Unlikely Duet

Chapter 6: Hidden in plain sight

The Unlikely Duet

General Information: Unlikely Duet- line break, "I'm not a fan of cultural festivals."- 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 6: Hidden in plain sight

[Hachiman POV]

"Why is this happening?" I muttered, staring at the calendar hanging on the wall. Summer vacation was almost over; a few days separated paradise and school. I couldn't believe it. What have I been doing all this time?... That grueling school project. Hold on, it wasn't done yet. I don't want to finish that project! It might take all my remaining time to answer those academic questions, print the photos, arrange them into the social side, etc, etc...

[Flashback]

"..." She stood up and walked over one of the sealed closets, retrieving her project packet. She then returned, opened the packet, and looked ready to work... It wasn't hard to miss her melancholic expression though. Her eerie but good-natured decorations weren't just for show. She truly wanted to have some fun. I shouldn't humor her, as I'll have countless sleepless nights if we waste today...

[Flashback End]

I can't believe Past Hachiman! He knew this would happen, but threw me to the wayside anyway!

"I want another two months..." I droned, lowering my head, defeated.

"Well, you reap what you sow, gomi-chan." My younger sister, Komachi, commented, disregarding my dilemma.

"I'll have you know that-"

"Who was the one humoring Hitori-san's whims? Initiating the faithful first encounter, inviting her to a newly opened amusement park, bringing her here, and visiting her house?"

"Given a few seconds, I could easily dispel those claims..."

"I don't think it was me. You couldn't seriously blame Hitori-san either."

"Technically, you are correct, but-"

"That only leaves one person. You, onii-chan." She pointed at me, her expression unusually serious.

"Me?"

"Yes, you. Now you have to take responsibility for your actions."

"Responsibility? Where did that come from?"

"It's a matter of principle, gomi-chan!"

"I could just call Gotoh-san and ask for her help."

"No! Don't you dare, onii-chan!" Komachi exclaimed, leaning in closer to emphasize her words.

"Why?"

"Don't do it, Komachi Orders!"

"Komachi Orders?"

"Yes, if you call her now, you'll lose a million Komachi points." She threatened.

"A million? Is that even possible?"

"Do you want to test that theory?"

"...No. I'll listen to you, Komachi. The latter's not worth the effort." I sighed, accepting my defeat.

"Great! Now less talking, more writing." My sister handed me a stack of papers... The school project.

"Aye, aye, captain." I lazily saluted, accepting her "gift" and returning to my room... Of all the ways to end my vacation... I didn't think I would be blackmailed into doing my homework.