Unlikely Duet

Chapter 13: Striking a Chord

The Unlikely Duet

Foreword: We're in 2025's home stretch, and who's that from left field? Is that a bird, a plane, no, it's Mayflower Productions with more Unlikely Duet! How's it been? I hope everyone's well. With today's chapter, we end another arc, picking up with Kita's return and Hitori's lingering suspicions of Hachiman. That latter point will matter later, so stay tuned. While I'm here, I'd like to thank everyone for reading this year and sticking with the story. The SpaceBattles version is also live! In any case, let's have our next contestant come on down! Unlikely Duet Chapter 13: Striking a Chord.

General Information: Unlikely Duet- line break, "Things won't last forever."-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 13: Striking a Chord

[Hitori POV]

"Can you grab the soy sauce, Hikigaya-kun?"

"Sure."

"Thank you."

"Hey, Gotoh?"

"Yes, Hikigaya-kun?"

"Why are we at the supermarket? This seems like a sudden detour from the library." My friend questioned, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"Uh, funny story about that, actually...O-oh, are those cartons of eggs on sale? We need those too." I sweated bullets as we pushed a shopping cart. This wasn't my first plan to spend a weekend, but what can you do?

For context, we had just finished studying for the day. Hikigaya-kun was as serious as ever, somehow cramming me with tons of material at once. It wasn't a great experience, far from it, but I couldn't be picky. My grades still weren't great. We studied Modern Japanese, World History, English, Science, and, briefly, Math. Despite his love for logic, Hikigaya-kun wasn't the best with calculations. Who knew?

After that, Hikigaya-kun would usually walk me home, and we'd end things there. I'd go work on guitarhero videos, while he...read light novels?...studied more?...chatted with Komachi? I don't really know how Hikigaya-kun spent his free time. But that's why I laid everything on the line with Valentine's Day. I wasn't just a passing face, but a real friend always on his side! I'll use this newfound momentum to learn more about him. And then we'll become even better friends!...yeah, best friends...

In any case, my mom texted me once we left the library. She sent me a list; apparently, we needed some things at home. It was weird. Mom was usually hypersensitive about anything in the house. I would wear out a guitar string, and she'd be right there with a replacement. She was like an evolved version of Hikigaya-kun. But no one's perfect. I'm definitely not.

More importantly, she asked me. I don't mean to brag, but I'm not a people person. My mom knows that better than anyone!

[Flashback]

"I could accept the Guitar Man, your dreams of dropping out, and even Hitori the Fail, but—this?..."

[Flashback End]

I'd say more, but you get the point. If she really needed something, Mom would do it herself or even ask Dad. Is there something else at play? An ulterior motive of sorts?... Do you have any ideas, Guitar Man?

"No comment, Hitori-chan." If he's silent, I must be close to the truth. Detective Gotoh's almost at a breakthrough!

I told Hikigaya-kun about my sudden plans, and he offered to help. Not wanting to waste this op—disrespect his offer—I accepted. And now we're comparing different eggs, even though I saw some in the fridge this morning...I guess Futari's growing up fast. Soon, she'll overtake me...leaving Onee-chan far behind...