Yui Yuigahama must have spent a fortune on her dress. She looks splendid with herself, at least based on the voltage output of her smile. The ginger headed girl approaches Yukinoshita and myself as we all become wrapped by the ilk of the social crowd. It's nothing I'm not used to by now.

I feel the obligation to smile back. I force a small one into the chilled air but I don't deny the sinking feeling that I manage to ignore for Yuigahama's sake.

If things were up to me, I would continue my conversation with Yukinoshita, but it's as if I had a muzzle over my pale lips and tense jaw.

"Yukinon?", Yuigahama says curiously while she steps up to me.

I turn to see that Yukinoshita is no longer by my side and I feel a bit of breath leave my lungs while my forced smile hangs around awkwardly. I wonder where she went. I can't find her among the others.

"Hello?", I say, trying to distract Yuigahama off of the topic of the phantom Ice Queen, who had just put stealth Hikki to shame by vanishing completely.

What was that all about? Did she find the One Ring to Rule Them All? Should I be concerned if she starts mumbling the word "precious"?

"Hello Hikki! I am so sorry I was late! I had to make sure everything was ready!", Yuigahama bows rapidly in order to convey maximum regret. Her hair is done up so finely, it looks rose-like. But that was probably the intention. If you ask me, all of this nonsense for a dance is just unnecessary. Of course, I appreciate the effort but...to go through such lengths for such a transient event. Although, just by looking around, one can tell that Yukinoshita has made this more than just a dance...

It looked more like a gala, or some high-end social event. If we were all of age, there would be a cocktail bar. The girls were all pretty predictably dolled up and the guys seemed to act more princely than usual. However, almost everyone was mingling. Almost everyone...

Zaimokuza has gone insane over by the band's stage. He is bouncing like a moron to the point that security may have to escort him home for public safety reasons. I can't fault him for being himself, but I pray that he doesn't approach me after this stunt...

I pardon Yuigahama and we walk a little bit farther into the courtyard.

"So...what do you think?"

"Think of what? Did you get an A on a test?"

"Hikki! I'll have you know that I am passing all of my classes, but that's not what I meant!"

"Oh! I'm terribly sorry...did you can a B on a test?"

"How did you- wait! You can't just...ugh...you...you are hopeless", Yuigahama and I stop at a table and sit down awkwardly. I don't pull out the seat for her, such is the way of an untrained bachelor.

Yuigahama takes me in for a second, her eyes and aura sparkling like jewels. She appears to be attempting to read the situation, if it can even be called that.

"May I remind you that we are here to dance?"

I gasp inwardly and my heart sinks again, but it's not like I completely forgot about why I'm here. I haven't forgotten about the weirdness of the past few days...or day...

Whatever, still weird.

"I know, I just want to rest for a little. I had to walk here, you know".

"Wow, you're so hardworking. It's good to know that you put some effort in to this...", Yuigahama twirls a strand of her hair shyly. I can't really tell if she's being sarcastic or not. Wait...this is Yuigahama. I should know better.

I decide to take the compliment(?).

"It looks like you put in quite a bit of effort yourself", I say nodding toward her.

"Oh!", she squirms, "Well, I'm glad you noticed".

How could I not? Your hair makes you taller than me...

"Come to think, Hikki, I haven't seen you this well dressed since the time the service club went searching for Saki-chan", Yuigahama says, referring to Kawasaki (code name: Black Lace).

"Well that was for a special occasion", I say smugly, just trying to pass the time a bit. Tonight will be a long night. At least Yuigahama isn't the worst person to be stuck with. Although, she certainly isn't the best. My mind flickers an image of Saika Totsuka. Come to think of it, I haven't seen Saika around here yet. I resist the urge to send him an email.

I need to find you! Before the clock strikes 12!

"And what kind of occasion is this?", Yuigahama asks.

"Well, I just came from another dance...", I say with the shadow of a wink.

"What! Hikki!..."

You can't be serious...I just saw you recently...

I already agreed to come here. With you. I grit my teeth and clasp my hands beneath the table.

"What! My girlfriend goes to another school", I shrug, milking this for all it's worth.

Although, I decide it would be mean-spirited to continue.

"Only joking", I say reassuringly. Yuigahama's face lifts up with a frown.

"How dare you! Teasing your date like that!", she says with a smile that just says it all. She is smitten with me. And for the love of all things, I cannot figure out why.

"Um...Uh...", Yuigahama stammers. I see her eyes go wide with her finger raised and twitching to something behind me.

Please don't be Zaimokuza...please don't be Zaimokuza...

I see two delicate hands slam down on the place in front of me with one arm on each side of my head. Her hands make a boom noise that makes Yuigahama jump. I dare not move a muscle.

Please be Zaimokuza...

Well, I honestly would mind her company less if she were on better terms with her sister.

"Good evening, Hikigaya!", Haruno says chaotically. I look behind me to see Haruno with fire in her eyes.

"I see you have chosen a deadly path!"

Agh...what do you mean?

I feel Haruno lower her head and lips next to my ear while her hands stay planted in my way. In a threatening whisper, she speaks.

"Don't you know how this is making Yukino feel?"

I reply quickly and unafraid to be open about this topic.

"As if she'd mind, she left awhile ago".

"Where did she go Haruno?", Yuigahama squeaks.

"How should I know, it's not like I have a Yukino-radar. Shouldn't her best friends know where she went?"

Haruno has still decided to keep her hands on the table.

"Let's you and I have a little heart-to-heart over by the snacks, huh?", Haruno lifts her arms and allows me time to stand and walk with her. After I look at Yuigahama for consultation, her face twitches and nods.

"I'll be here, just don't forget about me!"

I slowly stand, letting the chair squeak as it is pushed back.

Haruno and I stand face to face by the cookie platter. She looks at me like the grim reaper but with he usual, natural playfulness. I must not let down my guard.

"You are pretty dim, huh?"

"Excuse me?"

"I would think that brush with death you had earlier would've forced you to clean up your act", she toys with her own dress. She seems strangely unnerved. Almost in a hurry...

"How did you-?"

"I hear alot of rumors...just innocent scuttlebutt. I just had you confirm it". Sneaky...

Komachi? Yuigahama? Who is the turncoat?

"I also heard that you and Yuigahama are an item now", she sprays out her words like an accusation.

"So? Item is just a blanket term...besides..."

"-No besides. Yukino will be so distraught. I may have to punish you for it!"

But...this is what Yukino wanted to begin with.

"Distraught? Do you know your sister at all?"

"I like to think so. Especially since I know so much about relationships. You know- things like dependency, trust, and-"

"-I know, something crueler than trust".

"So maybe you do understand...at least some of it!", Haruno giggles victoriously.

"Whatever the case, I happen to be in this position based on your sister's instruction. Don't hate me when I try to carry it out".

Haruno looks at me skeptically. Her haste returns.

"So Yuigahama is just a..."

"...I prefer not to think of it like that".

There is a small pause. Haruno's eyes flash cold when she spots something over my shoulder. I turn to look but she stays me with a hand on my cheek.

"I think you're out of time, Hikigaya. I know you're almost out of time. Don't make me punish you..."

With that, Haruno spins around and runs by the snack table toward a group of people.

"It was good talking to you, too". Her parting words strike me as somehow severe. They sit on my chest like a hundred pounds of weight. I consider them closely. Whatever had gotten into Yukinoshita earlier must be contagious.

I remember Haruno's warm hand on my cheek. It felt gracious, but...what was she looking at with such resolve? Whatever caused her disappearance is gone now.

"Hikki!", I turn to see Yuigahama wave me back into reality.

As soon as I sit down in my chair, Yuigahama says those fateful words.

"Hikki...", she whispers, "let's dance". I feel the magic is in the air for her, and decide not to put this off any longer.

There is not a trace of fear in her eyes. She looks beautiful as she stands and slowly works her small fingers into mine.

This feels like a dream...but it's not. Not this time. She takes me into the thick of the dancing, for all to see, and leads my hand to her waist. I feel her warmth for real- see her light up like a firework and smile enchantingly. All real. No escape. I feel like an animal trapped in a zoo. I wonder if anyone I care about is watching this happen. A truly historic moment in the life of Hachiman Hikigaya, and it's all happening at the speed of light. Yet every second feels like an hour of sinister emotional paucity.

We begin to sway like storybook royalty, and the rest is history.

(Yukino's POV)

"Yukino?"

She watches them like a sparrow. No. Like a raven.

"Heyo!"

They glow with a strange florescence as they spin in this music box of her own design.

"Yukino...", Iroha groans. She dares to nudge the brave leader of this event.

Yukino snaps alive to look at Iroha with a wide smile. "Yes Mrs. Isshiki?", she says mildly, looking away from the window.

"Well um...I just wanted to say that everything looks like a success. People seem to really be enjoying themselves!".

"Thank you. I really appreciate that", Yukino turns back to the window.

"I really appreciate this. I mean, it's one for the history books".

Yukino doesn't respond. Instead, her eyes are peeled dryly.

"Well...I guess I'll leave you alone. You seem awfully distracted, haha!", Iroha laughs nervously, unsure of her friend's behavior.

"Oh...yes..."

Yukino lets her head nod to the window as a substitute for Iroha.

"What is so captivating anyways?", whispers Iroha. Iroha moves close to Yukino to get a good view of the courtyard and the festivities held within.

Yukino winces. Iroha eyes the scene.

Eventually, Iroha spots Yui and Hachiman dancing closely.

Although the couple is too far away to examine the expressions of the dancers, their closeness is apparent.

Iroha fails to speak, but eventually decides to try to say something.

"Haha! I didn't see that coming!", Iroha sighs, letting her eyes droop and her body slack. "I guess they had something going on, huh?"

Iroha turns to see what Yukino might reply, but her face is cast in a heavy barrier. It's too difficult to read for Iroha, who assumes that Yukino is simply fatigued from such a busy day.

Wordlessly, Iroha backs off a little before turning around to face the darkness of the school interior.

"I can't say I'm happy for him, but at least he's taking the initiative", Iroha thinks, holding back the emotions rising within her for her friend.

As she walks into the star-filled evening full of cheerful faces, Iroha can't forget Yukino's sullen attitude. Had she been considering similar feelings? "I must be overthinking things again...", Iroha thinks.

Iroha can't help herself. She turns around slowly and stealthily to find that Yukino had not moved from the window.

"Strange...", Iroha thinks.

"She looks almost...brokenhearted".

(Hachiman's POV)

The band finally decides to take a break from playing. There were a good mix of up-tempo songs and ballads. Yuigahama insisted on personal contact the whole time. I, on the other hand, did my best to give off the appearance of a human having fun while I struggled to dance.

Seeing as how I have no prior experience with dancing, I can only imagine the sight of us being quite the spectacle. I seriously hope nobody was watching. I would die of embarrassment. Luckily, it appeared that Yuigahama had enjoyed herself.

We walked back to our table together. Yuigahama offered to get some snacks for me, but I declined. I needed to take a break by myself.

I knew a place I could go- where I could simply retreat into. A place full of nature and space.

Naturally, I told Yuigahama that I had to visit the lavatory.

I walk away from the scene of the crime, feeling rewarded by my effort to be romantic with Yuigahama and hoping that this pleases Yukinoshita. Of course, this is only the first step in fulfilling Yukinoshita's wish. It wouldn't be so bad if I would only stop cringing at the memory of the dream with the ferris wheel. That awkward nonsense...

I may have to reenact that ferris wheel dream someday, so I may as well get used to it. It's not like Yuigahama is unattractive, after all.

I walk quickly into the darkness of the building. It is so dim, I can't see in inch in front of me. This isn't running away from my problems, is it? Surely not. I'm just going to collect my thoughts in my special place.

I slow down to a shuffle as I quietly breach this particular threshold and peer into the silent void.

Bolting to the steps I ate my lunches at, I notice the serenity of the view. Even though I can hear the band jamming behind me and through the exit, the leaves rustle unopposed. The air feels nice as does the space around me. I can see the stars and even some of the moon hiding behind the winding branches of the non-hostile trees.

The scene eases me into a state of peace. I let myself lean back against the cool, grainy pavement of the top step. My leg leans against the railing for extra support.

Ah, the sea breeze. My special place never seems to fail.

Not too long after I close my eyes and forget about the dancing do I hear an unwelcome guest. Actually, make that two unwelcome guests.

Intruders...in the sacred garden! How shameless they must be to taint this place with their unholy presence!

"Thanks for coming out here to talk with me".

Wait! Hayato?

"Don't mention it".

Yukinoshita?

What is going on here? I don't move and pray that neither person sees me. Although, it's so dark out that they probably wouldn't find me with eyes alone. I listen intently, trying to ignore the fluttering leaves and background band music.

"So...", Hayato begins. "Tonight...it's really something".

"So I've been told", Yukinoshita replies emptily.

"I just mean that it feels really special. I can tell how much work you put into making this prom amazing".

Hayato continues after realizing that Yukinoshita has no reply.

"Can I ask you something?", Hayato asks.

"Go ahead".

"This prom? Why put so much effort into it? I'm sure we could've managed with a private party somewhere?"

Yukinoshita answered immediately, with an impatient tone.

"I had a lot of reasons".

"And did any of them have to do with your service club?", Hayato persists, trying to enlighten himself for some hidden reason. I can barely make the two out. To me, they appear just as two voices dressed in black while my eyes slowly adjust.

"Ha. Even if, what does it matter. There is no service club".

As true as it is, it hurts to hear, especially from its founder. Even though she will continue to help as only Yukinoshita can, I realize the meaning behind her words.

"Haha! I guess you're right. Never mind that now, there is something...I want to talk to you about".

"I see...", she says as if already knowing the topic Hayato wishes to discuss.

"Yeah...about Yumiko, she'll be fine. She's just hot-tempered sometimes. She'll get over it soon, I promise".

"It..."

I picture Yukinoshita getting one of Hayato's famous smiles.

What does Yumiko have to do with any of this?

I imagine Yukinoshita and Yumiko getting into another violent scrap.

"So, I'm sure that your mother has already told you", Hayato says, as if he's trying to hide his own fear.

Mother?

"She...has..."

I see the taller of the two black figures get closer, and put a hand-like appendage on Yukinoshita's face (presumably).

"Yukino", Hayato says firmly, "you know that this is out of my hands".

I cringe and feel my heart beat faster. Somehow, this makes sense. This all makes sense. With foresight, I can predict what is happening here and to be honest, I saw it coming. Even if I had hoped otherwise, nothing could stop Yukinoshita from being used by her family in this manner. I see Yukinoshita step back. Even her posture seems weaker.

"Hayato", Yukinoshita says coldly, "please...don't make this harder. I told you that my mother told me".

"I know...but that's not enough!", I wince as Hayato raises his voice only a little. "We need to consider this seriously. Sacrifices...have to be made".

"I don't want to be sacrificed", Yukinoshita says, taking yet another step back.

"Don't be like that. You'll only make things harder on yourself! As a Yukinoshita, this is your duty. As a Hayama, this is mine".

Yukinoshita stands her ground but doesn't say anything. I want to jump up and say something. But...this is neither the time nor the place. Besides, who on Earth would listen to good ole Hachiman. Hachiman, who up until now had been silently creeping about, eavesdropping on other people...

"There's nothing we can do about it", Hayato continues with more reservation. I can tell he is withholding some other emotions. Possibly delight? He is good masking his words.

I feel heat rise from my chest and into my cheeks. Anger surges throughout me. My fists tighten without warning and I feel the shackles of jealousy dragging me back into a depressed state.

Hayato turns to leave back through the door.

"Hey", Yukinoshita calls, "Please, don't call me Yukino. At least do that".

Hayato pauses, then continues on his way, leaving behind Yukinoshita, me, and the rustling leaves.

My arms and hands quiver restlessly near my chest, where I can feel the force of my thumping heart. Still, I will remain here until Yukinoshita leaves as well.

I feel the need to follow her as soon as she sorrowfully trudges somewhere back inside the building.

I stand on unsteady legs. They too feel weak from the pent up anger. Naturally, I assume the demeanor of an apathetic gentleman. However, I feel overwhelmed by the idea of Yukinoshita marrying Hayato. Anyone but him, please.

The entryway is quiet, as is the lobby where I thought I saw Yukinoshita walk.

Listening past the rumble of the crowd and band, I hear weak footsteps ascend somewhere to the right. Without a sound, I trail the girl with no idea of what to say or how to act.

Though I am fighting back many emotions, I at least understand their meaning.

For once, I am not afraid of them.

So...

It's not a matter of what I feel or my desire to voice them.

It's the fact that I am prevented from doing anything. More so now than ever, what with Hayato's speech to Yukinoshita just seconds ago.

Yuigahama fades from existence when I find Yukinoshita.

She hasn't noticed me yet, but I see her wet face from the window's reflection. She radiates in her dress by the light of the prom. The lights outside seem more permanent than fireworks and bring a bewitching color to her person from the outside in. An nighttime rainbow of blues and silvers.

I awkwardly stop when my foot trips into the first step with a small thud.

Yukinoshita jumps around, appearing frightened.

"Don't worry, it's just me", I say to calm her.

She stares down at me for a long time while I chase away the initial butterflies. She might've smiled for a second but it's too dark to be certain.

"Oh...that's a relief", she says.

I take this opportunity to climb the stairs slowly until I reach her. My head lowered, I don't realize how close Yukinoshita is to me until I reach the last step and stand before her.

"I'm glad I found you", I say nervously but wanting to take the initiative.

"Yeah...I'm sorry I walked away before. I had...things to do".

"I'm sure..."

"Just tell Yuigahama that I'm okay. Please?"

"Of course", I say, realizing that my reserves of bravery are quickly depleting. Yuigahama. I wonder if Yukinoshita knows.

"So, what does Hachiman Hikigaya think of prom?"

"You don't really want to know, do you?"

"I wouldn't have asked otherwise", Yukinoshita says with narrowed eyes.

"Well, it's far too flashy for my tastes. And the lack of security means that Zaimokuza was allowed in".

Looking out the window at the beautiful vista, I hear a short-lived chuckle in the darkness.

"You must remind me to have him blacklisted from all school events".

"Will do..."

I notice that we are both looking out of the window now. I can see her breath calmly out of the corner of my eye. Maybe she doesn't know about Yuigahama? I'd tell her now, but I know she'll find out eventually. I don't want to ruin this.

"Hey...Hikigaya?"

"Hm?"

"Do you remember the day of the marathon?"

The memory hits me like a bus. How could I ever forget? The infirmary. Up until recently, there was a moment then that I had considered trivial...

"The infirmary room...", I murmur, still facing away.

"What was that?"

"Nothing".

"It just makes me think. Even a creepy worm disguised as a human like yourself would remember that".

"Huh..."

"Unbelievable...", I catch Yukinoshita shake her head sadly.

"Nevermind then".

I look at her staring into the darker parts of the building. I sigh.

"I had just come in last place..."

Yukinoshita's head slowly rotates back to me.

"Hikigaya?"

"What?"

"I'm sorry...for everything".

"What do you have to be sorry for?", I say as Yukinoshita looks down with shame painted on her blue-tinted face.

"I just wanted you to know. And...I'm glad you remember".

I begin to reply when I feel Yukinoshita practically leap into me. Her chest pushes up against mine so fast that I stumble back a few inches. My arms remain outstretched while hers threaten to suffocate me. I feel frozen. I feel so frozen that my arms refuse to move behind her. Fitting, coming from the Ice Queen herself. I feel her dry her tears on my collar. However, even with all of this, I still get the feeling that she is holding back.

Why now...of all times...

I close my eyes and beg my arms to move.

"Thank you...", Yukinoshita says. "...Hikigaya..."

"F-for what?"

I feel her mouth form a smile.

"It just doesn't matter. Not anymore".

Strangely...this feels like a goodbye. Her words rip into me like winter wind. Then, just like that, she moves away permanently.

Her hands are clasped behind her back. Her eyes reveal a deep wound under the blue flowers of her irises. I try to harness the last of her warmth, as if one day it will help me find my way back to the horizon I saw in her.

Together, we glance outside and share the same view- the same moon.

"I have to go work on something in the club room...", Yukinoshita says before leaving me to my own thoughts.

I don't say a thing, feeling exhausted. I could pass out right here.

She looks at me for a second longer, as if waiting for my turn. As if I had any cards left to play.

Yukinoshita will be Hayato's now.

I hear her footsteps fade away up the stairs and for the second time today, Yukinoshita is gone.

My collar is still wet with tears, but I figure I can just tell Yuigahama that the faucet was really strong. She'll probably believe anything...

I make my way back down the stairs. After all that was said and done here, I have no choice but to go back. Haruno was right, I am out of time. If I ever cared about Yukinoshita at all, I would have to do the right thing.

It feels lonely, as it does at night.

The band is playing another song I have no recollection of. In my head plays the symphony of helplessness- the orchestra of the last goodbye.

Yuigahama waves me over once again and a smile reappears beyond my desire to shout.

Here is the second to last chapter (I think). Feel free to leave a review. I don't care if anyone hates it, I just like doing it and I am happy to see it through haha.

Alright, then. Take care and Happy New Year.