— Are you absolutely sure? — Komachi looked at me pleadingly, tugging at the edge of my shirt.
— There's no point in putting off the inevitable, — I smiled and ruffled my sister's hair. — Just tell me: blue or black?
The schoolgirl sighed loudly and, coming closer, snatched the ties from my hands, holding them up to my neck one after the other.
— Hmm... — she narrowed her eyes, choosing carefully. — Well, it depends on what you want to achieve. If you want to scare people off, go blue. If you want to be stylish, go black.
— And which one is most suitable for you? — In the hallway mirror, the scene looked funny: an adult guy standing while a young girl on her tiptoes next to him tries to choose a tie for him.
It reminds me of something, but what exactly skillfully escapes my grasp.
— A hemp rope. In advance, so you don't suffer later, — my darling grumbled discontentedly.
Every time I see her puffed-up cheeks, I'm charmed. Sometimes I even feel like teasing her deliberately.
Hmm... Maybe Haruno acts on the same principle: what if Snowball looked cute when she was annoyed as a child? Now those traits have faded with age, but the habit remains.
Shaking my head and chuckling softly, I crouched down, looking up at Komachi.
— I can always refuse; you just have to ask, — I offered, mostly joking, because I was sure she wouldn't do it.
— Idiot, — my sister crossed her arms over her chest.
— But I'm yours.
— Mine, all mine, — the girl snorted, then gestured for me to stand up, and carefully tied the black tie.
She critically inspected her handiwork and nodded, satisfied with the result.
— That'll do, — pretending to dust off my shirt, she lightly pushed my chest at the end. — Go on now... you cheat.
— Hey! — I protested dramatically, grabbing my windbreaker from the hanger. — My loyalty to you is eternal and unwavering!
— Sure, sure, I'll take your word for it, — she turned away, busy picking up the discarded clothes from the floor.
Scratching the back of my head, I shrugged and, after one last glance at my own reflection—a little nervousness is inevitable!—I reached for the doorknob.
— ...I'll be waiting, — pausing in the doorway, I looked back, checking if I had misheard.
Komachi continued to pretend to be fully absorbed in folding the unsuitable shirt.
Did I imagine it?
— I'm leaving.
Closing the door behind me, I took a deep breath, closing my eyes.
I didn't think Komachi would actually be jealous.
Unexpected.
...And pleasant.
***
The walk to the meeting spot—a shopping center near the station—turned out to be much shorter than I had initially imagined, so I arrived earlier than the agreed time.
Shuffling my feet in place, I mentally shook my head and, skirting the streams of people who, for some reason, had decided to go on a mass shopping trip today, I moved off to the side, hiding from the wind in the process. The wind still retained remnants of summer warmth, but that didn't stop me from putting my hands in my pockets.
Leaning against the wall, I checked the time on my phone again and, sighing, tilted my head back, watching the dark clouds slowly drifting by. I hope we don't get a downpour today, as I hadn't thought to bring an umbrella.
However, as practice has shown, most of my naive hopes are usually unfounded. After all, a small thought lingered in my soul until the very end that Haruno had taken my "date" proposal as a joke and an opportunity to use the occasion to annoy others, like Yukino or the Cap.
But life, in its favorite manner, proved once again that it's always better to assume the worst-case scenario. At least it's less disappointing that way...
A loud bark caused me to momentarily snap out of my thoughts, as it sounded very much like the noise made by a familiar dog.
Tensely looking toward the source of the noise, I exhaled in relief, seeing an unfamiliar girl actively trying to catch a dachshund of the same breed as Sable.
Not that I didn't want to run into Yuigahama—I don't mind her company.
...Another time.
Her appearance today would be a bit inappropriate.
Sometimes it really feels like my life is a pure example of Murphy's Law in action.
I was sitting quietly, enjoying a carefree evening—thankfully, the festival preparation was no longer hanging over my head, and club activities were limited to sitting around drinking tea—while pondering how to spend my free time: either go shopping with Komachi, which she had long been asking for, or gather acquaintances from the forum and go raiding. Or, just forget everything and simply lie on the sofa, reading the recently released sequel to a book.
Everything seems normal, right? Just an ordinary weekday before the anticipated weekend.
However, a complication arose...
— Hey there, Hachiman!
Glancing at the clock, I raised an eyebrow.
Precisely at the agreed-upon time, not a minute earlier, not a minute later. I envy such punctuality.
— Glad to see you, Haruno.
The approaching girl tilted her head and narrowed her eyes, hiding her hands behind her back.
— I don't hear a note of happiness in your voice. And why so gloomy? Nervous about your first date? — and, without letting me get a word in, she came closer, looking me over from head to toe, letting out an approving hum in the process. — Not a bad choice. Your sister clearly has good taste.
Right to the point? It seems someone is in a fighting mood today.
— Why assume Komachi immediately? Maybe I picked everything myself, — I smiled slightly with the corners of my mouth, evaluating Yukinoshita's appearance in return.
Today she decided to step away from "office" colors, instead choosing a bright red unbuttoned trench coat that revealed a colorful neckerchief and a snow-white T-shirt. Although something else drew more attention...
— Ho-oh, I see you like it? — Haruno noticed my gaze directed at her smooth legs, barely covered by a short mini-skirt. — So you prefer the lower half, do you?
She smirked slyly, leaning forward slightly—demonstrating that everything was perfectly fine up top too—as if testing my resilience.
To her disappointment, I have already developed partial immunity to such tricks, so I managed to keep a straight face.
Oh, and I just happen to have a suitable phrase in mind.
— I won't argue, — I shrugged and continued in a neutral tone: — However, I'm much more concerned about the fact that you might get cold. It is autumn, after all.
Judging by how she froze, the girl was not prepared for such a move.
Inпрочем, there's nothing surprising about that. In a normal situation, I would either try to dodge an awkward question or "counter-attack," engaging in a kind of confrontation.
But here I both agreed and, at the same time, delivered a phrase so atypical for me that its effect completely overshadowed the first part.
— Unexpectedly thoughtful of you, — Haruno chuckled, standing next to me, shamelessly grabbing my elbow and leaning in slightly. — Did your inner gentleman wake up?
Easy there, I was morally prepared for pressure from you, but not to this extent! Usually, our violation of personal space happens a little later.
She didn't even give me a chance to warm up!
A group of college-aged guys walked past us, giving me envious looks.
Well, yes, from the outside it looks like I'm lucky, because there's probably no person who would refuse such a beauty sticking close to them.
If only they knew about her "wonderful" personality.
— You said yourself we're on a date; I have to keep up appearances, — as I said this, I caught a faint scent of jasmine coming from the girl.
— Then should I start playing the role of the "girlfriend"? — Yukinoshita asked in passing, starting to walk first, which was quite logical, as I didn't know the final destination.
And, thinking about it, the only thing I knew about the future psychotherapist was the fact that he or she was a competent specialist, highly regarded by Haruno.
Consequently, I should be on my guard.
— Depending on what actions you mean by that, — to my satisfaction, we changed direction, moving away from the noisy city center.
— You name it, — the girl suggested playfully. — It's not hard for me to adjust.
I glanced at her sideways.
Is she trying to subtly convey that she's serious about this matter, or is she just playing with me?
— Then there won't be any poi... ugh! — A strong gust of wind threw several withered leaves into my face, and one of them, of all things, got into my mouth, completely ruining the moment.
Haruno snorted, hiding the burst of laughter.
— See, even nature itself doesn't want you to avoid answering, — she winked.
— I wasn't going to, — I grumbled, still tasting bitterness on my lips.
— Really? — The girl made no attempt to hide her sarcasm.
I sighed, looking at the countdown timer on the pedestrian traffic light where we had stopped.
— Haruno, we already talked about this topic, — I raised my index finger. — "Sincerity of actions," remember?
A shadow crossed Yukinoshita's face for a moment. Apparently, memories of the festival were still fresh in her mind.
— Then you shouldn't have forgotten that you still haven't answered my question, — the girl smiled carelessly and pulled me along with her to the loud signals of the "green light." — Therefore, Hachiman...
After crossing the road, she released my hand and stepped back a little.
— Do you still not believe in the purity of my intentions? — and she tilted her head, looking at me with a slightly noticeable smirk.
— I prefer to always stay alert, — I replied, not avoiding eye contact.
In general, I could have honestly said "no," because I know too little about her. And, to be frank, it's still difficult to talk about any trust in our relationship.
The girl exhaled and clicked her tongue.
— You know, some people might be offended by that approach.
— But not you? — I raised the corners of my mouth.
— But not me, — Haruno confirmed and, taking my elbow again, led me further. — Appreciate it!
I didn't answer, just hummed.
Purity of intentions, huh?..
***
— Looks good, — I muttered, looking around the psychotherapist's waiting room, whose office completely occupied a small building located near the residential blocks.
A bright, cozy room, decorated in cream and beige tones, with expensive leather sofas for visitors. The walls were decorated with several paintings of ordinary landscapes, and flower pots nestled in the corners, the aroma suggesting they were real. A reception desk was located a little further, near the stairs, to which Haruno immediately headed, calling out to the young girl in an office suit sitting at the desk.
Seeing the guest, the employee jumped to her feet and bowed respectfully, to which my companion waved her hand. I don't know what they talked about, but after barely a minute, Yukinoshita called me over:
— Hachiman, what style of room: European or Japanese?
— It doesn't matter, — I shrugged.
— Let's go with European, — Haruno smiled, waiting for a nod from the employee. — Excellent. When can we come up?
— Right now, — the girl said politely. — Ms. Andou is already expecting you.
— Perfect. Second floor, third door, right? — my companion clarified.
— Yes.
— Then let's not delay, — turning around, Haruno headed for the stairs. After climbing the first step, she looked at me inquiringly. — Are you coming?
— I was just thinking about running away, — I snorted, following her.
— Usually that role goes to the girls, you know, — Yukinoshita smirked.
— I support equality, — to be honest, anxiety was slowly starting to build up inside me.
It's one thing to jokingly suggest going to a psychotherapist, and another to realize that in a minute you will be at a session.
If I had known, I would have come up with a different option, honestly.
— By the way, — trying to distract myself from my worries, I changed the subject. — Does Ms. Andou own the whole building?
— Uh-huh. The first floor is for visitors, the second is reserved for offices, and the third consists of living quarters, — hearing this, I involuntarily wondered how much this doctor charges per patient.
Chiba, of course, is not Tokyo, but just a suburb, but real estate prices are quite high. Especially when it comes to renting an entire complex.
— And she works here alone?
— No, of course not, — Haruno went up to the second floor and leaned on the railing. — If I'm not mistaken, she has five or six people working here in shifts. However, Andou is the best of them all.
After a little thought, she added with a smirk:
— Plus, she's the only one who agreed to work with our case.
— Is it that unique? — Standing next to her, I looked down the rather long corridor with several numbered doors.
— What do you think? — Yukinoshita lightly poked my side with her elbow. — Usually people come to these sessions when they've been in a relationship for a long time, not before it even starts.
— Well, if they had visited earlier, they could have avoided such a fate.
— How cautious you are! — the girl exclaimed with feigned admiration and, reaching the desired door, opened it, immediately walking inside.
— Oh, have I finally lived to see the day when young Ms. Yukinoshita comes to my session? And with a young man, no less? I'm intrigued, — the woman greeted us in her peculiar way. — Please sit wherever you feel comfortable.
Haruno, without hesitation, sat down on the sofa, directly opposite the psychotherapist. I had no choice but to take the seat next to her, involuntarily examining the doctor.
To be honest, I expected her to be either an elderly woman in a white coat or a young, energetic person, well, in the spirit of Hiratsuka-sensei.
However, my assumptions were wrong.
Ms. Andou turned out to be a woman who looked about fifty, with barely noticeable wrinkles at the corners of her eyes, clearly taking care of herself. Minimal makeup on her face, shoulder-length brown hair with a touch of gray, and a soft half-smile on her lips. A dark gray suit, perfectly fitted to her rather slender figure, completed the image.
If I had met her on the street, I would have thought she was the boss of some office.
— Hachiman Hikigaya, I presume? — Noticing my attention, the doctor folded her hands on her knees. — Apparently, you expected something else?
— I don't know, — trying to relax, I leaned back against the sofa. — Something more like... a hospital?
The woman chuckled.
— And would you be comfortable then? As practice shows, the presence of a white coat and the specific atmosphere of a medical office subconsciously puts people on edge. After all, no one goes to such places just because, right? Only if something is bothering your physical health.
— Isn't it the same here, except that the focus is on mental illnesses? — I asked, realizing that changing my posture didn't bring the expected comfort.
— Not at all, — Ms. Andou smiled. — Here, we simply gather to discuss and talk through the issues that concern you. We'll leave the treatment and identification of so-called "illnesses" to specialists of a different kind.
— So, you immediately send such patients to them? — I raised an eyebrow.
— No, of course not, — the psychotherapist laughed. — I work with all clients who are ready to come to me. If you only knew how many people sometimes just need help looking at a situation from a different angle, without resorting to extreme measures. Or to be given a chance to speak their mind.
Haruno, who had been watching our dialogue with interest, shook her head:
— Hachiman, don't be so wary. We came here to discuss the possible problems of our future relationship.
— This is not how I imagined my first date, — I said aloud due to nervousness.
— Ho? Didn't you propose this exact option? — Yukinoshita didn't miss the chance to pry.
— And you agreed to it, — I shrugged.
— Was there another option? I didn't hear any alternatives, — the girl narrowed her eyes.
I snorted.
— How should I know? You're the experienced one in this regard, — and then immediately added: — At least, that's the impression I got. And you're older than me.
— It's not good to hint at a girl's age.
— You're like wine; you only get sweeter with age.
Haruno choked on her breath.
— Was that one of those lines that pick-up artists love to use in cheap bars?
— That was a statement of fact.
— I hope I'll be on the guest list for your wedding, — Andou's remark made both of us freeze.
Noticing our gaze in her direction, the woman smiled.
— Just kidding, — she took the glasses from the side table and put them on her nose. — I don't like attending crowded events, so a postcard will suffice.
...She's quite sharp.
I looked at the psychotherapist in a new light, re-evaluating her.
When does wine turn into vinegar, anyway?..
— Don't worry, we'll have a small celebration, just for us, — Haruno waved her hand.
— Just don't forget separate seating for the kids so ours have someone to play with while everyone is busy, — I said as naturally as possible, as if continuing the topic of conversation.
— Ours? I thought we settled on one girl, — if there's one thing Haruno is good at, it's quickly adapting to the situation.
— And have you thought of a name for her? — Andou carefully sipped from her cup. — By the way, my name is Asuna.
— Hikigaya Asuna? — Yukinoshita muttered, as if testing the resulting combination on her tongue. — Sounds good.
No, I understand that she didn't fail to take advantage of the opportunity, however...
Life did not prepare me for this.
Undoubtedly, similar stories were found on image boards, but I couldn't have imagined that I would ever become the protagonist of one.
— Do you agree, dear? — The girl made no attempt to hide the obvious sarcasm in her voice.
— Of course, sweetie, but didn't you consider that a boy might be born?
— And do you know what the most important thing in a relationship is? — Andou softly "blended" into the dialogue.
Yukinoshita and I exchanged glances and fell silent for a few seconds, contemplating the answer.
— Sacrifice, — for some reason, my parents working for my and Komachi's future came to mind.
— ...Submissiveness? — Haruno mumbled, surprisingly quietly.
I certainly didn't expect that option from her.
— I see, — Andou drew out the word. — And you consider this normal?
— I say what I see, — I crossed my arms over my chest.
Haruno nodded in agreement? Interesting.
— You are both right in a way, — the psychotherapist adjusted the frame of her glasses. — However, will the foundation of a relationship built on these qualities be strong enough? What about mutual understanding? Shared interests and hobbies? Can they play a role in strengthening your bond?
— And what do you suggest? — Yukinoshita asked.
The doctor smiled.
— Look, first of all...
***
The waiter placed two plates with slices of cake in front of us.
— Hachiman, have you decided where we'll have our next date? — Haruno stuck her fork into the juicy chocolate sponge cake.
— In a Christian church; they definitely won't let us fight there, — I chuckled, taking a sip from my cup of tea.
— Do you have any less extravagant options? — Yukinoshita raised an eyebrow.
I snorted.
— What, are you already ready for a quiet family dinner?
— At your house? Go ahead, I don't mind.
I slowly speared a piece of cake with my fork and chewed it.
This cafe makes good food; I'll have to bring Komachi here.
— If you agree to Komachi's company, then fine, — I shrugged.
For some reason, I was in a remarkably good mood. Was it the after-effects of the conversation with the psychotherapist?
However, I don't see anything wrong with Haruno having dinner with us. My sister is a very good cook, and she probably wouldn't mind a guest.
In any case, someday she'll have to get to know her clo...
I blinked.
I slowly put down my fork.
— Is something wrong? — the girl asked.
— I was just thinking about the meaning of life, — I tried to joke, but it didn't land well.
Haruno chuckled.
— A goal only gains meaning when the path has been walked. At least, that's what many people like to say, — the girl carefully dabbed the corners of her mouth with a napkin. — But for me, the meaning of life lies precisely in living. You know...
Yukinoshita smiled.
— The pleasure comes not from the result, but from the process.
I expected her to continue her sentence, add a joke or a jab, or simply reduce everything to sarcasm and irony.
But she just looked at me silently with an unreadable expression in her eyes.
Had she decided to heed Ms. Andou's advice and was trying to communicate without our usual "word games"?
— And you live by that principle? — Usually, we tried to avoid personal topics in conversations, but why shouldn't I try following the psychotherapist's suggestion?
— I try to, — Haruno sighed, looking sadly at the empty plate.
It seems someone has a sweet tooth.
— It doesn't always work out? — I casually pushed my almost untouched portion toward her.
— Something like that, — the girl, after a moment's thought, pulled the plate closer with her finger, studiously looking away.
Just like a cat wanting to steal a piece of sausage from the table.
— You and Yukino are definitely sisters, — I chuckled, propping my cheek up with my fist.
Haruno demonstratively tried to bring her elbows together.
The key word: tried.
— Are you sure? — she narrowed her eyes.
I mentally cursed the air conditioning in the cafe, which had caused Yukinoshita to take off her trench coat.
Yes, there was no cleavage, but there are some situations where that doesn't matter at all.
Apparently, some of my emotions were reflected on my face, because the girl smiled with satisfaction and returned to demolishing the cake.
Shaking my head, I closed my eyes for a second.
I'm sitting in a cafe, in the company of a beautiful university student who is flirting with me—jokingly or not—after visiting a family psychotherapist...
— By the way, how much do I owe you for the appointment with Ms. Andou? — I remembered a rather important question just in time.
Haruno slowly finished her bite of cake.
— Pay for the cafe and we'll be even, — she paused, as if considering whether to continue or not.
— Actually, I could demand at least half the cost from you, but...
— That would be too cruel, — I finished for her, guessing how much a specialist of that level must charge for her services.
— Exactly, — finishing her tea, Haruno exhaled. — So, we'll just exchange courtesies. Agreed?
Of course, there might be a catch or a kind of test hidden here. Should I refuse and fight off such an offer with all my might, showing that I'm capable of taking on such responsibility?
But I still choose rationality.
— Of course, — I raised the corners of my mouth.
If someone thinks a high school student should work as a loader in three shifts until graduation to pay off a debt and maintain his "honor"—they can go take a hike.
The life of an average Japanese person is already up to their ears in debt.
— I appreciate people who look at the world soberly, — Haruno nodded approvingly, after which she looked at her wristwatch and frowned almost imperceptibly.
— Likewise, — noticing her displeasure, I drew a logical conclusion: — Time to part ways?
— Unfortunately, — Yukinoshita stood up from the table and put on her coat, which had been hanging on the back of the chair. — I apologize for running off like this.
I shook my head.
— It's fine.
— Then, until we meet again, — stopping next to me, she quickly looked around and, leaning in, touched my cheek with her lips. — Now it's your turn to set the time!
And, laughing, she waved her hand, leaving the premises.
I took a deep breath and scratched the back of my head.
Where did I go wrong in this life?
Or did I go right?..