I once again head over to her apartment that's now becoming a routine by how often I come to that place. Last night was comfortable being alone for once. I almost forgot the peace with only my own as company after a few days of spending time with Yukinoshita and Tsurumi. This is alarming; my loner way of life is at risk because of the recent events.

The rays of the sun shines across my skin but not the scorching type that you feel at midday but the gentle type that warms your body welcoming daybreak. I woke up just in time before the summer heat peaks and turn the roads into a natural sauna. Though I didn't wake up early because I'm eager to see them both again after not sleeping with them for one night. That's not the reason for my early departure but rather a message I received late last night.

In her message she asked me to pick up groceries along the way, attached is a list of ingredients that judging by its length would last her for the following days. Thankfully I managed to get everything in the list in a short time.

I knocked on the door and proceeded inside.

"Welcome home" Tsurumi greeted me. Hearing her greet me like that gave me the sudden urge to say I'm home like what the main character of an anime would usually say when they arrive home.

"You can put down the groceries at the table near you Hikigaya-kun" Yukinoshita said as she saw what I had in hand. I proceeded to do as told.

"Were you able to buy everything I requested?"

"Yes, I bought everything you need"

"Can I have the receipt?"

"Here, you can check that everything you listed is right here" I said after handing her the receipt

"I didn't intend just to use this a checklist. I'm checking the total price so I can pay you the amount" she then went to her room and returned with her wallet counting the amount she would give.

"I refuse. No need to pay me, this would be a good contribution for my part since you're providing your apartment as Rumi's home for now"

"I insist you accept this Hikigaya-kun I feel like I'd be sort of indebted to you if I take the groceries for free"

"Let's compromise then. Let's split the bill in half if, that way we can both get what we want, do you agree?"

I don't like a long argument to stem from this like before so I'd go with a method that would appease us both.

"Sure"

Rumi volunteered to organize the groceries I brought so I took a max coffee instead and sit at the sofa to relax. When I bought these cans I saw a promo attached where you can win various prices if the code attached is the same as one of the codes for a prize on their website. Though I don't mind winning, I'm not hopeful I would win with anything like these. Well at least the drink is great

"We would still have a lot of supplies if mama hadn't been too extravagant last night"

Last night?

"What do you mean by that Rumi?"

"Mama prepared an excessive dinner last night we went back home from the library. Oh the visit to the library was fun. We come across nekos on the way and I got to pet them but one of them got lost while we were at the library so I had to carry her back. Mama got worried and run after me after she thought she'd have lost me. But by the end of the day the entire trip was enjoyable"

"Is that so?" I faced Yukinoshita after hearing that.

"I'd like to hear your story Yukinoshita, Would you mind elaborating the events" With how I said that she probably would have guessed my intention. She's the type who would know the risks involved so I'm curious about why did she allow any of those to happen.

"It was a linear to and fro journey to the library. I don't have anything to add to that."

"How about the part where you apparently lost Rumi?" I emphasized

"I admit that we experienced trouble due to my carelessness. However it was an experience we didn't asked but needed to have anyway. Rumi got to see the outdoors again after staying in my apartment for days and I learned the extent of my responsibilities firsthand"

"Papa stop bullying mama. She didn't do anything wrong it was me who didn't ask for permission so blame me instead"

"I'm not scolding anyone Rumi. I'm only checking if everyone reflected on the events"

It's already done so there's no need for me to make an issue.

I continued to finish my drink.


Everyday life has began to mimic each other. Each day has become a routine for the three of us in this apartment. I go out to buy things we need, inquire about Rumi's parents from time to time, and visit my family every once in a while… that sounded weird in my head like I have an overseas job. Yukinoshita spends most of her time similar to our time at the request club, reading, studying or browsing the web. I once caught her watching videos about cats while hugging a pan-san stuffed toy but I didn't talk to her about it for fear of my safety. Rumi… spends her time in a similar way to Yukinoshita except the part where she acts like our child but we got used to it eventually that we now react at how she addresses us by instinct. I've always wondered when we should directly address that issue. I can't help but feel like she addresses us as her parents to compensate what she lost. Rumi has been reserved towards us lately so in time she's eventually accept reality… I hope.

I took out a can on my favorite drink and notice the code attached. I looked it up and see that I've won. A glimmer of luck must have accidentally fallen to my side. It looks like Max coffee has noticed my love for it after all these years and returned my feelings. I check to see which of the prizes matched my own and… It's three all-you-can-ride one day exclusive tickets to Destiny land


We all woke up exceptionally early today. Dawn has barely broken the dark streak across sky, even Tsurumi who usually wakes up a lot later than us nowadays have raised right after we did. We urged her to sleep again to get the rest proportionate to her age but she refused claiming she's wide awake now.

Yukinoshita volunteered to prepare breakfast today. Though a bit too early for our usual time for one we all agreed without any qualms to start the day this early.

I went to the fridge to grab one of my canned beverages and sat on the sofa to relax while breakfast is being prepared. As I open the can I noticed Tsurumi staring at me or more precisely what I'm holding.

"You can grab one in the fridge if you want"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Go ahead"

Tsurumi went to the fridge and got one for own upon my permission. She sat down next to me, opened her can and drank. I continued to look at her to see her reaction. After a sip, she paused for a while looking at the can.

"Was that your first time drinking Max coffee?"

"Mmm". She nodded in affirmation

"I was curious why you always drink this so I decided to have one right now" she continued

"How was it?"

"Well" she pause to ponder an answer

"I like it… It tastes great" I'm happy to hear that she liked it.

"I thought it would be bitter because it's coffee"

"Yes, I prefer it that way."

"However if it's suppose to be coffee why do you like it sweet. Isn't it a bit unusual?"

"Life is too bitter, so coffee, at least, should be sweet…"

"Is that so? I suppose you're right" She contained a giggle after hearing my reply

I could hear a chopping noise echo from the kitchen; she must be preparing a dish involving vegetables. We continued to sit leisurely at the couch enjoying our drinks. Speaking of Max Coffee I do remember getting those tickets as a promo reward. I think now would be a good time to bring this up. Might as well invite them and go together than let this be a waste.

"Ne, Rumi didn't you once went out with Yukinoshita before?"

"Yes, we went to the library"

"You enjoyed your time outside am I right?"

"Yes, It was nice to breathe the fresh air and bask in the sun outdoors again"

"I guess you enjoyed the company with Yukinoshita too"

"I did, she allowed me to pet neko-chan along the way"

"I see, so you'd like to go out again like that someday"

She nodded

"I'd like to have fun with mama again. Like go out or bathe again together"

"Just the two of you?"

"Hmm. " She looked at me with puzzled eyes

"Don't I have a place there somewhere?"

She continued to stare at me.

"I mean… after all it's only you and Yukinoshita whose always together while the three of us have never done anything together"

"Okay, understood then" she then run off towards the kitchen

"Hey wait!"

She ignored my order and continued to run to the kitchen. I could assume that she understood my comment as a request for the three of us to go out together. I was only stating our current status quo and didn't mean it as complaint. Well I suppose that in a way one could misinterpret my opinion given the wording so she's not completely at fault and besides I don't want to clear a minor misunderstanding by catching her so early in the morning when some of my body parts refuses to be active until an hour later so I guess I'll let her off this time.

I then continued to relax on the sofa and continued to drink my own Max coffee.

"Mama, papa said that he wanted to bathe together with us. I think he's a bit jealous that sometimes we get to have a shower with only the two of us" Tsurumi announced loudly to Yukinoshita

"Pfuuuiuiuughh… coughcough…aghgh… cough…" I spat out the drink currently flowing through my throat when I heard that outrageous request.

My head held down as droplets of my drinks splash to the floor. I formed a fist to pound on my chest and cough constantly to clear my throat of any excess fluids that might have gotten to my lungs.

"Mama?"

I heard Tsurumi's voice near the room. I could feel a terrible change that descended upon the space. I felt the air drop down a few degrees leaving a cold aura suffocating around me. As I look down and my cough decreased I speculated only one reason on how this dreadful feeling suddenly formed… the sound of chopping vegetables had stopped.

I slowly look up to confirm my fear. From the kitchen I saw Tsurumi looking quizzically at what lies ahead of my direction. It what appears to be a figure which had the shape of a woman's body whose face that looked down is covered with bangs hiding the features and hair that should have flown to her back now covers her front. It stood straight like a statue which unnerved me from its lack of motion.

I continued to look at it from top to bottom with my eyes wide open. My eyes stopped and glued to what she held, a knife.

"Hi… ki… ga… ya…" the Ice queen uttered in a low spiteful voice

I stood my ground and held my head high. I'm innocent and honest so I had nothing to run away from. I gathered my courage and talked in a firm and calm voice to dispel the horror in front.

"No, I never said anything like that nor did I imply that kind of idea. Do you honestly think I'm the type of person who would bluntly say something like that?"

Its body remained motionless after I reasoned with it. It lifted its head in a stiff slow motion. What it had in its face was skin flawless and white. It held a tender smile. It was the same face that I've known and always seen these past few days, that of Yukinoshita Yukino but the resemblance only felt like a shadow of herself from earlier this morning. Her eyes looked at me straight. It was akin to an ocean, deep, blue but not serene as I use to see. It felt like it was… empty.

"I see… I understand" she proclaimed in calm tone

I felt relief with what she said. Of course she was still the same Yukinoshita I know who would listen to reason. She did not let her bias opinion of me get in the way of distinguishing this mistake. I can't believe I felt paranoid for this stupid misunderstanding.

"I understand your desire to satisfy your needs"

Eh?

"To be able to stay in a woman's apartment and have both her and a little girl all to yourself"

"Wrong, I did not ask for any of this. Didn't I tell you before that I'd rather not trouble you being he…"

She took a step forward. I took a step back

"To be able to sleep on the same bed and gaze at their defenseless forms in their pajamas"

"I only did that for Rumi's sake. I never looked at you or her like that. I always turn my back away an…"

She took another step forward, I took another step back

"I won't despise you for this. After all it's only natural. It's what any boy of your age would desire to have: A feast for your eyes only"

"Are you even listening to yourself right now? "

She walked to me closer. I couldn't walk back anymore as the couch is right behind me forcing me to sit again.

"But it wasn't enough. You desired for more. You wanted to bathe with us. You wanted to see all of it"

I dare not raise my voice again for fear of what she might do on impulse. At this distance now I could see the knife glint.

"To be able to experience all this… It must be a dream come true"

That's it… I'm sure that she's gone off the deep end. If I run for it now I might be able to dodge the knife if she swings. But I made a mistake. I looked at her face to see her near me. Her close distance froze me in position. Her eyes locked to my own, a piercing gaze devoid of compassion.

"Too bad… I'll wake you up now"


We were together at the dining area having breakfast. I wanted to enjoy this moment but I can't help but feel otherwise. I became a victim to an unjustly accusation in the form of an unfair event just moments ago. From experience with anime and light novels, one might have expected a Romantic Comedy scenario from that flag but instead I got a Romantic Horror experience. Is that even a thing?

I put my utensils down.

"Ehem" I voiced with intent

No reaction from everyone

"Ehem… ehem" I exclaimed louder to capture their attention.

"Stop wasting your time with meaningless formalities and say what you want to, Hikigaya" Yukinoshita immediately replied

"I'm only trying to make sure I have everyone's attention so it won't lead to another meltdown from someone here"

Yukinoshita then set aside her utensils.

"You deserved every bit of that sermon. You have been very lax and too comfortable with your stay lately. That will keep you in line and remind you not to do anything perverted in my home"

"By threatening me? Some fine logic you have there. You should run in politics you'd be a role model there"

"I did not threaten your well being"

"You were holding a knife!"

"I did not swing it nor did I point it at you. I was only holding it for self defense in case you snap and let out your inner animal"

"Hmph. Acting out of character, like something from a horror movie. All that to teach me a lesson… sure good job then" I scoffed not convinced.

"Hahahaha… hahaha…." Rumi kept covering her mouth to barely contain her laugh

"I'm sorry I just remembered papa's face earlier… He looked so funny being scared"

"Rumi there's nothing funny with what happened earlier. You might encourage your mother's erratic behavior. Besides none of this should have happened if you didn't say something like that. Be considerate so there won't be misunderstanding like this again" I scolded her lightly

"Yes, I'm sorry papa" Tsurumi looked at me with a smile. She looked sincere in her apology.

"Well at least you understand your mistake unlike someone here." I looked at Yukinoshita's direction

"O hush Hikigaya, no need to be so sour about it.

There's no harm done and it gave the result I wanted. You're not one to get worked up too much on something like that or maybe you're too embarrassed with yourself so you try hard to deny and blame someone for your lack of courage"

"You didn't need to go that far just to teach me a lesson I don't need"

"Tell me did you think like this when you planned to scare the girl's that bullied our Rumi to break their relationship back at camp. No, you believe that the end justifies the means.

For someone who thinks of grand unethical solutions to our past requests you sure don't like it when you're on the receiving end"

"Poor comparison. This and that time had different purpose, different motivation, and different circumstances. Also I did it for Rumi's sake not mine"

"and you think I didn't? I did it for both our sakes"

"You can't just punish people without committing the crime first, let alone not even close to do one and be unjustly judged for it"

"You're father just doesn't like to lose, right Rumi"

"Mmm" Rumi nodded

Yukinoshita and Tsurumi looked at each other and smiled in agreement,

"Sigh… I can't believe a simple invitation escalated to this"

"Invitation?" They curiously said

"I only wanted to invite you both to Destiny Land. I won a promo before and it would be a waste not to use it so I thought we could all go today since it's still early."

I proceeded to show them the 3 tickets.

"Won't there be a lot of people today. It might be inconvenient for us to go" The little girl shyly said. I didn't expect for Rumi to be the first one against the idea but I guess she might just be introverted from a crowd. I know Yukinoshita doesn't like too much stress from the rides and mass of people so I guess this won't do.

"I see I guess I'll just give this away or go with my family someday then"

"I'm not against the idea if everyone wants to go…" Rumi immediately interjected after me

"You don't need to force yourself if you don't want to" I replied

"Rumi , for now don't mind our opinion and answer only for yourself. Do you want to go?" Yukinoshita finally spoke

Rumi didn't answer but only looked down and nodded for affirmation.

"I suppose it's still early so we could quickly prepare and head over."

"Are you okay with this?" I asked Yukinoshita

"I am"

"Really? How about you papa?"

I nod. It's decided then, onto destiny land.


Author's notes:

Updates might not be weekly for now. My job has been demanding lately. My life recently is wake up, go to work, go back home, sleep and repeat process... Oh well at least I still have weekends for myself. I'll do my best to manage my time and include making the next chapter in my day to day life.

Thanks for reading this chapter and leave a comment if you feel like it. Till next time