Summary: Komachi dragged me out shopping with her. Normally I'd have gone along with her whims without issue, but there was Yukino Yukinoshita standing before me, all dolled up and beautiful in a white summer dress with hair carefully braided and all I could think about was how absolutely disgusting I must have looked, sweating buckets in the sweltering summer heat.
Notes: Was not written with much regard towards the canonical timeline. Mostly written for my own amusement. Characters may behave differently from their original selves. You have been warned.
oOo
Whimsicality
Little sisters are scary. They're incredibly cute, caring, lovable creatures, to be clear, but also incredibly scary.
As a big brother to the best little sister in the whole world, I feel that I have the authority to attest to this simple fact of the universe.
Komachi dragged me out shopping with her. Normally, I'd have gone along with her whims without issue, but there was Yukino Yukinoshita standing before me, looking all dolled up and beautiful in a white summer dress with hair carefully braided and all I could think about was how absolutely disgusting I must have looked, sweating buckets in the sweltering summer heat.
I struggled to remember if I'd put on deodorant after showering this morning.
I looked at Komachi, wondering what I had done to possibly deserve this embarrassment, but she only smiled back at me cutely before turning to Yukinoshita.
"Yahallo, Yukino-san!"
"Ya-..." Yukinoshita paused, taking an almost furtive glance at me, before raising her hand. "Hello, Komachi-san."
"Yo." I said, still doing my level best not to melt.
"Hikigaya-kun," she acknowledged me with the slightest of smiles. "I didn't realize an individual such as yourself ventured outside of the haven that is your home during summer break."
"You make it sound like I never go outside," I responded indignantly.
"Well, yes, considering that our contact this summer has thus far been limited to phone calls and LINE conversations I believe that would be the only reasonable assumption one could make."
"Onii-chan, you only came out today because I begged you to come with me…" Komachi added, giving me a look that was half-mischief, half-disappointment.
Why you…!
Yukinoshita was hiding a smile behind her hand.
"Why are you even here today anyways?" I asked Yukinoshita disgruntledly.
"Komachi-san had asked me to go shopping with her today."
"Huh?" I whipped my head around to stare at Komachi, who only smirked at me. "Shopping is more fun when there's more people, Onii-chan."
Scary. I'm telling you, they're scary.
"You could've at least told me. If Yukinoshita's here to tag along with you then I didn't need to come and you two could have had fun window shopping for clothes or whatever it is that girls like to do" I muttered.
Komachi, with a surprising show of strength, grabbed me by the collar and yanked me close to her.
"Stupid onii-chan!" she whispered furiously into my ear. "Do you really want to die alone this badly? Apologize to Yukino-san, stop complaining, and enjoy yourself. I swear you're so dumb sometimes. Dumb onii-chan."
"Y-yes." I said, stumbling backwards.
Seriously, little sisters are scary.
I turned to the third member of our little party and stopped short. Yukinoshita was turned slightly away, fiddling with the hem of her dress with a rather forlorn look on her face.
"I-I mean, I… uh… I need some new underwear! The old- uh… Well I need some new ones and today's as good of a day to get some…so… I'll come along with you guys..." I trailed off, my face turning red for reasons completely unrelated to the heat.
Yukinoshita's lips twitched, before she sighed and shook her head.
"I suppose that's as good of a place to start as any," she said, turning towards the mall's entrance.
Komachi gave me a stare. "Seriously, onii-chan? Underwear? You're such a pervert."
"What are you talking about?"
"Ugh, whatever. Let's go, just don't do something that'll get you sent to prison."
Oh how little faith she had in me. You wound me greatly, my dear Komachi-chan.
oOo
It was somewhere on the third floor of the mall that our party of three became a party of two.
The place was pretty crowded; it was a Saturday during summer break after all. Everywhere I turned I could spot riajuus and cliques going about their daily social business. Movies, dates, whatever.
How they could live like that was beyond me, but that wasn't important. What's important was that somewhere between visiting a pet store to watch Yukinoshita purr at cats, which incidentally was probably an illegally cute ten minutes of my life, and heading to one of the clothing stores at the behest of my little sister we managed to lose said little sister.
"Yukinoshita, I don't see Komachi." I said, looking around the mall.
There was no response. I turned around only to find Yukinoshita's nose pressed up against the glass of the pet store.
"Yukinoshita!" I said, a bit louder.
There was still no indication that she had heard me.
Sighing, I sidled as close as I dared to her ear.
"Yukinoshita!"
That got a response. Yukinoshita gave a little gasp and jumped about a foot into the air, pressing a hand to her chest, before turning to level an icy glare at me. That glare had lost a lot of its effectiveness these past few weeks, but the potency was still strong enough to make me take a couple steps away.
Well that, and the fact that her face was awfully close to mine.
I crossed my arms defensively. "It was the only way to get your attention."
"Surely there are far more reasonable methods to attract one's attention, Hikigaya-kun." she responded coldly, still breathing rather heavily.
I shrugged, "I tried. But that's irrelevant. Have you seen Komachi?"
"Is she not your responsibility, Hikigaya-kun? Surely you are not this inept at taking responsibility for someone else?"
"Usually she's pretty adamant about us sticking together, so it's weird for her to run off without saying anything."
My phone buzzed. Speak of the devil, it was a text from Komachi.
Onii-chan! I just ran into a friend of mine and we're gonna go see a movie! It's gonna take hours, so don't wait around for me. Enjoy your time with Yukino-san!
Love,
Komachi
P.S. I swear to God onii-chan if you go home as soon as you can, you're going to lose so many Komachi points that you'll never break even ever again.
Did I mention little sisters were scary? Little sisters were scary.
"Was that Komachi-san?" Yukinoshita had sidled up to me and was now attempting to read the text over my shoulder.
I immediately snapped my phone shut.
"Yeah. She said she's going to see a movie with her friend."
"Will she be rejoining us?" Yukinoshita asked.
"Don't think so."
"Well, then, did she leave you a shopping list?"
"Er… no she didn't."
"And I'm assuming that an individual with a memory as inadequate as yours would be unlikely to remember the items that she asked you to purchase?"
"I don't- what do you mean a memory as inadequate as mine? She never even told me what she wanted to buy!"
Yukinoshita covered her laughter with a hand once more.
"Ara, ara, Hikigaya-kun. Teasing you is simply too effortless."
I groaned. "C'mon, let's go."
Yukinoshita tilted her head, "And where are we headed?"
I shrugged. "Didn't you say you wanted another dress or something? I don't really need anything so we can go finish up your shopping."
"How considerate of you, Hikigaya-kun. Although I do recall you mentioning something about underwear…?
I spluttered, "It's fine, never mind about all that!"
She wore a satisfied smirk as she continued, "Well, as it so happens, I do have an interest in purchasing a dress. Let's head to the second floor. I saw a floral design in one of the windows that I'd like to take a closer look at."
I grunted in agreement and trailed Yukinoshita down the escalator to the second floor. She seemed to know exactly where the shop was located, as we found ourselves being welcomed by a shop assistant within no time.
"This one," Yukinoshita indicated with a pointed finger an airy light blue number patterned with flowers. "What do you think, Hikigaya-kun?"
"Uh… I don't know, it looks nice, I guess?"
"If the young miss would like, we have changing rooms in the back. Perhaps the young man could judge better after you've tried it on?" The shop assistant cut in.
Yukinoshita turned pink, and she looked at me in askance.
I could feel myself blushing too. "Uh, you don't have to, Yukinoshita, it's fine."
Yukinoshita closed her eyes as if to psych herself up, and then turned to the shop assistant.
"Please lead the way."
With a knowing smile that I for some reason really wanted to wipe off his face, the assistant led Yukinoshita to the other side of the store, leaving me to stare aimlessly around.
Suddenly, without warning, a bright and cheery voice sounded right by my ear as an elbow dug its way into my gut.
"Ara, if it isn't Hikigaya-kun! What are you doing here in the women's section of the store?"
Of course. Must be some kind of curse. Haruno Yukinoshita always showed up when you least expected her presence. And she also had an uncanny knack of showing up right when you wished she didn't. Should've been named Murphy or something.
"...Yo, Yukinoshita-san." I said carefully.
Haruno looked as stunning as always, wearing a low-cut purple dress that emphasized her hereditary gifts, sandals, and sunglasses with her hair falling freely around her shoulders.
She giggled, and continued elbowing me. It was starting to hurt.
"C'mon now, Hikigaya-kun, I've told you before. At least call me Haruno, or even better, Nee-san. I heard what happened between you and Yukino-chan before summer break, you'll be a part of the family in no time!"
"How-... What… I don't…" I spluttered.
"Ara ara, don't tell me there's trouble in paradise, Hikigaya-kun! I told you I'd never forgive you if you made Yukino-chan sad, remember? That being said, if things somehow don't wind up working out between you and Yukino-chan, you'll still be a part of the family!"
"I-huh? What do you mean, still?"
"Well, Hikigaya-kun," she said with a mischievous smile. "If things don't work out, your Onee-san would be very interested in you.
Her voice dropped to a low purr as her smile turned far more predatory and I gulped as I felt steam pouring from my ears.
"Nee-san." A voice so cold that the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end and I shivered.
Haruno covered her mouth.
"Oops," she whispered with a giggle and a wink, before turning around.
"Yukino-chan! I knew you'd be here with Hikigaya-kun. Aww, isn't this cute?"
Haruno was still laughing as if the situation was the funniest thing in the world. Yukinoshita was glaring at her sister with substantially less humour. The assistant was staring between Haruno, Yukinoshita, and me with his eyes bulging out like a goldfish.
Great.
"I don't know why you're here, Nee-san, but you should leave."
"Aww, so cold, Yukino-chan. It's okay, I won't be getting in-between you and Hikigaya-kun for much longer. I was just so happy to see you two finally together that I just wanted to say hi! Although you really should have made a move sooner; he was almost stolen away! Can't always be waiting for Hikigaya-kun to make the first move since he's denser than a rock! By the way, that's a very cute dress you have on right now, I'm sure Hikigaya-kun would appreciate it a lot, isn't that right Hikigaya-kun?"
I had been just about ready to protest her rock comment when I noticed Yukinoshita's apparel. Haruno-san was right. Yukinoshita was wearing that light blue number that she'd been interested in earlier with her hair pulled back into a simple ponytail and, for the moment, she didn't look like her usual unattainable ojou-sama self. Instead, she was the epitome of the cute girl-next-door vibe, especially with the blush adorning her cheeks. It was… pretty rare to see her like this and I couldn't help but stare.
An elbow to the gut reminded me that Haruno was expecting an answer.
"Uh, ah, yeah. You look… good, Yukinoshita," I said. "Cute."
Her blush deepened, now taking on the appearance of a ripe tomato. "T-Thank you."
"Aww, aren't you two just the cutest?" Haruno had the appearance of a proud mother of sorts, complete with her wiping away imaginary tears from her cheeks.
As if a switch had flipped, Yukinoshita started gently but firmly pushing her sister out of the store. "Thank you for stopping by, Nee-san, but I'm sure that a college student such as yourself would have better things to do than follow a couple of high school students around a mall. And if not, well, I'm sure an individual such as yourself would have many friends to spend time with."
Haruno, still laughing, waved at me as she slowly backpedalled out of the store. "See you next time, Hikigaya-kun! And I hope you remember what I said! Ouch! Not that part, Yukino-chan, just the part about not making you sad. Have fun on your daaaaaaaaaaaaaate."
I could feel the eyes of the other customers on me. The shop assistant hadn't stopped staring either. I wanted to crawl into a hole and die.
Yukinoshita came back, breathing rather more heavily than normal.
"I have no idea how she always manages to find us. I apologize on her behalf, Hikigaya-kun."
I waved her off. "It's to be expected of your sister."
We stood there awkwardly for a few moments. Now that Haruno had so clearly voiced a definition for our little excursion, I had no idea how to respond to it. Was this… a date? Was I really going on a date with Yukino Yukinoshita?
"I-"
"Hi-"
We both started, and then stopped as if rendered mute.
"You go,"
"It's alright, Hikigaya-kun, you should speak first."
The standoff probably would have lasted for a while longer, if the shop assistant hadn't gathered himself and interrupted our-was that even a conversation?
"So, ma'am, about the dress…?"
"Oh, yes, I do believe I will be purchasing this dress. Unless…" she turned to me.
"Do you believe that any of the other options are a superior choice?" Yukinoshita asked, pointing to the rack.
A part of me wanted to point out that some of the dresses on the rack Yukinoshita had indicated looked far more scandalous than probably anything Yukinoshita had ever worn in her life. The teenager in me was tempted to ask her to try on a few more, but that temptation was quickly squashed.
"Don't do something that'll get you sent to prison." Komachi's voice rang through my head.
"Uh, no I think you look beautiful in this one." I said, trying desperately to avoid eye contact.
Yukinoshita smiled shyly before disappearing off to the changing rooms in a whirl of blue.
The shop assistant and I were left standing awkwardly across from each other.
There was a moment of silence, before he offered me two thumbs up.
"Good luck!" he mouthed.
Fucking kill me.
oOo
The Hachiman Hikigaya of approximately two months ago would have probably bailed on this… date… a long time ago.
Then again, the Hachiman Hikigaya of approximately two months ago was also very definitely single. A lot had indeed changed in a very short amount of time.
I heard Yukinoshita approach me as I stood outside, idly watching other mall goers wander about.
"Thanks for waiting," she said.
"Oh. No problem," I said casually, before noticing the rather large bag she was holding.
Had she bought more than just the one dress? The bag did look rather heavy, so I stretched out my hand to take it from her. I could almost feel a certain kouhai giving me a wink and a thumbs up.
Yukinoshita gave a little start when I touched her hand, and I could see the question in her eyes, so I tugged on the bag handles.
"I-It's not that heavy," she protested.
"Just let me carry it, Yukinoshita, for my own personal self-satisfaction at least?" I insisted.
"Well aren't you the gallant gentleman today?" Yukinoshita said with a bright smile.
"In that case, I suppose I'll have to indulge you. Thank you, Hikigaya-kun."
I scratched the back of my head in embarrassment.
"No prob," I turned to look around for directions to the nearest food court. I was feeling rather hungry, since I hadn't eaten anything since breakfast.
However, my quest for food was cut short abruptly when two slender arms and a pair of surprisingly noticeable boobs attached themselves to my right arm.
"Ah-" I let out a noise of surprise, only to find Yukinoshita holding my arm rather tightly, blushing and doing her best to look anywhere but at me.
"Uhm-" I swallowed rather heavily, "Y-Yukinoshita?"
"Do you… not like this?" Her face was still turned from me, but I could hear the uncertainty in her voice.
"N-no it's fine. Just surprised."
My phone buzzed again.
Onii-chan! Nice job!
There followed a rather blurry image of Yukinoshita and I standing awkwardly outside the store with her arms around mine. We really did look like those awkward couples going on their first date from the latest romcom manga.
There was a time not that long ago where if someone had told me that I would be a typical anime protagonist going on a date with Yukinoshita of all people I'd have said that they were definitely Zaimokuza in disguise.
And yet here we are.
I caught sight of Komachi grinning at me with two thumbs up from behind some display board down the hall.
Little sisters were definitely scary, alright.
Yukinoshita tugged on my arm.
"Let's go, Hikigaya-kun. I'm finding myself rather famished."
oOo
After lunch, Yukinoshita mentioned that she wanted to go to the bookstore. As the next Aobuta novel had just come out recently and I hadn't had a chance to buy it on my own, I didn't really have any objections. (1)
Of course, Yukinoshita gave me a disappointed look when she saw me head straight for the manga and light novels section, but she surprisingly followed me instead of wandering off on her own.
"Honestly, Hikigaya-kun, why don't you read some more traditional literature?"
I shrugged, "Literature is entertainment, and I'm entertained by the stupid plots and overused tropes in light novels and manga. They're like the McDonalds of literature."
Yukinoshita laughed, "The McDonalds of literature? That's an interesting analogy. Please do explain to me what you mean."
"The writing is consistent; it can be found everywhere, and it's "good" in a bad way that makes people enjoy it even if the writing itself is pretty mediocre. You always know what you're getting into before you even read the first chapter, and people will always read it, because it's comforting and enjoyable in a guilty pleasure sort of way. Then, of course, there's a couple titles that are unbelievably good, even if those are few and far between. Will anyone ever say that a light novel is the greatest work of literature of all time? No, but it's always in the conversation when you ask someone what they're reading. You've gotta respect the consistency of the industry." (2)
Yukinoshita looked surprised. "I hadn't thought about it in that way. Wow, it turns out even I have something to learn from Hikigaya-kun!"
"You could at least try to not sound so surprised," I grumbled.
"My sincerest apologies. I shall endeavour to remember your ability to contribute meaningful and intelligent discourse in future discussions."
Yukinoshita sent me a teasing look, and so I could only glare half-heartedly at her.
"Now, now Hikigaya-kun, don't be so angry with me. If it will make you feel better, I shall promise to read one of your favorite titles within the light novel industry as recompense, if you will agree to finish a title I recommend as well."
It was honestly a fair trade. There was no way that Yukinoshita, being the literary snob that she was, would ever recommend anything less than an absolutely stellar classic for me, and if I could finally get Yukinoshita to read some light novels it was just a win-win in my book.
"Sure."
"It would have to be done in good faith, though. I shan't have you reneging on our deal after I've already completed whatever terrible story you've set upon me."
"Yeah, yeah, I promise." I said, even humouring her by holding my hand out to shake.
She looked at it for a moment, and then smiled mischievously at me.
Uh oh.
"Let's seal the promise with something a little more… binding," she said.
"What?"
"A pinkie promise." She said, holding out her pinkie.
"Are you serious? Who are you, Yuigahama?"
"I don't know if I should be flattered or insulted on Yuigahama-san's behalf, but nevertheless, I am serious."
I sighed and indulged her, curling my pinkie around hers.
"Pinkie pro-mmf!" (3)
If I was a smarter guy, or if I had control over my mental faculties at this moment, I'm sure I would have something profound to say about this, but since my whole world had shrunk to this gorgeous girl gently pressing her lips to mine in the corner of a bookstore I hope that it's understandable that my thoughts are currently filled with unintelligible, joyful screaming. The Hachiman of a year ago would have looked at me in disgust. But then again the Hachiman of a year ago would have never come within six feet of Yukinoshita Yukino.
Yukinoshita Yukino was kissing me.
Her lips were soft and warm and somehow our pinkie promise had turned into hand holding so I could feel just how nice and comforting and right it was to have our hands tangled together.
The moment didn't last very long; the both of us hyper-aware that we were in a public space where anyone could turn the corner and find us.
When Yukinoshita pulled back, her face was completely red and her chest was heaving, but she sported likely the widest smile I had ever seen on her face. I'm sure I had some equally silly expression on my face as well.
"Y-Y-Yukinoshita...What? Why?" I stuttered.
"They say that a promise is all the more secure when sealed with a kiss." She said teasingly.
"No one has ever said that." I deadpanned.
"I felt like… it felt right." She responded, her smile faltering as she cocked her head. "Are you upset?"
I shook my head fervently.
Her lips curved upward once more. "So which of this vast array of light novels will you be forcing upon my sensibilities, Hikigaya-kun?"
"Ah-"
I turned my attention to the shelves. Given everything that had happened, I hadn't had a chance to even consider what I might want Yukinoshita to read. Aobuta was good, but probably not to Yukinoshita's tastes. Most of the popular shounen titles probably also fell under this category. I definitely wouldn't be giving Yukinoshita any yuri or yaoi to read; there was no way she'd look at me the same way ever again. It would have to be something more normal.
As I was considering all this, I didn't even notice that Yukinoshita had slipped away until she announced her return by slipping a novel into my hands.
"I'm surprised." I remarked, looking at the title. She'd given me The Memory Police.
"Oh?"
"Yeah, I thought for sure you'd finally make me read that novel you were always reading back when I first joined the club. I am a Cat."
Yukinoshita looked surprised. "You noticed?"
"Even back then, you were impossible to ignore." I said quietly.
The look on her face was worth the embarrassment.
"W-well, I figured you wouldn't be as interested as I was in the subject matter of Souseki anyways."
"I wouldn't have minded, but I think I'll like anything you give me."
"So many compliments today, Hikigaya-kun. Such a far cry from your usual prickly self."
"Yeah well, it's not like you're acting normal either."
She gave a light laugh. "Too true. And yet, this is probably the nicest day I've had since summer vacation started."
That gave me a warm feeling in my chest.
The nicest day huh...
"So The Memory Police, eh? Didn't take you to be the type to enjoy dystopian literature."
Continuing the conversation as if nothing had happened? Old Hachiman still popped up now and then.
"I actually quite like dystopian literature. They serve as both a warning and a lesson, and there's often elements of reality incorporated within. I've always found them fascinating. I'm sure the cynic within you will find something to enjoy too."
"Mmm, I'll give it a shot then."
"And have you picked out yours?"
I shook my head.
She tilted her head. "Is it really so hard to pick for me?"
"Well, I'm not really sure what your tastes are like, but I'm pretty sure stuff like The Quintessential Quintuplets is not going to be an enjoyable read for you. And like, the only cat-related stuff I could think of was A Whisker Away, which wasn't amazing, or Ghibli, which you've probably already seen, or-"
I stopped short, seeing Yukinoshita's eyes glimmering with mirth. A sure sign that I was screwing up without even realizing it.
"What?" I asked defensively.
"Nothing!" She replied, although her continued attempts to conceal her laughter belied her true thoughts.
"Just tell me what I'm doing wrong," I said with a defeated sigh.
"Hikigaya-kun, I'm simply asking you for a recommendation. Something you like. I'm interested in reading a light novel or manga that you'd recommend because it's one of your interests and I'm always, always interested in learning more about you."
And in an instant, I could feel my face burning in embarrassment once again. This girl really was something else.
"Then…," I took a quick look around, before snatching a cover off the shelf. "Here. I… really liked this one and I think you'll like it too."
"I Want to Eat Your Pancreas? I've actually heard of this title a couple times. There were a lot of good things too, although I didn't know it was a manga."
"It's an adaptation; the original was a web serial that was turned into a novel format, I believe."
"Ah, well, that explains it. What is its subject matter?"
"It's… a love story, I guess?"
"You guess?"
"It's hard to truly classify it that way, and I'm not one for spoiling a story. It has plenty of themes, but if I had to describe it as one thing and one thing only I guess I'd call it a love story."
"That sounds interesting. I do enjoy a well-written love story, so thank you Hikigaya-kun."
"No problem."
We made our way over to the cashier counter where I absolutely insisted on purchasing everything. Mostly because I felt guilty otherwise, seeing as Yukinoshita had paid for lunch, but also because I slipped a copy of the latest volume of Domestic Girlfriend into the stack that also included Aobuta, and I'd rather Yukinoshita not find out about that yet. (4)
Sorry Wallet-chan.
oOo
The sky was a deep orange-gold colour by the time we made our way out of the mall. The temperature had dropped a fair few degrees too. We'd wandered various shops in the mall, and even visited the arcade where I had won that one Pan-san plushie for Yukinoshita, all the way back when we had only just met.
The fake date. It brought back memories and I'm sure it did for Yukinoshita too. She was wearing a small smile as we passed the claw machines.
"Did you have plans for dinner?" Yukinoshita asked as we finally made our way outside after spending some yen at an ice cream parlour.
"Err, let me see if Komachi went home yet. She might be waiting for me."
Are you home yet?
I didn't know how she managed it, but not ten seconds after I'd sent the message, Komachi's reply came back.
Nope. Don't worry about me, go have fun with Yukino-san. I'm proud of you, Onii-chan! Getting invited to a girl's house on the first date isn't something everyone can achieve!
Oh right. She'd been stalking us.
I was saying something at the beginning of the day, wasn't I? Oh yeah.
Little sisters are freaking terrifying.
"She said not to worry about her."
"Oh. Then would you care for another meal with me?"
I grimaced internally. I genuinely wasn't sure if Wallet-chan had enough HP to survive another meal.
"Where did you want to go?"
"To my apartment, of course."
She said it as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"Your apartment?" I couldn't keep the incredulity out of my voice.
"I do believe that I at least have the ingredients for a simple curry for two, if that would be amenable to you, Hikigaya-kun?"
"You're going to cook?"
Yukinoshita crossed her arms, "Why is this so surprising to you, Hikigaya-kun? I live on my own; it is only natural to assume I cook."
"B-but… you're going to cook for me?"
"Unless you would prefer it if I refrained from doing so."
I shook my head, "No, no I'm… very happy and excited that you would cook for me."
She smiled. "Let's hurry then; I think we are still in time to make the next train."
oOo
As it turned out, we were not in time to make the next train. But that just meant that we got more time to talk, sitting on one of the benches at the station. Our conversation wandered to various topics, but I never felt my interest waning. It was quite unexpected, I don't think I'd ever held a conversation with someone outside of my family for such an extended period of time. Even the fake dates Isshiki dragged me out on were filled with silence whenever Isshiki wasn't trying to be cute.
But somehow, even the most mundane discussion about the recent math exam with Yukinoshita became interesting.
I've become a corny sap.
When the train did arrive, it was fairly full, so we were forced to stand fairly close together by the door. I'll admit that the full train was an unexpected plus, since when the train jolted Yukinoshita would grab onto my hand for stability, only to let go with a blush as she looked around to see if anyone had been paying attention.
Cuteness overload, and I was tempted to simply let it continue, but eventually I wound up wrapping my free arm around her waist to steady her instead. What? I was feeling pretty bold after everything that had happened today.
I wasn't disappointed by her reaction either. She gave a most un-Yukinoshita-like squeak of surprise as her entire body went stiff as a board while she whipped her head around to look at me. I simply smiled smugly back.
"Do wipe that disgusting look off your face, Hikigaya-kun. It is quite unbecoming and I'm finding myself less comfortable within your presence by the second."
I had a good chuckle at that one, but only pulled her closer, and after a brief moment she sighed and relaxed into my chest.
It felt nice.
It felt right.
I wish that there were more stops on the way to Yukinoshita's place, but I suppose I'll have the opportunity to do this again. Hopefully sometime soon.
It was dark by the time we stepped off the train. It was a bit of a walk to Yukinoshita's apartment, but I didn't even notice the distance, since my focus was inevitably drawn to the fact that Yukinoshita still hadn't let go of my hand.
Was this what being together meant?
oOo
"Can I help?" I asked.
Yukinoshita paused while rummaging through her fridge, cocking her head at me.
"Have you ever cooked before, Hikigaya-kun?"
"Basic stuff, yeah. I've helped my Mom and Komachi with curry before."
"Is that so? Well, if you could help me with the mise en place I would be much obliged."
"The what now?"
Yukinoshita sighed, "The mise en place. A French culinary term for preparing all the ingredients before actually starting the cooking process."
"Then why not just say preparing ingredients or something?"
Yukinoshita placed a hand on her forehead.
"I cannot believe that I actually like this uncultured hack," She muttered under breath.
"I'm not a chef; what would I know about this meez in plus or whatever you high-society snobs talk about."
Yukinoshita groaned, "Just forget it. Here, if you could dice the onion and carrots, that'd be a great help."
I grabbed one of Yukinoshita's cutting knives and was just about ready to go to work when Yukinoshita tugged on my sleeve.
"Yeah?"
"Here." She handed me a rather familiar purple apron.
"Is this from…?"
She nodded.
The apron had definitely seen plenty of use since that fake date, but a part of me couldn't help but smile. The fact that it looked so worn… Yukinoshita must have used it often. That knowledge in itself brought a warm feeling to my chest as I tied it around myself.
The curry wound up taking no time at all. Yukinoshita, true to her word, was an absolute master in the kitchen. She probably could give my mom a run for her money. It wasn't long before I was setting her dining table while she plated the food.
"Itadakimasu."
She watched me take my first bite with poorly concealed interest.
It was… really good. Despite the fact that she had added some unconventional ingredients… like celery… and the fact that the only protein she'd had around the house had been some ground beef that she'd turned into a beef cutlet, the curry was probably better than the Saize that I'd had for lunch. Since Yukinoshita was still looking rather expectantly at me, I didn't make her wait any longer.
"It's good," I pronounced.
"Just good?" Yukinoshita pressed.
"Really good. I really like it. Er… I'd eat it every day if I could. What else do you want me to say, woman?!"
She giggled. "Nothing. I'm glad, Hikigaya-kun."
I suppose the whole dating thing took a toll on my loner body, because I was pretty hungry and cleared my plate soon after. Yukinoshita looked on with quite the satisfied expression on her face even as she ate at a fairly swift pace herself.
Before long, though, the table was cleared and all the dishes washed. I'd insisted on helping despite her protests, using Komachi as an excuse.
"We always split the work at home, so let me do the cleaning up."
Or something like that. Not really true, since Komachi mostly did everything, but I was feeling guilty again and wanted to help.
It was getting pretty late and I was also feeling pretty sleepy from all the food as we finished up.
"So Yukinoshita-"
"Uhm, Hikigaya-kun-"
We both stopped.
I motioned for her to go.
"Uhm, I… had a great time today," she began.
I nodded in agreement. "Me too."
"It's summer break right now." She continued.
I nodded in agreement again.
"Do you want to… go out with me again?"
I was actually pretty impressed that she managed to get the words out without too much of a struggle. I don't think I would've been able to say those same words… which was probably why this was the first time I'd seen Yukinoshita in person all summer.
"Yeah… yeah I would. Is there any place in particular you want to see?"
Yukinoshita seemed to be struggling with herself for a moment.
"Uh… Yukinoshita?"
In a small voice, she replied, "I'd like to visit Destinyland again."
Huh? Oh. Yeah. There was a limited time event going on with Pan-san, I think.
"I'm free on Wednesday."
"Wednesday it is then, Hikigaya-kun."
There was a bit more of the awkward standing around thing. I wasn't quite sure how a date was supposed to end, and I guess Yukinoshita didn't either.
Still, Yukinoshita had been taking all the first steps today. So I made a decision.
"Ettoo..., I-I'm sorry for not inviting you out earlier. I kinda regret it now, since today was… really nice. And, uhm, I'm really looking forward to Wednesday."
She smiled, "As am I."
I fidgeted a little longer before screwing up my courage and stalking forward.
"H-Hikigaya-kun?"
My only response was to pull her into an embrace.
She let out a gasp of surprise.
"Hikigaya-kun, what are you-?"
"Sorry, Yukinoshita," I breathed. "I have a kiss to return."
Stooping a little lower, I did just that.
fin
oOo
1- Seishun Buta Yarou
2- Inspired by Toy, on Sotarks' mapping in the rhythm game osu!
3- Yubikiri originated in Japan, although of course the rather gruesome context is no longer applied. The pinkie promise sealed with a kiss thing is a more modern concept. Probably Western, but whatever.
4- I actually think this series is an amusing read and isn't as awful as people make it out to be. The ending is pretty awful, but at least it does end.