Unlikely Duet

Chapter 15: Graduation

The Unlikely Duet

Foreword: I have returned. Welcome to the end of the middle school arc. You might even call it the Part 1 finale. Thanks for reading until now. I really appreciate it. Let's get this show on the road, Unlikely Duet Chapter 15: Graduation.

General Information: Unlikely Duet- line break, "Who was that girl, Haa-chan?"-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 15: Graduation

[Hachiman POV]

"..." I never thought I'd ever say this, but it's good to be back at school. After spending a few days bedridden at home, I needed the change of pace. Thanks to my mad studying, catching up wasn't that hard. I quickly got up to speed, being slightly ahead of my year level. Only the best for Soubu, after all!

"It's a tale known across the world—" The teacher was lecturing about some tragic Western romance. What was it again? Twilight? No, it's...Romeo and Juliet. If it weren't obvious by now, I wasn't really listening. I was too busy reacclimating to the classroom. Churning stomach when I glance at Orimoto? Check. Classmates pretending I'm invisible? Check. Gotoh pouting at me from across the room? ...Wait, what?

Her behavior wasn't completely sudden. Ever since she visited my house, Gotoh hasn't said a word—no sudden texts, talking about Heroic Guitarist, or rants detailing her last conversation with Guitar Man. I would normally be elated at the decreased interest. The lower my social standing, the better! But she's been watching me all day, narrowing her gaze in silent disapproval.

Oh, all honorable Gotoh-sama, what unforgivable sin have I committed this time? Badmouthing death metal, doubting your Onee-chan status, or disliking your weird kaomoji spam? I couldn't say, but she was still strange today. Maybe this will all blow over. I sure hope so...even if it doesn't change my plans. Our Unlikely Duet ends with this school year. Kita-san wasn't the best help, but she did clear some things. I couldn't over-rely on others. I had to end things my way. There were just a few hurdles before then.

The largest of them all? Passing Soubu's entrance exam...nothing else mattered more.

"The Capulets and the Montagues—" I caught snippets of the lecture. Romeo and Juliet: star-crossed lovers from dueling families. Despite the long odds, they cared for each other, but ultimately faced an untimely demise. Love is blind. It strikes anyone, anytime, and rationality never stood a chance. People live for love...which could be unnerving.

This probably sounds hypocritical coming from me, an avid rom-com enthusiast, but why was love such a strong draw? You risk losing yourself chasing someone else. Interest sparks romance, which grows into mutual dependency. Two distinct entities melt together into a loosely defined 'couple,' one never complete without the other.

It's almost a miracle Orimoto rejected me. Without that, I'd still be hopelessly 'head over heels' for her. My thoughts and actions would be shaped to make her like me more...Oh, she doesn't like light novels, as they're immature? Well, off with them. My girlfriend knows best, after all!

And that's why I had to end things with Gotoh. Our Unlikely Duet had served its purpose. She had friends, and her social skills were passable, if not better than mine. She didn't 'need' me anymore. I was holding her back. Add in our different high schools, and you have the perfect excuse...Besides, I wouldn't want Gotoh to lose what makes her 'Gotoh-san,' because of me.