oregairu-vnc2

Chapter n2. In a way, Taishi Kawasaki is Cool Person
Taishi Kawasaki. The little brother of my classmate Kawasomething, Saki Kawasaki. He’s also the same age as Komachi and they both attend the same cram school. In layman’s terms, it’s like the whole junior high school attends yet another school. They have the whole dedicated campus out there. Of course, both him and Komachi attend the nearest cram school, so it may seem that Kawasaki’s house is not that far away.  But in fact it’s to the other side of the cram school from ours. And this meant that whichever path Taishi had taken to return home, he in no way couldn’t “pass by”. Not that it even matters how he had come to us or even which way he went.
There’s nothing surprising in Taishi Kawasaki being here: the middle-school boys often try to get near the house of the girl they love. Source: me. Awful. I wanna hit my past self in the face hard.
I looked at Taishi. He was talking to Komachi about something, and Komachi didn’t dislike that at all. That meant Komachi let him come here. I waited for a lull in their conversation and asked:
“So you’ve returned together?”
“Yes, we’ve finished the self-study assignment and happened to leave together.”
I got it. So he had been waiting for Komachi to finish her assignment. It’s late already, so seemed like he had waited for a long time. Commendable. Even The Amin wouldn’t wait for so long. Or maybe they would. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cG2N38Eq2IM this song. What kind of ages-old crap does Hikki listen to?..]I liked how Taishi organized an ambush Yumin-style, but got sad at the same time. Komachi tugged my sleeve:
“Taishi wanted to talk to you.”
“Huh.”
So he wasn’t just waiting for Komachi? I looked at Taishi. He coughed and looked at me very seriously.
“Brother, can I talk to you?”
“No. Stop calling me brother. Who the hell are you?”
“I won’t back down! Name’s Taishi Kawasaki,” he replied making a step towards me. My, what a determined boy, how can I refuse you now? No, no time for shoujo manga heroine’s thoughts. He was so serious I averted my eyes. I’d definitely lose were we in the animal world.
“So what do you want?” I decided to listen.
“Talk about the exam. They say there’s also going to be an interview,” Taishi replied with sagged shoulders.
“Ah. Yeah, they did have an interview.” I barely remembered having passed the interview. Yes, it was written tests the first day and a group interview during the second. Now that I remember it, there’s also another thought.
“Komachi, will you actually pass the interview?”
“Yep. When I tried to get a recommendation I practiced mock interviews.”
“Hm, a mock interview...”
That’s some preparation in that cram school of theirs. They even help getting the recommendation. Though Komachi failed recommendation test anyway, if only by a small margin. Besides, there’s no way the last communication stronghold of the Hikigaya household fail some measly interview. Concentrate on the written exam, everything else will be fine somehow. Bro believes in you! By the way, when I was applying I didn’t bother with recommendation and studied for the written test exclusively. And on the second day, at the interview, I probably just sat and did nothing. Probably because after passing the tests I thought I’d definitely pass, so I relaxed. So unfortunately I don’t remember what I was asked at the interview. As a conclusion, if I’m able to remember the interview with such warm feelings it’s no big deal anyway.  But those who have just applied probably worry about these small things too.
“I never had been to the interviews, so I’m worried.” Taishi said in depressed tone. Though I don’t think his worries are justified. Be it recommendation tests or whatever else, if you are sure about your answers you pass the interview with no problems. Written tests are way more important. But that’s just my opinion. Even if you do well at the interview but have low test score, you can kiss entering the school goodbye. Such are the high school entrance exams.
This is what I wanted to explain to him.
“Those interviews are piece of cake. Could’ve asked your sister, you know.”
“Now way! She wouldn’t know a thing about the interviews!” He had just badmouthed his own big sister and laughed at it to boot. She’ll hit you, you know. Though I can’t say he was wrong. One look at her is enough to determine interviews are not her forte. She may seem like a delinquent who doesn’t care about social norms, but in fact she’s a normal good girl.
Wonder who was the one cool and righteous who thought out the whole delinquent labelling thing. These words were only meant to maintain the order inside the society. So that people would wag their tails and be happy after every “there, there, cutie” and tasty food. Ima serious fella, I live serious life.  Though only petty criminals speak like that. They’re no match for our Chiban delinquents. They’ve mugged me for 500 yen back in middle school. I’m still angry at that.
“My sister is like that. You’re the only one I can ask that, brother.”
“Hm.”
I still thought Taishi was badmouthing his big sister. But he still loves her, going as far as approaching the Volunteers’ Club for help. That means he doesn’t want to upset his sister, so he decided to ask someone else. That means I can treat his question more seriously. Taishi coughed again.
“It’s probably going to take time, so let’s go somewhere else maybe?”, He said and stared at our entrance door. So he’s hinting for me to let him in? Alas, I don’t want to let some random stranger into Komachi’s personal space.
“Yep,” I replied and moved to prop myself at the door, in the way of his stare. But he still was looking at the Hikigaya house. And I was still standing at the entrance. Looking at us both Komachi smirked.
“Well, it’s not very clean inside right now. How about we go to McDonalds near the station? Without me though, it’s cold.”
Taishi’s cheek twitched.
“Right, really cold,” He said with a small smile. Yep, a smirk. Komachi, I’m really afraid of you now. Poor Taishi. But, as an older brother, I should kick the enemy while he’s down.
“Well, since it’s cold, we can meet some other time.”
“N-no, now that I think about it, it’s not very cold. Let’s do it now, brother!” Taishi scratched his nose and smiled. Huh, the little twerp isn’t half bad. If he had said it was cold he would have had to leave. Man’s heart isn’t that flimsy to return home because of the cold. I think I’ll respect your bravery and won’t play my role of the older brother today. So be it, let’s talk.
“I can carry a mock interview or give some advice if it’s not for long.”
“Yes, thanks.” Taishi replied lively. I think this liveliness would be enough to pass the interview. Anyway, he wanted an answer, I’ll have to give him one. I raised my collar and made a serious face.
“Why did you pick out school?” I asked while staring at Taishi intensely. He seemed to get the intensity of my stare and cleared his throat.
“Well… My older sister attends yours school, and according to her the school excels in both science and liberal arts subjects. It’s also close to home. That’s why I’ve selected your school.” Taishi said politely and carefully without missing a beat. I nodded to him, smiled and said what every interviewer would say in my place.
“Nice and clear. Took your time memorizing it?” I replied. Next second I felt cold wind blowing through my clothes. Taishi simply stood with his mouth open. Next to him Komachi nodded her head.
“Awww… Bro, that was so horrible.”
“Hey, it’s not me who’s horrible. There are inteviewers who say that.”
There are, honest. I had once experienced such a stressful interview and was so broken-hearted I couldn’t work properly. But Taishi’s heart was firm.
“C-can you do it one more time?” he said and quickly muttered “please”. Oh stop it, you don’t have to treat it so seriously. I almost admired him right there, but the man never back down. I had to put more pressure on him!
“Fine. Ahem… Why did you pick our school?”
Taishi deeply inhaled several times and replied this repeated question.
“When selecting the high school for further education i put priority to the thourough college entrance preparation. Having read the pamphlets of your school, as well as having talked to my older sister who’s the student of this school, I came to conclusion your school is fitting for my education.”
What’s with all this “your school”? Are you a noble lady? You’re not going to say “kill him”, are you? I closed my eyes and carefully listened to Taishi’s answer. Finally I heard a loud exhale which meant he was done talking. I slowly opened my eyes again and sent him a scrutinizing look. Meeting my eyes Taishi shuddered. I smiled so he could relax, crossed my hands over my chest and nodded. Taishi visibly relaxed.
“You said something about your development, but you’re supposed to work here. No one’s gonna help you develop in any way.” I said and looked at Taishi. Only cold wind was breaking the silence. Some moments later Taishi finally replied:
“But it’s not for work...”
“The school! Bro, it’s the interview for entering the school! They do help the students develop, you know!” Komachi waved her hands near my face as if checking if I was sane. I evaluated my words again: what have I said wrong?
“Ah, yeah. I used what they’ve told me when I was applying part time. Apparently school’s a bit different in that regard.”
“Brother, how did you pass the interview in the first place?..” Taishi noted, miffed. But seriously, there are people out there in HR who can easily say that in your face. Actually, there was a reason I brought up those horrible memories.
“Well… It’s for your own good to be prepared for the worst.” I said firmly. Komachi made a grimace.
“No no no no no, it’s not the worst, it’s plain horrible. Komachi thinks she knows now why you don’t wanna work. Hearing that is really bad.” she said in a solemn voice. Hey… How could you? You say Big Bro’s feelings were so bad. You didn’t really mean that, did you? Really? Fearing she hated me now I looked at Komachi. Taishi started mumbling something.
“I think my confidence is gone now...” His shoulders sagged. He really felt down after this mock interview.
“Don’t worry. The school interviewers are usually good people.” I said, thinking I scared him too much.
“R-really?” Taishi asked with his eyes begging for salvation. But I’m not that bad and won’t kick people when they’re down. Taishi’s drawback was that this poisonous pest was getting too close to Komachi, but he’s generally a good person. And also his sister is scary. Meaning it’s a good thing? Nah, cute little sister is a good thing, not this. Anyway I decided to console him. His sister was scary after all, if she learns I treated her little brother horribly who knows what happens.
“Well, yeah. If someone wants to perform a stress-interview during the entrance exams, the PTA will sign a complaint. So teachers are very gentle.”
“Such a complicated reasoning...” Komachi mumbled as if complaining about the world’s imperfections. Yeah, our world is far from perfect. Working people don’t like to deal with complaints.
“Anyway, speak loud and clear and you’ll pass.”
Taishi sighed once more and looked at me in disbelief.
“Really? Just like that?”
“Yeah. The most important thing is loud voice and readiness to take more shifts.”
“There’s no shifts at school, Bro.” Komachi noted in disappointment. Damn, that habit from my “Warrior-Skipper” days. Let me explain. When someone blubbers irresponsibly about taking as many shifts as possible, he’ll have to keep his word. And so, when he’s used to working already, learned everything and became a capable unit, taking many shifts became too tiresome, so he skips the work entirely without saying a word and then quietly waits for his payment to be transferred.
I started thinking I’ve said too much. But apparently my talk had a good effect on Taishi. His dying eyes were sparkling with life again.
“Yeah, I’m feeling better now,” Taishi said simply, or more like honestly, and made a weak smile. For you info, I very rarely console anyone.
“Stop worrying about that interview. It’s not about tanking you, it’s about getting to know you.”
All the questions and answers asked during the interviews are known already. If asked about your choice of school simply say you liked the atmosphere. If asked what kind of a person you are say you’re volatile and soft as a butter. Though it’s not exactly normal if many enrolling students say that about themselves. They better learn that employers seek for cogwheels; if there’s just soft butter in the machine it won’t work. These cogwheels are the driving force everywhere. Take my father for example. So banzai to corporate slaves!
Usually prepared replies are a lie, and you say them at the interviews without even thinking. Though it’s not just interviews. I think even the interviewers understand they can’t evaluate a person with those replies. That’s why they pay attention to their manner of speech and especially at their behaviour. That’s why I was talking about the loud voice. Even though it’s a verbal mean, it will be appraised as a non-verbal one. There’s this opinion that only 30% of communication is verbal.
If someone during the interview will answer the questions correctly but will be shy and stuttering, on a scale of 1 to 100 they won’t be given more than 30. Or will they? I’m not good with math.
Anyway I don’t see any reason as to why this lively and decent guy should worry about the interview. But I still was interested in one thing. I coughed and pointed my finger at him.
“Except you should speak politely, not like now.”
“No worries, brother. I talk like that only to you.” Taishi said smiling and raised his fists. Eh, that’s how he treats me? I suddenly lost the desire to advise him anything and shooed him away.
“Ok, that’s it for today. Go home.”
“Yeah. Thanks!” Taishi didn’t notice the change in my demeanor. He perkily bowed and thanked me. Fine, if he was able to thank normally I’ll let his manner of speaking slide. I’m so simple. Hachiman the Simpleton, heh.
But then Taishi stood up, raised his finger and calmly said:
“Actually I have one more thing to ask you about.”
“What?”
What are you, Ukyou? Here I thought I’m finally done with you and you want something else? No dice, I’m not buying that.
“If it’s school-related ask your sister.” I said taking a step back. But Taishi’s expression was even more serious than before.
“I can’t ask my sister that...” he replied abruptly. Now I got it: it’s something really serious. Komachi apparently felt it too and decided not to butt it, or maybe not to bother. She hmm’ed and nodded:
“All right, I’m cold already, so I’m going in. Taishi-kun, thanks for walking me home. Bro, talk to him, that’s my request to you, all right?” Komachi said, grabbed the door handle, turned it and snuck inside.
“Taishi-kun, you do your best too.” She waved one last time from behind the door. Wide smile and a smug gesture… My god, what a cute little sister I have. And also suspicious. She probably fled because she didn’t want to bother with all this. Beside me the other deceived guy spoke up:
“Hikigaya-san is so gentle,” Taishi said when Komachi disappeared after locking the door. But for some reason he still looked at it in awe. Nah, that’s not gentle: she’s just tired of us and left everything to me. My god, what an annoying little sister I have.
x x x
We slowly walked under the cold winter sky. Komachi had hidden inside the house already so I didn’t have to force myself to talk to Taishi. But he asked me with such a serious expression I couldn’t simply send him home. I didn’t want to get the neighbors’ attention by gathering hear the house entrance and also didn’t know if I could go to cafe with a middle school student. So I decided to go to the convenience store on the way to his home and talk to him while walking.
The clear starry sky, street lamps positioned in equal intervals, lights of the cars passing by, bright windows in condos. Me and Taishi slowly traded the brightly illuminated road. Finally I saw the store’s entrance. This convenience store was equally distanced from both our homes.  Though I didn’t really know Kawasaki’s house’s exact location. I stepped inside, bought two cans of some coffee and exited.
“Here,” I tossed one of the cans to Taishi. “It’s not dodgeball, catch it. Good.”
“How much?” he asked and started fetching his wallet.
“No need to” I waved my hand.
“Really? Thanks a lot!” He gladly said and opened the can. I opened mine. We had nowhere to sit except on the bike stand, so we squatted. I held the warm can tightly and started drinking. You can’t buy it for a 100 yen. Taishi exhaled, his breath rising in the cold air.
“About my talk...” he started.
Interested about what he was going to say, I turned my head. His face was serious.
“Brother, can you tell me how to become popular among girls?” Taishi asked. I almost choked on my coffee and started to cough furiously. Taishi slapped my back, worrying if I was all right. I apologized, Taishi told not to apologize. Such a talk we had. I felt better. Taishi looked at me again.
“You’ve asked the wrong person. I’m not exactly popular.”
“That’s not true! You came with a girl today!” he protested with a red face. Ah, he meant Orimoto.
“We just met by accident on the way home. Or do you think it’s love if we walk together?”
According to this logic me and Taishi are in love. I made an ugly smile, feeling the Ebi-mood, even though Ebina-san was far away from here.
“I Don’t think so.” Taishi said levelly with a serious face. Yeah, that’s how the boys turn to men. Maybe he was walking this hard way too? I turned to him.
“Exactly. Besides, if someone told me they’re in love with Komachi, I’d have to get rid of them.” I said tightly squeezing the can, so it crumpled a bit.
“Brother, you scare me.”
He still call me brother after this? You’re a brave one, are you. I won’t be disappointed in you and will even respect you a little. Though to even ask such a question - how to become popular - one has to be brave. On the other hand I think that right now, during the exams preparation, is not the best time to think about it. It’s not the right situation to run away from reality. I remember the time I was busy with everything and still mused about becoming an idol or a professional basball player. Oh no! I hope Taishi won’t do that!
“Why are you asking, by the way?” I decided to ask. But my suspicions weren’t just baseless, they were far from the truth. Taishi tilted his head in wonder and pondered a little.
“I don’t know… for motivation? There’s a reason to study hard if there’s something interesting in high school.”
You know, he’s right. But if you put high hopes, you may end up in situation like returning a loan: you’ll have to give it all for something unclear. I’ll have to break these delusions! This is the true kindness!
“Nothing I’ve dreamt about while enrolling here came true.”
Taishi slightly pouted and looked at me in disbelief.
“Really?”
“Yep. Nothing turned out the way I imagined.” I said. I felt shades of reality in my voice. But what was said can’t be returned, so I continued saying phrases.
“Still it’s all not that bad” I finished, and we fell silent. The only sounds were monotonous hum from the convenience store, sound of someone’s bike on the other side of the road. Suddenly I heard the satisfied sigh.
“I’ve got my motivation now.”
“Huh? Why?”
Taishi stood up, shook his jacket off and looked at me.
“Don’t know. I just did.” he said, took his bad and fixed the jacket’s collar.
“So when I enroll I’ll come to you to talk about it. See you then.” he was honest as usual. I smiled bitterly. Next year’s april, new students, new school year… These words mean completely different circumstances in relation to the current ones. But this all is going to happen during the next 3-4 months. Everything will undoubtedly change and the way things are now will inevitably end.
“Sure, if possible.”
“What do you mean?” Taishi asked absent-mindedly. I took a pause to remember a prepared answer.
“If your sister allows. She’ll get angry if I teach you weird things.” I said. Taishi laughed.
“Yeah.”
“Anyway come to talk once you enroll.”
“I’ll do my best. Thanks, brother.”
“Stop calling me brother. Learn to address me ‘senpai’ at least.” I said. Taishi froze. But then his eyes relighted again.
“Wow! So cool! I can get used to that! Can I tell my sister about it? She’ll definitely allow then!
“Shut up, stop mocking me. Seriously, stop. Go home already.” I tried to hide my embarrassment. Taishi just smiled. I felt even more embarrassed, and I tried shooing him away. Taishi turned and started runnin. After crossing the road, far enough from me, he turned and bower.
“Thank you very much, Hikigaya-senpai!” He loudly said and headed home.
“That was fast,” I mumbled while watching him.