Chapter IV
"Hikigaya-kun, yahallo!"
Everybody know that one person they really, really don't want to meet. One may not get along with that person, may not like that person or like me don't want to see anyone familiar. So no hard feelings Yukinoshita-san but you're most certainly not welcomed right now. Actually you're not welcomed at all, never.
Being seen by you while I'm leaving a fancy bistro with Orimoto isn't better at all. It's ten thousand times worse than anything I could imagine at the moment. It's worse than being forced to read some of Zaimokuza's recent literature achievements or doing chores.
Basically it's like being at the family get-together with some distant relatives you've never seen before. Living hell.
I think there's only one way to avoid total cataclysm - run away. I just need to get my phone and pretend I didn't see her. It's pretty simple and well trained strategy so success rate is about 80% I guess. 99% with Stealth Hikki skill activated. Yeah, definitely worth to give a shot.
Checking my six.
Enemy advancing.
Evasive maneuvers in 3…
2…
1…
"Hikigaya-kun stop. I know what you trying to do so pocket that phone immediately." Honeyed voice called me from behind.
Busted.
I sighed and turned to face the devil itself.
"Oh, Yukinoshita-san what a coincidence. You see I'm rushing home so I'll be going. It was nice to see you. Bye." I tried my best to cast some confusion.
"Drop the act, Hikigaya-kun"
Mission failed.
"You cannot run away from your beautiful onee-san. By the way you're horrible actor Hikigaya-kun." Haruno said and violated my personal space. Her index finger poking my chest made me stiffen up.
"Mom says I'm really good at playing the role of good-for-nothing lazy-bones." I replied with my usual poker face.
Haruno smirked and took my arm, pressing my body to hers. I feel them, I FEEL THEM! I fidgeted at the warm and soft sensation causing Yukinoshita's older sister to lean more and whisper in soft voice right into my ear.
"At the nights I like to play roles too."
This clearly seductive remark triggered NSFW fantasies in my head and caused me to redden. My face felt hot and only sound I was able to make was a single groan.
Haruno laughed in amusement and tried to tease me even more but someone's call interrupted her.
"Hikigaya!"
I've totally forgotten about her… I'm sorry but it was too much seduce to handle.
"Oh, so you're cheating on my little sister Hikigaya-kun?" Haruno let my arm and asked while eyeing Orimoto up.
"We're just going home the same way." I immediately tried to clear any misunderstanding Haruno might come with.
"Isn't you one of Hikigaya-kun's colleagues from middle school?" Haruno ignored me completely.
"Yeap, I'm Orimoto Kaori. Hikigaya's friend."
I don't remember being your friend. Actually after my social suicide aka confession to you back in the middle school, we've don't even talk to each other until recently. So at best I'm not complete stranger to you.
"Friend?" Haruno asked dubiously.
"Yeah, we're hanging out after school."
"Oh, so you're really two timing Hikigaya-kun." Haruno smiled devilishly.
God, she's going to tease me even more.
"How am I supposed to be two timing if I'm not in any relationship?" I asked with visible annoyance.
"Yukino-chan will be disappointed, my future ~brother-in-law~" Last words Haruno said in melodic voice to tease me even more.
"Hikigaya, are you and Yukinoshita-san dating?" Kaori asked with an awkward smile.
"Of course not, she's only messing up with me." I tried hopelessly to ease this uncomfortable situation. It's getting more and more dangerous, that's why I try to avoid Haruno for all cost. She's just too much to handle.
"Everybody know you have feelings for each other." Haruno mocked me again.
"We don't. We basically hate each other." I face-palmed and deeply sighed. She's really annoying.
"The quarrels of lovers are the renewal of love." Haruno raised her index finger and said in a way of old literature teacher, I don't have in mind anyone particular and evidently not Hiratsuka-sensei.
"It's getting late I'm going home or Komachi would be worried." I announced to finally escape the older Yukinoshita sister.
"You're no fun Hikigaya-kun." Haruno pouted.
"If I were funny I would be at least class jester." I dismissed Haruno and shook my head in resignation. "If you don't need something from me I'm going home Yukinoshita-san."
"So harsh, you meanie. I just need some company to kill time with." Haruno cried in fake sadness.
"Good luck finding one. Orimoto I'm going home and you?"
"Just a second." Orimoto looked at me briefly and asked "Waiting for someone, Yukinoshita-senpai?"
"Yes." Haruno admitted with her typical face.
"For Hayama-kun?"
"Ahh ha ha, no." Haruno laughed and waved hands in front of her chest. "For someone else." She added still laughing but her eyes were stern.
Haruno is rather person you wait for not vice-versa. Which means it must be someone very important, maybe even Prime Minister, or she's forced to act like that. Either way it isn't something I should be concerned. Minding my own business is the best way to live happily, especially in Haruno case.
While we were chatting like a bunch of good friends, we are not by the way, husky male voice called Haruno over. He was medium-height slim Japanese with handsome face, almond-shaped brown eyes and thick black hair. In casual cloths he seemed to be in his mid-twenties.
"It seems I'm done waiting. Bye, Hikigaya-kun. Bye, Kaori-chan." Haruno bit her farewell and rushed to the man who called her.
"Bye." Said Orimoto and observed Yukinoshita's older sister just like me.
Yukinoshita Haruno rushed to someone, yes she R-U-S-H-E-D, she even acted all girly, clung to his arm and kissed him in the cheek. It was very western-style greeting, one would say even shocking to act so naughty in public. However the man didn't care as he smiled and walked away with Haruno.
"I bet Haruno-san really likes him." Orimoto said still looking at the young couple disappearing in the crowd.
"She does not." I said while turning back to the exit.
Despite our questionable relationship I can perfectly see through her mask. Yukinoshita Haruno isn't some maiden in love, she's completely opposite. However it isn't my concern… at least not yet.
On my way home I bought some ice-creams for Komachi as I promised to my cute little sister. Even before I reached the entrance Komachi dashed from the door and furiously attacked shopping bag I was holding.
"Oniiiiiiiii-chan you're late!" Komachi shouted and instantly unwrapped chocolate ice cone.
"Yeah, I'm sorry." I said as I followed my sister into home.
My parents were working and both Komachi and I already ate dinner so we sat in the living room and watched some TV before going to sleep. Your typical sibling evening, where Komachi is laughing at some idiots in some stupid reality show and I'm patting true Lord of this Hikigaya household Kamakura.
I guess it's time to text Orimoto. She asked me to and I don't want to hear her whining all about me ignoring her.
It's Hikigaya. I'm home.
Excellent, simple and terse. Good work Hachiman. I clicked send and waited approximately five second for reply. Woah, she's fast.
Hikigaya, you're terrible at texting.
I guess I need to teach you ^^
Try to use some kaomoji, kay? (＾▽＾)
I guess she's somewhere in between Yuigahama and Yukinoshita. Her text was pretty normal, not that I've seen many texts, but definitely it's more readable than Yuigahama's. Surprisingly though I thought she would text more in Yuigahama style.
Texts should be simple and legible.
I prefer old and good laconic style.
Deal with it ( •_•) ( •_•)⌐■-■ (⌐■_■)
I haven't wait long before Orimoto texted back.
Wow, so cool! :D
Anyway mom needs help, I'll be going :|
See you at school, g'night ((ｴ))ﾉ
I half smiled and texted her some simple goodbyes. When I looked to my right I saw Komachi watching me closely. My little sister was still looking at me so I sighed and finally asked her.
"What?"
"You were smiling creepily." Komachi said with disgusted face and looked back at TV.
Komachi are you turning into Yukinoshita? Please stop, don't be like her. I beg you, do it for your brother okay?
"It's not a crime, right?" I said and stood up. It's time for some gaming.
"Onii-chan, it is crime if you were watching adult stuff." Komachi said as she opened her arms to embrace Kamakura who jumped right onto her laps.
Komachi I'm worried how low you think about me. I need to check if she isn't texting to much with Yukinoshita. They relationship may be very dangerous to my peace of mind.
"Nah, I were just texting someone."
"G-girl?" Komachi said with a face of disbelief.
"Yeah." I said and embarrassingly scratched my head.
"Kyaa! Onii-chan you're finally growing up! It makes Komachi very happy! Who is she? Yui-san? Yukino-san? Who texted first? I have so many questions Onii-chan!"
I have never seen Komachi so happy before. She started jumping in excitement which chased Kamakura away.
"Calm down Komachi it's nothing like that."
"Onii-chan YOU were texting girl, it must be like that!"
"We're just acquaintances from middle school and recently we got in touch again. We're working together at some student council project, so you know we need to communicate." I tried to hush Komachi before she alert whole neighborhood.
"She's that girl who gave you chocolates yesterday?" Komachi didn't back down.
"Yeah."
"Onii-chan she totally likes you! I N-E-E-D to meet her ASAP!" Komachi approached me and poked me in the chest.
"She doesn't like me and I doesn't like her. She's even rejected me once before in the middle school." I said with growing inpatient. I need to end this conversation before Komachi get even more delusional about my love life.
Komachi visibly sadden, her head dropped and her hand took mine.
"Onii-chan is she that girl who made you suffer so much?" Komachi voice trembled and her hand squeezed mine to the level it actually was painful.
Ah the beautiful day of my first social suicide, I remember it well. That day I confessed to Orimoto and she rejected me. One may think it's nothing special, typical school drama, boy confess to a girl and get rejected. Then he's miserable but finally move on and fall for other girl, whose this time likes him back and they live happily ever after. Of course I have only read about it in Komachi's shoujo mangas, because in my case it happened a lot more different.
Orimoto back than was nice to everyone but I failed to see through her kindness. She didn't particularly liked me, she was kind to everyone, even to a creeps like me. So in my delusion I confessed and get friend zoned in the worst way ever. The way where girl says 'Let's be friends.' but never talks to you again. Next day after my confession the entire school knew that Hikigaya the Creep confessed and bullied my even more than before. But I couldn't care less about bullies, I was used to being ridiculed my entire life. The worst of all, Orimoto
who I thought wanted to be my friend, abandoned me. It shattered my heart and caused me to change. That was a day when old Hachiman died and the new, better one were born. Day when Hikigaya Hachiman became loner.
"Yeah, but don't worry Komachi I'm cool now. It was a long time ago and actually I'm somehow grateful to her because it made me who I am." I tried to reassure my little sister, whose head was still dropped. I think she don't want to show me her teary eyes.
"Onii-chan I saw you back then. You were devastated, I was really worried about you. A-and when you finally was able to become friends with Yukino-san and Yui-san, she steps into your life again. I don't like it, Onii-chan. I don't like her and I don't want you to suffer again." Komachi cried and hit my chest several times.
I know how she feels, I would feel the same if someone ever harm my little sister. But she doesn't have to worry so much, this time I'm prepared.
"Don't worry Komachi. I talked it through with her and there's no hard feelings between us. Besides I don't want to be friends with anyone because I have you, my dear sister." I said as I patted Komachi head. "Kyaa, I bet it gave me a lot of Hachiman points." I giggled playfully to cheer Komachi up.
Komachi finally looked at me and sincerely smiled. Yeah, that's the smile older brother should protect.
"You're gross, Onii-chan."
Next few days I spent working for Isshiki, there's still a lot to do but slowly we're getting there. Surprisingly this time Isshiki is working as hard as Service Club or even harder, she's cooperating with Yukinoshita splendidly. I mean they complement each other just right, there's no visible recess in their work and it seems they getting along better than ever. I think Isshiki sees Yukinoshita as role model and maybe even some maternal figure. To be honest it's good for both Yukinoshita and Isshiki, Yukinoshita is improving her social skills and Isshiki's learning how to be better School President. It's beneficial to them so I don't mind even if sometimes they whisper after giving me weird look.
Of course Yuigahama and Orimoto doing fine as well, after all they are both very social so there's no miscommunication between them. They're working hard while chatting happily. I guess having Orimoto in the club isn't bad, she's getting Yuigahama attention so I'm saved from Yuigahama blabbering. Despite speaking more in 10 minutes than I've spoken my entire life they don't slacking off. The job they were entrusted is done so even persnickety Yukinoshita had to praise them.
Speaking of Yukinoshita, her interaction with Orimoto was, to put it mildly, limited to a minimum. They greeted each other, spoke some polite words and said goodbyes. Yuigahama and Isshiki also noticed it and tried to help them but were ineffective. Yukinoshita's in some cases may be very stubborn.
Those days after club activities I have been going home with Orimoto. Every time she dragged me to different place. Shopping mall, crepe shop and even arcade, it's funny how at the first it's a pain but later you actually enjoy it. I've been hanging out with Zaimokuza and Tostsuka for a long time but going out with Orimoto is something else. Of course if I were alone with Totsuka it would be something else too, but damn you Zaimokuza. Why do you have to meddle in? I don't need a chaperon, do you understand? Yes? Good, because next time I'm going to have some fun only with angelic Totsuka.
Finally Friday, day of my "date" with Yukinoshita, has come. As far it's going as usual, there are Yuigahama and Orimoto chatting, Isshiki discussing some urgent matters with Yukinoshita and I doing my work of a slave. Nothing different except Yukinoshita glancing at me more frequent than usual.
"It's getting late, let's call it a day." Yukinoshita said and looked at me.
"Suits me fine." I said nonchalantly and started tidying up me workspace.
"Senpaaaaaaai, Yukinoshita-senpai, there's still a lot to do." Isshiki whined.
"I'm sorry Isshiki-san but there's a pressing matter I need to deal with."
So I am a matter you need to deal with? It hurts Yukinoshita-san, it really does.
"I just don't want to work anymore." I added truthfully.
Everybody looked at me blankly.
"Senpai…"
"Hikigaya…"
"Hikki…"
"Hikigaya-kun…"
"What?"
"Nothing, it's just Hikki." Yuigahama said with smile and other girls nodded.
"So let's go home together Hikigaya" Orimoto asked which gave her glares from the other girls. I guess they are concerned about her chastity, come on I am not a sex offender so please, just stop.
"Ah, todays no good. There's something I need to do. So Yukinoshita calling it a day earlier actually suits me. Sorry, maybe next time." I spoke and slightly bowed in apologize to Orimoto.
"It's fine Hikigaya. Monday though I'm counting on you." Orimoto grinned with her million wat smile.
"Sure." I gave Orimoto thumb up and smiled as well.
Yuigahama, Isshiki and Yukinoshita looked at us weirdly. Isshiki pouted and Yuigahama whispered Hikki. Yukinoshita though, glared coldly at me. Scary Yukinoshita, you're being scary.
"Anyway, I'll be going first. See you on Monday." I added and left. The only thing I heard were silent voices coming through the door.
There's about 50 minutes before my appointment with Yukinoshita, and about 15 minutes bike-ride to the mall. As Yukinoshita insisted we should go separately and meet at the mall. She probably wants to avoid gossip as much as possible, but hey Ms. Smart we're actually going to hang together at the mall and it's like 100% gossip material. Did you think about it? I need to think about something if any gossips occur. Maybe I should go with stalking or blackmailing route.
Finally I've arrived at the mall and sat at the bench. There's plenty of time left so I took out my phone and started browsing the internet.
There's some local news about new café or whatever, not a single disaster or crime. Another happy and peaceful day in my beloved Chiba. Way to go Chiba, you're the best. I mean it, you're the best place to live. I want to live the rest of my life as a house husband in the beautiful Chiba and then die peacefully. 'The man who lived a dream' will be carved on my tombstone, and remember Komachi no flowers on my grave only a single MAX Coffee can.
Unfortunately I'm a realist and that lovely future of mine will never happen, there's over 50 years of being a corporate slave. Half of century working my ass off to earn money needed to survive, 5 decades of labor, 18250 days of effort to get a pension and lastly to get a heatstroke one day after getting pension rights. I'm going to be the perfect Japan Pension Service client and textbook society member. I would be a role model for all young Japanese. Listen kid, you should be like The Great Hikigaya, work for 50 years and die therefore government and country itself won't collapse. That's a future of Japan aging society…
My reflection were interrupted by a soft cough. When I raised my head I saw Yukinoshita standing before me.
"You were in such a hurry Hikigaya-kun." Yukinoshita said with cocky smile.
I looked at my phone, there's still 10 minutes left to our meeting. Apparently she arrived earlier than excepted, I guess girls supposed to be late, it's some stupid stereotype.
"You came 10 minutes before time, it means you were rushing too." I replied as I stood from the bench.
Yukinoshita flushed, looked sideways and coughed several times. Cute.
"I was merely considerate, seeing you hasting your way here I didn't want you to wait long…"
The last part of the sentence was more mumbled than said and Yukinoshita cheeks got even redder than before. So were mine, I felt my face heating up and to get rid of it I shook my head and replied.
"You didn't have to, it's fine."
After I spoke she looked at me and smiled. Damn she's cute. I need to be more vary around her or I will definitely fall for her. No way, I can't fall for Demon Superwoman, I can't fall for anyone. After all I have my angel Totsuka, (s)he's the only one I need.
"T-thank you, Hikigaya-kun."
"I said it's fine, let's go." I probably sounded a little bit too harsh but damn I'm in danger.
Yukinoshita glared at me and started walking, I waited few seconds and trailed her a few steps behind. I need to minimalize the possible outcomes of this meeting.
Yukinoshita though stopped after a few steps and faced me.
"What are you doing, Hikigaya-kun?"
"I'm walking behind you?"
"I know you like to look at beautiful women, Hiki-pervert-kun. But we're going together to the bookstore so walk beside me, or maybe the thought of walking alongside gorgeous woman as me terrify you, Hiki-gynophobist-kun?"
*Sigh* "I just were cautious."
"Cautious of what?"
"Of us being seen together." There's your reputation to protect Yukinoshita.
Yukinoshita put her hand on her chin and wondered for a second. Suddenly her eyes widened and she spoke to me.
"I've said it once before, gossips don't affect me if the closest ones to me know the true."
Yukinoshita still looking at me smiled, the pure and innocent smile. I guess she still don't know the harsh reality. Gossip about her and Hayama were literally nothing, majority of the Hayama's fangirls were simply jealous. Damage after spreading gossip about I and Yukinoshita would be far more severe. Some would be grossed, some even concerned I had blackmailed her or threatened her into some weird crap. It would probably even reached her parents. There's too many to risk, I hate myself for not thinking about it before. I should reject her offer, that way everybody would be happy and safe, especially her. But I guess it's too late, that's why I need to minimalize the outcomes.
"I wonder if Yuigahama know about this rendezvous."
"No, she doesn't."
"That means the eventual gossip will affect your best friend." I tried to reason with her.
Yukinoshita bit her lower lip, and stayed silent for a while.
"I see your point but somehow I just can't agree with you." She looked at me with sincere eyes and have really lovely smile. With that smile Yukinoshita triggered almost all debuffs girl could cast upon young male.
I blushed and felt all of my confidence and reason vanish in a split-second. Just because of one smile I felt like I shouldn't care so much. I felt like sometimes it's fine to just go with the flow and don't think too much. Damn, did I just lost again? Why am I so vulnerable when it comes to beautiful girls?
"Fine, I guess I'll humor you this time." I admitted in defeat.
"Recently you've become surprisingly easy to handle, Hikigaya-kun." Yukinoshita said with victorious smirk.
"Don't get so cocky." I said and mentally agreed. I've become too soft, way too soft. Especially for a girls. Maybe I'm not so different from other people, does it mean I'm becoming a riajuu? Oh god, please I don't want to commit suicide…
"Anyway, Hikigaya-kun shall we go?"
"Yeah, let's go."
Both Yukinoshita and I started walking, this time beside each other. We walked in silence but when I glanced sideways I saw Yukinoshita smiling face. Seeing her beautiful and pleased face I smiled as well. I hope there won't be any trouble.
At the first everything was pretty normal, a little bit awkward but definitely normal. Yukinoshita and I went to a bookstore and discussed about our favorite authors. Of course Yukinoshita read in English so unsurprisingly she prefer foreign poets and novelists such as T.S. Eliot, Hemingway, Wilde, Lord Byron, Dostoyevsky, Nabokov, Lem or Goethe, but apparently her favorite novel is Ulysses by James Joyce. She said she likes the way Joyce uses language to create a literary work. I'm impressed she managed to read and to understand Ulysses in the original, I heard many natives weren't even able to finish it. But that's Yukinoshita for you.
In the other hand I prefer native Japanese authors. Oe, Murakami, Dazai, Noguchi etc. And of course there are my guilty pleasure, light novels. Perhaps I should try to introduce Yukinoshita to this great genre… At the second thought, she would probably say I'm perverted otaku and I should die. I guess it's not that great idea after all.
After Yukinoshita bought some books, some recommended by me, Yukinoshita asked to continue our meeting somewhere else.
"Hikigaya-kun there's something I would like to discuss, would you like to have some coffee?"
"Yeah sure, but what do you want to talk about?"
"I have a request, Hikigaya-kun."
It pretty surprised me and I had a bad feeling about it.
We've moved to small café and sat at the very end of it. Inside café there were very few customers, mostly couples on dates. Seeing them I've remembered my training date with Isshiki and recent hanging outs with Orimoto. Wait, does it mean I was on dates with her? No… Absolutely no, she would never go on a date with someone like me. Would she? Geez, it's too complicated…
"Is something wrong Hikigaya-kun? Your face is red like tomato."
"Ugh? Ah, I hate tomatoes." I replied half aware what Yukinoshita actually asked me.
*Pfft* "I see." Yukinoshita couldn't stop giggling and I just looked blankly at her.
In a meanwhile our orders arrived and I sipped my black coffee with a way too much of sugar for a normal person, nobody ever dare to try coffee with so much sugar, but to me it's the best. Actually second place just behind Max Coffee.
Yukinoshita as well tasted her beverage and nodded in acceptance. We sat in silence for a while, Yukinoshita probably didn't know how to start the conservation. Finally after a few more sips of her tea she took a deep breath and spoke.
"I would like to ask for a favor from you, Hikigaya-kun."
"Why wouldn't you ask for it officially in the club? I bet Yuigahama would help you without hesitation. " I retorted.
"I wanted to ask you first. If you agree, I would ask Yuigahama for help as well. Besides recently Isshiki-san and your friend Orimoto-san are occupying the clubroom. Perhaps there wasn't a good time to talk about it."
"Orimoto isn't my friend."
"Girlfriend then?" Yukinoshita asked with a hint of sarcasm.
"No. Actually, we were supposed to talk about your request not my social life." I tried to change topic before it escalates to something really bad.
"Indeed, but Onee-san said she saw you two together."
"Following your logic, we're dating as well." I said and drank some of my super sweet coffee.
"N-no… What a shameful woman would dare to date you…" Yukinoshita's face reddened and she murmured the last part. Geez, do you hate me so much? It's not like us dating is even possible so why are you overacting it.
"Right? So have you get into trouble?"
Yukinoshita regained her composure pretty fast, cleared her through and replied.
"Thank you for your concern, Hikigaya-kun, but no I haven't. My request is about onee-san not me."
As she said I gestured her to continue.
"Hikigaya-kun, as you know my family is wealthy and very influential. To maintain it status we need to make alliances and connections or else my family would be marginalized. My father and especially my mother obviously do not want to lose their position, they're willing to do anything in they might to get more power and of course money." Yukinoshita paused to catch a breath.
"The best way to make strong and long-living alliance is a marriage. Arranged marriage in particular. My parents were betrothed when they were children, it was a transaction, two wealthy families merges to be even greater. Luckily my parents were childhood friends and know each other beforehand, so at the end it wasn't a disaster. But often is much more dramatic... I'm sure at this point you know what my request is about."
"Your sister is forced to marry someone and you want to help her?" I asked rhetorical question. I've knew the answer for this question from when Yukinoshita mentioned her sister.
"Yes, I want to spare her the hell of living with someone she doesn't understand, she doesn't love and she's afraid of." Yukinoshita spoke with determination I've rarely seen in her eyes.
"Will you help me save my sister, Hikigaya-kun?"
Maybe, just maybe it's a perfect opportunity for Yukinoshita to become independent. Effort to save her sister, the real struggle to stand on her own feet. Maybe I shouldn't interfere or else she would never overcome her weaknesses. At the other hand I can't leave her alone, she once said Someday help me, okay?
What should I do…? Help Yukinoshita save her sister or refuse her request and let her become truly independent. But is she able to save Haruno-san on her own? Wait, why I am even concerned about Yukinoshita's older sister. She's always messing with me, trying to set up me and Yukinoshita.
*Sigh* "Before I agree, I need to ask you some question."
"It's reasonable. Please ask my anything."
As she spoke I blushed, it's very intimate you know? It's the very first time I'm going to ask Yukinoshita some personal questions, although I've asked her about her career choice, it was school related and this time its family related. See the difference?
"First of all, why Haruno-san not you? I've always thought you're easier to control than Haruno-san." I asked and immediately regretted it. "Ugh, no offense. I mean you were more likeable to be the damsel in distress here." I nervously sipped my coffee.
"None taken, Hikigaya-kun. I must admit it seems like I'm the one to be controlled and oppressed by my parentage, but actually I'm the one to have more liberty. Privilege of being the lesser daughter of Yukinoshita family."
"Elaborate."
"I'm just a good add-on to my family. Good looking, polite, excellent at school. As long as I behave and don't do something utterly stupid I'm allowed to do what I want."
"So basically you're Yukinoshita family official mascot?"
Yukinoshita looked at me with such cold stern I felt like my heart just froze. Is it what the Kay felt? Is there any Gerda willing to save me?
Wait a minute why have I thought about brown color…
"I'm not a mascot." Cold stare intensifies.
"Sorry." I slightly bowed my head in apologize.
"But you're not completely wrong either, Hikigaya-kun." Yukinoshita looked really downcast.
"I guess there are pros and cons of being younger daughter of a rich family, right?" I said to cheer her up a little.
"Indeed. Do you have more questions, Hikigaya-kun?"
"Actually yes. Who's that guy anyway? And who came up with idea of this marriage?"
"His name's Isa Subaru. I don't need to explain you his profile, everything you might want to know is on Wikipedia."
"Huh, so he's a kind of famous guy?"
"Yes, he is. Especially in finance industry. " Yukinoshita took her cup and gestured me to find out about him.
I put out my phone, I felt unhappy seeing there's no notification on my phone, and googled Isa Subaru.
"Age 24… Heir to the Isa Financial Group, Nikkei 225 company, assets about 15 trillion yen... Graduate of Stanford and Keio Business School… Japanese equestrian rider, competed at 2012 Summer Olympics, finishing 5th in dressage…"
What the heck? I looked back and forth between my phone and Yukinoshita. She was calmly waiting for me to say something.
"I think I know what's going on." I said as I put my phone down.
"Yes?" Yukinoshita asked and sipped her drink.
"Basically he's an once-in-a-lifetime chance for your family. Your mother wants to use Haruno-san's charms to take part in his fortune."
"It seems I don't have to answer your second question."
"Does your father knows about it?"
"He's not against it."
"Money corrupts, huh?"
"That's true. You see Hikigaya-kun, sometimes I really hate I was born into Yukinoshita family. I really envy you and Yuigahama-san." Yukinoshita said and made a look of the saddest puppy in the world. Her hands gripped a cup tight as she wished to warm up and feel even slightly better.
I had almost uncontrollable urge to hug and comfort her but thankfully I've managed to overcome it. It may seems bad to you guys, but I really don't want to die killed by ferocious blizzard.
"I will help you save yours sister."
"Really?" Yukinoshita raised her head and asked doubtfully.
"Yes."
"Thank you, Hikigaya-kun." Yukinoshita said and gave me the most beautiful smile I have ever seen. Her eyes sparkled and her laugh lines looked really cute. I hope she won't eyelift them.
Before I fall for that smile, I need to set some rules about our cooperation. Business first.
"I have some conditions, though." I spoke and looked at Yukinoshita seriously.
"Yes?" Yukinoshita's face changed back to her usual serious one.
"Firstly, we need to get Yuigahama into it. Despite her being airhead, she has very helpful social skills. We might need her help."
"I must agree with you Hikigaya-kun."
"Secondly, we need to make sure Haruno-san is on our side."
"It may be a bit of problem."
There comes a trouble.
"What do you mean?"
"To be frank my sister despite her usual behavior is very obedient when it comes to mother."
"She's willing to sacrifice her own happiness to please your mother?" I asked in disbelief. I've never thought of Haruno this way. But at the other hand, I've seen Haruno interacting with her mother just once. So maybe it's true she's trying to be a good daughter.
"In some way she resembles you, Hikigaya-kun. Selfless and caring even when it means her doom."
"I don't really care." I tried to maintain my opinion.
"I know deep inside you do care. My sister do care too."
"Let's assume you're right about Haruno-san. Then why is she always trying to undermine y…" I don't even need to end this question. She may really be similar to me in more ways I would like to admit.
"Hikigaya-kun?" Yukinoshita titled her head.
"I think I have a glimpse of your sister's reasoning."
"So you admit you and onee-san are alike?"
"Never." I smirked.
Hi guys. It's been a long time since my last update. I'm sorry but I've finally get decent job and I'm really excited about future.
I have pretty much decided who's the end girl and I think it will please at least a few of you.
I'm going to start working on the next chapter immediately and bring it to you ASAP.
(Please have in mind I'm not a native or even a fluent speaker so it takes time…)