Yo. It's been a while, right?

It's good to be with you again, really I missed you so much guys...

I guess my writing pace is qutie nice, one chapter per one and a hald year. It's really something XD

So enjoy and stay tuned for the next time.

Cheers!

Chapter V

It's been a few days since Yukinoshita asked me for help. And I'm starting to regret my decision to help her out. I had second thoughts many times, it's a manner of mine, I guess. But this time it was a lot severe than usual. I have even thought about leaving it all behind and escape the country. You see I have a feeling that It won't be a smooth ride for I, Yuigahama and Yukinoshita sisters.

Of course I've know this that day with Yukinoshita, but right there being with her, everything seemed to be a lot easier. It's a really frustrating when I'm starting to lose myself with that girl. She's like kryptonite to my Superman, like running too fast to my Flash, like alcoholism to my Tony Stark, I guess you know what I mean.

I'm getting more and more itchy about the thought of resetting our relationship to the point I won't care anymore. Shit, have I confessed I care about her right now? God damn it. My reputation is ruined…

Getting back on a track. Yukinoshita and I have discussed, I guess I can say "our", issue with Yuigahama Monday's morning. Obviously Yuigahama agreed to help Yukinoshita save her sister without hesitation. It's so Yuigahama'ish thing to do and secretly I admire her devotion. Geez, this time I'm really admitting too much, right? Dad, I don't think that box of chocolates was 100% alcohol free as you told me….

Following week we worked very hard to prepare "the best" White Day event in the world. I guess it will be the only one so competition isn't much. One of my tasks were to come up with some slogans on event's posters. Some of my early proposition were dismissed immediately by Yukinoshita. She said something about them being idiotic, insulting to mankind's dignity etc. I believe she's overreacting, but oh well she's the boss after all.

Surprisingly we haven't scheduled any meetings with Kaihin Sougou. It's not I have any objections, since it's better not to interact too much with Tamanawa. He's like everything I despise in human being, literally I feel like I'm regressing as a person whenever I'm in his proximity. Thinking of it, I guess I have to thank Isshiki for her consideration, she's actually saving my life. Dealing with Tamanawa by herself it's really something, so three volley salute for you Isshiki. Wait, she's not deceased solider and it's not a military funeral, Hachiman please stop killing people in your head…

It's been a lovely Friday afternoon when Orimoto decided to shaken up the clubroom little world and change the status quo. In one way I should be grateful because we have been stuck in the place not going anywhere but in the other way she has released a kraken. Kraken that might hurt everyone, kraken that despite wanting something genuine I am afraid of.

I was working on the White Day Event article for both our schools newspapers, when Orimoto suddenly asked me about our outing to the Destinyland.

"Hikigaya?" Orimoto said to get my attention.

"What's up?" I have answered not knowing what I'm up against.

"Remember last time we've been in café, we've agreed to go to the Destinyland together?" Orimoto asked me casually. But the atmosphere in the clubroom wasn't casual, it was quite the opposite…

I was nervously looking around the room, Isshiki was pretending she's occupied with the work but I saw she was stealing glances at me. Yuigahama was fidgeting in her chair and even started mumbling something I didn't have chance to get. But for me the most devastating was the look that Yukinoshita gave me. I felt remorse when I saw the sadness in her eyes. Her beautiful blue orbs filled with gloom made me, for a second, regret that I've encountered Orimoto once again.

We're just club mates, little more than acquaintances at best. Why are you looking at me like that? I haven't betrayed you, right? I was always faithful to you… Hold your horses, Hachiman. Yukinoshita and I aren't dating, why am I concerned about her? Maybe she really liked the Pan-san ride in Destinyland and she's just jealous I would have a chance to enjoy it once again? Yeah, I guess it must be right that, I'm pretty sure my girl's-in-love-with-me radar is working properly – I mean it hasn't be used for a long time and may be a little bit rusty but I'm confident it was calibrated last year. Take it easy let me have a look into maintenance record… wait a second… Oh, ha-ha I guess I missed the calibration… Damn…

The atmosphere in the clubroom started to be more awkward and even I, the most used to embarrassment and awkwardness person in the globe had enough of it. There's no use to cry over spilled milk, I guess I have to go with the Orimoto's flow. I will try to explain everything to Yukinoshita later… Hmmm, I feel like I'm overlooking someone – ah that's right Yuigahama and Isshiki I guess they deserve an explanation as well.

"Yeah, I remember." I said a little bit colder than I intended. Nonetheless Orimoto wasn't taken aback and just grinned at me.

"I've got the tickets!" Orimoto said and started to search for something in her backpack. After a few seconds she stopped and with the triumphal smile showed them to everyone.

"Ta-dah!" She said cutely and passed me one of the tickets.

I've looked at the ticked Orimoto just gave me. At the front there was a huge Pan-san in the welcoming pose. Dear God don't let the Yukinoshita to see it… She will tear me apart just to get it, hmm but if I recall correctly Yukinoshita has her own year pass, so maybe I am safe after all. At the backside of the ticket there was some information about scheduled visit. Apparently it is a one day fast pass ticket with the 20% off to the all stores in the Destinyland. The date on the tickets said it was valid only this weekend however the price was blacked out probably by the pen.

"So are we going tomorrow?" I asked Orimoto to get sure.

"Yes Hikigaya! I'm really excited I've always wanted to go there." Orimoto said, when I looked at her clearly happy face I have forgotten the look Yukinoshita gave me just a moment ago. What the heck? Are these two my final girls? What happened to the harem of mine? What happened to my sweet Totsuka? Someone please tell me what is happening to me?!

"So I guess I have no other choice?" I asked.

"Hmm, not really." Orimoto beamed me with her one million watt smile. "I will text you the details later, okay? I have to check the trains." Orimoto said and while happily humming returned to her work. She's damn cute…

When I looked at the rest of the girls, Isshiki was whispering something to Yuigahama and the both of them were glancing at the Orimoto's furiously. Oi, Isshiki you shouldn't be like that – you have framed me up in the mocking dates as well, remember? And Yuigahama, know I own you a date but maybe next time? Don't be mad I'm sorry… I really am.

Moving my eyes from the plotting duo, I saw a Yukinoshita still looking at me. Her eyes were still full of sadness and on her face there was that sad smile of the defeated person. Hey, you may have lost the battle but surely you haven't lost the war yet.

…

Gosh.

…

What am I even thinking? Is there some kind of competition in my head between these two girls? I guess I'm quite fond of both Yukinoshita and Orimoto but it's not like I have a feelings for one of them? Or maybe I have feelings for both the girls? Is it even possible to like two people at the same time? I'm confused...

Looking in Yukinoshita eyes, I have whispered 'sorry' and then she has closed her eyes and nodded. I hope she's not that mad.

"Have you said something, Hikigaya?" Orimoto sitting next to me must have heard me apologizing Yukinoshita.

"Nah, don't mind it." I have answered and got back to my own work.

"Okay." Orimoto simply nodded.

The rest of the afternoon was uneventful, no one has dared to say anything. Despite me being rather a quiet person, the silence in the clubroom wasn't peaceful - it was dreadful. I fidgeted in my own chair and waited impatiently to finally go home. I need to rest mentally before tomorrow's expedition with Orimoto.

When the time has come to end the club activities, the whole club has stand up in unison, ready to go. Yuigahama was still whispering with Isshiki about something, and I hope they don't plot a murder.

To my surprise Orimoto said she can't go home with me, saying something about the shopping and preparations she must do or whatever. Who knows what kind of preparation she has meant. Somehow I felt disappointed that today we won't be coming home together, I guess I have grown used to our little routine, It may take a little bit longer to get home but it's definitely more entertaining.

Not wanting to waste more time of my precious weekend I started to walk home after I have said my goodbyes to the others. But firstly I have to pee, I'm not sure if I hold it until home.

When I have gone back to the parking lot, I saw the raven haired girl, whose posture I have already know quite good. Have I just now admitted that I'm her stalker? Maybe I should report myself to the police?

When I came closer, Yukinoshita has apparently heard I'm approaching, because she turned to face me.

"Hikigaya-kun." Yukinoshita said when she saw me. Her voice was clear with the trace of doubt.

"Are you okay Yukinoshita?" I have asked concerned what may have happened while I was in toilet.

"May I ask you to accompany me home?" Yukinoshita has asked me.

I would lie if I say it didn't surprised me. But not thinking too much about it I have agreed. And so the two of us walked through the Chiba while the sunset has light everything in the warm colors. I guess the spring is slowly but surely coming to the town.

Most of the walk here was a silence between Yukinoshita and I. When I looked at her for the 500th time in the last 10 minutes I saw she was tense. Maybe she's nervous about her sister, I have asked myself. This time the silence between us wasn't comforting as usual so I have decided to ask her what the matter is, trying to reassure her as well as myself.

"Is everything all right?"

"Hikigaya-kun. Actually…" Yukinoshita said as she stopped near the entrance to the little park in the middle of her neighborhood. "W-would you like to sit down for a while?" she gestured the bench at the entrance of the park.

Regardless of the evening the seat just like the whole park was well lighted, there weren't much spots covered in shadow. The whole park seemed like a nice place for families and people who wanted to enjoy the nature even in the big city center. I imagine I would go here with my own family, seating at the bench with my beautiful wife, looking at our kids playing at the playground. Three children is the necessary minimum, as the proper Japanese citizen I think that having two kids is not enough, I mean in general it takes two people to have children so if you get yourself a two kids, after your death you're not adding anyone to the society. Life took two and you gave two, but if you have three kids the final balance is plus one. If we want to stop the growing rate of the depopulation of the Japan we have to make more children.

So wife of mine and I seating at the bench reading newspaper or taking a sunbath and children, preferably two girls and one boy, playing with other kids. Hey you little brat leave my sweet baby girl alone. She's too young for holding hands with boys, only I and her brother have that luxury. You get me?

…

I guess I have overdo again. Right going back to Yukinoshita's question.

"Yeah, sure." I answered and tried to smile with one of my most charming one smiles and apparently it's improved Yukinoshita's mood even if only a little.

We have sited down for a while before Yukinoshita decided to speak.

"Hikigaya-kun. There are two subjects I would like to discuss with you. One is related to my request and the second one is associated rather to a private matter." Yukinoshita has said not looking at me. When I glanced at her I saw her face profile covered with her black hairs. I haven't seen her cheeks or eyes only visible part of her face was her ear, crimson red ear.

"I guess it's reasonable to start with the former." I said after giving it a thought. I wonder what's bugging her, from the moment when Orimoto officially admitted that the two of us are going to the Destinyland, Yukinoshita is giving me weird vibe. I mean I have never seen her such a blue, even after my fake confession to Ebina, when the club was at the bottom and our whole relationship was severely damaged she was able to suppress her emotions.

"I consider you're right, Hikigaya-kun." Yukinoshita said only this as she still sited tensed.

Waiting for her to continue I looked around, just few meters from our bench I have spotted the vending machine. Max Coffee is a refreshing nectar I would really enjoy right now. I guess I will get one for myself.

"Take your time Yukinoshita, do you fancy a drink?" I said as I stood up and started walking to the blessed machine. Before Yukinoshita even comprehend what have I said I returned with two cans. One was the glorious Max Coffee, definitely the best drink in the world, the other was a plain green tea, knowing Yukinoshita it will suit her liking.

"Here." I said as I handed her a green can.

"Thank you, Hikigaya-kun and I'm sorry. The message I would like to share with you is a little embarrassing." Yukinoshita said as took the can and shielded her with both her hands. Just like she was cherishing it. It's only a drink woman, don't be so protective about it.

"It's okay. We have a bunch of time." I said while opening container filled with my precious essence. I sipped some and enjoyed the sweet taste in my mouth. Life is too bitter so coffee at least should be sweet, this is one of my one hundred and eight life mottos I try to follow up. I guess it's the most important, the second one is never let your mother or sister or girlfriend find your dirty magazines. I really mean it. Never, ever. My dear apprentices learn from the wisdom and experience of your sensei.

Only a few moments later, somewhere in the middle of my Max Coffee, Yukinoshita decided to continue.

"As you remember Isa-san, fiancé of my sister is rather a wealthy man." I nodded to reaffirm I know what Yukinoshita is talking about. "As a still not married man of a big fortune he's constantly tempted by shameful women prying for his riches." I nodded again and imagined a young man chased by the mantis shaped women. Geez, brain just behave, okay? "And I have a evidence that this man wasn't faithful to my sister"

"Oh, it sucks." I simply said. Despite being arranged marriage I hoped that Haruno-san will be spared of such humiliation.

"Indeed, it sucks." Yukinoshita said and sipped her drinks.

"What kind of proof do you have?" I asked.

"Sunday after I asked your help, I was sent by father and mother to a dinner party as their replacement…"

"One of these fancy black tie parties where the men are in tuxedos and the women are in evening gowns?" I interrupted to get all the details.

"I'm impressed such a lowlife as you know the manners."

"Manners maketh man." I said firmly as I remembered the quote from the Collin Firth movie I have lately watched with dad and mom. Of course mom has fallen asleep after ten minutes of the movie but miraculously has woken up when the main protagonist was receiving his prize from the Swedish princess. Poor father of mine, that night he slept on the couch… even my sister called him pervert for a whole week. Surprisingly I was spared the wrath of a womanhood, father I'm sorry I have left you in those crucial moments.

Yukinoshita bursted into laughter almost letting her drink to fall down.

"Indeed Hikigaya-kun, manners maketh man." Yukinoshita said, still covering her mouth from the giggle. Yukinoshita looks a lot cuter when she's laughing if she has always be cheerful I would fall in love for her in a moment I would see her for the first time. I remember her laughing at the cultural festival committee meeting when I proposed the slogan. I didn't know her well back then but from that moment I definitely knew she was a cutie when she laughs.

Her laugh made me chuckle as well and so we were siting and laughing like some geezers, though I guess we needed some fooling around to ease the mood between us.

"Let's get back to the clue Hikigaya-kun." Yukinoshita said and coughed a few times trying to compose herself.

"Yes, ma'am." I said as I tried to stop laughing.

"So as I said I was at the dinner party where Isa-san was present as well. Unfortunately for him without my sister..."

"Why wasn't she there?" I interrupted her again. It may be vital to the case.

"It's irrelevant, Hikigaya-kun. She was indisposed." Yukinoshita answered but her cheeks were faintly red. I guess it's the remains of the laughter or is she embarrassed… Hmm… Oh I see, it was that time of the month for the Haruno-san. Yes, totally she could be indisposed.

"As I was wandering through this boring party, waiting for it to end, I have spotted something quite interesting. Isa-san was keeping company to a certain lady."

"It's not a crime."

"Indeed it is not, but a little later I went to the terrace and try to guess what I have seen there."

"Isa guy was in intimate situation with the girl you have mentioned?"

"Exactly. Luckily due to their rather passionate kissing I wasn't detected and I was able to take a photography of them. That's my evidence." Saying it Yukinoshita took her mobile phone and showed me said photo.

At the photo there were two elegant people in very intimate pose. They were kissing and the man was clearly visible, his face was easily recognizable hence the girl was anonymous at the photography but she definitely wasn't Yukinoshita Haruno. She was taller, had longer hairs and what was the most important she was blonde. At the first glance she resembled Miura. Saying she was different then Haruno-san was a great understatement.

To me it's conclusive evidence that Isa-san is unfaithful to Haruno-san. The question is what does Yukinoshita want to do with it. Thinking of it the best way to deal with it is to show the photo to Haruno-san and let her do the rest of the work. It's the most safe and energy conservative solution.

"What are you planning to do with the photo?" I asked the Yukinoshita.

"I don't know Hikigaya-kun. That's why I wanted to discuss it with you." Yukinoshita answered still looking at the photography. One could say she was angry at the man on the photo. I guess no matter what Yukinoshita really loves her older sister.

"I think the best way to handle this situation is to show the photo to your sister" I said to Yukinoshita.

"I thought about it but I think my sister won't do anything about it."

"Do you think she will turn a blind eye to her fiancé betrayal?"

"Yes I do. As I said before, sister is really obedient when it comes to our mother."

"I think such scandalous photography would definitely change your parents plans."

"Hmm. You may be right Hikigaya-kun." Yukinoshita said after a while. Her chin still stayed braced on her fist, she was pondering about what I have said. I decided not to say anything, giving her some time to think more about the whole situation. At the moment I believe that what I proposed was the best course of action for us.

In the meanwhile I looked at my phone. It's been almost 6:30PM, the sun has already set and the day was over. I didn't think it's already that late, I guess I should go home as soon as possible. I bet Komachi is really worried about me, giving my phone one more glance I noticed a notification. Oh Komachi I knew it, you're really a good sister. You're so worried about your older brother.

I pressed the notification button but to my displeasure it wasn't my sweet little sister. It was a message from Orimoto, to be frank it was a multimedia message. A photography to be precise. When I opened the message I saw slender legs in the black stockings, at the top side of the photography I have seen edge of the red tartan dress. At the second end of her legs there were really cute Mary Jane shoes. They were red with little black ribbons and to be honest they really looked good on her, in fact the whole set seemed well matched and I have to admit that it was to my liking.

Below the photography there was a message from Orimoto.

Trying on some new clothes before tomorrow *.*

I'll be waiting at the main gate of the Destinyland at the 10AM.

See you tomorrow, Hikigaya!

I quickly texted her back.

Okay. I'll be there.

See you later.

PS. Looking good Orimoto.

"What are you doing Hikigaya-kun?" I must have looked like a real creep because Yukinoshita was glancing at me. Hey, I'm not that disgusting, you now. However I hope she haven't seen Orimoto's legs - I wouldn't withstand the fury of the Ice Queen of Sobu.

"Nothing." I said trying to be as cool as possible.

"Hikigaya-kun. I think I have to think a little more what to do with the photography. I believe we both agree that this is a very delicate case."

"Yeah, I think you should sleep on it. We could talk it through with Yuigahama on the Monday."

"Okay, we'll talk with Yuigahama-san on the Monday."

Yukinoshita looked at her phone and then said.

"It's getting late I think we should go home. Thank you for your time, Hikigaya-kun."

"I am at your service." I mocked Yukinoshita.

Yukinoshita pouted cutely and said "Hmpff." While turning her face away from me.

I looked at her in amusement therefore I added. "By the way, what's the second matter you wanted to discuss?"

Yukinoshita face reddened as she moved a little on the bench.

"M-may I ask you a personal question, Hikigaya-kun?" Yukinoshita asked shyly.

I don't know if it's good idea to let Yukinoshita know more about me. I guess we're a little more than acquaintances at the point but is it completely safe for me? The hell, it's just a question she won't ask about anything weird, right?

"Okay, ask me anything." I said and looked into her blue eyes. They were illuminated by the subtle moonlight and the warm light from the nearest light post.

"Hikigaya-kun. What's your story with Orimoto-san?" Yukinoshita asked bashfully as she hugged herself. She looked really innocent at the moment, I had to fight with the urge to hug her and hold her tight.

Should I tell her the truth? The truth is I liked her in the middle school, I may like her now. I don't know it myself…. I confessed to her in the middle school and she rejected me back then. I'm going to the "not" a date with her to the top couple place in the whole Japan. I'm afraid of what would happen tomorrow… I'm afraid I may fall in love for her again, we're totally different but she's attracting me somehow. She is blunt, she speaks her mind without hesitation. She may be genuine if I know her better, or else she may be fake, she may lie. There's too many may in her, I don't understand her, but at the other hand I want to understand her, I want to get to know her. Just like I want to know more about Yukinoshita.

Finally after a some thought I decided to tell Yukinoshita the story of Orimoto and I.

"Long story short. We were classmates in the middle school she was nice to me and I misunderstood her. I have confessed to her but got rejected. The next day the whole school knew about it, I was ridiculed and bullied even more than before. The whole confession thing made me who I am now. That's the story." I looked downwards as I remembered my rather sad past.

"I'm sorry to hear that, Hikigaya-kun." Yukinoshita said and surprisingly patted my arm. Her touch was gentle, it felt good, it felt right.

I've turned myself to face Yukinoshita. She was smiling gently, her face features were soft and she gave me some motherly vibes. In this moment she wasn't judging me or making fun of me, she was genuinely concerned about me and I felt that Yukinoshita is now a little bit closer to me then she was a few moments before. Someone might say it was a really sweet scene between the two of friends. I would say friends is a little exaggeration but definitely it was sweet.

"Don't be, I'm cool about it." I said and grinned to Yukinoshita. "We talked it through and I guess I've found out how to reset a relationship without utterly destroying it."

I noticed Yukinoshita hand was still on my shoulder, her palm was rather small however her fingers were quite long. I guess that's what you call a piano hands. Moreover at her wrist there were a delicate gold bracelet with little black, cat shaped pedant. It was a really beautiful piece of jewelry and to me it really suited Yukinoshita's both style and catitcion. See what I did here? Cat plus addiction equals catitcion, I have come up with it all by myself.

Hachiman I'm so proud of you.

Thank you, Hachiman.

Love you bro.

Love you too.

Geez. Sometimes I wonder who's more delusional – Zaimokuza or I.

Yukinoshita probably noticed me staring at her hand because she withdraw it hesitantly.

"My apologizes if I violated your personal space, Hikigaya-kun." She said and covered her hand with the other one.

"It's okay. I don't mind."

"I see." Yukinoshita blushed and averted her eyes.

After a while of awkward silence Yukinoshita added and then stood up.

"Hikigaya-kun, let's go home. It's getting late."

"Sure." I shrugged. Indeed it's getting late. I bet Komachi is really worried about me, because I would.

So we started walking to the condominium where now the Yukinoshita sisters lived. We walked in silence, enjoying the company. Finally after a few minutes we have arrived at Yukinoshita place. Yukinoshita silhouette was illuminated by the light from the entrance as she stood at the automatic doors.

"Thank you for the chat, Hikigaya-kun."

"It was a pleasure, Yukinoshita."

"Good night, Hikigaya-kun." The club president said her goodbyes.

"Night. See you Monday." I responded and got on my bike.

"Hikigaya-kun!" Yukinoshita called me out of nowhere.

"Yes?" I responded in surprise.

The light from the building interiors has dazzled me, so I had to cover my eyes to see Yukinoshita face. Finally when my eyes adjusted to the light I observed her expression was somehow determined.

"Behave tomorrow, will you?" Yukinoshita said and immediately she turned and entered the lobby.

Is it me or she's going full tsundere?