Introduction
No One Knows That He Has Died
Himura Hajime. A disgrace to his family, founders of the Scarlet District in Kyoto. His grades were average, his attitude unsavory, and because of those simple flaws his family and the rest of the Scarlet District disowned him. He was the only child the other kids bullied, the only one the teachers looked down upon. He was just a failure. XXX
You see, Hajime had a twin brother. Identical twins, in appearance, at least. For you see, Himura Hatsuko was the Golden Child of the Scarlet District. He was at the top of his class - in every class. He was smart, athletic, charismatic, compassionate, optimistic, and a born leader. The pride of the Himura lineage. In every way, Hatsuko shadowed over his brother, yet they still remained closer than lovers who had been in love for a thousand years. They loved each other unconditionally, the best of friends. XX
However, on March 1st a year ago today, Hatsuko was found dead in his Senior High School's garden, having leapt off the roof during the night. Hajime was devastated. His brother, he who was so very loved, decided that death would be better than life. And so, Hajime created a lie: that it was he who had died, instead of their beloved. XXX
And everyone believed him. Even his parents, who knew the truth but were too scared to accept it. Himura Hajime died that day, and became Himura Hatsuko, the lifelong genius of the Scarlet District. He fit into his brother's shoes perfectly and without error. After all, they had been twins, close enough to mimic one another if need be. "Hajime was a disappointment, and understood that he was not wanted." XXX
A year has passed. Hajime has taken over all of his brother's merits: top of his class, best in sports, most popular in the school. Everyone loved him, but he no longer loved himself. He was nothing but an empty shell, living a lie and every day hating his brother's decision. How could he have left when he had so much good in his life? How could he have given up on everything that he had going for him? How could he? XX
One day, a mysterious transfer student arrives in the Scarlet District. And nothing changes. At least, until the girl discovers Hajime's secret, and changes everything. XXX
You see, Hajime had a twin brother. Identical twins, in appearance, at least. For you see, Himura Hatsuko was the Golden Child of the Scarlet District. He was at the top of his class - in every class. He was smart, athletic, charismatic, compassionate, optimistic, and a born leader. The pride of the Himura lineage. In every way, Hatsuko shadowed over his brother, yet they still remained closer than lovers who had been in love for a thousand years. They loved each other unconditionally, the best of friends. XX
However, on March 1st a year ago today, Hatsuko was found dead in his Senior High School's garden, having leapt off the roof during the night. Hajime was devastated. His brother, he who was so very loved, decided that death would be better than life. And so, Hajime created a lie: that it was he who had died, instead of their beloved. XXX
And everyone believed him. Even his parents, who knew the truth but were too scared to accept it. Himura Hajime died that day, and became Himura Hatsuko, the lifelong genius of the Scarlet District. He fit into his brother's shoes perfectly and without error. After all, they had been twins, close enough to mimic one another if need be. "Hajime was a disappointment, and understood that he was not wanted." XXX
A year has passed. Hajime has taken over all of his brother's merits: top of his class, best in sports, most popular in the school. Everyone loved him, but he no longer loved himself. He was nothing but an empty shell, living a lie and every day hating his brother's decision. How could he have left when he had so much good in his life? How could he have given up on everything that he had going for him? How could he? XX
One day, a mysterious transfer student arrives in the Scarlet District. And nothing changes. At least, until the girl discovers Hajime's secret, and changes everything. XXX
For They Believe He Was Another
- 10 posts here • Page 1 of 1
The Story So Far... Write a Post » as written by 2 authors
HIMURA HAJIME HATSUKO
i Theme: Goodbye, Ms. Floral Thief by Sana
Xi Dialogue : #003370 | Thought : #007236
i FC: Yoshida Haru | Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Every day, when morning comes and the shrill ring of his alarm clock fills the peace of his bedroom, the only thought that echoes in Hajime's mind is how he so badly wishes he could sleep and never wake up when the sun rises next. XX
He never dares to wonder if Hatsuko had the same thought that fateful night. XX
Today, Hajime opens his eyes to darkness. The alarm is ringing from his stereo, interrupting the ocean soundscapes that had been playing previously. The tall curtains on the window are still pulled shut against the morning sun, just barely visible in the dimness of the room, and Hajime shuffles out of bed to yank one side open. Light floods into the room, and he looks out at the blissfully grey clouds blanketing the sky. He hopes the clouds will stick around so it rains later. XX
Hajime crawls back over the bed to shut off the alarm, and turns off the stereo when the ocean soundscapes start playing again. It's silent in the room, and then the silence is too much, and Hajime scrambles to turn on the soundcapes so at least there's something to fill the void where Hatsuko's chatter should be. XX
It doesn't take long to dress, but he still seems to be too slow for his mother to be satisfied, as she's bursting into his room just after he's finished gathering his school things. "Hatsuko, baby, you look so handsome! No wonder we have so many families wanting to set up dates. Are you sure you aren't interested in any of the lovely ladies you go to school with? I'm sure they're all wonderful." XX
"Yes, I'm sure." Hajime says, facing his mother with a smile. "It would be rude of me to date them if I know I can't love them the way they deserve to be loved." XX
"Such a gentleman, you are. Well, your father and I will be out late again this evening, so don't wait up for us, alright? I love you, baby." Hajime leans down so she can peck him on the cheek, and then his mother is scurrying away out the door, calling for his father to hurry up so they aren't late for a town meeting they need to attend. She's very good at acting, isn't she. How incredibly sad. XX
It isn't until Hajime goes to check his text messages that he sees the date, and a crippling weight settles in his stomach. He quickly locks his phone again, ignoring the message notifications at the top of his screen, and goes about double checking his bag for all his supplies to try and force the realization from the forefront of his mind. It doesn't work. Hajime takes a moment to steel his expression and then leaves the room, not looking at the untouched half of it. XX
Hajime eats breakfast alone- not unusual anymore, as his parents are often so busy they have to leave the house before he's even awake. The silence in the dining room puts him on edge, and without any prying eyes, he nearly breaks a glass he sets down too hard. The silence disappears when he leaves the house; the wind rustling the trees, cars whooshing by, people talking and laughing, birds chriping, dogs barking. Hajime takes comfort in the mild chaos. XX
What on Earth...? When Hajime walks into the main hall of the school, he finds almost half the school's population crowded outside his classroom, chattering so loudly that he can't make out what anyone is saying. Several people turn to him as he approaches, excited smiles on their faces. "What's going on?" He asks, gesturing toward the crowd. Hirahara Yui, the girl he sits next to, explains. XX
"Apparently Kihara-san's granddaughter is staying with her temporarily, and she's transferred into your class. And now everyone's gathered here like she's a new exhibit at a zoo! It's obnoxious, really. Would you tell them to leave?" XXX
"Oi, everyone!" Hajime shouts, easily capturing the horde's attention. "You're blocking the way to our class and the others, so unless you truly have nothing better to do, clear out. The bell's going to ring in a few minutes." As expected, the crowd disperses almost immediately, some students greeting him as they pass to head to their own classrooms. Hajime falls into easy conversation with Yui as they step around fleeing students, and then Hajime sees the transfer. XXX
Her bright violet hair is difficult to miss, and he almost wonders if it isn't just a stereotype that people from the city have dyed hair. Then he reminds himself that he doesn't actually know if she's from the city or not. He doesn't have to stop to think about if Hatsuko would introduce himself right off the bat; he knows he would. And so he excuses himself from his conversation and heads over to the girl who is immersed in a conversation of her own with a few others. XX
"Good morning. I don't know if anyone's said anything exaggerated about me yet, but I'm Himura Hatsuko. It's wonderful to meet you. May I ask your name?" XX
He never dares to wonder if Hatsuko had the same thought that fateful night. XX
Today, Hajime opens his eyes to darkness. The alarm is ringing from his stereo, interrupting the ocean soundscapes that had been playing previously. The tall curtains on the window are still pulled shut against the morning sun, just barely visible in the dimness of the room, and Hajime shuffles out of bed to yank one side open. Light floods into the room, and he looks out at the blissfully grey clouds blanketing the sky. He hopes the clouds will stick around so it rains later. XX
Hajime crawls back over the bed to shut off the alarm, and turns off the stereo when the ocean soundscapes start playing again. It's silent in the room, and then the silence is too much, and Hajime scrambles to turn on the soundcapes so at least there's something to fill the void where Hatsuko's chatter should be. XX
It doesn't take long to dress, but he still seems to be too slow for his mother to be satisfied, as she's bursting into his room just after he's finished gathering his school things. "Hatsuko, baby, you look so handsome! No wonder we have so many families wanting to set up dates. Are you sure you aren't interested in any of the lovely ladies you go to school with? I'm sure they're all wonderful." XX
"Yes, I'm sure." Hajime says, facing his mother with a smile. "It would be rude of me to date them if I know I can't love them the way they deserve to be loved." XX
"Such a gentleman, you are. Well, your father and I will be out late again this evening, so don't wait up for us, alright? I love you, baby." Hajime leans down so she can peck him on the cheek, and then his mother is scurrying away out the door, calling for his father to hurry up so they aren't late for a town meeting they need to attend. She's very good at acting, isn't she. How incredibly sad. XX
It isn't until Hajime goes to check his text messages that he sees the date, and a crippling weight settles in his stomach. He quickly locks his phone again, ignoring the message notifications at the top of his screen, and goes about double checking his bag for all his supplies to try and force the realization from the forefront of his mind. It doesn't work. Hajime takes a moment to steel his expression and then leaves the room, not looking at the untouched half of it. XX
Hajime eats breakfast alone- not unusual anymore, as his parents are often so busy they have to leave the house before he's even awake. The silence in the dining room puts him on edge, and without any prying eyes, he nearly breaks a glass he sets down too hard. The silence disappears when he leaves the house; the wind rustling the trees, cars whooshing by, people talking and laughing, birds chriping, dogs barking. Hajime takes comfort in the mild chaos. XX
What on Earth...? When Hajime walks into the main hall of the school, he finds almost half the school's population crowded outside his classroom, chattering so loudly that he can't make out what anyone is saying. Several people turn to him as he approaches, excited smiles on their faces. "What's going on?" He asks, gesturing toward the crowd. Hirahara Yui, the girl he sits next to, explains. XX
"Apparently Kihara-san's granddaughter is staying with her temporarily, and she's transferred into your class. And now everyone's gathered here like she's a new exhibit at a zoo! It's obnoxious, really. Would you tell them to leave?" XXX
"Oi, everyone!" Hajime shouts, easily capturing the horde's attention. "You're blocking the way to our class and the others, so unless you truly have nothing better to do, clear out. The bell's going to ring in a few minutes." As expected, the crowd disperses almost immediately, some students greeting him as they pass to head to their own classrooms. Hajime falls into easy conversation with Yui as they step around fleeing students, and then Hajime sees the transfer. XXX
Her bright violet hair is difficult to miss, and he almost wonders if it isn't just a stereotype that people from the city have dyed hair. Then he reminds himself that he doesn't actually know if she's from the city or not. He doesn't have to stop to think about if Hatsuko would introduce himself right off the bat; he knows he would. And so he excuses himself from his conversation and heads over to the girl who is immersed in a conversation of her own with a few others. XX
"Good morning. I don't know if anyone's said anything exaggerated about me yet, but I'm Himura Hatsuko. It's wonderful to meet you. May I ask your name?" XX
K I H A R A x K I R I E
t h e m e x // x Pre-Parade
f c x // x Senjougahara Hitagi | Bakemonogatari
d i a l o g u e x // x #914c6e
t h o u g h t x // x #cc4e5c
f c x // x Senjougahara Hitagi | Bakemonogatari
d i a l o g u e x // x #914c6e
t h o u g h t x // x #cc4e5c
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Upon waking in the morning - first, a jolt of panic; next, a stab of pain through her ankle.
Kirie pushed herself upright, looking around at the unfamiliar bedroom. Bit by bit, it came back to her. Grandma. The Scarlet District. Two terms in a different school. She hadn't realised it in the business of moving in yesterday, but the Scarlet District was way quieter than in the city, where she awoke to the sound of traffic and the other people in her apartment building getting ready to start their day. Here, she could hear birds twittering - a rare occurrence in the city, since everything else was so loud - and not much else.
"Well now, Kirie dear, you'll write letters to us, right? Think of it as a little vacation with Grandma - do your best at school, get lots of rest, and don't worry about us, okay?" Kihara Aoi stood looking up at her daughter on the platform, the worry lines in her face appearing more prominent than ever. As if just remembering, she withdrew two candy bars from her pocket and handed them to Kirie, patting her hand clumsily. "Eat these when you're hungry. Dad's given you money to buy lunch, right? Grandma will have dinner ready when you get there." It was becoming increasingly apparent that she was talking to delay Kirie's inevitable departure.
Kihara Masaru put his hand on his wife's shoulder, gently. "It's almost time, dear. Kirie's going to be late if she doesn't go." He turned to Kirie. "Go on, then. Take good care of yourself."
In that instant, Kirie saw past the stoic businessman and anxious office lady that her parents had always portrayed to the worried parents they were, reluctant to send their only daughter off after almost losing her before. She reached forward and grasped each's hand in her own. "Please look after yourselves too. I'll write regularly, so please don't worry. After a reluctant pause, she added, "I'll be off now."
Her parents nodded in unison. Gripping her bags tight, Kirie boarded the shinkansen, heaving her bags onto the rack and settling into her seat. She peered out the window, and, seeing the familiar flash of purple hair, her parents started waving, waving as the train began to pull out of the station, waving as it gained speed and darted away from the platform far too quickly.
Kirie sat back and tried not to cry.
Remembering her departure yesterday made her ankle throb once, twice, as if reminding her that there were things she needed to get to doing. Shoving the memory aside, Kirie got out of bed, and began to prepare for her first day at school in the Scarlet District.
Grandma had always been a firm believer in independence, so Kirie didn't see her until twenty minutes later when she went downstairs, washed and dressed. "Morning, dear. Help yourself to breakfast."
"Good morning, Grandma. Have you eaten?"
"Ah, not yet. I was hoping you wouldn't mind the company of an old lady this morning."
They ate together, making small conversation until the clock struck 7:30, and Grandma looked up.
"You'll want to be early today so someone can show you to your class. The school's just down the road, turn left, and up the hill. If you get lost, you can ask anyone directions."
Coming from Grandma, it was basically her politely kicking Kirie out of the house, so Kirie swallowed her last mouthful of toast, rinsed her glass, and got out quick. Though not many students were out yet, she managed to find the school easily enough. It was a whirlwind of activity after that - getting her particulars registered, a mini-tour of the school, and being shown to her homeroom.
The attention at first was enough to make her nervous, but once her student guide left her alone in homeroom it became quite intense. Students crowded around her, all eager to make her acquaintance, ask about where she moved from, ask about her old school... It just went on and on, and Kirie found herself surreptitiously checking the clock to see when classes could start and she could be left alone to work, although presumably not free from curious gazes.
Someone shouting outside the classroom dispersed most of the crowd quickly, and Kirie responded politely to the goodbyes and see you laters from students from other homerooms, knowing that she had a lot of mandatory socialising to do.
"Good morning. I don't know if anyone's said anything exaggerated about me yet, but I'm Himura Hatsuko. It's wonderful to meet you. May I ask your name?"
Kirie turned to her right, looking up into the face of a boy gently smiling down at her. Unlike most of the others, he didn't seem inquisitive, or even interested in the way that most teenage boys meeting a new girl are. Knowing this helped Kirie to put on a bright smile, feeling more at ease with this stranger than she did with the other students.
"Hello. I'm Kihara Kirie. It's nice to make your acquaintance." She would have attempted to continue the conversation, but the bell rang, and everyone scrambled for their seats - save for Kirie, who was forced to stand at the front until a teacher came in to assign her a seat.
Kirie pushed herself upright, looking around at the unfamiliar bedroom. Bit by bit, it came back to her. Grandma. The Scarlet District. Two terms in a different school. She hadn't realised it in the business of moving in yesterday, but the Scarlet District was way quieter than in the city, where she awoke to the sound of traffic and the other people in her apartment building getting ready to start their day. Here, she could hear birds twittering - a rare occurrence in the city, since everything else was so loud - and not much else.
"Well now, Kirie dear, you'll write letters to us, right? Think of it as a little vacation with Grandma - do your best at school, get lots of rest, and don't worry about us, okay?" Kihara Aoi stood looking up at her daughter on the platform, the worry lines in her face appearing more prominent than ever. As if just remembering, she withdrew two candy bars from her pocket and handed them to Kirie, patting her hand clumsily. "Eat these when you're hungry. Dad's given you money to buy lunch, right? Grandma will have dinner ready when you get there." It was becoming increasingly apparent that she was talking to delay Kirie's inevitable departure.
Kihara Masaru put his hand on his wife's shoulder, gently. "It's almost time, dear. Kirie's going to be late if she doesn't go." He turned to Kirie. "Go on, then. Take good care of yourself."
In that instant, Kirie saw past the stoic businessman and anxious office lady that her parents had always portrayed to the worried parents they were, reluctant to send their only daughter off after almost losing her before. She reached forward and grasped each's hand in her own. "Please look after yourselves too. I'll write regularly, so please don't worry. After a reluctant pause, she added, "I'll be off now."
Her parents nodded in unison. Gripping her bags tight, Kirie boarded the shinkansen, heaving her bags onto the rack and settling into her seat. She peered out the window, and, seeing the familiar flash of purple hair, her parents started waving, waving as the train began to pull out of the station, waving as it gained speed and darted away from the platform far too quickly.
Kirie sat back and tried not to cry.
Remembering her departure yesterday made her ankle throb once, twice, as if reminding her that there were things she needed to get to doing. Shoving the memory aside, Kirie got out of bed, and began to prepare for her first day at school in the Scarlet District.
Grandma had always been a firm believer in independence, so Kirie didn't see her until twenty minutes later when she went downstairs, washed and dressed. "Morning, dear. Help yourself to breakfast."
"Good morning, Grandma. Have you eaten?"
"Ah, not yet. I was hoping you wouldn't mind the company of an old lady this morning."
They ate together, making small conversation until the clock struck 7:30, and Grandma looked up.
"You'll want to be early today so someone can show you to your class. The school's just down the road, turn left, and up the hill. If you get lost, you can ask anyone directions."
Coming from Grandma, it was basically her politely kicking Kirie out of the house, so Kirie swallowed her last mouthful of toast, rinsed her glass, and got out quick. Though not many students were out yet, she managed to find the school easily enough. It was a whirlwind of activity after that - getting her particulars registered, a mini-tour of the school, and being shown to her homeroom.
The attention at first was enough to make her nervous, but once her student guide left her alone in homeroom it became quite intense. Students crowded around her, all eager to make her acquaintance, ask about where she moved from, ask about her old school... It just went on and on, and Kirie found herself surreptitiously checking the clock to see when classes could start and she could be left alone to work, although presumably not free from curious gazes.
Someone shouting outside the classroom dispersed most of the crowd quickly, and Kirie responded politely to the goodbyes and see you laters from students from other homerooms, knowing that she had a lot of mandatory socialising to do.
"Good morning. I don't know if anyone's said anything exaggerated about me yet, but I'm Himura Hatsuko. It's wonderful to meet you. May I ask your name?"
Kirie turned to her right, looking up into the face of a boy gently smiling down at her. Unlike most of the others, he didn't seem inquisitive, or even interested in the way that most teenage boys meeting a new girl are. Knowing this helped Kirie to put on a bright smile, feeling more at ease with this stranger than she did with the other students.
"Hello. I'm Kihara Kirie. It's nice to make your acquaintance." She would have attempted to continue the conversation, but the bell rang, and everyone scrambled for their seats - save for Kirie, who was forced to stand at the front until a teacher came in to assign her a seat.
HIMURA HAJIME HATSUKO
i Theme: Goodbye, Ms. Floral Thief by Sana
Xi Dialogue : #003370 | Thought : #007236
i FC: Yoshida Haru | Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
"Hello. I'm Kihara Kirie. It's nice to make your acquaintance." She replies, smile bright and somehow comforting. The door opens then and their first period of the day is stated to begin. "Well, it's nice to meet you, Kihara-san. Perhaps we can talk later?" Hajime hurries to his own seat, the class bowing politely to their teacher before sitting. Despite the fact that he's never found much interest in others, Hajime finds his gaze on Kihara several times throughout their morning classes, sunlight reflecting off her violet hair. He's glad he sits a row behind her. XX
Hajime also finds his gaze meeting those of the different teachers throughout the day, and when lunch comes, he's called out into the hall by the counselor. XX
"Himura-kun, considering the date today, the school will understand if you'd like to take the day off. You don't need to force yourself to attend classes in such a circumstance." Hajime forces himself not to flinch at the obvious skirting around the main topic: today is the anniversary of Hatsuko's death. Not that anyone recognizes it as that, which is precisely why the counselor shows not a hint of sympathy, at least none that isn't there just for her appearance's sake. XX
Hajime shoots her a timid-seeming smile and shakes his head. "No, I'll be fine. I don't think Hajime would appreciate me allowing my grades to slip over him." XX
Bowing politely to one another and effectively ending the conversation, Hajime and the counselor part ways, Hajime returning to his desk and promptly ignoring Hirahara's knowing stare, dismissing her question if he'll be alright. She doesn't pry, instead choosing to talk about Kihara, of all things. She chatters idly about their new classmate and tosses around a couple of theories about why Kihara moved to the Scarlet District so late in the year, and on her own. XX
The rest of the day passes, and Hajime finds himself confused by how he's constantly drawn to Kihara. Even with several rows in between them, he notices the way she holds a pencil, the way her hair flows around her, the way she gets comfortable in her chair. He's grateful she never turns around while he's looking- he's not sure how he'd handle getting caught "observing" a girl. XX
When the last bell of the day rings, Hajime goes to pack his things, his gaze wandering to Kihara again. Next to him, Hirahara clears her throat and gives him another knowing look, this time with a smirk on her face and her thin arms crossed over her chest. Hajime refuses to acknowledge her epic staredown. XX
"You'll be late for your gardening club meeting if you stand there any longer, Hirahara-san." He says, smirking slightly. Hirahara raises an eyebrow, but bids him goodbye and heads out the door, a couple other girls hurrying after her. Hajime sighs and risks one last glance toward Kihara, who is finishing packing her things, and he turns to leave the room before she can notice him staring. XX
He smiles to the students who bid him goodbye as he moves through the school, pausing to chat with a few of them for a bit before they have to hurry to clubs. He holds his shield until he's stepped through the school's gates and is halfway down the road, far out of sight of anyone else. And then it slips away. XX
The cemetery in the Scarlet District is small and sparcely populated, as most of the dead remain in the homes of their loved ones. Hatsuko's ashes - purposely mistaken as Hajime's - were not placed in an urn, however, nor kept where anyone would see them every day to acknowledge. Instead, they lay buried beneath a short gravestone with nothing but his name and the years he lived. XX
There's no one else in the cemetery. Hajime isn't surprised, the only people buried here are those with no family to visit them, for whatever reason. Hajime sinks to the soft dirt path in front of the grave, pulling his knees to his chest and leaning his face into his thighs, not wanting to look at the grave that has not a sentence to indicate anyone ever truly cared for him while he was still himself. XX
Why did you leave, Hatsuko? Why did you abandon me? What good did it do? XX
Hajime also finds his gaze meeting those of the different teachers throughout the day, and when lunch comes, he's called out into the hall by the counselor. XX
"Himura-kun, considering the date today, the school will understand if you'd like to take the day off. You don't need to force yourself to attend classes in such a circumstance." Hajime forces himself not to flinch at the obvious skirting around the main topic: today is the anniversary of Hatsuko's death. Not that anyone recognizes it as that, which is precisely why the counselor shows not a hint of sympathy, at least none that isn't there just for her appearance's sake. XX
Hajime shoots her a timid-seeming smile and shakes his head. "No, I'll be fine. I don't think Hajime would appreciate me allowing my grades to slip over him." XX
Bowing politely to one another and effectively ending the conversation, Hajime and the counselor part ways, Hajime returning to his desk and promptly ignoring Hirahara's knowing stare, dismissing her question if he'll be alright. She doesn't pry, instead choosing to talk about Kihara, of all things. She chatters idly about their new classmate and tosses around a couple of theories about why Kihara moved to the Scarlet District so late in the year, and on her own. XX
The rest of the day passes, and Hajime finds himself confused by how he's constantly drawn to Kihara. Even with several rows in between them, he notices the way she holds a pencil, the way her hair flows around her, the way she gets comfortable in her chair. He's grateful she never turns around while he's looking- he's not sure how he'd handle getting caught "observing" a girl. XX
When the last bell of the day rings, Hajime goes to pack his things, his gaze wandering to Kihara again. Next to him, Hirahara clears her throat and gives him another knowing look, this time with a smirk on her face and her thin arms crossed over her chest. Hajime refuses to acknowledge her epic staredown. XX
"You'll be late for your gardening club meeting if you stand there any longer, Hirahara-san." He says, smirking slightly. Hirahara raises an eyebrow, but bids him goodbye and heads out the door, a couple other girls hurrying after her. Hajime sighs and risks one last glance toward Kihara, who is finishing packing her things, and he turns to leave the room before she can notice him staring. XX
He smiles to the students who bid him goodbye as he moves through the school, pausing to chat with a few of them for a bit before they have to hurry to clubs. He holds his shield until he's stepped through the school's gates and is halfway down the road, far out of sight of anyone else. And then it slips away. XX
The cemetery in the Scarlet District is small and sparcely populated, as most of the dead remain in the homes of their loved ones. Hatsuko's ashes - purposely mistaken as Hajime's - were not placed in an urn, however, nor kept where anyone would see them every day to acknowledge. Instead, they lay buried beneath a short gravestone with nothing but his name and the years he lived. XX
There's no one else in the cemetery. Hajime isn't surprised, the only people buried here are those with no family to visit them, for whatever reason. Hajime sinks to the soft dirt path in front of the grave, pulling his knees to his chest and leaning his face into his thighs, not wanting to look at the grave that has not a sentence to indicate anyone ever truly cared for him while he was still himself. XX
Why did you leave, Hatsuko? Why did you abandon me? What good did it do? XX
K I H A R A x K I R I E
t h e m e x // x Pre-Parade
f c x // x Senjougahara Hitagi | Bakemonogatari
d i a l o g u e x // x #914c6e
t h o u g h t x // x #cc4e5c
f c x // x Senjougahara Hitagi | Bakemonogatari
d i a l o g u e x // x #914c6e
t h o u g h t x // x #cc4e5c
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
"Ah, Kihara-chan! Well, why don't you take that empty seat in front of Nanami over there? Class, let's all make our new student feel welcome, okay?"
Casting one final grin at the rest of the class, Kirie hurries over to her seat - well, hurries as well she can given her still-healing ankle, and settles in quickly to avoid having the attention fixed on her any longer. As fun as getting to know her class is, it gets exhausting after a while having to field so many questions. Wow, let a girl breathe!
Classes pass smoothly, though, and come lunch time, Kirie pulls out her boxed lunch, which turns out to be curry, rice wrapped in an omelette, and an assortment of steamed vegetables. A few students cluster around her, including Sato Nanami, the girl she's seated in front of, who seems to be incredibly excited about their new proximity. The students all seem to be part of the same friend group, and are, as expected, curious to know more about her. Kirie gulps down a mouthful of rice and smiles around at everyone, ready to answer the same barrage of questions again.
Towards the end of the lunch period, Kirie reaches for her bottle and discovers it empty. She excuses herself hastily to duck into the hallway, taking the chance to catch a breath of fresh air. Against her better judgment, she dawdles a little longer at the water cooler, taking the chance to enjoy the relative peacefulness out here in the hallway. Gosh, but those girls are stifling. Eventually, she can't find any reason to linger in the hallway any longer, and, clutching her newly-refilled bottle, she heads back to class.
"Himura-kun, considering the date today, the school will understand if you'd like to take the day off." A voice sounds in the hallway just around the corner, and Kirie catches on to the grave tone of the speaker. The same tone the doctor had when he was detailing to her parents the extent of her sustained injuries, that time she first woke briefly from her coma. And whatever the conversation is about, she knows if it were her she wouldn't want anyone else walking in in the middle of it. So she stays pressed against the wall, just around the corner, listening.
"No, I'll be fine. I don't think Hajime would appreciate me allowing my grades to slip over him."
And that voice...Kirie searches her memory, then places it as belonging to the polite boy from earlier that day. He'd introduced himself as Himura Hatsuko, that's right. She knows it's wrong, but Kirie can't help wondering what the occasion is and why the school is offering him the day off. Surely nothing too serious?
Footsteps sound down the hallway in her direction, and hastily Kirie emerges from her hiding place, trying to look casual, just in time to see Himura's dark head disappearing back into the classroom. She catches the door just as it's about to close behind him, looking up to see if he's noticed her and perhaps suspected what she was doing, but he seems preoccupied, hurrying back to his seat. Settling back into her seat, Kirie can hear the girl Himura's with mentioning Kihara in her conversation, and so she flashes a smile their way even though she's not inclined to go over and speak to anyone who's been talking about her.
The rest of the day passes uneventfully, and when the bell rings Kirie's held back by Sato again, who's eager to extol the virtues of calligraphy club to Kirie. She eventually shakes her off, after promising to consider it, and grabs her bag, leaving a now-empty classroom.
Kirie remembers enough of her journey to school to find her way down the hill, but once she reaches the bottom, in the bustle of the late afternoon, suddenly everything looks vastly different. In her confusion, it doesn't occur to Kirie to ask directions until long after she's taken a left turn and ventured down a street at random, and of course it's just her luck to pick the most deserted one to wander down.
It doesn't seem to be leading anywhere in particular, and there aren't any homes or shops around, but a motorcycle zips past Kirie with what appears to be a delivery, so it's probably fair to assume that there are some shops ahead where she can ask for directions and maybe sit for a few minutes. Already her ankle is beginning to throb, little pinpricks of pain shooting up into her calf.
On her left is what appears to be a cemetery, and Kirie finds herself shuddering a little despite her general apathy towards ghosts and other similar myths. Perhaps it's the fact that she's no longer as able to take care of herself as before, or maybe the fact that this place is foreign. Still, she indulges that little fear and prepares to cross to the other side of the road, when she catches sight of movement, just beyond the next row of trees. In fact... that looks like someone from her school, if she hasn't mistaken the uniform. And a student is much more likely to be friendly, especially out here.
"Excuse me!" she begins, taking a few steps forward into the cemetery. "Hi? Could you point me the way, please, I just need directions."
She moves towards the figure, until it turns around and Kirie realises who it is - Himura, from earlier on. She mentally curses her luck at having intruded on his privacy twice today, but she can't turn back until she knows the right way. "Himura-san. Hi. I'm sorry to bother, I just got...kinda lost." She punctuates her statement with a sheepish smile, hoping she doesn't seem too foolish before this boy, so solemn and dignified.
Casting one final grin at the rest of the class, Kirie hurries over to her seat - well, hurries as well she can given her still-healing ankle, and settles in quickly to avoid having the attention fixed on her any longer. As fun as getting to know her class is, it gets exhausting after a while having to field so many questions. Wow, let a girl breathe!
Classes pass smoothly, though, and come lunch time, Kirie pulls out her boxed lunch, which turns out to be curry, rice wrapped in an omelette, and an assortment of steamed vegetables. A few students cluster around her, including Sato Nanami, the girl she's seated in front of, who seems to be incredibly excited about their new proximity. The students all seem to be part of the same friend group, and are, as expected, curious to know more about her. Kirie gulps down a mouthful of rice and smiles around at everyone, ready to answer the same barrage of questions again.
Towards the end of the lunch period, Kirie reaches for her bottle and discovers it empty. She excuses herself hastily to duck into the hallway, taking the chance to catch a breath of fresh air. Against her better judgment, she dawdles a little longer at the water cooler, taking the chance to enjoy the relative peacefulness out here in the hallway. Gosh, but those girls are stifling. Eventually, she can't find any reason to linger in the hallway any longer, and, clutching her newly-refilled bottle, she heads back to class.
"Himura-kun, considering the date today, the school will understand if you'd like to take the day off." A voice sounds in the hallway just around the corner, and Kirie catches on to the grave tone of the speaker. The same tone the doctor had when he was detailing to her parents the extent of her sustained injuries, that time she first woke briefly from her coma. And whatever the conversation is about, she knows if it were her she wouldn't want anyone else walking in in the middle of it. So she stays pressed against the wall, just around the corner, listening.
"No, I'll be fine. I don't think Hajime would appreciate me allowing my grades to slip over him."
And that voice...Kirie searches her memory, then places it as belonging to the polite boy from earlier that day. He'd introduced himself as Himura Hatsuko, that's right. She knows it's wrong, but Kirie can't help wondering what the occasion is and why the school is offering him the day off. Surely nothing too serious?
Footsteps sound down the hallway in her direction, and hastily Kirie emerges from her hiding place, trying to look casual, just in time to see Himura's dark head disappearing back into the classroom. She catches the door just as it's about to close behind him, looking up to see if he's noticed her and perhaps suspected what she was doing, but he seems preoccupied, hurrying back to his seat. Settling back into her seat, Kirie can hear the girl Himura's with mentioning Kihara in her conversation, and so she flashes a smile their way even though she's not inclined to go over and speak to anyone who's been talking about her.
The rest of the day passes uneventfully, and when the bell rings Kirie's held back by Sato again, who's eager to extol the virtues of calligraphy club to Kirie. She eventually shakes her off, after promising to consider it, and grabs her bag, leaving a now-empty classroom.
Kirie remembers enough of her journey to school to find her way down the hill, but once she reaches the bottom, in the bustle of the late afternoon, suddenly everything looks vastly different. In her confusion, it doesn't occur to Kirie to ask directions until long after she's taken a left turn and ventured down a street at random, and of course it's just her luck to pick the most deserted one to wander down.
It doesn't seem to be leading anywhere in particular, and there aren't any homes or shops around, but a motorcycle zips past Kirie with what appears to be a delivery, so it's probably fair to assume that there are some shops ahead where she can ask for directions and maybe sit for a few minutes. Already her ankle is beginning to throb, little pinpricks of pain shooting up into her calf.
On her left is what appears to be a cemetery, and Kirie finds herself shuddering a little despite her general apathy towards ghosts and other similar myths. Perhaps it's the fact that she's no longer as able to take care of herself as before, or maybe the fact that this place is foreign. Still, she indulges that little fear and prepares to cross to the other side of the road, when she catches sight of movement, just beyond the next row of trees. In fact... that looks like someone from her school, if she hasn't mistaken the uniform. And a student is much more likely to be friendly, especially out here.
"Excuse me!" she begins, taking a few steps forward into the cemetery. "Hi? Could you point me the way, please, I just need directions."
She moves towards the figure, until it turns around and Kirie realises who it is - Himura, from earlier on. She mentally curses her luck at having intruded on his privacy twice today, but she can't turn back until she knows the right way. "Himura-san. Hi. I'm sorry to bother, I just got...kinda lost." She punctuates her statement with a sheepish smile, hoping she doesn't seem too foolish before this boy, so solemn and dignified.
HIMURA HAJIME HATSUKO
i Theme: Goodbye, Ms. Floral Thief by Sana
Xi Dialogue : #003370 | Thought : #007236
i FC: Yoshida Haru | Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
When Hajime hears a voice from behind, he all but jolts, turning toward the newcomer with obvious surprise - no one ever came to this cemetery, at least not at this time of day, when students were still in clubs and adults were still at work. He almost expected it to be one of the fake-concerned teacher from the school, come to try and comfort him even though he knows they couldn't care less, and finds himself actually relaxing when he finds it to be Kihara Kirie. XX
"Himura-san. Hi. I'm sorry to bother, I just got...kinda lost." Kihara says, looking awkward and a bit out of place. Hajime can't blame her. The Scarlet District is a tight-knit place to fit into, though he can't say she seemed to be having any trouble with that at school. Hajime climbs to his feet and wipes the dust and grass off his pants, smiling sweetly to Kihara. "It's alright, I should be heading home now too. I can guide you home, if you like? I know your grandmother." XX
Not bothering to wait for an acceptance (Kihara's lost, what other option does she really have?) before he's leading the way back out of the cemetery, his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his sweater and bangs hanging out of their usual neat state to cover his eyes. Hajime doesn't speak for a long while, his body language suggesting he doesn't want to chat, though not so obvious as to be rude, since that would definitely not be the best way to welcome her. XX
When he leads them around a corner and onto the street Kihara's house is on, he finally says, "Please, don't worry over finding me in a cemetery. I've had a good year to get over what happened." And as they approach her house, he bows with a polite smile. "Good night, Kihara-san. See you tomorrow morning?" XX
Again, Hajime turns and heads off home without waiting for a response. Later that night, when he curls up under the covers of his bed in a too-empty room, he scolds himself for having lost character simply due to the date. When his ability to stick to Hatsuko's personality is so crucial to...everything, really, slip ups aren't tolerable. I'm just lucky she never knew him. She won't be able to tell the difference between my actions today and how Hatsuko would have acted... XX
"Himura-san. Hi. I'm sorry to bother, I just got...kinda lost." Kihara says, looking awkward and a bit out of place. Hajime can't blame her. The Scarlet District is a tight-knit place to fit into, though he can't say she seemed to be having any trouble with that at school. Hajime climbs to his feet and wipes the dust and grass off his pants, smiling sweetly to Kihara. "It's alright, I should be heading home now too. I can guide you home, if you like? I know your grandmother." XX
Not bothering to wait for an acceptance (Kihara's lost, what other option does she really have?) before he's leading the way back out of the cemetery, his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his sweater and bangs hanging out of their usual neat state to cover his eyes. Hajime doesn't speak for a long while, his body language suggesting he doesn't want to chat, though not so obvious as to be rude, since that would definitely not be the best way to welcome her. XX
When he leads them around a corner and onto the street Kihara's house is on, he finally says, "Please, don't worry over finding me in a cemetery. I've had a good year to get over what happened." And as they approach her house, he bows with a polite smile. "Good night, Kihara-san. See you tomorrow morning?" XX
Again, Hajime turns and heads off home without waiting for a response. Later that night, when he curls up under the covers of his bed in a too-empty room, he scolds himself for having lost character simply due to the date. When his ability to stick to Hatsuko's personality is so crucial to...everything, really, slip ups aren't tolerable. I'm just lucky she never knew him. She won't be able to tell the difference between my actions today and how Hatsuko would have acted... XX
K I H A R A x K I R I E
t h e m e x // x Pre-Parade
f c x // x Senjougahara Hitagi | Bakemonogatari
d i a l o g u e x // x #914c6e
t h o u g h t x // x #cc4e5c
f c x // x Senjougahara Hitagi | Bakemonogatari
d i a l o g u e x // x #914c6e
t h o u g h t x // x #cc4e5c
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Himura's smile is so gentle that Kirie almost feels bad for having disturbed him. He gets to his feet, and Kirie steps back, trying to give him space. As she does, her eyes slide to the gravestone, reading the name. Himura Hajime. A relative? Is this the reason the school offered him a day off?
"It's alright, I should be heading home now too. I can guide you home, if you like? I know your grandmother."
"Yes, please," she starts to say, but he's already striding off back towards the road she came from, and she has to hurry to keep up with him. He doesn't say a word the entire way back, though the silence doesn't seem unfriendly, rather more like Himura doesn't feel like talking. She can respect that, so she similarly stays quiet, following closely behind him.
Eventually the scenery turns familiar, and for a while Kirie is absorbed in turning this way and that as she walks, determined to commit it all to memory. If she gets lost a second time it will be utterly humiliating, at least when she has to admit it to her parents after having boasted about her ability to navigate the city being applicable to the Scarlet District too.
Which is why she almost doesn't realise when they turn into the street Grandma's house is on, until Himura begins speaking. "Please, don't worry over finding me in a cemetery. I've had a good year to get over what happened... Good night, Kihara-san. See you tomorrow morning?"
"Yes, thank you," as before, he leaves before she is finished speaking, and she is forced to stand there, staring at his departing back, wishing she was able to say something other than a halfhearted "See you tomorrow!" The fact that he disappears into the house just next door doesn't escape her, but she spends the rest of the evening wondering if she did something wrong. He'd seemed very personable during the day - was it because she'd caught him in a potentially vulnerable situation?
The next morning she gets ready with renewed vigour, running circles around Grandma as she zips around the house packing her bag, stuffing breakfast in her mouth, and making sure her uniform is neat. All Grandma says is "Don't choke on your food, dear," very calmly, so perhaps she was expecting Kirie to be excited about school. In any case, she never twitches a muscle, just sits patiently and hands Kirie her lunch, seeing her off with a "Have a good day!"
Kirie is gasping for breath by the time she reaches the top of the hill, her leg muscles tight from this unexpected usage, but the air is cool and the sky still dark, so she takes her time getting to homeroom. No one else is there aside from Himura, which is good - that was what she was counting on.
"Good morning," she greets, dropping into the seat next to Himura. "Look, I wanted to apologise for yesterday. I should have read the situation better." Remembering his previous assurance that he had gotten over "what happened", whatever it is, she continues, "Regardless, it was insensitive of me, and I hope you can forgive me. If there's anything I can do, if you want to talk or perhaps come over and have tea, please feel free to ask. I'm only just next door."
To spare him the awkwardness of having to respond, she stands up immediately after, swaying for a brief moment where she stands before heading back to her seat. She knows she wouldn't know what to say in response, there's no need to put him through the same.
"It's alright, I should be heading home now too. I can guide you home, if you like? I know your grandmother."
"Yes, please," she starts to say, but he's already striding off back towards the road she came from, and she has to hurry to keep up with him. He doesn't say a word the entire way back, though the silence doesn't seem unfriendly, rather more like Himura doesn't feel like talking. She can respect that, so she similarly stays quiet, following closely behind him.
Eventually the scenery turns familiar, and for a while Kirie is absorbed in turning this way and that as she walks, determined to commit it all to memory. If she gets lost a second time it will be utterly humiliating, at least when she has to admit it to her parents after having boasted about her ability to navigate the city being applicable to the Scarlet District too.
Which is why she almost doesn't realise when they turn into the street Grandma's house is on, until Himura begins speaking. "Please, don't worry over finding me in a cemetery. I've had a good year to get over what happened... Good night, Kihara-san. See you tomorrow morning?"
"Yes, thank you," as before, he leaves before she is finished speaking, and she is forced to stand there, staring at his departing back, wishing she was able to say something other than a halfhearted "See you tomorrow!" The fact that he disappears into the house just next door doesn't escape her, but she spends the rest of the evening wondering if she did something wrong. He'd seemed very personable during the day - was it because she'd caught him in a potentially vulnerable situation?
The next morning she gets ready with renewed vigour, running circles around Grandma as she zips around the house packing her bag, stuffing breakfast in her mouth, and making sure her uniform is neat. All Grandma says is "Don't choke on your food, dear," very calmly, so perhaps she was expecting Kirie to be excited about school. In any case, she never twitches a muscle, just sits patiently and hands Kirie her lunch, seeing her off with a "Have a good day!"
Kirie is gasping for breath by the time she reaches the top of the hill, her leg muscles tight from this unexpected usage, but the air is cool and the sky still dark, so she takes her time getting to homeroom. No one else is there aside from Himura, which is good - that was what she was counting on.
"Good morning," she greets, dropping into the seat next to Himura. "Look, I wanted to apologise for yesterday. I should have read the situation better." Remembering his previous assurance that he had gotten over "what happened", whatever it is, she continues, "Regardless, it was insensitive of me, and I hope you can forgive me. If there's anything I can do, if you want to talk or perhaps come over and have tea, please feel free to ask. I'm only just next door."
To spare him the awkwardness of having to respond, she stands up immediately after, swaying for a brief moment where she stands before heading back to her seat. She knows she wouldn't know what to say in response, there's no need to put him through the same.
HIMURA HAJIME HATSUKO
i Theme: Goodbye, Ms. Floral Thief by Sana
Xi Dialogue : #003370 | Thought : #007236
i FC: Yoshida Haru | Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
The next morning, Hajime has regained his hold on composure, forcing himself back into his role and refusing to think about his possible slip-up. There's no one in the house but him this time, aside from the staff who get virtually no time off, and Hajime appreciates that he doesn't have to face his parents. Even after a year, having to watch them consistently lie to themselves only serves to prove just how little they care for him. Hatsuko really was their beloved Golden Child. xx
Hirahara, as expected, is the first person Hajime sees when he gets to school. She's waiting for him at the front gate, which isn't normal, but he doesn't make a big deal out of it; he knows her reasoning, and he really doesn't want to talk to anyone about his feelings. He's not sure he'll be able to keep up his facade if he's forced to relive Hatsuko's suicide and everything that happened after. xx
"Good morning," Kihara says. Hajime's at his desk, going over some notes with Hirahara, not having ever thought that Kihara would actually approach him. "Look, I wanted to apologise for yesterday. I should have read the situation better." And then comes panic, because Kihara's mentioning things he didn't want to acknowledge, and now Hirahara's gonna be asking questions and he really doesn't have any excuse that's going to convince her everything's fine. xx
"Regardless, it was insensitive of me, and I hope you can forgive me. If there's anything I can do, if you want to talk or perhaps come over and have tea, please feel free to ask. I'm only just next door." And Kihara leaves, just like that. xx
Hajime watches her go, refusing to allow his shock to show, and once Kihara's sat down at her own desk and immersed herself in conversation with someone else, he turns back to his notes and busies himself color-coding parts of them, purposefully ignoring Hirahara's gaze on him. The bell rings before she can ask. xx
As lunch approaches, Hajime searches for a reason to avoid Hirahara. When the bell rings he makes a solid excuse that he forgot his lunch (which he really did, somehow, for the first time in a year) and hurries off toward the cafeteria. xx
Yui watches Himura leave, knowing something's up but not sure what. She has a feeling he's avoiding her because he knows she has questions, and there's really only one subject he's ever avoided discussing since they met: his brother. xx
Turning her attention across the room, Yui lets her gaze fall on Kihara. What was her apology this morning about, exactly? She knows what yesterday was. Something happened, something to do with Hajime, and Kihara's involved. A small spring in her step, Yui hops her way over to Kihara's desk, smiling politely. xx
"Excuse me, Kihara-san. But could we perhaps chat a bit? About Himura-kun?" xx
Hirahara, as expected, is the first person Hajime sees when he gets to school. She's waiting for him at the front gate, which isn't normal, but he doesn't make a big deal out of it; he knows her reasoning, and he really doesn't want to talk to anyone about his feelings. He's not sure he'll be able to keep up his facade if he's forced to relive Hatsuko's suicide and everything that happened after. xx
"Good morning," Kihara says. Hajime's at his desk, going over some notes with Hirahara, not having ever thought that Kihara would actually approach him. "Look, I wanted to apologise for yesterday. I should have read the situation better." And then comes panic, because Kihara's mentioning things he didn't want to acknowledge, and now Hirahara's gonna be asking questions and he really doesn't have any excuse that's going to convince her everything's fine. xx
"Regardless, it was insensitive of me, and I hope you can forgive me. If there's anything I can do, if you want to talk or perhaps come over and have tea, please feel free to ask. I'm only just next door." And Kihara leaves, just like that. xx
Hajime watches her go, refusing to allow his shock to show, and once Kihara's sat down at her own desk and immersed herself in conversation with someone else, he turns back to his notes and busies himself color-coding parts of them, purposefully ignoring Hirahara's gaze on him. The bell rings before she can ask. xx
As lunch approaches, Hajime searches for a reason to avoid Hirahara. When the bell rings he makes a solid excuse that he forgot his lunch (which he really did, somehow, for the first time in a year) and hurries off toward the cafeteria. xx
- - -
Yui watches Himura leave, knowing something's up but not sure what. She has a feeling he's avoiding her because he knows she has questions, and there's really only one subject he's ever avoided discussing since they met: his brother. xx
Turning her attention across the room, Yui lets her gaze fall on Kihara. What was her apology this morning about, exactly? She knows what yesterday was. Something happened, something to do with Hajime, and Kihara's involved. A small spring in her step, Yui hops her way over to Kihara's desk, smiling politely. xx
"Excuse me, Kihara-san. But could we perhaps chat a bit? About Himura-kun?" xx
K I H A R A x K I R I E
t h e m e x // x Pre-Parade
f c x // x Senjougahara Hitagi | Bakemonogatari
d i a l o g u e x // x #914c6e
t h o u g h t x // x #cc4e5c
f c x // x Senjougahara Hitagi | Bakemonogatari
d i a l o g u e x // x #914c6e
t h o u g h t x // x #cc4e5c
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Maybe the kids in the Scarlet District are just so friendly, but the continued attention puts Kirie's mind off Himura for the rest of the morning, allowing her to forget her worry over their previous (admittedly short) interactions. Sato is a lot more helpful this time, explaining the work to Kirie when the teacher loses her.
So that's how the morning passes, with Kirie struggling a little to keep up with the classwork, hoping no one will think her an ignorant city slicker. At lunch, one of the girls in Sato's little clique says she has brought a lunch and can they please go to the cafeteria, and the whole gang troops off after her, leaving Kirie alone at her desk. She doesn't mind it at all, and digs into her lunch - mackerel and fried prawns over a generous helping of rice, thank you Grandma.
She's only just begun to dig in when footsteps sound behind her, and Kirie looks up to see Himura's friend standing over her, a fairly friendly-looking girl with the bluest eyes Kirie's ever seen. "Excuse me, Kihara-san. But could we perhaps chat a bit? About Himura-kun?"
This surprises Kirie. What about Himura? Surely no one had seen them yesterday and made any assumptions? No, of course not, she's Himura's friend and she'd get more information talking to him, wouldn't she? Kirie sets her spoon down and gestures at the empty seat beside her, inviting the other girl to sit down. "Uh, sure. Hirahara, isn't it? What is this regarding?"
So that's how the morning passes, with Kirie struggling a little to keep up with the classwork, hoping no one will think her an ignorant city slicker. At lunch, one of the girls in Sato's little clique says she has brought a lunch and can they please go to the cafeteria, and the whole gang troops off after her, leaving Kirie alone at her desk. She doesn't mind it at all, and digs into her lunch - mackerel and fried prawns over a generous helping of rice, thank you Grandma.
She's only just begun to dig in when footsteps sound behind her, and Kirie looks up to see Himura's friend standing over her, a fairly friendly-looking girl with the bluest eyes Kirie's ever seen. "Excuse me, Kihara-san. But could we perhaps chat a bit? About Himura-kun?"
This surprises Kirie. What about Himura? Surely no one had seen them yesterday and made any assumptions? No, of course not, she's Himura's friend and she'd get more information talking to him, wouldn't she? Kirie sets her spoon down and gestures at the empty seat beside her, inviting the other girl to sit down. "Uh, sure. Hirahara, isn't it? What is this regarding?"
HIMURA HAJIME HATSUKO
i Theme: Goodbye, Ms. Floral Thief by Sana
Xi Dialogue : #003370 | Thought : #007236
i FC: Yoshida Haru | Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
"Uh, sure. Hirahara, isn't it? What is this regarding?" Kihara sounds unsure, and, well, Yui can't blame her. Being new to a town like this must be a difficult thing. xx
"Yes, but you can call me Yui. Everyone does." Yui says with a friendly smile, one that quickly turns sad. "As for what I wanted to talk about...since you're new to this neighborhood, you may not know things that everyone else does, and it wouldn't be kind to leave you in the dark, not with something so...vital." xx
Her voice drops in volume, as if she were terrified someone would overhear and get angry. Which wasn't an unfounded fear. "A year ago yesterday, Himura-kun's twin brother Hajime jumped off the school roof and killed himself. He'd always been kind of a recluse, no one seemed to respect him. The adults used to talk badly about him, every chance they got, and I suppose all of us simply took after them. Hatsuko was his only friend. They were so close, too..." xx
"No one cared that he was dead. Still, no one cares." Yui frowns, shifts nervously in her chair. "Even Himura Hajime didn't deserve to be just...forgotten like that." xx
There's a long pause as a group of other girls shuffle past, laughing about one thing or another. Yui glances at them as they leave and then sighs. "Himura- well, Hatsuko-kun and I have been friends since Junior High, but I don't think I ever spoke to Hajime-kun. I feel bad about that. Maybe if someone had just talked to him, made some effort, then he..." Yui takes a deep breath, clearly feeling guilt. "Well, now you know. Himura-kun hasn't been quite the same, not since last year. I don't think anyone's noticed. He won't talk to me about it..." xxx
"Anyways, I just thought you should know!" She says, laughing. "I guess there really wasn't much purpose in telling you, now that I think about it, but too late. At least now you won't seem ignorant if it comes up in conversation, right?" xxxx
Glancing at her watch, Yui bids a quiet goodbye to Kihara and goes back to her seat, having eaten nothing of her lunch. The bell rings just as she sits down and class begins, leaving Kihara to wonder what on Earth Yui's intention was. xx
"Yes, but you can call me Yui. Everyone does." Yui says with a friendly smile, one that quickly turns sad. "As for what I wanted to talk about...since you're new to this neighborhood, you may not know things that everyone else does, and it wouldn't be kind to leave you in the dark, not with something so...vital." xx
Her voice drops in volume, as if she were terrified someone would overhear and get angry. Which wasn't an unfounded fear. "A year ago yesterday, Himura-kun's twin brother Hajime jumped off the school roof and killed himself. He'd always been kind of a recluse, no one seemed to respect him. The adults used to talk badly about him, every chance they got, and I suppose all of us simply took after them. Hatsuko was his only friend. They were so close, too..." xx
"No one cared that he was dead. Still, no one cares." Yui frowns, shifts nervously in her chair. "Even Himura Hajime didn't deserve to be just...forgotten like that." xx
There's a long pause as a group of other girls shuffle past, laughing about one thing or another. Yui glances at them as they leave and then sighs. "Himura- well, Hatsuko-kun and I have been friends since Junior High, but I don't think I ever spoke to Hajime-kun. I feel bad about that. Maybe if someone had just talked to him, made some effort, then he..." Yui takes a deep breath, clearly feeling guilt. "Well, now you know. Himura-kun hasn't been quite the same, not since last year. I don't think anyone's noticed. He won't talk to me about it..." xxx
"Anyways, I just thought you should know!" She says, laughing. "I guess there really wasn't much purpose in telling you, now that I think about it, but too late. At least now you won't seem ignorant if it comes up in conversation, right?" xxxx
Glancing at her watch, Yui bids a quiet goodbye to Kihara and goes back to her seat, having eaten nothing of her lunch. The bell rings just as she sits down and class begins, leaving Kihara to wonder what on Earth Yui's intention was. xx
K I H A R A x K I R I E
t h e m e x // x Pre-Parade
f c x // x Senjougahara Hitagi | Bakemonogatari
d i a l o g u e x // x #914c6e
t h o u g h t x // x #cc4e5c
f c x // x Senjougahara Hitagi | Bakemonogatari
d i a l o g u e x // x #914c6e
t h o u g h t x // x #cc4e5c
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
"Yui," Kirie echoes, trying it out. She nods at the other girl with a smile, encouraging her to go on.
"Since you're new to this neighbourhood, you may not know things that everyone else does, and it wouldn't be kind to leave you in the dark, not with something so... vital."
Kirie leans towards Yui, intrigued. Whatever she has to say, it seems important, and if Kirie's becoming privy to vital information - as Hirahara puts it - after only a couple of days, it must be pretty important.
As Yui explains about Himura's brother, Kirie's expression grows horrified, her hands pressed together in her lap, lunch forgotten. It's tragic, and she can't imagine anyone being forced to survive through that kind of loss. She's an only child, so she could hardly empathise, but to lose a sibling, and a twin at that...
"No one cared that he was dead. Still, no one cares. Even Himura Hajime didn't deserve to be just... forgotten like that."
Kirie clenches her jaw. Somehow she feels that Yui isn't exaggerating, isn't lying to her, and it makes her all the more angrier - how can people be so cruel? It explains what she overheard, she realises suddenly, and she allows herself a brief moment to marvel at how stoic Himura is.
"Maybe if someone had just talked to him, made some effort, then he..." Without thinking, Kirie reaches out, resting her hand on Yui's. It's oddly awkward - Kirie is very out of her depth, she must be more affected than she thought - and she pulls away quickly. Still, it works, because the other girl stops her sentence, then takes a deep breath. It's not your fault, she wants to say, but it's not her place. She's never even met Himura Hajime.
While Kirie turns the events over in her mind, Yui seems to get over herself quickly, laughing as if they've been doing nothing more than sharing a friendly joke. A million questions race through Kirie's mind, and are discarded just as quickly, not wanting to seem rude or disproportionately interested. "Thank you for letting me know," she says instead, just before Yui says goodbye and beats a hasty retreat. Kirie's eyes follow her, curious as to her intended effect. Before she has more time to think on it, though, the bell rings, and she's forced to pack her things away. Maybe later.
She notices when Himura slips into class, heading to his seat unnoticed, and she can't help but feel just a little bit bad for him. What a horrible thing, to lose a brother...
She resolves to work harder at being nice to him. It's all she can do.
"Since you're new to this neighbourhood, you may not know things that everyone else does, and it wouldn't be kind to leave you in the dark, not with something so... vital."
Kirie leans towards Yui, intrigued. Whatever she has to say, it seems important, and if Kirie's becoming privy to vital information - as Hirahara puts it - after only a couple of days, it must be pretty important.
As Yui explains about Himura's brother, Kirie's expression grows horrified, her hands pressed together in her lap, lunch forgotten. It's tragic, and she can't imagine anyone being forced to survive through that kind of loss. She's an only child, so she could hardly empathise, but to lose a sibling, and a twin at that...
"No one cared that he was dead. Still, no one cares. Even Himura Hajime didn't deserve to be just... forgotten like that."
Kirie clenches her jaw. Somehow she feels that Yui isn't exaggerating, isn't lying to her, and it makes her all the more angrier - how can people be so cruel? It explains what she overheard, she realises suddenly, and she allows herself a brief moment to marvel at how stoic Himura is.
"Maybe if someone had just talked to him, made some effort, then he..." Without thinking, Kirie reaches out, resting her hand on Yui's. It's oddly awkward - Kirie is very out of her depth, she must be more affected than she thought - and she pulls away quickly. Still, it works, because the other girl stops her sentence, then takes a deep breath. It's not your fault, she wants to say, but it's not her place. She's never even met Himura Hajime.
While Kirie turns the events over in her mind, Yui seems to get over herself quickly, laughing as if they've been doing nothing more than sharing a friendly joke. A million questions race through Kirie's mind, and are discarded just as quickly, not wanting to seem rude or disproportionately interested. "Thank you for letting me know," she says instead, just before Yui says goodbye and beats a hasty retreat. Kirie's eyes follow her, curious as to her intended effect. Before she has more time to think on it, though, the bell rings, and she's forced to pack her things away. Maybe later.
She notices when Himura slips into class, heading to his seat unnoticed, and she can't help but feel just a little bit bad for him. What a horrible thing, to lose a brother...
She resolves to work harder at being nice to him. It's all she can do.
- 10 posts here • Page 1 of 1
View All »Arcs
Arcs are bundles of posts that you can organize on your own. They're useful for telling a story that might span long periods of time or space.
There are no arcs in this roleplay.
View All » Create New » Quests
There are no quests in this roleplay.
Add Group » View All » 0 Factions to align with
Here's the current leaderboard.
There are no groups in this roleplay!
Game Master Controls
Welcome home, Promethean. Here, you can manage your universe.
Arcs
Arcs are bundles of posts from any location, allowing you to easily capture sub-plots which might be spread out across multiple locations.
Add Quest » Quests
You can create Quests with various rewards, encouraging your players to engage with specific plot lines.
Add Setting » 1 Settings for your players to play in
Settings are the backdrop for the characters in your universe, giving meaning and context to their existence. By creating a number of well-written locations, you can organize your universe into areas and regions.
Navigation
While not required, locations can be organized onto a map. More information soon!
Add Group » 0 Factions to align with
There are no groups in this roleplay!
Collectibles
By creating Collectibles, you can reward your players with unique items that accentuate their character sheets.
Once an Item has been created, it can be spawned in the IC using /spawn Item Name (case-sensitive, as usual) — this can be followed with /take Item Name to retrieve the item into the current character's inventory.
Mobs
Give your Universe life by adding a Mob, which are auto-replenishing NPCs your players can interact with. Useful for some quick hack-and-slash fun!
Mobs can be automated spawns, like rats and bats, or full-on NPCs complete with conversation menus. Use them to enhance your player experience!
Current Mobs
No mobs have been created yet.
Spawns
Locations where Mobs and Items might appear.
Events
You can schedule events for your players to create notifications and schedule times for everyone to plan around.
The Forge
Use your INK to craft new artifacts in I Care. Once created, Items cannot be changed, but they can be bought and sold in the marketplace.
Notable Items
No items have been created yet!
The Market
Buy, sell, and even craft your own items in this universe.
Market DataMarket conditions are Quick Buy (Items Most Recently Listed for Sale) |
