Unlikely Duet

Chapter 10: Fork in the road

The Unlikely Duet

Foreword: How's it going, everyone? I'm Mayflower Productions returning with a special installment of Unlikely Duet. It's the tenth chapter. Woohoo~! I'd like to thank everyone for sticking with me thus far. I genuinely appreciate the support, even though my upload schedule has been...less than consistent. We're starting a new arc today and progressing further to the end of middle school. For the eagle-eyed among us, this chapter's premise seems familiar. Those resemblances are definitely intentional, and I'm not out of ideas yet...Yeah, I've still got some tricks up my sleeve. Please stay tuned for Unlikely Duet Chapter 10: Fork in the road.

General Information: Unlikely Duet- line break, "This was your bright idea?!"- 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 10: Fork in the road

[Hitori POV]

"Gotoh, give me an example of alliteration."

"My super sister should spend some time sunbathing, Haa-chan," Futari interjected, stealing my thunder.

"Wrong sibling, right answer. Good job, Futari-chan."

"Heh-heh. I try my best~."

"...I could have answered that too, you know, Hikigaya-kun," I grumbled into my textbook, having an answer ready to go. And it was so good too!

Guitarhero gives groups great content! Sure, Futari's example might have been longer and didn't expose her secret double life, but that's not important! Onee-chan's trying her best too, you know~! School just isn't my strong suit! There's a reason why I dream of dropping out!

We were having another study session, this time at my house. We could have gone elsewhere, but my mom insisted. I would have argued otherwise, wanting to spare myself the potential humiliation, but she let me wear my tracksuit today. That sealed the deal. Hikigaya-kun didn't care about my lazy outfit, so Gotoh Hitori comes out on top!... Even though my scores are close to rock bottom.

"Sure...Let's try World History. In 1905, the Treaty of Portsmouth was signed. This ended the Russo-Japanese War. Which American leader was responsible for brokering the deal and consequently receiving a Nobel Peace Prize?" Hikigaya-kun explained, flipping through his reference book, changing the subject.

An American, huh? I know all about them. They're like the beating heart of rock music. I'll blow Hikigaya-kun away with my global knowledge. I've covered tons of American songs on guitarhero...I mean, studied their cultural icons: their leaders.

"M-Maroon 5!" I exclaimed, fully confident in my response.

"...I'll give you One More Night—I mean, try." He replied, his face nearly expressionless. For a brief second, I saw the hints of a grimace, but he was too fast. I couldn't quite tell.

"The teddy bear guy!" Futari added.

"That's...also correct. Theodore Roosevelt was responsible for the stuffed animal's name and brokered the peace treaty."

"Aren't I clever, Haa-chan?"

"That you are, Futari-chan."

"So, my little sister's all the rage, huh?... Well, I guess onee-chan will go rot over here..." I sulked, pouting.

"Gotoh, she's five. Shouldn't you be proud of her for caring about studying?"

"First, it's studying, then socializing, and eventually she'll learn the guitar. At that point, what would I have left, Hikigaya-kun? I'm not cute, smart, or charming!"