It's now Sunday afternoon, approximately 4 o'clock. I'm walking around the mall, window shopping. I needed to do my groceries today since I was running out of ingredients. The cause of which was the extravagant breakfast I cooked up earlier this morning for myself and Hikigaya-kun. He and I were both hungry and I was feeling generous at the time. Since we rarely spend time together alone, and in my apartment no less, I decided to go all out. He went home bellyful and wobbling.

Since it's a rest day, the mall is a lot more crowded and noisy. Most of the people I encounter are couples and families. But there were also groups of teenagers or college students like myself, spending time together and "hanging out". From these people, I garnered attention. It wasn't so strange, I understood why they stared. I stood out. For two reasons mainly, my appearance and my solitary nature. I've learned to ignore the looks, but there were times when it turned into something troublesome when males are involved. Especially during the evenings.

I reach an area where I could see the Supermarket ahead. I walk straight towards it. Better to get the groceries out of the way first, I can just drop by the bookstore and pet store later. I go in and do my shopping fast. I stock up on eggs, bread, bacon, tofu, some cold cuts and chicken. I also check the vegetable section for anything that looks fresh and appetizing. Though I buy a lot of different things, I make sure I buy just enough to last a week. Once done, I head directly to the cashier and pay using my credit card.

Afterwards, I go out of the Supermarket and walk towards one of the mall's junctures where you usually find a map of sorts. I double check my location and look for a path towards the bookstore or pet store.

"Yukino-san!"

I hear someone call out my name and I turn around looking for the source, the voice sounded really familiar.

"Yukino-nee-san!"

I look up and on the second floor balcony, I see Komachi-san waving her hands at me and smiling.

"Oh, Komachi-san." I murmur, I don't bother raising my voice, I wave in greeting instead.

Komachi-san, seeing me wave back, immediately ran towards the nearest escalator. I wait for her to arrive. Running, it took her less than a minute to reach me, but she didn't come alone.

"Yahallo! Yukino-nee-san!" she greets again, a broad smile on her face.

"Hello, Komachi-san." I answer this time, smiling. Then I look at the man walking behind her. "Who's this?"

"Oh," Komachi-san gestures. "It's Taishi-kun, remember? Kawasaki-san's younger brother."

Oh, I remember now. Kawasaki Taishi. His hair was a bit longer, he didn't look as scrawny as before, and he was now a few inches taller than me. He was also dressed fashionably. All in all, he looked very handsome.

"Um, hello, Yukinoshita-san. It's been a while." he nods at me shyly.

"Yes it has. You've grown, Taishi-kun." I smile at him and he blushes adorably. Hikigaya-kun must really hate him.

"So, what brings you here?" Komachi-san asks, looking curiously at the bags in my hand.

"Groceries." I gesture with my hand. "You? Is this a date you're on? If so, I'm sorry if I disturbed you."

"Oh, no no." Komachi-san answers humorously. "Taishi-kun just wanted to hang out. There's this movie he wants to watch see, and he's paying for dinner to make me come with him."

I tilt my head, puzzled.

"But isn't that the same as a date?"

"No, of course not. We're just friends. We don't do dates." she smiles at me and laughs. Taishi-kun making a blank face and laughing uncomfortably with her. Ahh, good luck.

"Oh! I know!" Komachi-san suddenly exclaims. "Why don't you join us Yukino-san?"

"I don't know if that's a good idea..." I give Taishi-kun a troubled look. I don't want to be a third wheel.

"Um, I won't mind, Yukinoshita-san." he answers, making a somewhat encouraging look. Maybe he doesn't want the evening to feel like a date after Komachi-san's comment?

Komachi-san then grabs my hand and looks at me pleadingly.

"Yukino-san please! We rarely get to see each other anymore. Come with us! It'll be fun." she squeezes and tugs my hand. I really can't say no when she's looking at me that way. I give up and sigh. I smile and nod affirmative.

"Very well. I'll join you."

"Yey!" she claps her hands. "Here, I'll help you out with that." she grabs the groceries from my hand, but then proceeds to pass them on to Taishi-kun. I thank him for his trouble.

"Okay then! Let's go watch that movie!" Komachi-san announces.

We head for the escalators and go up. Komachi and I leading the way with Taishi-kun just a step behind. She talks to me about the movie we're about to watch. Some Hollywood film about a superhero. Eventually we reach the ticket booth, Komachi sits down on a bench while Taishi-kun steps in line, I follow him.

"I'll pay for my ticket. Taishi-kun." I whisper.

"Uh, no, that's fine..."

"I insist." I tell him clearly but kindly. "I'm sorry for butting in on your date by the way."

"It's okay. It wasn't a date to begin with." he sighs.

"Good things come to those who wait, Taishi-kun." I tell him.

"You think so?" he smiles wryly.

"She came when you invited her, didn't she?"

We reach the cashier and buy the tickets. We walk back to Komachi afterwards. Taishi-kun volunteers to buy the snacks and I sit beside her.

"He's not so bad." I remark.

"Uhuh, he's sort of popular though. A lot of girls seem to like him. Even though he's a bit of a perv." she answers offhandedly.

I recall Hayama-kun and the past.

"Must be tough." I sympathize.

"Yeah," she sighs. "but more importantly, did anything good happen between you and Onii-chan last night?" she grins and pokes me with her elbow.

"Nothing out of the ordinary." I tilt my head. "Which reminds me, does he know you're out with Taishi-kun?" I ask. It would be funny to look at his reaction once I tell him about this.

"Yep," she answers immediately. "If you look behind that potted plant on the left near the exit, you'll see someone wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses. That's Onii-chan."

I turn to look. Dreading what I'd find. And there, right where she mentioned, was Hikigaya-kun. He was trying to act inconspicuous while stealing glances at the snack counter and at our bench. I stare at him. When he finally notices, he stiffens up and walks slowly away.

"That's... very sad."

"It's okay! I mean, Onii-chan's kind of creepy right now, but that's just how he shows his love right? I think it's pretty high in points!" she says cheerfully. Right, she was that kind of person too. They really are a unique pair of siblings.

Taishi-kun arrives, carrying another plastic bag. I promise to pay him back for my share but this time he refuses to let me. So I thank him instead. We get in the cinema and find our seats. We were just in time for the pre-show trailers so it wasn't long before the movie started. Komachi-san and I talked about anything we could think of. Taishi-kun joining in from time to time. The movie was surprisingly well done. It was not the kind of movie I usually watched, so it was refreshing. I consider asking Yuigahama-san to join me next time another superhero film comes out. The movie lasted for almost 2 hrs but it didn't feel like it. I had a great time.

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"Woooh, that was fun! Taishi-kun, I'm glad you invited me."

We walk out the cinema doors, Komachi-san leading, looking satisfied.

"Yeah, the CG was really smooth and the story wasn't all bad either. And the action scenes! man..." Taishi-kun catches up to her talking excitedly. It looked like they were both having fun, but I needed to go to the comfort room so I reluctantly interrupt their chat. I clear my throat loudly.

"Excuse me, Komachi-san, Taishi-kun, I need to go to the ladies room. Could you wait for me there?" I point at a bench.

"Sure!"

"Okay."

I head towards the comfort room outside the cinemas since it was closer to the bench I pointed out. I go inside and quickly do my business. I exit and head back but someone suddenly grabs my shoulder and pushes me aside.

"Hyah!" I gasp in surprise and fright.

"Hey! It's me." Hikigaya-kun frowns at me behind his sunglasses.

"Hyah!" I gasp in surprise and fright.

"Hey. Stop." He deadpans.

"What do you want?" I brush his hand away, annoyed.

"What happened in there?" he hisses at me.

"Could you go be disgusting elsewhere?" I look at him with scorn. "I don't want to deal with you right now." I walk away but he stops me by grabbing my shoulder. I turn back and glare at him coldly.

"Let me go, Hikigaya-kun."

"Ahh, sorry." he steps back. He then looks at the bench where Komachi-san and Taishi-kun are sitting and talking. "Did something happen inside though? They look real close...I wonder what they're talking about..." he starts mumbling. He clenches his fist and makes a complicated expression, one with equal parts rage and despair.

"Nothing happened. We were just watching the movie and talking like normal." I sigh and look at him pitifully. "Why don't you join us so you can watch over her properly?"

"Ah, well, that guy is paying right? I don't have money with me right now. I found out about this date just when Komachi went out so I didn't bring enough." he shrugs. "I don't want to owe that guy anything." he adds passionately.

How pathetic.

"I'll pay for your share," I put my hand on my temple, feeling my head ache. "Come on, let's go. Get rid of that." I look at his glasses and cap.

He grumbles but puts them away. I walk back to the bench with him.

"I found this at the bathroom area." I mention casually.

"Why do you make it sound like I'm some trash you picked up?"

"Aren't you?"

Komachi-san laughs at our exchange.

"Gomii-chan! You finally show up!"

"Komachi... you too huh..." he replies disappointedly.

"Oh hi, Onii-san!" Taishi-kun greets with a smile. His reaction surprising me. He doesn't seem to be all that bothered by Hikigaya-kun.

"Don't call me Onii-san if you want to wake up tomorrow." Hikigaya-kun glares at Taishi-kun, he then complains to Komachi-san. "Why're you hanging out with this thing here Komachi?"

"Don't bully him, Onii-chan. Anyway, now that we're all here. Let's have dinner! Where should we go?"

Komachi-san looks at each of us. Hikigaya-kun clicks his tongue. Taishi-kun and I share a look and glance at Komachi-san and Hikigaya-kun. I sigh.

"Saize." We chorused.

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I've always wondered why it's considered an Italian restaurant, when they serve dishes that aren't. I guess necessity calls for variety in this case.

I take a bite of my hamburger steak while thinking idly. Beside me Hikigaya-kun is talking normally with Taishi-kun, it seems that the two of them get along well if they try, or at least, if Hikigaya-kun does. Komachi-san is sitting across, sipping ice tea and listening while nodding her head from time to time.

I look down at my plate and cut another slice. I wasn't feeling all that hungry because of the popcorn I ate at the theater, so I was eating slowly. Looking at everyone else's plate, it looks like they might finish well before I do. So I nudge Hikigaya-kun with my elbow to grab his attention.

"Yeah?"

"Could you help me finish this?" I whisper.

"Oh sure. You know I never say no to free food."

I cut my steak in half and place the uneaten portion on his plate. In front of me, Komachi-san looks on with glee.

"You know, you guys really act like a couple sometimes. You sure you're not dating Onii-chan, Yukino-san?"

"Yeah, Onii-san. Whatever happened to giving up on cute girls?"

"What're you talking about? And don't call me Onii-san."

"Komachi-san, rather than lovers, I think it's more master and pet."

"Wait, I think someone just said something really outrageous there. You picking a fight?"

Hikigaya-kun glares at me and I smile back, Komachi-san and Taishi-kun giggling at us.

"Haaa.. I'm not up for this." He gives us all an apathetic look and continues eating.

"Anyway, let's ignore Onii-chan for now. Yukino-san, if I want to earn a lot of money, what college course do you think I should take?" she leans forward eagerly.

"I think you should think on what course suits you best, rather than what income you desire." I advise. "Choosing your college course is a life changing decision. If you don't think about it properly. You will regret it."

"Ahhhh... That's kind of hard to do..." Komachi-san stares at the ceiling and scratches her head.

"Yeah... I mean... it's not that simple..." Taishi-kun looks at the table blankly.

"They're both idiots you see." Hikigaya-kun points at the two of them. "They can choose any course because they'll be equally bad in any of them."

"That's a very pessimistic way of looking at things. Then maybe they should pick the easiest? Yuigahama-san is doing well in Business Management right?"

"Yeah, but she has luck and magic on her side."

It's troubling that I can't deny that. Despite Yuigahama-san's dubious skills in studying, she always seems to pass.

"How about Hospitality? Like Miura-san's." I add.

"Hmm... Komachi can do that I guess..."

She perks up after hearing her name and looks at us expectantly.

"Well, Hospitality is pretty in demand considering the growth in the Tourism industry. So yeah, I think that'll work for you Komachi. You'll also be under the Social Sciences so we might be able to see each other from time to time if you get into Chiba U." Hikigaya-kun tells her.

"How about me Onii-san? What course can I take?" Taishi-kun asks excitedly.

"I don't really care, but I'm pretty sure Tourism would be bad for you. Maybe something from the Sciences? Engineering? Also, it'd be great if you pick some other school. Somewhere outside Chiba..."

Taishi-kun makes a disappointed look and turns to me instead.

"Yukinoshita-san, do you have an idea?"

"You could follow in your sister's footsteps perhaps, Education under Liberal Arts. Or maybe something from the Social Sciences. It's really up to you Taishi-kun, you know yourself better than any of us."

"I see...just for reference, what did you and Onii-san take?"

"I took Public Administration, he took Psychology. Both are under the Social Sciences."

He nods at my answer and looks away thoughtfully. He then looks at Hikigaya-kun seriously, his eyes narrowed.

"Onii-san, what's the difference between high school and college? Is it better? There's a lot more of them right? And there aren't any uniforms too."

Hikigaya-kun looks at Taishi-kun oddly, but then straightens up in his seat and leans forward, with a serious expression of his own.

"Well, that's certainly true. If you're looking for what I think you are. Then yes, you'll find them. But there's not much difference in what happens, Taishi. All you can do is look."

"Oh, but maybe I'll get lucky too. Like Onii-san."

"What're you talking about? And as long as you get lucky with someone not in this room then that's fine I guess."

I glance at Komachi-san in front of me.

"What's with their conversation? What are they talking about?"

Komachi-san sips on her iced tea and rolls her eyes at them.

"They're probably talking about girls, Yukino-san. Don't mind them."

"Hmm..."

I take another bite, listening to their conversation with half an ear. I wonder if Hikigaya-kun has female classmates that he's close with. But then, who would want to associate with him? He hasn't changed much since high school after all. We continue eating our meals, talking about whatever comes to mind, taking our time in the restaurant and taking advantage of the drink bar. Komachi-san and I order dessert and we share. Eventually, when we decide to head out, the night sky was what greeted us, stars dimmed by clouds and smoke, but shining nonetheless.

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"Thank you for walking me home."

I bow slightly in gratitude and take the grocery bags from him.

"Ahh, it's okay. I owe you for this morning and tonight too. It's the least I can do."

"You sure it's okay? Komachi-san is still with Taishi-kun you know." I tease.

"If she's not home by the time I get there I'll kill him." he declares. "Anyway, I'll pay you back tomorrow at school."

"It's really okay. You don't have to." I shrug.

"Ahhh, but I don't think it is. It's a bit troublesome for me." he shuffles his feet and looks up as if in thought. "Why don't I treat you to lunch some time? There's this really nice ramen place that just opened near campus." he gives me an enthusiastic look.

"Oh, ramen huh..." I look away. I wasn't too fond of its strong flavor. And I wasn't confident I could finish a bowl. But maybe it isn't too bad as all that? Isshiki-san does brag about going out with him occasionally and she seems to have developed a fondness for ramen herself. Maybe it's an acquired taste?

"Okay then. I'll accompany you if you invite me." I nod.

"Great. I'll see you at school tomorrow then. Later." He waves and turns around, heading for the bus stop.

"Yes, see you tomorrow." I bid him farewell and turn towards the entrance of my apartment building.

I think about what classes I have tomorrow and if I have enough time to accept an invite. Our schedules were more or less the same but I was a lot busier than he was. Well, I guess I'll just have to make myself less busy if I have to. I am quite ahead in all my subjects. Doing schoolwork during the weekends does pay off after all. Though I wasn't able to this weekend, I don't find myself regretting it. In fact, these last two days may have been the most fun I've had in a while. Maybe it's not so bad to loosen up every now and then. Yes, not so bad at all.

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AN

Yeah, mah OTP makes an appearance. They're basically the reason why I wrote this chap. I was actually planning to write a one shot about them and label it HikigayaXKawasaki to bait the Sakisaki fans and troll em, but I never got around to writing that fic. I might in the future, but only after I'm done with this.

Not really sure if the course names here are accurate. It's what I got after a little bit of research. I've decided to use Chiba U as their college and I'm going to try and make the college setting more prevalent in future chaps. Credits to ralphsiegler for the title! It's exponentially better than what I had. lol

Anywho, thanks for the reviews guys. Appreciate em. Also, I'm trying to change my style by cutting up the scenes, to make the chap "feel" longer. Not sure if it worked.

thero - yeah, I am working on that. I just like to be careful when it comes to writing these parts. I only add stuff that sounds funny or natural in my head. I also have to consider the fact that the guys I'm writing about now have known each other for 3 yrs, so I can't add too many insults/teasing in because I feel that would be a bit OOC considering the timeline.

FFLeon - You're right, it was Hayama who texted Haruno. I was having fun with the first person pov restrictions in ch2. There were stuff I just had to imply and not explicitly state. One was Hayama texting Haruno to help Sensei ( I clarified this a bit in ch3 ). The other one was 8man getting a good look at Yukino's breasts ( not sure if anyone noticed lol). Don't know if I did it well cause my narration skills are a bit noobish but that's the point of writing this fic anyway, to practice.