Chapter 416 - My CO Stash #16 - Kigyo Eight Banners by Aliquam Scribere (OregairuXKenganAshura) (1/2)

-Hikiga as a Kengan fighter is definitely a banger, I'm watching this author's career with great interest/

Synopsis: Hikigaya Hachiman. An unassuming high schooler with unassuming characteristics with an assuming creepiness attached to him. But that's just his fellow peers' thoughts of him. Even those who thinks they know him soon find out they don't. Yet, their interactions with him may just show them who he really is... [Kengan Ashura/Omega Inspired]

Rated: T

Words: 27K

Posted on: fanfiction.net/s/13708382/1/Kigyo-Eight-Banners (Aliquam Scribere)

PS: If you're not able to copy/paste the link, you have everything in here to find it, by simply searching the author and the story title. It sucks that you can't copy links on mobile (´ー｀)

-I'll be putting the chapter ones of all the fanfics/originals mentioned, to give you guys a sample if you wan't more please do go to the website and support the author! (And maybe even convince them to start uploading chapters in here as well!)

Chapter 1

”Hyaah…” I sighed out tiredly as I hand dried a wine glass with a fine microfiber cloth. The dim setting of my workplace gave a relaxed atmosphere as the dark sky outside the windows setted the mood. It wasn't too late into the evening, maybe it was around 9:30 pm but with the week feeling like it's been dragging out too long, it has certainly felt like an eternity. There weren't too many patrons present in Angel Ladder's lounge as I surveyed the area. There was one old man, he looked to be in his late 50s, sitting at the bar table I'm currently waiting at and there were less than a handful of others occupying the tables in the lounge. I saw one man in a formal attire sitting quite rigidly but at the same time he seemed to be relaxed.

Since there are not a lot of people right now, business has been going pretty slow. Maybe the boredom right now is what's killing me into exhaustion. I rolled my shoulders to ward off the fatigue as I continued to accomplish my task of cleaning the various liquor glasses.

”Saaaki-chan! Can ya pour this ol' man 'nother glass?” The old man near me called for my services. I made sure to give him a look of disapprovement before saying my piece.

”Yatsunomoto-san, drinking too much is bad for you.”

”Aww, but Saki-chan I can -hic- handle my liquor -hic- well!” Yatsunomoto-san slurred out as he gave me a goofy grin.

Yatsunomoto-san is actually a regular here at Angel Ladder. At first, I was put off due to how uncomfortable I felt being around drunks but I soon realized that the old man was just a friendly person who just liked to socialize with us here.

”Pretty pweassse? With a cherry -hic- on top?” He pleaded once more.

”Fine. But don't make me call your wife again to have you dragged out of here, got it?” I firmly told him.

He bobbed his head up and down furiously as I poured him another glass of bourbon. His wife was one of the kindest people I have ever come across and sometimes I wonder how a loafer like Yatsunomoto-san ended up with such a blessed woman.

”Ayy -hic-! Cheers, yer da best Saki-chan!” Yatsunomoto-san raised his glass towards me with a floppy grin. I just shook my head but I couldn't deny him a small smile.

As he sipped away at his bitter beverage, I returned to my task of wiping the glasses clean. I haven't gotten done wiping my fourth glass cup when I heard the electronic sliding doors humm open. My urge to look up winning over me, my eyes spotted two men enter.

One of them was pretty solidly built, as evident by his form fitting snugly into the polished suit he was wearing. His facial features seemed to be sharp, a distinguished jawline that almost rivaled greek statues highlighted the intensity of his gaze as he scanned the bar. His company was not as big as him yet he too held an almost similar aura to the man beside him, just less suffocating but just as piercing. When I gazed at his eyes, I almost flinched back from how dead they seemed. For some reason, I had a feeling of familiarity. I continued rubbing the glass in my hands as I kept tabs on the two men from the corner of my peripherals.

”Hoh? It looks like some big fish has arrived…”

I guess I wasn't the only one who felt the two's palpable presence. But what Yatsunomoto-san said got me to arch an eyebrow.

”Do… you know them, Yatsunomoto-san?” I tried to act not too interested but the old man gave me a smirk. He must've noticed my failed attempts at trying to discreetly (yet failing) glances at the arrivals.

”Mmm…” Yatsunomoto-san's hand twirled his glass idly, the liquor inside forming a vortex from the motion. ”Not really. Well, not directly. But I recognized 'im. Anyone who'd done business 'ere in Chiba gotta be a fool to not know the Bull Shark.”

”Bull… Shark?” What the? So these guys are some big shots? My curiosity and confusion must've been apparent on my face since Yatsunomoto-san gave me a small smile and elaborated.

”Yeah. Rumor's got it that that big scary lookin' man you saw enter is makin' a quick rise through the corporate world 'ere in Chiba.” He took a sip only to hardly swallow the drink. ”They say he's made some pretty big deals, ones that got other business' to start shakin' in their boots.”

I was now fully observing the newly entered customers. The man Yatsunomoto-san was talking about strode over the man in the formal attire that I saw earlier. Each of his steps resounded authority yet it was felt repressed enough to warrant caution to others. The other- wait where was the other one?

”That man's business policies are so aggressive that most firms have lost loads of capital, hell, some even came close to filing for bankruptcy.” Yatsunomo-san continued. ”They dubbed 'im as the-”

”Bull Shark.”

Both Yatsunomoto-san and I jumped back at the sudden voice. It was him! The second guy I saw who entered with the scary looking one. Now he's up closer, he features oddly resembles someone I know… His eyes, I swear, are just like his.

”Oi, Kawasaki, it's rude to stare, you know?” H-huh? Oh, I probably was looking at him too much. I felt some heat come to my face as I embarrassedly looked away. Wait, that voice, is it-

”Hikigaya?” I uttered out loud before I could think.

”Yes?” He answered.

Whoa. The Hikigaya I knew never would present himself like this. His hair was slicked back, the suit he was wearing was neat and crisp, he had a buttoned-down collar underneath by the top few buttons were undone, revealing some of his palish c_h_e_s_t. His dress pants complimented his outfit and his footwear looked quite pristine. With his almost piss-off look, he could pass for a yakuza.

”Oi, you're staring again.” Hikigaya plainly pointed out.

”S-sorry. I just didn't expect you to…” I didn't know how to finish that train of thought as I still looked him up and down.

”Look so good?” He smugly commented. ”I know, it's a crime that a hidden treasure like myself isn't shared but it helps me to keep a low profile.”

I scowled. That's not what I was thinking at all! This guy is a total narcissist. Yeah, he's pretty good looking and fit and kinda ho- Kyaaaah! What am I thinking! I'm losing myself here!

”Uh, yeh know 'im, Saki-chan?” Gah! I forgot Yatsunomoto-san is still here. Crap, he can't know that we know each other because we go to the same school. I'd lose my job if management were to find out that I'm an underage employee.

”Err,” I started. Dammit, I wish my brain could think faster!

”I'm a regular here.” Hikigaya supplemented quickly. Thank you! Although it was a lie that he comes here, nonetheless I owe you one Hikigaya.

”Hm? As often as I lounge 'ere, I don't see ya often…”

”I come in the earlier hours.”

”Ah, dat make sense… Oh! The wife's callin'! Guess I gotta go. See ya, Saki-chan! Nice meetin' ya, Hikigaya-kun! Hope you an' I can catch a drink sometime.”

”So…” Hikigaya started.

I turned my attention back to my schoolmate. He was seated right across from me, an expectant gaze laying on his face. S-stop looking at me like that! My ears turned warm as I felt self-conscious from his look.

”What?” I said.

”Aren't you going to, you know?” He waved a hand for emphasis. Like hell I would know what that meant.

”Aren't I going to, what?” What the hell is this boy trying to say? Does he think I'm still curious about the Bull Shark and that I would ask him about it? Not going to lie, I am curious to know more. Maybe I should just ask him about it. Oh well, here goes noth-

”Aren't you the bartender? So are you not going to give me anything to drink?”

Oh.

So that's what he's trying to get at.

”O-oh, sure, yeah. Um, what do you want? I won't give you alcohol though.” I told him the last part sternly. As hypocritical as I am to be working here, I'm not going to jeopardize my job by serving my classmate some alcohol!

”As if I'd drink any of that stuff. What'd you think of me woman? A wannabe alcoholic?”

”With your looks right now, you could probably pass as one.” I retorted.

”Oi, just because I look delinquent-like doesn't mean I am one!” He scowled. A breath of small laughter escaped from me.

”Yeah, yeah. Anyways what drink do you want?”

”Hm, anything non-alcoholic I guess?”

You guess? I arched an eyebrow at him. The vagueness of his request confused my mind. Be more specific you stupid Hachiman!

”What?” Hikigaya asked me with a dumb look on his face.

”Nothing.”

After I grabbed a bottled club soda from the fridge under the counter, I popped open the cap. The quick hiss released from its carbonated container was audible as I poured some of the clear liquid into one of the freshly cleaned cups I had held moments ago. As I poured, a thought just occurred to me.

”Now that I think about it, what are you doing here Hikigaya?” I asked him.

I watched as the liquid poured into the cup, fizzing as it rose. I slid it across the counter once I thought it was enough. The man before me grunted his thanks as he took the cup.

”My father has a business meeting here.” He didn't look at me as he replied, instead he opted to take a sip from his glass. As he set down his glass, he nodded his head in the direction of the big man I saw enter earlier.

T-that man was Hikigaya's father?! Now I know where Hikigaya got his imposing traits from…

”Your father is the Bull Shark?!” I blurted out before I realized what I did. Thankfully I did yelp out so loud and caused an even more embarrassing blunder of myself.

Hikigaya flinched from my outburst and gave me an annoyed look. I could do nothing but blush from my behavior.

”Sheesh, tone it down woman. My ears are s_e_n_s_i_t_i_v_e, you know? But yeah…” He relaxed his posture as he re-situated himself on his seat. ”Like what you and that old man were talking about earlier, most of the people that do business with father tend to call him that.”

”So is it true… that your father is a really aggressive businessman?” I asked him cautiously. I didn't want to sound tactless but I couldn't think of another way to ask him. He just grunted as he cupped his glass with both hands. His gaze was drawn towards the liquid inside, like he was staring back at his own reflection.

It was then that I noticed the state of his knuckles. They looked battered with some of the skin split but I saw some scabs. Did he get into a fight or something? Why does his knuckles look all busted up? Before I could go on, my self-kept classmate spoke.

”In a way, yeah.” He took another sip. ”But it's not what you may think how he is. He looks scary but he's also reasonable. He's just smarter and more conniving than his competitors.” Huh, sounds kind of like a certain someone. Peculiarly like the person sitting in front of me.

This time, Hikigaya held my gaze and suddenly the intensity of his piercing grey orbs made me want to squirm under the counter. But I couldn't move as his eyes held my body stiff in place. What's this? He never had such a pressuring presence at school. As if sensing my discomfort, he looked away and took another swig. I breathed a sigh of relief as I steadied myself from the tense moment.

”Then why do people call him the Bull Shark?” Although I felt like I was choking from anxiety some seconds ago, I couldn't resist my urge to know more.

”Father wanted to expand his operations.” Hikigaya continued. ”Ever since that moment, he's been going around making deals with other CEOs. Well, it's more like father taking most of the riches while his associates struggle to pick up whatever the remains are.”

”Oh…” In all honesty, knowing this much already is a lot, especially since it's coming from Hikigaya himself. He rarely talks at school, as he usually keeps to himself, so it's even much more uncommon to hear anything he says related to himself. ”Your father must be quite the business man then to be so successful.”

”Heh, yeah you're right.” He smirked at me, but it looked rueful. ”Although he wouldn't have made it this far without me.”

Huh? What does he mean by that? I mean, I guess it'd make sense that Hikigaya would help his father in his endeavors but what does he do?

”Ohoh, Hikigaya-sama?” Suddenly, a third party came in. Wait, n-no! My boss is here! And hold up, he knows Hikigaya? Oh no, does that mean he'll also know we're affiliated to each other as classmates? But then he'll fire me for lying on my application. Arhg!

As I struggled in my mental dilemma, the two men before me conversed.

”Oh, good evening Fujiwara-san.” Hikigaya nodded to my boss.

”Please, Oshiro is fine.” My boss waved him off.

”Okay, Oshiro-san. And you can call me Hachiman, it's only fair that you do.” Hikigaya conceded. He and my boss proceeded to talk.

Nani!? Okay, now I am completely baffled at how casual my boss is interacting with my classmate.

”U-um, you guys know each other?” I nervously interjected.

”Ah, that's right. You aren't aware of this yet, Kawasaki-chan. But Angel Ladder is actually one of Hachiman-sama's father's shareholders!” Fujiwara-san cheerily told me.

”Huh?”

”Hahaha, oh the look on your face is amusing, Kawasaki-chan!” My boss laughed. Hikigaya looked at me from the side, his face still sporting a neutral expression. ”Yes, you should know that Angel Ladder actually does support Hik- I mean Hachiman-sama's father. I was initially surprised that your father came to me with a pitch a while back but I'm very glad that I made the right choice.”

Fujiwara-san smiled gratefully at Hikigaya, who only returned a sheepish smile.

”Of course, I would like to express my gratitude for your efforts too, Hachiman-sama.” Again, what does Hikigaya do to help his father? I am really curious.

”Ah, I am just fulfilling my duties, Oshiro-san.” Concise, short, and modest. A typical reply from the self-proclaimed school loner.

”Nonsense! My bar would not be profiting as much if it were not you and your father's reassuring efforts.”

”Uh, what exactly do they do Fujiwara-san?” I spoke up again.

My boss' eyes widened as he looked at me first before turning to Hikigaya. Said person, just shrugged his shoulders as he just took another sip. It looks like he might need a refill soon.

”Hmm…” A finger rested on Fujiwara-san's chin as he took a few moments to contemplate. Seriously, is it some sort of secret? I've been filled with more curiosity and questions this night than I have ever been when learning in school. ”Well, as it so happens, a special event is taking place at the base of the hotel tonight. Say Hachiman-sama, would it be fine if Kawasaki-chan came?”

Again, my fellow loner just shrugged his shoulders before letting out a humm.

”I do not mind, Oshiro-san.” Just like earlier, his piercing gaze came back and landed on both of us. ”Although, I am not sure how she will receive the event.”

A shiver revertabrated down me as goosebumps tingled my body. How does he do that?! I swear his dead eyes shouldn't have that much power! While I was feeling slightly fearful, my boss was rather unfazed. In fact, I was more shocked to hear him laugh lightly.

”Ahaha, no worries Hachiman-sama! Dear Kawasaki-chan here has the mettle of a great ape when it comes to dealing with tough customers, neh Kawasaki-chan?” My boss grinned at me like a dolt. I blushed slightly as I turned my head away with a grunt. Fujiwara-san, please don't make me out to be a gorilla of a woman!

”They were disrupting and were going to cause a further commotion, Fujiwara-san.” I lamely put out. ”I only act like that so they don't make a mess of the place.”

”Ahh, yes, you're right. Anyways, it looks like your father is wrapping up his meeting with Onkyubo-san.” Fujiwara-san nodded his chin towards the two men.

They shook hands, although it looked like the man in the formal attire winced from Hikigaya's father's grip but it could be the trick of the light. They soon parted ways, the suit heading for the exit while Hikigaya's father calmly but purposely walked over to us.

”Hikigaya-dono! It's a p_l_e_a_s_u_r_e to have you here! I'm assuming you've just made another deal just now, hmm?” Err, for such an imposing man as Hikigaya senior is, my boss sure is quite cheerful around him. I mean, the older Hikigaya just standing there is exuding absolute authority and I dared to not move or hold his gaze.

”Konichiwa, Fujiwara-san. Yes, I have just finished finalizing the small details. Once again, I must thank you for allowing us to utilize your facilities tonight.” Hikigaya senior responded. Like his son, his way of speaking was curt.

If I had to compare the two, I'd say my classmate would be more indifferent and apathetic towards others whilst his father radiated pure, una_d_u_l_terated intimidation. Hell, he makes his own son more approachable and sociable now even though Hikigaya doesn't talk to a lot of people.

”Oh please Hikigaya-dono, I am very happy to provide assistance for you! In fact, I am honored to host the event tonight.” Fujiwara-san smiled gratuitously.

Hikigaya senior only nodded his head in reply.

”Very well, Fujiwara-san. I assume that you will observe tonight's event then?”

Without missing a beat, Fujiwara-san answered.

”Of course! It is only right that your sponsor comes and supports you!”

It was then that the older Hikigaya nodded his head in acknowledgement before his eyes casted over to me. Just like his son's, his eyes were dark grey and conveyed a sharpness to them that may make Hikigaya- er, Hachiman's seem blunt. But unlike the latter's dead eyes, he retained a sense of deadliness to them. I was eeried out of my mind. Seriously, how?! Do all men of the Hikigaya household possess some sort of eye skill that petrifies the person?

”Is this one of your representatives?” The man analyzed me up and down. Like an ostrich, I just wanna go hide somewhere.

”Hahaha,” I heard my boss chuckle. ”No, Hikigaya-dono. She's my employee here. But tonight I will take her to the event to familiarize herself with our ways of doing business.”

”Hmm, that is well then.” The bigger man checked his wrist, a l_u_s_trous watch caught my eye. ”Hachiman, let's go. We only have an hour to get ready. Fujiwara-san, I will see you again later.” His son grunted but stood up but not before sliding some cash under his glass.

”Hm, yes! I look forward to your favor!” My boss cheered again.

”Mm. Before I leave, what is your name?”

My mind momentarily stopped working as Hikigaya's father focused on me again. I was taken aback since I wasn't expecting Hikigaya senior to address me. From the corner of my eyes, Hikig- I mean Hachiman, looked disinterested as ever while my boss himself held an amused grin. Darn you two for being so careless!

Finally finding my voice, I spoke. Well I tried to without sounding scared.

”Saki Kawasaki, sir.”

”Mm,” His eyes narrowed further, the sharpness from before turning into cutting. But seconds later, his expression normalized. ”I hope you will support my son later, Kawasaki-san.”

W-w-w-what did t-that mean?! My ears felt hot and I swear my whole entire face is turning into the color of fruit punch.

”Father, let's go.” Now it was Hachiman to talk, rather tersely actually. I looked at his face and there was a tint of pink on his cheeks too. Ha! I'm not the only one fl_u_s_tered. Oh, stop snickering Fujiwara-san!

With that, both Hikigayas turned and headed out of the bar. One walked with utmost authority while the other slouched on the way out.

The chime of the elevator bell rang out as the doors before us slid open. We have just closed the bar and Fujiwara-san and I were about to head down to whatever special event he mentioned earlier.

”I'm sure you're wondering what's happening, Kawasaki-chan.” My boss broke the silence between us as he pressed a button on the panel. ”You're wondering what this event is about, how your classmate is involved, our connection to Hikigaya-dono and the like.”

C-classmate?! He knows?! How? Neither Hikigaya or I mentioned at all to him that we knew each other outside of Angel Ladder.

”Um, how'd you know that Hikigaya and I were classmates?” Can't lie about that now. My job is good as gone at this point. All I heard was a stifled laughter coming from the older man besides man.

”Keh, keh, oh Kawasaki-chan. It wasn't too difficult to put two and two together, really. I'm your employer, so naturally I do background checks on those who I hire. When I went over your application, I knew something was off so I double checked. Lo and behold, I was right.”