Hikigaya's Route to Senior High Is Not Normal, As Expected

Do I Deserve the Kindness I Receive?

Hikigaya's Route to Senior High Is Not Normal, As I Expected

"No one is more worthy of your kindness and compassion than you are." – Nhat Hanh

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Hachiman's POV

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As the month of March turned to April, Hachiman was pretty much forced back with Aoki considering he felt worried about his safety.

And considering everything Hachiman had gone through, it was a valid concern for his safety.

But it wasn't like Hachiman was going to go back there. He was better and older now. Alas, he couldn't deny that sometimes things were just out of his control.

That's what it is best to just adapt and move on.

Hachiman was never the type to speak out in opposition to what impacts him unless it's to others. Coincidentally towards all of this, did Aoki do his best to keep Hachiman on a schedule. Aoki kept the younger boy busy, whether it was through hobbies, physical activities, or both, Aoki clearly cared for Hachiman and did his best when it came to helping him.

But alas, they only had around 2 weeks together before it turned to the next month.

April.

Often known as the wet season, hence April showers, for Hachiman, all he saw were the cherry blossoms falling. That was what Hachiman saw what was synonymous with the new month.

That and the start of the new school semester. It was pretty much the start.

Aoki surprisingly gave Hachiman a strong hug goodbye, clearly surprising Hachiman as he felt that Aoki wouldn't do that.

Hachiman gave a small nod, embarrassed from the interaction he rarely received.

And therefore, he also tried his best to give a final goodbye, for now.

"Goodbye, sensei..." Hachiman mumbled. It was quiet, but loud enough for Aoki to understand.

Aoki chuckled, "Of course, this is goodbye just for now. Remember what I told you what I want from you when I see you again, alright?"

Hachiman nodded. "Of course, I won't fail you this time."

Aoki's smile, quickly turned to a frown as he didn't intend on putting more pressure onto Hachiman.

Aoki placed a hand on the receding Hachiman's shoulder, forcing the younger boy to stop. "Hachiman, please tell me you will try to be like a normal kid?"

Hachiman's response? "What does a normal teenager act like?"

Aoki didn't know how to respond, but he did anyways. "All I care about is that you make decisions that help you and make you happy, alright? While I wish of some things, I want you to do, my ultimate goal is to see you succeed and happy, okay?"

Hachiman gave a nod to Aoki's explanation before Aoki spoke again. "Until then, I'll see you, son..."

"Goodbye, sensei..." Hachiman bowed to Aoki, directly in a ninety-degree angle, both as a sign of respect and for forgiveness. Aoki saw that, but just patted Hachiman's head.

When Hachiman looked up, Aoki was giving him a smile. A bit goofy, but also comforting.

One that reminded him of Komachi.

Almost immediately, Hachiman was given a bout of nostalgia, one that made him miss his little sister.

But alas, he had to move on, that's what Aoki said.