Author's note: I've noticed that the recent chapters have been quite heavy on drama and tears. So, for this one, I decided to lighten the mood a bit. I also missed writing sweet scenes between Hachiman and Yukino, so... here's what I came up with. (Sorry, it's a long chapter though!)

...

"Hachiman, make sure your room is at least presentable! A pretty girl is coming, so please don't embarrass yourself."

"Heard her, Onii-chan? I'll help you choose your outfit for today."

"Huh, what outfit? I'm staying home anyway."

As I sat on the edge of my bed, I watched my mother and sister tidy up all the discarded parts of my bedroom, making sure everything was clean and neat. I swear, they're taking this too far.

And my room was already presentable. I mean, to me there was nothing wrong in the first place.

"Okay, I got it. I'll clean up myself, Komachi, Mom." I stood up, walking to them and pulling them out of my room.

"You won't forget to not leave any dirty clothes on the floor, right? Imagine how she would react if she saw you being so careless with cleanliness. Embarrassing, isn't it?"

"Yes, I know." I then closed the door and came back to sit on my bed.

Today was a particular day.

I invited Yukinoshita over.

Let's recontextualize things in order.

First, there was the last time I visited the Service Club to make a request—it's already been over two weeks since that happened. I'm not going to recount how emotionally intense it all was, let alone my conversation with Yuigahama that same day

Since it happened, I feel much lighter than before, as if a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. Now that I'm completely honest with myself, I no longer have to fight against confusion or doubts.

Put simply, life got better.

Now how did I invite Yukinoshita over?

Oh, well that's...


Flashback : A few days ago—during a diner between the Hikigaya family.

...

"So, tell us Komachi, how's high school so far?" my mother asked, taking the first bite of her food.

Komachi smiled slightly. "It's been really fun, though it's a lot different from middle school, I must admit." She glanced up at the ceiling and added, "I'm sure it would've been even more fun if Onii-chan were there. Oh, that's worth a lot of points!"

"Thank you, Komachi. But staying at home all day is good enough to me."

"You said you were going to join the Service Clud, didn't you?" my mother continued.

"I was just about to bring it up. I joined the club as soon as I could, and being able to see Yukino-san and Yui-san every day is so cool! Now they're like, my senpais."

I'm glad to hear they're having fun.

"It's been a while I didn't get any news from Yukino, is she doing well?"

"Yukino-san? She's doing great, don't worry about her. Though..." Komachi threw a glance at my direction as I ate peacefully.

What with that gaze? What did I do again?

"I think with how busy she is as a third-year high schooler, she misses Onii-chan a lot. Actually, she always asks about him during club time," she explained, her gaze fixed on me.

Stop staring at me like that, Komachi. I feel like I did something wrong here.

"Eh... How sad, if only she could see her beloved more often..." Mom complained, a grin curving on her lips as she gave a knowing look to my sister.

"Especially since Onii-chan doesn't seem to text her enough by phone."

Okay, my bad.

"What do you think, Hachiman? Don't you miss her too?" My mother and sister leaned closer to me as they asked, causing me to stop eating under the pressure.

I glanced at my father who didn't seem to want to step in the conversation yet. It was as if he wasn't even a part of it.

"Hum, yeah, a little bit." I looked away.

Their grins widened. "Don't worry, Onii-chan. I've got an idea to fix that."

Oh, great.

"You should tell her to come over during her free time, that way you two will be able to see each other without getting you to do the effort to move anywhere."

Yukinoshita coming to my house... I've never thought about it before, but now that I do, it isn't necessarily a bad idea. I've already come to her apartment multiple times so it'd be only logical if she came here too.

And, it would be her first time here.

Well, I aslo wanna see her more often.

"I wouldn't really mind. As long as it is in her days off, I don't want to bother her."

"Seeing you will never be a bother to her, Onii-chan."

My mother suddenly clasped her hands, a wide smirk shinning on her face. Seems like I wasn't the only one who wanted to see her more often.

"Excellent! She can come during the weekend and even spend a night here," she suggested.

"W-Wait, spend a night here..?" I gulped.

"Yes!" She nodded.

I quickly glanced at Komachi, a mischievous smirk playing on her face as she calmly continued eating her meal.

"You should get her to come here every now and then, so she can help you keep up with school at the same time. I've heard she was one of the best student out there, so she could be a great help." My father suddenly chimed in.

He actually has a good point.

"You're right, I didn't think about it. But since Hachiman doesn't go to school anymore, it can still be useful if he still follows a part of what's taught in class. Especially in case he... survives. It could be really useful."

With what my parents said, I think I've got enough reasons to ask her over.

Having Yukinoshita as a teacher, how would it be?


As soon as I told Yukinoshita about it, she quickly accepted and we agreed that she would come this saturday and sleep over.

I quickly checked the time: 5:43pm. She said that she would come around 6pm, so she should arrive soo—

Ding!

"Hachiman! You open the door for her!" My mother's loud voice reached my room.

I got up from my bed and quicky took a look at myself, making sure I was fine. Then, I left my room and descended the stairs. Each steps closer to the door, I could feel my heart accelerate.

It's true that it's the first time I've brought a girl here, so I can't help but feel a little stressed. I don't think anything bad is going to happen, but it just feels... tense? Or something.

I reached the door, my hand hovering over the handle for a moment longer than necessary. Taking a deep breath, I steadied myself and pulled it open.

And there she was.

Yukinoshita stood on the threshold, her figure framed by the fading golden light of the sunset behind her. The crisp evening air seemed to emphasize her elegance. She wore a white coat that stood out starkly yet gracefully against the soft orange glow of the dusk. Its pristine fabric, with its clean, structured lines, complemented her perfectly—refined, poised, and, honestly, stunning.

Beneath the coat, I caught a glimpse of a pleated dark blue skirt that swayed slightly in the breeze, along with dark tights that accentuated her slender legs. Her long, jet-black hair flowed freely, stirred gently by the wind, and her soft, subtle expression carried an almost ethereal calm.

For a moment, I couldn't find the words.

"...Good evening," she said, her voice soft yet confident, breaking the silence. She tilted her head slightly, her hand resting lightly against her chest as if to steady herself.

I snapped back to reality, realizing I'd probably been staring. "Oh, uh, evening. You're... early."

"It's only by a few minutes," she replied with the faintest hint of amusement in her tone, her lips curving into a subtle smile.

Can we consider 20 minutes ahead as 'only a few minutes'?

I cleared my throat, trying to focus. "You... uh... look nice." The words left my mouth before I could stop them.

Damn why did I have to stutter? Am I not able to compliment her normally?

Her eyes widened slightly, and for a split second, I thought I saw a flicker of surprise. Then, just as quickly, her expression softened again, her cheeks taking on a faint pink hue.

"Thank you, Hikigaya-kun."

I stepped aside, gesturing for her to come in. "Come in. It's cold out there."

She nodded, stepping past me into the house. The faint scent of her perfume—or maybe just her natural fragrance—lingered in the air as she passed, delicate and calming, much like her presence.

"Your house is... cozy," she commented as she glanced around the hallway, her eyes briefly scanning the interior.

"It's just a house," I muttered, closing the door behind her and scratching the back of my neck awkwardly. "Nothing fancy."

"Even so," she said, turning back to face me with a small smile. "It's nice."

I wasn't sure if she meant it as a genuine compliment or just polite small talk, but either way, her words made something in my chest tighten—not in a bad way, just... different.

"Huh, let me take your coat," I offered, noticing that she had started to undo the buttons.

"Thank you," she said, slipping out of it gracefully and handing it to me. Beneath the coat, she wore a simple yet elegant top that matched her skirt, the minimalistic design only adding to her composed charm. I just noticed that she was accompanied by a small bag.

Without a word, I gestured for her to give me the bag, which she did without hesitating.

I hung the coat on the nearby rack, placing the bag neatly beside it, trying not to think too hard about how close she was standing or how quiet the house suddenly seemed.

Once done, I turned back to her, noting that she'd already removed her shoes. Then she approached me and—

*hug*

Before I could react she swiftly wrapped her arms around me, pulling me against her in a delicate and warm embrace.

"I missed you."

"...I missed you too," I said, returning the embrace.

"My little boy is so cute when he's all lovey-dovey!" My mom's voice suddenly emerged out of nowhere, startling both of us.

We let go of each other and faced my mother.

"G-Good evening."

"Good evening, Yukino! It's so good to see you here." My mother didn't waste a second to come and take Yukinoshita in her arms.

I stood nearby, watching them as I tried to calm the heat spreading on my cheeks.

"You dressed quite well tonight. Someone's really lucky, huh?" she complimented, leaning closer to me and poking my side with her elbrow.

My attempt to stop the blush on my face is a ridiculous fail.

"I should show you around the house." I grabbed her hand an walked forward.

We quickly reached the living room, where my father and Komachi were busying themselves while waiting for us. As soon as we arrived, they stopped what they were doing and stood up to greet Yukinoshita.

"Yahallo, Yukino-san!" Komachi ran toward her and gave her a tight hug.

"Hello, Komachi-san," Yukinoshita greeted back, patting her head.

"I know we already saw each other yesterday but I'm still so happy to see you."

"Likewise, Komachi-san."

As I watched their interaction, I was reassured about one thing. Those two will always like each other.

Komachi slowly let go of Yukinoshita, and let her father greet her.

"Good evening," he said calmly.

"Hello, Hikigaya-san." She bowed slightly.

"Well, let's let Hachiman show Yukino the house. I'll begin to cook the diner soon."

I scratched my hair and moved closer to Yukinoshita. "Let's go, the house isn't big so it'll be very quick."

I guided Yukinoshita through every room of the house, taking my time as we moved from one space to the next. We climbed up the stairs, then I showed her Komachi's room, its cheerful atmosphere evident even with the door just slightly ajar, and then pointed out the shared bathroom we all used.

Finally, we reached the door to my own bedroom.

I paused for a moment, my hand resting on the handle, glancing back at her and carefully, I pushed the door open,

"Here's my room, make yourself comfortable."

She stepped inside, her movements graceful and deliberate, and her eyes began to wander. Her gaze swept across my room, lingering on my desk, the bookshelves, and even the stray items I hadn't bothered to put away. Her subtle inspection made me feel unexpectedly self-conscious, as if she were reading a part of me I hadn't intended to show.

"I expected much worse, I'm impressed."

"What does that mean?" I frowned.

A soft chuckle escaped her lips, as she moved towards my bed, sitting down with the kind of composure only Yukinoshita could manage. She lightly patted the spot next to her on the mattress, inviting me without words.

Without thinking twice, I sat down. Perhaps too quickly, too close—our thighs brushed together, and I felt the warmth of her body seep into mine.

Too late to move away now. Not that I wanted to.

"Your room is nice," she murmured after a moment, her tone soft and genuine.

"...Thanks."

A quiet settled between us, but it wasn't uncomfortable. It was the kind of silence that came when neither of us knew what to say but weren't in any rush to fill the gap either. I stole a glance at the door—partially open. No interruptions yet.

Then, with a sudden shift, Yukinoshita leaned into me. Her body pressed softly against mine as her head came to rest on my shoulder. Her hair tickled my neck, carrying a faint, clean scent that reminded me of winter mornings.

Her hand moved, deliberate and unhurried, until her fingers found mine. Without hesitation, she intertwined them, her grip firm yet delicate. I felt the light pressure of her palm against mine, the softness of her skin a sensation I couldn't quite put into words.

She closed her eyes, exhaling a quiet breath that brushed against my neck. Her presence filled the space between us, and the silence shifted into something warmer, something meaningful.

I let my fingers curl around hers, matching her unspoken gesture. Words felt unnecessary. If we couldn't communicate through conversation, then this... this was enough.

When was the last time we'd been this close, just the two of us? It had been a while. Too long, perhaps.

"Your mother said that she was going to cook for the diner, I may help her," Yukinoshita finally broke the silence.

"That's a good idea, I'm pretty sure she'd be happy to cook with you."

She's been pretty excited about having Yukinoshita over, I think I could give her some alone time with her.

Not to mention the fact that both of them are great cooks.

"Then, shall I?" she asked, lifting her head from my shoulder.

"Yeah, let's go."

We quietly stood up, and left the room. We descended the stairs and crossed path with my father who was quietly reading his book on the sofa as usual. Our eyes met briefly before he put his focus back on his book.

Then we arrived at the kitchen, where my mother was already checking the various ingredients and kitchen utensils.

"Mom, do you need help?"

"Everything is alright. You don't need to spend your energy on cooking."

"Yukinoshita would gladly help, she's a great cook."

My mother immediately walked to us and eyed Yukinoshita up and down, a smile curving on her lips.

"That's perfect, you might be an excellent assistant tonight. Come over here..." Mom clasped her hands and gestured to Yukinoshita to join her and put on an apron.

I stood in the corner, quietly observing as my mother effortlessly drew Yukinoshita into conversation. It seemed she had already captured her attention for a little while now.

Yukinoshita glanced at me hesitantly, her voice tinged with concern. "Hikigaya-kun might still help a little. I wouldn't want to leave him just standing there..."

"Oh, don't worry about me," I said, waving off her concern casually. "I'll go check on Komachi. She just started high school, so there's bound to be something she needs help with." I began stepping away, glancing back at them with a small smile. "I'm looking forward to seeing what you two whip up."

With that, I discreetly exited the kitchen, leaving my mother to enjoy her little moment with Yukinoshita. The two of them hadn't really had many opportunities to connect before, so maybe this small cooking session would help bridge the gap.

Now, I just needed to figure out how to kill some time while I waited.

...

Pov : Yukino Yukinoshita

...

The kitchen was warm and inviting, the faint smell of spices lingering in the air as I turned toward Hikigaya-kun's mother—who was already tying an apron around her waist with practiced ease. She smiled at me warmly, her demeanor cheerful yet calming.

"So, Yukino," she began, holding up a cutting board and a chef's knife, "do you have anything specific you like to cook? Or should we just go with whatever we have on hand?"

I shook my head politely, sliding my hands into an apron she'd offered me earlier. "Not at all. You're the host, so I'll defer to whatever you have in mind. Just let me know how I can help."

Her grin widened slightly. "Fair enough. I was thinking something simple but hearty—ginger pork stir-fry, some miso soup, and maybe a side of pickled vegetables. Oh, and rice, of course. Does that sound alright?"

"It sounds perfect," I replied, already moving toward the fridge. "Shall I start by preparing the vegetables?"

She nodded approvingly, and we fell into a rhythm quickly. I took out carrots, onions, and bell peppers while Mrs. Hikigaya set the rice cooker and began mixing the marinade for the pork. The faint hum of the stove and the click of knives against cutting boards filled the air as we worked side by side.

"Yukino," she said after a moment, breaking the comfortable silence, "you're really quick with a knife. Have you been cooking for a long time?"

"Yes," I answered, focusing on slicing the carrots into thin, uniform strips. "Living on my own for quite a while, I had to learn. I wanted to eat properly and healthily, so I practiced."

She chuckled softly. "Hachiman could take a few lessons from you, then. That boy's idea of cooking is microwaving leftovers or eating instant ramen."

I smiled faintly at that, though I could already picture him doing exactly that. "Well, it's not surprising."

Though, at least he has enough cooking skills to survive.

"He always seems to carry a lot on his plate—academics, taking care of himself, and even helping Komachi-san."

Mrs. Hikigaya sighed, setting the marinated pork aside to rest.

"That's true, but he's always been like that, even as a child. He's stubborn, too. It took him forever to finally accept any help from you, didn't it?"

I paused briefly, my knife hovering over the bell pepper. "It did," I admitted, glancing at her. "I wanted to help him in any way I could, and after what had felt like an eternity, he allowed it."

I was happy that I could be able to make him see what he had neglected for so long within him.

Her expression softened, and she leaned slightly against the counter.

"You've been so patient with him, Yukino. I could see it. He's always been guarded, even with us, but somehow, you've managed to break through that wall of his."

The sincerity in her voice caught me off guard, but before I could reply, she gestured toward the tomatoes on the counter.

"Should we add some tomatoes to the stir-fry?" I suggested, holding one up.

Her eyes sparkled with amusement as she shook her head. "Oh no, no tomatoes. Hachiman can't stand them. He's been that way since he was little. Even a tiny piece in his food, and he'll fish it out like it's poison."

I couldn't help but smile at that. "I didn't know he was so particular."

Hikigaya-kun hates tomatoes, just like a certain someone. I couldn't help but find that correlation funny, a quiet giggle escaping my lips accidently.

"You'll learn a lot of little quirks if you stick around long enough," she teased.

As we moved through the rest of the meal preparation, the conversation flowed naturally. She told me stories about Hikigaya-kun and Komachi-san growing up, while I shared some anecdotes from my time in school with him and Yuigahama-san. There was an ease to it—a sense of familiarity forming as we worked together.

When we finally finished, the aroma of ginger and soy sauce filled the kitchen. The rice cooker let out a cheerful beep as the last dish was set on the table. Hikigaya-kun's mother turned to me, her expression thoughtful.

"Yukino," she said softly, her voice more serious now. "I don't think I've ever said this properly before, but..." She paused, her eyes glimmering with something deeper, a heartfelt emotion that radiated through her gaze.

"Thank you."

Her words hung in the air for a moment as she continued, her tone growing more tender yet resolute.

"You've always been there for him—helping him, supporting him through all the struggles he'd rather face alone. You tolerate his stubbornness, even when it pushes others away, even when it hurts."

She took a small step closer, her expression softening as her voice grew more heartfelt.

"Even as his face grew paler and his body colder, you found the strength to hold him in your arms, to share your warmth with him when he needed it most. You've given him more love, more understanding, than I think anyone else ever could. And because of that... your presence near him has changed him, in ways I never thought possible. You've brought out the best in him, Yukino."

Her words settled deep within me, resonating in a way I hadn't quite expected. It wasn't often that someone acknowledged the things I'd done for him so openly, so honestly.

I looked down at my hands, still faintly dusted with flour from rolling out the miso paste earlier.

"Mrs. Hikigaya... I care about him deeply. Helping him wasn't a chore or an obligation. It's something I wanted to do."

She smiled warmly, placing a hand on my shoulder. "I know. And that's why I'm so glad he has you in his life."

Her eyes locked onto mine with an intense depth that sent a surge of emotions flooding through me. I struggled to keep them at bay, to hold back the tears threatening to spill over, but they were too powerful to contain.

She reached out gently, her warm hand resting softly on my cheek, swiftly wiping away the tears that had begun to escape my eyes.

"I understand how you've felt all this time," she said softly, her voice steady yet filled with empathy. "When someone you love deeply is battling something that feels insurmountable... it can be overwhelming. I've been there too. I've watched the person I love struggle through his darkest moments, moments when he thought all was lost. But together, we found the strength to rise again and build something meaningful."

Her words, laced with both understanding and hope, washed over me, soothing yet stirring something profound within.

"I only did what felt right," I said softly, my voice steady despite the swell of emotion in my chest. "Because he's worth it."

Mrs. Hikigaya smiled then, a small, warm smile that made her gratitude shine even brighter. "And that's what makes you so special, Yukino."

"Mrs. Hikigaya, I—"

"Stop calling me that. My full name is Kanahe Hikigaya. You can call me Kanahe, or..." She leaned closer to me, a grin forming on her lips as she whispered teasingly, "I wouldn't mind if you called me Okaasan."

My cheeks began to heat up intensely. A sudden wave of flusteration washed over me as my eyes widened, my mouth parted as I wanted to express my shock but the words caught in my throat.

"I-I don't know if t-that's..."

She leaned back, chuckling. "I'm just teasing you. Call me however you want."

The sound of footsteps approaching cut the moment short. Hikigaya-kun peeked his head into the kitchen, his usual deadpan expression in place.

"Are you two done conspiring in here yet? The smell is killing me."

I had the reflex to immediately turn away from him, not wanting him to see my so flustered and shy state. I could still feel my cheeks burn from Kanahe-san's earlier words.

Seriously... Why did she have to say something like that?

She laughed, waving him off. "Go sit down, Hachiman. Dinner's ready."

As he turned to leave, I felt a quiet warmth settle in my chest. This home—his family—it was unfamiliar yet comforting, and I was grateful to be a part of it, even for just this moment.

...

Pov : Hachiman Hikigaya

...

When dinner was finally ready, I went to gather everyone. With everything almost set at the table, I called out for the rest of the family to join. Dad and Komachi were the first to take their seats, settling in comfortably.

Not long after, Mom and Yukinoshita entered together, their quiet conversation fading as they approached.

Yukinoshita took the seat to my left, while Komachi sat on my right, as usual. Across from us, my parents occupied their spots.

"This all smells delicious, I can already feel my mouth watering!" Komachi cheered.

"I can't wait to eat either. Mom and Yukinoshita cooked together, I'm certain we'll all love what they prepared."

Yukinoshita, ever composed, responded with a small smile. "Your mother was the one who guided everything. I simply followed her instructions."

"Well, then the two of you make a good team." my father chimed in, scooping a generous portion of the stir-fried vegetables onto his plate. "We should do this more often. It's rare for Hachiman to bring someone home, so this is a real treat for all of us."

"It's just dinner. Let's not make it into a thing."

"Just dinner?" Komachi repeated, raising an eyebrow at me with exaggerated disbelief. "This is like, a historic event! You better appreciate it, Onii-chan."

"Can we just eat?" I muttered.

"Don't tease him too much," my mother said with a chuckle, cutting into the conversation. "Yukino, I hope you're enjoying yourself so far. It must feel strange being surrounded by this loud family."

Yukinoshita shook her head slightly. "Not at all. It's lively and warm. I appreciate being invited to join you." She glanced at me briefly before adding, "It's... nice."

My mother's smile deepened, her maternal instincts seemingly satisfied. "I'm glad to hear that. And thank you again for helping in the kitchen. I rarely get such skilled assistance."

"It was my pleasure," Yukinoshita replied, her tone polite yet genuine. "Cooking has always been something I enjoy."

"You're really good at it!" Komachi piped up, pointing at her with her chopsticks. "Maybe you can teach Onii-chan how to cook. He's hopeless."

"Komachi," I interjected again, my voice flat, but she was already grinning ear to ear.

"Teaching Hikigaya-kun to cook..." Yukinoshita mused, her tone soft, almost teasing. "I suppose I could try, though I can't guarantee results."

"Hey, I'm not that bad," I protested. "I can manage basic stuff."

Like... Pasta, noodles, and some other things, I guess?

"Instant noodles don't count as cooking, Onii-chan," Komachi quipped, drawing laughter from the table.

"He is actually not so bad. You haven't tried Yuigahama-san's cooking yet, Komachi-san."

It's a bad idea to make Komachi curious about it, Yukinoshita.

The conversation shifted naturally as we began to eat, with Komachi enthusiastically talking about her first few weeks of high school.

"So, Yukino, how's the Service Club with Komachi as the new club member?" Mom asked, throwing a knowing glance towards Komachi as she took a bite of her food.

"She's been great. We only had one request yet, but she proved to be very efficient. I'm confident on the fact that she will be a very good member in a near future. And, Komachi-san seems to enjoy her time with us," she explained, a soft smile lingered on her face.

"That's right!" Komachi beamed. "Though it's not the same without Onii-chan, obviously. But Yui-san and Yukino-san are still there, so it's been great so far. I'm learning so much from them."

"It's good to hear you're enjoying yourself. The Service Club can be challenging at times, but it's rewarding."

"Oh, please. You can be honest, Yukinoshita. Sometimes it's tiring as hell. You get to do work for others, and you're not rewarded in any way." I paused, sighing. "Some people will ask for your help, believing that you're gonna do all the annoying stuff for them and get them what they want."

"Don't be so pessimistic. We always remind people of the true purpose and ideals of the club, even though sometimes...Some club member decide to do things by themselves, don't they?" She smirked, staring intensely at me.

"You're one to talk."

"Okay, okay say less! I'm sure that there'll be a lot of fun though, won't there?"

I looked at Komachi, and at this moment, I couldn't help but replay many past memories shared with Yukinoshita and Yuigahama. I couldn't really deny the fact that despite all the troubles and drama we got in, it was fun.

"Yeah, in the end you won't regret being a part of this club," I said, taking a sip of my glass.

My mother chuckled lightly at the banter, then she spoke up, asking a question to Komachi. "How are your club mates so far? I'm curious about what you go through with Yui and Yukino. Hachiman didn't often tell us about what they were doing, so you may tell us, Komachi?"

She lifted her head to meet her mother's gaze.

"Yukino-san is super amazing!" Komachi continued, practically bouncing in her seat. "She's so good at handling requests and coming up with solutions. Yui-san is as sweet as ever too. They're both the best!"

"Oh, that's wonderful to hear," my mother said with pride, her smile warm. "And how's the club going, Yukino? Do you think it's changed much since Hachiman left?"

Yukinoshita hesitated briefly, glancing at me before responding. "It's certainly... different now. But Komachi-san brings a fresh perspective, and I think she'll fit in well."

The conversation shifted to other topics, but then my mother spoke up, her tone slightly more serious this time. "Actually, Yukino, there's something we've been meaning to ask you about."

Yukinoshita tilted her head slightly, her attention fully on my mother now. "Of course. What is it?"

"You see, with Hachiman not attending school these days because of... well, his condition, we thought it might be a good idea to ask if you'd be willing to help him with classes. Just from time to time, of course," she explained.

Ah, of course there was that.

"It's just a thought," my father chimed in, his voice calm. "You're clearly someone Hachiman trusts, and you're an excellent student. If you could help him keep up with what's being taught in class, it might make things easier for him if he's able to return to school someday."

Yukinoshita's expression softened, and she placed her chopsticks down carefully. "I'd be happy to help," she said without hesitation, her voice steady. "If Hikigaya-kun is comfortable with it, of course."

"I would be glad if you did, honestly. But don't feel obligated, if you can't—"

"I want to," she interrupted gently, her gaze meeting mine. "I'd be honored to support you in any way I can."

Komachi clasped her hands together dramatically. "Aww, Yukino-san, you're amazing! Onii-chan, you're so lucky to have her!" She leaned closer to me, poking my side teasingly.

"Well, that settles it, then," my mother said with a satisfied smile. "Yukino, we'll leave the details to you and Hachiman. Thank you so much for being so understanding."

"It's no trouble at all," Yukinoshita replied softly, her cheeks faintly pink.

The rest of the meal continued in a lighter tone, with Komachi sharing stories from her first few club activities. But I couldn't help glancing at Yukinoshita now and then, my thoughts tangled.

Even in the quiet moments, her presence had a way of steadying me, of grounding me.

Once everyone had finished eating, we worked together to gather the used utensils and empty plates, stacking them neatly into the washing machine. We diligently cleaned up the tables, making sure to leave the dining area free of any leftover debris.

I then turned to Yukinoshita, who seemed to be looking at me too.

"Do you want to... go to my room?" I asked, scratching the back of my head nervously.

Oh crap, I'm sure I sounded so embarrassed just now.

She didn't reply, only a nod accompanied by a gentle smile came from her.

"Don't hesitate to do whatever you please upthere, no one will come bothering you, unless you get too noisy!" My mother's voice suddenly emerged out of nowhere, startling me.

"Y-Yes thanks," I quickly answered and led Yukinoshita upstairs.

The lively ambiance of the living room was now behind us as we arrived at the second floor. I reached for the handle of my door and opened it, letting Yukinoshita enter inside before closing the door behind us, the outside noises fading.

"So, she said we wouldn't be bothered, right?" Yukinoshita spoke, the smile on her face evident that she was holding back a chuckle.

"I hope she meant it."

I walked past her and sat down on the edge of my bed. Her gaze followed me, her hesitation clear as she stood there, unsure of what to do next. Without a word, I reached out, taking her hand gently in mine, and with a soft tug, I guided her down to sit beside me on the mattress.

She hesitated for a moment before sitting, her cheeks faintly pink. "What should we do...?" she asked, her voice quiet and a little shy.

"There are plenty of things we could do," I said, feeling a slight heat creeping into my face. I averted my eyes briefly before continuing, "But for now... how about we just lie down and cuddle while we figure it out? Does that sound okay to you?"

Her lips curved into a soft, almost mischievous smile. "That sounds... lovely."

Without wasting a second, she adjusted her position, gracefully settling down on the bed. She shifted slightly to give me enough space to join her, her expression warm and inviting.

I followed her lead, lying down beside her and finding a comfortable spot. As soon as I was settled, she moved closer, closing the small gap between us. Her hands found their way around me, and her head rested lightly against my chest. I could feel her soft breath through the fabric of my shirt as her eyes fluttered shut.

The quiet intimacy of the moment enveloped us like a warm blanket. I instinctively wrapped an arm around her, letting my fingers trace gentle patterns on her shoulder. She responded by snuggling even closer, as though trying to melt into me completely.

"...My hair..." Yukinoshita murmured.

"Hm?"

"Could you... caress my hair, please?" she clarified, her cheeks taking a deeper shade of pink as she said so.

"Oh, hum, sure."

I had been hesitating about doing it, but now that I was explicitly asked, I didn't hold back. Without further thought, I slipped my hand into her hair, gently stroking the silky strands with my fingers. Her breath shifted slightly, quickening subtly against my shirt. I could feel it—yet another reminder of how much comfort and pleasure my touch brought her

As the silence settled between us, I decided to break it.

"Did you make any progress with your mother?"

The last thing I remember is Yukinoshita confessing that she believed her way of thinking had been flawed from the very beginning. I didn't fully grasp what she meant, but it was clear she had started to gain a deeper understanding of her own situation.

"There's a beginning. But I have no idea how far the distance is to what I want to achieve. I'm even afraid that I won't be able to catch up in time..."

If the operation happens, it'd surely be around July or end June. We're currently in April so my remaining time is short. Fixing and rebuilding a relationship can take long, especially since we're talking about Yukinoshita and her mother.

Their relationship is particular, but I actually have no idea how to improve things between them.

"I'm sorry, but I don't know if I will be able to be a great help here."

I've always been able to help her, but now, as she faces something that's haunted her far longer than I can comprehend, I feel powerless—like it's beyond my control.

And I can't help but feel that feeling of frustration grow within me.

Yukinoshita's eyes fluttered open, and she gazed up at me with a soft, warm smile gracing her lips. Slowly, her fingers lifted to my face, their delicate touch grazing my skin before coming to rest gently on my chin.

"It's okay," she said softly, her voice calm and steady. "I don't blame you, not in the slightest. I understand that there's not much you can do for me in this matter." Her eyes briefly flickered with vulnerability before settling into a determined calmness.

"What's between me and Mother... it's something I need to resolve on my own. This is my responsibility to mend, and I can't rely on you for that, Hikigaya-kun."

Her words carried a quiet strength, one that made it clear this was a burden she had chosen to bear. Yet, even as she spoke, her touch on my chin remained gentle, as if to reassure me that she didn't want me to feel guilty or powerless.

"I see..."

"Hey, I just remembered something," she said, lifting her head from me to directly meet my gaze.

Her body shifted, now half on top of me. Her head hovered just a few centimeters from mine, and when her breath brushed against my face after she spoke, I suddenly realized how close we were. The proximity made my heart race.

"W-What is it?"

"When was the last time you talked to Zaimokuza-kun?"

Zaimokuza?

I was slightly taken aback by the sudden shift in the conversation, even more so when she suddenly brought up Zaimokuza's name.

"Huh... A while."

A very long while.

"You know he's helping us financing for your operation, right?" she reminded, a few of the strands of her hair brushing against my face, distracting me almost too much.

"Y-Yeah..."

"Did you thank him?"

"..."

Ah, I know where this is leading.

"So even since he began to help us, you haven't said a word to him?" Her brows began to furrow.

"Why do you suddenly care?"

"Why do you not care?" she retorted.

She got me.

"With everything that was happening, I couldn't put my mind on this. You might think I'm just searching excuses to hide—No. Honestly, I am searching excuses. I'm still afraid to talk to him again, so I reassure myself that I will do it someday, but never today..."

"And this keeps going until the 'later' turns into never, doesn't it?"

"...Yes." I looked down.

She put her head back down onto my chest and sighed. "At least, you don't try to deny it, that's already a good start."

With how she suddenly brought Zaimokuza to the conversation, she probably meant something. Is she expecting me to do anything now that I was reminded of how I sill have one friendship I didn't try to reconnect?

"I think the best thing to do now is just call him."

"Call him? Like, right now?"

"Yes." She nodded, her head moving against my chest.

"Hum..."

"Now or never, Hikigaya-kun." She lifted herself up from me, sitting up. "Of course, if you don't care that much about him, no one's forcing you."

"No, no. I'll do it."

I sat up, and pulled my phone from my pocket. Entering the message app, I clicked on Zaimokuza's profile, the call emoticon now clear on the screen, my finger hovered for a few seconds above it hesitantly.

"Put it on speaker, so I can hear him too."

Yukinoshita was already prepared, her gaze steady as she waited for me to follow through. Since I'd already agreed, there was no backing out now. If I hesitated, I'd look like a coward in front of her, and frankly, my pride wouldn't allow that.

I opened Zaimokuza's contact profile, noting with a pang of guilt that the last message I'd sent him was nearly two months ago.

I glanced at Yukinoshita again. She gave me a reassuring nod, her expression soft but firm. That simple gesture was enough to stir something in me—determination, perhaps.

Taking a deep breath, I tapped the call icon.

Buzz... Buzz... Buzz...

"What if he doesn't answer?"

"We'll see about that," Yukinoshita replied.

Buzz...

Bip!

He picked up.

"...Hachiman?" Zaimokuza's voice emerged from the speaker, cutting through the quiet tension that had settled in the room.

"Yes, it's me," I replied, trying to sound casual. "Been a while."

"..."

Silence followed, heavy and uncomfortable. I realized I'd have to be the one to break it. I guess, it'd be better if I go straight to the point.

"Listen," I began, my tone firm but sincere. "I messed up. I was a coward, and I ran away from confrontations with the people I cared about. That included Yuigahama, Yukinoshita, and of course—you, Yoshiteru Zaimokuza."

I paused, my gaze flickering toward Yukinoshita for support. Her quiet presence reminded me of everyone I'd wronged, of all the lies I'd told to protect them—or so I thought.

"If I kept the truth from you all this time, it wasn't because I didn't care. It was because I cared too much. I thought sparing you the cruel reality would shield you, but... I see now that I only hurt you more by doing that."

"I don't know if I can trust you anymore. Am I really worth it? Or are you just forcing yourself?" Zaimokuza finally spoke, his words hitting harder than I expected.

My grip on the phone tightened as I leaned forward slightly, gathering my thoughts.

His question lingered in the air, forcing me to confront the truth. Had I been forcing myself? I couldn't deny that, in the beginning, I hadn't chosen to befriend him. Our paths had crossed purely by chance, and back then, I didn't exactly cherish his presence.

But over time, things had changed. His quirks, his eccentricities—they had become tolerable. In a world full of people hiding behind facades and shallow friendships, Zaimokuza was different.

"I'm not forcing myself," I said firmly. "You know why? Because people like you are rare. And I mean that in a good way, though I know you have your quirks."

I hesitated, trying to find the right words to convey what I felt.

No matter how much I tried to read through him, to understand why he always acted this weird so freely...

"You've always been yourself, no matter what. There's no malice in you, no hidden agenda. You had no reason to hang out with someone like me, but you did anyway. That kind of sincerity—it's something I've come to value. I know I can trust you because you're... you."

"..."

I paused, long enough to let him the time to react or say something, but nothing came out from the speaker.

How was he feeling about what I said? Was he shocked? Or doubtful?

Another pause, another stretch of silence that felt endless. But I wasn't done.

"That's why, I'm sorry, Zaimokuza," I finally managed.

The words hung in the air, heavier than I'd anticipated. For so long, I'd avoided saying them, convincing myself it wasn't the right time. But now, with those words finally spoken, a weight lifted from my chest.

"I'm sorry for lying to you, for underestimating you, and for being so scared. If you think there's nothing I can do to make up for it, I understand. You're a good guy, man. You deserve great friends."

Silence fell again, stretching on for what felt like hours. The longer it lingered, the more anxious I became. My fingers twitched against the phone as I silently willed him to say something. Anything.

I glanced at Yukinoshita, who offered me a small, reassuring smile.

"...Fufu... Consider yourself fortunate, Hachiman. For the great friend who possesses unshakable loyalty, one who holds you in high esteem, is also someone of immense forgiveness!"

I blinked in surprise, relief washing over me like a tidal wave.

"But the battle is far from over. From now on, let us fight against the powerful enemy known as FCS, side by side like the old days!"

I couldn't help but smile at his dramatic response. That was so him.

A sigh of relief escaped my lips. Yukinoshita didn't seem weirded out by his over-the-top theatrics—instead, she gave me a look of genuine relief. It wasn't about Zaimokuza, of course. It was about me.

"S-So... we're good, right? Like the old days?" I asked.

"Of course! Our foe is formidable, but together, we are unstoppable! As comrades, you have my full trust!"

"Thank you, Zaimokuza," I said sincerely.

"You'd better thank the heavens for blessing you with such a noble companion!"

"Sure, sure. I'll thank the heavens," I replied, shaking my head in amusement.

"...Took you long enough," he muttered before abruptly ending the call.

Another weight lifted from my mind, and I felt a rare sense of peace. I turned to Yukinoshita, her expression one of quiet satisfaction.

"It wasn't so hard," she remarked.

"...Thank you, Yukinoshita," I said, my voice low but sincere.

Her expression shifted to one of slight confusion.

"What for?"

"If you hadn't pushed me, I probably would've put this off again. But now... I feel lighter. So, thank you."

Her cheeks turned a faint pink as she smiled. Unable to resist, she leaned in and wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug.

"You're welcome," she murmured. "But... I didn't do it just for you. I had a promise to keep."

A promise? It all clicked—Zaimokuza had agreed to help them despite our strained relationship. Yukinoshita must've promised to bridge the gap between us.

"Still," she added shyly, "I'm glad I could help you."

Looking at her, I couldn't help but think how unbearably cute she was in moments like this.

Poke... Poke...

Sudden noises emerged in the room. They caught both of our attention, making Yukinoshita pull away slightly to peek at the source of the noise. It was coming from the door of my room—a faint scratching sound, followed by soft rubbing.

Yukinoshita tilted her head, her brows furrowing as she glanced at me. Her gaze silently asked if I had any idea what could be causing the commotion.

Of course, I knew. I was more than familiar with this particular brand of mischief.

"We've got a new guest," I said, rising from the bed.

Yukinoshita's curiosity was evident as she followed my movements, sitting upright and keeping her eyes fixed on the door.

She will love that.

I grabbed the handle and pulled it open slightly, allowing just enough space for the "intruder" to enter.

"Hello, little one," I greeted.

"Meow..."

As Kamakura's soft meow filled the air, I could already hear Yukinoshita shifting on the bed, her excitement palpable. I crouched down and scooped him up, his warm, fluffy body squirming slightly in my hands.

"Look who just woke up from his nap," I said, closing the door behind me and turning toward Yukinoshita.

Her expression lit up the moment she saw him.

"I-It's—"

"Meow."

"Kamakura's here."

I walked over to the bed, and the way Yukinoshita was leaning forward, practically vibrating with excitement, made it clear she was holding herself back from snatching him out of my hands.

Carefully, I placed Kamakura on the mattress, and as soon as his little paws touched the surface, Yukinoshita's hands were already there, gently stroking his soft fur.

"Kamakura-kun," she cooed softly, her voice almost trembling with affection. "You're even cuter than I remembered."

The traitorous cat instantly leaned into her touch, nuzzling her fingers as if she were the love of his life. His purring grew louder, a low, steady rumble that filled the room.

And just like that, I realized that for tonight, Kamakura had stolen her full attention.

...

For a while, I simply stood there, watching her as she fawned over him. She seemed utterly mesmerized, her delicate fingers tracing gentle patterns along Kamakura's fur. He rolled onto his back, exposing his fluffy belly—a sign of trust that he didn't even show to me all that often.

"You must spoil him a lot," Yukinoshita remarked, glancing up at me briefly before returning her focus to the cat.

"Not really. He just acts like this when he knows someone will shower him with attention."

"Don't be mean," she chided, her lips curving into a soft smile. "He's precious."

"Precious?" I raised an eyebrow. "He's a lazy, fat cat who does nothing but sleep, walk around the house and eat. The only reason he's tolerable is because he's fluffy."

"Meow." Kamakura responded as if defending himself from my slander.

Yukinoshita giggled, her laughter so light and delicate that it felt almost surreal.

"You're just jealous, Hikigaya-kun. He knows how to charm people, and you don't."

"Excuse me, I've been charming people all my life."

She looked up at me, her expression teasing. "Oh? Could you give me an example?"

"...I charmed you, didn't I?" I shot back before I could stop myself.

Her hands froze mid-pet, and she blinked up at me, her cheeks turning an unmistakable shade of pink.

"Y-You..." she started but quickly trailed off, focusing back on Kamakura with renewed determination. "You shouldn't say things like that so casually."

The room fell into a slightly awkward silence, broken only by Kamakura's purring.

After a few minutes, I sat back down on the bed, leaning slightly against the headboard as Yukinoshita continued to lavish Kamakura with affection.

"Here, try this," she suddenly said, lifting Kamakura and gently placing him in my lap. "You should learn how to handle him properly."

"I do know how to handle him. He's my cat."

She ignored my protest and guided my hands, positioning them so I was scratching under Kamakura's chin. The cat immediately melted under the attention, his purring intensifying as he pressed into my hand.

"See? He likes it," Yukinoshita said with a soft smile, sitting close enough that her shoulder brushed against mine, and her hands remained on top of mine, as if making sure they wouldn't get lost.

"Well, obviously. I'm a natural," I replied, though the heat rising in my face betrayed my nonchalance.

For a while, the two of us played with Kamakura together, passing him back and forth as he alternated between lounging in her lap and mine. At one point, she even dangled a stray thread from her sleeve for him to bat at, laughing softly whenever his paw missed its target.

The atmosphere was light and warm, a stark contrast to the heavy conversations we'd had earlier. It felt... easy.

After a while, Kamakura seemed to grow restless again, his tail flicking lazily as he hopped off my lap and started exploring the room. He sniffed at the edge of the bed, his whiskers twitching as if assessing whether to grant us his continued presence.

Yukinoshita watched him intently, her hands clasped together.

"He's so graceful, isn't he?" she murmured, her tone filled with admiration.

"Graceful? That's not the word I'd use for a creature that fell off the kitchen counter trying to steal a piece of bread yesterday," I countered.

Her hand flew to her mouth to stifle a laugh, though her shoulders trembled from the effort.

"You're exaggerating, Hikigaya-kun," she said, glancing back at me. "He seems perfectly sweet to me."

It wasn't long before Kamakura settles back onto her lap.

I raised an eyebrow. "Of course he does. You're giving him all the attention he wants. If you stop petting him for more than five seconds, you'll see his true colors."

As if on cue, Yukinoshita momentarily withdrew her hand. Kamakura stared at her, unblinking, his tail flicking once, then twice. After a moment, he let out a sharp, insistent "Meow!"

"Oh my," she said, her eyes widening slightly as she turned back to him. "You really are demanding, aren't you, Kamakura-kun?" She resumed petting him immediately, her tone soft and indulgent.

"See?" I said, leaning back against the headboard. "You've already fallen victim to his tyranny."

Yukinoshita smiled faintly but didn't respond. Instead, she picked Kamakura up and brought him back to the bed, gently placing him between us. He stretched lazily, his paws brushing against both of us as if staking his claim.

Then, seemingly on a whim, she picked up one of Kamakura's paws and inspected it. "His paw pads are so soft," she said, almost to herself.

"Yeah, but don't be fooled. Those same soft paws have knocked over more cups of tea than I can count."

She chuckled softly and held the paw up toward me.

"Feel them."

"What?"

"Just try it. It's surprisingly therapeutic."

With a sigh, I reached out and gently pressed my fingers against Kamakura's paw pads. They were, admittedly, soft—like tiny, squishy pillows.

"See?" Yukinoshita said, her tone triumphant.

"It's not bad," I admitted, though I quickly withdrew my hand, feeling strangely self-conscious.

Kamakura, seemingly emboldened by the attention, suddenly turned and nuzzled against Yukinoshita's cheek, his whiskers brushing against her skin. She froze for a moment, then broke into a radiant smile that caught me completely off guard.

You're gonna kill me with that smile someday...

"He likes me," she said softly, her voice filled with quiet delight.

As the evening wore on, Kamakura stirred from his cozy spot between us, stretching lazily before padding toward the edge of the bed. His tail flicked once as if bidding us farewell, and with a final glance, he leapt gracefully to the floor. Without a sound, he trotted toward the door, his departure calm and unhurried.

Yukinoshita watched him leave, a faint smile lingering on her lips. "It seems Kamakura-kun has had enough of our company for now."

"Typical. He gets all the attention he wants, then leaves when he feels like it."

Yukinoshita shifted closer to me, her warmth brushing against my side.

"At least we still have each other," she said softly.

For a moment, we sat there in comfortable silence, her head nestled against my shoulder as the warmth of her presence seeped into me. Her hair smelled faintly of lavender, and I found myself unconsciously leaning into her, the space between us shrinking until there was none left.

"You're surprisingly warm," she said suddenly, her tone soft and almost dreamy.

"Is that a compliment or a subtle jab?" I asked, trying to mask the nervousness creeping into my voice.

"It's neither," she replied, tilting her head slightly to look up at me. Her gaze was steady, her eyes holding mine with a quiet intensity that made my heart race. "It's just the truth."

I swallowed hard, feeling the heat intensify on my face, wait, what if it's because of how much my head is hot she thinks that..?

"You're... not too bad yourself," I managed awkwardly, averting my gaze.

She chuckled again, the sound light and genuine, before shifting even closer. Her hand brushed against mine, and for a moment, neither of us moved. Then, almost hesitantly, her fingers intertwined with mine, her grip gentle yet firm.

"Hachiman," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

"...Yeah?"

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For... everything," she said, her voice tinged with emotion. "For always doing efforts, for wanting to make me smile every day. For being you."

I didn't know how to respond to that. Her words were so earnest, so raw, that they left me completely disarmed. Instead of speaking, I squeezed her hand gently, hoping the gesture would convey everything I couldn't put into words.

She smiled, her expression soft and radiant, before resting her head against my shoulder once more. "You really are hopeless sometimes," she murmured, though there was no malice in her words.

"Yeah, well... you're stuck with me now."

"I suppose I can live with that."

I glanced at my phone rapidly. Time had passed so fast, it was already 10:49pm.

"It's getting late, we should prepare to sleep," I announced, shifting on the bed.

Yukinoshita lifted herself up too, and checked the time on her phone as well.

"I suppose, I should retrieve the bag I left beside my coat when I arrived."

She had a bag? Oh, yes, right.

"Go ahead. My mother must have a futon and some blankets for you."

As she rose to her feet, she looked at me with a surprised expression before it softened. "What are you talking about? I'm not sleeping on a futon tonight."

I raised an eyebrow.

"Then where—"

Then my mind came to realization, I glanced at my bed. If we could both lay there and cuddle for hours, then sleeping won't be a problem either.

"Of course... the bed?"

She nodded, giving me one last smile before leaving my room. The weight of her absence quickly settling in the current stillness of the room. I stared at the ceiling, counting the seconds while waiting for her to come back with her bag.

I placed my hand on my face, feeling again how hot it was. I wondered if I looked red like a tomatoe right now, I hope not though.

I should probably prepare the bed while she's away.

...

After a few minutes, the bed was ready. Then, the door opened behind me. I turned around, my eyes immediately glued to her silhouette dressed in a cute pajama. She placed her bag neatly beside the bed and stepped closer to me, almost as if offering me a better view of her night-time attire. Her eyes stared into mine, waiting for me to compliment her.

Something else caught my attention, as I glanced down at her left hand, she was holding a small Pan-san plushy.

This girl...

"Serioulsy..?"

"Do you have a problem with that?" she asked, her brow feigning a frown, but her cheeks were burning red.

"N-No. It's just... That's cute," I replied, scatching my hair nervously.

"...Thanks."

"Shall we get to bed?" I suggested, which she quickly answered with a nod.

Feeling weary yet content, we both sank onto the soft, inviting mattress. Yukinoshita carefully placed her beloved stuffed animal at the far end of the bed, creating a small partition so it wouldn't interfere with our space. As the lights flicked off, I reached for the blanket and pulled it over both of us, enveloping us in an intimate cocoon.

"Yukino..." I called her out.

She looked at me, snuggling closer until her breath hit my face.

"I... Hum," I paused, my heart racing in my chest, nearing the painful pace.

There was something I had been meaning to say. A few words that felt so necessary, yet not enough on their own. It would only be fair to say it now, because as far as I've come with Yukino, I still haven't said it clearly, not even once.

I tried to gather my courage and thoughts to say it. But the nearer I got to this point, the more...

"I l..." My heart pounded even harder, reaching a painful rhythm that made me clutch my shirt. My breath became shallow as well, and with how close we were, it wouldn't go unnoticed.

"Hey, calm down. You can take your time, I'm not disappearing. If your heart hurts you, try to ease it," she reassuerd, placing a hand on my cheek and her other onto the hand I used to squeeze the fabric of my shirt.

"But I wanna—"

"It's okay... I will wait as long as it'll take."

"..."

I hated myself for a second, unable to convey such simple but meaningful words to the one who mattered most to me... I closed my mouth, slowly surrendering to the pain in my heart as I reluctantly held back.

Yukino's slender fingers stroked my cheek lovingly, reminding me of her patience.

"Let's sleep for now, okay?"

I nodded, my eyes fluttering shut.

Her arms slowly wrapped around mine as she nuzzled against me, seeking comfort. I allowed it, wishing she could stay like this forever.

"Good night, Yukino."

"Good night, sleep well, Hachiman."

This was the second time I'd fallen asleep so close to her, and I couldn't imagine being happier. As I drifted further into the embrace of sleep, the warmth of her presence grounded me, a quiet reassurance that she was here—close, watching over me in a way only she could.

I never imagined someone could become so precious to me, so essential. Yet here she was, like a lifeline tethering me to a world I once thought had little to offer. I wanted her to stay like this, clinging to me, forever.

Because without her, I wondered if my heart would find any reason to beat at all.

And so, for her—for this fleeting yet immeasurably precious connection—I hold onto life with all the desperation of a man grasping at his last shred of hope.