Unlikely Duet

Chapter 3: Three times is a pattern

The Unlikely Duet

Formatting: Unlikely Duet- line break, "Smile for the camera, you lovebirds~!"- Dialogue

Disclaimer: I do not own Bocchi the Rock, Oregairu, or any other intellectual properties that may appear in this story. Please don't sue me.

Chapter 3: Three times is a pattern

[Hachiman POV]

[Flashback]

"I'm rooting for you, Gotoh-san... from one loner to another..."

[Flashback End]

What was I thinking with that line? I can hardly believe I said something so cheesy. After all, who was I, a romance novel heartthrob? No, I was a master at losing, a cynical stick in the mud, and perhaps the King of Loners. If so, what monarch would desecrate their title so blatantly?... If those memories are to be believed, Hikigaya Hachiman, that's who...

"..." Two weeks had passed since that day. I tossed and turned while sleeping, wracking my head over every word I said, and complained to my sister while awake. Meanwhile, semester exams happened, which didn't seem awful... hopefully. It was now the day before summer vacation and the classroom felt restless. I normally wouldn't associate with my peers, but I was also swept up in the anticipation. Freedom was so close that if you strained your ears, you could hear the crashing waves. No one wanted to be here, but we were forced to attend today's classes. There was a certain feeling in the air along with the excitement... dread.

Practically everyone shared the same thought... something was coming. If not in the previous classes, then definitely now, right before the final bell. You had to be naive to assume otherwise.

"Zzz..." Unless you were the class's other resident loner. She was thoroughly disengaged from reality, sleeping soundly on her desk... How bold. Her open disregard for social convention was almost impressive... it was something even I couldn't do.

After all, if I slept through an assignment, I didn't have anyone to catch me up. What about asking the teacher? No way, it was too embarrassing. Classmates... Heh, my previous exploits practically torched my reputation. I doubt anyone would help me, even if I groveled!... I probably shouldn't be too proud about that.

"Good afternoon class." The teacher walked into the classroom and with them, the entire room's attention.

"..." The overwhelming silence was almost chilling. This comes from someone who didn't mind a lull in a conversation. Outcasts and cliques were in an unlikely united front, not wanting to miss a single word. If there was anything that could bridge such a divide, it was mindless busywork... I mean, "enriching" supplemental material.

"Well to start today, I have some good news. The results from your exams came in, and no one failed. Good job everyone." The teacher stressed, trying to generate any response from the crowd.

"..." No one cared. I was glad to pass and likely was not alone, but it didn't matter. Maybe it will in a few hours, but there were more pressing issues, like knowing how large this vacation's time sink was.

"Tough crowd, huh?... Normally, I would follow up with bad news, but..."

"!" Each student slightly raised from their seat, waiting with bated breath.

"I wouldn't call this information objectively "bad". If anything, this is an incredible opportunity."

"..."