I.
— Whoever invented pineapple pizza deserves to burn in hell, — Atsuko grumbled, discontentedly trying to pick any hint of the most famous bromeliad representative from his slice.
— I personally like it, — I shrugged. — It's a pretty good combination of saltiness, sweetness, and a slight hint of spiciness. Just right to please the taste buds.
Tanaka, cringing, gave me a look that said, "You too, Brutus," gloomily adding:
— Rather than pleasing, I'd say inciting an act of mass suicide, — at his phrase, Yuigahama, sitting opposite, choked, looking dissatisfied in my direction for some reason.
What? This sick person himself chose to spend almost a year shoulder-to-shoulder with me, however questionable and ambiguous that statement sounds. Therefore, it's not surprising at all that echoes of my peculiar nature can be traced in his behavior and speech.
However, judging by the short chuckle, someone appreciated the deputy's—or rather, former deputy's—remark.
— Sister, if you find that amusing, then I think you should reconsider your lifestyle and your friends, — Yukino threw out glumly, trying to cut the unfortunate pizza slice with a knife with some kind of frenzy.
For the love of all that is holy, Ice Queen, spare the food! I understand you can't just toss etiquette aside, but... use your hands, I beg you.
— Yuki, — Haruno elegantly sent an olive into her mouth, looking at the younger Yukinoshita with narrowed eyes. — Are you still angry about my presence?
— Unscheduled presence! — Wow, such irritation in her gaze and, of course, directed strictly at one particular Hachiman, as if I were guilty of all the transgressions of this cruel world.
Although, on the other hand, Haruno came here at my invitation, so, nominally, the Volunteer Club President's anger is completely justified.
— So, Atsuko's presence doesn't bother you at all? — the only university student among us tilted her head, continuing to actively deprive me of olives, brazenly stealing them from my plate.
Not that I minded, but she has the exact same one! Or is this a classic case of: "someone else's is always tastier"?
— What about him? — Ice Queen scoffed. — Where Hikigaya is, his right-hand man is too. I would be more surprised if they hadn't come together. But with you—it's a different situation!
— President, for some reason I get the feeling I've just been insulted, — Tanaka mumbled quietly, finally ridding his pizza of all traces of pineapple.
— Firstly, you're not wrong, — reaching for a glass of juice, I took a sip. — Secondly, stop using that address. Three months have passed since I stopped being President; it's time to get used to it.
To this, Atsuko merely shrugged, his entire demeanor conveying the impossibility of the request.
— By the way, Hachiman, — Yui nervously joined the conversation, glancing repeatedly toward Haruno and Yukino, whose argument continued to escalate. — How do you feel about Isshiki as the Student Council President?
A question to avoid sitting on the sidelines, or is she genuinely interested?
— Seems fine, — I crossed my legs, rocking back on the hind legs of my chair out of old habit. — No complaints from outsiders, and the administration is pleased that a person who shows initiative is now managing everything.
Sometimes excessively, recalling her crazy attempt to pull off something like a Western-style ball for our upcoming graduation. Fortunately, Komachi acted as the voice of reason, managing to talk her friend—I still don't understand how they hit it off—out of the idea that came to her mind.
— Plus, Iroha's deputy is my younger sister, so no problems should arise, in principle, — I didn't fail to add, not hiding the pride in my voice.
— Just don't start again, President, — Atsuko groaned, hiding his face in his hands. — Last time you ranted for half an hour about how amazing she is and how she shows superiority everywhere.
— He's just a complete siscon, — Ice Queen interjected her two cents, momentarily tearing herself away from the heated argument with her relative.
— And he's not even ashamed of it, are you, darling? — Haruno leaned against my shoulder, shooting a mocking glance toward Yukino, fully aware of how she reacted to any display of "affection" between us.
The effect was immediate: the younger Yukinoshita's ears slightly pinkened, and her mouth opened, ready to unleash a stream of sharp phrases prepared for such an occasion. However, she couldn't finish the job—right at that moment, a waiter approached our table, placing a huge cake in the center.
— Are there pineapples here too?... — Atsuko whispered hoarsely, staring in horror at the toppings decorating the confectionery.
— What's so bad about them? — I've never met anyone so negatively inclined towards this product.
— Everything, — Tanaka stated firmly. — They look like spruce cones.
— Didn't you know they were inedible as a kid? — Missing such an opportunity for a friendly joke would be true sacrilege.
To my surprise, the guy coughed and looked away.
— Ara-ara, what an unexpected life fact, — the university student covered her smile with her hand.
— Haruno, we agreed you would only say things like that in my ear and when we're alone, — I feigned slight indignation, watching Yukino out of the corner of my eye.
I can't help myself: it looks too "delicious," especially the undisguised irritation in her eyes.
— He doesn't like pineapples, and he doesn't like them; stop picking at minor details, — Yui grumbled, coming to the defense of my former subordinate.
And her boyfriend, incidentally.
How they magically managed to start dating, given Tanaka's busy schedule and his constant presence near me, remains a mystery wrapped in an enigma.
The funniest part is that the couple tried not to advertise the connection that had developed between them, which, frankly, didn't work out well, but... Ahem... They managed to fool some people.
Nevertheless, the fact remains: among our company, only Ice Queen—the person who fails to notice the obvious—continued to hold the bastion of solitude, letting no one closer than necessary.
We even had a bet on the number of future cats Yukino would manage to adopt.
Haruno bet on four, and I, supporting my friend—on eight right away.
Why be modest?
— Well, in that case, there'll be more for us, — the university student casually noted, ending the topic and handing me an empty plate without a second thought.
Easily guessing the hint, I reached for the knife.
Judging by the look Yukino gave me, she wished that sharp object was somewhere other than in the pastry. Hopefully not in my neck, as it's extremely sensitive to an excess of metal inside it.
I really should have warned her about my intention to invite my...
Pondering, I scratched my chin.
— Mmm... Haruno, a question came up, — I turned to the girl, distracting her from moderately eating cake and the accompanying exchange of barbs with her younger sister.
— Yes, darling? — Yukinoshita raised an eyebrow.
I swirled the remaining juice in my glass.
— What exactly are we to each other?
Hearing my question, the university student paused briefly, then burst into ringing laughter.
— Kami, Hachiman, you only decided to think about this after a whole year? — Haruno snorted after calming down.
Judging by the expressions of everyone present, my interest was also quite unexpected for them.
What?
No, I had certainly reflected on this topic, particularly after that ill-fated kiss, but at some point, either due to the burden of the Student Council President position that fell on my head or some other unknown reason, I simply put it aside, ultimately forgetting all about it.
In addition, the girl herself omitted the said nuance, resulting in the following situation: we often go on dates, sometimes engage in certain kinds of mischief appropriate for couples but without crossing the line, and behave, to quote Komachi: "As if you've been married for several years."
And yet... I still don't understand how to precisely define our connection. And the need hadn't arisen before.
Comfortable? Yes. Convenient? Yes. Suits both of us? Yes.
What else is needed?
— I would say we are friends... with benefits, — after a short pause, Haruno replied without a hint of embarrassment in her voice, considering the context of what she said.
However, if Yui and Atsuko, slightly taken aback, perfectly understood what she meant by her words, Yukino frowned perplexedly.
— What's that like?
I blinked a couple of times, looking at Ice Queen.
No, you must be kidding.
It's impossible that she doesn't understand what's being talked about.
It's just utterly ridiculous and...
I glanced sideways at Haruno.
However, I suppose I'll allow the older sister to fulfill her sacred duty of enlightening the younger one.
Because I haven't seen such a smug and cunning smile on her face in a long time.
II.
Sometimes in life, depending on certain circumstances, you have to make small concessions. For example, running to the nearest store when your younger sister is unwell and can't get out herself, or taking on the chore of cleaning the house after having seriously screwed up. However, you need to clearly understand that you are only slightly deviating from your original plans for the sake of another person's request. Completely "bending," allowing yourself to be twisted around their finger as they please—that's already a worrying sign...
— Hachiman, spin around, — sighing, I followed the instruction, mentally cursing the demanding taste of a certain person three times over.
— Hmm... — Haruno thoughtfully placed a finger on her lips, comfortably settled on the pouf opposite. — It looks okay, but I don't think light shades suit you.
— Is the reason hidden in my aristocratic pallor? — Not waiting for her command, I unbuttoned the beige blazer, carefully folding it over the pile of other suits that had failed the strict selection organized by the older Yukinoshita.
— Darling, you're trying to find reasons, which is a foolish endeavor in itself. We girls primarily rely on feeling. And my feelings suggest that a completely black outfit will suit you perfectly! — she didn't even hide the sadistic pleasure in her voice, fully aware of the "love" I have for endless fitting sessions.
Simultaneously with her words, the girl snapped her fingers, causing the saleswoman standing behind her to quickly fetch the indicated set of clothes.
— You know, the image of a spoiled, rich heiress suits you, — I scoffed, taking off the shirt and spreading my shoulders, not at all shy about Haruno's narrowed gaze, which was studying my bare torso with unhealthy curiosity.
I'm not fifteen anymore to have hang-ups about such trivialities.
I'm a whole nineteen.
Not that there was actually too much of a difference...
— In that case, does that make you the classic gold digger, brazenly using your looks and charisma to charm and fleece a rich dummy? — Yukinoshita smirked, crossing her legs, which involuntarily caught my attention. A short skirt and tight stockings really work perfectly, especially when their owner is quite attractive.
— Of course. The meaning of my whole life is to find the one who will provide for me, — exhaling, I ran my hand through my short-cropped hair—another whim of the university student that I had to give in to.
Or rather, her suggestion was the final pebble on the scales, tipping them toward a trip to the hairdresser.
— I see, — Haruno clicked her tongue, pretending to take my words at face value. — That means I'll have to try hard so you don't slip away to another amateur of throwing money around. What can I use to keep you?
Feigning pensiveness, the girl placed a finger on her lips.
— I can give you a hint, — I nodded, taking a fresh "batch" of clothes from the approaching saleswoman, pulling a new fitted black shirt from the hanger. Ha, the blazer is the same?
However, since Yukinoshita didn't voice a strong "ugh," I guess I'll have to try it on.
— Let me guess, — she tilted her head, watching my actions closely. — You would be incredibly happy and grateful if I withdrew your candidacy as a companion for the dinner party?
— Right on the... — Tilting my chin up, I managed to fasten the top button somehow. — Dot. Honestly, what would I be doing there?
— Your beloved girlfriend? — she innocently batted her eyelashes, pointing to herself.
I gave her an unreadable look.
— I certainly appreciate and adore you, — Kami, it's pressing on my Adam's apple. Fine, I'll have to unbutton it anyway. — But I really don't want to spend time at an event with a bunch of important figures. Not my league, so to speak.
— What do you care about them? Your task is to keep me company, acting as a shield against particularly active members of high society seeking my parents' favor, — Yukinoshita shrugged, trying to persuade me with logical arguments. — Besides, what if you like it and decide to join on your own initiative later?
— A Tokyo-sized meteorite is more likely to fall on Earth than for me to voluntarily start attending socially active gatherings, — hmm, in principle, the blazer fits well, it's not tight in the shoulders; I can move like a normal person.
— I know a young man who vehemently refused extra responsibility, and then unexpectedly became the Student Council President. And a pretty good one at that, — did she absolutely have to remind me of that mistake, made for completely crazy reasons?...
Judging by the foxy smile on her lips—yes, absolutely.
— Tell that to the students; they almost threw a party when I stepped down, handing all authority to Isshiki, — I replied gloomily, recalling the rumors that a furious Komachi shared with me.
— Idiots, — Haruno waved her off. — A good boss shouldn't inspire an endless surge of happiness, but only a clear desire to finish your work as quickly and correctly as possible just to get away from his gaze. By the way, I like this outfit.
— Really? — I looked at my reflection in the full-length mirror.
Indeed, I look official and stylish at the same time. But something is missing; everything is too dark.
— Yes, except for one small nuance, — getting up from the pouf, Yukinoshita walked to the pile of clothes and skillfully pulled out a white tie.
— No, — I involuntarily took a step back. — I hate those "stranglers"!
— Darling, — Haruno purred in a tone that allowed no objections, rising on her tiptoes, grabbing my neck, and forcing me to bend down slightly. — Don't be a child.
— Alright, "Mommy," — rolling my eyes, I allowed the girl to tie the accursed item of clothing.
— Perfect, now, — smoothing out the tie, Haruno grabbed its tip, pulling me closer, and softly kissed me on the lips. — See, it's nothing to worry about.
— Yeah, yeah, you're right, of course, — I grumbled, again glancing sideways at my reflection.
Ugh, why does she have such good taste?
And I can't really argue.
***
Funny fact: a dinner party differs from ordinary meetings of, say, classmates purely by its external atmosphere and the subject matter of conversations, which mostly revolve around business or other discussions of a "high" nature. Although, to be honest, the latter is inherent almost everywhere.
People love to boast about their own achievements to others, thus feeding their egos.
But otherwise: take away the classical music played by a full orchestra, the lavishly decorated hall with waiters scurrying between guests, the tables filled with seemingly expensive dishes—and it's hardly distinguishable from a gathering of high school graduates, say, ten years after graduation.
The same interest groups, the same atmosphere of non-involvement in what is happening.
On the plus side, almost no one is paying any extra attention to me, which, of course, is for the best. I found a spot near a column, leaned my back against it, and sipped on premium champagne; thankfully, no one asks for ID.
— I still don't understand how my sister managed to drag you to this event, — Ice Queen chuckled, having involuntarily joined me at this wonderful celebration of life, the theme of which completely slipped my mind.
— She took advantage of a moment and my sleepy state, — I chuckled, finishing my drink and setting the glass on a passing waiter's tray. — And what are you doing here, besides being directly involved in organizing the event?
— You answered your own question, — Yukino scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest. — By the way, I'm surprised by your appearance. Did "she" put in the effort?
Even after all this time, the younger Yukinoshita's attitude toward the older one, though it has undergone changes, outwardly remains just as cold and somewhat rough. Key word: "outwardly," because I clearly remember how one overly rational person, having had too much to drink after the graduation ceremony, actively propositioned her sister with rather... amusing suggestions.
I have a racy photo saved somewhere on my phone that Ice Queen is unaware of. I would gladly send it to her just to get a highly entertaining reaction, but Haruno convinced me to hold off.
— Does it suit me? — I playfully spread my arms, as if wanting to show off.
— Your appearance doesn't make me nauseous, — Wow, such a compliment from her side raises suspicion. As the saying goes, too good to be true.
— I can say the same. Black suits you; it perfectly matches your current mood, — at this phrase, Yukino rolled her eyes, but, judging by the upturned corners of her lips, she didn't detect mockery in my words.
For an outfit, the girl chose a dress with open shoulders and a rather "dangerous" rhombus-shaped décolletage. Although, to be honest, the former Volunteer Club President's lack of an impressive bust reduced the degree of possible indecency that overly principled gentlemen and madams might complain about.
— By the way, while I remember, how is Yui doing? — after a minute of silence, I decided to start a conversation again, hoping to subjectively shorten the wait.
— She's fine. She and Atsuko are planning to go somewhere for the semester break, although you should know about that, — she gave me a slightly malicious look.
Ah, yes, that trip to the mountain resort.
I won it purely by chance, foolishly buying a lottery ticket. Theoretically, nothing stopped Haruno and me from using it and going there, but the girl had important business during those dates, so I decided to give it to Tanaka so the opportunity wouldn't go to waste.
— Did I imagine hearing a hint of envy in your voice? — I smirked, habitually touching on one of Ice Queen's least favorite subjects.
— Envy of what? — Yukino scoffed. — That the people around me have completely lost their minds due to a surge of hormones?
— You just haven't met the one yet who will make butterflies flutter in your stomach and a pleasant emptiness ring in your head, — with every word I spoke, a grimace of disgust grew stronger on Yukinoshita's face.
— Hikigaya, your words sound tempting, but for confirmation, I wouldn't mind opening your stomach to check for insects, — the girl hissed.
— Would you like a lobotomy too? — I ironically raised an eyebrow.
— Unfortunately, I've already been convinced of the lack of contents in your skull.
— How rude, — I conspicuously clicked my tongue, involuntarily trying to find the culprit of my presence here. What kind of person is she? She brought me here and abandoned me to the wolves...
— There's no other way with you, — Yukino quietly sighed and slowly swirled the glass, which she still hadn't touched. — However, such a quality is perfect for dealing with Mother.
Following her gaze, I noticed a mature woman in an elegant kimono, surrounded by a group of presentable-looking people. Hmm, even the city mayor is among them; interesting.
— That sounded like you've already mentally painted a picture of my life together with your older sister, — I mumbled under my breath, recalling the times I "had the opportunity" to interact with the family matriarch.
One thing I can say for sure: Yukino's cold attitude multiplied by Haruno's cunning and topped with a generous amount of strict rationalism. The kind of person you don't want to joke with, and ideally—listen, nod, and get away as quickly as possible.
It's a shame she was the head of the parent-teacher association; consequently, as President, I couldn't avoid an unpleasant conversation with her.
But after that, I fully understood where Ice Queen got her character and her rather strange desires for her position.
— Why compose one when it's obvious? — Yukinoshita shrugged. — You're perfectly suited for each other.
Not giving me a chance to be surprised by such unexpected approval of our relationship, the girl finished with a sweet smile on her lips:
— Besides, thanks to your appearance, Haruno has almost stopped bothering me. And, if I'm thinking correctly, once you officially define your relationship, Mother will definitely forget about her younger daughter for a long time. So, don't worry, Hikigaya, I support you with all my might, — to conclude her speech, Yukino saluted me with her glass and took a careful sip, almost immediately scrunching up her nose.
Shaking my head, I let out a short chuckle, not quite knowing how to react to her words.
— Thank you, I'm glad I could be useful in some way, — I'll stick to a neutral response.
— What? Haven't you two discussed this issue? — Ice Queen was surprised, noticing my slight bewilderment.
— Do I look like the type of person who would bring up the topic of marriage? — I asked ironically in response. — Let me remind you that your older sister was the one who initiated the relationship.
— And? — the girl raised an eyebrow. — Are you going to wait until she gets down on one knee for you?
I mentally pictured the scenario she described.
Hmm...
— Hikigaya, — Yukino covered her face with her hand. — I know you love to break people's perceptions of normal, but please, don't overdo it here, at least. Especially since Haruno...
Falling silent abruptly, Yukinoshita took another drink of champagne, looking away.
I don't get it.
It seems like something is being carefully hidden from me?
— What about Haruno? — I tilted my head.
— Nothing, forget it, — my companion mumbled.
— Yukino, — I rubbed the bridge of my nose with my fingers, feeling a slight irritation. — The stupidest thing a person can do, in my understanding, is to start a sentence and abruptly cut it off. Since it slipped out, be a dear...
— Sorry, Hikigaya, — interrupting, the girl forcefully pushed the glass into my hands and, smiling nervously, hurried into the hall. — I promised someone a dance!
I looked at the champagne.
At the back—note that!—of the younger Yukinoshita running away from answering.
And back at the glass.
Sighing loudly, I placed it on the nearest small table and, putting aside my thoughts about my friend's strange slip of the tongue, I looked around, searching for a familiar head among all those present.
I guess it's time to find Haruno.
***
Fortunately, the search didn't take long—the person I was looking for was found in a group of young women, discussing something with smiles on their lips. However, having learned to determine the sincerity of Yukinoshita's emotions from her expression, I could confidently say that the conversation wasn't bringing her much pleasure.
In that case, I'll act as a life raft.
Approaching them, I cleared my throat, drawing attention to myself.
— Hachiman? — Haruno tilted her head, being the first to turn toward me. The others reacted next, studying me with interested gazes.
For some reason, I felt the sensation of teeth clacking right next to my ear.
— The one and only, — approaching, I smiled softly. — I realize I'm interrupting an incredibly important conversation, but I can no longer tolerate the inability to sweep you into a whirlwind of waltz.
An hysterical urge to laugh was brewing inside me, but my years-long habit of maintaining a calm tone and concealing outright sarcasm saved me once again.
— Actually, in polite society, before making such a proposal, it's customary to extend your palm with a bow, — Yukinoshita noted coquettishly, yet taking a step forward.
I noted once again how good the dress looked on her, exposing her snowy-white shoulders and collarbones, somehow staying up on her voluminous chest.
— I apologize for the tactlessness shown; your unearthly beauty blinded my mind, — I bowed my head, offering her my hand.
— Flatterer, — the girl chuckled, allowing me to take her hand. — Ladies, I must leave you, as I have urgent business to attend to.
After receiving approving exclamations, Haruno took my arm, after which we stately walked aside.
— Are they still watching? — I asked with my lips only.
— After a scene like that? Of course, — the university student smirked. — By the way, I was even a little taken aback by such "gallantry."
I shot her a look full of sarcasm.
— If you liked it, I can do it more often, — Yukinoshita's eyes amusingly widened at my suggestion.
— Definitely not, because next time I won't be able to restrain myself, — apparently, I wasn't the only one suffering.
— Does it not fit my character that much? — Stopping not far from the couples twirling in the waltz, I turned to the girl, habitually wrapping my arms around her waist.
I wonder if she already envisioned a situation like this when she dragged me out to learn dancing six months ago?
— Too saccharine and cloying, — adjusting my tie, Haruno placed her palms on my shoulders. — I prefer your usual behavior.
Following the other guests with my eyes, I seized the moment and adjusted to the rhythm, stepping forward and leading the girl with me.
— I don't think your acquaintances would appreciate that, — I wanted to pull her a little closer, but we weren't alone right now, so I restrained the impulse.
— Believe me, they hate ambiguous expressions, — Haruno wrinkled her nose, apparently speaking from her own experience.
— I see, — automatically monitoring my surroundings, I involuntarily chuckled, noticing a familiar face among the dancing couples. — Is Hayato still alive?
Yukinoshita, following my gaze, scoffed.
— Where would he go? Of course, he got an earful from his parents after the scene he caused at graduation. By the way, you never told me what the reason was? I've known Hayama for a long time, and just throwing punches at someone? It's not in his principles.
— Why not? Sometimes people hide extremely unexpected traits within themselves, — I tried to dodge the answer, not wanting to reveal the details of that rather shameful event.
Not because I felt sorry for the Captain.
It's just that my reaction at the time also left much to be desired.
Had Atsuko not intervened, I would have definitely cracked his skull with something heavy, but as it was, we got off lightly and without serious consequences. I got a couple of unpleasant bruises, and the guy got a broken nose and a hint of a concussion.
— You realize that, sooner or later, I'll find out anyway? — Haruno narrowed her eyes, not too pleased with the result she got.
— Then I'll worry about it, — hmm, wait, now is a good time to turn the situation around a bit. — However, nothing prevents us from arranging a little bartering, right?
— And what do you want to know from me? — the girl leaned forward interestedly, pressing her chest against mine.
— Well, a little bird whispered about you having plans for our wedding? — deciding not to beat around the bush, I went straight to the point.
A frown crease appeared between Yukinoshita's eyebrows.
— And who is this fearless one among us whose feathers are interfering with their life? — Haruno asked in a penetrating tone, digging her fingers into my shoulders noticeably.
— The informant asked to remain anonymous; the ticket to Somalia has already been purchased, — I cleared my throat, avoiding direct eye contact.
The girl let out a long hum.
— Fine, finding the source won't be a problem, — Sorry, Ice Queen, but you brought this on yourself. — Be that as it may, what exactly interests you about this?
Even so?
— Your attitude toward such a step, I suppose, — I answered honestly, regaining my composure, mentally wondering about her answer.
— Positive, of course.
Blinking, I looked at Haruno.
The girl looked completely serious, not allowing me to take her words as a joke or an attempt at sarcasm.
Wow...
On the one hand, it's quite expected, considering how long we've been together.
On the other—marriage?...
— What's wrong? I don't see happiness on your face... — Yukinoshita drawled.
Still in a daze, I forced a smile, at which the university student sighed and tapped my chest with her finger.
— Don't scare the guests, Hachiman.
— Sorry, — I cleared my throat, completely at a loss for what to say under the circumstances.
Haruno, shaking her head, closed her eyes and leaned her forehead on my shoulder.
— You don't have to worry about it right now, — the girl whispered. — But know that I am set on that outcome for our relationship. As one family and with at least one child.
— A boy or a girl? — the question slipped out.
— Does it make a difference? — Yukinoshita laughed softly, with an inexplicable tone in her voice that somehow made my heart clench.
Continuing to spin her around the hall, I parted my lips, intending to say something foolish, but instead, I just exhaled loudly and rested my nose on the top of her head, inhaling the pleasant lavender scent.
A multitude of questions swirled in my head, but I was incapable of finding a complete answer to any of them.