Note: This was done based on another translation so there are definitely things lost in translation even before I did this. Don't read if you don't like 2nd hand translations. Otherwise, enjoy.

Volume 11

Chapter 7 Helplessly, Yukino Yukinoshita's eyes become glazed over

Some time passed since the Valentine's Day cooking event.

The clear skies of the previous days was overcast today. Seems like this unstable situation will continue for the next few days.

Even if the drop in temperature didn't seem as strong at night, frankly that was just an misperception since winter in Chiba was cold as always.

When the sun sets after school, the sense of coldness will be heightened.

To escape from the chilly hallways of the special block I had snucked into the clubroom to enjoy the indoor heating while reading a book.

The clubroom was in the usual state while dusk approached.

Laid out on the table was a teacup, a mug and a tea mug that didn't go together with the two at all.

I could see Yukinoshita pouring black tea into each of the containers from my peripheral vision. She placed the steaming cups of tea in front of Yuigahama and I. I raised my head to pick up the teacup. As I did so, my eyes met with Yukinoshita's on the opposite end.

Yukinoshita hurriedly lowered her head but quickly raised it. She lowered her head again afterwards. The unnatural attitude was obviously different from usual and Yuigahama seemed to think so as well.

"Yukinon?"

Yukinoshita looked reservedly towards Yuigahama while glancing over at me as well before speaking with much difficulty.

"I'm sorry about that time before.. That, my mother was.."

After that she slowly lowered her head. Even though she didn't speak much but from her actions and those few key phrases, I quickly realized what Yukinoshita was apologizing for. The meeting that day resurfaced easily without any reminder since it had lingered in my mind restlessly, keeping me from forgetting about it. Putting Yukinoshita's mother aside, Haruno-san's words to me and her parting words to Yuigahama, kept reverberating around in my head. It didn't make sense to speak of it to anyone, nor could anyone be faulted for it.

Hence I just lightly shook my head. "It wasn't a big deal." Yuigahama, who was seated across towards me, shook her hands rapidly to show that she didn't mind as well.

"It's completely alright! I get scolded often by my mom for coming home late as well."

"Well, it's the nature of mothers to be nagging at their children. Or clean their bedroom without permission and asking if school was fun out of the blue."

Why do mothers take so much interest in the living spaces, relationships and even the studying habits of their child? Why? Are you a fan of mine? Thank you very much Mom but I beg of you, can you not touch the books in my drawer? Please?

After hearing the reassuring words from Yuigahama and me, Yukinoshita's expression softened. She revealed a slight smile and brushed off the hair on her shoulder with her usual air.

"..Yes, it must be especially hard on Hikigaya-kun's mother then."

"Hikki's mom huh...What kind of person is she like?"

"Ah, even if you ask me that... She's pretty normal. It's like having another Komachi. Recently because of the entrance exams closing in, Komachi and Mom's been going at each other without rest."

Even if mother and daughter got along well normally, there were bound to be times they didn't. The root cause of those two arguing had to be Dad's problematic attitude. Dad worried too much about Komachi and was nagging at her non-stop, getting on Mom's nerves. Komachi followed suit and the atmosphere at home was just all fired up. Ah this wasn't a mother-daughter conflict, just Dad being hated on both sides. No matter how you put it, things becoming tense within the household because of exams or career aspirations was pretty common.

As we spoke, Yuigahama nodded in agreement.

"Ah Komachi-chan's taking the exam tomorrow. We're getting the day off for that as well."

"I guess it should be fine if it's Komachi-san.."

"Yeah.."

Yukinoshita's words sounded unsettled as she spoke. Even as I answered her, my voice definitely sounded similar to hers.

Tomorrow is the day of the high school entrance exams, as well as being Valentine's Day, but most importantly it seems like getting chocolate from Komachi this year was hopeless. Try again next year! Then again, to look forward to the next year when it was still unknown.. Thinking of things too far ahead only makes it depressing.

Yuigahama probably noticed my expression and smiled understandingly as she spoke.

"It's natural to be worried as her brother."

"Tell me about it.."

Hearing such empathic words, I couldn't help but bow my head heavily. Exhaling deeply, I spitted out the bitter worries that I had been trying not to think about.

"Komachi's cute so she's bound to be popular right? Then she'll have to be wary of boys but more importantly she can't let others know she's got a older brother like me. This concerns Komachi's reputation after all.

"That's what you're worried about?! And you're acting like she's passed already?!"

"I can't tell if you're being optimistic or pessimistic at all.."

Yuigahama was surprised while Yukinoshita just gave a silent sigh but they exchanged smiles after their eyes met.

With no apparent visitors today, the clubroom was in its usual relaxed state. I enjoyed the faint sense of tranquillity as I read the book in my hands. Yuigahama was lazing on the table fiddling with her phone, while Yukinoshita took off the teapot's cover for a refill of black tea.

Thereafter, she placed her bag on the table before taking out a small plain paper bag. Opening the with rustling sounds, a faint sweet smell reached me. Seems like it was probably refreshments of some sort.

Yukinoshita carefully poured some into a wooden plate. Glancing over, I discovered the plate was filled with chocolate chips with jam, and black and white chequered cookies as well as other colourful cookies. From the variety present and the packaging used, it didn't seem likely this was bought from a shop.

"Ah, Yukinon did you make this yourself?"

Yuigahama's sparkling eyes were filled with expectations.

Yukinoshita's culinary skills certainly were recognized. Including the cooking class from the few days earlier, she's already demonstrated her skill several times. And Yuigahama always got to enjoy her fill each time.

So, this was nothing to be surprised at. That should have been the case but Yukinoshita stumbled in her answer in reply to Yuigahama's casual words.

"Y-yes. I happened to bake them last night."

She averted her face slightly after replying. As she gently touched the side of the plate, she took in a small breath. After that she furtively glanced in my direction.

Her head and shoulders were stooped motionlessly with her face down; through the gap of her bangs, her eyes were filled with worry, seemingly hesitant to look at me directly. Anyone who saw this would probably have mixed feelings.

Yukinoshita's lips parted slightly but closed tightly, as if vexed about to speak or not. Her innocent lips made me even more conscious that I couldn't help but to move my eyes away.

The clubroom went quiet after that.

"Ah. I've been trying my best too but still no luck."

Apparently Yuighama was bothered by the momentary silence and tried to hurriedly smooth things over. She squeezed her bun as she repeatedly shook her head.

"The oven at home seems to be broken. It just goes "Guruguru" on and on, it's hopeless to bake with it."

"That's probably the microwave oven though.."

I sighed after speaking. Maybe I was just relieved at her usual self.

Yukinoshita covered her mouth as she giggled. After that, she moved the bag beside her to her lap and took out a small paper bag from within. The bag was decorated with a cute pink ribbon and cat paw-prints. She probably intended this for Yuigahama.

"This is for you."

"For me? Wow thanks!"

"The contents are almost the same." Yukinoshita apologetically added towards the overjoyed Yuigahama who accepted the gift.

"No I'm super happy! Yukinon's snacks are super yummy."

Yuigahama hugged the bag tightly in her arms. After that, she held it in her hands gazing at it gently. After blinking a few times, she looked towards Yukinoshita.

"Er.. Just me?"

I had to avert my face since I understood the meaning of the question. I tried not to move my line of sight as I read the book in my hand but nothing was going in.

Why am I looking away..

The sound of the dishes seem to be ringing in my ears. Even if I tried not to look, the sounds coming from within me were impossible to block out. All I could do was try to cover it up with my thoughts.

Self-serving interpretations, self-serving observations, self-serving expectations. It doesn't matter if my share was prepared or not, trying to decipher this was a mistake. This club only had three members. It would only be simple courtesy to have one for me as well. Deliberating anything else was just me being self-conscious. Thinking about this sort of things was very nauseating, struggling to explain this to myself was equally nauseating. This sort of unpleasant thing was undoubtedly a mistake.

Even as I repeatedly filled my thoughts with words, I still couldn't sate my feelings of anxiety. I pretended to rub my hair but my eyes were still moving around restlessly.

As a result, I glanced at the tightly lipped Yuigahama from my peripheral vision. Her slender white throat moved slightly.

"What about Hikki's?"

You didn't have to specially ask on my behalf, I'm not interested. No, I'm being honest here.

But I couldn't speak out those lines.

Yuigahama's voice and eyes were thoughtful and prudent as usual. However her left hand on her knee was tightly squeezing her skirt. The sight of her current state left me at a loss for words and I hesitated.

"Ah, no, I'm actually.."

I could only squeeze out those few words with a faint voice. The mood got heavy as Yukinoshita's sigh was heard.

The bag that Yukinoshita tightly clutched in her lap was moved away before she silently pulled out her chair to stand up. She leaned on the table while extending her hand so as to move the plate of cookies towards me.

"..Have some if you'd like."

"Th-thanks."

Even as I tried answering, Yukinoshita's eyes did not meet with mine, as she fixed them to the side. Her profile was bathed faintly in the setting sunlight. Perhaps because it was cloudy, the setting sun seemed to give off a brighter shade of crimson, covering the entire clubroom.

Ears and neck of bright red, lips awkwardly pressed together, elongated eyelashes that were blinking incessantly. I didn't dare to look at her directly so I closed my book somewhat roughly and reached out for a cookie instead.

"..It's quite delicious."

"I know right!"

Yuigahama replied as she leaned forward for a cookie, holding her cheeks blissfully after taking a bite.

"I-is that so. I just baked them as usual." Yukinoshita relaxed after observing us. She went back to her seat after that.

The chairs returned to their original positions and right in between them was the plate of cookies. Steam rosed from the teacup and tea mug.

As we chatted about our thoughts of today's tea and snacks, we would lapse into silence, be it by reading or playing with the phone. The exchange would start again and the clubroom would be filled with sounds of cheerful chatting and laughter again.

With the absence of any guests imposing themselves here, the atmosphere within the room was peaceful.

Time slowly passed and it would be dusk soon.

The wintery setting sun wasn't hot, simply exuding its light softly but its warmth was bare as well. If we didn't move it would become cold quickly.

That's why we had to forcibly take action to warm ourselves up.

Even if there was a sense of discordance nagging at us.

x x x

Nobody came to the clubroom in the end and club activities concluded today when school ended.

After locking up, we waited for Yukinoshita to return the key before leaving by the school gate. As we continued the conversation from the clubroom, we had reached the bicycle park before long. I pushed my bicycle following the two of them to the school gate, not that it was much of a reciprocation.

I didn't use the gate I did everyday but came to the road heading to the bus station that was at the side of the main gate. Looking out in the distance, the sky was completely darkened. The clouds were low and dense, making rain very likely.

"Wah it's so cold!"

"Make sure your scarf's tied on properly."

Yuigahama had promptly sneezed after coming out of the gate which got Yukinoshita to carefully help Yuigahama secure her scarf. The sight of this was enough to warm the heart but not the body. The temperature had dipped drastically after the sun set and the cold would creep up through the feet once you stood still.

"It's freezing.."

I got depressed at the thought of the journey home. It was unbearable to imagine myself pushing my bicycle through the chilling winds. After retying my scarf and pulling on my gloves tighter, I waved my hands gently to signal them.

"Later."

"Yup. See you tomorrow."

Yuigahama waved her hand slowly in front of her chest. After I nodded in reply I got ready to mount my bicycle.

Just then, the sound of a soft sigh reached my ears.

"..Ah."

After turning around, apparently Yukinoshita was trying to catch my attention, since she had moved a step forward.

I motioned with my eyes in inquiry but that didn't elicit any change in her behaviour.

Her hesitant lips were motionless, both hands holding tightly onto the schoolbag on her left shoulder, as she stood there numbly.

As her anxious eyes faltered, I chose not to ask her thoughtlessly what was the matter but instead waited for her to speak again. As the silent struggle continued on, the sound of sand rustling reached my ears.

"Erm.. I'll be making a move first?"

Although Yuigahama wore a troubled expression as she smiled, she only took a step back. She reached out a gloved hand for her bun as she looked at Yukinoshita, observing her reaction.

Yukinoshita seemed very reluctant under her gaze. Shaking her head slightly, she looked nervously with expecting eyes towards Yuigahama. Yuigahama lowered her face for a moment but raised it quickly again, inquiring with a gentle look in her eyes.

"Um.. what to do about this?" Her voice carried no confusion, simply that of soft affirmance.

"Erm.."

The words that came to her lips was lost in the blowing winds as it disappeared in the distance. Without a appropriate answer, Yukinoshita simply looked down red-faced with an anguished expression. Perhaps because she was tense, her shoulders were trembling and she was gripping her bag even harder than before.

We waited for her next words motionlessly. Nobody spoke but a harsh sound crunched out.

Crack.

That was the sound of high heels striking the asphalt road.

The footsteps drew closer, so much I thought it to be the sound of my beating heart. Maybe it was an hallucination that only I could hear. I even thought that the dissonance buried within me had manifested.

But it seems I wasn't the only one who heard the noise. Yuigahama turned and looked towards the direction of the footsteps before she made a surprised gasp.

"Oh!"

The steps screeched to a halt at least. Yukinoshita and I followed Yuighama's eyes in the same direction to end with a stunned stare.

"Yukino-chan, I'm here to pick you up."

"Nee-san.."

So said Yukinoshita after seeing that person.

Yukinoshita Haruno pressed her heels forward another step to stand in front of us. She pressed her hands into the pockets of her overcoat, revealing a meaningful smile before tilting her head, as if to scrutinize Yukinoshita's face.

"There shouldn't be anything that you would need me for."

"Mom told me to stay with you for awhile. Ah, you should still have a spare room at your place right? It's fine if the luggage is delivered tomorrow? I'll be around before noon but I'll be going out in the afternoon, so could I trouble you with that?"

Haruno-san spoke without pause, to deny a chance for Yuighama and I to intervene. If we were pressured by her momentum, then we couldn't interrupt at all as outsiders.

Most importantly, even though Haruno-san's words sounded annoyed, her tone was far too natural as if there was a prior arrangement beforehand, with a stance that would brook no excuses.

"W-wait a minute. Why was this decided all of a sudden?"

Yukinoshita's reply was mixed with reproach and confusion but Haruno-san simply laugh exaggeratedly.

"You should have it right? An inkling of why."

Yukinoshita seemed surprised by her question.

"That was what I decided on my own. It has nothing do with you, Nee-san." Yukinoshita stared at Haruno-san as she replied in a sharp and clear voice

What Yukinoshita had decided. This was probably related to the conversion she had with her mother a few days ago. At that time, Yukinoshita had promised to personally explain things to her one day.

In spite of that, Yukinoshita Haruno was here before us.

I could not be sure if her mother did not want to wait before Yukinoshita was ready, or was it simple worry about her daughter's late hours that she sent her elder daughter here. The only one who was privy to the thoughts of Yukinoshita's mother was Haruno-san.

Haruno-san had listened wordlessly to Yukinoshita's reply. The amused smile from before had vanished, replaced by a narrow and piercing gaze that gripped Yukinoshita tightly. Taking in her expression and movements, her cold eyes was fixed on Yukinoshita as if she was peering into her thoughts.

Slowly, she spoke with a slight smile.

"Yukino-chan do you even have a sense of self?"

"What--!"

Bewildered by the interruption, Yukinoshita tried to refute but Haruno-san overrode her by continuing on.

"Obviously you've been emulating me before making your decisions. Can you still call that your own decisions?"

Haruno-san's voice carried a harshness a hundred times more potent than usual, even as she wore a smile and pierced Yukinoshita with an icy glare.

Yukinoshita had no voice to refute nor the words to deny Haruno-san but simply look at her bewilderedly. Haruno-san simply shrugged and sighed without a word at her response.

"Yukino-chan's always been free to choose, but you haven't made a decision on your own at all."

Her voice was gentle but at the same time, carried a tinge of pity.

Her empathic eyes that was focused on Yukinoshita shifted towards Yuigahama who was beside her, and to me as well.

She laughed as our eyes met.

"Even you have no idea what to do next in this situation right?"

Who exactly was this question posed at?

Not just Yukinoshita, I was frozen in place as well. My voice was stuck in my throat even as I tried to stop Haruno-san from speaking further. What to do next, I had no answer to this question either.

"What do you want to do, Yukino-chan?"

"Can you please bring this quarrel between sisters to someplace else?"

I managed to finally open my mouth to block Haruno-san's question.

Yukinoshita Haruno's words will certainly be forceful. She would lay the truth bare for sure. I couldn't allow her to speak further. Not just for Yukinoshita's sake but for mine as well.

Haruno-san seemed to have lost her interest as she looked over at me with a disinterested expression. Her eyes were full of disdain, as if to say "Is that the best you can come up with?".

"Quarrel? This is hardly the case. We've never quarrelled before to begin with."

"Nonetheless, this is not the place for this conversation."

We exchanged cold stares as we spoke and I had to try my hardest not to avert my eyes away from hers.

"Um, We.. We are thinking about it seriously. Both Yukinon and me."

Yuigahama spoke in turn to cover for us. She stood straight beside Yukinoshita and spoke her statement strongly. However her voice faltered under Haruno-san's eyes. By the end, Yuigahama had completely lowered her head, eliciting a benign look of pity from Haruno-san as she spoke.

"Is that so? Well I'll listen to what you have to say when you get back. There's only one place that Yukino-chan can return to anyway."

Haruno-san turned to leave after adding such a statement. As the sounds of the heels became fainter with distance, I could feel my tightly wound-up body ease as well.

The rays of the setting sun leaked out from the gaps between the thick clouds, casting a grim shadow over the retreating figure of Haruno-san. As she disappeared into the distance, I let out a gasp to take in a deep breath of air. It had felt like I had forgotten to breathe for awhile there.

We stood in place, unable to look over at each other. Yukinoshita had her head lowered with her lips shut tight, while Yuigahama looked sorrowfully over at her. As for me, I was looking up at the sky, my head filled with thoughts on what to say to bide them farewell in this situation after saying those things.

"Er..Erm. Oh right, why not go over to my place?"

As a result of her proposal with a forceful smile, I couldn't think of any reason to refuse at all.

x x x

We arrived at the corner of a large apartment complex after following the avenue from the bus stop near school. Yuigahama's apartment was among them. The journey was filled with a noisy crowd of students and workers on the way here. The noise and chatter was a blessing for us who did not speak a word.

The only time Yukinoshita and I spoke was "Sorry for the intrusion" when we entered Yuigahama's home. Even so, we took some time in her room before we were able to talk about anything.

"Sorry I didn't clean up my room much." Yuigahama said as she sat down at the coffee table and passed the cushions to Yukinoshita and me.

"Thank you."

Yukinoshita thanked her simply before hugging the cushion and sat down by Yuigahama's side. I followed her example, sitting bare-legged on the floor. They were seated across me separated by the pedestal. Thanks to the pink fuzzy carpet, our feet were quite warm. I thought of rolling around the room a couple of times as I held the soft pillow.

The shelves were lined with a cute mishmash of items, among them were Fans of Asia items, fashion magazines left in a pile and a desk that was stacked with things. Although Yuigahama's room wasn't well taken care of as she had stated, it was neatly divided enough. At least it was much tidier than my room.

However, I was ill at ease here. That the room had a sweet scent in it was enough to instil a sense of restlessness in me. I couldn't help but wonder if the fragrance was coming from the bed as I looked over. Stealing a couple of glances, I found there were several small bottles placed by the bedside. The bottles with small rods inserted seemed to be the source of the scent.

As I looked and wondered, I could hear someone clearing her throat. Turning around, Yuigahama shyly said in a weak voice.

"Can you stop staring over there.."

"Um, ah, no, how to put this, it's because there's an object over there that looks like fried pasta okay?"

I hurriedly replied in a pitched voice. Yuigahama gave a bashful smile in return.

"That's just a bottle of indoor perfume you know."

So that was perfume for indoor use. I was thinking the straw that looked like fried pasta drew out and sprayed the perfume. Well whatever. A girl's room sure had an assortment of items. As I was looked around admiringly, I discovered someone giggling out of the corner of my eyes.

"Fried pasta.."

Yukinoshita had buried her face into the pillow as she laughed uncontrollably. It's not that funny alright.. Her sense of humour was odd as usual.

As I thought so, I couldn't help but crack a smile. Yuigahama exhaled in relief as well.

As we waited for a opportune time to start talking, Yukinoshita lifted her face out of the pillow and adjusted her sitting position slightly. And then she quietly bowed her head.

"I'm sorry. I've caused you two trouble."

"It's alright. Don't be bothered by it."

Yuigahama shook her hands repeatedly as she spoke in a cheery tone. At the same time, an even cheerier voice added in after her.

"That's right ~ There's nothing to be worried about at all."

A lady carrying drinks had entered without knocking. Her sweater and long skirt gave off a mature air but her lively face made her look young. As she smiled cheerfully, the bun at the back of her head bounced energetically as well.

"Mama! Don't just suddenly enter!!"

Although Yuigahama spoke in a huff, she simply went "Eh?" and ignored her. Apparently this person was Yuigahama's mother. Her affable smile and good figure hinted of the connection between mother and daughter.No, she could even pass off as Yuigahama's older sister but since she was called "Mama", that means she's her mother alright. Yuigahama's mama, short form Yuigahamama. Eh there's no difference and it's hard to say.

Yuigahama's mother crouched beside the coffee table to hand out the drinks. She passed the tea to me with a "Here you go~".

"Ah. Thank you. Sorry to trouble you."

I couldn't tell if "Then I'll help myself" or "Don't take the trouble to bother" or perhaps "The humble one shall proceed without fear " was the appropriate response to fit the situation. I didn't have much experience as a guest at others' homes, so I was at a loss. The fact that it was Yuigahama's mother heightened my nervousness further. As a result I stammered out my reply.

Meeting her eyes was embarrassing as well so I kept my heard lowered but she let out a "wah" joyfully instead. I carefully raised my head to discover Yuigahama's mother staring straight at me. She voiced her curiosity with "ahs" and "ohs" as she observed me.

Seeing as I was hard-pressed to even speak, Yuigahama's mother happily let out a broad smile.

"You must be Hikki-kun, right? I'm always hearing things about you from Yui."

"Y-yeah."

The situation was embarrassing enough to wish I was dead.

"Don't talk nonsense Mama!"

Yuigahama rushed to her mother in a panic, taking over a plate of pastries from her hands before shooing her mother away.

"Ehhh ~ but Mama wants to talk to Hikki-kun as well ~"

"There's no need for that."

Yuigahama pushed the back of her protesting mother, kicking her out of the room.

Yukinoshita watched the exchange with a slight smile before her eyes met with Yuigahama's mother.

"Ah yes, Yukino-chan."

"Y-yes?"

Yuigahama's mother flashed a brilliant smile towards the dazed Yukinoshita before asking. "You're staying over tonight right? I'll get the futon."

"Leave that to me!"

Yuigahama pushed out her mother before locking the door. Sounds could be heard from the other side but Yuigahama ignored it and gave a long sight of relief.

"Ahaha ~ Sorry about that. Mama got all excited about Yukinon's arrival. That was embarrassing."

Yukinoshita simply shook her head gently at the embarrassed Yuigahama to signal she didn't mind before giving a weak smile.

"The two of you must be close. I'm a little envious of that."

Yukinoshita's face was mixed with a touch of loneliness and remorse. She was bound with a mother and sister like that after all. No one would have a easy time getting along with them. Yuigahama and I was at a lost about what to speak about for awhile.

Paying heed to our silence, Yukinoshita hurriedly added in some words.

"I'm sorry for saying something strange. I should be going soon."

Yukinoshita tried to stand as she finished but was repressed by Yuigahama, who clapped her hands together and spoke after returning to her seat.

"How about staying over here tonight? I stay over at others' homes as well. It's not always convenient to go home right?"

"Yes, but.."

Even as she spoke, Yukinoshita seemed troubled and deliberated briefly. Her anxious eyes wandered around before they settled on me. Hey it's pointless to look at me you know..

However, judging from Haruno-san's words to consider the situation now, the same thing would just happen if Yukinoshita went home now. Moreover from Yuigahama's tone, she had her own ideas as well. As I considered that, I looked towards Yuigahama and she nodded furtively in response.

Well, if meeting each other was an awkward affair then skipping out on that was an effective method to resolve the situation as well. Of course, in this situation if there was no time limit for a closure to be reached, it would just be a form of escape. However it wasn't a bad idea as a means to delay for time.

"Well, the two of you probably can't talk this over calmly right now. Why not take the night to think things over? Just in case, contact her to let her know."

"Yup this sounds like a good idea."

After Yuigahama voiced her support, Yukinoshita held her knees and considered it briefly before nodding in agreement.

"Yeah, you're right."

She took her phone out of her bag to make a call, probably to Haruno-san. The ringing tone connected after a few times. Yukinoshita raised her head and began to speak.

"Hello. We probably can't talk this over calmly right now so I'll take the night to think things over. Just contacting you to let you know."

After Yukinoshita said her piece, there was seemingly no reply from the other side and the room fell silent. The only sounds were Yukinoshita's uneven breathing and a whisper of "Just now was that.." that was mixed in with it.

I turned in response to the voice only to see Yuigahama's astonished face alternating between me and Yukinoshita. Just as I wanted to ask her about it, a wave of teasing laughter could be heard coming from the phone.

"Oh, I got it. Hikigaya-kun's there as well right? Let him take over."

Within the tranquil room, her provoking voice easily reached my ears as well. Yukinoshita was momentarily undecided by Haruno-san's request but she sighed after a frigid "Hurry up" came from the phone, and passed the phone to me.

"Nee-san wishes to speak with you."

I brought the phone to my ear without a word and slowly began to speak.

"What is it?"

"You're so nice, Hikigaya-kun."

Her soft voice that mocked me was both coy and charming, almost as if I was being taken over.

That smiling face on the other side was surely graceful but wrapped. I could vividly imagine the scene as if it was right in front of me. That face surely resembled hers, and yet they were completely different.

I gulped quickly before looking over to the oblivious Yukinoshita.

Yukinoshita had her arms crossed in front of her as she stood by the window side. She leaned against the window, casting her eyes outside to avoid crossing ours.

The countless specks of streetlights and red lights from high-rise buildings far off in the distance wasn't enough to illuminate the approaching nightfall and the window glass became a obsidian mirror instead.

The pair of eyes reflected in them was crystal clear but vacant at the same time.

x x x

Haruno-san hung up after a single sentence and the conversation ended abruptly. I wiped clean Yukinoshita's phone with my handkerchief before returning it to her. A wave of fatigue came over and I found that the time was quite late by then.

"I'll be going back then."

"Yeah."

I stood up after taking my bag and Yuigahama followed suit. Yukinoshita stood shortly after that. Apparently they meant to see me off.

"It's fine like this."

"It feels weird to part here no?"

Yuigahama lead the way out of the room as she spoke. At this point, a ball of hair came racing in this direction from the other end of the hallway. It was Yuigahama's beloved dog, Sable. Just like that Sable came crashing into me.

"Hey."

"No, Sable."

Yuigahama scolded it before picking up Sable that had flopped over by my leg. Yukinoshita took one look before she immediately froze in place. Ah this was not good, she was bad at handling dogs after all.

Yukinoshita kept her distance from Yuigahama as we made our way to the entrance so as not to come into contact with Sable. On the other hand, Sable kept yapping and barking energetically in Yuigahama's arms. Was this going to be alright at all? I had better give Yuigahama a reminder just to be safe.

After putting on my shoes, I spoke to Yuigahama before going through the door.

"Hey, Yuigahama. If Yukinoshita's staying for the night then Sable.."

"Hikigaya-kun."

Yukinoshita interrupted what I had to say in a harsh tone. Her lips were shut tightly and her arms crossed in front of her chest as she stared at me fiercely. So that explains it, you wanted to protest that you weren't that scared of dogs that's all huh.. Well she might be considering it would be heartless to say she was scared of her friend's precious pet. She was probably uneasy at the thought of staying over the night and having others look out for her on top of that. If that's the case I'll have to respect her wishes then.

Then again, it's common sense that it was impossible to take back your words.

Yuigahama was the face of puzzlement as she enquired distractedly.

"What's wrong? What about Sable?"

I was at a lost with her question.

"Yeah, erm.. Sable might be a bit lonely but learning to endure the occasional solitude might be a good thing. It's especially crucial for Sable."

"Yup! It'll be fine!"

I had spat out something random but Yuigahama was nodding passionately. Oh, you actually seem confident in controlling it. I get the feeling it didn't obey you that much though. As those thoughts went through my head, Yuigahama spoke with drooping shoulders.

"..That's because Sable sticks to Mama like glue when it's at home."

"O-oh, so that's how it is."

Dogs were pretty conscious towards the order of things after all so Yuigahama's appraisal of Sable was nothing to trifle at. However if that was the case, the chances of it approaching Yukinoshita should be pretty low. She could take the chance to get used to dogs as well.

"I'll be going off then."

"Yeah, see you again."

"Goodbye."

The two of them watched as I left. Not long after, Sable's lonely whimper could be heard. I steeled myself to cut off any yearning, pushing Yuigahama's home out of my mind.

x x x

Finishing dinner after reaching home, I got into the kotatsu and rolled around to my heart's content before I started reading.

My parents who were home early for once had already gone to bed, the living room was only currently shared between me and Kamakura. Well, Kamakura had curled up into a ball and fell asleep on the kotatsu so the only one left awake was me.

The door to the living room opened at this moment and Komachi walked in with her pyjamas and nightcap.

"You're still awake huh."

"I'll go to sleep soon, just wanted to stay up for awhile."

After I finished, Komachi walked straight into the kitchen.

"Suit yourself. Just be sure to turn in early."

"Yeah."

Although I was uneasy in thinking "Is it alright to still be awake when the exam's tomorrow" but the person in question was quite relaxed about it. The stove crackled at this time.

As I wondered if Komachi was making something to eat, the sounds of her searching through the shelves reached my ears. Pondering if had hunger kept her awake, she came over to the kotatsu.

"Here take this."

"Oh, yeah. Thanks."

Komachi passed me a can of MAX Coffee. I found it to be quite warm as I took it in my hands, seems like she had heated up the can. She certainly is thoughtful.

"Onii-chan your leg's in the way."

She pushed my leg away before snuggling into the kotatsu. Afterwards we sipped the hot coffee in small mouthfuls together.Komachi exhaled loudly with satisfaction.

"It's finally the day tomorrow."

"That's right. Finish this and quickly go to sleep. It is the day before the exams after all."

Having a hot cup of coffee before bed does guarantee good sleep. Who knows if this canned coffee might be recognised for medical consumption in the future, the thought of that is already making me excited. Hehe, good efficacy indeed. If I said that as I drank, I could feel something unpleasant coming about with this unnatural sweetness. I would recommend other people to try this as well.

However, what Komachi meant wasn't what I had stated.

"That's not it. It's Valentines'. As a school boy you should be overjoyed and besides yourself, right?" Komachi said as she spoke listlessly with a sigh.

Thinking about this kind of things before the day of exams.. The princess of our house sure was gutsy. Seems like there was no need to confirm if she had resolved herself.

"I wouldn't be bigheaded about this. My head's filled with thoughts about Komachi anyway."

"Onii-chan really dotes too much on Komachi. So disgusting. It's better to use those feelings to take care of yourself instead."

"I'm already used to taking care of myself."

"That's not what I meant, well you are sweet right now.."

I spoke as I sipped the coffee with Komachi giggling as she listened. Wait, hold on. Did she inadvertently say something excessive just now?

If you're calling Onii-chan disgusting, be careful I might just do something disgusting for real okay. Hence I sat up and started banging my arms against the top of the kotatsu like a spoiled kid. I really am disgusting.

"Right. Speaking about sweet things, give me some chocolates."

"I've already given you something similar just now." Komachi motioned towards the canned coffee with her chin. No no, this is nothing like it at all. This couldn't be said to be coffee either. There was no feelings of love to be felt from this, it's love alright.

"Komachi, do you like me?"

"Not at all."

Komachi answered uncaringly in a second. I couldn't help but to begin sobbing.

That's too much.. Well, this goes to show how close our relationship was to utter something like that.

Be it jokes or ridicule mixed in with jokes, no matter what was contained within the answer, the sincerity of the feelings that we talked about was apparent at a glance.

The fifteen years that Komachi and I shared was not to be taken lightly.

Then, what about those sisters, and that mother and daughter.

Living together for more than fifteen years, living under the same roof, sharing their memories, living together with similar perspectives. Even so, they simply passed by each other and were unable to establish mutual understanding. Then, what should people do to get along?

The sibling relationship between us couldn't have been established without Komachi. Truth be told, I have many things to be grateful about because of her.

But that was that. Chocolates were another issue.

"Hurry up and give me some chocolates."

Komachi sighed in annoyance at the sight of me sobbing as I drew a の before she got out of the kotatsu to go somewhere. She finally got fed up huh.. Just when I was lying on the kotatsu in despair, Komachi appeared quickly again.

"Here." She poked and jabbed at my back as she passed me something.

As I turned around, I realized it was a packet of chocolates beautifully wrapped together.

"What's this, are you giving this to me?"

"Just something simple. Since you told me to give you some." Komachi spoke unhappily for some reason.

I held the chocolates tightly in my arms, hot tears overflowing as I chanted "Thank you" over and over. Komachi must have prepared this specially for me. My little sister was seriously wonderful.

Komachi silently gave a bitter smile at the sight of me rejoicing over the chocolates.

"It would be great if you would only speak in such a wilful way with someone else other than me."

"Who else can I say such shameful things other than you. Besides, something you received because you asked for isn't meaningful in the least."

Komachi glared at me as I finished my sentence.

"So in other words, my chocolate isn't meaningful at all then.."

"Well, ah, that's..this is not like that all? Komachi's chocolates are different. It's special. Komachi's super cute."

"Uwah. You sure are easy-going, Gomi-chan." Komachi had a disgusted expression as she sighed deeply.

"..Well, I would still be a tad happy if a clumsy person like you were to accept my chocolate."

Komachi's smile was more mature than usual as she spoke. As she looked over me holding her cheeks with a tilted head on the kotatsu, her eyes were frank but warm. Unable to meet those gentle eyes directly, I drew a rough breath and moved my eyes away. Perhaps because of that, Komachi got embarrassed as well as she laughed awkwardly.

"How was it? Was that high in Komachi points just now?"

"Your points are low because of this.."

I gave a bitter expression as I drank the lukewarm sweet coffee in one go. The sweetness of the coffee was enough to relax me. Komachi raised the coffee to her lips and finished it before standing up.

"I should be going to sleep now."

"You do that."

Komachi shook the empty can as she walked to the kitchen before throwing it into the trash bin. When Komachi reached the landing, Kamakura woke up and quickly followed her with small steps.

"Oh, Ka-kun. Do you want to join me?"

Kamakura did not answer audibly but brushed his head against Komachi's leg. Komachi giggled contentedly and scooped up Kamakura in her arms before reaching for the door handle.

I called for Komachi as she turned her back.

"Komachi."

"What is it?" Komachi gripped the door handle with one hand as she turned her upper body around.

"I'll be cheering for you. Good night."

"Thanks. I'll try my best. Good night."

Komachi didn't say much but her smile was heavy. She picked up Kamakura again and went back to her room.

After I saw her leave, I crossed my arms behind me and laid down.

"Clumsy, huh."

Even though that was what Komachi said but I still didn't have the confidence to acknowledge that.

I never actively got close to others but I didn't intentionally turned people away either.

Being conscious, drawing clear boundaries and hiding everything flawlessly, even to the point of being intentionally obtuse, not giving a spare thought, playing the wise observer to the fullest extent, always consciously downplaying myself to the role of someone despicable.

In order not to acknowledge this sense of discomfort,I chose to keep my distance.

I knew very well, this was done purely to avoid committing any mistakes and this was not the only correct answer. However, I tried to suppress this to the depths of my heart.

Is that why I was exposed by that person?

The criticizing voice spoke within me again.

Hikigaya Hachiman is this kind of person. This is the kind of thing you expected.

Shut up moron. The clueless guy should just keep his mouth shut instead of spewing nonsense.