Hearing Hoshimi's promise, Yukino's struggles gradually diminished, and she eventually allowed Hoshimi to continue.
After all, it was just a kiss... it's not like she hasn't been kissed before...
If Hoshimi wants to kiss her, then let him.
Moreover, for some reason, Yukino felt that this kiss was particularly intense.
Her heart was racing as if it might explode...
By the way, her sister shouldn't have noticed, right?
Since there was no knock on the door, it seemed that her sister was still eating fruit salad and hadn't noticed what was happening here.
In that case...
When the two minutes were up, Hoshimi lifted his head as promised, ready to let Yukino go so she could join her sister at the mall.
However, just as he raised his head, Yukino, avoiding his gaze, pulled him back by the neck.
Seeing the strange look in Yukino's eyes, Hoshimi teased, "Yukino-chan, you've turned into a bad kid."
"... It's not two minutes yet..." Yukino, with her cheeks flushed, explained while avoiding eye contact.
"Hehe~ Indeed, it's not two minutes yet."
"Hmm... When it hits two minutes, you must let me go, you can't break your promise."
"Alright~ So, Yukino-chan, just tell me when it's two minutes, and I promise to keep my word."
"Hmm... mm~"
Outside the bedroom, Haruno was contorting her face in frustration. One hand gripped the doorframe with veins bulging, and the other hand clutched her pants tightly.
Where's my knife? Where's my knife?
I need to go in and kill this damn Hoshimi! Look at what he's done to my sister!
This isn't my sister at all! She's practically a miniature version of Hoshimi!
They've become so bold!
"Breathe~ Breathe~"
Calm down! Calm down! Don't lose your composure! A small lapse can ruin a grand plan! Take a step back and the world will be vast!
Haruno took two steps back, away from the bedroom, closed her eyes, and tried to calm her emotions.
Endure! Endure!
Endure, you big-headed ghost!
Haruno strode back to the bedroom door, placed a hand on the doorknob, and prepared to burst in and take Hoshimi down with her bare hands!
The next second, Haruno, gritting her teeth and feeling her heart bleed, retreated to the sofa, staring blankly at the ceiling.
No, she couldn't do that.
If she went in, Yukino would probably explode on the spot, and Hoshimi might seize the opportunity to solidify his relationship with Yukino, or even use her to propose meeting the parents.
At that point, she wouldn't be able to intervene.
If her mother found out about Hoshimi's background and the Arisugawa family's approval, she would certainly have no objections to Yukino and Hoshimi's union.
After all, in Japan, it's common for upper-class men to take mistresses and keep lovers.
Besides, the Arisugawa family is one of the Four Royal Families! A top noble family in Japan, flourishing from ancient times to the modern era without decline.
The Yukinoshita family can't compare at all; they're worlds apart!
At this stage, without knowing the Arisugawa family's stance on Hoshimi's mistresses and lovers, it's difficult for her to confront Hoshimi directly.
If the Arisugawa family agrees to Hoshimi taking mistresses, she could only work on Yukino, while making sure her mother doesn't find out about their relationship.
If the Arisugawa family disagrees, it would be easier to expose everything and make things difficult for Hoshimi.
But the key is, how can she find out the Arisugawa family's stance on Hoshimi's mistresses and lovers?
She can't just expect the Arisugawa family to tell her, right? That's unrealistic.
Ask them herself? That's also unrealistic. The Four Royal Families are several levels above the Yukinoshita family; she doesn't have the standing to inquire.
If she really wants to find out, she needs to get the answer from Hoshimi.
Back to square one.
She still needs to confront Hoshimi head-on!
Haruno gritted her teeth. Face it, then! How could she be outplayed by a kid the same age as her sister?!
Once she gets the answer from Hoshimi, she'll settle today's score!
But today, she can't make a move. She needs to wait until she's better prepared to confront Hoshimi properly.
For today, her goal is to remind Yukino not to let Hoshimi take too much advantage.
Oh, Yukino!
Haruno's expression changed. It had been five or six minutes already! Are they still kissing?
If they keep this up, it's going to cause trouble!
Haruno quickly got up and headed towards Yukino's bedroom, ready to interrupt their intimate moment.
Meanwhile, inside the bedroom.
Yukino, having enjoyed enough stimulation, stood in front of the full-length mirror in the wardrobe, adjusting her clothes and hair with a flushed face.
She twisted her waist, checked herself from different angles, and, seeing everything was in place, shot a disdainful look at Hoshimi.
"Pervert."
"??" Hoshimi tilted his head, looking at Yukino with blinking eyes.
Who was it that was clinging to his neck just a moment ago?
Hmph~ A woman who speaks ill but acts straight.
"Hmph!" Yukino snorted lightly and instructed, "I'm going out with my sister. Wait ten minutes before leaving my house, and don't forget to close the door properly."
"And..." Yukino narrowed her eyes, her gaze becoming sharp, "Don't go through my wardrobe again, or else..."
"Or else?" Hoshimi asked with interest.
Yukino pressed her lips together, her threat clear without words.
"Ok~ I understand." Hoshimi raised both hands in surrender.
"That's more like it. I'm leaving now."
With that, Yukino headed for the bedroom door.
As Yukino reached the door and lifted her hand to grasp the doorknob, she heard Hoshimi's voice.
"Yukino, wait." Hoshimi got up and walked to Yukino from behind.
"Hmm? Is there something else?" Yukino turned around and asked.
Hoshimi, smiling, didn't speak. He approached Yukino, suddenly placing his right hand on the door, creating a standard "wall slam" pose.
Thud--
The subtle sound of his palm hitting the door startled Yukino. She lowered her voice and scolded, "Hoshimi, what are you doing? My sister is still outside; be careful not to get caught."
"Hmm, I know." Hoshimi, with a deep smile, lifted Yukino's chin with his left hand.
"Are you asking for another one?" Yukino, with her beautiful eyes slightly open, asked in a low voice.
"Just three seconds." Hoshimi slowly leaned in.
"... Sigh~" Yukino sighed and, looking somewhat resigned, tilted her neck slightly to meet Hoshimi.
Three seconds...
Five seconds...
Outside the bedroom, Haruno's face twisted into a ghastly expression as she heard everything from the start, including the "pervert" remark.
Another one! This is too much!
And! Wasn't it supposed to be three seconds?!
It's been ten seconds already!!
I'm really...
Haruno took a deep breath, retreated a couple of steps, and, suppressing her anger, feigned casualness as she asked:
"Yukino, haven't you finished changing yet? Your sister is about to fall asleep."
At the sound of her sister's call, Yukino shuddered. She quickly pushed Hoshimi away and responded, "Sister, I'm coming."
With that, Yukino glanced at Hoshimi, signaling him to move to a spot where he wouldn't be seen when the door was opened.
Hoshimi shrugged and moved to the corner of the wall.
"Phew~"
After confirming everything was fine, Yukino took a deep breath and opened the bedroom door.
Click--
The door opened, and the two sisters saw each other once again...
===
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