"...okay, what's this?"

"It's your dress, silly!"

I stare at the dress in question, picking it up.

It was a black sheath evening gown with a neck strap. The front was slightly revealing but otherwise tolerable. The main problem was the back, or lack thereof.

"I think you'll look great in it." she says, grinning impishly.

"Hmm..." I put the dress back in the bag. "Nee-san, let's switch. You wear this dress and I'll wear yours."

"What are you saying?" she laughs and puffs up her chest. "You'll look pretty funny if you wear mine."

I glance at her resentfully. Her red dress clung to her figure, particularly her bosom. It would, indeed, look terrible on me.

"Are you sure you didn't bring any other dress with you?" I ask, hopeful.

"Nope! I didn't bring any extras, sorry!" she exclaims, not sounding the least bit apologetic.

I put pressure on my temple and sigh. This was partly my fault, I suppose. I should've seen this coming, knowing Nee-san. I should've brought my own dress, or worn one before coming. Arriving early in casual clothes now seemed like a bad idea on hindsight. But still...

"...why are you doing this? You know father will be here, along with dozens of members of the Liberal Party. And you want me to wear this ridiculous dress?"

"You're too naive, Yukino-chan. This isn't my first rodeo, you know. It's at events like these that we need to stand out. Attention can be used as currency in this game, you should know that if you want to play." she looks at the dress and taps a finger on her chin. "There's nothing wrong with that dress, you know. If you have the confidence to pull it off that is. Is it too much for you then? Is this something you can't handle?"

"There was no need for cheap provocation." I mutter. "Leave. I'll start changing now."

I shoo Nee-san away and she leaves the room chuckling, I close and lock the door behind her. I then go back and pick up the dress, inspecting it, sighing. No point in whining now.

I take my shirt off carefully, trying my best not to mess my hair. I then pull my pants off. Holding the dress in front of me, I inspect it one last time and try it on.

It was a perfect fit, not too tight and not too loose. It was also form fitting. Accentuating the curve of my hips. The breast area was pleated in a way that made it look as if I had more there than there was. I frown at it. I wonder if Nee-san took that into consideration when she picked this dress? She didn't have to, my figure was fine as it was.

Feeling myself blush, I look at the mirror and twirl before it. The dress exposed most of my back, but with my long hair, I was able to reduce the amount of skin shown. I take my bra off and adjust the strap, making sure I wasn't revealing anything I shouldn't, I then study my reflection.

"It doesn't dip too low at least." I mumble glumly, looking at my back. It does look nice, I add grudgingly.

I grab my heels and put them on to complete the picture, I then store my casual clothes along with my sandals in the duffle bag Nee-san brought. I take out my cell phone from my jeans and put it in my purse instead. I then close the duffle bag and exit the ladies room.

"Oh my! Look at you!" Nee-san claps her hands in delight.

"Here." I hand over the duffle bag. "I'm going to check the food and drinks. I'll be with you shortly."

"Okay then, I'll be at the reception area near the lounge." she walks away with a wave.

Nee-san's role in organizing the party was over. She was the one to who made the seating arrangements. Making sure guests were among friends or at the very least, among friendly acquaintances. It was a job she alone could do, being friendly and acquainted with most of them. It was then my responsibility that her instructions were followed and the food - as well as the drinks - prepared in time.

I start walking towards the kitchen area and I check the time. Mother was at the office with father and Nee-san will be making calls for last minute confirmation. It was my responsibility to make sure everything went according to schedule.

Inside the kitchen, the chefs and their staff were busy preparing, the noise of cooking and cutlery were at its peak. The head chef notices me and approaches.

"Hi, um, ma'am." he greets me, somewhat awkwardly. He was the head chef of a famous hotel and I was someone 2 decades younger. It was understandable but I didn't have time to be considerate.

"I'd like to sample the dishes now, please." I put on authority like a well worn shirt.

"Yes, ma'am." he makes a slight bow. "This way, please."

We walk deeper into the kitchen until we reach a long metal table. Arrayed on it were sample dishes of the evening. There were 3 different 5 course meals on the table. Each course having different components with an entree of either pork, poultry or fish. The guests were given a menu beforehand and the option to choose which meal they would prefer. Normally, having a 5 course meal at a hotel would've been a very expensive affair but since the owner was father's friend, we were given a considerable discount. Mainly, the food was ours to pay while the staff was free. This being the case, we chose to make the event a little more extravagant.

The chefs assistants and staff were standing behind each plate, looking at me slightly nervously . They were in order and the presentation was more than satisfactory. As for the taste...

I take the spoon beside each dish and sample them one by one. They were exquisite.

"I'd like more dressing on the salad. More chocolate on that dessert. Don't skimp on the foie gras. Otherwise, well done." I add sincerely.

"Thank you, ma'am." the chef smiles proudly. He then nods at his staff. "Your suggestions will be noted."

"Who's in charge of the cocktail bar?" I ask.

"Right this way, ma'am."

We walk to the side, approaching a man who was carrying a portfolio and giving away instructions to a group of young men. The head chef nudges him with his elbow.

"You're in charge of the bar?"

"Yes, I am." he blinks at me.

"I'm here to make sure everything's okay. How are things on your end?"

"Oh, we're fine miss." he nods.

"What drinks will you be serving?"

"We have a fine selection of wine and cocktails," he pulls out a sheet from his portfolio and hands it over. "We'll be serving the drinks on that menu. Along with the usual non-alcoholic beverages of course."

I examine the list of drinks. They had a varied and impressive selection. I nod satisfactorily.

"How many stations will you set up?"

"Two, one on the left side of the ballroom and one across."

"Good. If you're serving cocktails, make sure the wait time is less than a minute. Also notify the guests that you serve mocktails. Those who don't take alcohol might be interested."

"Yes, miss." he nods affirmative.

I walk away, the head chef following close behind.

"Do you have enough men with you?"

"Yes ma'am. One waiter will be assigned for each table, ready to take any requests. There are enough servers currently on shift as well, so dinner will be served promptly. The chefs are all quite capable and I guarantee that each dish will be given the same amount of treatment."

"Wonderful. I will make sure father knows about the hard work you and your staff put out."

He bows at me in gratitude. We reach the entrance to the kitchen and I turn around to face him.

"If there's any problem at all, please don't hesitate to approach me."

"Yes, ma'am." he gives me another bow.

I leave and head towards the lobby. There I find my sister, laughing with one of the receptionists. She sees me and waves me over.

"Are you done?" she asks.

"Yes," I answer. "We should go inside. We'll welcome the guests there."

"m'kay!" she waves farewell at the receptionists and we walk towards the ballroom. She then hooks her arm on my elbow.

"So," she clears her throat. "You remember the names and faces of the guests?"

"Of course." I try to pry my arm loose.

"Table arrangements?" She tightens her grip.

"Memorized." I tug at my arm.

We continue tugging at each other, Nee-san asking me question after question and I answering them. By the time we reach the ballroom, I was ready to claw her face off.

We position ourselves near the entrance. Ready to greet the guests and guide them towards their assigned seats. It was already 5 and dinner was to start an hour and a half from now. There was a good chance that some of them would be arriving early.

I take a peek inside the ballroom just to make sure everything was ready. The tables were arranged the way we wanted them to. The drink bars were now manned. And from a side door, I could see several waiters walking out and heading towards different corners of the room. A small space was cleared in front of the stage. The mini-orchestra and the band were all set-up. The pianist was on standby and the sound system equipment seemed to be at the right place. All seemed well.

I open my purse and check my phone for any messages. There were none. Father had something to deal with at the office and mother was accompanying him, it wouldn't do for him to be late at his own party.

"Ah, someone's coming."

I jerk at hearing Nee-san's voice and I glance at the far end of the hallway where I see a group of men and women in formal attire walking towards us.

"Staff. Secretaries, PR men, a few interns... I recognize some of them." Nee-san explains. "They're invited of course. They come in handy at social gatherings such as this one. They socialize, mingle, share information and arrange meetings. All the trivial stuff. They're sort of like us. Only they aren't working for their mother." she adds dryly.

I nod, silently agreeing. "Let's welcome them then."

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Most of the guests arrive just before 6 pm. They came in pairs or in groups, a minute or two in between. Nee-san took care of the VIPs, while I welcomed those who were slightly lower in the social hierarchy. This was something we silently agreed upon. She was used to handling guests, charming them and making jokes. In this area, I was not so gifted. The dress did compensate for that however. Since more than half of our guests were males, and those who I welcomed were young, they were suitably impressed. Even if I were to insult their mothers in front of them, I doubt they would have noticed. I pointed them to their seats and treated them briskly.

Our parents arrive not long after, together with the Hayamas. Hayama-kun himself, however, was not with them.

"Yukino, how are things?" My father asks, on the other side, mother and Nee-san strike up a conversation.

"Fine. More than half the guests have arrived."

"That's good then... Um..." he frowns. "That dress..."

"Is completely Nee-san's fault." I finish for him.

"...I see." he sighs tiredly, watching Nee-san with an amused expression. "I should go in."

"Father, I'd like to talk to you about my apartment..."

"Ah, yes. About that. Can it wait?"

I click my tongue in annoyance. "Fine, I guess it can. Go, father, your guests are waiting."

He gives me a hesitant nod. I smile and give a nod of welcome for the Hayamas. I then look ahead, looking for the next guest to arrive. I hear my father utter another sigh before going in.

A few minutes pass together with half a dozen guests. In the distance, I see two familiar faces approach, together with an auburn haired man in glasses. Beside me, I hear Nee-san laugh wholeheartedly.

"Hayama-kun. Miura-san." I nod in greeting. I take a look at their companion and my eyes widen in surprise. Nee-san clamps on his arm and snickers.

"Hikigaya-kun?"

"Hey." he gives me an annoyed look.

"...what are you doing here? and what happened to you?" his hair was dyed and he was wearing glasses. He looked surprisingly good in them.

"He's my date!" Nee-san says with a grin. I frown at her.

"I invited him over." she adds, leaning on his shoulder.

"But..."

"I'll take them to our table, shall I?" she drags Hikigaya-kun's arm with her. I open my mouth to protest but stop when I see Hikigaya-kun's expression. He wasn't glaring at Nee-san, he was glaring at me. They enter the ballroom, arms linked.

"Sorry I didn't warn you." Hayama-kun stops at the entrance and looks at me sheepishly.

"What's going on?"

"Your sister told him about the party just the other day. He was invited and we gave him a ride."

"...is that so." I shake my head, focusing on the task at hand. "Anyway, you should go in. Most of the guests have arrived. Father will start his speech in a few minutes and dinner will be served shortly after."

"I see. A bit lively inside is it?" he remarks on the laughter and noise.

"The drink bar has been open for an hour."

He laughs. "That explains some of it, I guess. We'll go ahead then."

He walks in but hesitates. Miura-san was looking nervous. Fidgeting and stealing glances inside.

"...it'll be fine. You look wonderful." Hayama-kun gives her a gentle smile.

"Indeed. You look beautiful, Miura-san." I add.

"Uh, thanks." she smiles at Hayama-kun. She then glances at me. "You don't look too shabby yourself."

I smile wryly at her offhand remark and gesture them inside. I wait for another 15 minutes, Nee-san accompanying me after taking Hikigaya-kun inside. We welcome the last guests together and enter behind them. Inside, the ballroom was now even livelier. Most were standing in groups talking and holding drinks. There were some who chose to converse in their respective tables. There was a decent amount of laughter, a good sign that everything was well.

I see mother and father among the guests. Greeting them and thanking them for their presence. Nee-san and I try to catch father's attention unobtrusively and we succeed after a few tries. He gives us a nod of acknowledgement before turning back to his acquaintances. We then head towards our table.

Each table had around 6-8 chairs and ours had 6, 4 of which were occupied. Hayama-kun and Miura-san were sitting beside each other on one side, while across Hayama-kun was Hikigaya-kun. On the other side of Hayama-kun was Ichiro Suzuki. An acquaintance of ours, the son of father's close friend in diet. I watch Hikigaya-kun carefully and take a seat beside him while Nee-san takes the seat on his right. He was taking a sip from his glass and his eyes were somewhat hidden behind his eyeglasses, I couldn't tell what he was thinking. One thing was quite obvious, however. He was ignoring me.

I sigh and wave a waiter over, taking a glass of champagne. This was going to be a long evening.

"Hello, Yukinoshita-san." Suzuki-kun smiles at me shyly. "I have to say. You look really lovely tonight."

"Thank you." I reply distractedly.

"I hear you're going to transfer to Tokyo University? This true?"

I glance at Hikigaya-kun and I saw no reaction. So he knew. I had my suspicions.

"That might be the case, yes."

He grins happily. "Oh, I guess I'll be your senpai next year then."

"Indeed. I'll be in your care." I bow slightly.

"Um, no need to be formal." he laughs and waves his hand before his chest. "If anything, I'll be in your care."

I hear Hikigaya-kun click his tongue in annoyance. I ignore him.

"Ah, father's going to start." Nee-san remarks, sounding amused.

We turn our attention to the stage where father is standing on the podium. He clears his throat loudly.

"Good evening, everyone." he smiles at the audience. "And thank you for coming..."

He continues with his speech. Thanking those who supported him and promising them that he'll do his best to prove worthy of their trust. Looking at my father, I feel pride welling up inside me. He was the ideal politician, charming, handsome, intelligent, and above all, competent. He believed in the idea of service. Of helping others before himself. When I was young, I had decided to follow in his footsteps. More than a decade later, I still felt the same.

He ends his speech on a high note and the audience erupts with applause. I clap my hands in support as well. Afterwards, the waiters from the side start dispersing and serving the first course. The staff knew which guests chose which course but for a minute or two, I kept glancing at the guests around me, hoping no one would voice out a complaint. Thankfully, all seemed well.

The noise of conversation mixes with the sound of cutlery as everyone starts to eat their meal. Each table had one waiter diligently waiting for the right time to signal the next course. And the meal continues smoothly.

I eat mostly silent, making occasional polite conversation with Suzuki-kun. My attention was altogether focused on my right. Hikigaya-kun and Nee-san were talking normally, which was a strange experience for me. Normally he wouldn't even bother with casual talk. Was he really that upset with me?

The dinner proceeds without much incident, however. The food was delicious and the amount was satisfactory. Suzuki-kun and I continue talking, mostly about Tokyo University. He was more than enthusiastic in proclaiming the virtues of the school, and I was drawn in despite myself. He was also a good distraction, letting me forget - or at least ignore - the tension between Hikigaya-kun and I.

In no time at all, dessert was served.

"Hmm, this pudding is divine!" Nee-san suddenly exclaims.

Since each course had different entries, my dessert was cranberry tart and sorbet while hers was almond pudding and ice cream. I glance at Nee-san's ecstatic profile feeling slightly envious and silently agree. The pudding was indeed delicious, I knew after sampling. I didn't want to change my course choice however, it would've been too bothersome.

"Hikigaya-kun, here, have a bite." Nee-san suddenly pushes her spoon inside Hikigaya-kun's surprised mouth.

I swallow hard and focus my attention on my dessert. He didn't mean to. Nee-san was just teasing. Nothing to be mad about...

I suppress the sudden urge to flirt with Suzuki-kun.

Across me, Miura-san was looking skittish. Glancing this way and that. Dinner was just about over and some of the guests were already walking around and socializing. She was probably feeling more than a little anxious.

"Miura-san, would you like to grab a drink with me?" I ask her after I finish with dessert.

"Um," she looks at me, somewhat gratefully. "Sure."

I smile and stand up. "Excuse us for a moment."

We walk towards the drink bar together. She was sighing in relief and it was hard not to do the same.

"I'd like a bone dry martini please." she tells the bartender.

"Long island iced tea for me."

We wait for our drinks quietly. Around us, guests were also standing and some were heading for the bar. The stage was now lit up and the jazz band we hired started to play.

"Here you go, miss." the bartender catches our attention and hands us our drinks. We both take a sip.

"Ungh, you high society types really are something..." Miura-san remarks while looking around.

"It does take getting used to. But I don't think you would find trouble fitting in."

"Well, what makes you think I'm trying to?"

"Your outfit." I look her up and down, she was dressed to impress. "And the fact that you're dating Hayama-kun."

"...you know?"

"He told me."

She nods absently, taking another sip.

"...you dating anyone here?"

"No."

"What about that guy with us?"

"Just an acquaintance."

"Oh," she twirls her hair. "Good. For Hikio anyway."

"About that..."

"I don't know much. Only that he was invited by your sister and that Hayato had a talk with him after finding out."

Hayama-kun or Nee-san. Both could have told Hikigaya-kun about my transfer. For Hayama-kun's case, I didn't exactly tell him not to. I only implied that he shouldn't tell Yuigahama-san. I sigh and take a sip.

"And the disguise?"

"Oh that." she frowns. "Something about him not getting caught by your parents, I think. What's up with that?"

"Oh, I'm not sure." I roll my eyes. "I'm somewhat certain my parents don't recognize him. Nee-san probably played a joke on him."

"Oh, her huh."

There was something in the way she said it that made me like her more. I smile and look around.

"Miura-san." I point discreetly at a couple a distance away. "Those are Hayama-kun's parents. They're very decent people, friendly. I'm sure they'll be glad to meet you."

"Huh." she looks at them glassy eyed. She then takes a big gulp from her glass.

"...better get this over with." she walks towards our table with determination. I watch her from behind and decide not to follow. Hikigaya-kun was approaching me, and he looked upset.

He passes me by and makes an order. I wait, feeling tense.

"Hey."

"Done sulking, are we?" I say jokingly.

"Shut up."

I grit my teeth. There was something in his tone that said he meant it. I can understand why he was angry. But honestly...

"What is wrong with you?" he growls. "You transfer to another university and you don't even bother telling us? We don't matter to you at all, huh?"

"That's not fair." I snap. "I was going to tell you and Yuigahama-san."

"When? After a month? Next school year?"

"On Monday." I spit out. "Or tomorrow. Just after this party."

He takes a sip of champagne and makes a grimace. "How long did you keep this secret?"

I look away and sigh. "...around 2 weeks."

He gives me a disgusted look.

"I didn't want to worry you or Yuigahama-san needlessly." I explain. "At the time, transferring me to a different school was just an idea my mother had. I was hoping I could work my way around it."

"Great job then." he sneers at me.

"Yes, I guess I deserve that." I say with a self-deprecating smile.

He sighs and gulps down the rest of his drink. He then shakes his head.

"Well, whatever, if this is what you want, then fine." he mumbles and walks away.

I stand still, watching his back, feeling hurt and alone. The way he said those words, like it didn't matter to him, cut deep. But then again, I did deserve this. I took too long to inform him about my situation. When he promised that he'd try to help me too.

I take a long sip of my drink and with renewed determination, try to make amends.

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"Father, please."

After several glasses of champagne and other fruity concoctions as well as an hour's worth of casual talk with guests enforced by my mother, I finally managed to catch him alone.

"Yukino, you know how your mother is..."

"But you can go against her. Tell her it's okay. You let me live alone when I was just 15! And now that I'm 20 years old, I can't?"

"That was to encourage independence in you, Yukino. And it worked. For a time, anyway. Things are different now."

"Yes, things are different now. For one thing, you don't need to worry about me anymore. I am perfectly fine living alone and I've proven that for years. It wouldn't be strange for me to continue doing so. Transferring to another school is also unnecessary. True, Tokyo University may be better, but Chiba University is almost just as good."

"But Yukino..."

"I made Dean's list again, did you know? Top of my batch, 4 semesters in a row. I could keep at it until I graduate. Can't I stay? As a reward for my efforts or something." I sigh and wave my hand in exasperation.

He makes a smile that disappears all too quickly. He then shakes his head sadly. "Yukino... is the idea of living together, as a family, so displeasing to you?"

I cross my arms and look away. "Well..."

"Yukino, please. Is it so wrong for your mother and I to want to live with their children?"

"No, I suppose..."

"Haruno will want to live apart sooner or later. And once she's gone, who will keep your mother company?"

"You?" I make a face.

"Well, yes, and you too." he gives me a tolerant smile.

"You know we don't get along."

"And she's trying to fix that. You should too."

I click my tongue and look away. It was hard to argue against his reasoning. Truly the politician, my father was good at negotiating.

"It's not that simple." I continue. "There are... people I care about. Friends I don't want to leave behind."

"The boy?" he asks, his tone different.

"No. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I am not in a relationship with him." I roll my eyes. "I have other friends. Female ones."

"If they're truly your friends, wouldn't they remain so even if you go away?"

"They will, of course, but the time I spend with them will diminish considerably if I go."

"But you don't care if it's time with your family that disappears hmm?"

I look him in the eye and stay quiet.

"Indulge me, Yukino. Maybe it won't be as bad as you think."

I open my mouth to argue further but stop. The look on his face tells me that nothing I say will convince him. I suddenly feel tired and more than a little dizzy. My throat feeling dry, I take another gulp from my drink. It didn't help.

"...fine." I mutter. I look around me, feeling somewhat nauseous and exhausted. What was the point? "I'm leaving."

"What?" he looks at me worriedly. "It's still early."

"I'm done for the evening. Everything seems to be fine, the guests are happy, mother is content. I see no reason in staying here." I close my eyes and rub my temple, feeling my head ache.

He stares at me for a few seconds and shrugs.

"Very well. How will you get home?"

"I'll take a cab." Travel will probably take an hour, taking the highway. But it should be safe enough.

"...fine." he sighs. "You've done well for this party. I appreciate your help."

"It's nothing. I'll be going ahead." I bow quickly, hoping to get away before he changes his mind.

I turn around and walk towards the exit. I don't bother to tell my mother or Nee-san. Both of them were busy. The room was also noisier, the band was playing loudly and the guests were all talking with alcohol in their veins. I didn't have it in me to go look for them in this atmosphere.

I reach the lobby quickly. Walking directly for the exit. I pause, however, upon seeing someone sitting on one of the couches.

It was Hikigaya-kun. He was holding a glass of something that looked like chocolate milkshake, muttering to himself. I approach carefully.

"...you're still here I see." I remark. I frown at his drink disapprovingly. He should return that glass once he's done. You weren't supposed to take them out the ballroom.

He grunts, staring down at his feet, looking pensive.

I sit down beside him and wait. He didn't tell me not to, so I could. He continues to drink.

After what seemed like forever, he glances at me and clears his throat.

"Um..."

"Before anything else, I want to say I'm sorry. I apologize for not telling you about my transfer, Hikigaya-kun. It was callous of me." I look down at my hands, feeling remorseful.

"Yeah... I'm sorry too..."

I shake my head and continue. "Your anger was justified. It was my fault entirely."

He nods and scratches his head. We stay quiet for another moment. He then turns toward me, his mouth turning into a grin.

"What's up with your outfit anyway? You look like an expensive hooker."

I frown. Resorting to insults now, are we? Not an entirely bad way to break the mood, I guess. I decide to play along.

"I don't want to hear that from you. What are you supposed to be? An uptown drug dealer? A gigolo? Or maybe a pimp?"

"Really? I was going for young mid-level management corporate slave."

I lean forward and rub my forehead with a sigh. "...you think too highly of yourself. With your eyes and that attitude. I doubt you'd go that far."

"Hey," he frowns at me. "Aren't you looking down on me too much? My grades are pretty good, you know."

"You did call me a prostitute." I put a finger on my chin. "Not that you'd know anything about them." I turn on him, one eyebrow raised. "...or do you?"

"I don't know..." he shrugs. "I am acquainted with your sister."

I snort inelegantly, trying to stifle my laugh. I give him an affronted look.

"Hikigaya-kun!" I exclaim, hand raised to cover my smile.

"Sorry," he waves offhandedly. "Slip of the tongue."

"Is your subconscious trying to tell me something I should know?"

"I'm not going freudian on you, seriously."

I chuckle and nod at his drink.

"Are you going to finish that?"

"Hm?" he looks at his glass. "This? Yeah." he takes another sip.

"What is it?"

"I'm not giving you any, if that's what you're trying to get at." he wrinkles his nose. "I think you've had enough. You smell of alcohol."

"No, I don't." I say, feeling truly offended this time. I sniff discreetly just in case.

"Well, it's not that obvious." he smirks at me. "Your breath just stinks a bit."

"Nonsense." I mutter and cup my hand before me. I then breathe out slowly.

Well, okay, maybe just a little.

"A-anyway," I brush a strand of hair off my shoulder. "I wasn't trying to get a sip of your drink. I just want you to return that glass once you're done."

"Can't I just leave it here?" he gestures at the coffee table near us.

"No."

"Who cares?"

"I do." I glare at him.

"Fine." he takes another long sip. "What are you doing here anyway?"

"I was heading home."

"Alone?" he frowns at me.

"...yes." I sigh, recalling the conversation with my father.

"Huh," he grunts and finishes his drink. "You sure that's okay?"

"I'm done for the evening." I squeeze my left arm. "There's not much I can do here anymore."

"I see..." he stands up. "How're you getting home?"

"I'll be taking a cab." I look up at him.

He frowns at me and shakes his head. "I'll take you home, we can ride the train together. Faster that way."

"On the train, in this dress?" I say, incredulous.

"I'll lend you my jacket."

I stare at him for a moment, I then smile helplessly. "That's fine, I suppose. Thank you."

"I'll just put this back, okay?" he nods at his glass. "Wait for me."

I lean back on the couch and close my eyes. Feeling restive. I didn't have to wait long for his return however.

"Come on. Let's go."

I pull myself up with a grunt. We then walk outside together, the cool night air greeting us. Feeling slightly drunk but otherwise okay, it was almost easy to believe that everything was fine. I can only hope, before the night is over, that it will be between us.

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AN

Sorry for the late update~

Chap could use a day or two more of standby time but I'm not sure if I can upload tomorrow. So here it is. Send me a pm/review if there are any typos or anything...

I'm still busy at work. But I'm gonna try harder for the next chapter. I'll try to do at least 1k per day. But I'll be aiming for a 6-7k word count so the update might take a while. Next chap is going to be tricky as well. I do have a good idea of what will happen though.

As always, thank you guys, for leaving a review.

-guest: hey! thanks for giving me your longest review. I appreciate it, and in a way, it's really flattering, I'm glad that someone like you who doesn't ship Yuki8 would read my fic and leave a review. So thanks! As for who you are... I kinda get the feeling that you're a fic writer here, someone who writes one of the iroha/yui/yumiko fics maybe? Or are you from reddit? Cause if you are... I still have no idea, not unless you tell me if you're a yuifag/irohafag, or just pm me.

As to your opinion on Yukino's character, I can respect that. I also have a very different view on character development in the series. For starters, I believe that 8man has never 'grown' as a character without a catalyst and/or someone to push or influence him. He has Yukino,Yui,Komachi,Sensei,Iroha, and to some extent Haruno, Hayama,Totsuka and Zaimokuza. I think that 8man and Yukino are very similar in this regard, in that it's impossible for them to 'grow' independently. So I can't write it that way. Not to mention the fact that, unlike 8man, Yukino has far less people to turn to. There's 8man and Yui, maybe to some extent Iroha and Haruno then... no one. Haruno can force change in her, but she uses the worst possible method to do so, I kind of don't want to use her that way.

Though it might be possible that we have different opinions on what would count as independent character growth so...Anyway, this is better discussed over at reddit where we get to read about different views on the matter.

And another thing, I won't be tackling Yukino's dependency issues. Mainly because in this fic, I'm working on the assumption that the problem was resolved back when they were in high-school. Her problem, in this fic, is something different. I'll talk about it in more detail in the next few chaps.

- HarimaHige: Man I miss school rumble. Anyway. The slow progression of the story is a problem I'm trying to work on. That's why I had a 2 week timeskip for chap 8 and a few days for this chap as well. ( ch1 - ch7 happened in 4 days ). Prev chap also had 4k words while this one has more than 5k ( the rest had more or less around 3k). So yeah, it's just the way I write I guess. And when I was writing ch1-5, I was basically wandering around. hehe.

As for the characters being passive, or specifically Yukino; she isn't, not exactly, it's just that what she does is ineffective. They also have exams so they're busy. Yukino hasn't told anyone about her transfer too, mostly because she doesn't want them to worry but also because she believes that, in the long run, it would be better for everyone.

-Eramis8: Errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrm