says.

“No, it’s fine. It’s only for a bit as Ryuji gets everything in order.” He says while cracking his back. “I got time. I think I can do it.” He says as Alice smiles.

“You’re the best!” She says before hugging him tightly again as Hikigaya smiles tiredly at her. The next day at school, Sugawara approaches him.

“Hey, could you help me out later? I got some stuff I want to get for my business but I don’t think Haru can carry it all…” Sugawara asks.

“Sure, I think I can do that.” He answers while drawing on the sheets, not taking his eyes off them.

“You’re the best!” Sugawara says with a smile. The next day at lunch, Hikigaya stares blankly at his lunchbox for a moment before being snapped out of it by Ryuji.

“Could you do a couple more shifts? Sorry to ask again.” Ryuji asks with an awkward sweat.

“You’ll still have time for me though, right?” Alice asks timidly.

“Sure, I can do both.” Hikigaya responds with a tired expression, not even looking at them. Shiori looks at him for a moment before looking down softly. Later that night or rather early the next day, Hikigaya works hard at his desk after a training session with Alice, tired and bruised a little. He rubs his eyes, fighting back fatigue and blinking rapidly trying to maintain focus. His door then opens as Shiori steps into his room, closing the door behind her gently. He looks at her surprised.

“Shiori, it’s really late, why’re you still up?” He asks. Shiori stands with her hands behind her back, looking a little conflicted but not upset with him.

“Hiki… I scheduled the meeting for tomorrow morning. It’s.. okay if you don’t have the character sheets done. I understand how long it can take to make good art, and I haven’t made it easier..” Shiori says softly. Hikigaya is shocked and upset.

“N-no! I mean, that’s fine but..” He stutters out before looking at his art on the table then back at her soft gaze. “I promise, I’ll finish them tonight.” He says with determined and tired eyes. She smiles a bit and nods softly before exiting his room and going to bed. Hikigaya looks at his sheets before immediately getting back to work.

Come the early morning, just before the sun begins to rise, Hikigaya gently places a folder down by her door with dull, exhausted eyes. He slowly falls back to his room before closing the door, attempting to get some rest before the start of the school day. A little later, Shiori comes out of her room ready to go with her bag when she notices the folder. She picks it up with a warm smile before hugging it tightly to her chest. She then makes her way out of the house and off to her meeting. 

A few hours later, Hikigaya runs down the street in frantic panic in his school uniform, all messy and undone.

“Damnit! I’m late and on the day I need to study the most! Shit!” he shouts to himself as he rushes into school, sliding across the front entrance. In class, now hours after school has started, everyone sits and studies, Shiori included. Lucy taps her on the shoulder.

“Hey, I knew you were gonna be late because of your meeting but have you heard from Hikigaya?” She asks.

“Yeah, I can’t remember the last time either of you were late.” Suiyoubi adds. Shiori looks surprised before looking at his empty seat.

“I have no idea. I was out before he needed to leave for school. I just assumed he’d be here before I got back.” She says, getting a slightly worried look. “I hope he’s okay..” She says softly when suddenly the classroom door swings open. Everyone is startled a bit as Hikigaya stands in the doorway, panting and sweating from his run.

“I’m… here…” He says between breaths, making his way to his seat.

“Well, a few hours late is better than not coming at all. I hope you’ve come prepared for serious studying.” Samuel says, obviously a little disappointed in his tardiness. He nods as he plops down in his seat. 

“Hey baby, are you okay?” Shiori asks softly. He gives her a thumbs up before completely passing out at his desk. 

“And he’s out.” Lucy says.

“He’s really been doing a lot lately. I hope he’s okay..” Sugawara says softly as Haru nods. A little later, while the class studies, Hikigaya stares at the textbook in front of him with an empty gaze. After a moment of his eyes subtly darting back and forth, he gets up from his desk and approaches Samuel at the front. Shiori watches him and listens as they speak softly. Hikigaya asks something as Samuel shakes her head with a smile before speaking softly.

“Alright but you better actually study. Take this packet, it’ll make it easier.” She hands him the small packet as he takes it and begins heading out of the class with all his belongings. Shiori notices the look in his eyes and gets a concerned look.

“Did you see the look on his face? He looks really tired. Maybe I’ve been too rough during training?” Alice asks her friends with a concerned look, lifting her hand to her mouth. Ryuji sighs and holds his forehead in his hand.

“And I wasn’t helping. Asking for help at the restaurant all week..” He says with an upset look.

“I would’ve never asked him for help if I knew he was already so busy!” Sugawara says, shocked hearing his friends. They start talking about him, worried for their friend, as Shiori listens, only worrying more about her boyfriend.