After Hiratsuka Shizuka left, the girls from Class 2-J, who had been quiet for a moment, became lively again. They approached Hoshimi and Yukinoshita with curiosity, wanting to congratulate them on winning the championship and to ask about Hoshimi's earlier outburst.
Before they could get close, however, they were shooed away by Haruno.
"Give the winning duo some time to rest. Let them enjoy their victory privately for now."
Haruno stood in front of the two, smiling and drawing everyone's attention.
"Um... who are you?" one of the Class 2-J girls asked.
"Eh?" Haruno tilted her head and blinked, "Can't you tell? I'm Yukino's sister~"
"?!!"
Everyone was surprised, quickly noticing the resemblance between Haruno and Yukinoshita.
"Alright, alright, everyone, let's go. Let Yukino and Hoshimi-kun have some time alone."
As the girls looked at each other in confusion, Haruno moved forward, ushering them away as if herding sheep.
Once the Class 2-J girls had dispersed in small groups, Haruno turned to Yui, who was standing by the bench, and asked with a hint of curiosity, "This classmate, why are you still here?"
"I... I..." Yui stuttered, unsure of how to explain, and could only look at Yukinoshita for help.
"..." Yukinoshita frowned, hesitated for a moment, then explained, "Sister, Yuigahama-san is a friend of mine."
"Oh? A friend?" Haruno looked Yui up and down, who seemed a bit awkward.
Normally, Haruno would probe Yukinoshita's same-sex friends thoroughly. But now, Yui was a secondary concern. The primary focus was on Hoshimi.
Haruno turned to Hoshimi with a smile and asked, "Hoshimi-kun, are you alright? You seem very tired."
"Yes, a bit..." Hoshimi, feeling weak and sore, was simply going through the motions of social interaction.
"Hoshimi-kun, what ability did you use earlier? It looked impressive~" Haruno leaned forward, her body curves intentionally or unintentionally coming into Hoshimi's view.
Seeing this, Yukinoshita's frown deepened. She chose not to speak and left the decision to Hoshimi.
Hoshimi, feeling weak, glanced at Haruno and said, "That's a secret between Yukino and me. I can't reveal it without her consent."
Yukinoshita's frown eased, and a barely noticeable flicker of something passed through her eyes.
"Eh?" Haruno looked surprised and turned to Yukinoshita, "Yukino, is that true?"
"..."
Yukinoshita, being straightforward, wouldn't lie. She neither confirmed nor denied it but chose to remain silent.
"Well, that's a shame," Haruno said, shrugging her shoulders with a resigned smile.
She turned to Hoshimi, smiling, "Then Hoshimi-kun, if Yukino agrees later, please remember to tell me."
"Yes, no problem," Hoshimi agreed readily.
He didn't believe Yukinoshita would let him reveal the truth to Haruno after knowing about his ability.
"Then Hoshimi-kun, do you need something to drink?" Haruno asked with a smile.
"Yes, I want hot coconut water."
"Oh? Call me 'sister,' and I'll get it for you."
"Sister, I want it."
Hoshimi asked firmly.
Yukinoshita's expression changed quickly, her mood darkening almost instantly.
"Hehe~" Haruno straightened up, smiling with a hint of fox-like charm.
She rubbed Hoshimi's head and said, "Little brother, wait here, I'll be right back."
With that, Haruno turned to the nearby vending machine to buy the drink.
At that moment, her charming smile vanished, replaced by a cold expression.
Hoshimi Kiyokawa was indeed a difficult opponent.
When at a disadvantage, he shamelessly pretended to be weak, giving her no opportunity to exploit. When in an advantageous position, he continuously provoked her, leaving no room for respite.
From this perspective alone, Hoshimi was already a troublesome opponent. Adding his family background, his mysterious burst of power, and his ability to identify weaknesses quickly, he formed an almost flawless opponent.
It was hard to handle him directly; unless he exposed a flaw himself, which seemed unlikely. Therefore, she had to consider targeting Yukinoshita, waiting for the right opportunity. If the timing was off, Hoshimi might counter it.
Opportunities were rare, and attempting anything while Yukinoshita's feelings for Hoshimi were high would be very troublesome. It would be better to wait for a better chance.
...
"Little brother, the coconut water is here."
Soon, Haruno returned with hot coconut water.
"Thank you." Hoshimi took the coconut water and nudged Yukinoshita's arm, "Yukino, could you open this for me?"
"Little brother, let me help you." Haruno tried to take the coconut water back.
"No, I can handle it," Yukinoshita said, frowning slightly, and quickly opened the coconut water.
She then handed it back to Hoshimi.
"Thanks, Yukino." Hoshimi took the coconut water and enjoyed the comfort of the hot drink.
"What would you like to drink, Yukino?" Haruno asked after looking at Hoshimi, turning to Yukinoshita.
"..." Yukinoshita shook her head. She had already had water when she twisted her ankle earlier and wasn't thirsty now.
Haruno was about to say something else, but at that moment, the announcement came on.
"The award ceremony for the high school tennis mixed doubles is about to begin. Please, the named students, promptly gather at the tennis court podium."
Hearing the announcement start to list the winners, Yukinoshita turned to Hoshimi, "Have you finished drinking?"
"Let's drink while walking. No rush, just take it slow," Hoshimi said, struggling to stand. His sore and weak legs protested, making it difficult for him to get up.
With a sigh of resignation, Hoshimi looked at Haruno and the suddenly timid Yui, "Who can help me?"
This time, Haruno did not compete.
Yui, seeing Haruno remain silent for a while, timidly raised her hand and said, "I'll help..."
Hoshimi lifted his left hand, ready to rely on Yui to reach the podium.
Just as Yui was about to place Hoshimi's hand on her shoulder, Yukinoshita said coldly, "Yuigahama-san, help me. Sister, please assist Hoshimi."
Haruno was initially taken aback, then a hint of something unusual flashed in her eyes.
She looked at the frozen Yui and said with a subtle expression, "Alright, I'll help my little brother. Yuigahama-san, please assist Yukino."
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