Exhaling loudly, I massaged my eyelids, exposing my face to the cool gusts of wind in an attempt to alleviate the headache caused by the nearly hour-long discussion of all possible candidates for the Student Council President position. While Hiratsuka, taking advantage of her official position, slipped away almost immediately, I, deprived of a legitimate chance to fly into the sunset, had to sit through the entire meeting, desperately fighting the urge to tell the girls to take a long walk.
No, I completely understand them; they are genuinely trying to find a solution to the current circumstances, carefully weighing all the pros and cons of every suggested student, but for the sake of all that is reasonable in the world, why try to cover everything at once on the very first day? You need to let the matter settle, mull it over, preferably in solitude, enhance the effect with a good night's sleep, and only then, the next day, rush into battle with fresh strength!
Moreover, at some point, they drifted towards the candidate's qualities, forgetting the most important aspect—their potential agreement to take on additional workload. Although, I don't want to sound sexist, I got the feeling that towards the end, the girls started gossiping about those around them, using a plausible excuse.
However, I should be grateful to them for trying not to bother me too much, only occasionally asking for my opinion on a particular potential participant. And when my answers became monosyllabic, "yes" or "no," they gave up and left me completely alone.
I sincerely hope this trend continues and the whole situation with the election will be resolved by Doggy and Snowball without the direct involvement of one particular Hachiman.
Not trying to exaggerate my own merits, almost all the Club's previous "cases" were mostly solved through some action on my part. It is time to give the girls a chance to prove themselves. For example, to give Yukinoshita a chance to earn points in the current competition, which Hiratsuka has conveniently forgotten about. Or pretends to have forgotten.
But, unfortunately for her, I remember everything. And I will certainly remind her.
In any case, it is best to indulge in lengthy contemplation in warmth and comfort, preferably with a cup of hot coffee in hand. Or tea. But definitely not in the middle of the street, shivering under the cold wind.
Having reached this logical conclusion, I put my hood up and walked quickly toward home, trying to remember if Komachi had asked me to buy anything on the way from school. I don't think there was anything. Probably...
Just in case, I'll run to the nearest store. I don't have much money with me anyway.
Stopping at a traffic light, I moved my shoulders to the side and yawned loudly, thankfully there were no random passersby nearby who would give me a strange look.
It's also interesting: for what reason did this reflexive breathing act become a kind of social faux pas? Well, a person yawned, so what? Why judge? Some gentleman decided that opening one's mouth in public was an unacceptable and reprehensible process, and then everyone else joined in.
Essentially, if you think about it, this depends solely on the traditions of the place you live. Hypothetically, in China, burping at the table means you appreciated the meal. And in some European country, you might get hit on the forehead with a spoon for it.
But, being as objective as possible, and returning to the problem of judging yawning: why doesn't the act of sneezing acquire a similar taboo status? From a logical point of view, the latter is far more indecent and dangerous, as it increases the chance of spreading germs.
...Is the main crux of the matter that a "yawn" is associated not with a reflex, but with a gesture signifying boredom? Like, a person sneezed, it happens to anyone. But if they widely opened their mouth, making a prolonged sound, then they definitely don't respect you and are belittling you in every way. Exactly, it must be that...
Another manifestation of the absurdity of social interactions.
The vibration of my phone in my jeans pocket distracted me from contemplating the unfairness of existence. Hmm, who could need me? Or did Komachi sense it and decide to preemptively burden me with something?
I took out my cell phone, looked at the screen, and involuntarily raised an eyebrow.
Unexpected, no doubt.
— Hachiman is not here. This is his evil twin brother. Anything to relay? Everything will be done exactly the opposite.
A ringing laugh echoed on the other end of the line.
— Then tell him that I infinitely hate him and absolutely do not expect even a single message a week.
— Ahem... — crossing the road, I thoughtfully chewed my lower lip. — Sorry, I just snatched the phone from my evil little brother, so I didn't hear what you said.
— Nothing, you can ask him later, — Haruno chuckled. — Be that as it may, I have a window in my schedule. Did you get the hint, or do I need to spell it out?
— Of course. What should we have with it?
— You're asking the wrong question. Not "what," but "what" we will have with it. I just happen to have a good bottle of red dry wine handy. Does that work for you? — I couldn't see Yukinoshita's face, but I was more than sure that her lips wore the usual smile of a born troll.
However, I couldn't deny that I unconsciously smirked myself. There was something relaxing about interacting with this girl, something that allowed me to loosen up a bit.
— Interesting proposal. I haven't tried wine yet.
— So, it will be your first time with me? — the girl drawled playfully.
So, someone decided to immediately jump into jokes close to a foul?
Not that I was against it.
— Mine? — I clicked my tongue in displeasure. — I thought it would be "our" first time.
A loud sigh was heard from the speaker.
— Darling, considering how "much" time you dedicate to me, it will indeed be "your" first time, — Kami, sometimes I simply adore this person for her ability to give truly elegant answers that perfectly fit the situation.
It probably gives me pleasure that you often completely understand whether she is serious or not.
Like now, for example.
On one hand, you can't deny a certain kind of sarcasm. On the other, Haruno's claims are partially justified, as I really "forgot" about her for a prolonged period, even though I had valid reasons for it.
Therefore, the following question arises: should I try to smooth over my figurative "mistake" or just ignore it, after all, our relationship is not that kind of...
— Hachiman, are you alive in there? Or is your twin brother diligently trying to take the phone back from you? — the girl smirked.
— He tried, but I managed to win, thanks to your silent support, — scratching my cheek, I made a decision. — Speaking of red dry wine, would you like to visit my family residence? My parents aren't home right now.
— Oh my, — Haruno whistled. — Honestly, I didn't expect you to agree so quickly, but I have no intention of turning down such a tempting offer. What time should I come over?
— Whatever works for you. Do you need the address? — I hope my sister won't mind the company.
At the same time, I'll pay off the ephemeral debt for that visit to the family therapist.
— Why? I thought you would escort me, — there was feigned disappointment in Yukinoshita's voice.
— Should I come meet you halfway? — I raised an eyebrow out of habit.
— Hmm, it would be enough if you just slow down and finally turn around, — Haruno snorted loudly.
No, she's kidding, right?
However, even though it smelled of another trope from a mediocre anime, I did as the girl asked.
Afterward, I sighed, hung up the call, and put the phone back in my pocket.
Of course, there is always a chance that I started having visual hallucinations from overwork, but the probability of that is incredibly low.
Because I definitely saw Haruno a little distance away, and when she noticed my gaze, she waved her hand in greeting.
— I'm not even going to ask how you ended up here, — I said, waiting for the girl to approach.
— Awful reaction, Hachiman, — Yukinoshita wagged her finger. — You should have smiled, hugged me, expressed all that overflowing happiness in your soul at the sight of me in the form of a poem...
— Unfortunately, my musical talents leave much to be desired, — smiling gently, I examined her closely. — And it's hard to find words to describe your attractiveness.
— Hmm, have you been visiting a pick-up artist forum recently? — the student asked ironically.
— Just following our therapist's advice, — I shrugged. — And honestly, that hurts. I'm speaking from the bottom of my heart, with no hint of ill will.
Without sarcasm: what couldn't be taken away from Haruno was her sense of style.
A long white cardigan, a coral knit high-neck sweater, a black skirt slightly above the knees, and a shoulder bag. Everything seemed ordinary, without any special frills, yet for some reason, it looked as appropriate as possible on Yukinoshita.
— So, you were sincere? I'm sorry, — shortening the distance between us, the girl wrapped her arm around mine, pressing her chest against me, and looked into my eyes from below. — You know I don't mean to offend you.
And what guy, in such circumstances, would take offense?
Moreover, it sounded... real? Without pretense.
You can't even crack a joke in response to that. It's embarrassing.
In an attempt to find the right words, I noticed a black bag in Haruno's right hand. Wait, did she really bring wine with her?
— Do you want to carry it? I don't mind, — Interpreting my gaze in her own way, or maybe just seizing the opportunity, the girl smiled coquettishly.
I didn't refuse, silently taking the bag in my free hand.
— Well? Are we going to your place or...?
Snapping back to reality, I chuckled and started walking.
— Do you have other suggestions?
Yukinoshita put on a thoughtful expression, still gripping my arm.
— I already agreed, did you forget? — she let out a short laugh.
— Just checking, just in case, — the conversation returned to its former course. — By the way, is that really wine?
— It is. Two bottles, — Haruno replied carelessly.
As I noted earlier: she has too fine a line between joke and truth.
— I see, — at least now I understand why the bag is quite heavy. — I hope you realize that Komachi is not to be served. It's too early for her.
— And you, then, are allowed? — the girl asked slyly.
— A true gentleman would never leave a lady alone with wine, especially when there's an opportunity to join her, — Despite my words and the actual presence of alcohol, I still wasn't sure that the drinking itself would happen. After all, she could have bought it for anything, or received it as a gift.
I highly doubt that Haruno—with all her intelligence—anticipated my every move.
— I've never heard of that, — Yukinoshita shook her head.
— Real gentlemen only talk about it when they want to appear like real gentlemen.
Her ringing laugh was my reward.
***
— Big brother! You can't do this! You have a phone! If you don't have time to call, text!
— Sorry, sorry, — ignoring Haruno's amused gaze, who was clearly enjoying the show, I made another attempt to calm my raging sister.
— I won't forgive you! — Komachi declared, putting her hands on her hips.
Sighing, I ruffled my grown-out hair.
I knew it; in the middle of our conversation, I forgot to do one important thing—warn my darling about the unexpected guest.
— Just kidding, — abruptly stopping her frown, the girl smiled. — I don't need to urgently find a friend to spend the night with, do I?
— Don't worry, I don't mind your participation, — Haruno winked at her.
— Big brother's opinion doesn't count? — Komachi asked venomously.
— Penalized students aren't given a voice, — the student confirmed mockingly.
— Exactly! — Jumping up to the guest, my sister unexpectedly grabbed her hand and dragged her off somewhere. — So, he sets the table, and we go wash our hands!
I could only shake my head regretfully and start following instructions.
Nothing supernatural was required of me: slice the deep-fried pork cutlets, put the cabbage shredded earlier by my sister into plates, and garnish it all with tonkatsu sauce. Oh, and a couple of cherry tomatoes, purely for aesthetics.
Thankfully, my darling always cooked extra, so there was enough for three servings.
Setting everything out on the dining table, I paused, aimlessly opening the upper drawers.
Where did Komachi hide the candles? I distinctly remember my parents buying them.
We're having a romantic dinner for a guy with his girlfriend and his sister.
We can't do without candles.
Oh, found them!
Placing two candle holders in the center of the table, I lit the flame and stepped back, proudly examining the resulting picture.
Okay, I just need to check one thing.
Feeling for the light switch, I turned off the chandelier in the living room, leaving only the decorative lighting built into the kitchen cabinets.
Hmm, that didn't turn out bad at all.
The subdued light and the flickering candle flames reflected in the dishes, slowly filling the room with a faint scent of melting wax.
Right!
Slapping my forehead, I rushed to the bag and pulled out two dark bottles of wine, placing them on the table.
Perfect, now it's truly ideal. No one can fault my skills in creating a romantic atmosphere.
— Um... big brother? What is this? — The voice from behind me carried undisguised shock.
— What do you mean? You said to set the table—I set it. Be glad I didn't turn on... — turning around, I stumbled for a second. — The music.
— I think it's very nice, — Haruno replied approvingly, crossing her arms under her chest.
Considering that she had taken off her sweater, revealing a tight, dark tank top—the sight was captivating, especially the cleavage area.
Komachi, clearly adapting to the situation, had changed from her home pajamas into a beige off-the-shoulder blouse and black leggings.
— When did you manage that? — I was genuinely surprised.
— When a woman wants to make an impression, she is capable of many things, darling, — Yukinoshita clearly emphasized the term of endearment, for which I was grateful. Because when we are alone, it's one thing, but with my sister present, I should tone it down a bit.
However, despite this, my younger sister gave me a suspicious look. Still, she is aware of the complexity of our relationship, so she won't assume anything serious.
I hope.
In any case, since the girls changed clothes, I should follow their example. However, I limited myself to tossing my blazer onto the sofa and getting rid of my tie, unbuttoning the top two buttons of my white shirt.
After a little thought, I carefully rolled up my sleeves to my elbows, as it was more comfortable to eat that way, at least for me.
By the time I returned, the girls had already taken their seats at the table, grabbing a plate each. Everything was fine, except for one small detail: they sat on opposite sides.
— Big brother, why are you frozen? Sit down, — Komachi patted the chair next to her.
— Yes, Hachiman, don't keep us waiting, — Haruno squinted, tapping her fingers on the back of the chair next to her.
I shifted my gaze from one person to the other and, shrugging, sat down between them at the long end of the table, pulling my portion closer.
— He wormed his way out of it, — Komachi muttered resentfully, then, clearing her throat, looked at the wine. — And what is this?
— Barbaresco. Red dry wine, Italy, Piedmont region. A very decent representative, — Yukinoshita replied thoroughly, in a tone as if she had been prepared for such a question in advance.
Although, recalling her parents and their line of work, it's not surprising that the girl possesses such specific knowledge. Social circles and all that.
— Cool, — my sister took one bottle and started turning it over, trying to read the label. — It really does look like something in Italian. Where did you get it?
— A gift from my father's company shareholders. I was supposed to spend the whole evening with them today, but it just so happened that the event had to be wrapped up early, — the student shared the information.
Now it's clear where she got the time for a "date."
— And how much does it cost, if it's not a secret? — I asked, watching Komachi continue to examine the wine.
— Mmm... — Haruno put her finger to her lips. — Considering it's a 1990 vintage, about... Two thousand dollars a bottle?
My sister froze and carefully returned the bottle to its place.
— Will you open it? — the girl asked provocatively, licking her lips.
— Of course, — taking it as a request, I got up and took out the corkscrew, grabbing the glasses at the same time. — But no serving Komachi!
A separate glass and juice for her.
— Hey! — the younger sister protested. — Aren't you underage too? Or do you think you're allowed now after the trip to Kyoto?
— Wait, wait, elaborate on that, — Yukinoshita asked in a smooth tone, looking mainly at my sister.
— He didn't tell you? — Komachi was surprised.
— You know your brother; he will hide important things until the very end. And besides, what communication can we talk about if he doesn't call or text me? I have to do everything myself! — the student feigned a sniffle, wiping away invisible tears.
— Big brother, you can't act like that! The most important thing in a relationship is attention to your partner! — the girl said instructively, raising her index finger in the air.
It's come to this; now my little sister is giving me grief about it too.
No, I know she's just teasing me, but the fact, the fact!
— As I said before, — having dealt with the cork, I poured wine into our glasses. — I prefer purely face-to-face communication. It's one thing to call and just talk on the phone, and another—just to arrange a meeting.
Komachi, as agreed, was left with cherry juice. Which, under her close scrutiny, I also had to pour into the same kind of glassware. At least some fairness.
— Then we need to meet more often, right? — Haruno smirked and raised her glass. — To our meeting?
My sister and I repeated her gesture.
— To our meeting.
Taking a sip, I involuntarily winced. The wine had a floral taste, uncharacteristically fresh and slightly bitter at the same time. It couldn't be compared to the beer Sensei and I drank.
— And how do you like it? — Haruno asked, watching my reaction carefully.
Putting the glass back on the table, I mentally replayed the sensations.
— Honestly? It's unusual. Probably some connoisseur would say that it's the pinnacle and describe the entire bouquet of taste and aroma, but for me... — I paused, looking for the best description. — Alcohol is alcohol.
— You'll have time to savor it, — she covered her smile with the glass and took another sip.
I snorted.
— I don't think I'll often have the opportunity to drink elite wines.
— Who knows, — Yukinoshita said mysteriously. — And yet, what about Kyoto? I tried to pump Yukinon for details of the trip, but I think you understand how that ended.
— Basically, nothing interesting. Walks around temples, photo sessions against the backdrop of sights, and crowds of people, — picking up a piece of pork with chopsticks, I dipped it in tonkatsu sauce, simultaneously considering ways to shift the conversation in another direction. The current topic was slightly dangerous, as there was a risk of inadvertently blurting out too much. — There's really nothing to remember, especially since my head is currently occupied with much more pressing problems.
— Did something happen at school? — Komachi, having managed to empty her glass of juice, reached for the box.
Standing up from the table, I eased her suffering by refilling her glass.
— Depends on how you look at it, — I glanced sideways at Haruno, who was suggestively tapping her finger on her plate.
Why are you two so quick, huh?
— In a nutshell: the presidential election, — Sitting back down, I popped a cherry tomato into my mouth.
— You're being nominated as a candidate?! — my sister exclaimed.
I miraculously didn't choke.
— Ahem, — washing it down with wine, I loudly exhaled. — They tried, but I refused. The problem is something else...
How to phrase it to avoid unnecessary discussion?
— Why did you refuse? — Haruno propped her cheek on her palm.
— Huh? — Losing my train of thought, I frowned, looking at her. — Because I don't need the extra headache and a ton of unnecessary responsibility.
— I understand, — the student chuckled, closing her eyes.
Sometimes I forget that she is the company heiress, constantly serving as the "official face" at numerous events.
— But I don't understand, — Komachi rolled the cherry tomato around the plate with her chopsticks. — Where did you find the difficulties? In all the time I was in office, problems arose only a couple of times, and only during school festivals.
— That means you're a good president, — I lifted the corners of my lips.
— It was middle school, the teachers manage almost everything, — my sister dismissed.
— Nothing changes in high school, — Haruno swirled the wine in her glass. — Only instead of teachers, the parent committee along with the sponsors manage almost everything.
— Absolutely everything? — I snorted skeptically.
— For the most part, — Yukinoshita grimaced. — Look, I'll give you the most vivid example. Imagine that you are a sponsor and also a member of the parent committee. The principal informs you that the school's Student Council wants to hold, let's say, a Western-style ball, even though it hasn't happened before.
Pausing for another sip, the girl continued a couple of seconds later:
— On the one hand, it's initiative, an attempt to introduce something new. On the other hand, you always have a high chance of failure, financial risks, and damaging the reputation of the entire institution. Because a ball isn't just about gathering students and letting them dance. Taking the minimum: allocating a venue, time, finding props, developing a program, photo and video shooting, lighting, food, and so on—the little things will pile up immensely. Essentially, it's slightly below the level of the Cultural Festival, without the support of the teachers and the accumulated experience of previous years.
She looked intently into my eyes and concluded:
— Would you approve it?
I pondered, tapping my finger on my other forearm.
— The immediate answer is obvious: no. However, several variables play an important role here, — I ran my tongue over my teeth. — Firstly, who exactly is in the Student Council and whether I have credit for trust in them. Secondly, the question of budget formation, that is, how much money they expect and what exactly is required from us. And thirdly, what is the reason for holding such an event. Because, if successful, it will actually enhance the institution's reputation and...
I stopped, trying to find additional advantages.
— You're thinking correctly, — Haruno smiled approvingly. — Nevertheless, you are missing one important point; can you guess which one? Or you, Komachi, as the current president?
She turned her gaze to my sister, her eyes sparkling mischievously.
— Um... — the younger student hesitated, staring at one of the candles. — The important point... the principal's consent? Oh, he already agreed, since he forwarded the proposal. Then-n-n... Oh, maybe the consent of the other members of the parent committee or the sponsors? Or is he alone here?
— Not quite, but you're still doing well, that's also an important factor, — Yukinoshita praised her, then turned her attention to me. — Darling?
Whether it was because of the alcohol, or the atmosphere and the girl's tone—the term of endearment gave me slight goosebumps.
— I am the sponsor. The proposal comes from the principal, who in turn was approached by the Student Council, — I mumbled, thoughtfully running my finger along the rim of the glass, trying to push away uninvited thoughts. — A typical vertical of power. Given that the "Student Council" level is one step removed...
I lifted my head, meeting Haruno's gaze.
— Are you implying that the parent committee and sponsors don't directly contact the students, therefore knowing nothing about them, which results in a lack of any credit of trust?
The girl laughed and clapped.
— Bingo! Essentially, the Student Council is a sham, whose powers are limited to local problems, just executors with minimal power in their hands. As such, their duties consist precisely in carrying out orders coming from above. It's only in some anime that the Student Council gets to decide the fate of the school. After all, — she grinned, — nothing prevents the principal from dissolving it with a flick of the wrist if problems arise.
— I'll add that the president doesn't really decide anything, — Komachi said quietly, continuing to stare hypnotically at the candle. — Most of the time you give out instructions, occasionally you run around to the supervisors, coordinating certain issues, keeping an eye on students' actions... More accurately, you check the reports that are brought to you. A few times a year you hold events, the list of which is limited: handing out awards, discussing changes in school uniforms, trash sorting, and so on.
— Just ordinary administrative work under the supervision of the pedagogical staff, — Yukinoshita said in a tone as if she had bitten into a lemon.
— Uh-huh, — my sister sighed. — It's tedious, monotonous, but there's nothing truly horrible about it.
Briefly withdrawing from the conversation, I drained my glass and leaned back in my chair, closing my eyes.
Nothing horrible about it, she says?
However, looking at it objectively, there is nothing good to be seen either, apart from the conditional prestige of the position and a proud "well done" from the teaching staff, along with a nice line in the recommendations.
Constant contact with people, overwhelming responsibility — and this is only for the perpetual routine. In addition, you can't rule out the possibility of some emergency situation arising on the horizon, which will have to be resolved at lightning speed. Administrative work only sounds well-organized; in reality, it's full of screw-ups at almost every level. At least, on forums you can often come across huge posts complaining from office clerks about the imperfection of the system that forces them to toil.
However, life itself is full of flaws and shortcomings that one constantly has to tolerate.
Kami, what's there to say when the current existence of the average person is calmly divided into the following periods: kindergarten, school, college or university, work, and finally, death. It sounds overly cynical, but isn't it true?
Suppose I finish my education. What will be left for me to do next? Money is needed for food and a roof over my head, as I have no desire to mooch off my parents forever, and what little conscience I have wouldn't allow it.
Consequently, I will have to find a source of income. Of course, there is always a small probability of finding the ideal wife who is willing to take on that responsibility, but even in that case, there is a certain nuance. The monotony of workdays would simply be replaced by an endless streak of caring for the house and children.
Should I try to diversify the mundane routines by attempting self-development mixed with constant searches for new hobbies? Or would such things only postpone the inevitable outcome?
A perverted form of escapism with a slight, barely noticeable scent of self-deception mixed with naivety...
— Hachiman, are you still with us? — feeling a poke in my shoulder, I partially opened my eyes.
— Unfortunately, — I replied flatly, massaging my eyelids, trying to chase away the mounting melancholy.
And how do philosophers even find pleasure in trying to encompass the meaning of life in their works again and again? Just a couple of minutes of thinking about this makes me feel sick.
True masochists, nothing less.
— Did the topic raised load you up so much? — Haruno asked with a hint of a smirk in her voice.
— Just a little, — I gave a wry smile, looked around the table, and realizing the girls had finished dinner, I got up to collect the dirty dishes.
— I'll wash! — Komachi snapped, trying to jump out of her chair, but I stopped her with a gesture.
— You cooked.
— But you set the table.
— Absolutely equivalent things, I agree, — I didn't try to hide the sarcasm. — And don't worry, I won't be doing it right now. After all, we're on a date, right... darling?
Yukinoshita, having stoically endured my ironic gaze, snorted loudly, crossing one leg over the other.
— Are we? — she narrowed her eyes. — I thought this was a peaceful family dinner in a small circle. So, I don't mind if you get your hands a little dirty.
Interpreting her words as encouragement to act, while simultaneously ignoring the ambiguity of the last phrase, I turned on the water.
— Wow, so you're really serious about my brother? — Komachi rested her chin on her folded hands. It was hard to tell from the younger sister's tone whether she was asking seriously or just having fun.
— It all depends on whether you are willing to approve of our relationship moving forward, — Haruno didn't miss the opportunity presented, indirectly referencing the conversation that happened during the height of the Cultural Festival.
They have a funny topic for conversation, I must say.
Okay, for the sake of appearances, I won't interfere, as I myself became curious about where this would lead. Besides, I can always interrupt it.
— I don't know, — Komachi's answer sounded genuine. — I still don't know how far you intend to go. However...
She fell silent for a few moments, then continued much quieter:
— However, you are the first girl Big Brother has brought home. Although, let's be honest — you are the first girl with whom he, even in a peculiar manner, behaves like... um... — it seemed my darling had trouble finding the right term. — Not like with the others, in short.
— It's not like I have extensive experience communicating with representatives of the opposite sex, — unable to resist, I contributed, throwing the last plate into the drying rack.
Wiping my hands on the towel hanging on the cupboard door, I finally turned back to the girls.
...Almost immediately clashing with Haruno's gaze, who was looking at me with a strange expression, uncharacteristic of her.
— Is something wrong? — I raised an eyebrow, leaning my lower back against the kitchen counter.
— So, I'm special to you? — she quickly brought back her usual coquettish smile to her lips.
— Yes, — I answered calmly, shrugging.
It seems obvious to almost anyone who knows me even a little.
— But I take up much more space in your heart, right, Big Brother? — Komachi jumped to her feet and clung to my arm, looking up into my eyes pleadingly.
I know she's playing for the audience, but still... cuteness!
— For now you do, — to my slight surprise, Yukinoshita repeated her gesture, hugging me from the other side.
— Is this a declaration of war? — the younger sister asked "threateningly."
— This is a statement of fact, — I wonder, did the alcohol go to someone's head a little?
It's obvious that Haruno likes to walk the line with her teasing, but...
Kami, why do I feel so strange? Am I sick, or something?
— I take back my words, you won't get my blessing, — Komachi pointedly turned away from Yukinoshita.
— Then nothing can be done; we'll have to break tradition, — the student agreed resignedly.
— Does my opinion count? — I smirked.
— No, — the girls replied in unison.
Someday I will hear a different answer. Most likely, in the next life.
In any case, all I could do was raise my eyebrows, suppressing a laugh—the situation looked both comical and utterly absurd. In principle, I never thought I would manage to find myself in such a position.
And perhaps I should have somehow diffused or smoothed out the atmosphere.
However, when else will I have the opportunity to watch something like this from the front row?
***
— Are you sure you don't want to take the second bottle with you? — I handed the girl her cardigan, patiently waiting for her to tidy up her appearance.
— Better pass it on to your parents, — Haruno intently examined her reflection, looking for the slightest flaws in her appearance, and finding none, she turned to me with a slight smile on her lips.
— Maybe the next time we meet, they will be favorably disposed towards me from the start because of it? — she added with a wink.
Chuckling, I wrapped the scarf around my neck.
— You use such underhanded methods? I never knew, I never knew.
— I'm a dreadful person in general; you can ask Yukinon, she will gladly confirm it for you, — a hint of barely perceptible sadness flickered in her tone.
— Are you done saying goodbye? — Komachi peeked out from the living room. — Didn't forget anything?
— Doesn't look like it, — I glanced at Yukinoshita, who shook her head negatively.
— Excellent. Then have a good trip; don't stay out late, — my sister hesitated, then added: — It was nice sitting with you, Haruno; I hope I didn't ruin your "date" too much.
To that, the student snorted.
— On the contrary, you only enhanced it. I hope we get the chance to repeat the experience.
— I agree, — my sister looked at me intently.
What? Are you implying that the organization of your next meeting is on me?
I'll think about it.
— Are you finished saying goodbye? — I demonstratively grabbed the doorknob.
— And what's the rush? Are you eager to get rid of my company, or... — Haruno narrowed her eyes. — Do you crave to be alone, without witnesses?
— Hey! — Komachi exclaimed indignantly. — No aggressive advances; everything must be fair!
Rolling my eyes, I finally stepped outside, immediately moving past the fence. Standing in the hallway in my jacket is not a pleasant experience.
Exhaling a cloud of vapor, I shifted my weight from foot to foot, looking up at the sky. Unfortunately, the sky, breaking all the rules of the genre, did not honor me with the sight of a beautiful scattering of stars or, as is customary, the "shining face of the moon," covering the view with dark clouds. They're lucky; they just float along, oblivious to problems...
— Komachi asked me to tell you that she's upset with you.
— What for? — I asked, without lowering my head.
— You didn't say goodbye affectionately enough, — standing next to me, Yukinoshita slung her handbag over her shoulder.
— Alas, another sin on my soul, — having finished examining the sky, I turned to the girl. — Are you sure you want to take the subway home?
— It's the perfect way to clear my head, — Haruno confirmed. — Or is someone too lazy to see me off to the station?
— Spot on; I'm afraid I'll break down on the way, — I chuckled, barely surprised when the student leaned against my arm, wrapping her hand around it.
A funny fact: among all the people who so diligently try to invade my personal space, her actions cause the least irritation. Except for my little sister, of course. She has a lifelong privilege.
— I advise you to brace yourself: I was planning a leisurely romantic stroll, — In light of recent events, it's becoming increasingly difficult to tell whether she's joking or not.
— In that case, nothing can be done, — I feigned a defeated sigh. — The things one must sacrifice for the sake of pure and sincere love.
— So, you consider walking with a beautiful girl a torment? — Yukinoshita raised an eyebrow.
A remark in the vein of, "My heart sees it as a blessing, but my legs think otherwise," would fit here, but I shouldn't overdo it.
— Absolutely. Fortunately for you, I have the makings of a masochist, — and that's where I should end the topic.
Self-deprecation is good in moderation.
— I'll keep that in mind, — Haruno purred.
How does she manage to speak in a way that gives me involuntary shivers? Is this an innate female skill, or did she learn it somewhere?
— Should I start cursing myself for my long tongue? — I asked playfully.
— Who knows... — Haruno said mysteriously. — Oh, I almost forgot...
She gripped my arm tighter.
— You never did tell me the details of the Kyoto trip.
— I did, — it's naive, but worth a try.
— In detail, — the girl pressed.
I sighed.
Apparently, there's no getting out of it...
***
During the leisurely recounting of all the events I had to participate in during the excursion — of course, omitting the part about excessive beer drinking and the subsequent hangover — I didn't notice we had reached the station.
— So Hiratsuka has a secret spot that serves her favorite ramen, and my sister was interested in fortune-telling? Interesting, interesting, — stopping near the steps, Haruno tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
Forgive me, Sensei, for revealing your secret, but that was the price I had to pay to preserve a much more important secret.
— I hope I satisfied your curiosity, — I smiled.
— Definitely, — releasing my arm, she stood facing me. — At least now I'm sure my sister enjoyed the trip.
— Ah, so you used me as a source of information about another person? — I added a fake sense of injury to my voice.
— My cunning knows no bounds, — Yukinoshita smirked, closing the distance between us and adjusting my scarf.
With an effort of will, I suppressed the reflexive desire to pull away, as I wasn't prepared for such a gesture from her.
— Be that as it may, — continuing to hold her hands near my collar, Haruno lifted her head, meeting my gaze. — I really enjoyed our date.
— I'm infinitely glad to hear that, — I lifted the corners of my lips. — Although, from the perspective of normal people, you wouldn't call this a date.
— The keyword is: "normal," — laughing softly, Yukinoshita finally let go of my coat, hiding her hands behind her back, and glanced at the station clock. — Well, Hachiman, I really need to run now, unless, of course, you want to keep me company for the next twenty minutes while waiting for the next train.
— I prefer to do that kind of thing in more suitable weather, — as if confirming my words, a particularly strong gust of wind swept over us, scattering a pile of fallen leaves across the road.
— Until next time, then? — she tilted her head slightly.
— Of course, — I agreed, and after a thought, I added with a smirk: — I'll be waiting for your call.
— You're certainly not lacking in audacity, — the girl clicked her tongue.
— I won't even argue, — I shrugged.
Someone is drawing out our farewell.
Haruno, apparently realizing the same thing, turned half-way towards me, already preparing to ascend the stairs.
— Hachiman, yes or no? — she asked unexpectedly, without moving from her spot.
And what popped into her head at the last minute?
— Let's assume yes, — well, maybe she decided to tease me one last time?
— Then don't move, — and before I could fully register her phrase, the girl pulled me by the collar and, standing on her tiptoes, kissed me.
There were no thoughts.
Absolutely none.
Only the slightly tart taste of wine on Haruno's soft lips...