Unlikely Duet

Chapter 11: Monster of Logic

The Unlikely Duet

Foreword: Hello, everyone! Mayflower Productions here, returning with some more Unlikely Duet. We're in the middle of another arc, this one shorter than the last. I actually finished most of this chapter right after the last one. It was a surreal experience being that productive, but surprisingly calming...especially considering the themes covered today...Regardless, I'd like to thank everyone for reading and supporting the story. I really appreciate it. Also, before I forget, SpaceBattles version, yea or nay? Alright! Are you ready? Get set, go! And blazing from the start is Unlikely Duet Chapter 11: The Monster of Logic.

General Information: Unlikely Duet- line break, "I really wanted you to try this."- 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 11: Monster of Logic

[Hachiman POV]

"Fate truly is a fickle mistress." Looking up from my phone, I sighed, questioning the choices that led me here. There was so much going on in my life these days: Gotoh-san left me behind, I was pretty much studying to death, and Kita-san wanted me to play matchmaker. Where did my lonely days go? I miss them.

I found myself at the library right after classes. Regrettably, I had another school project to work on, and my new partner was surprisingly serious about it. I don't know how she got my number, but she made a LOINE chat and texted me to meet up two weeks after our groups formed. We still had another week before it was due. A normie not procrastinating? I couldn't believe it!

Anyway, a younger Hachiman would be over the moon by this scenario...

My long-time crush was texting me. And we're working on a group project together! Wow! That's pretty much an after-school study date! I'm just like a rom-com protagonist!

Yet, current Hachiman... couldn't really care less.

"You finally made it, slowpoke. Took you long enough." Entering the library, I walked over to where my partner, a brunette, was waiting. She waved at me while pouting at my tardiness.

"Yeah, yeah. At least I'm here." Pulling up a chair, I sat down, unmoved by her emotional appeal. I then took out a reference book from my bag and started reading. What about showing some common courtesy?...pleasantries are wasted on her...and not that I'm afraid about falling back into bad habits.

"So you're not always reading light novels, huh?" She commented, stunned by my dedication to my studies. It's probably just a shallow attempt at being considerate. There's no way she actually cares about my habits.

"..." I remained silent, rolling my eyes, not wanting to say more...input, output, independent and dependent variables...like their names imply, the former affects the latter. I guess it's like vending machines. I insert money, and it outputs a refreshing can of Georgia Max Coffee. Depending on how much money I use, a different amount of MAX comes out.

"So, how have you been? Anything hilarious happen lately?" Without warning, she started talking to me, leaning her elbows on the desk, swinging her legs beneath the table. From a distance, she sounded casual and almost friendly...as if.

"We're literally neighbors. You can always see what I'm doing—how is this related to our project? I thought you wanted to work on it." I spoke, never looking up from my reference book.

"W-what's wrong with a bit of small talk? Ever heard of an ice-breaker?" She bristled at my disinterest.

"If I wanted an ice-breaker, I'd go read a rom-com light novel. They're full of chance encounters and humorous misunderstandings between love interests. Besides, light novels are straightforward, unlike whatever this is." I grumbled.