The days after my last argument with Hikigaya-kun were filled with doubt and anxiety.

What about the plan? It's still in motion. Yet, no matter how many times we tried to reason with him, Hikigaya-kun's mindset remained unchanged. And with every failed attempt to reach him, the strain on our relationship grew heavier, chipping away at the fragile connection we shared.

It pains me to admit it, but things between him and me aren't going well. He continues to refuse my help, and my stubbornness refuses to let me back down. It's as though we're locked in a silent battle, neither of us willing to yield.

As the days passed one by one, the memory of my conversation with Hayama-kun lingered like a shadow at the edge of my thoughts.

He had spoken of letting go, of the strength it takes to release something that feels so necessary. His words had felt uncomfortably close, as though he knew more about my struggles with Hikigaya-kun than he should.

How much does Hayama-kun actually see? And why does it feel as if he's quietly waiting for me to understand something I'm too stubborn to see myself?

The idea of letting go felt foreign, even frightening. Yet, a small part of me wondered... could there be truth in his words? And if there was, what would that mean for everything I've been trying to do?

"Hikki seems to be absent today." Yuigahama-san's voice brought me back into reality.

Today she came to the club room without him because, as she said, he was absent. He had been less present at school since the beginning of the week. It was like he would leave earlier than the end of club time or he just wouldn't come at all.

I don't blame him for that, I know that he's busy with the different medical consultations and stuff he has to go.

School work alone must tire him a lot, so I don't want to force him to stay for the club if he's tired. I would have simply liked that he calls me more often and gives me news.

It was a sign that the ambiance between us took a shift since that argument.

I still want to be close to him, but the more he gets further, the more complicated it becomes to understand what is going on in his mind.

"Could you talk to his friends?" I asked.

"I was about to bring it up. So, yeah I talked about it to Saika, and he seemed to be willing to participate."

"That's good to hear, convey him my sincere gratitude."

Yuigahama-san smiled and nodded.

"What about Zaimokuza-kun?"

"It's another story when it comes to him..."

I knew he held him in high esteem, and I could only imagine how deeply such news about his friend must have affected him. Hikigaya-kun had mentioned his name just once recently, and all he said was that things were... complicated between them.

"Did you talk to him?"

Yuigahama-san fidgeted with her fingers.

"He's like, hard to approach. I mean, he usually is, but even more since the rumors spread. Even when I try to have a conversation with him, he seems to always try to avoid talking to me."

Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't give him much thought, but right now, everyone's help counts.

"I see. I'll try to talk to him."

Surprise filled Yuigahama-san's face.

"Eh? You're serious? If I couldn't, it'd be even harder for you to communicate with him. And you know, he's also kinda scared of you. So he'd likely run away from you even more than he did with me," she explained.

"Don't worry, I'll get him to cooperate."

"Uah, the look in your eyes doesn't reassure me that much..." Yuigahama-san said, her tone worried.

"He might still be within the campus, I should go look for him right now." With that being said, I got up.

"Wait, right now?"

If we missed him today, we'd have to wait until Monday to see him again, which would mean wasting precious time—and time isn't a resource we have in abundance right now.

"The club activities are still going, so I would like you to stay here will I'm out. You don't mind waiting for me here?"

"Oh, huh, no it's okay. I didn't want to have to deal with him again."

I understand her, but I knew I had to put my feelings aside, he's one of the few that have high chances of accepting to help me.

"I leave the responsability of the requests of the club to you for the moment. Now, I'm going." I then left the clubroom, and made my way through the corridor.

I don't remember Zaimokuza-kun being part of any club at school, so he's likely heading home by now. He's probably either at the lockers or near the school gates.

Wasting no time, I hurried to the lockers and scanned the area.

After looking around for a while, I ended up asking a few students about his whereabouts. They told me he was most likely already outside. I then walked out of the building and spotted his silhouette moving closer to the exit.

With quick steps, I closed the distance between us, surpassing his pace and stepping in front of him, making sure I was now an obstacle between him and the gates.

"Zaimokuza-kun, I need to-"

"The scary girl..." he muttered under his breath, his voice barely above a whisper.

While quickly putting on a facade of nonchalance, he hastily responded.

"Y-Yukinoshita, I apologize, but I might not be able to spare you some of my time. In fact, I've already planned to do things that will make me achieve great things in the near future-" He tried to avoid me by quickly walking past me, but I grasped his shoulder before he could.

"I will be quick, so give me at least one or two minutes of your so precious time," I said coldly.

"...Fine..." He sighed and shrugged reluctantly.

I led him to a less crowded area so that as few people as possible would see us together.

"Listen, it'll be the only time in your entire life you'll hear me say something like this to you." I took a deep breath, and looked at him. "I need your help."

"My help?"

"It's about Hikigaya-kun's illness."

The second after I brought the issue, his gaze changed. From a nervous one to a somber one. He looked down, as if he wished for this conversation to end right away, as if Hikigaya-kun's name alone became taboo.

"I'm sorry, but you know, I'm not really in the mood to-"

"Please, help me to save him."

His eyes widened, his jaw dropping.

"Save him? Everyone said it was incurable."

The truth is, no one really knows the specifics of what Hikigaya-kun is suffering from. All they seem to know is that it's a deadly disease, as if that single fact is all that matters.

"It's not true," I said firmly. "There's an operation—Endocardial Renewal Operation—but the cost is exorbitant. Yuigahama-san and I have already started gathering money for it. Her family is contributing, and we even managed to convince Totsuka-kun to help. Now, it's up to you, Zaimokuza-kun."

He adjusted his glasses with a deliberate motion, his expression unreadable as he shoved his hands into his coat pockets. Turning slightly to the side, the breeze caught his long coat, making it flutter gently around him. The dramatic effect was almost comical, yet somehow fitting for the situation.

"Why is it you?"

His tone was different from what I was used to hearing before—much more serious and deeper. He frowned, seemingly trying to suppress any hint of disappointment from showing.

"What do you mean?"

"Why are you the one asking for my help? Hachiman is the sick one, why isn't he the one here?" His voice lingered in the air, entering my ears.

"...He doesn't want our help."

He flinched.

"I know how annoying I can be, how awkward and strange I might seem. But... I didn't realize I mattered so little to him."

...I understand how he feels, I was also pushed away once.

"I know what you-"

"No, he never told me about his illness. I only learned it from the rumors, and even so, I had to come to him and ask him myself."

"..."

"Look, I envy you a little. Hachiman really cares about you. He trusts you, tells you things he doesn't confess to anyone. That's great, but I understand it now. Our friendship was never real, not to him. I thought it was, I thought that even if I was weird and off putting, I still mattered to him. But now I feel like I'm just an annoying NPC in his life..."

Zaimokuza-kun's case became much more complicated than I've anticipated. I also thought that these two still managed to share a sort of a friendship over time.

"You know that's not true. Hikigaya-kun does care about you too. Do you really think I've learned about his illness from him? No. I also found out because of an external element. He lied to everyone, Yuigahama-san and me included."

I totally understand how disappointed and frustrated he must feel right now, he thinks that Hikigaya-kun sees him as nothing more than an acquaintance but it's wrong.

I still remember the last time he talked about him, and I saw how worried he was about his friend.

"With how serious and out of character he looked, I didn't dare to engage another conversation with him since that day. And it seems he didn't as well. You might find it weird, but actually... I'm worried about our friendship. I don't want it to break before my passing."

Yes... I recall each of his words.

"Believe me, he's genuinely worried about the state of your friendship."

"That's why he never tried to make sure it remained good..."

"Did you?"

He fell silent abruptly, his gaze shifting uneasily, as if I'd hit a nerve.

"You should try to talk to him, and fix things with him alone. If you accept to help me, I'll help you too with that. What do you think?"

"I... I'll ponder on it..."

I sighed in relief. He seemed more open at the idea of giving a second chance to Hikigaya-kun.

"Thank you, sincerely, Zaimokuza-kun."

He then headed off, leaving the school. I couldn't see his expression anymore, but I was sure my words lingered in his mind.

As for me, I'll have a conversation with Hikigaya-kun about it.

Now that I know we got Totsuka-kun, Yuigahama-san's mother, and probably Zaimokuza-kuns's help, there was one last step before we could consider that we have the money we need—my family.

They will play an important role in the financial part of the operation, if my parents refuse then... Our chances to get enough money before summer will be closer to null than they ever were.

But I didn't have a bad feeling about it. I know that Father will understand me, and accept to help Hikigaya-kun's family. Since he's looking forward to meet him, it shows he's aware of how much he means to me.

I began to head back towards the school building as I needed to come back to the clubroom where Yuigahama-san is to tell her how it went with Zaimokuza-kun.

"Yukinoshita?"

A voice startled me from behind, I recognized it almost immediatly.

"Hayama-kun?" I turned toward him, my gaze landing on his figure as he approached me.

As soon as he closed distance between us, the memory our last discussion resurfaced in my mind.

"How are you?" He asked.

"I'm fine."

"And your plan of gathering money, is it still ongoing?"

"Yes it is. I didn't change my mind about it, I will help Hikigaya-kun no matter what he thinks."

I stood my ground, looking up at him with a gaze filled with the same unwavering determination as the last time we spoke.

"Are you really going to keep insisting on defying his final wish like this?"

My eyes widened, shocked by the way he phrased it. It almost hit me, but I quickly regained my composure. What does he mean by disrespecting his last will? It doesn't have anything to do with it.

"There will be no 'last' will once he'll be cured."

"You sound so sure, but you know the process of saving him doesn't only depend on money? There are chances that he doesn't survive the operation."

I don't know where did he get that information from, I could guess that he might have made his own research or he got it from my or his family.

"There are chances that he survives, even if they're low, I don't want to give up."

"Honestly, I can't help but admire your determination," he said, his expression softening as a faint smile touched his lips. "You're fighting a difficult battle, with so few people standing beside you. And yet, you keep going."

That's barely the least I can do for the one I love and who's currently dying.

"You said the cost of his operation was high, didn't you? Does your family know that you plan to gather money for it?"

"...No, not yet. I was about to ask them about it."

"I see... I don't want to ruin your hopes, but, Yukinoshita, don't think it'll be that easy."

"Where are you getting at, Hayama-kun?"

"Just a feeling, but hey, if things don't go well..." Hayama-kun stepped closer to me, his movement reminiscent of the last time. I couldn't quite understand what he was trying to achieve or what was going through his mind at the moment

"Know that there'll be someone ready to help you go through it, accept it and move on. Even if it's not Hikigaya, I'm sure they'll do their best to comfort you and be here when you'll need." His hand slowly reached to rest on the top of my head, almost grazing my hair but I moved away.

"No, there won't be anyone else. Hikigaya-kun is the one I need—that's why I can't give up on him. So unless you're here to offer your help, I don't think there's anything more for us to discuss."

"..."

"I take this silence as a confirmation, I'm leaving."

I slowly distanced myself from Hayama-kun, this time feeling more composed than before. Last time, I had acted rather strangely, and I was still unsure what had caused it. But I know I won't let it happen ever again.

As I pondered his words, I couldn't help but feel that he was slowly trying to drag me back with his words. If I let his speech linger in my mind for too long, it would only hinder my progress, or even worse, cause me to step back.

I entered the building, and made my way through the corridor toward the clubroom where Yuigahama-san is waiting. At the same moment, I grabbed my phone and went to the message app.

I clicked on Nee-san's profile and called her number.

It was time to come to one of the most important part of the plan.

Quickly, she answered the call, her voice coming out of my phone as she spoke up.

"Yukino-chan? It's rare you call me first."

"Nee-san, I have a request for you."


The parking lot of my apartment was illuminated by the soft glow of streetlights, casting a warm yet inviting ambiance. The cool night air enveloped me as I stood there, lost in my own thoughts. The silence was serene, allowing me to indulge in my own thoughts without being interrupted.

I decided that I will come back to the family's residence this weekend again. I'm not going to talk about how surprised Nee-san sounded when I told her about it.

After some time, the sound of the limousine reached my ears, growing louder each passing seconds. I watched it stop by me, Nee-san opening the window and greeting me.

"Yahallo! Get in the car. I can't wait to know why did you suddenly decide to come back," Nee-san said, waving and signaling me to come into the limousine.

I opened the door and comfortably settled into the backseat of the limousine, finding my seat next to Nee-san like the last time. As soon as our seatbelts were buckled, the chauffeur turned on the engine and gently began to drive.

"Your expression is so serious right now, what's got into you?"

"I have to talk to Father and Mother."

"Couldn't you handle it over the phone?"

"No, it's far too serious to discuss over the phone."

Nee-san's eyebrow raised as she became more curious.

"Is it about Hikigaya-kun?"

I nodded.

"I made Mother know that I wanted to talk to her and Father about an important matter. So, feel free to participate, but it doesn't really concern you any-"

"I stop you here, Yukino-chan. Everything related to Hikigaya-kun matters to me, especially in the current circumstances. So of course I'm gonna be there."

"...As you like."

The limousine glided forward smoothly, its wheels spinning effortlessly against the pavement as it glided through the night traffic, as we sat inside patiently, awaiting the moment it arrived at our destination—our home.


The limousine safely reached our family's residence, the wheels rolling over the smooth driveway. As we gracefully stepped out of the passenger side, we confidently entered the grand foyer, greeted by the pristine and opulent surroundings.

Tanaka-san was there, patiently waiting for our arrival.

"Good evening, Miss Haruno, Miss Yukino. Your parents were waiting for you. From what I've heard, you came here to have a talk with them, Miss Yukino?" She approached us.

"That's correct. Where are they right now?"

"In the living room. It's been a little while since they're there, I think you shouldn't make them wait any longer."

We nodded in acknowledgment and proceeded through the various hallways, following a steady pace. After traversing the residence, we eventually arrived at the living room.

The room was elegantly furnished, with comfortable couches and plush armchairs arranged around a polished marble fireplace. The windows provided a grand view of the sprawling gardens and manicured lawns outside.

Sitting casually in a couch, our parents turned their attention towards the sound of our entry, their expressions a mix of seriousness and eagerness.

"There you are, Yukino," Mother spoke, rising to her feet.

"Come, have a seat over there, and take your time to explain the matter to us," Father said.

"Thank you for accepting to listen to what I had to say tonight. It means a lot to me." I bowed slightly and took a seat on the couch in front of them, Nee-san following suit and taking her seat beside me.

After Mother had sit back down, I took a deep breath and looked at them with a serious expression.

"As you already know, Hikigaya-kun is currently terminally ill."

They listened intently, their gaze yet unbothered.

"However, recently I found out that there was a way to cure him from his disease. An operation called Endocardial Renewal Operation can save him from death. His family actually can't afford the high cost of the operation, so that's why I came here... I have a request for you," I explained, trying to be as clear as possible. My heart was beating faster and faster as I noticed Father already doing some research about it in his phone.

I could feel Nee-san's shocked expression next to me, her mouth parted and her eyes glued to me. She remained silent and looked back at our parents, waiting for their answers.

"I see..." Father seemed to have found what he searched.

He then showed his phone to Mother, her expression hard to read.

I placed my hand on my chest, trying to steady the intense rhythm of my heartbeats. I had only one thing to ask, and I wanted it out as quick as possible so I can get over it with.

"Please, I want you to help Hikigaya-kun's family to afford the operation. If the operation happens and is a success, I would be deeply grateful to you and I would be willing to repay it in any way possible." I bowed, my lips trembling slightly.

"..."

"..."

Silence hung heavily in the air as Father and Mother seemed to carefully deliberate over my request. Father glanced at her, his uncertainty evident, while Mother met his gaze with a look that suggested she had already come to a decision.

"This operation is indeed very costly. I'm sorry, Yukino, but you know we can't just gamble such a large amount of money on something with such a high chance of failure. Do you understand?"

My heart ached at her admission, a sharp pang that was hard to ignore. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself and regain my composure as quickly as possible. I knew I would need to present even stronger arguments if I had any hope of convincing them.

"It's still a life that can be saved. And, it's not like I was asking you to pay all of it, just giving a hand will be enough. We're already gathering money with friends."

"Even so, I suppose you still expected us to cover most of it, didn't you?"

"I..."

If possible, I wouldn't ask for so much but the amount needed for the operation obliges me to do it. It's the kind of thing that only wealthy families can afford.

"You already asked us once to give you a place to live, which your father accepted despite my protest." She glanced at Father. "We've already spent money on one of your requests. Now, you're asking for more—for us to spend on something that isn't even guaranteed to succeed. It's like a gamble, and the odds are against us."

My fingers fidgeted on my lap. I was already in a bad position to convince them to do such a thing. My mother seemed extremely skeptic at the idea, and Father still didn't say anything.

I glanced at him, but even though noticing my gaze, he remained silent.

"Please Mother, I just want to try to save him. You're really going to let a kid die like that?"

She narrowed her eyes.

"It's not as simple as that, there are a lot of ill children in hospitals who are from poor families and so, can't be saved. Why would I spend so much money for someone who's got more chance of dying despite the operation? While I can spend money on cheaper operations for children who are assured to survive? Do you see what I mean Yukino? You're being unfair here."

My eyes widened, my mouth falling open in shock. My pupils trembled as I turned to Father, a wave of distress washing over me. Watching my last hopes fade away, piece by piece, right before my eyes was an agony I could hardly bear.

"But he's not just anyone. Hikigaya-kun matters to me. He's too important in my life to just let him go... Please, Father, tell me that you understand..."

I looked at him with trembling eyes, my gaze filled with plead and hopelessness. He was the only one who could make it possible even if Mother would be against it. I just needed him to understand me, to agree with me.

Please Father...

"Yukino, I want to save Hikigaya, I really do. But your Mother isn't totally wrong. Operations like this aren't something we can take so lightly," he expressed, his tone deep and steady.

"But... you know how much this means to me," my voice trembled, my composure unraveling as the emotions I'd held back began to surface. "You told me—yourself, during our last conversation—you told me to never give up, that I wasn't powerless! You said I could do something to change things, to turn the tables."

Tears brimmed in my eyes, my hands trembling at my sides as I looked at Father, pleading. "And now, I've found a way—I've found something I can do. So why? Why are you stopping me now, when I'm finally trying to act on the very things you taught me?"

My voice cracked on the last words, the weight of desperation and betrayal clear in every syllable.

I thought that once he knew that thanks to his advice, I could change Hikigaya-kun's fate that seemed so unavoidable. But now, I felt like it was being crushed into pieces.

His face darkened, sorrow and a hint of frustration filled his eyes.

"...I'm sorry, Yukino. As your mother said, it's not as simple as that..."

The second that followed his last words, I felt like my heart was breaking apart. My tears seemed to overpower me, flowing down my cheeks. I stood up, clunching my fists tighltly with a faint sob escaping my lips.

"I just... Damn it."

I then walked away, my steps hurried and loud.

"Yukino!"

Ignoring my mother calling me out, I opened the door and stepped out of the living room, slamming the door violently behind me. It was the first time I had let out such strong emotions in front of both of my parents.

The sadness, frustration, and anger that had filled my being were surging uncontrollably, growing more uncontrollable with each passing moment. I had never felt such a tumultuous and overwhelming mix of emotions before, directed against so many things simultaneously.

Mother refusing to help me, Father going for Mother's side and giving up on Hikigaya-kun, on my own hopes that had once found newfound strengh to arise all thanks to him.

Nee-san remaining as a watcher during the whole conversation and not stepping in to help me... I didn't expect much from her anyway.

I clenched my fists, as I quickened my pace toward my bedroom. My teeth tighly pressing against my lip in frustration, the tears falling from my eyes and traveling across my face couldn't stop. The throbbing beats of my heart felt more painful than ever, leaving me with my sobs filling the hallway.


I was left alone in the living room after my wife and Haruno had taken their leave. My fists clenched tightly as I stared at the ground before me.

Now I get to know how it feels for a father to witness his daughter being so angry against him for the first time.

My relationship with Yukino and Haruno has always been healthy and filled with genuine love and care. But tonight, I felt like something just broke between me and Yukino.

She looked at me with a gaze who told more than a thousand of words. I could only stand there, observing her disappointed and frustrated expression toward me. It was unbearable, making my heart ach at this sight.

She came here and came up with a solution to cure the one she loves, and it was all because she followed what I had told her, only to be disappointed in the end. I wish I could do more, but reality couldn't be this nice.

I love her, and I want only the best to happen for her, but the situation we found ourselves in appeared much more complicated than expected. My wife presented solid arguments, and I knew she had a good point. This time, I couldn't go like the last time, I couldn't just make the decision to pay for the operation without her consent.

I stood up and left the living room.

Yukino must be in total distress, more hopeless than ever right now. I couldn't allow myself to just leave her cry alone tonight. So, with a worried pace I made my way to her bedroom.

Once I reached her door, I grasped the handle, my chest tightening as I felt the rapid, unsteady beats of my heart. Taking a deep breath, I turned the handle and slowly pushed the door open.

Her room was shrouded in darkness, the lights off and the shadows thick. Only the faint glow from the corridor spilled into the space, casting dim patterns across the floor. I stepped inside, closing the door softly behind me, letting the silence settle.

Yukino sat on her bed, curled up tightly with her arms wrapped around her knees, pulling them close to her chest. Her head was buried against them, her face hidden from view, making it impossible to read her expression. Yet, the way her shoulders faintly trembled spoke volumes about her state of mind.

Subtle sound of her sobs reached my heart, making it ach even more.

"Yukino, listen..."

"..."

Where could I even start?

"Please, look at me."

But she didn't listen.

"Yukino, look at me. I came here because I didn't want you to cry alone in the dark here. I'm worried about you."

Gradually, she lifted her head to meet my gaze. Her eyes were red and swollen, tears still clinging to her puffed cheeks. Yet, the intensity in her eyes remained unchanged—raw and piercing, brimming with sorrow and frustration.

"If you didn't want me to cry you would have accepted to help me..." she muttered loudly enough for me to hear.

"Listen, I'm on your side."

"..."

"I truly want him to be cured. You know me—I only want what's best for you. I got you an apartment because I believed starting to live independently was the right step for you. And now, I see that having Hikigaya by your side is just as important for your happiness."

"Then why..?"

"This time, I can't make a decision without your mother's agreement, unlike last time."

Yukino looked away, her gaze now focused on the window.

"You said you wanted what was best for my future..."

"Yes."

"Hikigaya-kun is my future."

My eyes widened; it wasn't often that Yukino spoke like this, pouring her feelings into her words with such intensity to make them resonate deeply. In her gaze, I could see it clearly—this boy's importance to her surpassed everything else.

It made me even more fascinated by him.

"If he's not here, then I don't know what I'll do. I can't imagine living my life with something so important missing. I mean it, Father. If Hikigaya-kun doesn't survive..." Her eyes locked onto mine, and the cold determination in them sent a chill through me—almost terrifying in its intensity. "I couldn't stand it."

The tone of her final words struck me like a warning, heavy with unspoken possibilities. For reasons I couldn't explain, it felt as though the worst imaginable outcomes were woven into her statement. The gleam in her eyes only reinforced that unsettling thought.

I made my way towards her bed and slowly lowered myself onto the edge, shifting so that I could sit beside her. I then carefully pulled her into my embrace, gently wrapping my arms around her.

She didn't resist the movement and instead snuggled against me.

"...Help me convince Mother that he's worth it..." Yukino mumbled.

"I'll do everything in my power to make it happen, I promise."

We remained in this comforting embrace, holding each other tightly. She allowed her tears to silently fall, the droplets landing gently on my shirt until they finally subsided.

After some time, I felt that she had calmed down sufficiently, and I slowly loosened my hold, allowing her to catch her breath.

"I will be going now, try to get some sleep, okay?"

She nodded, looking down at her lap.

I then walked out of her room, peacefully making my way toward my own.

I think I need to talk to my wife a little bit, I don't expect to convince her tonight, but I hope I can make her think more about her decision.

Once I entered my room, the calm atmosphere was illuminated by the gentle glow of the overhead lights and the muted sounds of my wife peacefully present within. Closing the door firmly behind me, my gaze instantly fell upon her.

She was carefully removing her kimono, most likely preparing for bed. I could see a neatly folded night time attire laid out on the bed, waiting for her to change into. Then, our eyes met.

"You stayed there for a long time," she spoke up.

"I talked to Yukino, I had to calm her down." I approached the bed, starting to change for the night as well. "Understand her, she's going through a lot currently."

"I do."

"..."

"Do you really want to accept her request?" she asked, sitting on the bed.

"Honestly? Yes. It's my adorable daughter we're talking about, and I really don't like seeing her in such a state of distress. What I saw tonight was unlike anything else before, believe me." I took my own seat on the edge of the bed, my back facing her as I looked at the web page that gives the informations about the Endocardial Renewal Operation on my phone.

"I know, I care about Yukino very much too."

"Caring and trusting are two different things, I guess."

"It seems so."

I felt two bare arms slowly wrap around my neck from behind, the warmth of her body pressing gently against mine as her familiar scent filled my senses.

"It's just that the last time I tried to trust her, my expectations weren't fulfilled. I'm afraid of doing the same error again."

"Yukino is still a kid, babe. She makes mistakes, doesn't always meet everyone's expectations, and she sometimes doesn't manage to appear worthy of some people's trust... But, that's all a part of her growth. She's learning from her mistakes and maturing from them." I placed my hand on hers, turning my head to the side.

"I think that we need to give her more opportunities to prove her worth. She won't gain your trust if you don't let her try."

"That's why you gave her a chance with her request for more independence?"

"Kind of. I knew it was the perfect opportunity for her to grow and develop herself outside an environment where everything is provided for her."

"In the past, I thought that letting her live on her own was dangerous. That the idea of letting her be without knowing what she was going through wasn't right."

"It's okay, you were... just being a mother. You were worried, and you cared."

I reached out, gently stroking her hair with a loving touch.

"You can't imagine how much it worried me when I barely heard any news from her."

"I understand," I replied softly. "I was even less present than you were. The only thing I could do to keep the worry from consuming me was to... trust her."

"..."

"Let's get some rest for now." I yawned.

She gently moved her arms away, giving me space to lie down. I settled onto the mattress, and my wife quickly turned off the lights before joining me. Once she was comfortable, I pulled the blanket over us, wrapping us both in its warmth.

"I'm not sure if you're still considering her request, but I hope it's still on your mind. However, I'd like you to think carefully about what I've said tonight. If, despite that, you still choose the same path, I won't try to force anything against your will." I looked at her, noticing a trace of doubt and deep thought in her eyes.

"...I'll think about it." She closed her eyes.

"I'm glad you're considering my words. Sleep well, I love you." I leaned in and gently kissed my wife's soft lips.

"Sleep well too, dear."

I'm not sure how much my words affected her tonight, but one thing is certain, there's a possibility she might change her mind in the future. However, that will also depend on what Yukino will do.

I just hope a good ending awaits us.


The emptiness of my apartment envelopped me in its depressing silence. I found myself thinking back about the night when Hikigaya-kun was here, smiling at me, touching me and cuddling with me.

I miss his warm presence, I miss his arms. Since the day we argued I felt like it's been a while we couldn't be a little bit intimate with each other, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of longing.

I placed my bag beside the bed and grabbed my laptop. Settling comfortably, I turned it on.

Yesterday night at my family's residence was a terrible failure. I didn't manage to convince Mother, but I know that Father is going to support me.

He told me that even if he tried to talk to her, I would have more chances of delivering the last brow myself to make her change her mind. I don't know if I'm capable of that, I'm not sure if he himself has an idea of how could I do it.

...What if I fail regardless? What if after everything I do, Mother still refuses to cooperate?

Is there any last option left to me in this case?

I wondered, but my answers remained none.

How could I find a way to gather so much money in such a short amount of time? What possibilities were offered to me in this case?

I surfed on the web, maybe I could get an answer there. Frankly, I felt desperate, almost dangerously desperate. So desperate that I might just get scammed after falling for a tempting and dubious offer.

I needed to have something in case I fail to convince Mother.

But what?

After half an hour of scrolling on the web, one thing caught my attention. There I found, a way that could help me gather a high amount of money without it being too difficult... I clicked on the website, many dirty and obscene images that I won't bother describing popped up everywhere, filling my screen.

A wave of shame overwelmed me as I couldn't believe where I just found myself in.

I shook my head repeatedly, this option was not something I could consider. I have a pride and a dignity to preserve, I'm from a reputed family and I can't allow myself to take the risk to stain it.

Though...

What if I end up with no other solution..?

I know I could get a lot of money there, I'm well aware of my own beauty and I could likely attract a lot of disturbed men to spend high amount just to get to see more of me if I film myself in tempting and compromising positions...

From the informations I found on this website, I quickly understood how it worked and how the profiles earned a lot of money here.

My heart quickened at the thought.

I'm a minor, I'm legally not allowed to be here. But... I know that a lot of weirdos don't care about it, and would still pay a lot to see such things. Anyway, it's not like it was hard to lie on my age, is it?

If I'm found, it'd be a catastrophe.

The best solution would be to use a VPN so I am only picked by strangers clients.

No... no, no, no.

What's wrong with me? Why do I even think about such disgusting things? This is not me, I'm worth much more than that.

My hand that held the mouse trembled as I looked down at myself.

I needed money.

I needed to save him...

I felt my heart racing even more within my chest. I couldn't bring myself to do this, but if he dies because I wasn't courageous enough to make the right sacrifices... I feel like I could despise myself for it.

buzz!

Suddenly, my phone abruptly vibrated next to me, jolting me out of my thoughts and nearly startling me.

I took it and noticed that Nee-san was calling me.

I then answered the call and held my phone against my ear.

"Good evening, Yukino-chan."

"What do you need, Nee-san?"

"No need to be annoyed already. I just wanted to check on you, that's all."

Why would she feel the need to do that now?

"Then as you can hear I'm fine, if you expected me to be crying or whatever then I hope you're reassured."

"I'm not talking about that, Yukino-chan. You see, I think you remember that I was there and so listened to everything that was said between you and our parents."

"I know, you have been pretty good at making yourself invisible."

"No matter how much you try to hide it, I can still sense the desperation in you since you found out about the operation that might save Hikigaya-kun."

"..."

I remained silent and let her continue.

"Listen, I know you need money for that operation, which is why you came to ask for Father and Mother's help, right? But Mother seems not open to it."

"Get straight to the point, I don't need you to resume me what I'm struggling with."

"I just want to say this: Mother can be stubborn with her ideals, but changing her mind isn't impossible. Do you understand? She's your only option, so don't do anything reckless behind everyone's back to get money. Understood?" Nee-san's tone was cold and sharp, yet beneath the firmness, I could almost hear a trace of concern, as if she was warning me against making a decision I might regret for the rest of my life.

"...Who are you taking me for? I know what I'm doing. I will convince Mother, and get our parents to help Hikigaya-kun's money," I said, my voice filled with determination.

A silence followed, only to be cut a few seconds later.

"Alright, if you say so then, bye."

Nee-san ended the call.

I shifted my attention back toward the screen of my laptop. The only thing I wanted to do now was...

Get that webpage out of my view.

I hastily reached for the mouse and closed the webpage, quickly deleting the URL from my browsing history. I shut down my laptop and pushed it aside.

Why was I hesitating about it?

I could never allow myself to use such a way for my goals...

Even if I got money and managed to save Hikigaya-kun, how will I be able to look him in the eyes after doing all of this stuff?

Come on, Yukino. You know Hikigaya-kun deserves better than that. This isn't what he fell for...

I looked up at the ceiling, ashamed of myself. I just wanted to forget, erase from my memory the fact that for a single minute, the thought of... selling my dignity to earn money just crossed my mind.

I didn't want to imagine how would be Father and Mother's reaction if they found out about it.

No, really, never again will I even think about doing such a thing.