After getting Shizuka Hiratsuka's permission, Haruno, Yukino, and Hoshimi left the school and took a taxi back to the apartment.
In the slowly ascending elevator, Yukino, who had remained silent until now, suddenly asked, "Hoshimi, what time are you planning to rest tonight?"
A strange look flashed in Hoshimi's eyes. He glanced at Yukino and calmly replied, "Around eight o'clock. My body feels terribly fatigued, so I'll rest early and get some sleep. I should feel better in the morning."
"Ding—"
The elevator reached the 15th floor.
With Haruno's support, Yukino stepped out of the elevator. She slightly turned her head, glancing at Hoshimi out of the corner of her eye, and said coldly, "Rest well."
"Yes, I will." Hoshimi's eyes curved into a smile, hiding a meaning Haruno couldn't decipher.
"Click—"
The elevator doors closed, and Hoshimi continued ascending while Yukino, supported by Haruno, headed towards apartment 1507.
At this moment, despite her outwardly foxy smile, Haruno was inwardly puzzled.
She was trying to figure out the hidden meaning in Yukino and Hoshimi's conversation, but no matter how she analyzed it, it seemed to be just a simple exchange.
The only suspicious point was the time 'eight o'clock'.
Could it be that Hoshimi planned to come to Yukino's apartment at eight to explain about Ms. Iwanaga?
After thinking carefully, that seemed like the only possibility.
"Click—"
While pondering, they reached apartment 1507. Yukino took out the key and opened the door, then turned to look at Haruno.
"Do you want to come in and sit for a while?"
Haruno released Yukino's arm and smiled, "No, I have something to do at the university tonight, so I'll be heading back."
Due to their unusual way of interacting, it was difficult for the two sisters to be alone together.
With others around, Haruno could joke about Yukino, leading others into the conversation, making the atmosphere bearable. At least it wouldn't turn tense.
If alone, she couldn't help but tease Yukino, and with Yukino's overly straightforward and uncompromising nature, the atmosphere would quickly become hostile.
So sometimes, she deliberately avoided being alone with Yukino.
There was no choice but to continue this way. As long as Yukino eventually grew into the person Haruno hoped she would become, all efforts would be worthwhile.
Besides, there was a special reason today. She planned to go back early and check the surveillance to see if Hoshimi would come to Yukino's apartment at eight.
"Goodbye, Yukino." Haruno waved with her usual sly smile.
Then she turned and left without any hesitation.
"Goodbye, sister."
"Click—"
Hearing the farewell and the faint sound of the door closing behind her, Haruno paused, her eyes showing a trace of gratification.
Yukino had grown...
Previously, Yukino rarely said goodbye and would deliberately make noise when closing the door.
Compared to before, Yukino had improved tremendously.
"Heh." Haruno chuckled softly, her smile becoming more genuine, and her steps lighter.
...
Apartment 1507.
In the steam-filled bathroom, Yukino lay in the overflowing warm water of the bathtub, staring at the ceiling.
Her eyes were vacant, her thoughts scattered, even she didn't know what she was thinking.
"Bubbles... bubbles..."
Suddenly, Yukino slid under the water, blowing bubbles.
Watching the bubbles on the surface, her thoughts gradually formed a clear line.
Hoshimi Kiyokawa...
That's right, she was thinking about Hoshimi.
Today, seeing Hoshimi give his all and use his trump card to win made her very happy, unprecedentedly happy. The feeling was much more satisfying than when she won first place herself.
But after Iwanaga Kotoko appeared, she felt disappointed, inexplicably disappointed.
Then came the confusion, inexplicable confusion.
It was like she was back in her first year of middle school, having just gone abroad to study, feeling completely lost and directionless, not knowing what to do.
"Bubbles... bubbles..."
Yukino blew bubbles, her eyes filled with confusion and incomprehension.
She didn't understand why she felt lost. She had a clear goal, so why was she losing direction?
Hoshimi... it was all Hoshimi's fault.
Yes, it was all Hoshimi's fault!
If it weren't for Hoshimi, she would be studying diligently now, accumulating knowledge to surpass her sister.
It was because of Hoshimi's sudden appearance in her life that her plans, her goals, even her life were disrupted.
"..."
Yukino stopped blowing bubbles, hugged her knees, and curled up, avoiding the myriad troubles of the world like an ostrich.
An explanation... she needed an explanation.
Tonight, after hearing Hoshimi's explanation, she would definitely regain her composure and steadily move towards her set goal.
Yes, she definitely would...
...
Around 8 p.m., Yukino, already in her pajamas, was ready to welcome the sleepiness that could come at any moment.
"Ding dong~~ ding dong~~ ding dong~~"
The doorbell rang, and Yukino frowned slightly as she put on her slippers and headed to the entrance.
Who could it be at this hour? Could it be Hoshimi?!
But didn't Hoshimi mean to meet in the dream at eight? Why was he here?
Puzzled, Yukino checked the electronic peephole. It really was Hoshimi outside...
After hesitating for a moment, she spoke through the door, "Hoshimi, what do you want?"
"Yukinoshita, can you let me in?" Hoshimi asked with a smile outside the door.
"Why?" Yukino responded with a question, mimicking Hoshimi.
"Yukinoshita, you still owe me a compliment."
"Just for that?"
"Yes, that's one reason. I'll tell you the rest inside."
"..."
Yukino looked at her pajamas, hesitated for a long time, then slowly opened the door.
She stood at the doorway, coldly looking at Hoshimi, "Hoshimi, if you're planning to pull another stunt, think of the consequences first."
"Don't worry, I won't do that." Hoshimi's eyes curved into a smile, with a gentleness that Yukino found very irritating.
She stepped aside to let Hoshimi in.
As the door opened wider, a cold breeze followed Hoshimi into the entrance.
Feeling a slight chill, Yukino watched Hoshimi, who was now inside, and suddenly felt a pang of regret.
Had she made a mistake?
Yukino asked herself...
===
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