Translator notes:
Hi fellow OreGairu fans! Are you guys having a good day today?
Three years ago, I heard that S3 anime was heavily towards Yuigahama and most of Yukino's scene got deleted. This made me furious and refuse to watch the anime. After years, I think I should give myself a pass to watch it, and oh boy, it is such an enjoyable anime that I should have watched once it comes out back in the day! With the excitement of back to the series, I recall one of the best Doujin I have ever seen written by NothingHeart. So I go find out his Doujin about OreGairu and watch them again, it is also such an enjoyable time. Then, I have a thought that I want to share my enjoyment to fans of OreGairu. So I try to translate one of his masterpiece, and there it is. "He and she, their winter is still continued." is the one I decide to translate first and share in here.
The first chapter is about Hikigaya and Yukino going to celebrate being together for two years. You may find out something strange during reading, that Hiratsuka-sensei is still in Sobu High School. That's because this doujin is written back in 2015, where official series hasn't finished yet. And why I choose this story first? Because I'm simp for Yukino! And there are 4 more chapters to go, expecting that!
Also, since both me and the author are Taiwanese, there will be a number of Taiwanese memes in this and other doujin stories. I'll do my best to explain them to let you guys won't be confused while reading the doujin.
At last, I hope my English is acceptable to have you guys enjoy this story. If you think my English is acceptable and the story is enjoyable, please let me know, I'll keep translating his others work and share in here!
So let's begin!
He and She, Their Winter Is Still Continued.
Chapter 1
Author/ NothingHeart
Translator/ Demon_Homura
"Youth is the best period of life to be collection." That's right, we can often hear people praising their youth. Those people who can say out these words proudly, must be the ones who think teenage time is the best, the most wonderful, and the most valuable treasure, right? However, if this phrase is correct, isn't it means a lifetime is useless without youth? So this must be abnormal. It is quibbling, it is phony, must be a lie that have no room to discuss. It is valuable for each period of lifetime to be remembered, there is no part of the lifetime that shouldn't be cherished. Or else it may be too offended to those who struggled for the whole time.
That's it, so here is the conclusion.
God shall give mercy explosion to those who honoring the youth!
"Hikigaya, what the hell is this?"
Now I'm in the teachers' office of Sōbu high school. And there is a gorgeous female, who teaches in Sōbu high schools, talking furiously in front of me. She is holding the report I just completed, punching those papers onto the desk, looking at me like she will bring the most horrible death to me if I'm not giving out a decent answer.
"..As what Hiratsuka sensei saw, it is my class report I'm going to hand out. If you done reading please sign it for me."
"Right, right…Sign it, huh?"
Hiratsuka sensei is looking at me silently, as I look back to her simultaneously.
…After a few seconds, there is a bright smile merge from her face.
"You better be dreaming that I will sign this BS for you!"
As soon as she completed the words, a fist reached to my stomach like it travelling as fast as light. While feeling that extraordinary punch towards my stomach, I fall to the ground, groaning like a useless prick. Ughhh…Feels like gastric acid is going to flood out…And what the hell is this taste? Taste like the dumpling I ate this noon…? Ewww…
Enduring the pain, I barely saying, "Hi-Hiratsuka sensei…You are still violent as always…No wonder you still not in marriaarrrrrrrrghhhpfffffffff!"
Another powerful fist comes straight towards my stomach, and it is much heavier than previous one. I almost thought that I was definitely like a squished tomato after this strong punch. Even "Resurrection of the Dead" cannot bring me back. (P.S. From Yu-Gi-Oh!)
Hiratsuka sensei looking at me who is barely breathing, sighed," Hikigaya, look. You are already studying in university, but you are still twisted like you used to be…"
"Ye-yeah, just like Hiratsuka sensei still single while over her thir- pfffffffuuughhh!"
Hiratsuka sensei just knock me out before I can even finish my words. What am I doing here today…? Finish my report or just being a human sandbag..?
This beautiful teacher staring at me, "Anyway. Although I understand that you are coming back here for your report, I can't sign for this BS. Better rewrite one boy." Looking at her face expression, I almost think that her next line is "trying to cover the hates towards the world by some flowery phrases." If she really said that I will be very ashamed of myself. But I don't think my words is that great though…
I painfully reach to my papers. "Okay! Okay. I definitely will rewrite it! Please don't beat me anymore!"
"Good," Hiratsuka sensei nodding her head satisfyingly, the smile reappears on her face. "Well, the last time beating you like this was a long time ago. You better come back more often, yes? There is no more student needs to be educated with my powerful fists like you these years~"
"Allow me to refuse that…" I barely stand up with my last breath, dust my knees off. "This is a no-return mission, I really cannot take it. Maybe you should find a student that is reincarnated by Gundam." Or else I will be a deadman even I have multiple lives.
"Well, what a shame."
Hiratsuka sensei's face is saying that she felt really sorry for the rejection. "I have a lot of pressure because of work these days. Hope there is another student that is endurable enough~"
"Hiratsuka sensei, are you running on the roads towards the future that making every student as your sandbag?" Sensei you really treat me as a relief of pressure for free huh? So sad. I almost going to charge you for how you treated me for these three years in high school.
"Just joking. After all you are the only one that needs to be corrected by my love of fist."
Hiratsuka sensei laughed after talking. Even though I didn't meet her for a considerable time, she is still so freaking handsome. I slightly lower my head, "Well, it is late now. I'm going to home."
"Oh. You will still come back few days after aren't you?"
"True. Though I only need to hand this report out before midterm."
Hearing what I said, Hiratsuka sensei somehow looking at me with a bit cheerful. "Before midterm? Then you are really doing it seriously boy. The semester just started, and you are already doing the midterm report. Looks like I really taught you well…That Hikigaya, the one who always trying to be lazy by any means, really changed."
"What? Wasn't I always finding the most efficient ways to be lazy? I am the type of person that finishing summer vacation homework in the early hours. Rather than saying me being not lazy, it is better to say I am becoming the master of laziness. The thing needs to be done should be done anyway. So I can be lazy by doing it early."
"Well, right. You are not completely wrong about that. Can't argue about this."
"No matter what, it is such a wonderful thing to watch the student I once taught changed good." Happily said, Hiratsuka sensei smiled.
Laughing awkwardly, "Changed, huh? I don't think I have any change."
Hiratsuka sensei patting my shoulder, "Hikigaya, People always changed. In others' eyes you changed even you don't think so. For example, your eyes…"
She stared at my eyes for a moment silently, then turn away awkwardly. "…Are you become taller, Hikigaya?"
"Aren't we talking about my eyes? Sensei?"
"Well, those rotten eyes truly never changed." Hiratsuka sensei said, awkwardly. "Ha! Just like what I said! I didn't change at all. The people who changes just after a few years shouldn't be trusted, the real chad should never change!" Satisfyingly, I snorted.
"I'm not praising you. Why are you so cocky?"
Hiratsuka sensei knock my head. Hey! That's hurt! Why sensei, why! "But well. This might have been born like this…It can't be changed even if want to. Nevermind…"
Hiratsuka sensei stretch, asking me, "Well, is time for me to get off work. Let's go get some ramen together, shall we? There is a new ramen restaurant nearby, tastes are unique, the soy sauce and Tonkotsu they used are decent, and it is also huge! The only downside is that it's a bit far. So, how about that?"
"Well, it is a few months for the last time I ate ramen with sensei…" However, I shake my head, smiling bitterly. "It is a yes usually. But not today."
"Ah, you just came back to town. You are planning to have dinner with your family, right?" Nah…I'm not going home, too. But I didn't spit it out. And Hiratsuka sensei scratched her cheek, "Sorry sorry, I am too ignorant. Well, looks like I have to enjoy my dinner alone…"
"…Sensei you still didn't find you a good man these days?"
To not get beaten again, I ask carefully. Hiratsuka sensei lower her head painfully, "I have no time for that! Work! Work! Work! Always god damn work!" God damn, it is terrifying. It is still terrifying when Hiratsuka sensei is sinking in her darkness. Please someone! Marry her! There is a beauty who is gorgeous, handsome and have a nice figure! You can gain affection by talking about old anime, just that simple! If no one going to marry her, let me doing it!
…Wait, no. I can't do that now and after. Sorry Hiratsuka sensei! So please someone marry her, I begging you!
Saying carefully, "Well, umm…Hiratsuka sensei, I sincerely hope you have a wonderful marriage as soon as possible."
She looking up at me with tears in her eyes, "I am hoping that, too!" Wow…There is quite a contrast with her usual handsome image. Have to say that she is so adorable, I almost crushed on her! What the hell is wrong with this world? Such a wonderful woman, but with no man likes her. There must be some mistakes. It must be the biggest bug around me of this world that Hiratsuka sensei is single.
ll
So, due to Hiratsuka sensei's bad mood, I spend additional time to chat with her. School dismiss is right around the corner when I walked out the school. The cold temperature of the prelude of the winter night has me trembling.
"Those who honoring the youth are the dull ones." Raising my head, with bitter laugh I once again look at the gate that I have familiar with yet somehow unfamiliar. Although I won't specifically want to recall, to memorize those three years I suffering myself, looking for the true path during my high school. But still, I have a special time at here. This must not be a mistake. Since it doesn't need to be honored, I just need to put it in my memory and that's it.
The thing exist shall be existed, it can't be wiped, and cannot be denied. So, even if trying to wipe out those black history, it will still be there. Even shutting everyone's mouth, there is still someone knows it and it is you. Wait, I have an idea. How about I shut mouth of anyone who knows and then smashing myself by a hammer until forgetting everything? Problem solved! But well, such convenient thing can only be found from Doraemon, right? I just can't win with you, Hachiman…Don~dondon~dondon! Forgetting hammer! It is shame that forgetting hammer and Doraemon are never exist. Welcome to the real world.
Looking at the report in my hand, guess I'm going to revise it by computer after going back home. Hope her mood won't become much worse after reading the revised report.
Getting on the train, I move towards the place I came from. Reach the destination about half an hour.
About five minutes after walking out of the station, I reach to the place I live presently.
"Hope she's still there…" I am done if she left earlier than I thought. She's still having my only keys…
Fortunately, sounds of footsteps go through the doors and into my ears. With doors opened, the adorable face appears. That's Komachi.
She had a reassuring look as soon as she saw me, "Yay! Fortunately Onii-chan come back! Komachi is planning to leave Onii-chan behind!"
"Please don't. I have no any other way to get home."
Komachi open the door entirely to let me in, and then I realize she still wearing the uniform of Sōbu high school. Seems like she directly come to here right after school. I can't help but feel sorry to her. "Sorry, asking you help me out of this. I am really busy today…" Walking into door, apologize to Komachi.
"Don't felt sorry about that! I'm not occupied today anyway!" Komachi saying delightfully, she grabs her schoolbag leaning against the wall, waving to me. "Well then, Komachi going to leave first! I had everything done and leave them in the kitchen, just heat them a bit and they should be delicious! Oh right! Keys are on the desk in the living room!"
"…You can stay here and have dinner with us you know."
I mumbled. However Komachi shake her head, refusing my proposal. "Don't even think about that! Komachi won't mess up such a great time! Komachi are going home and watch some television~"
"We have TV here, too…" "Shush! So annoying! Shut up Baka Onii-chan!"
Komachi said dissatisfiedly, turning around fluently then leave. Before leaving, she gives me a cute smile with her tiny yaeba saying goodbye to me. (P.S. Yaeba, canine tooth in Japanese)
"Then here's the goodbye. Ganbade Onii-chan!"
Komachi leave with delightfully steps after saying. Watch my lovely sister until she completely disappeared, "What she wants me to fight for…", whispering.
Walk through the hallway, I throw my back bag onto the couch. Into the kitchen, those delicious dishes prepared by Komachi are dispensing delicious scent from the table. Looks like they sure did just finish. All the dishes Komachi made are delicious after heated a bit or even being cold. That's my Imouto! She always has everything covered. I sincerely don't want her married, she is the world greatest Imouto, it would be awesome if she belongs to me forever… That said, she still has no boyfriend now. Good, looks like the time I have to use my basketball bat hasn't come, and I hope I'll never have to use it.
When I have my head in the clouds, there is some meowing at my feet. Looking down, that's our cat, Rumi. She is meowing unhappily. I knelt down, petting her white, soft fur, but she is still looking at me unhappily. Hey, don't lie to me Rumi! I already told Komachi to feed you if I still not got home before five thirty. So you must already have your dinner, there is no way to cheat another meal!
…Well, under the offensive from her eyes, I still take out the dried anchovies and give them to her. Now, thank me! You stupid Rumi! If the dried anchovies are out, the only thing you can do is keep staring at me.
Since the preparation is almost done, now is the time to have fun! I pick up my PS Vita, lying on the couch and start to play. Rumi just finished her another meal, starts cleaning up her fur boringly. Just a simple time, but also a peaceful, happiness time to have. Hail to "nothing", "nothing" is great! It would be much better if I don't need to go to college tomorrow, but yeah, it is impossible. Well…Sometimes I really want to be a normal college student, you know, skip some class and having some extra fun.
As I breakthrough stage five and going to challenge the next stage, the doorbell ring. Rumi also raise her head while she is already laying herself on the couch with me.
I glanced at the clock on the wall, it is already six thirty. Seems like she is a bit late today. I walked up and opened the door slowly, with Rumi jumped off the couch and come by with me to the door.
"…I'm home."
"Okay."
Outside the door, there is a girl wearing deep grey, fashioned coat with pink scarf. Her dark, long hair shaking slightly and softly. Her perfect, gorgeous, doll-like face seems a bit tired. She handed her red leather bag to me. "Otsukaresama deshita(お疲れ様でした)." I took off her bag, praising her hard work after the whole day.
"It is not that hard. After all I'm not the one who leads the event…"She have some bitter smile on her face, kneeling down, touching Rumi's head softly. Rumi close her eyes, seems she feels really comfortable, purring softly. "Watching a numbers of children running around the place, it feels kinda exhausted anyways…"
"That's how children act, right? If Komachi isn't cute when she was small I wouldn't like kids either."
"But, not every child is good as Komachi." The girl—that is, Yukino Yukinoshita, she stands up with me, walking through the hallway. She takes off her coat and her scarf, hanging them on the hanger in the living room, while I put her bag on the table. She looking at me confusingly, asks, "You didn't change your clothes, either. Do you just come back home right before me?"
"Well yeah, you are right. I just got home."
"Seems like you haven't had your dinner. Sorry about that, I got home lately today…" Yukinoshita said peacefully. She tied her long hair with a hair tie, looks like she is going to cook. "I going to cook now, wait me for a bit moment."
"Wait! Wait. You don't need to cook today!" I smiled proudly. How about that, Yukinoshita! I'm going to surprised you today! However Yukinoshita didn't surprise at all, looking at me confusedly. "What? You want to go out for dinner?"
"It's not like that, don't you have an option that I have already cooked?" My shoulder dropped in frustrate. This woman never thought that I would cook at first…Even I have already done it once…
Yukinoshita finally looks kinda surprised. She turns around toward the kitchen, and finds out there do have delicious dishes that wait on the table. Her charming hands brush the lips, looks like she is trying to cover her smile. "…I have no idea why you are doing this. But I know that those dishes aren't your masterpiece."
"Well, you right. Komachi cooked those." Compromised. But I don't have any thought to conceal it in the first place though. Precise to say, I know there is nothing can hide from her. After all she is Detective Yukino, she is that kind of detective that will drive any suspect by her savage tongue until the suspect cry out loud, yelling "Yes it's me! Please stop cursing me like that! Pleaaaaaaaaase!" By the way, I know how this renowned detective doing the interrogation. Since I have already played the role of the suspect for many times. Wish she will hold back a little next time…
After hearing Komachi doing all of this, a smile appears on Yukinoshita's face, somehow she tilts her head a bit, "But…why Komachi come here and made dinner for us specially? There is a distance between here and your home." She asks confusingly.
"…Well. I asked her to do this." Embarrassingly, I scratched my head, saying in a stiff tone, "After all this is that 'day', don't know if you still remember that."
"…Ara, I see." Yukinoshita seems like she finally realized, she slightly open her eye, looking at me. "It is really surprising me. I don't expect you remember it. Because of that, I almost forget about that, too."
"Frankly, I just recalled that recently." Shame to say that thanks to Komachi reminds me, or else I can't even recall it. Sob sob. However Komachi require me should never tell out the truth. Now I finally realize why she said that. "Well, after all you and I are not that kind of people do will remember these types of things." I scratch my cheek, embarrassingly.
"Ara. But I still remember this day 'til now." Yukinoshita smiled, clamly but somewhat complacently. Soon after she sighed, "…But I'm a little busy these days, still forgot it for period. Hence I didn't prepare anything for today…"
"Don't mind! Don't mind! After all I'm the man who has a big heart! Needless to say all these things just what I and Komachi wants unilaterally." And I'm really telling out the truth. Without the reminds from Komachi, me and Yukinoshita definitely will just have another ordinary day, and won't mind about it even after we recalled that. Nevertheless, I didn't prepare anything, either. The only thing I done is paying Komachi for her help. Ha! With my Imouto, I am unstoppable!
"…I really have to give my sincere appreciation to Komachi after this." Yukinoshita nodded her head. I waving to her, "Anyway, take your time, have your clothes changed. Let me heat these meals for us, and don't feed Rumi anymore. She already had me and Komachi fed her twice."
"Ara? Then I'll let you handle it." Yukinoshita answering briefly, with her warm smile appears. She walks into the bedroom with Rumi scurry after her. This cat do prefer Yukinoshita. No matter Kamakura, the cat fed by my family, or Rumi. Seems like cat will follow the people with higher status instinctively. Don't forget that I just fed you then, and you just turn towards others in no time…
Yukinoshita walks into the kitchen a few moments after I started heating those dishes. With a very domestic wearing, she puts on cotton sleeves and a black dress instead. I can't help but always have my heart skips a beat when I see her dressed like this, even though I have already seen multiple times. She walks besides to me, bending to look inside the pot, "Ara, is it vegetable broth?"
"Komachi's vegetable broth is incredibly delicious! The second best in Chiba!" Stirring the soup, I proudly praise my Imouto. Komachi is the most powerful Imouto, with the most complete functions and the most all-rounded services. Huh? Where to buy it? Sorry, but she is not for sale, and no matter how much you bid, there is no way I would sell her. Wake up! Those who want to buy! You guys can never have Komachi the greatest Imouto! Never will! Nevertheless, you guys maybe don't have Imouto at all!
"Ara. So who does the most delicious one?" Yukinoshita asked. She have a knowing smirk, like she knows what I will definitely answer. Well, this is what I deserve, so I answered immediately. "That's you. Why you still asking this even you know the answer?"
"Ara~Hikigaya-kun can have some flowery words now." Yukinoshita brushed her hair triumphantly, "But you're speaking out the truth. I have confidence that I'm surely will make the best vegetable broth among the whole Chiba. Even confidently enough that I will win for the vote of everyone live in Chiba about who makes the best soup."
"Nah-uh, don't belittle the people lives in Chiba. You will not take the first place." Snickering, I turn off the gas stove. Dishes are well heated, time to move them onto the table. Yukinoshita staring at me, looks kinda dissatisfied. "Ara, so you are telling me that there is someone can do better than me?"
"it's not like that…"
Facing to Yukinoshita who is somehow being competitive again on a weird spot, I shake my head. "I don't care the people in Chiba votes to which side. Anything you cooked is always the best in Chiba."
"…W-well."
After hearing what I said, Yukinoshita a bit surprised, looking away rapidly. "But yes, I know my cooking still have a distance to perfection. For instance, the beef stew I cooked last time. If I could find better beef, maybe it would taste much more chewy. Also the salt was a bit too much that time. Though I knew you like it more salty. But for your healthy in long term, I should have more sugar in it instead to adjust the taste… Also I could only find regular wine, if I can have wine that specifically used on cooking, it should taste more British...Anyway, I'll do better next time."
"Nah, don't care about it too much. I really enjoyed the broth you made last time…" The broth you talking about is what you made last week right? That is the best beef I have ever eaten in my life. The beef feels like they are dancing on my tongue, much more they start playing basketball, even hold a parliament on it! It will become the renowned "baby blue" if you make it much more delicious, what if I am addicted to it? That would become a big trouble.
Probably because of the delicious scent, Rumi walked towards here slowly. She sits next to Yukinoshita, with her round eyes gazing at the pot. Yukinoshita cuddles her up to the height where she can clearly see what inside it. Gently, she tells Rumi, "Nothing here you will like…No need to see it anymore."
"Indeed. There is not a single meat in this broth." Then I put another dishes onto the stove. Yukinoshita lays Rumi to the ground gently; unsurprisingly, Rumi still gazing at the pot continuously. With a bitter smile, Yukinoshita opens the fridge.
"The dried anchovies? I have already fed her a lot." Knowing it is useless to say, I still tell her the situation. Yukinoshita takes out the bag filled with dried anchovies, "Her weight is still under the par. There is no problem for her to have a bit more."
"Well, it's not that kind of problem though…" I always think that we might spoil her too much, is it good to let her eat no matter she wants? But as soon as I remember how we spoil Kamakura, I just shrug. Well, nothing is bad if we keep controlling her weight. Spoiling the cat will never be a bad thing!
Since all the dishes are already well-made and easy to handle, with Yukinoshita's assistance, our dinner is ready very soon. Me and Yukinoshita sit in front of each other of the table. I raise the teacup as a wine glass, saying with a calm tone, "Well, that's already two years."
"True, time flies by."
Yukinoshita warmly smiles, clicking my teacup with hers, with a crisp "ding" sound. "It is true that the time flies by while staying with you."
"What, do I look like Hyperbolic Time Chamber?" (P.S. From "Dragon Ball")
"Feels like years past just by looking at you." Yukinoshita smirks, as I nodding my head like I agree with her. "That's right! I don't care how anyone else changes, I will be me now and ever. Yep, Moai in Chiba, that's me." Or you may say I'm the Stonehenge. Well? What does Stonehenge built for? That's really curious me all of a sudden. "What's the meaning of Stonehenge?" (P.S. Lyrics from "Stonehenge" by Ylvis)
"Ara? You mean nuclear waste, don't you?"
"I'm harmless to human body! Geez!" If you are going to saying me like that, it means you live with a nuclear waste for almost two years! That's not a good story!
Yukinoshita has a surprised face deliberately after hearing what I said. "Ara, is it bad to say that? I heard that kind of perspective from the classmate though…"
"…May you stay away from those dubious people?"
"Hikigaya-kun, are you suggesting me tactfully to move out from here?"
"Sorry, my bad. Please keep closer to those dubious people..." I lower my head to apologize to Yukinoshita. By the way, why I have to be so submissive to her? It has been for so long, but I'm still submissive like a cockroach. I really want to cry now…It's been two years man…Can I have more dignity…?
Yukinoshita smiles complacently, "Well…You don't need to mind it too much, that's their own opinion."
"I do not care about it! I would've been hospitalized because of depression if I really take those gossips seriously."
"Fact. You must be bald if you will lose a hair for every gossip towards you." Yukinoshita nodding her head like she just spit out the absolute truth.
"Umm…I don't think there are tens of thousands of people gossiping about me…" What the hell, am I the enemy of the state?
"Ara, is it make any difference even if there are tens of thousands of people disliking you? I am with you, isn't that enough?"
Yukinoshita is looking me at me with her confident smile. I'm kinda flushed my face by what she said, turning my head besides. "…That's not enough. Komachi is necessary, too."
"Ara? If you are talking about Komachi, she complains a lot about you, too."
"Ho-ho, Yukinoshita. Don't you try to provoke the relationship between me and my Imouto. Even if Komachi hates me the most in this world, I will still be the one who love her the most in this world!"
"It's you saying it isn't enough…" Yukinoshita sighed like she was beaten by my contradictory words. She picks up the Komachi's special grilled lobster, observing for a moment, "It doesn't look like Japanese lobster… This is American lobster, right?"
"Thought that we always have lobster from Chiba. It was delicious though, but isn't it great having different taste sometime?" Yukinoshita, as expected, she immediately said out the difference. Let me give you another title, "the lobster professor". Followed feline encyclopedia, Yukipedia, the walking board, now you have another new title. There are more and more titles you have from my mind, I can even write a booklet about all the titles you have from me. If it is published someday in the future, I must hand one over to Yuigahama, she must be giggling while reading it.
"It is delicious…But, must be expensive though." She looks a bit worried, "better paid Komachi for these I think." She said.
"No need to. I have already paid for all the cost. There is no way to ask her paid for the ingredients after she doing all of this." Shaking my head, I deny her opinion. She smiles like she suddenly realized. "Ara, you're right. That means you treat me a dinner again."
"Can't argue with that. Well, you have treated me a lot in the past, too. I can still afford these."
"Even you said so, the expense on meals are in fact paid by both of us…" She frowns, but soon later smirks. "However, you never paid less for every expense even you are claiming you are going to be a househusband every time."
"…That's investment, for my future." I looked away. Yukinoshita reponses in gentle, "Even if you said so, you already have income now. Hikigaya-kun, better give up the dream that is completely impossible. After all you always did different from what you said."
"That doesn't count. After all, every income should thanks to your father. If he doesn't come for me then I'm done. That doesn't count as a job."
"But father has already announced that he will recruit you by any means after you graduated."
Yukinoshita peels off the shell of the lobster expertly, "needless to say that it is a huge success by the Internet propaganda you made last time. You better believe he will come for you very soon."
"Oh hell no…I am sicking tired of the endless hell of writing to beat the deadline!" As soon as I recall the exhausted days back then, I can't help but started to stiff like a stone.
"Ara? I still not have enough affection to feed you for the rest of the life. Work hard or breakup, your choice~"
Yukinoshita smirks again, while I sigh resentfully.
"Tsk. Looks like I can't escape from the destiny of being a Shachiku." (P.S. Shachiku, "社畜", means working like a live stock of the enterprise.)
"Not at all. There is still a way to go." With a bite of the lobster, Yukinoshita have a warmly smile on her face. "Oh? Let me hear about that." I ask back.
"Just let me…" However, she stops talking before finishing the words. Thinking, she lower her head. "…Forget it, I won't tell you."
"Hey, don't be like that! Tell me please. I will do anything I could just for the future with you and without work!"
"…No, I won't." Lowering her head, Yukinoshita whispers, "..Because if you achieve the request I want, I will be really bothered."
"What in the world is that? Please don't leave me hanging." I can't help but be really curious once seeing her hesitating about telling out or not. C'mon! I can finally be a househusband if I can fulfill what you want. It is a torture to not knowing the answer. I'm going to take Rumi as hostage to threaten you! Like…annoying her while she sleeping?
With a peaceful smile, Yukinoshita shakes her head, "Nothing…You keep doing the things even before I said. You really don't need to take it too seriously."
"You make me much more curious about that with those words…For the love of the god what've I really done?" Sighed. Yukinoshita sometimes will say something that is difficult to understand like this time. Anyway, she means what she said, better let go of it. Well, probably I guess. This is usually the case, but sometimes still needs to grab anything unusual in her words to make things better. Anyway, we have been together for so long. Just get used to it, that's the best strategy.
Finishing the wonderful meals Komachi prepared for us, cleaning up the table, I started to rewrite the report that was rejected by Hiratsuka-sensei earlier today in the living room. While Yukinoshita puts on her glasses, studying the papers she needs for her club by her laptop. Rumi jumps on the couch, curling up in a ball, beginning to sleep in peace. To celebrate the second anniversary of our relationship, yet we just enjoyed meals by Komachi without anything different…
Ah, there is something else. I almost forgot that.
"Yukinoshita, there are some puddings I bought from Yamamotodou in the fridge. Enjoy it if you want." Without raising my head, I tell Yukinoshita there is still some good waiting for her while keep typing the report. Yukinoshita looks at me with a little surprised, "Ara? You mean the one where there is always a long line in front of the station?"
"It will be a bit awful if I ask Komachi to do everything for me. So I bought those by myself at noon."
Finishing a paragraph, I rub my eyes, "…You pretty like their puddings, aren't you? You will glance at the shop every time we past it after Yuigahama gave some."
"…Komachi is right. You are becoming much closer to a kept man." Somehow Yukinoshita sighed, why I still have to be scolded by being so dedicated? "Needless to say, but if you treat other girls like this…? There will be ten needles await you to swallow."
"Scary! You even give out a specific figure…" With an fearful eyes, I look towards Yukinoshita. This woman is no joke! She will definitely force me to swallow needles, and most horrified, exact ten needles as what she claimed. By the way, are there enough needles we have? You wouldn't make me to buy those by myself, would you?
Yukinoshita smiles in confident, "…But I never worried about that even a little bit. I am confident with the fact that I can win in every aspect against others."
"C'mon, that's stupid. Do you really think, that I would be attracted by another female even if she is ten times better than you? I am not that superficial, girl."
"Good answer. The penalty downs to five needles as the reward." She nods satisfyingly, while I can only frown.
"Indeed a good reward…"
"Anyway…Appreciate for your delicate. Let me get it now." Yukinoshita puts down her laptop fluently, and then walks towards the kitchen. It's true that every girl loves sweets, even Yukinoshita, the girl that is pretty uncommon. She still has certain affection to them. Maybe gifting her some desserts to her occasionally afterwards is a good idea, instead of the practical things that I gifted to her often. But if I bring sweets home every time, Komachi always with a complicated face while enjoyed it, complaining about gaining weight…That said, I don't think Yukinoshita will mind about that. Uhh, maybe she will? After all she eats a little, with her regular exercising, there must be no problem with that. Also in my perspective, she is pretty slim without concern.
With puddings on her hands, Yukinoshita comes back. Yuigahama bring this as a souvenir last time she visited. This store promotes with sweets that is hand-made, limited, delicate but somehow not over-sweet. With this promotion, it is full of customers every day right after its grand opening. Particularly, puddings are extremely hot, they are completely sold out within two to three hours usually. Frankly I love their desserts. But it can be a pain in the ass for just waiting in the line, plus the prices aren't cheap, there's no way I buy it too often. For example, I finally got them for nearly half an hour during this noon.
…Well, nothing is sacrificed once I saw that satisfied face when Yukinoshita have a bite of it. Half an hour was such a great deal for this scene. You have to know this woman is a trial to be pleased, since every action of mine is under her control. Last time I called her trying to probe some information out of her mouth for Christmas gift; however, she totally guessed out all five presents I'm planning to gift her. She even said "You must call me for trying to know if I'd like with what you have already planned, right?" What the hell, girl? You really shouldn't go to the college, the Avengers are the place you definitely should go to.
Probably feeling the sight from me, Yukinoshita stops scooping the pudding, looking at me, "…Is there anything wrong? Do you want some, too? Shall I take another one for you?"
"Nah, don't mind about me. I planned to after finishing the report."
Nevermind, that's Yukinoshita. She is exactly that kind of person. I bet I'll keep making myself a busy bee just for making her happy. While thinking about this, Yukinoshita sits beside me. With her slender arms, a spoon with pudding on it appears in front of my eyes.
"…Open your mouth."
Turning towards her, her long hair was tied into a bundle, felling onto my palm with a tickling sensation. Her perfect face with a warmly smile, thin lips with a bit of bright red. Indulging in her charming look, I can barely open my mouth after a moment. She sends the spoon into my mouth mildly, with a smile, asking. "Delicious?"
"…Feels like it is much sweeter than last time."
It took me a few seconds before I hardly replied. She frowns, with another bite. "…Is it? I feel like it's the same."
Calm down, will I? There is no need to be shy for this level. I tell myself after my heart back to calm. But well, I know I must be blushed, since Yukinoshita is also with a bit red on her cheeks.
"Are you serious to still be so easily blushing since we've been together for so long…" Sighing, she said. Not to be outdone, I response, "What-I-, you blushed too!"
"…Because of you." Yukinoshita gently stares at me for a moment, then sits a bit far from me. Rumi wakes up, stretching. And then steps on her laps, starts rubbing on her. With a softly smile, she pats Rumi's head. As a consequence, Rumi lays her head on Yukinoshita's lap, and soon fells asleep. Yukinoshita picks up the laptop, and then continues studying the papers. Such a peaceful time. I face to my computer once again, continue to do the report I'm going to mail to Hiratsuka-sensei.
Finally revised my report after about half an hour. Attach it and send the email to Hiratsuka-sensei. Put the laptop on the table, and then rub my eyes. I used to be able to use the laptop about three to four hours, somehow I can't endure as long as before nowadays. I'm still young, right I hope? Looking towards to Yukinoshita, she still concentrates on the screen.
Since the serious works are done, time to have me some PS Vita. I pick up the PSV, lying on the couch. But since Yukinoshita is right beside me, I can't have my whole body completely on it. So I have to hang my legs over the edge. It is like playing phones while lying on the bed, arms will be sore after a moment. But well, it will not be a problem if just for minutes. Watching me lying down, Yukinoshita closes the laptop with a sigh. Seems like she's done for now, temporarily.
"Again, this lazy look without discipline…"
"Well, it's our home. Just relax. You should try it out sometimes."
"Allow me to refuse. Well said 'a gentleman does not deceive himself while in a dark room.' That means…" (P.S. The phrase means a gentleman should be scrupulously honest even when there is no one around, in Chinese is "君子不欺暗室")
"Should obey the rule no matter the place, right? Unfortunately, I'm not a gentleman, besides it is bright here."
"Again with the sophistry…" Yukinoshita smiles bitterly like she is defeated. Lowering her head, she looks at me, thinking. Confusingly, I stretch my head, look up to her. "What's wrong?"
Without saying anything, she cuddles Rumi's off her lap. With a dissatisfied meow, she puts her onto the ground. Then she gently pats her lap.
"…Lie here."
"…Can I?"
"I have to revenge, since you are so foxy today…"
"Why talking so menacingly…?"
Well, since she has promised, I moved myself, stiffly leaning my head on her thigh. With a soft sensation from the back of my head, I can finally have my whole body lying on the couch comfortably. After I have myself in the position, Yukinoshita however frowns.
"Compare to Rumi, your head weighs."
"Don't compare my head to a cat. I heard that a human's head weighs five kilograms."
"I thought it is three point six if it is yours."
"Hey! Don't minus the weight of the brain! Sounds like I'm brainless."
"Ara, how do you know the weight of a brain. What a mistake."
"Seriously? We took that class together!"
And you cursing me exact the same way after the class, how can I not remember that? I'm not expecting you to not curse me, but be creative, okay?
Anyway, now I have a place for my head. So I keep with a comfortable position playing PSV, while Yukinoshita takes out novels to read. Don't complain about numbness afterwards since you promised this, will you?
Losing a place to sleep, Rumi is wandering a moment. Finally, maybe she realized I'm also a bearable heater, she jumps onto my stomach, stepping like checking if it is warm enough, and then laying herself on me, with a comfortable purr. It is still bearable since she isn't heavier as Kamagura. However, the envious look from Yukinoshita makes me kinda feels bad, "How about let her back to your lap, I'll get up."
"Don't mind me, it is okay." She shakes her head quietly. Seems like she still not ready to read. With her fair-skinned hands caress my hair, I can feel my hair being tossed, and my heart skip a beat as it was being touched, too.
"Your browse, they are longer now." She said gently.
"Hmm? Oh, right. I was thinking to have it cut." Responded naturally. Hearing my plan, she blinks.
"…I remember you have class on nine tomorrow. How about after the class? I'm going to do it, too."
"Wait, you are going to cut it, too?"
"Just slightly, not shortened."
"So glad to hear that…"
Yukinoshita smirks after she saw me relieving, "You are anxious after you heard I'm going to shorten my hair, aren't you?"
"That-Umm-You see, I already get used to your long hair…" I quickly turned my attention back to the PSV. No! I'm dead! Because of you! Reluctantly, I pressed the start button again. She smiles while she lower her head, with her dark, long hair tipping my face, a tickling feeling comes from it.
"Hikigaya-kun prefers long hair?"
"…Stop it."
"If you not answering, I'm going to consider shortening it."
"Well…" I had to think without choice for a moment, slowly responsing. "If I really have to say, the only thing I can tell you is that I prefer you to have long hair."
"That's not even close to an answer…"
Yukinoshita says with a slightly upset, "I'm talking about general. A female with long hair and the one with short hair, which one you prefer?"
"That's what I'm talking about. If there are Yukinoshita with long hair, and Yukinoshita with short hair. I much prefer the long one."
"…Ara. Looks like I'm going to keep my hair long for the rest of my life."
"It doesn't matter if you don't want to. The point is not the length of your hair. It is all about you, Yukinoshita Yukino."
Yukinoshita looks very surprised after hearing this. But a long sigh after she stunned for a few seconds.
"Here we go again…These flowery words. Hikigaya-kun, the one I know, is the one who don't know better about girls, and dumb like a log. If you keep being like this, I'll better prepare more needles for you."
"It is you want me telling the truth…"After all, I just told what I truly think from my mind no matter what she thought I was. But from the blooming smile on her face, I guess I'm doing well. "Then it is tomorrow. I remember you don't have class tomorrow morning."
"True. But there is a class at eight that I want to try out. So I will off the class at the same time as you."
"Serious as usual. What kind of class you are going to?"
"About theories of children development. Senpai recommend it to me, so I'm going to try out."
"Your club sounds troublesome…"
When we are freshmen, we both didn't join any club, somehow she join one of which I forgot the name recently for some reason. But as I recall, it might be a club that is aiming for social welfare…right? Anyway, they are hosting some events like "Senior caring day", helping children getting medical treating, or events at some psychiatric institutions, something like that. Mostly Yukinoshita doing the administration or planning works, without partaking in events itself too much. For me, I'm not joining it since I simply have no interests on that club. But still being a helping hand sometimes for some labor works. To be more deeply understand how these events going, following the suggestions of senpais, Yukinoshita starts learning about some related knowledge.
…However, it's kinda a heavy work to completely have those knowledges inside the head. After all those knowledge are mostly related to medicine, which are far away from what I am good at. But well, looks like they are much similar in the perspective of Yukinoshita. "They are exact the same to the liberal arts about the part needs to be memorized." She said after she finished studying. But well, no interest is no interest…
Well, the most important thing is that Yukinoshita likes to do it. Watching her putting much effort on it, there is no way I gonna stop her. But the downside is having less time being with her after she joined the club. Although I have already getting used to be alone, I indeed prefer she is being beside me after a year being with her for the most of the time.
"But, you are in a foreign department. Can you still participate in the class?"
"Yes, I have asked Senpai about the regulations. But might be a problem if I want to go deeper…"
"Well, it's a matter of course." Playing the PSV, I said. "Anyway, tell me anytime if you need a hand. Don't exhaust yourself too much."
"I still can handle it now, I'm not going to the degree that will make me completely exhausted. After all I still have many things await me to study." Yukinoshita said while poking my face. Hey, I'm not a cat! "..But, I will ask once I need."
"Glad to hear that. Oh no, dead again." I frowned. Yukinoshita have a glance on the screen of PSV, "Again? You stuck in this stage for a pretty long time."
"I just can't…" That said, did you just watch me playing all the time?
"Try it again."
"Oh-Okay."
So, I retry to challenge it again. A boy with only his eyes being portrayed jogging in the B&W background. Seems like it should utilize the box that has fallen to in front of me to pass the point where a big chainsaw swinging. But I just can't catch the timing, so I always being cut into pieces for every time. See? Still the same this time.
Watching the cruel situation portrayed on the screen, Yukinoshita frowned. But still, she instruct, "…Better push the first box to the bottom before second falls, then jump over the chainsaw. The only thing difficult is timing."
"Oh! So I should have wait the first box fallen, I am still thinking to wait the second one before you told me."
Attempting again by following her suggestion, and that's true, I successfully past this stage. That's Yukinoshita. She completely realized how this game works in no time. Somehow she seems not even a bit cheerful about that, just nodding boringly. Being able to pass it must be a matter of course to this woman…
As I going to challenge next level, the laptop rings.
Glancing at screen, a photo with Komachi appears on it. Looks like Komachi calling me by the Internet. So I pass PSV to Yukinoshita, stretching my hands to move the laptop towards me. Hey, get it off Rumi! I need to place my laptop! I push Rumi away to the place next to my legs. Sorry, compare to my lovely Imouto, you are just an animal.
Placing the laptop onto my belly, I press off the accepting button. Komachi's smiley face that looks like able to melting a huge iceberg appears on to the screen in no time. She is wearing a casual long sleeve with a cotton pants instead. Looks like she is using the computer in the living room, with Kamagura lying languidly on the table behind her.
"Yahello! Onii-chan! How's the celebration?"
"As usual…"
"Wait, Onii-chan? Why are you lying? Where's Yukino Onee-san?"
"Right here, look."
Because of the angle, Komachi probably can only see my face. So I tilt the laptop towards Yukinoshita who is above my head, she waving with a warmly smile after she saw Komachi on the screen. "…Good evening, Komachi."
A sound of Komachi exclaimed from the speaker. "Wait! Onii-chan, y-you lying on Yukino nee-san's laps?!"
"From what I'm doing now, yes."
"That's cruel!"
I adjust the camera to the angle that she can see us both. Komachi looks furious on the screen. "Komachi want to lie on it, too! Komachi want! Feels like it is so comfortable!"
"Hee hee. You can after you are in a relationship with Yukinoshita. Unfortunately, you can't."
"Ara, if that's the case. I'm willing to breakup with you."
"Wait! Don't abandon me just because Komachi wants to lie on your laps!"
Seeing her smirks, I said in hurry. "Umm-" Komachi puffed her cheeks, "Yukino Onee-san, may I lie on your laps next time? It is too cruel to me to have Onii-chan doing it only~"
"…Sure thing. You are welcomed anytime." Yukinoshita nods. "And sincerely appreciate for your meals. It is really delicious."
"Hehe, thanks! It must be really delicious if Yukino Onee-san said so. But, Yukino Onee-san, did my brother doing good today? Did he makes your heart beats in excitement?"
"Well, about that…"
Yukinoshita thinks for a moment, then she said, "Let me think…I am very glad for he buying me some puddings from a very popular store specifically."
However, she looks down to me, "…But he is saying some words that make me unease, that's minus points."
"N-No! I don't! Don't spread rumors!"
Looking to Yukinoshita panickingly, I try to defend myself. However,Yukinoshita pat my head, and she smiles, "…But it did make my heartbeat skip. So it takes away the minus. Generally, 65 points."
"Geez…That's low."
Komachi looks likes she is defeated. "Nii-chan, you are really hopeless... Komachi already gave you a lot of assistances…If having relationship has academic credits, you already failed that."
"That's not the case. If Yukinoshita herself is the professor, she will let me pass it in compassion if I beg her."
"Hikigaya-kun, did you already make begging professor for mercy as a prerequisite...?" An unbelievable face appears on Yukinoshita. What's wrong about begging professor for mercy? Don't look down on that! I did know some people that in order to kneel down for mercy for three whole days, they already buying pants that are hard to be dirty and be wore out!
"Well, forget that. And, and! Komachi want to talk about that before, why are you both still use last names to call each other?"
Komachi's eyebrows turns into London bridge that is lifting, with the corners of her mouth hung down dissatisfactorily. "It is already two years. That's definitely weird!"
Me and Yukinoshita looks to each other for a second, "Even if you said so…" "We both are getting used to it…"
"You can't be serious about that! Practice! Now, first with Onii-chan! Call Yukino Onee-san's first name!"
"You are so obsessed into this…Well, I'm OK with that."
So I raise my head to look at Yukinoshita, with her looking back to me peacefully.
"…Yukino."
"…"
"…shita?"
"What the hell is that! Onii-chan?"
"…Hikigaya-kun, sixty points."
"That minus five points?" Facing to unhappily Komachi and Yukinoshita saying coldly, I can only scratch my cheeks but nothing else. Such a strict rating system… But well, must because my habits to call her last name, so I can't help but still saying out it. So, cleaning my throat, I'm going to try it again. "Well, that umm…Yukino."
"…Yes." With a little blushed, Yukinoshita response in a peaceful tone with a smile. Looks like I'm pass, Komachi nodding her head, too.
"Very good! Now, Yukino Onee-san, your turn! With full of love, you should call him like 'Hachiman~~~3'"
"What's the point of doing this…" Even she complained, she said in whisper, "…Hachiman."
"Umm, well…" With a stiff tone, I looked away from Yukinoshita's charming eyes. What is that, I can't get used of that! Seeing my reaction, Komachi sighed.
"Why Nii-chan and Yukino Nee-san looks like you just being together recently? It is two years that you two live together, should be more sweetly~"
"Why so? The most I hate in my lifetime is those couples who are behaved in crazily love all the time. If I wasn't being a couple with Yukinoshita, I'll definitely blow them up with a damn rocket launcher."
"Without judging your inappropriate words, I think it is the best for being as usual for us." Yukinoshita nods like she also agrees with me.
"Umm…Well…Komachi know that Nii-chan and Yukino Nee-san aren't similar to ordinary young people… But it is still feeling weird that you two don't call each other first name after two years relationship."
Listening to Komachi's mumble, I coughed, "…Well, we discussed this problem before."
"Hikigaya-kun, what you said is a bit weird. I don't think it is problematic enough to be a problem."
"Well, yes. Right…We discussed that topic before.
"How you'd say is not the point! So the result?"
Komachi blinks curiously. Let me think…Umm, wait? So what did we have as a result exactly? Looking to Yukinoshita, she answered instead of me, "Back then we try to call each other by first name, but soon back to normal since we really can't get used to it…" Ah, right. I still remembered that we both barely stop laughing after you call my first name. Like you are saying the name of an ancient Tenno. (Tenno, 天皇, the emperor of Japan.)" I should called your name in backwards to revenge for this back then.
…Wait, it might be interesting to call her name in backwards. "Hey, I just found out that if your first name is Nokiyu, then your name will become a palindrome. How about changing your name, Yukinoshita?"
Somehow Yukinoshita looks at me in pity, "…Though I don't know why you are saying this, but Hikigaya-kun, 'Noshita' isn't a palindrome. You should think clearly before saying some awkward jokes."
"Well, you're right. Damn." Well, then how about the others? Like Yuigahama Yui…Well, no, that's not match. Seems it is so difficult to match the requirement. Maybe next time.
"Nii-chan is dull…" Komachi has a speechless face on her. But soon she said, "But, Komachi think that 'Nokiyu' sounds very nice!"
"'Nokiyu' sounds like feathers laying on the eaves. Truly a good name." (P.S. のきゆ Nokiyu in Kanji can be written as 軒羽, 軒 means eaves while 羽 means feather.) After a moment thinking, Yukinoshita smiles. Looks like the sudden thoughts of mine got a big hit. Ok Rumi, you are Nokiyu now, or else I always have an illusion that I am calling a junior high girl while calling your name…That said, when Yukinoshita named you "Rumi" back then, did she already forgot who is Tsurumi Rumi? Well I didn't recall that either at that time.
"Umm, but, Komachi still prefer the original name!"
With a bright smile blooming on Komachi's face, I also agreeing with it by nodding my head.
"Well, yes. I love Yukino much more, too."
"…"
"…"
After hearing what I said, Komachi in screen and Yukinoshita above me become silence. Bathing in the sight of thorns on the back, I realize I said something wrong. My god, what did I just said? Thinking carefully, well that's embarrassing…I would flee away as quick as possible if there is someone else besides Komachi and Yukinoshita.
"W-well, ummm…No, that's not what I mean…" Embarrassingly, I said. With a deep sigh, Yukinoshita said. "I know…But I still shocked…Hikigaya-kun, never do it again, it is bad for my heart."
"So that's what Yukino Onee-san talking about. Nii-chan, this isn't a good behavior!" Komachi raised her index finger, "You should say these kinds of words every day, until Yukino Onee-san immune to these! Nii-chan's points are much lower now in Komachi's mind!"
"I have already lowering his grade down to fifty points. Hikigaya-kun, you failed the class." (P.S. In Taiwan, the pass line is sixty points.)
"Are you two professor and associate professor…?" This is such a difficult class, man. How many efforts should I put to pass it? Feels like I won't get much points by doing right things, but will lose lots of points by doing wrong. Just like my life. Professor Yukinoshita, are you teaching me the sour and the bitter of life?
At the moment, Komachi tilts her head like she heard something. Looks like someone is calling her from her behind. So Komachi turns her head backwards, yelling, "Yes, mama?" Looks like is my mom. Soon after mom appears right behind Komachi, she glances at the camera. "Ara, you sure are talking to Hachiman. Let me talk to him."
"Douzo douzo~" (どうぞ, means doing at your will.) Komachi leave the seat for mom with a big smile on her face. Since I'm going to have a talk with mom, it would be embarrassing to keep lying on Yukinoshita's thighs. So I sit up for now. Yukinoshita breathes out, with her slim hands rubbing where I just lay. Seems like my head are truly pretty heavy. Should give her a massage later.
Mom sits in front of the computer, her eyes still with deep dark circles. That said, it is close to the bottom of the year, guess both mom and dad are pretty busy at this time. With a cough, she said, "Hachiman, needless for me to say, but if there happens something, you should apologize to Yukino in no time."
"Not even asking who is right and who is wrong?"
"It is sure a big miracle that Yukino agreed to be with you no matter right or wrong. I think it isn't a surprise that she breakup with you at any moment. But I really like Yukino, so you better do your best to keep being with her, got it?"
"Be more confident on me! I'm your son!"
She squints her eyes, "…Confidence can't have me a grandchild, but having a daughter-in-law can make it come true. Remember, keep her at all cost, even if you have to kneel down."
"Yeah yeah, don't worry about that. Well I don't need to kneel down to keep her, for now." And Yukinoshita, stop chuckling! I agree that all my family pretty likes you, but that doesn't mean I have to kneel down…Wait…I have a feeling that I will be made kneel if there is really a trouble. After all, all my beloving family won't be on my side once it happened. You can't belittle the family love of Hikigaya family. I can imagine I will be made kneel with the cold eyes from Komachi, mom and dad.
Mom nods, "Good, don't be a troublemaker. After all you live in her house, if you are getting kicked out, you won't be permitted to get inside our home, either."
"My god…I have no place to retreat…." Looks like if I really mess with Yukinoshita one day, I'll have to sleep in park while relying on Komachi every day. Soon I will become Hachiman the homeless without any transition. If that really happened, there is no choice for me but to beg Yukinoshita's father for mercy. But her father is damn troublesome, I hope the day will never come.
"Oh right, did you hand out the gift you took away last time you come home to Yukino's parents?"
"Are you talking about those two bottles of wine? I already did." Thanks to your insists, made me have to face her parents in person. I once helped out Yukinoshita's father a few, so not scared him at all. But talking about her mom, that's something else. I'm really scared of her. After I finally past the hard time, I can't help but tremble my hands during the whole class after I went back. Yuigahama, who also has the same class as me asking me seriously, "Hikki, are you having the illness that called Kinsonpark or what disease?" And I don't even have any strength to roast about her saying totally reversed. I can only give her a "don't ask, it is terrified" face.
"My father really likes the present. Really appreciate for that." Yukinoshita complements next to me mildly, mom then finds out that she is also with me, too. "Turns out Yukino is here, too. Let me talk to her."
"Right…" What the hell is that even means? Sounds like I am barely needed…I hand over the laptop to Yukinoshita, she place it on her laps. To watch what is going on on the screen, I move near to Yukinoshita. She looks at the screen, with a cautious tone, "Good evening, aunt."
"Yukino? You also heard what I said, right? Everything wrong counts on Hachiman, please don't abandon him as much as you can."
"Don't say me like a nearly-broken machine!"
With an inexplicable words from my mom, Yukinoshita smiles like she thinks it is pretty interesting. "Although he is that Hikigaya-kun, I'll still do my best." I am so, so sorry to you to make you so worrying. I will do my best to make you not have to work that hard.
Rubbing her eyes like she has stayed up the whole night, continuously said, "And right, be cautious you two. I have a feeling that both me and his father will have to work for several years more. Though I really want to see my grandchildren born…But if you do, we don't really have time to take care of the children. Also, you both are still students, behave yourself."
"No-That umm-We don't-" By hearing the tactful but somehow direct suggestion, even Yukinoshita can't help but blushed and talking illogically. However Komachi said excitedly, "Wow! What child will Yukino Nee-san and Nii-chan have? I really want to have a look of! It would be better if the baby looks much alike Yukino Nee-san!" Hey, are you completely denying my gene? But I'm also kinda awkward, so I can do nothing but to look away silently. Sorry, Yukinoshita, have to let you handle this. You hold, I runaway!
"Anyway, our Hachiman relies on you. Come here and have a dinner with us once you have time, me and his dad will try our best to have time for this." Watching Yukinoshita overwhelmed; however, mom ended the conversation cleanly. After all she is a woman with job, doing anything without sloppy. Not nagging a lot is what my mom different from others. But that just compare to others, to me she is still nagging a lot. That said a mother breeds the daughter like her, don't know if Komachi will be that annoying after she also become a mother. Glad she won't have that chance, me and my baseball bat will stop that happened at all cost.
"Yes, I will definitely visit again." Yukinoshita smiles peacefully. Mom waving her hands then leave the seat, by her exhausted steps, guess she is back to catch up on sleep. Komachi looks at the clock hung on the wall, said, "Well, it is pretty late now. Komachi is going to study! See ya!"
"Better be quick. Bye." I waved away Komachi, she looks unhappy with her cheeks puffed. "What is that…The tone that trying to driving me off. Don't even mention that Komachi helped Nii-chan a lot today!"
"It is really huge for what you did for us today, Komachi-san. I definitely will scold Hikigaya-kun later. You can go to study now." With delights, Yukinoshita said quietly, "…Let us cooked together in the future, okay?"
"Sure thing! And there is not even a piece for Onii-chan! Snort snort." With a bright smile blooming, Komachi nods. Well, just go away and start studying! The exam is coming!
After saying goodbye to Komachi, me and Yukinoshita starts reviewing the class in the study room. Rumi also chilling out in the room and starts to sleep on the chair. There is no place for her not to sleep, what a happy cat.
After studying for an hour, Yukinoshita takes off the glasses, with her eyes blinking like she is exhausted. She has already been outside for the whole day, it must be pretty tired considering her stamina. I raise my head, "Time to rest if you are tired. It is pretty late now."
"Sure…I'll go bath." Yukinoshita nods, then she stands up. Before walking out the study room, she turns back to me with a stare, said, "…Hikigaya-kun, no peeking."
"I don't even have any thought of that since you are pretty tired."
"So you will if it is not under this situation…" Yukinoshita sighed, "..But yes, not because I'm tired."
"What? You seem really exhausted." Don't try to deceive my eyes with Yukinoshita Yukino identifier installed. I can tell that you are eighty percent of tiredness now. You will almost fell asleep in the tub if there is five percent more. By the way, don't do that again…It will really me make very troubled. Very, extraordinary, extreme troubled.
"…Because I'm wearing pretty casual inside…" facing my confusion, Yukinoshita lowering her head, mumbled quietly. Since she talked pretty low, I frowned, "What are you saying?"
"No, nothing at all…Anyway, I'll go bathing. Hikigaya-kun, if you are also tired, better rest early." Yukinoshita turns around, and walks out the room in fast pace. She still always said something hard to understand. After all Yukinoshita Yukino identifier can only identify what her body expressing, but not what she saying.
While she is showering, due to boringness I cuddle Rumi up and start trimming her nails. She stares at me unhappily, but there will barely a resistance when a creature like cat is sleepy. Rubbing her paws, and attracting her attention by fingers, but of course she is not even give me a single look. What should I do next time to play with her…? Already did the lasers multiple times, maybe go finding me an electric mice from a pet shop next time?
Soon, a sound that bathroom door got opened goes into my ears. Probably she finished her shower. I walk towards the living room, see her sits on the couch. Wearing a sky blue pajama, she is tapping her hair slightly to dry it. With the sight of me, she asked, "Why you still in that wearing? Would be better going to shower now."
"Let me drink some water first." Walking past Yukinoshita, am going to the kitchen. While passing her, can barely smell the scents from the shampoo and the body wash she used. But since they are kinda different from the usual, I turned around to her, asking, "Hmm? Did you change the shampoo you used?"
"Yes? I didn't change it at all…" Yukinoshita frowns, raising up a bunch of hairs towards her face, "Yes, just as usual. Why you ask?"
"I feel like it is different…" I turn around and move near to her hair. Hmm, somehow can't tell now. So I directly raise her hair, with a soft touch and a moist feeling spreading on my palms. Right, must be something different. "Ah. Will it be the hair conditioner?"
"Talking about that, I did buy a new hair conditioner recently." Yukinoshita nods, she raises her eyebrow, looking towards me behind her. "But you are good at recognize these kinds of things that doesn't matter."
"Hmm? Doesn't matter? You did have a hard time while choosing one of those." While speaking, I enjoy her hair by my hands. Wow, it is always soft and smooth no matter how I touch it. How comes she can maintain her hair like this? Seems like girls are pretty serious about the hair things. So does Komachi.
"…Are you finished?" She squints, asking calmly. So I let off her hair, "Yep I done. Time to blow dry it, be aware off getting cold."
"…Okay. It is going to be a lot busier these days. There is no time for getting illness." Somehow, her face appears a naughty smirks, she then hands over the hair dryer to me. "So, Hikigaya-kun?"
"As your pleasure, your majesty." With a bitter smile, I take the dryer, power on and start to blow dry her hair. After all today is special, Yukinoshita also being capricious very rarely today, I'm pretty okay with that. Being carefulness to raise her hair up, slightly rubbing the hairs spread, dry her hair by hot air. Yukinoshita closes her eyes, with deeply breathes.
"You become much skillful on this…"Suddenly, she said. I shrug, "Well…After all I'm doing this very often."
"Needless to say, if you do these to other girls-" "Why are you keep saying 'needless to say' but still saying anyway?"
Not wait her finished her words, I break it and sigh. "You definitely knows what kind of person I am…Just relax will you?"
"It is right though…" With a smile, she shakes her head, "But, after hearing what your mother has said, I can't help but to think that way…"
"What way?"
"…Hikigaya-kun." Yukinoshita probably be very exhausted, her speech becoming much vague, like mumbling while dreaming, "…I will never leave you behind."
"W-well. Right. Much appreciate about that." I keep blowing her hair dry, with her moist hair sliding on my palms. Under the hot air, her hair soon becomes dry. Yukinoshita quietly says, again, "…So, please. Don't leave me, either."
Even the sound of dryer nearly covers her whisper over, I still catch her words and put inside my mind deeply. Without knowing how to response decently, I can only mumble, "Of course..."
But Yukinoshita didn't answer. Looking closer, found out that she is already closing her eyes with a regular breathing. Seems she fell asleep. Should sleep on a bed instead of here, girl…So I dry her hair in general, then walk in front of her quietly, bring her up to my arms, prepare to bring her back to the bedroom. But the movement is still big enough to wake her up. Yukinoshita opens her eyes as soon as I cuddle her.
"Hmm…? Hikigaya-kun?" Rarely, Yukinoshita has a shy look on her face. "I-I can walk by myself."
"No need to. I already did it…" I won't put you down once I have brought you up to my arms. Have to say that you are too skinny, I have a feeling that I can lift you up by single hand. Can't you eat more? With a sigh, Yukinoshita rests her head on my shoulder. I can feel her light weight on my shoulder in no time.
"…Hikigaya-kun, you are so foxy today…"
"Girl, I'm foxy the whole year."
Get into the bedroom, I bring her onto the bed. Somehow Yukinoshita look to me a bit unhappy, "Too quick…"
"What quick?" I look back to her confusingly, then she tilts her head, "…Nothing. Thanks for bringing me back, I'm going to sleep."
"Okay, good night. Have a good sleep." I turn around, going to leave her sleeping, somehow she hold me by calling, "Wait, Hikigaya-kun…"
Turn around, I look at her. With a hesitation look, Yukinoshita said in intermittently in an uneasy tone, "I-I'll probably fall asleep very quickly. So, if you can…"
Seeing her being like this, I smile. This girl, she is no difference after these two years. Are you also another Moai in Chiba? Walk next to the bed, I sit beside her, "Sure, not a big deal. You can have me with you no matter the time, sleep my girl."
"Thanks." Yukinoshita have a peaceful smile, same as always, it looks like she is pretty joyful. Make me have my heart pump crazily. She have no right to say me like that, she is also foxy as hell…
Hence, I sit on the edge of the bed, waiting for her to fall asleep. Laying her head on the pillow, her dark, long hair spreads around it. Calmly, she said, "Two years. Feels like it is a sudden."
"True…"
"It would be good if it could go on and on and on…"
"…Yes."
A warmly touch on my hands, Yukinoshita pulls her hands out of the quilt, then covers them on my hands back. As I lift my hands up, she keeps up and holds my hands slowly. With the warmly feeling from her hands, she suddenly said, "…Nokiyu, truly a good name."
"Hmm? Why this now?"
"…Not now, but maybe in the future." Yukinoshita looks at me, under the pale yellow light, she looks a bit blushed, "…But it won't be appropriate if it is a boy."
Realizing what she is saying, I look away, "…Won't be a problem if having both."
She silence for a moment, but soon with a softly smile. "Hmm…You're right."
We look to each other with a moment silence. Yukinoshita closes her eyes, with a sleepy, soft tone, "…Hachiman."
"…I'm here."
"It's good to be with you. From the past, now and ever, let me be aside with you forever."
With regular breathes, seems she finally fell asleep. Sighed, I whisper, "Same as you, Yukino."
Well, even she is asleep, her hands still holding me tightly. How do I leave now…? Forget it, maybe stay here for longer.
Looking outside the window, the endless dark spreads the whole view. The deep, silence night of winter, like covering us for the eternity. But, it is just an illusion after all. The spring must come in time after the winter goes.
Looking at Yukinoshita, she sleeps calmly, with a relieved smile blooming on her face. Once upon a time, the one who is floating like a sky blue fire disappeared. Instead, Yukinoshita Yukino, she is here, with a clear figure. The vague image of her existence is no more. From the sophomore of high school, until now, we thought that we finally put together the complete image of each other, by picking, choosing from each piece of ourselves for half the year. However, it just a self-satisfied thought after all.
After that, we spent another period, to check, to guess, to understand, and trying realizing each other. We thought we have the same belief, we hurt each other because the misunderstanding. In this period of time, somehow, she becomes the necessary part of my life.
We stepped out from our own world, probing, asking, denying. By these, we stepped into each other's world, and let us in each other's mind. Root into the hearts with an anxiously speed, uproot, then root again but much deeper and deeper. From the separate world, into each other's world, to the world that we can't lose each other. We truly spent a period of time that is long but somehow short. Recalling the past, somehow hopeless, hesitant but also satisfied.
"Those who honoring the youth are the dull ones."
Whispering, then smile in a bitter. That's right. Still, I don't think that report was a mistake. Despite the daily we have is peaceful enough to afraid once it lost; with the future we are going to keep falling off, facing the defeat and being beaten to desperate. But the belief between me and Yukinoshita Yukino will still going on and never be stopped.
Even if it looks still a far, far away, but I'm sure that I'm on the way to the something genuine. With putting more weights on my hands, the warm feeling as the sunny day rarely appearing in the winter spreads into my palm from her, Yukinoshita Yukino.
…That's right.
Me and her, our winter, is still continued.
(To be continued)
