270THE SNAFU:R IS REALLLLLLLL!
This is not an actual episode! This is just an interlude. More info at the bottom, as usual.
Be prepared for possible out of characterness. I have been informed that the characters act a little more like themselves from Volume 12ish, so oops. Just a disclaimer.
Speaking of that, I do not own Oregairu or any of its characters or content.
Anyways, enjoy!
Watching My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Terrible, As Expected
Interlude 01
After we left our seats, we found ourselves standing in front of the doors to our rooms. I was half-surprised to see all sixteen doors still in place. Considering how the voice was acting previously, I was prepared to see a door missing that just happened to belong to me.
…Though, the voice's strange demeanor at the end of the last episode concerned me.
"So, like, what now?" Miura asked the group.
Hayama was the first to reply. "Perhaps we should discuss what we have seen so far?"
Uh, I'd rather not hear you all discuss my personal matters. How about we all sit in our rooms and do typical third-year high schooler things! That sounds much better, doesn't it?
"Um…" Totsuka spoke up. "I feel kind of weird just talking about Hachiman like that…"
Yes! Thank you Totsuka! I could just… do normal things with you!
"I understand," Hayama said with a nod. "Then perhaps we should split up into our own groups?"
"That works for me," I replied before anyone else tried to suggest something different. There was no way I was going to deal with these people, especially after my thoughts were put out to the world.
Hayama smiled. "Any objections?"
Thankfully, no one objected. Once I was sure I was in the clear, I immediately turned around and walked towards my room.
(Un)fortunately, my adorable little sister (read: villainous) decided to follow me. "Onii-chan, you just don't want to talk to anyone!"
"What? Nooo…" I weakly denied. "Me? Avoiding people? That's really out of character!"
Komachi deadpanned. "Ha ha. Very funny." She suddenly grabbed my arm. "Now come on, you need to talk to Yuki-nee!"
Oi, wait! Quit trying to set up romcom moments! I just want to be alone!
…Well, talking to Yukinoshita is not too bad…
Wait, am I actually having those thoughts? I didn't think I'd become one of those normies! Must… resist… bad thoughts!
Of course, this all occurred in my head. On the outside, I held a neutral expression. Soon enough, Komachi had dragged me to Yukinoshita, who was about to enter her room.
"Yuki-nee! Here's your boyfriend!" Komachi let go of my arm, only to suddenly appear behind me.
Yukinoshita turned to the two of us with confusion. "Huh-?"
"Don't be too loud!" She pushed me towards the raven haired girl, before running off.
In a typical romcom situation, this would have resulted in me losing my balance and falling onto Yukinoshita, leading to terrible things happening to me. Thankfully, this theater was romcom free (I think). As a result, I simply caught myself before I could fall.
"...Yo," I awkwardly greeted her, my hands in my pockets. I pretended that I didn't hear Komachi call me Yukinoshita's boyfriend. And it seemed like she was ignoring it as well.
"...Did your sister force you to come over here?"
"You got that right." Even though I don't hate the idea of this. I-It's not like I wanted to come here or anything. I-Idiot!
…Jeez, what's with that tsundere-like thought?
Yukinoshita giggled. "Typical Hikigaya-kun. I assume you wished to be alone?"
Did I? Well, yeah, but…
"It might be better for me to socialize anyways."
"Oh? Perhaps I have a bigger effect on you than I expected."
"Ha! In your dreams."
"In denial, I see." Yukinoshita smirked, before becoming serious. "How are you handling… people learning about you?"
Going right for the heart, huh? I sighed. "Frankly, I'm really annoyed about this. I don't like the idea of my own thoughts being shown. Not to mention that I don't really trust everyone here." I'm mostly referring to Hayama's clique, though I guess there could be worse people than them.
Yukinoshita sighed. "I concur. While I may not be the one with the focus, I do not like the idea of the others seeing what we have done behind the scenes. Plus…" She glanced at Haruno, who appeared to be conversing with Shiromeguri. "...I am concerned about what nee-san will say."
Oh, I didn't even think about that. I forget exactly when I met Haruno, but I'm terrified for when that meeting is shown. I'm sure the screen will put my thoughts on full display, as it seems to like doing.
"Well, there's not much we can really do about it." I'm not delusional enough to think I can fight a god and force them to release us from this place. "If I could, I'd just sit in my room the whole time, but somehow I suspect the stupid voice would force me into the theater anyways." I didn't forget about how I was dragged into the chair when we first got here.
Yukinoshita closed her eyes. "Alas, I cannot doubt your words."
"..."
"..."
A sudden silence enveloped us. Oi, brain, think of something to say! I can't just awkwardly stand here!
"Yahallo!" A wild Yuigahama has suddenly appeared! Wait, where the hell did you come from?!
The pink haired girl leaped to hug Yukinoshita, who was unable to get out of the way in time. Though, considering how often this has happened, I highly doubt that she even tried. We both knew that it wasn't worth trying to escape her hugs.
"Y-Yuigahama-san, p-please don't startle me like that," Yukinoshita (cutely) stammered out.
"I just wanted to hug my good friend!" Yuigahama grinned.
Well, you two have fun with that. I'll just stand here-
"Yahallo!" Something suddenly hugged my arm. Oi, who the hell goes there?!
I turned to see who it was, only to see a certain kouhai of mine. "What are you doing, Isshiki?" And don't steal Yuigahama's catchphrase!
"Wellllll~, I saw Yui hugging Yukino and I didn't want you feeling left out!"
"I'm feeling more 'left in', if you ask me."
"Oi, you're supposed to say thank you!" Isshiki pouted. Like I'd do that…
Suddenly, I felt… an ominous feeling. I turned to look at Yukinoshita and Yuigahama to see both of them glaring at Isshiki. Er, wait, it's mostly Yukinoshita. Yuigahama's face looks like she wants to glare, yet something's stopping her. But anyways, why's Yukinoshita glaring?
Unless…
"Isshiki-san, I would appreciate it if you were not so… touchy-feely with my partner." The raven haired girl cooly spoke.
…She's jealous, isn't she? That's actually really cute for some reason…
Had it been anyone else, Isshiki might have been tempted to disobey the order. But she's already witnessed the blizzard of an angry Yukinoshita. She was many things, but a stupid girl was not one of them!
"Okay!" Isshiki let go of my arm, only to move towards the raven-haired girl. "How about I hug you instead?"
Yukinoshita's cold glare suddenly vanished. "U-Um, no." Despite her words, I could tell that she wasn't entirely opposed to the idea. So this is the key to calming down the ice queen.
…That's embarrassing! But I also don't hate the idea either…
Shut up brain!
"Oh~? Someone doesn't sound convinced~." Isshi- wait, that's not her? An older woman suddenly appeared in the corner of my eye.
"Nee-san, please do not accuse me of such ideas," Yukinoshita glared at her older sister.
Haruno only giggled. "I'm just teasing~." She turned to face me. "Hi Hikigaya-kun!"
"Yo." Bothering me once again, huh?
"What brings you here, Haruno?" Yuigahama asked, still hugging Yukinoshita.
"Ah~, I was just wondering how Hikigaya-kun was feeling!" She giggled. "After all, we're all seeing his deepest and darkest secrets!"
Well, she's not wrong. I glanced at Yukinoshita and Yuigahama, who both gained concerned expressions. Right, it's not just my secrets that are being revealed. Unless the voice finally respects the right to privacy, our closest moments are most likely going to be shown.
I really did not like that idea. If only I could do something about that…
"Yeah." That was all I responded with. I mean, how am I supposed to respond to something like that? Suddenly, I really don't feel like talking anymore… "Think I'm going to head back to my room now."
"Senpai! You can't just run away from a conversation like that!" Isshiki exclaimed. You underestimate my power! Who's gonna stop me?
"Hikigaya-kun." Yukinoshita spoke, stopping me before I could start walking away. What the hell? Her voice isn't any different than normal, yet I feel strangely terrified! "Please, hold on a second."
I stood still, staring at the raven haired girl. No one else appeared to be terrified by her, so it must just be me. "Y-Yes?"
"Allow me to accompany you."
I blinked.
She blinked.
"Oh my~." Haruno placed a hand on her cheek. "Someone's eager to see his room~!"
I blinked again.
Yukinoshita's face suddenly resembled a tomato. "I-I simply wish to e-ensure my p-partner's room is up to my s-standards. B-Besides, I have inspected his room before."
I blinked again.
"Wow! Yukino-san is really bold!" Isshiki exclaimed with surprise. "But you know, I'd like to see his room too!"
"Oh yeah, you haven't seen it!" Yuigahama added, placing a finger on her chin. "I'd only seen it once over the summer with Yukinon."
I blinked again. After all, blinking is a normal human process, right? It's not like my brain went into overdrive, right? Right? Right?
Haruno looked curious. "Ooh, maybe I should sneak a peek myself!"
That's where I finally cut in. "No."
"Ehh? You won't let us see your room?" Isshiki pouted. "Meanie senpai!"
"Oh, I was just saying no to Haruno. I could care less if you three come in." Yukinoshita and Yuigahama already saw it, so I'm not really concerned about them. Isshiki… well, we know each other pretty well at this point, right? I just hope she doesn't get any ideas.
There was just absolutely no way I was letting Haruno get even a glimpse of my room!
The older Yukinoshita pouted. "Meanie Hikigaya-kun! Oh well, I wanted to go bother Shizuka anyways. Have fun with his room tour!" As quickly as she arrived, she departed. That was kind of weird? Did she seriously only come to see how I was feeling?
Oh well, not my concern anymore. Frankly, I probably should have said no to anyone seeing my room, but I was so determined to keep Haruno away that I neglected the others. Ah, I guess I can't really take it back now.
"Well, I'm off. Come along. Or don't." I said, turning towards my room.
"Hehe, there's no way I'm missing this!" Isshiki giggled, walking alongside me. Yukinoshita and Yuigahama followed suit.
We quickly reached my room. I grabbed the doorknob and sighed. "Behold, my brilliant bedroom in all of its glory," I said with an unenthusiastic tone. I pulled the door open and looked inside.
…
Um. What.
Laying down on my bed was a young girl with long dark hair. Her eyes were closed, indicating that she was sleeping. She slept in childish looking pajamas, which seemed typical for a girl her age.
There were just two problems. There were no children in the theater previously. Also, WHY IS THERE A YOUNG GIRL SLEEPING IN MY BED?!
"Um, Hikki? What's wrong?" Yuigahama concernedly asked. I was blocking the entrance, so no one else was seeing what I was seeing.
"Senpai, I promise I won't mock anything I see!" Isshiki wrongly assumed that I was hesitant to bring her in. Well, ok, that's actually true. But this is a much bigger deal!
Yukinoshita didn't say any words, but she was mildly concerned herself.
I quickly looked around the room. Yup, it's my room alright. I didn't stupidly use the wrong door or something like that.
"W-Well, you see here…" I tried to explain. "...Yeah, I can't explain this. Take a look for yourself. And before you ask, I did not do this!" I stepped away from the entrance, giving them a full view of my room.
Yukinoshita was the first to step in. "Hm. Your room seems fin-"
"Yukinon? Are you okay-"
"Sheesh, what's your deal senp-"
All three girls abruptly stopped speaking. Ah, they finally noticed the mysterious guest.
"...So you've resorted to kidnapping children, huh?" Yukinoshita coldly spoke to me. Oi, what?! I literally just said I had nothing to do with this!
"What did I just say?!" I repeated my thoughts.
"Ha ha. Senpai could simply not wait to have a child with Yukino-"
"Shut the hell up Isshiki!" I know exactly what she was gonna say! My embarrassment would have reached fatal levels!
Yuigahama, thankfully, didn't act like the other two did. "She looks kinda familiar, right?"
"Hm?" Yukinoshita took a closer look at the girl, her coldness rapidly disappearing. "...You are correct. I believe I have seen her before."
I didn't really get a closer look earlier, but if those two recognize her, then I probably will as well. I moved to where the girls were standing and looked.
…Hey, isn't this…
"That's RumiRumi, isn't it?"
…
Wait, I didn't mean to say that!
"Ehhhh? What kind of nickname is that?" Isshiki immediately pounced on my mistake. "And why does this little girl have one and I don't?!"
Thankfully, Yukinoshita and Yuigahama did not say anything. After all, they both knew who this girl was.
"Wasn't her name… Tsurumi-chan?" Yuigahama asked Yukinoshita.
"Yes, that's correct." She nodded. "I believe the last time we met was at the Christmas event last year."
Wow, has it really been that long? Though, I'm more surprised that Yuigahama remembers her name. It's not like they really talked to each other.
"Ehh? You all know her?" Isshiki expressed her surprise.
I nodded. "Mhm. We met her at a summer camp we had to volunteer at." Speaking of which, I'm sure that'll be shown in the theater. I'd be very surprised if it got skipped.
"I'm still confused… why did she end up in Hikki's room?"
Yuigahama posed an excellent question to all of us. Everyone else had their own rooms, so why was Tsurumi singled out? Hmm, let me think about this.
There are several possibilities that could explain this. One, Tsurumi was in my room the whole time, but she wasn't woken up. I find this highly unlikely, because I feel like I would have noticed a child on my bed.
Second, she wasn't initially supposed to be here, but the voice changed their mind. And, because the voice is insistent on my suffering, they placed her in my room in order to cause a misunderstanding and bring an end to my life!
…I got a bit conspiratorial there. But aside from that last part, it all sounds believable to me. Though, it's also possible that the voice couldn't connect her room for whatever reason, so they instead just plopped her in my room.
There is a third possibility. She was actually here from the beginning, but we somehow didn't notice. Then she sneakily watched everything else from a distance before fleeing to what she thought was her room. She realized that she entered the wrong room, but by that point it was too late! The fact that it was my room was a coincidence!
…
Nah, I distinctly remember narrating that there were sixteen doors when I first got here. Plus, there were sixteen names on the DVD player. That scenario is too strange to make sense. I'm not sure how all of us could have missed her room either.
It's most likely the second possibility. Though, that does beg the question: Why did the voice change their mind? Don't tell me that the voice found our reactions so boring that it wanted to drag someone else into it?! That bastard…
"Senpai?"
Isshiki snapped me out of my thought process. Huh, I was thinking for a while there.
"Yeah?"
"You seemed to be deep in thought. I want to know what you were doing!"
Why should I tell you? It's not like-
"I believe Hikigaya-kun was brainstorming scenarios to explain Tsurumi's appearance," Yukinoshita cut in, effortlessly guessing my thoughts. "Knowing him, they go into… disturbing detail."
"Oi! That's not true!" I mean, maybeeeee that third scenario could qualify, but I reject it!
"Hehehehe," Yuigahama giggled. "So, Hikki, do you know why Tsurumi-chan is here?"
Well, they're all convinced. Guess I'll just have to tell them. It shouldn't be any harm, right?
"Pretty simple, really. The voice didn't originally plan to have her here, but then they changed their mind. That's it."
"Really? Lame…" Isshiki pouted. Oi, you should be glad that nothing extreme happened! Besides, I could be wrong. After all, how could I ever hope to understand the thought process of a god?
"Ugh…"
That sound didn't come from any of us. Our heads immediately swerved to face RumiRumi. Oh, looks like she's waking up. This is going to be fun to explain…
The girl slowly sat up, rubbing her eyes. "Huh… I didn't sleep here last night…"
She hopped off the bed and turned around, immediately locking eyes with me. "Yo."
"...Hachiman?"
"In the flesh," I replied.
"Wait, what are you doing in my room?" Tsurumi immediately asked. Her eyes quickly landed on the other girls. "And… why are they here too?"
Huh, immediately getting right to the point. That's oddly mature for a girl of her age.
I decided to answer her question. "Oh, that's simple. You're not in your room."
Tsurumi's eyes widened and her head darted in every direction. Oi, you're gonna break your neck at that speed!
"W-Why am I in a weird room?!" The girl shouted, jumping off the bed as if it was lava. She dramatically pointed at me. "You kidnapper!"
Oi! First Yukinoshita, now you?! Why in the world would I ever want to kidnap someone?! Also, don't call my room weird!
"Eheheh…" Yuigahama was the first to speak up. "Um, we kinda all got kidnapped?" she sheepishly said, rubbing her head.
…
I mean, she isn't wrong. But the way she said that really gives off the wrong idea!
Tsurumi froze in her tracks. "Y-You mean…" Suddenly, she looked like she was about to tear up. "T-That we're all stuck?" Wow, she actually acts her age?
Yuigahama quickly realized her mistake. "Wait! It's not like that! It's just, um…"
"Sigh. Yuigahama-san, allow me to explain." Yukinoshita intervened, stopping the pink haired girl from making things worse. She approached the soon-to-be crying child. "We were all brought to this place by… someone, who simply wanted us to watch the life story of a person we all know about. They do not have any nefarious intentions."
Wow. I'm really impressed. I know for a fact that if this was the Yukinoshita from when I joined the service club, she would have made Tsurumi burst into tears. Bravo, Yukinoshita!
"..." Tsurumi remained quiet, but at least she didn't seem like she was about to cry anymore. Her eyes shifted between the four of us, looking unsure. About what, I have no idea.
Finally, she crossed her shoulders and looked away from us. "W-Well, you should have said that from the start!" Ah, that was cute. I'm impressed she knows how to do that kind of move though.
"Yeah yeah. Well-"
Hello, all theater occupants.
The voice suddenly spoke up, making me jump slightly. Oi, what's the big deal?!
As you may recall, I paused the viewing, as something came up on my end. The issue has been resolved, thankfully. Don't worry, nothing would have happened to you all!
For some reason, I feel like the voice is lying…
I suddenly felt something touching my leg. I tilted my head down to see that Tsurumi was now standing next to me. Hoh, now what's this?
"U-Um, w-what is-"
Unfortunately, as you likely can tell, I am exhausted. So, to ensure that our viewing goes uninterrupted for the foreseeable feature, I will be taking a nap! I highly encourage you all to do the same, as after this, I'm removing all of your fatigue!
What?! You mean you're not going to let me sleep?! You bastard! How could you?!
Tsurumi kept her mouth shut, grabbing onto my pants leg. This was the first time she experienced the voice speaking directly into her mind, so she didn't know what was happening.
Okay, have fun sleeping! If you're concerned about not falling asleep, don't worry about it!
I waited to see if the voice was going to say anything else, but nothing came. Nothing about RumiRumi huh? And an insistence on having us sleep? Fine by me. I'll be sure to sleep the best I've ever slept!
"Um… w-what was that…" Tsurumi mumbled.
Eh? Oh shoot, I forgot that this was her first time experiencing this. "That was the god that kidnapped us."
Tsurumi stared at me with confusion. "Eh?"
"Just think of them as some powerful person that loves seeing me suffer."
The girl blinked. "...Okay." She turned her focus to my bed. "...I just slept…"
"Just go to sleep again," I countered. "The stupid voice apparently told us to 'not worry about not falling asleep.' They probably did something to make it easier to sleep."
"I believe we have a bigger issue on our hands," Yukinoshita suddenly spoke up. "There are sixteen rooms, for each of us. However, due to Tsurumi-san being placed in Hikigaya-kun's room, she does not currently have a place to sleep."
…
Shit, she's right.
"She can stay in my room!" Yuigahama immediately proposed.
Yukinoshita immediately shook her head. "Yuigahama-san, the last time I visited you, your extra futon was not in your bedroom, am I correct?"
The pink haired girl pouted. "No… But I just wanted to have a sleepover!"
"Probably wouldn't be a fun sleepover if someone had to sleep on the floor," I pointed out. Someone's back would be ruined by the morning. Preferably not mine. "On that matter, I don't have an extra futon in my room."
Yukinoshita crossed her arms. "Unfortunately, I do not have one either. This is a problem."
I was going to make a comment, but right at that moment, the door to my bedroom was barged open.
"Onii-chan! I was going to spy on you, but I saw a child next to you and I got worried you did something terrible!"
I deadpanned at Komachi. That makes three people suspecting me of being a kidnapper. I can't believe my sister is one of them…
Hm? I feel like there was something else in there that was more concerning, but I don't remember what it was. Oh well, I'm sure it wasn't anything too bad.
"Anyways, I heard you were looking for a place for her to sleep!" Komachi immediately moved on. "Why not just have her sleep in here? Then onii-chan can sleep with Yuki-nee!"
Hah?! What are you proposing, stupid sister of mine?! I felt my face heat up at the thought. No, definitely not an option!
"We can't have that happening!" Isshiki unexpectedly chimed in. "Who knows what senpai will do to her?!"
"Oi!" I'm not going to do something stupid like that!
"I-I'm afraid we cannot do that," Yukinoshita stuttered with a red face. "Tsurumi-san cannot be left alone to sleep. I-It would be irresponsible."
"...But I already sleep in my own room…" Tsurumi muttered.
Sigh. I have a feeling this isn't going to go anywhere. What should I-
"Umm, why don't we ask what RumiRumi wants to do?" Yuigahama suddenly suggested. Oi, don't go stealing my nicknames! But I guess that's not a bad idea.
"I… don't know…" Tsurumi glanced down at the floor. Well, that went nowhere.
If nothing gets decided soon, I'm not going to get any sleep! And I really don't feel like asking the others if they have a futon. I'm worried I'll accidentally summon the romcom gods if I try that. So, that leaves me with one idea.
"Look, I'll just sleep in the theater," I proposed. I mean, the chairs weren't that uncomfortable. I'll just pick a chair and sleep. RumiRumi can sleep in my room with no problems, and no one will need to share a room!
Obviously, there is the issue of someone else sleeping in my bed, but at this point, it's simply a sacrifice that I must make.
Instead of the joyous response I expected (not really), the others simply stared at me blankly.
Yukinoshita was the first to speak up. "Hmm. While not a terrible suggestion, I am still bothered by it."
Yuigahama frowned. "Yeah… I don't like it…"
Isshiki didn't say a word, but her expression spoke for itself. Sigh, I should have seen this coming. It's the most "logical" move, but they probably see it as hurting myself for no good reason.
I scratched my head. "It's not like I'm sleeping on the floor or anything. Besides, this is the best option without sharing rooms."
"Onii-chan, don't you want to be with your girlfriend?!" Komachi recklessly exclaimed. "Come onnnnn!"
"Oi! Quit being so insistent on our sleeping habits! We get there when we get there!"
…Oops, I might have said something a little embarrassing.
However, Komachi continued the attack. "So are you saying you don't want to sleep with Yuki-nee right now?"
That's a really dangerous line of words! "What kind of wording is that? You're losing so many Komachi points right now!"
"Gah?! Ok ok I'll stoppp!" She suddenly reversed course. "Please forgive your stupid silly sister for her actions!"
"...Fine." It's hard to say no to her. That is the bles- curse of little sisters, after all. "But don't say anything like that again." She's not going to listen to my words, but it's worth a try.
While we were arguing, Tsurumi had moved away from me. "Um… does he always act like this?" She asked Yukinoshita, looking up at the girl.
The raven haired girl had a faint blush on her face. "Y-Yes. They have an… interesting sibling relationship."
"Okay…" Tsurumi turned her focus back to the siblings. "...I wonder what he meant by her 'wording.'"
Yukinoshita did not answer her, as she did not want to be the one to explain the various definitions of "sleeping with someone." She elected to remain quiet.
Back to me, I sighed. "Regardless of whatever we do, we should decide soon. The more sleep I get, the better." And, just so I can get a headstart, I walked towards my bed. "Unless there's any serious objections, I'll just sleep in the theater."
I glanced at the five girls in my room (middle school me would be fuming at that sentence), waiting to see if any one of them would speak up.
"Hikki…" Yuigahama seemed like she wanted to protest, but she had nothing. The same went for Isshiki, while Yukinoshita held a contemplative look on her face.
Komachi sighed. "Well, looks like I have no choice. I'll just join you onii-chan."
…
"Huh?"
"I can't let my brother sleep alone in a scary theater! What if you get murdered in the middle of the night?!"
I blinked. "...The chances of that happening are astronomically low. No one here wants to kill me." Except for Hiratsuka. I still haven't forgotten her threats to my bodily health. "And the god wants to witness my privacy being destroyed, so there's no way they would let me be hurt."
Komachi pouted. "But onii-chan…"
"That said, I can't stop you. Even though the bed is probably more comfortable." I'd rather that she stay in her room, but I can't say that I'd be disappointed if she decided otherwise.
"Yay! I'll be sure to be there!" Komachi rapidly darted to the door. "See you soon, Onii-chan!" And then she was gone.
"Welp, looks like I'm heading off to the theater." I grabbed one of the pillows off my bed. I didn't bother to change my clothes, since it's only been, at most, a few hours. "Hope you all have a good night."
"Wait!" Tsurumi suddenly shouted. "I want to come too!"
Hah?! What are you saying?! "Oi, you just said you didn't know!" I'm aware I'm shouting at a child, but frankly, I could care less. I want my sleep, dammit!
"Well, I decided I want to go to the theater!" You couldn't have said that earlier? Ugh.
"Fine, you do you." I don't have the heart to tell Komachi that I changed my mind about my sleeping location, so I'll just have to suck it up. I turned to the other three girls in my room. "Are any of you coming? Just announce your intentions now so I don't get surprised later." Better get this over with.
Yuigahama grinned and threw an arm in the air. "Sleepover time! I've never done one in a movie theater, so this will be fun!" Well, that's not surprising at all.
"As your partner…" Yukinoshita looked away with a small blush. "I-It would be imprudent to… not show up." That… makes me a little happy… no, don't be too normie!
Isshiki was next. "Senpai? Could it be that you are hitting on me? Sorry, but I can't accept that unless-"
"Just answer, brat."
"Eeeeh? Senpai is so mean!" Isshiki pouted, before grinning. "I guess I'll join. It would be weird if I missed out! Besides, I'm sure you're eager to see me sleeping!"
"Sure," I dismissed her words. "See you there."
"Eh?" Isshiki was mildly surprised by his words, before she realized that he wasn't taking her seriously. "Ah, you got me there senpai!"
I ignored her and moved towards the door. "I'll be in the seats," I called out to the others.
Tsurumi crossed her arms. "What am I supposed to do?"
Without turning around, I answered. "Just steal one of my pillows or something." I walked out of my bedroom and towards the theater. No one else was there. Also, was it just me or were the lights dimmer than before? Wait, I just realized that I don't know if the lights will even go dark in the first place. That might be a problem…
Behind me, the other girls came out (excluding Tsurumi, who was busy stealing my pillows) from my room. They each went to their respective rooms, likely to get their own stuff. I walked down the stairs towards the chair I sat in earlier.
Huh? There's already a blanket there? Since when? Oh, wait, I somehow forgot to grab a blanket from my room. I don't see Komachi around, so it was probably the voice being nice for once. This doesn't mean that I forgive you though!
I stood in front of my chair, looking down on it. Sigh. I'm going to be sitting in here for a while, aren't I? Stupid god.
Wait, what's stopping me from just changing seats? I'll just let Komachi take this one and sit somewhere else. I picked up the blanket on the chair and plopped it two chairs away.
No.
Huh? Did I just hear the god speak? Maybe I misheard…
My thoughts trailed off as I witnessed the blanket magically float into the air and travel to the "golden" chair. It stopped floating and fell onto the chair.
Well then. I'll just sleep without a blanket! The god can't stop me from sleeping somewhere else!
In hindsight, that was a very foolish thought. The next moment, I suddenly felt myself being pulled towards the chair. I tried to resist, but it was futile. I was slammed into the chair in a manner very similar to how it happened the first time.
…I really hope this doesn't become a trend. I sighed and slumped into the chair. Honestly, it's kinda weird how calmly I was accepting this. This probably isn't normal, but what can I do about it? Going up against a god is not something I really have the power to do. And its not like they're murdering everyone I love either…
Well, time to wait-
"Onii-chan!" Komachi exclaimed, running down the stairs in pajamas. Huh, that's some good timing.
"Yo."
She ran up to the seat next to me and plopped her stuff down. "I'm so excited! I haven't done a sleepover with you in so long!"
"More like never. It's not really a sleepover if we live in the same house."
Komachi stuck her tongue out. "Boo! So mean, onii-chan!"
"I'm just stating the facts!" I exclaimed.
"My, what an interesting argument." Someone else unexpectedly cut in. I whirled my head around to see Yukinoshita setting down her blanket and pillow on the chair next to me.
"Uhh, why are you putting your stuff there?" She's not actually thinking of-
"Isn't it obvious? I will be… s-sleeping n-next to you…" Yukinoshita started confidently, but quickly became more embarrassed as she continued. Damn it, that's too adorable!
"Yay! Progress!" Komachi cheered. "Keep it up Yuki-nee!"
Her words only made Yukinoshita's face grow even redder. I felt my face get slightly warmer as well, though I'm not sure if it was noticeable.
"Noooo! How did Yukino beat me?!" Confused, I turned to see Isshiki standing at the edge of the seats. "I thought I was being super fast, but I still lost!" she exclaimed with a pout.
"Hah? Were you seriously trying to be fast enough to claim a seat next to me?" There goes Isshiki again, trying to tease me. I bet she'll deny it.
"What? Why would I do that?" Isshiki deadpanned at me. Yup, I was right. "Idiot senpai!"
I sighed at her antics. Now all we need to do is wait for Yuigahama and Tsurumi. Then I could finally go to sleep.
"Yahallo!" Well, there's one. "Oh, I'm last?"
"Nah. We still need to wait for RumiRumi. You were pretty slow though." Not really. I'm surprised how fast they got everything. Hell, they might be faster than I normally am…
"Hikki! So mean!" Yuigahama pouted, before grinning. "But I'm excited! We're having a sleepover!"
How many times has she said that now? I've lost count.
"Whoa…" I faintly heard a child's voice behind me. I turned around in my seat to see Tsurumi standing in the very back, behind all of the chairs. Oh right, she hasn't actually seen the theater yet. She was carrying one of my pillows and a blanket, both of which I assume are mine. I didn't actually tell her to take the blanket, but I guess it's fine. As long as she doesn't ruin it…
"Oi. Come down here!" I called out.
Tsurumi jumped slightly. She gave me a glare, before she hopped down the stairs. Oops, I might have scared her. She stopped just behind Isshiki.
"Okay everyone. Go pick a spot and sleep." I'm already in the perfect position, between Komachi and Yukinoshita! Well, the best position would be by myself, but this is a very good alternative.
"Yipee! I'll be next to Yukinon!" Yuigahama exclaimed, hugging the raven haired girl. Well, that surprises no one. I'm more concerned about Isshiki and RumiRumi, since I have no idea where they want to be.
Isshiki sighed. "Looks like I'm next to you again, Rice-chan."
Komachi giggled. "Don't worry, I know you wanted to be next to onii-chan. But Yuki-nee has priority!"
She gave the girl a weird look. "...How about you move?"
"Ehh? Why would I do that?"
The two girls started to bicker, leaving Tsurumi as the only undecided. Hmm, she probably wouldn't want to be next to Isshiki, since she doesn't know her. And every other seat in the row is taken- wait, why would she need to sit in our row? Er, uh, let's see what she does.
Tsurumi stared at me and… pouted? Then she turned away and marched up the stairs. For a second, I thought she was flat out leaving. Instead, she walked up to the row behind ours and sat in the seat directly behind me.
"Since when were you so popular?" Tsurumi asked as she sat down with my stuff.
"Sounds like someone's jealous," I countered with a smirk.
"Hmph! I'm not!" The girl looked away with a pout. Hah, she truly does act like a kid.
Sweet dreams, Hachiman. Hehehehe!
Eh? That was definitely the voice speaking right there! Except, weirdly enough, no one else seemed to react. I guess it wouldn't be surprising that it can speak directly to a single person.
Suddenly, the lights in the theater turned off, submerging all of us into darkness.
"AHHHHH!" I felt Komachi grab onto me from the side. Oi, since when were you scared of this?
I heard Yukinoshita sigh. "It appears our… host is playing a prank on us. How generous of them. Also, can you let go, Yuigahama-san?"
"Ehh? B-But I want to keep hanging on!"
"I will consider it after we sit down."
"Yay!" I felt my seat shake slightly from the movement. Alright, time to-
"Senpai, can you tell rice-chan to change seats pleaseeeeeee~?" Isshiki called out.
Hah, you fool! Your "Imouto mode" has no effect if I can't see you! Besides, even if I said yes, I know Komachi will simply do the same to me. "Rejected. Also, I thought you didn't want to sit next to me?" I answered.
Isshiki paused for a moment. Then she sighed. "I changed my mind. I can't let Yukino-san get too far ahead!"
What is she talking about? "Either way, too bad. Deal with it."
"Booooo! Senpai is so mean!"
I felt Komachi release me. "Hehe, onii-chan likes me more than you!" she teased, all traces of fear gone from her voice.
"That's only because you're his sister!"
I ignored the two's bickering and leaned further back into my chair. Interestingly, I haven't heard anything from RumiRumi since the lights were turned off. I really hope she didn't jump out of her chair and get hurt. Or worse, trying to get into my chair.
Oh well, I'll just have to hope for the best. I pulled the blanket over me and closed my eyes. "Good night," I called out.
"Good night, onii-chan!" Komachi replied back, her "argument" already over. "I'll be sure to keep Iroha-chan out of the way!"
"Don't listen to Rice-chan! But, um, good night senpai!"
"Night, Hikki!"
"Good… night…" Tsurumi barely mumbled out behind me. Ok, she didn't move from her chair. That's good.
"Um… good night… H-" Yukinoshita began, before cutting herself off. Hm? Did she fall asleep immediately after saying that? That's kind of- "Hachi…man…"
My eyes opened wide. Did she just call me by my first… name…?
Eh… I feel… really tired all of sudden…?
How… weird…
I'm not dead! And I'm not abandoning this!
Anyways, welcome back everyone! I hope you enjoyed the interlude! If you didn't, that's fair. My original plan for this interlude involved more serious matters and actual discussions, but it turned into a more fluffy thing.
I will say this though: writing this SUCKED. It was arguably worse than actually writing an episode. I feel like I wrote some of these characters wrong, but I can't say for sure. I partially regret saying that the next chapter was going to be an interlude. However, I couldn't exactly just go back and change it (well, I could, but I didn't wanna). I don't think I'll do another interlude for a while, considering my difficulties with this one.
Yeah, I remember when I said I was not going to be adding any other characters beyond the original 16. Well, too bad, I changed my mind! Welcome, Tsurumi Rumi! I may add more in the future, depending on whether I feel like it would improve the story or not.
Ok, so its been 8 months since I last updated. In reality, this chapter took me about a bit over 2.5 months to write. That's because I didn't really start it until the very start of September. Sorry about that. I had writer's block throughout all of summer, so I got zero writing done for any story. Didn't really get my urge back until right before college started again.
Regardless, I hope you enjoyed it! Next up is Episode 4. Which... might be a problem, considering Crunchyroll took down the official subs for seasons 1 and 2. I'll probably have to rely on fansubs unfortunately (I am not paying for Hidive!). I don't think it'll be too different, but we'll see.
I did, however, gain access to the light novels! Well, sorta. I got access to volume 2, but the other volumes gave me fear of giving me a virus, so I held off on trying to get access to those. I'll incorporate the LNs where I think it'll fit well.
Moving on, thanks everyone for the reviews! I've read all of them and appreciate them, even the more negative ones! I anticipate that this chapter may have a few more negative ones, but oh well. Just send those reviews and I'll be sure to read it!
Before I go, a reminder to check my profile for status updates! Also, FanFiction added a new Opt-in option for recieving emails on stories. For some reason, it defaults to off, so I recommend you check if its on or not!
Alright, see you guys whenever Episode 4 comes out!
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