"Don't be so nervous Hikigaya-kun." Haruno says with a smile.
"Yeah, not possible."
"This will be a lot harder on you if you let your emotions show so easily."
I don't give her a response.
What the hell am I supposed to do then? Not my fault this meeting came out of nowhere!
Well, I guess I should have expected this scenario sooner rather than later but still. Waiting for Yukinoshita-san is like a nightmare.
Take it easy Hachiman. Just breath. This will all be over soon enough. I mean not like this meeting has any repercussions, right? Not like meeting Yukino's mom is THAT important, right?
"Wow, you should see your face right now!" Haruno says behind a small laugh.
"I really don't need your comments…" I say trying to mentally prepare myself.
"Sorry, sorry. But seriously, take this Onee-chan's advice and keep a calm demeanor the whole time." Haruno says to me still with a wicked looking smile. "Well, just do your best."
Did she finally realize I'm a lost cause?
Yesterday afternoon Haruno had called me informing me that Yukinoshita-san had wanted to meet me. Guessing she found out about My and her daughter's relationship because she also asked me not to inform Yukino about it.
So here I was, in some lavish room inside the Yukinoshita residence waiting for the mother of my girlfriend that could probably ruin our lives if she wanted.
I'm actually not sure how true that is. Sure the Yukinoshita's had power but not like they could make me disappear or something. That was only in the movies. The real reason I was this nervous is because what it meant to meet with her. This was my chance to prove to her that I'm serious about Yukino. I can't back down now.
Just as I was having those thoughts to pump myself up, I hear the only door to the room open, snapping me back to reality.
The person that gracefully walked in was none other than Yukinoshita-san.
I've never seen a door opened so graciously, to me it almost looked as if she hadn't even touched the door. Every movement she made seem calculated. Every step seemed like it was accounted for since the moment she entered the room. I've never seen anyone in my life quite like this. Not to mention she had a mature beauty and aura to her that it almost seemed inappropriate to look at her.
I swallow back a huge lump that began to form in my throat.
I noticed Haruno was standing so I quickly stood up myself.
Shit. Nice way to start.
Yukinoshita-san makes her way in front of me.
She greets me with a smile and a small bow. "Good evening." She says. Her voice could only be described as motherly. But her eyes, they were different. They were eyes that I've seen my entire life. Eyes that told me I was beneath her.
"Good evening." I bow back.
Nice. Didn't mess up.
A coffee table was currently separating us, while two red velvet couches were placed on either side. I sat by myself on one couch while Haruno and Yukinoshita-san on the other.
"I'm sure you are wondering why I called for you this evening." Even sitting, although I'm taller, it somehow feels like she's looking down on me while I force my neck up to look up at her.
"Well, I think I have some idea."
Haruno hasn't said anything, she simply sits there, hands laying on her lap, just like her mother.
"Oh? That's good. Then I'm sure this conversation will be a smooth one."
I only nod my head in agreement.
As if acknowledging Haruno for the first time, Yukinoshita-san turns to her and speaks. "Haruno, would you mind getting us some tea?"
"Yes. Of course." Haruno bowed to her and quietly left the room.
"I apologize for not having something prepared beforehand."
"It's not a problem, really."
She only smiles at me.
"It's Hikigaya, correct?"
"Oh, umm Yes. Hikigaya Hachiman. Nice to meet you." I finish with a bow.
Damn it! I forgot to introduce myself earlier.
"Haruno has told me a bit about Yukino's club. You are a member as well, correct?"
"Yes. Along with one other member, Yuigahama Yui."
"Ah, yes. I seem to recall having met before."
A few times now actually.
I nod, confirming to her that what she said was correct.
"So it's just the three of you that make up this, 'service club'?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"And Yukino is the president, is that right?"
"Yes."
What is this? It sounds like Yukino has never talked to her mom about anything regarding the club. Or is she just trying to confirm it with me?
"High School is definitely a time to enjoy oneself, isn't that right?"
"Y-yeah."
"But making sure not slack off is also important."
She looks at me as if waiting for my response.
"Studying is important to ones' future after all." I say.
I'm having a hard time thinking here.
This time she nods. "I couldn't agree more." Her smile seems to be permanent.
At that I hear the door open again as Haruno walks in with a tray carrying a tea set.
I'm surprised she didn't have a maid do it. Did they have maids? I didn't notice any when I walked in.
"Sorry for the wait." Haruno says, although I feel like that apology isn't directed to me.
"Now that Haruno is back, let me get right to the heart of this meeting."
What does Haruno have to do with this?
"Unfortunately I need to make an appearance at a local social gathering tonight. As today is really the only day I have any free time I was hoping that you would join us, Hikigaya-san."
"Join you?"
"This gathering is a small get together with some of our supporters and unfortunately I must make an appearance in my Husbands place as he is out of town. However, I wish to continue our conversation. So I'm hoping that you could accept my selfish request and accompany us to this gathering tonight."
"Won't you be too busy to continue talking to me?"
"On the contrary. This is a great opportunity to have our exchange."
I wasn't sure what was happening but Yukinoshita-san has asked me to accompany her and Haruno to some sort of rich people party.
What the hell?! Not like I can say no right now.
Yukinoshita-san looks calm and patiently awaits my response. I look over at Haruno who doesn't give me any sort of useful expression.
"W-well, if you don't think I'll be a bother…then I'll take you up on your offer."
"Excellent. Oh. And to be more precise, I'd like you to be escorting Haruno as her guest tonight."
"Sure." This is only confusing me more. What is she trying to do right now? I look over to Haruno once more and notice she is giving me a bow.
"I'll be in your care, Hikigaya-kun."
I nod back.
"Then if you'll excuse us, we need to prepare for a moment before we head out." Yukinoshita-san said behind a small bow.
"Ah, wait. About my clothes. Should I go home and change?" I had on 'nice' tucked in button down and slacks but nothing that screamed I belonged in a room with a bunch of rich and influential people.
Without batting an eye Yukinoshita-san calmly replied to me. "It won't be a problem." And with another parting bow Haruno and Yukinoshita-san left the room.
What the hell have I gotten myself into?
I found myself in the middle of a party that I had no business being in. Well maybe if I was part of the wait staff I could pass off as meant to be here.
The car ride over was so awkward. It was only the three of us, Yukinoshita-san, Haruno and myself, and no one started a conversation the entire twenty-minute ride over. I sure as hell wasn't going to be the one to start it.
At first I escorted Haruno into the party but very quickly we were separated. She had people she needed to greet and I didn't care for it so I went straight to the catering table and just used one of my many skills and hovered around not being noticed by anyone. Maybe I did look like wait staff because no one ever walked over to me and asked who I was or how I even got in.
Whatever not like I cared. I preferred it this way.
The whole time I contemplated texting Yukino. Maybe she could tell me what her mom was planning because I sure as hell didn't know. She said she would be free to talk to me but right now I had no idea where she was.
Maybe I should just leave. I'll just tell Haruno I felt sick. That should work.
As if knowing my plan to escape, I heard someone call out to me.
"It was a little difficult finding you, but I see this is where you were." Yukinoshita-san said with a smile.
Still with a smile, huh? Reminds me of someone.
"Sorry about that. Haruno-san seemed to be busy so I didn't want to bother her with my presence."
"No need to apologize."
"Are you sure it's alright for you to be talking to me? Don't you have people you need to greet?"
"I consider this free time. I have greeted the people I needed to. We shouldn't be disturbed now."
What the hell? What kind of world does she live in? This is the world that Haruno and Yukino were made to be a part off? I just can't wrap my head around it. It was too surreal. This is what rich and powerful people deal with?
"So what are your thoughts on this party?" Yukinoshita-san asked me looking out to the crowd of people that were mingling amongst themselves.
"Not really my scene to be honest."
"You do seem hesitant. Not a people person?"
How could you tell? Was it because I was in a corner hiding? Or did you hear something from someone?
"I've just never been to something like this." I need to calm down. She can probably already tell how uncomfortable I was.
"Understandable."
Oh? Did she have some compassion in her?
"It's like a different world, correct?"
"Y-yeah, something like that."
"There is no room for normalcy here. A different atmosphere from anything else, correct?"
I nod.
"It can be quite worrisome as well. People only think of themselves. You never really know who you can trust. That's why creating connections at events like today is so important. You need to always know where people stand and where their loyalty lays…"
I look at her as I sense her looking at me for once.
She was.
"Correct?"
Her eyes are striking. They make me my bones shake. If she had asked me to sit and bark like a dog right now, I probably would.
"C-correct." She was the most intimidating person I have ever met. And yet she never threatened me or raised her voice at me. Her character was truly frightening, it was that of someone who knew they were better than you. Yukino also had that same demeanor to her for a while but her mother was on a whole different level.
I felt like a bug in her presence.
"Yukino is a part of this world."
Her statement snaps me out of my turmoil.
"Huh?"
"She thinks she doesn't belong here but that's not true. She does. Right now she is young and doesn't truly understand what she wants. That's fine. As I've said, High School is a time to have fun."
The entire time she was talking she never looked at me.
I couldn't respond to her so I only stand there and listen carefully.
"She's made some mistakes, like wanting to live by herself. I was against it. But my Husband felt it was a good opportunity for her to become independent. What a silly man."
I hold my breath.
"But the time for her to grow up has arrived. She will be graduating soon and as she enters University she will slowly enter this world just as Haruno has."
She finally looks at me and gives me a smile.
"She won't have time to think about things that happened in High School."
Am I breathing? I feel frozen.
A man in a black suit came up to Yukinoshita-san and I and with a bow spoke up. "Yukinoshita-san. Honda-san would like to have a word with you."
"I see. I'll be right over." With that the man lifted his head and walked away.
"It seems this is where our conversation must come to an end. Please feel free to stay and enjoy the catering. I'm glad I was able to talk to you Hikigaya-san. Now I must make it back to my world."
She gave me a small bow before looking at me. Her smile still plastered on her face. And in another moment she was out of my sight.
I couldn't speak. I didn't know what to say to her. I stood in the same place for a few minutes before I made my way outside to get some air.
I was outside of the building and just began to walk away. I didn't know where I was going but I knew I needed to get as far away from there as possible.
I messed up. I didn't say any of the things I was prepared to say to her. The entire time it seemed like she was sending me a specific message. She didn't ask me over for a meeting to talk about mine and Yukino's relationship. She wanted me to see that I didn't belong with her. That much was clear now.
I probably looked like an idiot to her. She never even played with the idea that Yukino and I were serious. At this point I don't even know if she really did know if Yukino and I were together or not. But she clearly gave me her answer to the idea.
I was from a different world. I didn't belong. Hell I even said it and agreed with her when she was talking to me. She really was something else.
As I continued to walk, I felt myself get more and more frustrated with the way things turned out today. I was weak and never even spoke up to her. Yukino deserved better.
As I begin to feel depressed, I feel my phone buzz. I take it out of my pocket and notice it's a text from Haruno.
[Did you leave?]
[Yeah, I felt kinda sick so I decided to go home. Don't worry about me.]
[Take care, Hikigaya-kun.]
What the hell should I do now? I don't even feel like going home now. Should I call Yukino and tell her what happened? She'd probably begin to worry if I tell her how badly my first real meeting with her mom went.
At that thought I found a nearby bench and sat down in order to collect my thoughts. Just as I let out a long sigh I hear my phone begin to buzz again.
I notice who the caller is, "Yukino…"
I hesitantly answer the phone call.
"Yo…"
"Hello, Hachiman. Are you home?"
"Um. Yeah. I just got out of the shower."
"I see. It's good that you're getting used to showering every day."
I can hear her giggle.
Hearing her sound happy makes my heart ache because she doesn't know I just failed her.
"Very funny…"
"…Hachiman?"
"yeah…"
"Are you alright? You sound a bit sad."
"Huh? Oh no. I'm good. What are you doing right now?"
"I see. Well if you say so. I was just getting ready for bed, hadn't talked to you today so I just wanted to call you…"
I sense of dread washes over me. If only she knew what happened she wouldn't have wanted to speak with me.
"Hey, Yukino."
"Yeah?"
"Do you think you'll be happy with me?"
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"If everyone in the world hated me. Could you still be with me?"
"Hachiman what are you talking about?"
"I'm not a great person. So I'm sure someone else could also make you happy, right?"
What the hell am I asking her right now? But I know right now I feel so discouraged.
"Hachiman, you're making me mad. Did something happen?"
"Please…please answer the question." I begin to feel my emotions overwhelm me. I know if anyone can answer a selfish question like this truthfully is Yukinoshita Yukino.
"You…You want to know… if I could be happy with someone other than you?" I can feel her voice begin to shake.
Once I notice this I can feel my tears begin to fall.
"Hachiman, I'm coming over."
"Wait! Don't do that!" Ah crap!
"I have to. S-So I can slap you."
"Yukino…" I rub my eyes attempting to stop my tears. I bet I look pretty pathetic right now.
"Hachiman…I don't know what happened but I can tell something has you in destress right now. So if you need me to give you confidence then that's what I'll do."
I move the mic end of my phone away from my mouth to hide my whimper.
"It's obviously a no. Maybe it's unfortunate or maybe it is fortunate, but there is no one else in the world that could make me feel the way I do about you."
I stay silent. All I want to do is hear her voice.
"These feelings I have for you, I don't even want to imagine the possibility of me having them for someone else. Whatever is worrying you right now, I want to be there to help. No matter what Hachiman, there is no doubt in my mind and heart, that I'll never love someone else the way I love you."
As soon as she finishes talking I feel like someone just slapped me awake. How could I betray her feelings like that? Betray my, no, OUR feelings for each other.
We are different from most people. We both struggled with our feelings and eventually found each other. We worked our asses off in order for us to break through our walls. Something that comes easy to others is a struggle for both of us. Yet here we are, Yukinoshita Yukino, over the phone telling me just how much she loves me.
I feel stupid for doubting ourselves, no, for doubting myself. I let out a chuckle.
"Are you laughing at me Hikigaya Hachiman?!"
Yukino yells at me.
"No. I was laughing at myself for being an idiot." I say trying to calm my laughing.
"Well, if that's the case…But please stop it. It's starting to creep me out."
"Sorry, sorry." I rub my eyes getting rid of any lingering tears. "You just gave me all the confidence I need."
"O-oh? That's good then."
"Mm." I take my phone away from my face to look at the time. The digital screen reads 9:06 pm. "Hey Yukino, I gotta let you go. There's something I need to do."
"Okay..."
As I was about to hang up I hear Yukinoshita's voice once more. "Wait!"
"Yeah?"
"How about you?"
"What do you mean?"
"I-I told you those embarrassing things…So how about you?"
I let out another small chuckle. "I'm willing to work the rest of my life as a corporate slave if it means you'll live a happy life without worrying about anything."
"hmm. Are you saying you'd give up being a househusband for me?"
"That's right."
"How romantic."
"I'll fight for you always. No matter what."
"Still not good enough."
"W-what?"
"I mean, I just said I could never fall in love with another man!"
"H-how about…I'm willing to take a bullet for you!"
"Better."
"And I'll never put another woman above you."
"As expected."
This is getting ridiculous.
"I…I would give up Max coffee and turn my back on the beautiful city of Chiba if it meant being with you!"
The other line stayed silent for a moment before she began to giggle. "You love me that much?"
"I love you that much."
"I feel satisfied now. Goodnight Hachiman."
"Goodnight Yukino." I say behind a smile.
This girl sure is a handful. And I wouldn't want it any other way.
Looking back at my phone I quickly go through my contacts list and call Haruno.
It takes a few seconds before she answers.
"Haruno!" I don't even give her the chance to greet me first.
"W-What is it?"
My sudden shout must have surprised her. "Are you and your mother still at the party?"
"We are just about to leave actually."
Shit.
"Haruno, please stall her for me, I'm on my way!"
I begin to run back to the building.
Shit! How far away did I walk?!
Still on the line Haruno speaks up. "I thought you were sick…" She says in a sarcastic tone.
"I'm better!" I yell as I begin to pick up my pace. "Please stall her!" I plead, since she hadn't given me an answer.
"Did you finally grow a pair?"
This woman!
"Something like that."
She doesn't answer me immediately but I hear her chuckle before she says, "I'll be rooting for you." And with that she hung up and I ran as fast as my legs could possibly go.
I finally see the building coming in to view and as I search the entrance I see Haruno and Yukinoshita-san standing next to a vehicle that I assume is their ride. Looks like Haruno was able to stall her.
"Wait!" I scream as I finally reach them.
I hunch over and rest my hands on my knees as I'm panting and trying to catch my breath.
"Hikigaya-san? Haruno told me you left because you felt under the weather."
"That…I just needed…air…" I say finally looking up to her to make eye contact.
"I see. Did you need me for something?" Her eyes were screaming, 'why are you back'.
"I came back to…" I stand up straight now. And take a big breath in.
"I came back to tell you...I'm stealing Yukino from you." I say, not bating an eye. Keeping firm.
I see Yukinoshita-san's eye twitch, if only for a moment.
"What was that?"
"Maybe you're right. Yukino does belong in this world. But I don't care. I'm taking her from here and bringing her to mine." It's time to settle things the only way I know how. Being underhanded to the point that you don't even know what to do. I know this isn't the right way but I was left with no choice. Yukinoshita-san would never take anything I say seriously unless I threatened her.
"Is this some sort of joke?"
"It's not. Yukino might belong in your world but she isn't happy there. At least not the way she is now. So I'm taking her away. I make her happy, more than I can say for you. I know you know Yukino is in love with me."
She gives out a sarcastic chuckle.
That's the first un-lady like thing she's done in front of me.
"What does Yukino know about love? She's just a child. You are both just children."
"Enough to know she's willing to give up on you for it." I say in a probably too snarky of a tone.
I notice Haruno standing there with her jaw dropped.
I know how bad this sounds but it's the only thing I know that can make Yukinoshita-san reassess her situation with Yukino.
"So I'll take her from you."
"It seems I've had your character mistaken, Hikigaya-san."
Oh man if looks could kill.
I let out a sigh. "So please." I now bow as low as I possibly can. "Please let me date Yukino!"
"What?"
"I don't want the relationship you have with Yukino to be broken." I say still not lifting my head. "I know you love her and worry about her and only want what's best for her…but please realize that she isn't happy!"
"You've known her for a couple years and now you think you know everything about her?"
"Of course! It doesn't take years to know someone if you are genuine with each other!"
She doesn't give me a response so I continue.
"I know how annoying you must think me but please give me this chance to prove to you that I'll only do my best to make her happy…Please for the sake of Yukino's…for the sake of your daughter's happiness… let me stay by her side." As I finish I get on my knees and bring my head down all the way to the floor. "Please."
It takes a moment before she speaks up again. "Stand up Hikigaya-san."
I do as she says and slowly rise.
"Do you really think such words would automatically give you permission to date my daughter?"
"Not the words but the actions."
She only stares at me. Looking me over, seemingly studying me, as if really looking at me properly for the very first time.
"You both really are children."
Damn. I knew this would be hard but shit this is more than I expected.
"Okaa-san." The last person I expected to speak up finally spoke.
Yukinoshita-san looks towards Haruno's direction.
"Okaa-san, I know you love Yukino, I know it. But Yukino doesn't feel it's true."
"That's ridiculous." She snapped back at Haruno. Haruno seemed a bit startled by it but didn't waver.
"You know how much she hated being with us, which is why she moved out…But recently she's been coming over more and even wanting to interact with us more, correct?"
Like mother like daughter…
She doesn't respond. Indicating Haruno was indeed correct.
"Her change of heart about us is all thanks to Hikigaya-kun."
Yukinoshita-san looks back at me.
"Hikigaya-san?"
I nod.
Haruno continues. "He realized how Yukino was struggling and helped her. If it wasn't for him Yukino might have given up on us by now."
Yukinoshita-san's eyes glaze over with resentment and guilt. Guess it was hard to hear firsthand.
"So when he says that he loves Yukino and that Yukino loves him, believe him, Okaa-san."
Yukinoshita-san looks up at me and for once she looks fragile and like a normal mother that truly worries about her kids. She avoids my gaze and grabs her temple. Seemingly lost in thought.
Again like mother like daughter.
She lets out a long sigh. "For now… you can stay in a relationship with Yukino…I will ask Haruno to keep a close eye on both of you…"
I don't know what to say but I can feel that my mouth is hanging open.
"Understand, Haruno?"
"I understand, Okaa-san." Haruno gives a small nod to Yukinoshita-san and gives me a grin.
"Hikigaya-san. I will acknowledge your presence and importance in Yukino's life. But I still have my doubts that you are a good match for my daughter."
"I'll prove it to you then."
It seems my quick response surprised her as her eyes slightly grew wider. She lets out a small laugh before smiling at me. This time however it didn't seem cold like before.
"Yukino seems to have…a unique taste."
"Hikigaya-kun is interesting, right?" Haruno chimed in.
"Well, we'll be taking our leave now." Yukinoshita-san made her way to the car before turning around towards me. "Hikigaya-san, allow us to give you a ride home."
It would probably be bad to deny the offer after all that, so I just nod.
A major hurdle has been cleared and I can't wait to tell Yukino about it. I know that the fight is nowhere near finished and that I will have to prove to Yukino's family that I can provide and make Yukino happy. It seems like a small win but I couldn't be happier right now.
I have to remember to thank Haruno since it was her that finally made Yukinoshita-san open up to me.
I almost gave up but Yukino's encouragement gave me the push I needed to face her mom. Things just seemed to work out his time, but who know what could happen later. I still have to meet her father too.
But even so, sometimes, unexpectedly, things can go alright.
A/N: This is the longest chapter yet! I was thinking about splitting it into two chapters but decided to give you guys the whole thing in one go. That being said I apologize for an grammar errors that i'm sure are in there but oh well. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed! And thanks for your support! It's your reviews that keep me going!