Unlikely Duet

Chapter 17: Through the Looking Glass

The Unlikely Duet

Synopsis: Hachiman really did it; he acted without thinking, and because of that, he ended up in the hospital. Regrettably for him, it won't be an easy road to recovery, and not physically either, but socially and emotionally. Importantly, the Unlikely Duet wasn't as dead as he thought, nor was he society's background character. The past, present, and future all converge on him, revealing—an uncomfortable truth.

Foreword: Hello, denizens of the internet. It is I, Mayflower Productions! Today we return with more Unlikely Duet, another back-to-back update. This chapter also marks the story's two-year anniversary. It's August 1st (as of publication) somewhere, and that's good enough for me. Thanks for reading until now! With this grand honor, let's welcome to the stage—Unlikely Duet Chapter 17: Through the Looking Glass.

Formatting: Unlikely Duet- line break, "People call me Gotori, actually!"- 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 17: Through the Looking Glass

[Hachiman POV]

"Ouch." I winced by merely twitching my foot. It wasn't a dream; I saved that dog from the limo. Now I'm in the hospital, my leg propped up and covered in gauze. Farewell, Neverland, hello reality.

"Please don't aggravate your wounds, Onii-chan," Komachi warned, sitting at my bedside.

Our parents were in the hallway speaking to the doctor. Apparently, a bystander had seen the accident and called for an ambulance. I wouldn't know who; I lost consciousness upon the impact. I spent the last two days asleep. Now that's a convenient time skip if I've ever seen one. Take notes, light novel authors, this is how you defuse tension.

"..." I sighed, my lips a thin line. The time for jokes had passed.

Komachi had cried when I woke up. They weren't crocodile tears either, but the real deal. How was I supposed to react?...

Sorry I'm not superhuman, little sis? I didn't want a dead dog on my conscience. Before I knew it, I was already moving.

So I just sat there as she hugged me and wailed. I couldn't console her either, being bedridden. Siblings were supposedly the closest strangers, a fact I took to heart. And yet, Komachi proved me wrong. She cried over me. The same brother she poked fun at, chased away from her friends, and wondered if he'd ever be independent. She really cared about me. I should've known this already, but I guess I took it for granted.

Why?

My mother ruffled my hair before she left. She teared up but never cried. I don't get it. Even my father wasn't acting like himself, sitting deathly serious, waiting for the doctor. Where was the cynical advice, the calm indifference?

This only raised more questions. I was the family's weakest link, right? They're just showing common courtesy. I wasn't reading too closely between the lines, or jumping at shadows. Everything is fine, I'm okay...

Then why? Why? Why—

"Hikigaya-kun..." I snapped back to attention as the doctor entered the room. My parents were right behind him.

"Yes?" I faced him, ignoring the pain that moving brought. His white coat carried an air of authority. This was a man of science, unlike me, a creature of emotions. The doctor also had black hair with a slight blue tint, and golden eyes behind his glasses. They were two traits I'd seen somewhere else. I couldn't put a name to the face.