He and She, Their Winter Is Still Continued

by Demon-Homura

This is the story about Hikigaya and Yukinoshita. From the separate world, into each other's world, to the world that they can't lose each other. Spending a period of time that is long but somehow short. Recalling the past, somehow hopeless, hesitant but also satisfied. Their winter, is still continued.

2. Chapter 2

Translator notes:

Hi all! Hope you guys enjoyed the first chapter of "He and she, their winter is still continued"!

This time I use about a month to translate Chapter 2, and I may keep the pace of one to two months to translate a chapter. During translation, I am aware that my English is still not good enough, so I want to spend more time reading the English version of OreGairu novel to improve the sense of English used in OreGairu. So the further translation of the following chapters may need more time, I'll do my best to not spend more than two months on one chapter, and I sincerely apologize for holding you guys waiting.

So here is Chapter 2! Hope you guys enjoy it!

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He and She, Their Winter Is Still Continued.

Chapter 2

Author/ NothingHeart

Translator/ Demon_Homura

---

You get paid if you work.

Okay, okay! I know I'm trash-talking. Talking about work, of course we do it not because we like to be a volunteer. Once we start to discuss this topic seriously, we can find out that the meaning of work is much, much deeper than we knew. We devote our labor and energy to what is not related to our benefits, to get the reward we may or may not hope for after someone is satisfied with the result. So, to conclude, the meaning of work is countless and we can barely list them all. Despite there may be some people crying like "There's no any freaking meaning of work!" or "Make those who desire to do the work!" But undoubtedly, works indeed, without question, are necessary to exist. By the way, there indeed are an outrageous number of people who are eager to work. And there are A FREAK TON of them.

…Well, there's the meaning of working. But there is also the desire of working. The differences between them are way much deeper to think. Think about that, humans are not the kind of creatures that always seeking the meanings, right? So, to put meaning to every behavior is pointless, ironically. Well, the only creature that will seek meaning is human. Most of the other creatures are driven by instincts. There said people are born evil. But in my point of view, evil? No. People are born lazy. Lazy is our instinct, so why the hell do we keep driving ourselves to be diligent? Thinking about that, I can't help but tremble for the perfect theory I just create. That's right! People are not supposed to work at all! We should straight follow our instinct. Eat, drink, shit, sleep as much as we can, and live a happy life 'til the very end!

"But, if the world really goes like that, all of us will hunger to death."

"Let those who eager do the agriculture jobs, those who desire to reap. Even ants have thirty percent are lazy. By this theory, there always are people who die for working. So, this is the part of nature, there is no need to resist it. Well said, it is time to lea…"

As soon as I give out a completely perfect conclusion, stand up, turn around, and am going to leave the place. Somehow the person in front of me appears a mature, charming smile, with her hands slightly pressure on my shoulder. Despite it is actually not that heavy, from what I feel it is like a mountain on my shoulder. Staring at each other, as expected, Yukinoshita Haruno defeats me without question. Desperately, I sit back on the chair and look to the screen again with tears rolling in my eyes. What the hell? How many times is this scene going to happen again and again and again?! It is freaking annoying even if you don't bother! Annoy! Freaking annoy! Extremely furious!

Looking toward me who is walking dead, with her arms crossing over her chest, pondering for a while, "Hmm-Although looks like you just refuse to do it in my view, it is also troublesome if you still without any vigor. After all, this copy should have its first draft today."

"To a college student that is going home after class, these are definitely not the correct words…"

You just straight bring me here without my consent after I stepped right out of the college. At least make a phone call! You see, even Dio Brando will announce before he rejects his humanity! Even if I'm willing to work for you, better filling an appliance form and have Hikigaya the busy gentleman verify the form, right?

With resentful eyes looking towards Haruno, still, she gives a perfect smile as usual. "I am also late noticed. There is no way I can do all of this by myself. So~ Better call my Imouto's reliable boyfriend for help, right? And also…"

Suddenly, she wipes her smile, with clear but oppressive eyes looking at me.

"…somehow Yukino-chan is occupied. Am I right, Hachiman-kun~?"

Froze for a moment, then I respond, timidly, "Well-That-Umm, s-she is really a bit busy today…"

"…Oh? Well, anyway, even if I believe you. But the thing gotta do should be done, that's all."

Briefly said, Haruno soon chuckles.

"That said, I definitely won't treat you bad. I'm completely aware it is pretty unreasonable to make you work in this way. So…Better expecting Onee-chan benefit~"

With her hands on my shoulder, her body tilts closer to me deliberately. Feeling a soft touch, somehow a shivering terror comes from the bottom of the spine overwhelming the soft feeling. Damn! That's terrifying! Feels completely the same as your supervisor telling you that "you can have four days break after this work." After that, hell awaits. Killed by enemies if forward, but still by the military law if retreat. But even there is no time for me to take the tiniest break! (P.S. "Killed by enemies if forward, but still by the military law if retreat. Under such circumstances, you might as well take a good rest." The original words are "進則死敵，退則死法。當恁麼時，也不妨熟歇。" From the essay written by Su Shi. Means people should have themselves relaxed under any circumstances.)

Pushing away Haruno single-handed, "…I got it. Anyway, it's just the first draft. The content may not be that important…"

"Of course. Didn't I tell you that in the first place? Anyway, just draft me an outline and title under my instructions and that's all I want now. That shouldn't be that difficult for you, isn't it?"

Patting my shoulders, Haruno said, "Hurry up, Hachiman-kun~ The sooner you finished, the earlier you can go home to stay with Yukino-chan~"

"Well, she won't be home that early today…"

"Hmm? So she's not home?"

Hearing what I said, Haruno asks. I soon realized I made a big mistake. Pretending not hearing anything, I keep typing the draft. Haruno, however, squint her eyes after seeing my reaction. Without saying any words, she pulls a chair next to me, sits down, and starts assisting me to finish the job.

About two hours later, we finally finished the first draft. She nods her head satisfyingly after the final check.

"Aight, that's enough. Let me do the revising job for the rest."

"…Allow me to bid farewell."

I have a gut feeling that there might be something worse awaits me if I don't leave immediately. With a business smile, grabbing my bad, I try to escape this room which has a cold feeling as soon as possible. However, Haruno calls my name.

"Hey, wait, Hachiman-kun~ It's you saying people will get paid if they work, aren't you?"

"Well-Umm, j-just forget that…"

All I want is to run away as quick as I can. I gonna run away and never say goodbye! Gonna run away gonna run away! Although I never see some beautiful scenery, leaving here is the meaning of my trip. (P.S. Lyrics from the song "The meaning of travelling旅行的意義" by Cheer Chen.)

"Don't be like that, you should relax yourself a bit more~"

I'm sure Haruno realizes how anxious I am now, she smirks like she found something interesting. "Trust me, you are definitely free now. And it is true that I'm going to give you some rewards."

"…"

Sensing her sincerity, well, probably. I stopped moving with hesitation. Saying "Just wait~ Let me see where it is", Haruno takes out her purse from her pocket, with some bills handed over to me. "Just take it, Hachiman-kun~ This is for your hard work. I really appreciate your devotion."

"There's not that much I have done for…"

That said, you should take the money every time you have a chance. As soon as I reach out my arms, "Well, there's something else. This is for you two, from me personally." She suddenly said.

She puts the bills on my hand first, then bends her body to open the drawer, with two tickets, well probably, taken out from the drawer. A cunning smile appears on her face, she waving the tickets, "Tada~ Here, take this, too.

"Huh? What's that?"

"A little gift for you two. You have been with Yukino-chan for such a long time, but you two never have a long trip together, am I right?"

Haruno handed the tickets to me, and I saw there writes something that might be a name of a shop with a picture of Onsen on it. Probably the voucher for an Onsen hotel. Hmm…Onsen? It is in the middle of the winter now, and it is freaking cold, surely will have a good time with body bathing in Onsen… Oh wait, is the hotel located in Kamogawa? Isn't it part of Chiba, too? What kind of a long trip is that?

…Well, besides that, there is no way this person will give me such a benefit with simple goodwill. She must have planned something if I dare take the tickets! I raise my head, looking at her suspiciously. Realizing my doubts, she can't help but burst out laughing, "Ya~da~ You think way too much! The only thing I planned is to have you two have a great time! The exam is just over, right? Both of you should have time now."

She slaps my shoulders hard. But compared to another woman, this is not even the case. Hmm… Maybe I suspect her too much. Although we spent a lot of time together, it is still a difficult task to guess the purpose of all the behavior from Yukinoshita Haruno. That's why I was still fooled by her multiple times.

To think deeper, even if I keep my suspicions toward her, there isn't even one time I can avoid being fooled. In other words, even if I know what's her purpose, there is still no means to fight back against Haruno. So it is pointless to refuse her gift now. She definitely will have those two tickets in my hands by any means… Thinking about that, sighing, I put the tickets into my pocket. Seeing my action, Haruno squints and laughs.

"You are so interesting, Hachiman-kun~"

"I don't know if I should be happy or be mad at what you said…"

"That's the interesting part. You, even with all the thoughts flying on your face, still can have me some fun. That's one of your advantages in my point of view."

But Yukino-chan dislikes that characteristic though~ Haruno said with joy. Suddenly, her head come closer to me like she recalls something, "…But, Hachiman-kun. Onee-chan have a favor to ask you."

"Wh-what? It is too late for another work. Please allow me to refuse."

"Easy. There's nothing left for you to work for. The thing I want to ask you for…"

Whispering, she said, "That kid is a masochist, I think~"

"…What the actual fuck are you talking about right now?"

I'm looking at her confusingly; however, Haruno nods her head seriously. "Of course, I'm talking about Yukino-chan. How about you? Despite her acts, I think she is actually an 'M'. Being with Yukino-chan for two years, don't you feel even a bit about that?"

"…What 'M' are you talking about? McDonald? Or that cool as fuck computer brand? Or…"

"Okay, okay, just stop. Anyway, test her for me if there's a chance during the trip. Although you won't do something way too over I think~"

She literally doesn't care about me playing dumb. Leaving the words, Yukinoshita Haruno gives out a charming smile.

"Well then, have a wonderful trip you two!"

---

"Hey! Onii-chan, you back!"

"…Hikigaya-kun, welcome back."

"…I'm back, and what are you two doing exactly right now?"

Soon as I walked into the door, there is a shocking view awaited me.

Komachi, my lovely Imouto, is here, too. Well, it isn't special for her to be here, after all she comes here very often. But what they are doing right now really pissed me off.

Komachi is wearing a very domestic feeling sweater, lying on the couch with a smile on her face, and having her head laying right on Yukinoshita's thighs. Even her arms cuddles Yukinoshita's waist, like a pampered cat rubbing her head onto Yukinoshita. While Yukinoshita has a bit troubled look, but is still patting Komachi's head with a warm smile. What the hell is this, a lovely scene of a mother and her daughter? I never heard a girlfriend will flirt with her sister-in-law, that is way too cruel to me! By the way, Rumi our cat isn't in the living room, probably have herself a nice sleep in the bedroom.

Throwing my bad to the other side of the couch, leaning on the couch, I look at them, "…Hey!"

However, they don't even give me a single reaction. "Awwwww~ Yukino Nee-san, so soft~ And smells sooooo good… Yawn, Komachi, falling asleep…" Said like she is high in the sky.

"It is okay to sleep for a moment if you are tired. After all there still have some time before dinner."

"But…Onii-chan may be hungry…"

"Don't worry about him. Hikigaya-kun can survive without any food and water for two whole weeks without any problem."

"Don't say like I am a cockroach and put on a brave face!"

"No…Onii-chan…Bigger…Can survive longer…One month…Yawn…Zzz…"

"Hey, wake up! Don't tell me you really fell asleep! Get up, that's my place! And also I'm not big!"

"Hikigaya-kun, please be quiet. By the way, please be very careful while in the kitchen, there is a roach motel at the corner."

"Please stop pretending me a cockroach as it is the truth…"

But well, looks like Komachi really fell asleep. Sigh… Forget it. Well, it is holiday tomorrow, so it is acceptable to be lazy today. Sighing, I sit on another couch, staring at Komachi who breathing peacefully with herself lying on Yukinoshita's thighs. "When did this girl come?"

"She came back with me. Today ended earlier than expected, so I wait for her for a bit."

"I see. That's why you came back earlier, too."

Her club held an event in a kindergarten near Sōbu high school today. But I heard that the event should end after five. So, due to that, she decided to wait for Komachi to come home together.

Nodding her head, however, Yukinoshita asks, "How about you, Hikigaya-kun? As I remembered your class schedule should end very early. Why did you come back so late?"

"Well, that umm-"

Because your Onee-san detained me and forced me to work without any notice. Wait! No! This is the thing that definitely shouldn't let her know! I quickly change my words, "I-uh, stayed in the bookstore for a while!"

"…Suspicious."

I never thought that she squints and looks at me with sights of suspicion just because of what I just said. Hey hey hey! I am that kind of person who will go to the bookstore very often, why treat me as a suspect just for that? Are you last named Edogawa? Will you go crazy when you saw someone use a thousand note to buy cigarettes? (P.S. Hikigaya is referring Konan Edogawa)

"…We just been to the bookstore together two days ago, aren't we? What are you hiding, Hikigaya-kun?"

Under the sight of her clear eyes, I start talking without any logic, "No-that-I can go to the bookstore anytime I want."

"You usually go to the bookstore once a week. It is very unusual for you to be there right after a day. Besides, you said 'Seems like the book I want won't be published this month' when we were there. So there is not even one single reason to have a different thought suddenly. Also, you are not that kind of person who will stay in a bookstore for a long time. In addition, you will send me a message if you are going to stay there. Back to the original, there is no way for you to stay outside for such a long time when you already knew Komachi is coming today. So, the truth is…"

With a pause, Yukinoshita soon puts on a smile, but I don't feel any cheerful feeling in it. That really make me tremble. "…HIkigaya-kun. Where. Have. You. Been?"

Scary! This woman is freaking a nightmare! Seriously, you really should go to work in a detective agency afterward. You can deduce nearly the whole truth with literally no evidence! If giving you some assistance, won't you become the world's best detective?

Realizing that it is almost exposed, I have no choice but to tell the truth. "Okay, okay. To be frank, I was asked for helping with the work by your Nee-san."

"Nee-san…? Ah, I see."

Blinking her eyes, she relieved with a realizing face, "You should say it sooner, I am almost going to organize the warehouse."

"Huh? Why do so?" I asked confusingly as soon as relieved. Thought that Yukinoshita is going to interrogate me about the work, but somehow she said something completely unrelated.

"Since the abacus is the thing that was only used back in elementary school, it should take a considerable amount of time to find…"

"Now we're talking about kneeling on the abacus…" (P.S. In some Asian countries, when a husband is infidelity, his wife may make him kneel on an abacus as a penalty.)

"Well, Just kidding."

Yukinoshita chuckles naughtily. Seeing such a cute expression, well, guess I should really treat it as a joke then. Well, yes but actually no. I know she really treats it as a serious business to a certain degree. I really hope she can take it as a joke completely. That said, is there really an abacus in the warehouse? For the safety of my knees, I'll better replace it with a soft pad.

"But did you really have zero confidence in me…? I am not an infidelity kind of person."

"Ara? I am pretty trusting you, Hikigaya-kun."

Running her finger through her hair, somehow she said in a peaceful tone, "What I don't trust are those who come close to you. For example, Katori-san who borrowed the pen from you, Kirichi-san who asked you about the course schedule, Koikawa-san who borrow a hundred yen from you, Ookoku-senpai who trying to promote the club to you, Raiha-kouhai who hold onto your shoulder when she going to fell off, and…"

"Okay, stop! I am fully aware of what you are saying now…"

By the way, I don't even know her name is Katori. And I recall that she hasn't returned the pen once Yukinoshita mentioned. But I have already forgotten what she looks like… Better ask Yukinoshita when she met her, and I hope she won't have some weird misunderstanding again.

"And there's more, about seventeen people…"

"That's way too many names you can remember! Even I can't remember that much! By the way, what in the world that you know their name so clearly?"

I can't help but complain. Yukinoshita tilt her head, whispering with a bit awkward. "…Well, I know it is a bit too petty, but I just can't help myself…"

"Well, I know what you feel, too. After all, that's exactly how I treat Komachi…"

Coughing, I hesitate for a second, "…R-rather than that, I can pretty felt that, y-your…"

"Felt…? What are you talking about?"

Confusingly, she turns around her head to me. This time, it's me who avoiding her sights, "W-well, you know… 'As the moon, so beautiful.' Yep…"

She's soon realizing what I'm meaning as soon as she heard what I said. The white skin on her face is slightly flushed, but soon she said in a little temper with her head lowered, "…But, I somehow feel the moonlight from Hikigaya-kun is weaker."

"Nuh-uh, the moon here is twice brighter than yours."

"Hold on right there. I can't pretend I didn't hear that. If we really going to compete that, the moonlight from me is definitely triple brighter than you are."

"What? Then mine are four times brighter."

"Hikigaya-kun, it is boring now… But well, I'm quintuple brighter."

"Ho-ho, are we really going on a match for this? Then mine is-"

"…If you two want to flirt, will you two go a normal way?"

While we are going on a completely childish argument, Komachi suddenly interrupted. We both look toward her, realize she already woke up at some point, and look at us with her facepalmed. "Komachi was going to pretend asleep, but I can't hold it anymore! Just one word! Why so difficult!"

"Ah, you awake."

"Sorry, we are too loud…"

Yukinoshita apologized with manners, but Komachi answered with a giggle, "It's fine! It is not Yukino Nee-san's fault. It is all on Nii-chan! He argued too loudly!"

Komachi sits up with an agile move, and stretches leaning on the couch, "Fufu, Yukino Nee-san's thighs are sooooo comfortable, wish I can keep sleeping on them~"

"Anytime you want."

"Komachi want it for the rest of my life!"

"That would be a bit troublesome…"

Yukinoshita beams. "Let me make dinner now, after all, it is about time. Is there anything you want to have for dinner?" She stands up and prepares to go to the kitchen.

"Anything! It would always be delicious if made by Yukino Nee-san! Or, how about we make it together? Komachi really want to learn how to make that stew beef last time!" Komachi replies with a high spirit.

"Well, you go first Yukinoshita. I have something with Komachi."

"Alright. I'll go first."

Hearing what I said, Komachi tilts her head with curiosity. While Yukinoshita nods her head and soon goes to the kitchen. After she left, I sort out the ticket Haruno just gave me from the bag, and hand it over to Komachi. "Here, take these."

"Hmm? What are these…? The vouchers for Onsen hotel?"

"Nii-chan, where did they come from?" She takes the ticket with confusion.

"Just got those from Haruno by working for her. Although she wanted me to take Yukinoshita to travel together, I just found out that the deadline is next Sunday as soon as I came back…"

"Next Sunday? Nii-chan should be free that day, isn't it? After all it is Nii-chan."

"Well, I am. But Yukinoshita isn't."

Wave my hands, "She is occupied by her club next Sunday, so these two vouchers are useless to us. Give those to Pap and Mom as gifts or else, do it as you wish."

Somehow, not only Komachi doesn't appreciate my consideration but also looks at me like looking an idiot. Hey hey! What the hell is that? Nii-chan don't have the fetish of being despised! I am the man that always been neglected for half my life, but not with the experience of being despised by someone specifically… Oh wait, the person who actually despises me the most is Komachi herself! No wonder I have a feeling that I'm really getting used to it!

After seconds, Komachi finds out I just look back at her confusingly, she sighs like she is completely defeated, and starts mumbling. "…What should I do now, this idiot really means it! Hmm…How can a person be this stupid… Well, that's Onii-chan, it might just be as normal as usual…"

"…What the hell are you talking about all of a sudden?" I have heard lots of impolite vocabularies! When did you learn these bad things? Is the last president of the student council that teaches you those? Better call her out to explain all of these BS! Damn!

"Komachi said, Nii-chan is stupid, idiot, and dumb like a log."

"Why did I have to be cursed by you?"

"Because Nii-chan really is stupid as hell! Komachi facepalmed again! You are something else to make Komachi lose all the faith in you! If Chiba is holding a competition of making everyone facepalm the most, I will definitely sign Nii-chan up without hesitation, and going to spend all the championship prizes to have the biggest feast I have ever had! That kind of disappointment!"

"Wait, even if you are scolding me like a mother…"

"Anyway, I have literally no counts on you right now. Komachi is going to say it directly! Nii-chan, did you ever ask Yukino Nee-san about this? Or do you have little to no desire to go on a trip?"

Komachi points to me with her finger aggressively, asking. I reply, confusingly, again. "Well I didn't… But she is occupied that day without a doubt. For me, it would be great if I can travel with her…"

"…Nii-chan, Komachi thinks that you always put too much consideration on others."

With her arms crossed in front of her chest, Komachi asks unsatisfyingly, "Even though Komachi clearly knows Nii-chan wasn't respected by most of the people in the entire lifetime, and that's why are you acting like this to avoid becoming that type of person, right? But, if the target is the most important person in your life, it would somehow be the opposite effect. Think about that, if it is Yukino Nee-san has the vouchers today, but she gives out them just because she thought you are occupied, what would you think?"

"…Although I would be happy if she puts consideration about me, I think she should at least ask me first."

I get it, that's why Komachi thinks me a complete idiot… That's reasonable, even if Yukinoshita is surely occupied, it would still be better to ask her first. It is similar to a mother cleaning her son's room without consent, accidentally finding some porno, even classifying them, and putting them on the table neatly! Who told you to do that! That definitely not helps me out!

"That's right!" Nodding her head exaggeratedly, Komachi stuffed the vouchers back into my hands. She raises her finger, and keeps preaching to me, "So~ Onii-chan should ask her about these right after! Aggressively! Like 'Stop asking, just come with me!'"

"Wait, that's not even 'asking'." That is called forcing. F.O.R.C.I.N.G. Do you understand?

Anyway, after we start enjoying the dinner, I ask Yukinoshita sitting on the other side of the table, "Yukinoshita, I remembered that you are occupied next Sunday, right?"

Winking her eyes, her slender eyelashes fluttered with them. Without considering, she answers, "There is an event for sure… Is there anything wrong?"

"To be honest, your sister gives me these besides the salary."

I search the right pocket. Wait, where are the tickets? Komachi points at the left side with her chopsticks speechless. Ohhh, there you are. I take out the tickets and hand them to Yukinoshita. "Seems like she wants us to go on a trip there. The deadline is next week, however…"

She takes over the ticket, figuring out what they are for. Somehow she looks a bit confused, "…Onsen hotel? For two days. Why Nee-san gave us these all of a sudden?"

"She thinks both you and me haven't had a trip together until now. So she wants to have fun right after we finally finished the exam."

"Great! Just go, Yukino Nee-san! It is Onsen! Komachi also want to go to an Onsen under this kind of weather~"

Komachi assists me by luring Yukinoshita's desire for Onsen. She puts down the tickets, thinking for a second, "Well, right. I guess I'll better go apologize to Senpai first."

"Wait, you going?"

With a surprise, I can't believe she really takes it. She looks kinda irritated, "What are you talking about? It is you invite me, isn't it?"

"Well, I thought you would refuse since the event of your club…"

"…Hikigaya-kun, are you looking down on me?"

Flicking her hair to the back of her neck, Yukinoshita keeps saying in an annoyed tone, "Do you think that I am the person who can't figure out the importance of things? Or, you just don't want to go on a trip with me?"

"No, umm-well, sorry for that."

Things are going a bit unexpectedly, making me a bit overwhelmed. Well, apologizing first is always the best strategy! That's right! The apology itself isn't wrong! The person going to apologize is the wrong one! "Personally I'm eager for you to come with me. Really, really appreciate that."

"Geez…Nii-chan, you are so lowly…"

Once again Komachi gives a despising sight at me. Com'on man, I really tried! You should at least rate me 87 points, can't be much more! (P.S. 87 is pronounced similar to "idiot 白痴" in Chinese.)

Hearing what I said, finally, Yukinoshita once again smiles. Picking up some veggies, she says, "If it is a two-day trip, we should depart on Saturday. Since it is holiday that day, how about coming with us, Komachi-san?"

"Of course not, Yukino Nee-san! I am not that unaware! It is a very rare chance for you two only to go on a trip, there is no way for me to be a third wheel!"

"Even if you said so… Neither me nor Hikigaya-kun has ever thought that. We are always feeling comfortable with you beside us."

"! Yu-Yukino Onee-san…!"

Komachi's eyes are filled with tears of joy because of hearing Yukinoshita's completely undisguised inner voice. What the hell is wrong with her to cry just for that? Coughing, "So, just come with us, okay? Aren't you also saying that you want to go to an Onsen?"

"Shut up trash dumbass retard Hachiman Nii-chan just shut the hell up."

"Which one is cursing, Hachiman or Nii-chan? You better explain clearly!" And what's that completely different treatment to her and me? Objection! Your Honor!

Smiling bitterly, Komachi shakes her head, "Anyway, Komachi is really happy about you two inviting me~ But that's a no! After all Komachi's exam hasn't over yet."

"…Ah, right. You coming here is because you are going to ask about your homework today."

"Can't believe you forgot…"

Yukinoshita sighs sadly, "Well, I guess that's it. The test is more important after all."

"That's right~ So! Yukino Nee-san! Just have fun with this thing going with you! Don't be messed by what it looks, it will beeping loudly when some perverts show up!"

"Hey! I'm not a panic alarm!"

"You're right. I'll stuff Hikigaya-kun into the suitcase and take it onto the train."

"Again, I'm not Mouryou No Hako, too…" These two girls are so mean! I'm a human, not an item! And she even said I was a cockroach before! What's gonna next for me to become? (P.S. Mouryou No Hako, also named "Box of Goblins", 《魍魎之匣》, a horror/mystery novel written by Kyōgoku Natsuhiko.)

"Just kidding. Rather than Kanako, you are much wanting to be the guy who pierces and shreds other's eyes, right?"

Can't believe she said that seriously. Hey hey! I'm not that evil! By the way, how many jokes about Kyōgoku Natsuhiko are you going to say more? I feel like this is a used joke! How about Shimada Sōji? Although Mitarai Kiyoshi is a bit weird, being Ishioka Kazumi is pretty easy so no problem about that! (P.S. Shimada Sōji, 島田莊司, a Japanese mystery writer. Both Mitarai Kiyoshi and Ishioka Kazumi are characters from Sōji's novel "The Tokyo Zodiac Murders". They are like the Japanese version of Sherlock Holmes and Joan Watson.)

Well, those aren't important, leave it with that. I ladle a soup into my bowl, saying, "But, rather than those, I really want to know why Haruno-san suddenly gifting us these?"

Yukinoshita tilts her head, thinking about what I said, "True. I can't figure it out, either." She shakes.

"Stop thinking too much! I bet Haruno Nee-san really wants the relationship between you two becomes much tighter! After all, it has been two whole years! But Nii-chan and Yukino Nee-san didn't acts like a couple smitten with each other!"

"…Or else what do we look like?"

"Hmmm-" Komachi closes her eyes, thinking for seconds, then she answers, "Let Komachi think… Komachi think you two are…Husband and wife that married for decades?"

What the hell? Last time you were saying we were like just becoming a couple recently! I and Yukinoshita look at each other, silently, for a moment.

"…What should I say? Her mother?"

"I don't remember that I became a mother… Anyway, I don't know what a lovestruck couple will do at all. So I don't feel that way."

Drinking tea peacefully, Yukinoshita continues, "And also, I feel comfortable for what we are now. How about you, Hikigaya-kun?"

"Rather than comfortable, I would say that I won't feel any disturbs between our relationships." Oh right, your astonishing oversuspicious may be a thing, perhaps. But it really not bothers me at all, since I'm also doing that way around Komachi. will definitely find out all the info about a man who is trying to borrow a pen from Komachi. Not to mention touching her, under that circumstance, I will give his head a big shot with my baseball bat without even remembering his name. That said, how Yukinoshita acts her oversuspicious is pretty mild and gentle if compared to me, huh?

"Aye, alright… Anyway, Nii-chan and Yukino Nee-san should become much more intimate during this trip! Better have me a nephew after coming back! Yay! Komachi is going to be aunt just when third grade! That sounds nice!"

"…I don't think so. We just going for two days only." If two days can have you a nephew, then there is no reason to go on a trip then. I can get a Noble prize with this, and then I can be a NEET with all those money. You better give up the dream and play with Kamagura instead.

Both I and Yukinoshita laugh embarrassingly. Well, we going on a trip are to have us some nice and relaxing moments. Although we both prefer staying at home, it won't bother if the trip only has us two only. But well, to think clearly, we really haven't gone on a trip since we became a couple. Why should we have to go out if there's nothing to do? There said, "plowing when sunny, reading when rainy". But for me, "Staying at home no matter sunny or rainy" is my spirit.

…Well, I still can't realize why Haruno-san gave us the vouchers for the Onsen hotel.

---

Time flies by, a week passed in the blink of an eye- well, actually not that fast. To compensate for absenting, Yukinoshita makes me a handyman for her club for a week. Although her seniors said it is fine to be absent, Yukinoshita is the person who will always fulfill her responsibility. Sigh, but she's right after all… As I know she is far more superior to anyone in the aspect of dealing with the administration works. Without her, the events will be impacted from many aspects. But since I went to her club, I have always been glared at by every male club member. Right, right, I am the boyfriend of your club belle, and that is the most unarguable fact. If you can't accept it, said that to her, not to me.

Anyway, after a busy week, the weekend finally comes. We wait on the bench of the platform for the next train. Originally, Haruno-san was going to send their driver to drive us there, but we refused it. For me, I don't want to owe her more. But the reason for Yukinoshita remains unknown. But I guess is similar to mine.

"…You seem like in a very good mood."

Talk to Yukinoshita who sits beside me. She wears a white jacket today, with warm, dark pantyhose beneath her dark short skirt. She turns her head towards me agilely, open widely her dark eyes in purpose like she is surprised, "Ara, what a coincidence. Hikigaya-kun, why are you here?"

"Stop saying me as a stalker, geez!" You better give me some respect! All your luggage is under my control!

With a naughty giggle, she soon turns her sights back to the book she is reading. "…But yes, you're right. I am actually in a really good mood right now."

"After all it is a rare chance to go to Onsen."

"That's one of the reasons. Too shame the hotel can't take pets inside."

"We have Komachi take care of Rumi. Don't worry about her."

Instead of that, I'm much concerned about Komachi staying in our home can focus on studying on not… As I am thinking, Yukinoshita's phone rings. She turns on the phone, "…It is Yui."

"Yuigahama? What is she saying?"

"Just like usual, emails that can hardly understand." She hands her phone to me. Looking at the screen, she's right, it shows an email that looks like sent from the aliens. "Onsen, Onsen, Onsen! Ahhhhh! You two are so mean! (つд⊂) (つд⊂)! I want to go with Yukino-chan, too! ｡ﾟヽ(ﾟ′Д`)ﾉﾟ｡! I'm so jealous right now! Waaaghhhh! ・゜・(PД`q｡)・゜・" Uhh, Yuigahama-san is so energetic as usual. I replied to her by Yukinoshita's phone with "Idiot can't go to Onsen". Yukinoshita sighs after she saw what I replied. "Doing this kind of stupid shenanigan again… You are really something else."

"She will know it's me once she saw the content. Well, the train comes."

Standing up, with one hand pulling the luggage, I held out another hand towards Yukinoshita. She grabs it without hesitation, standing up. "…Okay, let's go."

In front of me, the girl with a breathtaking smile bloomed on her face. "With you, I can go anywhere no matter where it is."

"Wh-what are you talking about right now…"

Holding my breath for seconds, I quickly look away. Damn, what she saying really has my heart beating like a train. Looks like I should make her that shy, too! Coughing, "…Hmm, well, it is exactly what I thought."

"You are? Don't know if Katori-san feels that way about you, too…"

"Can we stop with that Katori thing!"

Yukinoshita Yukino has mines around her gentleness, as I expected…

Our trip is planned to depart in when afternoon, arriving in Kamogawa in the evening, wander around, then we check-in, and return the next morning. The hotel Haruno-san sent us is nearby Awa-Kamogawa station. It needs two hours to arrive from Chiba station. We sometimes chat while reading during the train, and finally arrive at about four-thirty.

"Looks like we still have some time." After landing, Yukinoshita checks the time by the clock hanging on the wall. Dragging the luggage, I said, "How about we deposit our luggage to the station, and let us look around nearby? There are some attractions around the station as I remembered…"

Hearing what I said, she crosses her arms over her chest, thinking, "…The renowned attractions nearby should be Kamogawa Ocean Stadium, Uomizuka Observation Deck, and Seichoji Temple. But all of them need half an hour to arrive. If closer, there are many shrines nearby. Yakumo Jinja, Suwa-taisha, Itsukushima Jinja, and Atago Jinja which is a bit farther. But they are all not that special… Hikigaya-kun, do you have anywhere you want to go?"

"Let me think… Kamogawa bookstore?"

"Reject."

She replied in no time. Well, as I expected. Slightly sighed, she said, "As I expected what you will propose. But since we are rare to come out, let's go to places that we won't be to usually."

"Well, then shrine. To pray for my midterm exam will pass."

In fact, this is for her, the person who has bad stamina, since it won't be a good plan to go too far for her. But I won't say out this reason, since she will argue about this endlessly.

"…All these shrines are not praying for academic performance, Hikigaya-kun. And it is too late to pray for after the exam."

"Guess you're right. Then how about praying for everyone to be healthy and going well with everything? I think every God would accept this kind of prayer. Just like we can use the restroom no matter in the household registration office or post office." And not to mention that all of these Gods have people built shrines for them and even gave them money! It shouldn't be too much to ask them to listen to our prays, right? And I believe that some of the Gods are NEETs, too. God of NEET, please! Make me a person have lots of fortune without working! No need to be millions, four hundreds grand per month is enough.

"I can't tell if your analogy is too suitable or completely incorrect… Anyway, let's go to the shrine."

Yukinoshita smiles bitterly. After we deposit our luggage, we leave the station. Once outside, we can see Chiba Bank standing on the left front. Since today is a holiday, many people are wandering around. Facing the crowd walking by, we stand still for a minute at the intersection in front of the station.

"Well, which shrine?"

"Considering the time left, Yakumo Jinja is the best. And we can take a bus there, which is also convenient"

Yukinoshita soon answered. Astonishingly, I looked at her, "You know so clearly about this. That's Yukipedia, the best encyclopedia in the world."

It really looks like I have a search engine with me all the time! Next time let me give her some keywords, like "Imouto" "boyfriend" "eliminate". See if Yukinoshita will replied me "About 1,000 results (0.045 seconds)". Damn! That's damn useful as hell! It would be better if I can take her with me during the exam, there will be no more exams that I can't pass with ease.

However, Yukinoshita shakes her head slightly, "…After all I have been here before, I still can remember it."

"Huh? You have been here before?"

"When I was a kid, father took us here because of work. And Nee-san took me to Yakumo Jinja by bus."

She hints to me to follow her. Wait, do you really sure that you know the route? Truly? Undoubtedly? Don't force yourself, I mean, really. Even GXXgle Map fools people very often, I really don't mind if you found out you navigate in the wrong direction right now.

Fortunately, the bus stop is really close to the train station, so we reach the stop without detouring. Yukinoshita is leaning her body on the pillar of the bus stop, "…The owner of the hotel we going to stay at is my father's friend actually. I have thought about if it is the reason why Nee-san had their vouchers…"

"Ah, I see." But well, even though she could get those vouchers with ease, the reason why she gave us the vouchers remains unknown…

"…But, I just can't accept the fact every time I recalled that shrine."

Turning the tides of the chat, her face shows up a familiar upset expression, "…Since that shrine is on the top of the hill, I couldn't manage myself to the very top…"

"Because you are bad at endurance after all."

She glared at me irritated after hearing, but soon lowers her shoulder like she is upset. Somehow she manages to get over it in no time, and says in a complacent tone, "But, those are the past. It can't be true that I still can't reach the top for now."

"…Well, how did you manage yourself to the top back then? Did your sister carry you up?"

"Nee-san is just a junior high student back then. She can't carry me uphill either. Besides we have to leave before night comes, so we quitted climbing in the half."

Yukinoshita squints in nostalgia, and sighs, "Recalling that, I really gave her some trouble. For she brought me here specifically…"

"Never mind, you can revenge for the defeat right after we arrive there, isn't it? And it won't be a problem for me to carry you to the top if you are exhausted."

"Ara, don't look down on me. I can finish it on my own."

She smirks like she will definitely do what she said. "And if you are too slow to me, I will leave you behind, Hikigaya-kun."

Looking at her being completely confident, I can't help but smile at her. "Then can you be slower, Yukinoshita-san?"

…Soon after, we found out that it is really not a simple deal at all.

"…"

"I can't believe I still can't manage it…"

About half an hour passed, I stand on the stone stairs, with Yukinoshita resting by holding onto my shoulders. …Oh no, I really want to laugh right now! But I can't! Since she will definitely be irritated if I can't help myself! Here is the "don't laugh" competition about Hachiman against himself, no rewards, only penalties.

Seems like she didn't find out I am controlling my eagerness to burst out laughing, lowering her eyes in regret, whispering in an exhausted tone. "Didn't expect the shrine moved away…"

"Well, it moved when you were studying abroad. It is not your fault for not knowing it."

Shrugging, I raise my head, looking at the stairs that still have a long way to climb. Ten minutes and we are just finished half of it. That's really a bit too long. We looked at the map at the entrance before we started climbing, after the shrine moved, the roads uphill becomes much more winding. So, every aspect of the route becomes much more difficult, no matter the distance or the height. No wonder Yukinoshita is exhausted, even my feet are a little sore for walking this far.

I look at Yukinoshita who has a clearly exhausted face, "…Should rest for more. Look at you, you are even out of breath right now."

"No, we can't stop here. Or history repeats itself. There is no time for rest."

She refuses my proposal simply. Man, she is always being stubborn at some strange point… Although we may not catch on the time to check in, that isn't a problem at all. But since Yukinoshita is a person who values punctuality a lot, there is only one way left to do now.

I hold her hand to stop her from keeping forward, "Wait, wait! Before we arrived, you will definitely faint. I the father wouldn't allow this to happen."

"…Yuck. I cannot accept a guy like you being my father at all."

"Don't break my heart that straight… Anyway, hop on."

Letting my hands go, I turn my back towards Yukinoshita, "It would be a shame if we give up right now, right? We could catch on time if we do this way."

She was caught off guard for a few seconds after hearing, frowning her charming eyebrows, "…Hikigaya-kun, are you serious?"

"This time for sure. I won't promise the usual time."

"…I will definitely ask about what you're saying later. Anyway, I really appreciate your kindness, but I want to finish it with my own strength…

"Am I not your strength, too? It makes no difference if I carry you to the top. Com'on, just hop on my back."

"…"

Somehow, she becomes silent after hearing. I look back at her confusingly, "Hey! Are you spacing out? Quickly, let's…"

Before finishing my words, I find out Yukinoshita has literally no reaction at all, but looks at me like her mind flying into space. Oh shit oh shit! She is going to become a vampire…! Just kidding. Is she completely exhausted? I wave my hands in front of her eyes, knock knock, is there anyone home? FBI, open up! (P.S. "Become a zombie" joke originated from the Hong Kong vampire movie "Mr. Vampire". The character "Wen Cai 文才" realizes he is going to become a hopping vampire when he found out he has eager to bite humans and his nails become longer. Then he said "Oh shit! I am going to become a vampire!")

After a few seconds, she finally has some moves. Lowering her eyes slowly, she puts her hands in front of her chest, shaking her head, "…Why, you always… be like this. It really troubles me…"

"…Uh, what? Did I do something weird?" You really hate being carried by me, huh? That's strange, she is willing to be princess carried by me while at home… Oh, I get it. Is it because we're outside? Well that makes sense, after all there are still people visiting the shrine at this time, it would be embarrassing to be seen when carried. But I really think that it is really not that bothering, after all being embarrassed is still better than passing out. Also, it wouldn't bother others if I just carried you on the back, right…? At least it is better than those stupid couples who are always annoying others.

But she just gives out a peaceful smile, "Nothing. Well… Let me rely on you, Hikigaya-kun."

Why she agrees now…? Well, it doesn't matter, since the result is good. She holds out her both hands, carefully hugging my neck. A comforting, warm weight pressure on my back once I carry her up, her dark hair caressing, with a smoothing touch from her pantyhose. These feelings really blush my face. Damn… She won't find out my face flushed from her position, right?

"…Am I heavy?"

Yukinoshita asks whispery, but I shake my head, "Completely not at all. You are very light."

"I guess so. I said it for fun."

"Girl…"

Can help but sighed, She gives a naughty chuckle, hugging me more tightly, with her body much closer to me. Hey hey! Stop that! It really makes me blush! And are you going to choke me to death with that strength on my neck? I really doubt that! If you are going to kill me, just use the cutting board you always bring with you on your chest, and it won't leave any fingerprint on that!

"Look closely, your back is pretty wide."

Without knowing I'm thinking something pretty offensive, she whispers next to my ear. Keep walking forward, I answer, "Yeah? But I feel like I am weak as hell."

"That's from your aura. If we only talk about your body, it is pretty reliable."

"Well that's a shame. I wish I can be completely useless from every point of view. So no one will ask me to help additionally while working."

"What are those ambitionless wishes? But it makes huge progress that you saying you will work."

"Th-that just for in case."

"For what case you're saying… By the way, Hikigaya-kun, your hands are pretty naughty from the very start, aren't they?"

"Damn, I'm compromised!"

Because you are wearing pantyhose today, I really can't resist that eagerness… It is all for curiosity! You can't deny people's curiosity! Humanity won't progress if there is no curiosity!

"You are something else…"

Smiling like she is defeated, she leans her head on my shoulder, "…Well, I give you a pass today."

"Thanks for your kindness, ma'am. Then I'll continue." Well, she gives me a pass right now, there is no reason for me to stop now. Damn! This feeling…! Pantyhose, what a great invention in the world. Looking erotic, but even more, it has such a great feeling from caressing it. Guess I should ask her to wear it more often… Well, I know I'm a pervert by thinking those, but give me a pass since I'm also a male after all! This should be allowed, right? But I won't give a f about that even if it is not allowed.

"Don't go too far… Anyway, if there is anyone else then you should stop. Or I will be mad."

"What can you do right now even if you are irritated~? …Wait, wait, wait! Stop! IT really hurts! Don't twist my ears! Alright alright I'm wrong! Please forgive me, your Majesty!"

She starts twisting my ears once she heard me taunting. I once again confirm that this woman can't be messed with. I insist no violence policy! Peace the best! Love and peace, also abbreviated LAP. You can also write it as Law and Police. Please don't call the cops for the love of God, Yukinoshita…

Anyway, we finish our visit to the shrine in time. Although it should be pretty tiring to climb the hill with carrying a person on the back, Yukinoshita is pretty light, light enough for me to doubt if I was carrying luggage but not a person, and started thinking if I deposit Yukinoshita in the station instead our luggage. But I got my face twisted again once I questioned about this. Usually, luggage won't abuse others, right…? Now I am sure the one I carried is indeed Yukinoshita. You should gain more weight, Yukino-san! There is no part of your body for you can be more skinny, or some parts that shouldn't be smaller would be much smaller, and that is definitely the part you really need to take care of.

Leaving the shrine, we go back to the station to take our luggage and am going to the hotel for check-in. Even though I have never been here before, from the picture on the voucher I can be sure that this hotel is pretty luxurious. It makes my heart beat since I always stayed in affordable hotels before. But well, the heart always beat, isn't it? So "making someone's heart beats" is kinda a pointless word, right?

Although the owner of this hotel is an old acquaintance of Yukinoshita's father, she never stayed in this hotel before. So she has no image of this hotel, not even saying to guide us there. Luckily, there are vehicles provided specifically taking us there, after we contact the hotel, they send a driver to pick us up at the station and then bring us there.

While on the route, the view different from the usual flies by, this is one of the interesting parts of traveling, right? Although I'm the kind of person that would be happy if staying at home for my whole life, travel to some different places occasionally is also enjoyable. But the premise is, the trip is for fun. Business trip is not my thing. I always watch Dad packing in a bad mood for a business trip with his supervisor, and that definitely has no travel feelings in it. It is more like "Let's have a sleepover at the workplace!"

But, Yukinoshita won't have a feeling like that. After all, she has been to many places. She should be the type of person that likes traveling. Umm…Turn out that it is my fault for not traveling with her for two whole years… But she seems like she has no complaints about that. Oh wait, she didn't? Thinking clearly, there are always some wives who obey their husbands without any complaints on the TV show. If Yukinoshita is also that type of person…

…Look toward Yukinoshita who sits beside me, while she just looks out the window peacefully. Umm, I can't associate the image of this woman with those wives that afraid to complain to their husbands even a little bit. After all, she is the one who will hang me first if I'm doing wrong, and I'm clearly knowing about that. Finding out my sight at her, she turns her head slightly, "What's wrong?"

"N-nothing at all." Shaking my head, I turn my sight to the ground. "…Your feet, are they feel better?"

"Feels good. It really should thanks to you." She answers, but soon looks at me with a little bit irritated face, "…But I know someone sex harassing me a bit over."

"Umm…!"

Oh no! I really shouldn't touch her thighs for ten minutes without a break! Looking at my right hand regretfully, damn, I should seal my right hand… Or the unstoppable power that resides in my right hand will hurt anyone I love…! I unbind you and call thee forth, Zenki come! Uh-oh, wrong anime. By the way "Jigoku Sensei Nūbē" is really a masterpiece, I always rewatch it every summer vacation.

"I'm really sorry about that. I just can't help myself since you wear pantyhose rarely."

"Well that's true, I seldom wear it… But, that's not an acceptable excuse."

She smiles, but I can't feel any cheerful meaning from it. Her fair hands start twisting my legs, and it pretty hurts! Yukinoshita-san, are you addicted to twisting others? But she stops after a second. Sighing, she says, "…But well, I know you have a fetish for pantyhose."

"Wait, what? Why do you know that?"

"Because you stare at girls wearing pantyhose very, very often."

"Umm, W-well…"

I expose my dirty things to her once again! I only stared at those girls with pantyhose just for seconds every time I look, but she had already realized it… That's Yukino the renowned detective, there is nothing that can go under her nose without being exposed. But, I have to disclaim officially, I have no fetish for pantyhose specifically. The degree I have affection for pantyhose is similar to every other college male! I am not a pantyhose-con that has strict rules on what pantyhose should be in the aspects of color, form, and elasticity! And this is the most important point in my disclaimer!

Looking at me being overwhelmed, she chuckles like finding something funny. "…Well, I won't mind too much if you just look at those pantyhose wearings."

"Appreciate that…" But the later sentence means something else I guess, specifically the terms "just" and "won't mind too much" she used in her words. I'll better control myself afterward. It's just some pantyhose! Not special things need to look at! But well, pantyhose milk tea, they taste good. (P.S. Pantyhose milk tea, is a nickname for Hong Kong-style milk tea since the sackcloth looked like pantyhose.)

"But, what's good on pantyhose?"

Yukinoshita looks toward her thighs, caressing them confusingly, "These are just normal pantyhose, it feels no special from my point of view…"

"Well, that's man. We can't help but always looks at those kinds of things, even some socks will attract us for a moment."

Coughing, I keep saying, "…Not to mention it is you wearing the pantyhose, that sure makes me want to do more than just look at it."

"…You are as pervert as always."

She squinted at me as she sighs, "But, there is one thing I should say first."

"Yes?"

With her hands press on her chest, she announces in a confident tone, "My thighs definitely look way better than Katori-san!"

"We should really stop with that Katori thing!" And what's that Déjà vu? You really have something with her! Maybe you and she can become good friends unexpectedly? If I'm not dating you, I will really think that you have a crush on her!

"…But, compare to Ookoku-senpai, my…"

"I think you are more obsessed with other's thighs than me…"

Looking at her being upset, I really have no idea how to comfort her. Well, forget that, let it go with the wind.

…By the way, what Ookoku-senpai looks like? I really can't remember that.

After about ten minutes, we finally arrives. Since the hotel is close to the shore, a salty smell comes to my nose from the sea breeze as soon as I step off the vehicle, and it feels pretty cold once staying longer. Looking up, a vast building holding wide stands in front of us. Well, it is luxury as expected. It pretty much excites me once seeing it, but I have a bad feeling about what's coming like someone punches my stomach slightly. Haruno-san, what are you exactly planning about? You really make me owe you a lot more…

The driver bows to me who pulls the luggage after he steps off the vehicle, and somehow remains. Wait, w-what is going on, should I tip him? Since when did my beloved Japan have this habit? Well, even if I need to tip in Japan, there is no way to do that in my Chiba! Anyway, I'll tip then… Umm, is five hundred enough? Please say it is enough, I have only five hundred left, all the rest are held by Yukinoshita. Or you should really ask her for more, and you really should. My Yukino-chan is gentle to everyone except me!

"Hikigaya-kun, please put your wallet away. He is going to help us with the luggage."

Yukinoshita taps my hands with my wallet held, and her face tells me she is doing her best not to burst out laughing. What…! There are people whose job is to help us with the luggage? These high-end hotels are really something else, making me nervous about feeling like I become the right top of the M-shape society. Yukinoshita nods calmly, and signals me to hand over the luggage. The driver takes the luggage and then guides us into the hotel.

Since the time is in the middle of the winter, we expected more visitors, but somehow very few in reality. The insides glow a sun orange light which feels warm and comfortable and even makes me feel like home sweet home. Look at that couch, it is pretty similar to ours, but without Komachi spacing out while holding Kamagura in her arms.

After checking in at the reception, we deposit the luggage in the room first. That said, when I gave out my name, the receptor smiled confusingly, and it really bothers me… But well, it is might because we look like we are unmatched, and even someone will hit on her without hiding when we walk on the road together. What the hell, even if I'm not looking like her boyfriend, at least I'm a male company with her, show me some respect!

The room we have is for two people with a breathtaking sea view, but the size of the room looks like it can contain two more people without a doubt. It would be better if Komachi and Totsuka can come with us… Wait, if they really come with us, then this space will become heaven! But Yukinoshita will definitely glare at me if I say that, so I better hide the thoughts in my mind. Not to mention there is only a bed for two people, I can't stand Totsuka sleeping anywhere but the bed! But Yukinoshita and Komachi can't sleep outside the bed, too. So umm…Well, damn that must be the most wonderful scene to enjoy…

Closing my eyes, I force myself to turn away from the bed. Yukinoshita calmly sighs.

"You really should control your face, I can literally read what you are thinking right after we walked into the room… If there are four people, it would be best that you sleep with Totsuka on the bed together."

"W-wait! I can? Is it legal and moral?"

"I don't know what moral and law it violates… And it is you who will definitely violate them both."

She points out the truth without hesitation. Well that hurt. I'm sorry, Totsuka. I really want to sleep with you, but I can't ensure I can hold myself… Sleep on the pillows for two will still be lonely without you. If the ocean can take away my sorrow like bringing away every river, then please bring Totsuka here, too. And I would really appreciate that. (P.S. From the lyrics of "雙人枕頭 Pillows for two" by Wang Shih-Hsien and "大海 The ocean" by Chang Yu-sheng)

"Oh right, I heard that there will be some events held outside this night."

I recall and tell Yukinoshita. She blinks while sitting on the edge of the bed, "Events? Will there be a lot of people?"

"I don't know. I just heard that from the reception. Looks like there will be a festival around here this night…"

"If there are a lot of people, you should be really careful, Hikigaya-kun. You will be dead if you are stepped on."

"Turns out the cockroach setting is still going on…" You are really a person who insists… By the way, rather than being a cockroach, I want to be a periodical cicada more. I can sleep underground for twenty-nine years! And I can rest in peace after mating once I come out, isn't it great to be a periodical cicada? It is my model, the best choice for me if I become an insect next life.

Smirking naughtily, she turns looking to the sea outsides. It is evening now, with sunset sprinkling a charming orange color from the sky. Her grey eyes reflect the glow, with her fair skin colored by the sunset. I am completely obsessed with the painting-like scene, breathtakingly. Yukinoshita says calmly, "…The view here is really obsessing."

I snap back suddenly and nod, "…After all, that's my Chiba, the most flawless place in the world."

"You are still pretty paranoid about Chiba…" Yukinoshita can't help but sigh. That's for sure, if Chiba and my Mom fell into the river, I will rescue my Mom first since Chiba won't drown. By the way, I won't rescue if it was you, because I doubt that when I jump into the river, I will be the one who needs to be rescued, and you will be the one who saves me.

Anyway, we stay in the room for a moment, then we go to enjoy our dinner in the restaurant of the hotel. That's why it is a high-end hotel, the food tastes something else, astonishingly delicious. But what makes me really surprised is that it makes no difference between the dinner that is made by Yukinoshita. Oh no, it is all because of her that makes my tongue can't accept cheap foods no more. Better have me some cup noodles to lower my tastes, or it would be a trouble that I can't accept anything that isn't cooked by you. If that becomes true, I can't face Komachi that made me some soup every day! (P.S. In Chinese, "making soup" originally means a wife that just married her husband is adjusting her cook style to match the preference of her sister-in-law. Since Hachiman is a sister-con…)

After dinner, the time is still early for going to Onsen; as a result, we decide to take rest in the room for a while. When returning, we found out there is a recreation room with table tennis in it. Yukinoshita mumbles, "Why there is a table tennis in an Onsen hotel?"

"Don't ask me, I'm also curious as hell. Just like as soon as Chiba mentioned, peanuts would be the first thing that comes into mind. However, it is not delicious at all."

"But I think peanut brittle is delicious… Forget about that, Hikigaya-kun?"

Somehow Yukinoshita smirks, "Since here's a chance, let's have a contest."

"…You know I can't win against you."

I reply honestly, she nods like it is the absolute truth. "Of course I know that, so here's the deal. I'll handicap some points… Six points would be enough?"

"Taking about enough or not…" Look at Yukinoshita, she's pretty interested in having competition against me. Well, I have seen this before. That's her "I have to win" syndrome. But this is one of her syndromes that is easier to deal with, the difficult part is to take the challenge wholeheartedly. But even if I take it seriously, there is still more than eighty percent of chance that I would lose against her.

I look toward her black skirt, "Would it be inconvenient to play table tennis since you are wearing a skirt?"

"It doesn't matter to me. If you insist, I can change it to pants, I put those in the suitcase."

After thinking, "Well then, let's play game."

"Ara? Unexpectedly, seems like you are pretty confident about that."

"Com'on, I'm pretty good at it. I'm being called the best during my junior high."

"Having no friends playing with you is totally different from never losing, Hikigaya-kun?"

"Umm…!" My black history is exposed, again! Coughing, I say, "Anyway, I accept the challenge. But I have one rule for the game."

"Keep trash-talking, I can win this even with my left hand only."

"No, not like that. Anyway, let's borrow some billiard rackets first. Hehe."

I laugh in evil, somehow Yukinoshita frowns like she saw some dirty things hide in the corner. But this woman definitely won't be affected by me. Well…even though I don't sure that this would work, I really want to have a taste of triumph. After all, I seldom lose for something but also not winning too much. Except for a perfect Imouto and a perfect girlfriend… Wait, did I just say something pretty sarcastic? By the way, if I change "and" by "also", it would be some Alabama moment.

Anyway, we successfully borrowed rackets and balls and found us a table for an epic fight. Yukinoshita let the ping-pong bounce, raises her head, and starts provoking me, "…Should we bet something if we are going on a match?"

"…What are you going to bet? I have no money left, it is all under your control."

"Money is not what I desire for. Saying about control, I didn't control you that much… Anyway, the loser has to fulfill one request from the winner, how about that?"

She proposes an old-school bet without thinking too much. Well, I'm not against that. Since it makes no difference that I always have to follow your orders without doubt… I nod for a moment.

After banking, decides I will be the one to serve first. Ready in a serving position, "Oh right, now here's my demand for the rules."

She replies leisurely with her hand holding the racket, "Say it."

"I demand a best-of-nine game."

Right after I said the rule, she opens her eyes wide shockingly. That's right, this would definitely surprise her! I catch this moment and strike the ball in no time.

"…"

"…I can't believe I really take the victory against you."

About an hour later, we have a surprising result of the match. Yukinoshita is pretty vexed, her slim arm holds onto the table, with her another hand wipes the sweat from her forehead. Umm…I have a Déjà vu about this scene for a few hours ago, right? She panted slightly and said exhausted, "I can't accept that, one more game."

"Please don't, you have already proven yourself proficient at table tennis…"

For the first several rounds I was completely defeated even though she is already in a handicap game with six points behind. Table tennis is not an exercise that exhausts too much, but even if that, the limit for her is seven rounds. Not to mention she already walked a lot today. As the result, I barely won the next five rounds. But Yukinoshita, I remembered you can play tennis for a long time before exhausted back in high school… Should you start exercising more often? After all, bullying me won't make your stamina better!

"…Alright. A good loser admits her defeat for the bet. The deal is the deal, I'll abide by your one request."

She still looks like she refused to accept the result, but gave up her mind eventually. Letting out a sigh, she says, "…T still can't accept that I was defeated by you, Hikigaya-kun…"

"Don't say that, after all you gave up six points. If not I don't think I would have a single chance to win this." But I still pretty much admire myself, since I kept distracted by your skirts floating around. Even under such a lure, I still manage myself focusing on the game. In the aspect of suppressing the instinct, you are completely defeated!

Anyway, we both take a break in the room, then here comes the part that we travel for.

Onsen! Hot spring! And mixed bathing that everyone longed for! (Okay I know that only me expect that.)

…Alright, mixed bathing is really not a big deal for me since we live together for two years already. It would be strange if I would still be shy about this. Also, I don't know if the Onsen here is for mixed or for separate. So, after calming down, I realize that the God of youth romantic comedy has already gifted me his best blessing that shouldn't have come to me even if I reincarnated eighty-seven times. And yes, that is, Yukinoshita is my girlfriend. I'm not daring to request more, or consequences await. Urge and greedy, they are traps of the devil.

"So, what type of Onsen is provided here?"

Yukinoshita reads the guiding booklet from the reception, "There are many types of it. But if we are going together, the only choice is the one for the family."

"Uh-Umm, are we going together?"

"Huh? I don't think there is any other option…?" Confusingly, she raises her head, looking at me. And soon flushes after realizing my meaning. She pretends she is calm, coughing, "…Just going to Onsen together, you are not that kind of person that would be embarrassing for that even outside, right Hikigaya-kun?"

"You are right about that…" Gulping. Damn, the God of Youth romantic comedy is the best! The strongest, the kindest, and the most powerful God of the world! If anyone is going to build a shrine for you, I will definitely devote a grand every day for what you blessed. Thanks my Lord! Hail my Lord! Here are my best regards to my Lord! Let me kneel in front of you!

"…Just go to Onsen, that simple. No more. Needless to say more, right?"

She lowers her head, whispering. Of course, even I won't do something naughty when we are outside… Trust me, I never thought that.

Preparing for a moment, we then go to the Onsen for the family. By the way, Yukinoshita forces me to go into first. Turns out she would still be embarrassed about it.

Anyway, as soon as I open the door, I am shocked by the view in front of me. "Ohhhhh! Onsen!"

Below stylish wooden eaves, there is a square Onsen steaming white and thick. With the sky going dark, and the persimmon lights glowing, the environment looks a lot warmer than it feels. Even looking at it would make my body feels warmer. That's the magic of Onsen! Slowing testing the temperature, hmm, that's a bit too hot… Never mind, I may endure this after showering. Yelling to Yukinoshita who might still prepare herself in the locker room, "Hey, Yukinoshita!"

"Yes?"

Her hazy voice comes through the door. I say in excitement, "It is a real one! A real Onsen! Not fake, not cold! It is hot as f!"

"Why are you going crazy suddenly?" Yukinoshita chuckles like she heard something interesting, "Please clean your body first before bathing yourself in it. Don't make the workers here have to spend additional times sterilizing, Hikigaya-kun."

"It says it has a function that can sterilize, so I don't see a problem here."

"You admit yourself a germ without doubt…"

Looks like Yukinoshita-san still feels embarrassed… Well, forget her. It is such a rare chance to relax in this wonderful Onsen right now. I start showering myself, then have my whole body sink into the Onsen. Once I soak into it, the smell only comes from Onsen soon fills my nose. The whole body is completely relaxed like I am lying on a softy bed. What a time to go to an Onsen… By the way, I can't even remember when did I go to an Onsen last time. If the grand bathhouse during the graduation trip counts, then it might not be a long time. But since I didn't go with Totsaka, it is a worthless memory to remember. If ocean can recall the love we once have, please call Totsuka here, thanks. (P.S. From the lyrics of "大海 The ocean" by Chang Yu-sheng)

Not for too long, the door opens. It is Yukinoshita, who is wearing a bath towel around her body with her hair up.

"…I realize late that it would be more… by you looking at."

With her face blushing, she mumbles. Her fair, snow-like skin is exposed without any protection, and her arms holding the towel around her are as slender as a fragile artifact that would break at any moment. Her wonderfully shaped thighs display like they are some treasure showing in the museum but in front of me without any cover. Although this is not the first time I seeing her naked, her beauty is breathtaking, overwhelmingly perfect like she is not belonging to this ordinary world, and feels like I can't completely etch in my mind if I don't sacrifice something important in my life. I look away, "…Well, get in here. Don't get cold."

She stiffly nods, but somehow a bit vexed, "Please… Don't stare at me." Then she starts showering, but letting the towel off, for sure. Never mind, never mind. I didn't stare at it. Well, just a couple looks only.

After cleaning her body, she wears the towel once again. Carefully testing the water, she soon soaks herself in agilely. With a sigh of satisfaction, she leans on the edge, "Feels like it's been a long time to go to an Onsen like this."

"Me too... Well, this all thanks to Haruno-san."

"True. After all, this hotel isn't affordable for us."

Seems like she feels the same as me, well she's right. After going to the college, she refuses any kind of assistance from her family except the tuition. The rest are earned by working for her father. And that's why Haruno was a bit upset when she could only find me to help with her work, because she thought Yukinoshita should take the job from Haruno as the first priority. But Yukinoshita doesn't aware of it. But I think Haruno actually stands with her Imouto to be more active in her club, after all she often sends some gifts to her club to show her support.

Yukinoshita stretches her slender legs under the water. Whoa whoa whoa! Stop moving your legs! I don't know where should I look at! I change the topic to disguise myself from being overwhelmed, "Hmm…I'll better find myself another part-time job then."

"Don't misunderstand it. I'm not dissing you for being poverty. After all we are just college students, there's a limit for us to earn more."

The surface of Onsen ripples as she chuckles. "But, dissing you being a pervert, that's not a joke then. You are having a fetish for legs, huh? And I mean, a lot."

"Sh-shuts it!" Once again my fetish is completely exposed. Looking away, "Here's my disclaimer, not every leg I would like. For example, Tsujisomething-san in your club, her legs are clearly over-trained, compares to her yours are a lot better."

"Tsuji-e San? I heard that she is also active in the badminton club… How about Iroha-san?"

"Iroha? Hers are looking good back in high school, but feels too slim when I saw her a few days ago, not a healthy form I would say. Uh, wait! Are you trying to lure something from my mouth?!"

But it is too late. She soon squints, with a dangerous aura emitting around her. Oh shit! Red alert! Red alert! This is definitely DEFCON 1! Where is the shelter? Ah! The emergency ejection seat! It sure is around somewhere! Just like AED!

"Before talking about how many legs you have watched in my club… You met Iroha-san a few days ago?"

"J-Just a coincidence! I bumped into her on my way home! So we chatted for a moment! That's all!" I promise! And I don't think it is necessary to speak out that I was forced to buy her juice under her fierce attack. Such an embarrassing memory… Yukinoshita becomes silent for a moment, then she gives out a smile that shows no mercy, "Hikigaya-kun, come here."

"Y-Yes, your Majesty."

There are no option for me but to be close to her. Yukinoshita stares at me seriously. Oh shit, she is going to scold me for a considerable time… Somehow, she says soon after, "…Focus."

"…At what?"

"At my legs, of course. I have to let Hikigaya-kun knows, that your girlfriend is undefeatable in every aspect."

"Umm, I don't think so. There is definitely one place and that's your…"

I reply in no time, and she glances at me aggressively right after, with her hands covering her flat chest. Irritated, she says, "…I won't lose on that, either. B-But let's compare the other parts now, shall we? Not every investment rewards good. Same logic, a person like Hikigaya-kun who is pretty dumb probably won't understand, but I can explain it to you kindly. Diversification means…"

"Alright, alright. I completely get what you're saying…" Don't make me compassionate you more… Besides that really isn't the point, after all I'm not a boobs chaser. Rather than that I much prefer the type like yours more after dating with you for a long time. A person shouldn't be superficial to date a person just for her figure! That's right! So having a job or not shouldn't be criticized, too! If someone loves a person very much, she should feed him for the rest of his life! That's the greatest of love! So, if you love me, please find a job with a high payout, I would be really appreciated that.

Anyway, since she demands me to look at her legs, then let me have a closer look. I start observing her slender legs under the water closely. Damn… They are awesome as always. No matter the length, the ratio, or the shape, all of them are perfectly flawless. If I could I would definitely store them inside a glass showcase. Seeing me enjoying, she satisfyingly nods, "Right? Hikigaya-kun? They are definitely the best and no one can compete against them."

"As I said before, there is no necessity to compare those to others…" I raise my head, saying like I am defeated by her eagerness of winning, "Even if there are legs that are looking better than you, What's the difference? The woman I love the most is still you. And you know that well."

She nods rightfully after hearing what I said, "That's true. But I can't allow you to look at other women. Do you understand? Hikigaya-kun? That feels like defeat, and it irritates me."

"You have said that it would be acceptable if just look at…"

"That's based on me completely winning. So I have to let you know I am undefeatable."

"Ookoku? The senpai you mentioned before…"

"…I admit that Ookoku senpai's legs are truly better… No, not better, but at the same level as mine. So you are prohibited to meet her anymore."

"I totally forgot who she is at all!"

Open my eyes in shock. But once I said, she finally smiles, cheerful this time. "…Well, just kidding."

A soft touch on my hands, it is she gently covering her palms on the back of my hands. She says in a peaceful tone, "…But, I want myself to be the first place in your mind. Just for you. No matter where you look, or who you watch, at last you would always turn back to me. That's all I hope."

My gosh! Damn! This woman can't be this cute! You can't be this sudden to tell me that! I suppress my eagerness to cuddle her in my arms with a strong will, answering in a stiff tone, "W-Well… You really don't need to worry about that. In my thoughts, no one can compete against you."

"Good. That's a good thinking."

She smiles in a very good mood. Umm, but wait, I don't feel any cheerful from your eyes. "So, about how many legs you have observed in my club. Let's discuss that now."

Yukinoshita Yukino has mines around her gentleness, as I expected…

After we have enough Onsen, we return to the room. But soon found out I left something back in the locker room, so I return there to get things back. When I return to the room, Yukinoshita already changes herself with a Yukata provided by the hotel. She leans on the frame of the window, looking outside, with the lights in the room remains off.

"Yukinoshita? Why do you leave the lights off…?"

As soon as I call her, a bang comes from the outside.

Then, the fireworks blooms like beautiful flowers in the night sky.

Yukinoshita is gazing at the breathtaking scene that is somehow uncatchable to me, the splendid blooming reflects deeply in her eyes. Under the sparkles, the existence of her becomes much overwhelming in the dark. Her fair nape is colored by the splendor lights, with her dark hairs flickering. Her face is like coming out of a masterpiece, breathtaking and has me freezing as her beauty casting magic on me. A few seconds pass, she then finds out that I've already come back. With a charming smile, she turns towards me.

"…The event outside, it starts."

"Uh-Umm, oh right… Turns out those are fireworks."

"…Looks like you space out for a moment?"

She winks in curiosity. Because seeing the most breathtaking scene of you so I suddenly forgot who I am where I was what I'm doing… And that's the truth I'll definitely hide inside my mind down to the grave! Or she would definitely make fun of me for days. I shake my head in silence and sit beside her on the frame.

The fireworks are still blooming in the starry night, like the ode to the wishes of the world by someone, passing the blessing to the world, the fireworks blooming grandly as the festival will never end, painting masterpieces on the endless sky. I and she, gazing in silence. We're speechless, the words, the thoughts, and everything, reflecting into each other's mind with the sparkles shining.

"…What a view."

Yukinoshita whispers, she then turns towards me, with a moment of silence, her body leaning on me gently. Her warm weight makes me freeze, umm…Well, it should be good if I hold her hands now, right? Just in case, should I mail Komachi about "when, who, and where", and the situation to ask about what should I do next? N-nevermind, here goes nothing! So I gently hold her hands, Yukinoshita acts a bit surprised, but soon she holds me back tightly.

We cuddle together. After a few seconds, she says.

"…It is wonderful to come with you."

She closes her eyes, with a sweet, warm breath. Flirting, "…Frankly, I never thought there would be a day like this."

"…Like what?"

"Just… like today." She whispers. Since we cuddle, with her saying, trembles in a frequency comes from her slender, fragile body. In silence, I feel the unexpectedly fragile of her. "…Just like this moment, cuddling, being relied on. Trusting on, being trusted by… I never thought that even though it is me, can come to this far."

"…After all you are tough."

"No, not at all."

Somehow, she denies. Shaking her head, "The only thing I always want… is to prove myself. To prove I'm the only truth, and all the others are lost in stupidity. With endless trying, making mistakes, missing. In the end, I'm just another idiot as everyone. Not even a fact I have proven, there's nothing I gain in the end. And that's me, the one who arrogantly thought herself more than just a nobody. That can't be called 'tough' at all. In fact, you are the one who is tougher than me."

"…"

Hearing Yukinoshita showing her weak rarely, I have no idea how to reply but silence. Hachiman, say something! My inner voice shouts to me. This is the lost piece of her inner world. Just her, only her, Yukinoshita Yukino, the only existence that you should fully give out support and comfort, isn't it? However, I can't say out even a single word. Searching all the vocabulary and phrases in my mind, there is not even an answer for her, and for me. Angry at myself for being so powerless, but Yukinoshita awares of my anxiety. She smiles in silence, with her hands hold tighter.

"…But, it doesn't matter anymore. Because I joined the service club, met Yui… and you. I have met so many people, and went through a lot of things with all of you. Even a person like me, you all still keep supporting me. That really makes me… very, very happy, and also relieved."

Opening her eyes, with a warm smile on her face, she whispers, "So, Hikigaya-kun. Thank you, and all of you… And the following is only for you. I am difficult to get along with, stubborn, eager for victories, being such a troublesome woman. But, deep down inside me, I wish you can by my side, for today, for tomorrow, and forever."

"…Well, umm… That's exactly what should I say. I'm also such a troublesome guy, don't you leave me first."

Looking toward her. Her deep, dark eyes are right towards me. She once again closes her eyes, under the shine of the blooming sparkles. Two shadows approach, and finally combine.

For seconds, we slowly divide, and enjoy the aftertaste. Her cheeks are flushed with crimson, with her lips flickering. Murmuring, "U-umm, so, Hikigaya-kun?"

"…Yes?"

"I have walked a lot, and we played a lot of table tennis today, so…"

"Don't worry about it, I am going to leave you a nice sleep without disturbance."

"N-no, not like that. What I mean is, …"

Yukinoshita looks away with her cheeks flushed.

"…Please be gentle tonight."

…At last, the only thing I'm going to say is, "Haruno is the one who knows Yukinoshita Yukino the best, as expected."

And, it is the best thing I ever did to win Yukinoshita once on table tennis.

---

Anyway, our short trip ends when the day comes. After we take on a train, the usual days await us.

At first, I thought everything will back to normal.

A few days later, on a night with rain pouring from the sky.

I am reading at home alone, while Yukinoshita is roaming outside with Yuigahama. I have not a single worry for her since the forecast already told about the weather. Woooooo! What a relaxing night, relaxing enough that my brain can't even remember my own name… Umm, what was I called? Hakuman? Or Hataman? Hmm, Hataman sounds better! Hataman relax. Hataman cry. Hataman sleep.

As I am thinking stupid things, someone is knocking.

"Who in the world will visit at this time…"

Definitely not Yukinoshita, she brings keys with her always. Even if she doesn't, she will ring the bell. I stand up and go to open the door.

Outside the door, there is a girl who is wearing a junior high uniform.

I am pretty familiar with the uniform she wears since it was the same as mine. The girl seems like she doesn't have an umbrella with her since all her clothes are completely wet. Seeing this scene, I frown.

"…Hey, why are you here?"

"…My name is not 'Hey'."

The girl answers in a cold and indifferent tone, just as usual.

"…My name is called Tsurumi Rumi."

(To be continued)