Chapter 2

[Despite looking it, Yukinoshita Haruno is not drunk]

I have already been here before.

The buildings of this two tower condominium looked like twins.

In one of the tower’s upper floors is the room where Yukinoshita lives.

I was previously here during the Cultural Festival, when Yukinoshita became sick and was absent from school.

She was all alone in her room during that time. I believe Yuigahama was the one who came with me to visit.

I haven’t visited here once since then.

However, Yuigahama has probably come here many times, both before and after the Cultural Festival. She seemed accustomed to coming here. Her expression was calm the entire time as she stood next to Yukinoshita, even as we came to the automatic doors at the entrance.

On the other hand, I was unable to calm myself down, and kept fidgeting about as I looked around restlessly. Well, I am at a girl’s house, of course I am going to be nervous… Actually, I’m still at the entrance!

The pressure that exists before entering a girl’s home is nothing short of horrible. I now think that it's a mistake to go through a dungeon and pick up girls.

The entrance, devoid of human presence, was dead silent. If I was Bashou, I would've been turned into a rock. What’s with him, is he Angelo?

The sounds that could reach my ears were that of breathing, but that sounded more like perplexed sighs. The automatic doors that continued on towards the elevator hall were still closed.

There was frosted glass that was colored to match the orange plywood of the exterior of the building, and that made it nearly impossible to see through. Yukinoshita briefly glanced at the doors, then took out a key from her bag.

However, she didn’t use the key for the intercom, but just made a clanking noise with it.

Since Yukinoshita is the only person staying here, there shouldn't be things like hesitation to begin with.

However, it would seem that there was someone else here right now.

I don’t know what Yukino went through that caused her to live here alone, but if I had the opportunity figure it out, I wouldn’t stick my nose into the matter.

Even after this, I most likely wouldn’t pressure her for an answer.

It wasn't because I lacked interest. I think what I lacked was something entirely different. Simply put, it was because I didn't know how to ask, and also didn't know when it was appropriate to attempt asking.

I always become afraid when getting involved in private matters, but that’s because I don’t know where I would step on a landmine.

From my experience, I know that someone could still get deeply hurt from a casual remark. For example, when asked the question, “Do you have a girlfriend?” during a job interview, even if the other party bore no ill intentions, it would still hurt a lot due to the timing and way it was asked. Did I end up talking about myself again? Well, I have nothing to do with it. In short, what I mean is that treading into undisclosed information always carries risks.

However, I had just one thing to ask Yukinoshita now. If it was information that we both mutually possessed, then I should be able to initiate conversation based on that.

“That person… is she still here?”

“…Probably.”

Even without giving the name, enough had been said. That person, Yukinoshita Haruno, is definitely waiting in this apartment.

When Yukinoshita answered, she put on a somewhat weak smile, and made more clanking noises with the key in her hand. She then finally inserted the key into the intercom.

However, before she even had the chance to turn it, the automatic door suddenly opened without making a sound.

“Oh my! Well, if it isn’t Yukino.”

A wild voice sprang out along with the sound of light footsteps.

The one who opened the door was Yukinoshita Haruno. Her figure was illuminated by the light that flowed out from the elevator hall like a spotlight.

“Nee-san…”

The two of them looked at each other with puzzled and blank faces. When they did that, I once again realized just how much they looked like sisters. No, the fact that their faces were similar is pretty obvious. Even if I were to put aside my own subjective preference and liking, the general consensus would still be that they are a pair of beautiful sisters. It's just that the impression they normally give out is completely different, which makes me think of them as different types of beauty.

Yet, in this moment, I jumped over those usual thoughts, and focused purely on how similar they looked. They both had their mouths open in astonishment, and the way they blinked made it look like they were complete mirror images of each other.

However, that image was instantly shattered.

“Welcooome home!”

It may have been due to Haruno’s facial expression giving off a softer impression than usual when she patted Yukinoshita’s shoulder with an unbefitting cheerfulness.

When looking, her outfit gave off a different vibe from her usual smart attire, but was more of a soft-lumpy-fluffy feeling. This was probably her normal home clothing. She wore a coat that exposed her arms, and had on a pair of sandals at her feet. It was a rough getup that gave off the feeling of "alright, that's close enough."

On top of that, her hair was slightly wet, and her cheeks were red as if she was blushing. If it was per usual, her eyes would give off a sharp impression, but they seemed dull and tired.

Yukinoshita also seemed to have realized that her sister was acting differently since she frowned at her with a bewildered expression.

“…Did you drink?”

“Ahh, I guess. Just a little.”

When asked, Haruno gestured and pinched the air with her thumb and index finger. In contrast, the way her soft lips hung from her mouth made it apparent that she has drunk quite a bit. Unintentionally, Yukinoshita, Yuigahama, and I all ended up focusing on Haruno.

After doing that, as if the atmosphere had grown awkward, Haruno softly cleared her throat.

“Come to think of it, if you’re back here then that means—”

“Yes. I have something I want to tell you.”

Yukinoshita interrupted her from continuing and took over the conversation. The expression she held was neither stiff nor nervous. Seeing that, Haruno let out a short sigh.

“I see.”

She replied in a monotonous tone. Seemingly uninterested, she shifted her eyes towards the rising elevator.

“…Anyway, shall we go? There’s no point in us talking here.”

“Ah, no, we’re all totally going home. We were just seeing her here.”

“Y-Yes… Also, weren’t you about to head out somewhere?”

Yuigahama and I answered with a troubled tone having been invited up all of a sudden. After all, they were going to discuss an extremely private matter which means we simply shouldn’t interfere. However, Haruno didn’t seem to care much for our replies and gently pushed Yuigahama’s back.

“It’s fine, it’s fine. I was just heading out to the convenience store for a little.”

“B-But…”

Yuigahama, who was urged to go on despite making such a troubled face, could do nothing but move forward. Yukinoshita sighed in exasperation as she followed them to the elevator.

Haruno repeatedly tapped the call button and hummed a tune while waiting for the elevator to arrive. You won’t make the elevator come any faster from doing that... Actually, there are even some elevators that cancel your inputs if you keep repeating them too much.

Haruno seemed a lot younger than usual because of her behavior. I had assumed that she would have a strong tolerance with alcohol, but her staggering figure was something unexpected.

The elevator finally arrived and we boarded it. The small amount of space made me somewhat uncomfortable. Outside of Haruno, who was enjoying herself, we stared at the constantly changing level display. In this silence, the air grew heavy on my shoulders.

Perhaps it’s because of this heavy atmosphere that Yuigahama began talking to Haruno.

“Were you drinking at home?”

“Hmm? No, no. I was out drinking. After that, I took a shower to sober myself... don't you crave for sweet stuff after drinking?”

Eh? She glanced towards me with a gaze that sought confirmation.

“No, I wouldn’t know…”

Even if I was told that such cravings were sort of natural, we were still not of age… And, as if Haruno thought of the same thing, she tilted her head and voiced a “hmm.”

“I see. Well, you would understand if you could drink.”

“Eh… What’s with the statement that sounds like something a sad college student would say…?”

“Oh, that’s pretty cheeky.”

Saying that, Haruno pinched my ears, adding a new stimulus to them since they were throbbing from being out in the cold earlier. N-no! My ears are very sensitive! Besides, the faint scent of alcohol wafted through the air on her breath too, and her shampoo smelled nice, so just stop, seriously! Why is there such a nice smell left in the elevator?

“You will want to drink, and you will want to eat.”

Her mutter was loud enough that it appeared that she didn’t mind whether it was heard or not. Without a chance to worry over whether or not I should reply, the elevator arrived at the level of Yukinoshita’s apartment.

× × ×

We entered following Yukinoshita after she slowly twisted the knob opened the door. Yukinoshita was probably staying in a 3LDK. Though I had only been to the living room during my last visit, I remembered that it was very spacious, and that there was a door to a master bedroom following a hallway.

Yet, the impression I was getting from this current visit was somewhat different from the last one.

From the entrance to the hallway, up to the living room, every place the eye can see is tidied up cleanly. The interior hasn't changed. However, only Yukinoshita recognized the origin for this uncomfortable atmosphere.

Yukinoshita’s gaze rested on the sideboard on the armrest of the sofa. Following her gaze, I saw that there was something that resembled dry pasta on it. I had also seen something similar in Yuigahama’s room. If I recall correctly, the general name for it is room fragrance or something along those lines.

Taking a closer look at it, I noticed a wooden stick that looked like a Pretz stuck upright in it. The base of the bottle was also filled with something that looked like medicine. This was probably the source of that fragrance. The “pasta” would absorb the liquid, and the fragrance would then get released into the air. Well, that’s most likely how it worked.

The light fragrance was flower-scented. It was sweet, florid, and also felt a little elegant.

However, what was meant to be a fragrance to calm people down was currently wavering with unrest.

An alien feeling that I didn’t feel the last time I was here assaulted my nose. The atmosphere spelled out the fact that someone else was here. Yukinoshita Haruno’s stay here had left a slight influence on this place.

Ah, so this is the source of my discomfort.

I probably noticed it because this scent was not typical for someone like Yukinoshita. Most likely, this fragrance was brought here by Haruno. From an extremely subjective viewpoint, the cleanliness, or coolness, of mint or lemon would be closer to Yukinoshita’s image.

In truth, it seems Yukinoshita also did not like this fragrance. She had a slight frown on her face. Just like a cat whose territory had been invaded, she repeatedly glanced at the source as she made her way to the kitchen and began boiling water. She was probably preparing black tea to welcome her guests.

In contrast with Yukinoshita, who didn’t seem very happy, Haruno seemed to be the total opposite. She hummed a song as she opened the fridge and took out a wine bottle. She then grabbed a champagne glass and, with a skip and a hop, dove back onto the sofa and laid there.

She placed her bottle and glass on the sideboard, stretched out her long legs with her short skirt, and laid there comfortably.

I tried my very best not to look at her, so my eyes drifted about. Haruno waved her hands as though she was trying to get my attention.

“Well, sit wherever you like.”

“Why is my sister taking care of the guests?”

Sighing as though stunned by her actions, Yukinoshita had returned from the kitchen. She began setting the black tea on the short table. There were four cups of black tea prepared. Looking at how they were arranged, we more or less found our places.

Haruno reached for the cup of black tea in front of her, and let out a satisfied sigh after drinking a huge gulp from it. Then, she poured wine into her champagne glass. Yuigahama was looking at her with a seemingly huge amount of interest.

“Is that wine? Do you drink often?”

“I drink everything, whether its beer, wine, Chinese rice wine, whiskey, or Japanese sake.”

“Heehh, that’s cool. I always thought it was cool for someone to know so much about alcohol.”

Hearing Yuigahama’s words, Haruno laughed.

“I don’t think I really know it all that well. Whenever I go to a store, I find that just about everything there is nice, so I just tell people about my preferences and let them choose for me.”

Whoa, what’s this? That sounded surprisingly cool, the way she puts it…

It must be that, when you start talking a bit, but then you get the urge to talk more. University students who know alcohol and get very talkative at the mention of Moriizou, Maou, or Dassai are extraordinarily annoying.

On that point, Haruno’s method choosing alcohol was indeed smart in a certain sense.

People who lecture on their vast knowledge of alcohol are rather annoying, especially those who badmouth Japanese beer in favor of Belgium beer. This type of symptom that would appear in the second year a person becomes a working adult should be given the term “Shanibyou!” Why is it that they like to try and showcase their knowledge to us small boys who didn’t even ask for any sort of explanation...? Well, I guess it can’t be helped. That’s just how guys currently like to exert their superiority over others.

However, it is indeed a little sad if one doesn’t even have an ounce of knowledge about alcohol. For example…

“Sommelier! It’s a sommelier!”

“Don’t go off spouting nonsense if you don’t really know it…”

Kids with a dying vocabulary, like the sparkly eyed Yuigahama, make me wonder what's with them. Recently, the vocabulary of young people has been so limited that it’s become a seriously terrible situation. Really, it’s horrible. Unexplainable levels of awful.

However, the effects of alcohol should not be taken lightly. There are people in this world who make use of drinks to socialize and communicate with others, hence the effects of alcohol should be recognized. For example, even after saying something unforgivably rude, there's a tendency to see people blaming everything on alcohol as a safe way of getting out. It isn't. The person on the receiving end will never forget it.

In any case, it is a fact that Haruno is much more approachable because she’s drunk right now.

Because of this, Yuigahama probably found it easier to find something to discuss that would close the sense of distance between them both.

After swirling around the glass of champagne and immersing herself in its aroma, Haruno gulped down her drink.

Her actions was surprisingly pleasing to the eye. Yuigahama, having watched that, let out an exclamation.

“Wow… So cool…”

“…Cool?”

Well, not really, but Haruno was herself, rather cool. Though, I don’t approve of openly praising her like that… If it was the act of drinking itself that was cool, then does that mean that the group of uncles, who for some reason have their front teeth missing, who normally gather in large groups at the Nakayama race course, are cool as well? Are those uncles who begin drinking at daybreak at Koiwa and Kasai considered cool too?

However, Yuigahama did not seem to have such images of adults lost in their own regrets. Rather, she was looking at Haruno with eyes sparkling with respect.

“I feel that, it feels really cool if a woman can drink!”

“I am telling you, you should toss this notion aside as soon as possible…”

Seriously! You are really making me worry! When you enter college, you should choose your clique wisely! Make that a promise with your older brother!

In any case, I could sort of understand what Yuigahama meant by cool. We more or less had some sort of longing towards these actions which have a feel of adultness.

Whether it was alcohol or tobacco, these were things that society had ruled that only adults may enjoy. Hence, maybe all that we have was just mere yearning for it. Longing because we wanted

to use these items and obtain the recognition of those around us to show that we were, indeed, adults in an easy, instant, and convenient way.

However, because I have someone close to me who became a mess due to beer, I did not really feel that way… For example, my family. I would hear my dad stumbling and bumbling about as he entered the door, or hear about how he strips himself when drinking with clients and stuff like that. It makes me feel like, “What…?” every time I hear stories about him.

Thinking of this, I let out a dry sigh.

My sigh overlapped with someone else’s. Looking about, Yukinoshita once again went into the kitchen, but this time she came back holding a bottle of mineral water. She ferried the water over to Haruno who held out her bottle of champagne in exchange.

“The act of drinking is not cool. Being someone who knows how to enjoy themselves through moderation and decency is cool.”

“That’s right. Just like me.”

Haruno giggled away as she clung tightly to her bottle of alcohol and refused to hand it over. With an astonished look, Yukinoshita placed her hand on her hip.

“Still going to drink?”

“There are days where you just feel like drinking. Furthermore, alcohol is the lubricant of life.”

“…I think that it’s the source of trouble most of the time.”

That’s right. Those who self-proclaim themselves to be lubricants are usually good-for-nothings. Even in interviews, if one were to use the word lubricant as an example to describe themselves, they were more or less done for, because all that companies have ever wanted is a gear in the cog-wheel!

However, occasionally, there were indeed people like that. People who were slippery like lubricants. You might call them people who would take things in their own stride and pay no attention to matters around them.

In truth, Haruno had treated Yukinoshita’s chiding like a passing wind and sidestepped it. Once more, she took another gulp from her glass.

“It’s okay, I will listen.”

From the way she said it, she didn’t sound even a little bit drunk. There was a certain calm to her voice. It seemed that Yukinoshita had noticed this as well. She lowered the bottle that she had been holding out to Haruno and smiled thinly.

“…Well, you aren’t someone who would listen to others when you are sober.”

“That’s riiight!”

Haruno playfully rotated and peered through the thin glass, locking eyes with Yukinoshita. Even through a light, golden filter, the sharpness in her eyes have not softened one bit.

“So? What doo you want to say?”

Haruno’s thin fingertips flicked against the bottom of the glass as she asked in a light-hearted manner. Even though that sound was both silent and beautiful, it felt very much like treading on thin ice. What remained was simply the sound of bubbles rushing about like a whisper.

We waited for the echoes to fade away. The time we spent waking seemed like it would not permit any outsiders to intervene. Yuigahama and I remained silent. Even the sound of our breathing ceased.

She had indeed told us previously that she wanted us to watch. Therefore, all we did was remain silent, and waited for her to continue. My gaze wandered about. When our eyes met, I looked away unnaturally. In the end, my eyes rested on Yukinoshita’s lips.

In this moment, Yukinoshita remained silent and accepted Haruno’s gaze. She opened her mouth deliberately, as though carefully choosing her words, then closed it once more.

This movement so subtle that I couldn’t tell if she was inhaling or exhaling.

However, her show of hesitation was only for a brief moment.

Yukinoshita’s lips curled into a slight smile, and her mouth, which was tightly sealed a while ago, gradually opened.

“It’s about us… About our future.”

Her voice was cold yet clear. It was not loud, but surprisingly, it made us feel as though it was echoing throughout the room. Or, perhaps, it was because of her gaze that gave us this illusion. It was a gaze that showed us that she would not run, that she would face it head on. It was a gaze that would shake the listener’s heart.

Haruno was naturally not an exception, and she let out a cry of admiration.

“So, you wanted me to listen to that as well.”

“Yes… It’s about me and you, as well as mother.”

As though provoked by something in her words, Haruno squinted her eyes and tilted her head. After a brief moment of thinking, she conducted herself as if she was convinced of something, and then slackened her shoulders disappointedly.

“Oh… That? That’s not really what I wanted to hear.”

She sighed and shifted her gaze.

“Right?”

She tossed the question towards Yuigahama as though seeking her agreement. Her gaze made Yuigahama stiffen her body. As though trying to shield Yuigahama, Yukinoshita stepped in front of her.

“Even so, I want you to hear me out.”

Her voice contained a strong determination. Her tone was no different from usual. She was by no means loud, and her tempo wasn’t rushed at all.

It was precisely because of this that one could see her resolve.

There was no mistaking it. She was not lost or troubled. Yukinoshita Yukino’s words had truly shook Haruno.

From her laying position on the sofa, she gradually got up and placed the glass of champagne back onto the sideboard. Her actions alone were enough to urge Yukinoshita to continue.

“That’s why I am going back home. Then, I am going to have a proper discussion with mother about my future path… Even if it may not come true, I don’t want to leave behind any regrets.”

Having talked up to that point, Yukinoshita cut her sentence short.

Her long eyelashes drooped downwards and her breathing started to shake. Her slender shoulders shook, and her long, glossy hair flowed downwards, hiding her face. Thus, in this manner, no one could see her expression. Nevertheless, Yukinoshita continued on.

“At least… I want to say what I want to say properly, so that I can convince myself.”

With that, she tossed her hair back up.

Her now exposed white and slender face floated a gentle smile.

Seeing this expression, I couldn’t help but hold my breath. I probably wasn’t the only one, Yuigahama might also be as well.

Yukinoshita’s figure right now was beautiful. Her clear blue eyes exhibited her clear resolve, and her cheeks were stained a light red as though she was shy.

It seemed that no one was able to respond to her words, and that’s probably because of how she was right now.

There was only one person, only Haruno, who sounded like she was sighing as she exhaled.

Hearing that, I looked in her direction, and once more I held my breath. On her face was an expression that was just like Yukinoshita’s.

A smile that was gentle yet lustrous. Even so, there was a coldness to it.

“I see. So this is Yukino’s answer.”

Haruno spoke softly through her gentle smile.

Yukinoshita nodded her head silently in reply. However, Haruno looked at her with her usual cold stare, as though doing some brief evaluation of her. Even so, she sighed shortly after seeing Yukinoshita’s unmoving figure.

“Well, alright. At least it’s better than before.”

She said it as though she was talking to herself. She then reached out for her glass once more.

After downing the rest of the alcohol, she brought the empty glass in front of her.

I don’t know what was being reflected to Haruno through the curved surface of the glass. All I could see were the droplets of wine that trailed to the bottom of the glass.

Looking at this in satisfaction, Haruno nodded her head lightly.

“I understand. Since Yukino is being serious, I shall help you out.”

“…Help?”

As though remembering some unease from before, Yukinoshita shot her a dubious look. Haruno smiled in return.

“Yes.”

Although she received such an extremely short reply of affirmation, Yukinoshita’s expression did not brighten up. I was the same too. As long as one had some slight understanding of the person known as Yukinoshita Haruno, they would know that they could not simply take her words purely in the literal sense.

Hence, even though I know I would be interrupting, I interjected.

“…Well, what do you mean?”

“My mother would not easily change her plans, so conversing with her on this matter would take a fair bit of time. Therefore, I will throw in a few words here and there when I see the opportunity to do so.”

Hearing my question, Haruno winked at me playfully as she answered. It was as Haruno had said, Yukinoshita’s mother was not someone who would change her mind on a whim. Although I hadn’t really talked with her, or really gotten to know her, I could easily tell from her conversation with Yukinoshita that she was such a person. Just from my impression, I felt that she was someone who didn’t need the opinion of others.

That person may seem like she was speaking to her own daughter, but in reality, she was really talking to herself. That was the feeling that one would probably get if they got into a conversation

with her. If it was just Yukinoshita who talked to her, there probably wouldn’t really be a conversation going on between them.

That stubborn personality was very close to how I viewed Yukinoshita when I first met her. Her way of ignoring the opinion of others was also very much like Haruno. As expected of a mother and her daughters.

If that was so, then Haruno, as the elder sister, would probably have spent more time with her mother. Her aid might even have some effect on the outcome.

Just as I thought that, Haruno suddenly burst out.

“That being said, I don’t know if it will be of any use!”

As she laughed at her words, she turned the bottle of wine upside down and poured the remainder of what’s left into her glass. Now, I really have no idea whether this person would even be of help.

Holding her laughter, Haruno emptied the contents of her glass into her stomach. Then, her expression completely changed as she looked upon Yukinoshita with serious eyes.

“However, you better be prepared that you might not be returning here for quite a while.”

“…That’s true.”

“Eh?”

Hearing Yuigahama’s sudden comment, Haruno let out a strained laugh.

“I was sent here because she was worried about Yukino. If she’s coming back, she’s not going to be able to come back so easily.”

To put it in another way, that would be surveillance.

No, maybe it was just supervision. Well, she was, after all, not an adult yet. If you want to say it’s common sense, then it’s common sense. Your parents are called parents because they are supposed to watch over you.

“Pack your luggage. Also, contact mother as well. There is a need to make some preparations if you are going to go back so suddenly.”

Ah, that was what Grandma often said too when my father decided to go back to his old house on a whim. Then, she would proceed to stuff me with food. My dear grandma, no matter how young I may be, there’s still a limit as to how much I can eat…

Anyway, now was not the time for me to reminisce about the Hikigaya household. The important point was about the situation surrounding the Yukinoshita household. Yukinoshita thought for a little bit and nodded her head.

“Yes, I will do that then.”

“Well, since Yukino is coming back… I can stay here for the time being, right?”

“It’s not my private property anyway, do as you please.”

Yukinoshita answered without hesitation upon being asked. Haruno suddenly became solemn and expressed her thanks.

“Thank you. It would be a bother for me to prepare this and that. Yukino, go and pack your things.”

From her tone, it looked like Yukinoshita would be away for a long time. When that comes, she'll have to move all her things to go to school from there. To a male like me, I can't help but think, "Is that much preparation necessary?" but it probably isn't the same for girls. For example, a woman would say that things like clothes, skin care products, and hairdryer are some of the many indispensable things that they would need. When Komachi would travel, she would also bring along a sizable amount of luggage.

Although I didn’t quite understand the trouble, Yuigahama was probably quite clear on this. She raised her hand.

“Ah! Let me help too!”

“It’s alright. There’s no need to trouble you so much…”

“It’s alright, don’t be so polite! In fact, I really want to help! I love packing things!”

“But…”

As Yuigahama badgered her with cries of “It’s okay, it’s fine,” Yukinoshita appeared sheepish as she replied, “No need, no need.” There seemed to be no end to this stalemate. Just as I thought if they were going to continue for the rest of my life, Yuigahama's voice quieted, and she looked downward.

“Because it seems that other than this, there’s nothing else I can help with…”

The voice that was barely like a whisper sounded depressed. Yuigahama probably noticed this and quickly raised her head. With a laugh, she smiled powerlessly.

Watching her like this, Yukinoshita looked apologetic, and was at a loss for words.

For some reason, I found this scene hard to watch. To interrupt what Yukinoshita herself had decided to do was the opposite of what she had wished for. Yet, the nobleness of Yuigahama wanting to do something to help was respectable. If so, then what is it that I should do?

Even though I didn’t think about it carefully, words still slipped out of my mouth.

“Isn’t that just fine? Free labor is precious nowadays. Even black companies are getting pressured by the Labor Standard Inspection Office.”

Just like how I would casually spout vague stuff normally, this was also something that sounded like what I would say. As long as there was an end, things like processes didn’t matter anymore. This was a pretty good catch phrase. Exploitation, unpaid overtime, two days rest a week (I didn’t say you can rest two days each week)… Ah, all of this had such a wonderful ring to it.

The only one who entered into such joy was me. Naturally! Both Yuigahama and Yukinoshita looked at me with a bitter expression. There was only one person, Haruno, who was still smiling away.

“Yes, isn’t that just fine too? Why not stay here for the night too? If Yukino is going to go back to her parent’s house, she won’t be coming back so easily.”

The way she said it sounded very elder sister-ish. It was a lot gentler than normal, and for some reason, there was a hint of sadness in it too. Indeed, after Yukinoshita returned to her parent’s house, there will be fewer opportunities for Yuigahama to stay the night here.

That itself was a fact that would also mark the beginning of many changes. It was enough to soften the attitude of Yukinoshita, who had been quite obstinate and stubborn. Yukinoshita, who had been refusing Yuigahama’s help up till now, arched her back and looked at her with upturned eyes.

“…May I trouble you then?”

Her request was made formally, but there also a tinge of shyness in it and her cheeks were stained a slight red. Towards Yukinoshita’s humble request, Yuigahama smiled contentedly and lightly smacked Yukinoshita’s leg.

“Of course!”

“Thank you…”

I didn’t know whether it was because she didn’t like people hitting her leg, or due to Yuigahama’s overly huge grin, but Yukinoshita quickly thanked her and stealthily averted her gaze. Her gaze which was on Haruno.

“If Yuigahama is going to stay, we don’t have enough guest blankets.”

As she said that, Yukinoshita accidentally peeked at Haruno. In response, Haruno smacked the sofa that she was sitting on.

“If it’s just one night, I don’t mind sleeping here. I will probably be drinking here alone all night anyway.”

Yukinoshita let out a short sigh at Haruno, who was shaking her empty bottle as she replied.

“I see… Then, it’s settled.”

“Yup.”

Haruno stood up immediately, as though to say that that was the end of that discussion.

“I am going to go to the convenience store. Want anything?”

The two people that question was directed towards shook their heads. In response, Haruno nodded, took the coat hanging on the chair, and headed towards the door. As my eyes followed her, the clock came into view as well. Perfect timing. Just the right time for me to say goodbye as well.

“Well then, I am going home as well.”

The way it is, if I stay any longer, then I would have to help Yukinoshita pack her luggage. If that happens, then I am going to come into contact with various items that only females possess, and then, in the style of Mitsuru Adachi’s male protagonist, I will probably be crying out “mufu.“ I may even find myself staying the night if I am really unlucky.

That last point is something I want to avoid most of all! If not, my face will turn into the likes of Kunimi or Tatsuya! Come to think of it, under normal circumstances, when in a girl’s room, you would feel as though you shouldn’t belong there, and that makes you uneasy…

As though I was chasing after Haruno, I also stood up. In response to that, Yukinoshita and Yuigahama both straightened themselves and followed me. Seems like they are going to send me off. As I bent down to put on my shoes at the entrance, Haruno seemed to have already put on her sandals and left. So wonderful… Even at times like this, she still won’t bother to match the feelings of other people.

Then again, I didn’t want to leave together with her and have an awkward time in the elevator. I took my time to put on my shoes, just to give myself a little more space.

At this moment, someone quietly passed me a shoehorn.

“Ah, thank you.”

With gratitude, I turned my head and saw Yukinoshita’s mysterious expression. She slackened her grip on the shoehorn, and as though not knowing where to put her hands, let them wave about in the air before putting them in front of her chest.

“My apologies. To have made you stay and join us in our ramblings…”

I nodded my head in reply to the words that she spoke softly with her head down. It was, indeed, rather vague. In truth, nothing major was going to happen. To be honest, it was just something extremely natural like Yukinoshita reaffirming that she was going to do something through her own strength.

“It’s nothing. It was something you needed to do anyway.”

I fear that saying that was not only for her, but for me as well.

Standing up, I tapped the front of my shoes to check that I had put it on well. I passed back the shoehorn that I finished using.

With a word of thanks, Yukinoshita took it.

“Well, I didn’t do much anyway. If you want to thank someone, thank Yuigahama. Good luck with the luggage.”

The modest smile she gave as she said her thanks made me feel a little uneasy, so I shifted my gaze away. I passed on the conversation from Yukinoshita to Yuigahama. Thus, Yuigahama clenched her fists tightly in front of her chest.

“Leave it to me! If it’s about tidying, I am the one for it!”

The implicit meaning seemed to be that she was also very good at other household chores… Ah. Although, my impression of her was that she wasn’t really that good at tidying things. However, if even she could overcome her poor cooking skills, then she would probably learn to be able to do other things.

It may be a little hard to notice, or the details may be too subtle and easily missed, but we were more or less changing little by little.

I rested my hand on the doorknob, and turned my head.

“Well, see you later.”

Yuigahama waved her hands in front of her chest, and Yukinoshita waved her hands slightly from a position that was just slightly above her hips.

“Okay! See you soon, Hikki!”

“Take care on your way back.”

Being sent off like this made me feel somewhat embarrassed. After giving a short, silent bow in return, I quickly stepped out.

× × ×

Walking out alone from the elevator, I noticed that the entrance area was still engulfed in silence.

That was natural, of course, for it was already really late at night. There wouldn’t be a lot of people entering or leaving.

This is a residential area in which few people lived. It was only natural because this was an area with high-cost condominiums. Thus, when night comes, this place would have very few people roaming about. Having now experienced this first hand, I took a step towards the entrance hall.

At this time, a person who was dressed in such a way that didn’t blend at all with the expensive buildings came into my view. It was Yukinoshita Haruno who had left before me. She was clad in a light-pink, horizontally striped hooded parker that looked very fluffy. Though she seemed all zipped up, the area at her chest was slightly open. Furthermore, a pair of supple and nice legs extended out from her lumpy short pants too. Her light coat seemed to be a stark contrast to the stylish interior hall. That unbalance was brought about by her dangerous beauty.

Just her looks alone was enough to attract one’s attention. Isn’t she just a little too sly with her seemingly careless dress-up too…?

Although she wasn’t someone I would proactively start a conversation with, it would be extremely rude to just ignore her when she was standing right there at the door. Furthermore, she was also smiling and waving at me, so I had no choice but to approach her.

“…I thought you left first.”

Hearing my words, Haruno smiled and whispered mysteriously.

“If I do it this way, doesn’t it feel like a rendezvous?”

“…I think you meant ambush.”

Although both actions were about waiting, the difference was like Amin and Yumin. No, thinking carefully, regardless of whether it was waiting or ambushing, although the extent was different, the outcome was the same. Both were very frightening…

However, the most frightening bit was probably still Yukinoshita Haruno. She began to walk, believing without a doubt that I would follow her. After all, the closest convenience store would be at the station. That was where I was headed to, so I suppose I didn’t really mind…

I followed after her. As we approached the main street, the winter chill blew. The chills struck my cheeks, and Haruno retracted her neck and buried her face in her coat. All of a sudden, as though she noticed something, she took a sniff, looked at her coat’s collar and made a face.

As I watched her and wondered what had happened, Haruno suddenly raised her hands.

“Hm.”

She didn’t sound too happy and stood beside me. Her hands continued to remain in that pose as she waved them about as though trying to tell me something.

Eh…. What was she trying to do…?

Wait, calm down. …Is she trying to get me to hold her hands? Eh? Why? Is she going to take my fingerprints? That must be it. It’s the spell card, Reasoning! Oh no, my iPhone’s going to be used to pay for in-app purchases! Stop it! Don’t keep drawing till you pull a 5 star card!

My heart began to grow wild from my thoughts, and I looked away in a fluster. It was at this moment where I thought I smelt tobacco.

“Ah… Is there a smell?”

“Yes.”

Although she replied me, Haruno’s attention was not focused on me at all. As she retracted her hands, she made another sniffing noise.

The smell probably stuck onto Haruno’s coat when she was out at the shops drinking. I sort of remembered something like that when I was working part-time at an Izakaya. She probably would want to take a shower and wash her hair to get rid of the smell.

Although smokers were already accustomed to this, and really did not mind, the smell was still rather nauseating to non-smokers. In particular, the smell of this tobacco brand, which caused Haruno to care so much about it, had a very heavy tar smell. In fact, it smelt like the strong style tobacco of the old Showa period. It might be a bit better if the smell was from those that had a mint, vanilla, or fruity smell; or those cigarettes that were more likely to be accepted by females.

…In that case, the people she drank with were probably guys.

Were they male? If it was a male, then was it her boyfriend? Eh? Seriously? She has a boyfriend? Ah, but she was a young female after all. Having a boyfriend was not all that strange. However, whenever I come across information like this, I would somehow feel bitterness in my heart. It was the same feeling as when I saw news of a Seiyuu getting married. Well, I really hope they would stop writing “an important notice” on their blog. I would really be very hurt. I would really collapse on the floor from seeing it. In fact, after I get up, I would fall again once more, and, in the end, wind up rolling about on the floor.

Anyway, it’s not as though I have been dealt an unspeakable blow. Truth be told, I really am not shocked at all! Because, you know, that! I am just shocked from hearing something that I had not expected! I-It’s not like I have feelings for you or anything!

That was dangerous… If that person was someone closer to me, then I would really have gotten a huge shock. To be precise, that would be like Komachi, or Komachi, or Komachi. Oh, I am still missing someone. That would be Komachi!

Having briefly dodged reality, I managed to calm myself a little. As expected of Komachi to have such a chilling effect on a frantic heart. Don’t tell me, is she like those medications that relieve heart pain?!

Putting that aside, the fact that there was such a strong smell on Haruno’s coat would mean that she had stayed in the store for a pretty long time. Although I think that she had tried to use some sort of smell remover, the smell on it was so thick it couldn’t really be removed.

“You seemed to have drank for quite a while.”

“Yes. They refused to let me go home. I thought we were going to drink till morning.”

Haruno looked fed up as she sighed.

“Ah, I see.”

Drinking until morning really was obscene. She could’ve just substituted that with the television program “Until Morning, Live Television,” which I felt was also a definite erotic program. Thanks to this program, I now think that the program, “It’s Morning! Live Traveling Salad,” was also erotic.

Come to think of it, this was something that I didn’t want to know about Haruno at all… Was the Hachiman cannon of Hachiman Weekly going to explode again? Eh, actually, this time, I think it might be a salute of guns. There are times that we do get scoops that are worthy of celebrating! Anyway, now was not the time for me to be spouting off ridiculous excuses into the air. In fact, I should be grateful that Haruno had so much to drink that she was much easier to deal with today. There was no reason for me to be shocked at all.

In fact, if it was the old Haruno, she would definitely not let up with her questioning to get to the bottom of the matter. Today, however, she looked happy-go-lucky. I slowed down to take a clearer look at her expression, and in front of me, Haruno let out a short ”ahhh” as she stretched her back.

“However, it was great that they did let me go home early. As a result, I was able to hear what Yukino had to tell me.”

“…”

I couldn’t do anything but keep my mouth shut in front of Haruno, who was sighing in relief. Perhaps she noticed my silence, because she turned her head and said, “Hmm?” Her eyes seemed to be asking me for the meaning of my silence.

I shook my head lightly, indicating that there was nothing to it.

“…It’s nothing, I just thought it was a little unexpected.”

Hearing this, Haruno turned by pivoting herself on her heel, and spoke playfully.

“What iiis it?”

“If I had to say specifically… it would be that I didn’t expect you to listen to her so honestly.”

“Oh, that. Isn’t that normal? I am her sister after all.”

She smiled dumbly, and just when I thought she was going to start walking backwards, she turned around once more.

“Even Hikigaya would listen to Komachi’s request, right?”

“…I guess so. When you put it that way, I guess I sort of can begin to understand.”

Indeed, if it was about me and Komachi, then there was nothing wrong with the way she explained it. If it was Komachi’s wish, especially a wish from the bottom of her heart, I think I would agree to it without a second thought. I hummed as I thought about the comparison to Komachi. Hearing me, Haruno broke into a laugh.

“Right? Since Yukino has made her decision, then I would support her, whether it’s right or wrong.”

“Well, normally, wouldn’t you stop her if she’s wrong?”

“That girl won’t listen to me. The most important thing is that it doesn’t matter whether she’s right or wrong. There’s no difference, whether she proceeds smoothly, or gives up ultimately…”

I couldn’t see the expression she held after she said that in a low voice. I was a little curious to see what kind of look she had, so I stepped up my pace to catch up to her.

Yet, the distance between us remained the same. I remained at a distance where I could just barely see her side profile. In the end, after we passed the overhead bridge that goes through the main street, we finally arrived at the small pathway that leads through the park.

Amongst the large patches of withered grass stood rows of neatly aligned orange lamps.

With every step we took forward, the lamps casted a warm light, and cold shadow, on Haruno’s white face. This made her expression difficult to read, just like her blurry words that feel contradictory.

Passing through the field that was covered with trees, my field of vision suddenly cleared. The promenade that goes through the center of the park came into view.

As we approached the long path that stretched along the fountains, Haruno slowed down and looked up at the sky.

Lured by her gaze, I followed her eyes and saw a crescent moon. It was curved like a bow, hanging in the sky. Beneath it, the condominium’s twin-like towers were faintly illuminated.

Hopping along the uneven path, Haruno turned and looked at me.

“You will only become an adult when you have learned to give up lots of things.”

“Ah, is that so…”

Narrowing your scope of the world would also imply that you are growing up. It is only when you reduce your list of options, and remove the possibilities, that you become able to carve out a more accurate depiction of your future. I could understand where she was coming from. Perhaps Yukinoshita’s decision was also something similar to that.

It’s just that, when Haruno said it, her eyes seemed a little lonely. They appeared to be colored in a shade of sadness, which made me notice them a lot more. Or, perhaps, it was because her tone sounded faraway, as though it was talking about some other matter.

“…Is it because you have some similar experience?”

“Hm, I wonder.”

Haruno laughed again.

“I am not talking about myself. We are talking about Yukino now… This is probably the first time I have heard her voice it out properly. Hikigaya, you will watch over her too.”

I had the feeling that she was telling me to not intervene in this. The nuance in the way she said it was similar to that time when she had called me kind over the phone.

In the first place, I had no plans to do anything but to just respect her resolve. I didn’t have any intention to interfere and raise my own opinion. Hence, I nodded my head in agreement to Haruno’s words.

This was probably what it meant to hope, and to be the target of someone’s hope. Since Yukinoshita Haruno had already confirmed this, I don’t think there was any need to find any more problems with that.

“…You are right.”

Haruno probably was content with my answer, because she placed her hands lightly behind her back, puffed out her chest, and laughed happily.

“Hehe, I have shown my sisterly side once again.”

“How about always being a good older sister?”

“No way.”

She replied to me in a semi-joking manner, but her reply was instant.

“I am different from you. For you, you have always been a good older brother.”

“…Of course, I am her older brother after all.”

Why is she saying all this? It was something so obvious and natural. Ever since Komachi was born, I have always been her older brother. I could now be considered a “veteran elder brother.” I didn’t even have to consciously think about it, I have always been living my life as the older brother. In fact, I am rather proud of it.

Haruno looked at me for a brief moment before bursting into laughter.

“I see. Isn’t that nice, being an older brother. I want one like that too!”

Haruno started cracking up. Was it really that funny? She placed her hands around my shoulders, probably because of her drunken state. Since she leaned against me to support her weight, I took notice of her soft skin and nice fragrance.

“Man… drunkards really are annoying…”

“I am not drunk, I am not drunk.”

Although I wanted to gently push her arm off me, she managed to keep up with me through her unsteady and tottering steps, making it impossible for me to shake her off.

As we walked on in this manner, we eventually came to the end of the pathway and arrived at the street leading to the front of the station.

The outlet mall was just two streets away. Although it was already closed, the pathway that led to the plaza in front of the station was still illuminated by warm lights. If we were to continue walking in this fashion, I would surely be conscious about other people looking at us.

We arrived at a junction. To the left was the convenience store, and to the right was the station.

There, with much effort, I managed to tear Haruno off my shoulders and step away from her.

“Erm… you won’t have any problems returning, right?”

“Ahhhh, so kind. So amazing. Such a gentleman! Gentleman!”

She slapped my shoulder in a manner that felt as though she was saying, “You really are a friend of those gentlemen who are especially good at being kind to girls!” …Annoying. I managed to move my stiff face and made an unhappy expression.

“It’s not like I’m a gentleman or anything. I will be going home now.”

Hearing that, Haruno laughed happily again.

“It’s okay.”

After reeling in her laughter, the voice in which she replied to me was extremely calm. Her eyes, which had been drifting about aimlessly, were now coldly looking at me with a piercing stare.

“How can I be drunk just from that?”

Although that was what she said, I didn’t know how much she had to drink. However, I could tell from her voice that it was different now. Her voice contained no trace of trembling or intensity. In fact, it sounded just like the old, usual Yukinoshita Haruno. It was her usual voice. A beautiful, alluring one that would put the listener into a stupor before she went in for the kill.

Hence, in order to avoid this fate, I took my usual stance as well. As I sighed and avoided her gaze, I replied to her in a jesting, sarcastic tone that was just barely audible.

“…That’s what all drunkards say.”

“I really am not drunk… In fact, it may even be impossible for me to get drunk.”

Her voice, which leaked out in a whisper, captivated me, and I found myself looking at her again. She, however, was looking at some faraway place. Her face was slightly colored, but her eyes were cold. Her lips were curled, but she didn’t look like she was smiling at all.

“No matter how one drinks, there will always be a calm self. That calm self would be able to clearly see one’s present state. No matter how I laugh, or make merry, you will subconsciously feel that it has nothing to do with you.”

At this moment, it felt as though Haruno was describing something that was unrelated to her, for her voice had a ring of distance to it. Although she was clearly talking about herself, it felt extremely objective, which made one wonder where the subjective aspect of it was. Due to this unprompted remark by her that came so suddenly, it made one feel as though both truth and lies were mixed into it.

Noticing that I was looking at her silently, Haruno stuck her tongue out to brush it over. Through this action, it was clear that she intended the above to be merely a joke.

“…So after I keep drinking a lot, I would feel disgusted and vomit before passing out.”

“You really are the worst example of a drunkard…”

“Really, I am the worst.”

Following up on my comment, Haruno covered her mouth with her hand as she laughed. Then, she began walking forward again, and away from me. Just as I thought she was going to go to the convenience store, she turned and looked at me.

From the slight distance between us, her smile seemed to encompass both pity and affection. This smile that was the kindest that I had seen to this day.

“However, you are probably like me. Let me make a prediction… You will never be drunk.”

“Don’t be like that. In the future, I will be a super corporate slave that begrudgingly gives his all at those drinking parties, otherwise I would be a super high-class full time house-husband that uses his wife’s money to go drinking during lunchtime.”

Instead of a customary goodbye, I responded to her with turbulent words and an unpleasant, intrepid smile. With that, I began to walk.

Turning my head around, I saw that Haruno was still rooted there, sending me off with a more innocent than usual look. At a comfortable three steps distance, something which didn’t matter slipped from my mouth.

“…You know, I still think you are drunk.”

Hearing that, she showed me a smile that seemed as though she was truly happy. It was as though the real Yukinoshita Haruno had been exposed. I thought that she was definitely drunk.

With a slightly puzzled expression, she replied, “I wonder… Well, you can take it as that, yup.”

As though trying to hide her smile that had suddenly appeared, she brought her hands to her mouth and nodded innocently.

After giving a simple goodbye in reply to Haruno, who was now waving her hands, I turned myself away.

That person, under the pretense of alcohol, had put on another mask. At the same time, she was also spouting some great lie about how alcohol was the lubricating oil that could let one speak freely.

Although she would never show her true self, in the end, she did intentionally reveal her flaw. Yet, I would never ever get to know the real her.

If I could evaluate her contradictory behavior, or her crafty way of dealing with the world, then I suppose that she could truly be called an adult. To be able to pretend to not hear the last bit that I had said before I could contain myself, she, at the very least, was much better than me.

It was now really late into the night, and the city was asleep in the quiet darkness. The sources of light that I could see were from buildings and tail lights which were from taxis that were waiting to be flagged down. As those taxis pulled away from the station, the noise grew fainter.

Due to this silence, there was one sentence that kept repeating itself in my head.

You will never be drunk.