(Hachiman POV)
Disappointment. A feeling that I have become extremely familiar with over the years. It wouldn't be wrong to say that I am the husband of disappointment. That's how bad it has gotten. From my parents never being there when I needed them, to middle school, to my accident, to Ichigo's departure, and even my own self.
Why am I bringing this up, one might ask. Well Hachiman, as your thoughts and experiences, I'll answer you. It's because of Ichigo.
See, the school has already ended. Those that wanted to attend a club or are in a club are gone while Ichigo and I are going home. The Hikigaya residence specifically. Throughout the small trip, there was this silence that I experienced rarely in my childhood, and it normally meant I did something to upset Ichigo.
Here's where my problem was. I don't know what I did. I just met the dude about a few hours ago and he's already angry. Angry? No. Probably not. His silence is not limited to anger. It usually ranged from other emotions like sorrow or perhaps guilt.
That's not correct either. He has no reason to be sad. Maybe he's guilty, however, his upper body wasn't slouched to indicate that he was. His back was as straight as a pole and as broad as the Great Wall of China.
Okay. I am exaggerating a lot, but my point still stands. Now I don't know if others lean in when they are guilty, so I couldn't tell if this was unique to him or not and thus, our silent journey. By the time my house came into sight, I had an educated guess as to why Ichigo was giving me the silent treatment. Of course, I would love to just get the conversation dealt with immediately, but I rather not get verbally destroyed in public if I'm right about the reason. Even the Monster of Logic can be defeated by words. Ironic huh?
Then would that make him the King of Logic? Lord? God? That's reaching a little too far and I'm sure that nobody cared about the silly chuuni titles that I came up with. Then again, what would be a good title for Ichigo? Monster of Words? Magician of Reality? Destroyer of Youth? Wait. That last one sounded wayyy too shady for my liking. I'm definitely scratching that one out. Moving on, I think a fitting title would be Protagonist-Sama.
Hear me out first. Ichigo stands out physically due to his looks and hair color. He had a tragic background story where his family passed when we were young. God bless his parents and his two little sisters. Now, he came back from a three-year time skip and is apparently the only individual to gain a perfect score in the entrance exams. Doesn't that scream protagonist? All he lacks is the luck that all main characters have, but I'm a hundred percent sure I'll be witnessing it soon. He never did lose in rock paper scissors.
Wait a minute. Highest score in the entrance exams? That doesn't make sense! It was in February and school starts in April...
Son of a bi***! He came early and he didn't visit me! Our address was still the same as when he left so he doesn't have any excuses to not come meet me. Why? Why did he not meet me as soon he came back? Why Ichigo?
"Ichi-nii!" A shout brought me out of my stupor as I saw my little sister tackle Ichigo to the floor. Komachi-Chan. You're losing points for ignoring your real brother you know. "And uh hi to you too Onii-Chan." Huh? Why does it sound like I'm just an extra?
"Hahaha." Ichigo laughed. "I think you lost some Komachi points Koma-Chan. Look at the expression of your brother." Hey! I'm not that upset over...okay maybe a little. You know what. Fine. You want to be mean, I'll show you mean.
"It's okay, Ichi. Komachi is just excited to see you. Although I do worry if she has enough money to hire a tutor for the rest of her education," I said as I walked past them. Komachi's face went from shock to horror in an instant as she begged me to forgive her on the way home. Hmph. Serves her right.
Honestly, I think Ichigo just earned a little more forgiveness. He always did complete me and Komachi. I like to think that we did the same for him.
Ugh, Hachiman. You're getting vulnerable again. Don't you remember what happened last time you let your heart out?
Of course, I do. I had nightmares about it on occasion. However, this is Ichigo. Not Orimoto or those other faceless side characters. This is Kurosaki Ichigo. My best friend. The one person who stood by my side even though we were strangers. He backed me up when everybody turned against me. He encouraged me to be more active and to not let life completely crush me. He was the one who taught me that I am important. That I am special to others. I can never have the thought of breaking our bond. It's too precious for me. Too genuine.
As all of them entered the house and settled in, Ichigo showered first and got into more comfortable clothing. The Hikigaya siblings didn't mind Ichigo's actions since they were all practically family. Once everyone finished their daily activities, Komachi sat down next to Ichigo and started asking questions about America and what he did there.
I mean...I was curious too, so I sat down and quietly listened. It was unquestionably a shocking tale, and it further brought Ichigo to the title of Protagonist-Sama. Like seriously. Ichigo is the nephew of the CEO that ran a company called Apple. No, I did not stutter. I said Apple.
The Apple. One of the big four technology companies alongside Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. That's only his uncle. His aunt, who is married to the Apple uncle, is also a politician that had the chance to become the first woman president of the United States. Talk about status.
I kind of felt pathetic due to his background and I think Ichigo noticed. I say this because he gave me a very fierce glare that was accompanied by a punch to the head.
"Dumb***. I know what you're thinking and if that thought ever passes in your mind, I'll kick your a**. Literally." I quickly reached for my rear to protect it from the orange beast. Phantom pains showed as soon as I took a trip down memory lane.
"Please don't. The last time you did that, I had the worst restroom experience ever." Komachi laughed at my expense.
"Oh good. You remember. Recall that moment before you think of something that outrageous about me." He huffed. "Nothing changed Hachi. I'm still the same Ichigo. Only this time, I have a bit of cash in my bank account." Ichigo ended the statement with a smirk. Are you challenging me Ichigo?
"Oh, seriously? You're gonna brag about it? You better buy me some meals then!"
"Of course. I'm gonna feed you till you pop."
"Ichi-nii. Me too. Me too."
Haaaa. I missed this.
...
I got really sidetracked, didn't I?