In Her Own Twisted Way, Yukinoshita Haruno Believes

It hasn't even been a year yet and I already find myself in the same level of deep contemplation as I was before the end of my second year.

Maybe it's because the impact that my decision would make this time around was more or less the same.

Actually, you could even make an argument that the current situation had a greater significance to my life than the previous one.

The source of my anxiety can be traced around an hour ago.

Following Haruno-san's call, I went to my house to drop all my stuff required to help with tutoring Orimoto and then I also took the opportunity to bring Azazel with me just in case tonight's talk will take longer than expected.

The ride towards the meeting place that Haruno-san designated was a blur to me. I wasn't even sure if I was able to avoid any kind of traffic violations on the way. Regardless, I arrived roughly 30 minutes after I received the call.

Why was I rushing so much?

The answer to that was obvious.

To a demon-like superwoman like Yukinoshita Haruno, a lot of things in life that the common folk treat as problems are nothing more than trivial matters for her not only because of her innate specs but also from her wide pool of resources.

Conversely, if someone like that speaks in a no-nonsense tone, then it could only be something on the scale of a national crisis… If that was really the case, I don't think I'll be of much help to be honest.

I regained my breath for a couple of seconds and wiped the sweat on my forehead before I decided to enter the establishment.

I opened the luxurious double doors and was treated to the sight of a café at one of its busiest hours. It was a sight both familiar and unfamiliar to me.

Gone were the students of Sobu High in various tables back during Iroha's birthday party. They were now replaced with a variety of different customers ranging from college students, young professionals and even office workers conducting business deals with their clients.

Despite all these people however, one person stood out among the rest. With short black hair which took a dark violet shade on some angles depending on the lighting, gorgeous amethyst eyes, long seductive eyelashes, a perfectly shaped nose and luscious crimson lips, here was Yukinoshita Haruno in all her glory.

I say that and all but this woman was smiling and waving towards my direction so I really didn't have to look that hard to find her. It would be nice if what she was doing didn't invite unnecessary attention though. I can already feel some glares of envy coming my way.

To most men, Yukinoshita Haruno was the perfect woman. To me, she was, much to my dismay, my employer.

In other words, this kind of meet-up with her was due to official matters. I was not much different to those middle-aged guests conducting business in the café.

"Yahallo, Hikigaya-kun!"

"Yo, Haruno-san."

I greet her back while I took a seat. As a sign of courtesy, I ordered a single cappuccino to the nearby waiter immediately so that I can be left alone with Haruno-san.

"Ara, Onee-san is quite flattered Hikigaya-kun. To think you would pull out all the stops and dress up quite dashingly like this on such short notice. You even put your glasses on. I almost didn't recognize you at first glance. If I didn't know you any better, I'd think you're trying to woo me."

Translation: You're dressed way too good for someone told to meet me just a few minutes ago. What have you been doing the entire day? Do not spare a single detail.

Haruno-san's words prompted me to grab the glasses I wore. Because I was on such a hurry, I didn't change the clothes that I wore from my earlier tutorial session so I ended up coming here while wearing the clothes Komachi picked for me earlier saying that I shouldn't look sloppy in front of another girl even if it was not a date.

This was going to require a lot of explaining.

I couldn't tuck in my glasses even if I wanted to because its case was on my bag and not my pocket and said bag was left at home.

I breathed out a sigh before I began my explanation.

"Orimoto requested to be tutored for her midterms so I accompanied her throughout the entire day until just earlier. As for the clothes, Komachi forced it on me because she wouldn't let me out of the house otherwise."

Haruno-san narrowed her eyes in suspicion but only as a test because it didn't look like she was doubting any of my words earlier, not like I was lying in the first place.

But that didn't mean that she wouldn't ask me any questions either.

"As for the glasses?"

I was hoping this wouldn't be brought up but I guess that was only wishful thinking from my part.

"Orimoto made a weird request for me to wear them because it apparently gives the impression that I'm an actual sensei or something. I don't really get it, either. But she said that it improves her focus so I just obliged albeit reluctantly."

"Hmm… So you're telling me that this middle school crush of yours awakened a glasses fetish because of you? That's kinda ironic now that you think about it."

"Why are you thinking about it in that kind of manner?"

"Is there even any other way to think about it?"

The moment I began to analyze Haruno-san's words, I felt like I'd be lost in a labyrinth of thoughts so I decided to back off while I was still rational.

"Let's talk about this later, Haruno-san. I believe you called me for a different purpose. Did something important happen?"

Haruno-san looked at me with a disapproving stare for a few seconds before she dispelled it altogether and went back to her usual carefree expression.

"I'll forgive your abrupt change of the topic this time if you give me a ride home."

"I understand. I thank you for your consideration."

While we had that opening talk of sorts, the waiter came back with my order and promptly left afterwards. I took a sip and only when my cup returned to the table did Haruno-san speak once again.

"Would you like to hear the good news or the bad news first?"

"Bad news first please."

I responded immediately which made Haruno-san's smile more mischievous by a few stages.

"I knew you'd say that so I'll go with the good news first then."

So what's the point of even asking me in the first place?

Needless to say, I was tactful enough to keep those words to myself.

"It seems Kawasaki-san had been accepted to be Yukino-chan's secretary. Her training will officially start during your summer break."

That piece of news did manage to bring a smile to my face.

"I see. That is indeed good news."

"The hiring manager was a bit suspicious though…"

I gulped without even knowing it. The dangerous glint on one of Haruno-san's eyes made me break down in cold sweat.

"For some reason, all the points highlighted by Kawasaki-san's resume were all the factors that the manager was indeed looking for. What a coincidence right, Hikigaya-kun?"

"Saki must've prepared really well."

I found it surprising that I was able to say all that without stuttering.

"It didn't help that said candidate also happened to be the same person you yourself recommended, Hikigaya-kun… Tell me, did you have a hand in this?"

I didn't bother with pretending anymore and just shrugged.

"I was just fulfilling my end of a personal deal between the two of us. Personally, I didn't think she needed it. Saki should already possess all the necessary qualities required."

Seeing how close Saki spared no effort in trying to be closer to the clique, I thought I needed to also provide more input from my side of our agreement. The result was a resume custom-tailored with the kind of formatting that I knew the hiring manager really fancied.

"That's right. Even the hiring manager thought so. All your meddling did was once again prove how much of an asset you are to the company, Hikigaya-kun. To think, you didn't need that much of a background check or personal analysis to get a good grasp of someone else's preferences. If you end up being a criminal mastermind, you'd probably be able to bring Japan to its knees, Hikigaya-kun."

"You're overestimating me."

Or rather, this excessive praise was only ringing alarm bells on my head.

I can't help but think that something truly troublesome was waiting for me in the bad news side.

"Now for the bad news…"

Unfortunately, it seems that my prediction will once again be right.

"Actually, it's not as bad as it sounds but from your perspective Hikigaya-kun then you'll definitely find it inconvenient."

Haruno-san then put on a more solemn and serious expression.

"Due to your recent achievements Hikigaya-kun, the company has finally realized how important it is to inject new and younger blood to its ranks."

About time, to be honest.

The Japanese corporate world has the bad habit of keeping its more senior members at the higher rung of the ladder when usually all they had going for themselves over others were their longer years of serving said company.

Because of this, the company stagnates and overall work efficiency drops. It doesn't help that said senior member gets to keep this position until their eventual retirement. The replacement that comes after that period also ends up having more or less the same set of qualities. Truthfully, it was a vicious cycle that should be eliminated.

"But because of that, you have also earned the animosity of some of the more senior members."

I completely understand. I was a threat to their family livelihood after all.

This could only mean one thing...

I was about to be fired.

It was fine on my part. While the pay was definitely good, I wasn't that attached with this job in the first place. At the very least, this could mean I'll have more time to play with Vita-chan in the near future.

While I was preoccupied with my thoughts, Haruno-san then dropped a bomb I wasn't expecting at all.

"So it was proposed that you do something for the company that no other member from the senior group could emulate."

Wait, what?!

"Excuse me, Haruno-san. I thought I was going to get fired? Am I hearing things wrong?"

I interrupted Haruno-san with a raised hand but the Yukinoshita heiress just smirked at me and replied.

"What are you even talking about, Hikigaya-kun? There's no way we can fire the rookie who increased the company's work efficiency on his first few weeks. That was something even I couldn't do."

"In that case, what would you have me do then?"

"Before that, let me provide you with a little more context."

Haruno-san took out her phone and showed me a proposal. A skim of the first page already told me all about what they want to happen.

"Yukinoshita Corporation plans to expand to Tokyo?"

"Yes."

"I don't see how I can be useful with such a grand project like that."

"Hikigaya-kun, your main role is to be the spearhead of the next workforce generation of the Yukinoshita corporation. Tokyo is a more bustling city than Chiba. Surely the amount of talent hidden within is proportionally more numerous…"

"But the amount of effort you'd need to filter through all that would equally be…"

"And that's exactly where you come in, Hikigaya-kun."

"I see… That is indeed something I can probably do that the senior members would not be able to replicate however this sounds like something that will happen in the far future..."

I understood my role but I still felt like there was something missing. Judging from how Haruno-san's smile was slowly morphing into a grin, that certain something will be mentioned next.

"From your call earlier, it felt like you needed to tell me something that requires immediate action and so far, nothing fits the criteria. What am I really supposed to do, Haruno-san?"

I looked straight into Haruno-san's amethyst eyes as I declared. My boss simply became more amused at my actions.

"How astute of you, Hikigaya-kun. Or rather, just what I would expect from my future little brother."

Haruno-san's eyes then suddenly sharpened. It was the same look I see her cast on Yukino when she expects great things from her.

Now that it was directed at me, I can feel my entire body tremble. A part of me didn't even want to hear the next set of words that will come out from Haruno-san's mouth.

"I'm sure you've figured it out already, Hikigaya-kun. You're currently at your third-year and I'm talking about Tokyo. There's only one thing that comes to mind, right?"

"You can't be serious…"

"Oh, I am. Not just me but everyone else on the board is absolutely serious..."

Haruno-san then leaned a little closer towards me.

She then delivered a statement that was akin to a judge's final verdict to a criminal on trial.

"We want you to get admitted into Todai (Tokyo University)."

Those words shook my entire being. Amidst my own trembling, I tried my best to come up with a coherent response.

"B-B-But… That… S-S-Sounds impossible for… Someone like me…"

"Don't worry, Hikigaya-kun. The company will offer its full support towards getting you prepared for this exam. Any kind of resource that you require will be sent over to you as soon as possible."

I then felt something warm brush the hair on top of my head while a tender gaze and warm smile was being cast on me by Haruno-san.

This was unfair.

"Mother and I expect wonderful things from you…"

The next word she said was then whispered close to my ear.

"Otouto-kun…"

I blanked out after that.

The next thing I knew I was already contemplating my future on my own bedroom like this.

Forget a bath, I'm not even sure if I had dinner at this point. I wasn't hungry at least.

The logical thing to do here should be to discuss this with my parents but I already have a good hunch at what my family's answer will be.

They might not be very good at showing it but I knew for sure that all they want for me is the best that life has to offer.

That's why I can say without a doubt that they'll encourage me to take the challenge. However, I wanted to make this decision not because of those outside factors.

Having positive expectations about you was nice and all but for such a life-changing decision like this, I would like to find something that will make me want to go through with it. Even if I go ahead and do it now, my motivation might fizzle out in the process.

For the time being, there were a few things I wanted to confirm first.

I checked the time on my phone.

It was 9:36 PM.

It was a little late. Those concerned with their sleeping habits or their health in general would have been fast asleep at this kind of time but for some reason I was confident that that person was still awake.

I made a call and the other side immediately answered after the first beep. Without a doubt, she was definitely expecting my call around this hour.

"Good evening, Otouto-kun. Have you made your decision?"

As much as I like it when Haruno-san is being direct to the point, right now there were things that demanded more attention.

"Haruno-san, can you please not call me like that?"

"Eh? Why not? You clearly like it, though."

"No, that's not the point…"

I could feel a headache coming into me but I resisted and managed to get those feeble words of protest out.

"Come on. Where's the harm in it? If you're too embarrassed about it, I'll make sure to only call you that way when it's… Just. The. Two. Of. Us."

That didn't help at all. In fact, I felt my headache getting worse.

Taking advantage of my moment of vulnerability, Haruno-san decided to go back and pursue the more important topic.

"So, what's your decision?"

"Before that, can I ask a few questions first?"

"Sure."

"Supposing I accept this job but I fail to qualify to Todai, what happens then?"

In order to convince my logical side, I wanted to know more about the accompanying risks and rewards. I'm sure my motivation will come along afterwards.

"Nothing, because you'll pass for sure."

I can feel a reassuring tone on Haruno-san's voice. Regardless of how soothing it was by no means was it enough to curb my inert pessimism and realism.

"Haruno-san, please answer me seriously."

"This is my serious answer, Otouto-kun."

I sighed. This was getting nowhere so I decided to attack from another angle.

"Another question, then. What do I get if I make it to Todai?"

"Hmm… Now that you mention it, we haven't really thought about that yet. Do you have anything in mind?"

"Not really. I was hoping you have something for me to be honest."

"A date with me, then."

"Pass."

"Eh?! Why not?!"

"You'd probably just be teasing me throughout the entire day, right? That sounds more like a reward for you than it is for me."

"In that case, a date with Yukino-chan, then?"

I can feel another headache come from that suggestive statement.

"You should ask the other person in question first before you suggest something like that to me, Haruno-san."

"So you're fine with it if Yukino-chan gives the okay then?"

"Don't put your words into my mouth like that."

I sighed for like the umpteenth time in the span of five minutes.

"What do you want, then?"

I thought about it for a short while but there really is only one thing that came into mind.

"Maybe… A raise?"

It was such a boring request but it was the only thing I could think of in that short span of time.

"Well, I can arrange for that… Would double your current rate be fine?"

That absurd statement was delivered in such a matter-of-fact manner that I couldn't help but doubt my ears.

"Haruno-san, can you repeat what you just said?"

"I'm saying that if you get to Todai, I'm more than willing to recommend to the board to double your current rate."

Okay, that might actually be enough to motivate me. Even a cynic like me understands the value of money.

"I see… That is… Very much appreciated. In the same manner, I'd like to know what happens if I fail…"

"You won't fail."

Haruno-san's interruption left me no room for a retort.

I guess at this point, it was safe to assume that failure meant getting fired.

Basically, everything all comes down to a raise if I pass and getting fired if I fail.

Well… I guess since I'll be preparing for the university entrance exams anyway, might as well just aim for the top. Worse comes to worst, I could just always opt for the second-best university if I fail… That should be how it works, right?

With this, the monster of logic and monster of self-consciousness in me have both come to an agreement.

Loner Skill No. 1: Hikki Zone.

As a final check, I used this skill to briefly consider all the possible outcomes in my head. Once I felt like I've convinced myself enough, I took in a deep breath then checked if Haruno-san was still in the call before ultimately speaking once again.

"Haruno-san, can I ask for a profile of the people involved with the making the university entrance exams as well as the faculty involved for Todai's own admission exam?"

"Otouto-kun, does that mean...?"

"Yes. I'll do it."

Unconsciously, my right hand clenched into a fist as I declared my answer to Haruno-san in an unusually determined voice.

"I'll aim for Todai."

"Splendid! I knew you'd come together, Otouto-kun!"

When she said it like that, Haruno-san really did sound like an onee-san proud of her otouto's resolve.

"I'll have all the materials you requested sent to you by the end of Golden Week. Feel free to do your own set of preparations in the meantime."

"Understood. Then, good night, Haruno-san."

"Good night, Otouto-kun."

In the end, the deciding factor was the money.

For the time being, the househusband dream after immediately getting out of university will be put on hold.

Supposing I successfully get myself admitted to Todai and my deal with Haruno-san pulls through, the amount of money I can expect in just a few years down the line is a ludicrous amount.

If I be a little bold and factor in the possibility of promotion and additional benefits that can come in the future, then I'm sure I could save up enough to live a fulfilling retirement life.

Thus, Hikigaya Hachiman's goal in life is updated as follows:

To retire young.

Author's Note:

It's finally time for Haruno's actual reappearance in the story. At the same time, some kind of goal is finally introduced for Hikigaya.

I had wanted to set up something like this for Hikigaya in conjunction with his various relationships in order to see how both factors in his life would interact with one another.

As to how this will affect his relationships moving forward is something I'm not quite sure myself though I already have a few things in my mind already.

At the moment, all I can really say is to please look forward to it when it comes.

Sorry for the little delay. I was trying something new in the past few days with regards to how I release my extras.

One of the most recent reviews suggested me compiling them all into one chapter.

I might try that in the next arc but for the time being what I came up with on my own was to release back-to-back chapters instead in order to quench the thirst for the main storyline while allowing myself to set things up for future developments as well.

So yeah, if I didn't mess anything the extra chapter should come shortly after this one is up.

With all that being said, I stash my tools for the trade for now and I bid you all farewell.

May everyone's good wishes and realities intersect.

Mori Hikiko