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[-Continuation-]
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[-Third Person View-]
The late evening sun cast long shadows over the neatly trimmed lawn of the Yukinoshita estate, reflecting off the shiny windows.
This wasn't just any house.
It was a testament to Renjiro Yukinoshita's status as both a member of the Chiba prefectural diet and the CEO of a thriving construction company.
Yukinoshita Yukino stood before the main gate, her slender fingers wrapped around the strap of a small bag containing souvenirs.
This was where her father, Renjiro, her mother, Sakura, and, of course, her enigmatic older sister, Haruno, resided normally.
It had been a while since she had seen them, a few months, in fact.
It was easy to lose track of time - busy days of school, club activities, and the recent field trip had provided Yukino with a welcome distance from the complicated tensions that awaited her at home.
Now, she had souvenirs from the trip to pass on, a gesture she hoped would smooth over some of the lingering distance between them.
As she passed through the front door, Yukino gave the staff an acknowledged nod, returning their bows, their familiar faces stirring a flood of childhood memories as the youngest of this house.
The pathway leading up to the entrance felt both familiar and distant as she walked.
Ahead, the large double doors loomed, carved with intricate designs that once fascinated her as a child.
As she stepped inside the entry hall, the polished floors gleamed under her feet, and the soft, muted light from the hanging chandeliers gave the room a hushed, almost sterile feeling.
Yukino exhaled, taking in the familiar setting as her gaze fell on the grand staircase, the railings perfectly polished to reflect the light.
Just as she was about to step further inside, a voice called out from the direction of the living room, which Yukino knew all too well.
"Yukino!"
She turned, unsurprised to find her sister, Haruno, leaning casually against the doorframe, her usual smirk tugging at the corners of her lips.
Dressed impeccably, as always, Haruno seemed to glide more than walk, her sharp eyes immediately catching the bag in Yukino's hand.
"Well, look who finally decided to show up." Haruno said, her tone playful but with a slight edge. "I was starting to think you had forgotten about us. You know, like being busy with school? Or something... else?"
"Haruno." Yukino acknowledged, narrowed her eyes slightly.
"Ooh, what's this? Bringing peace offerings, are we?" Haruno's smirk widened as she sauntered closer, eyeing the package with exaggerated interest.
Yukino placed the bag on a nearby console table, the soft thud echoing in the charged atmosphere. "Souvenirs. From the field trip."
"How very dutiful of you." Haruno smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I am sure Mother will appreciate it."
Yukino resisted the urge to sigh. She wasn't in the mood for one of their usual verbal sparring matches.
"Is Mother home?" She asked, steering the conversation away from her sister's needling.
"Of course. She's been expecting you." Haruno replied, her tone shifting slightly, as if amused by Yukino's attempt to avoid her.
Yukino gave a curt nod, hoping to steer the conversation in another direction, and as if hearing her silent plea, a new presence quietly filled the room.
Their father, Renjiro Yukinoshita, entered the foyer, his calm authority instantly shifting the atmosphere.
"Yukino." He greeted, his voice a low, steady warmth. "It's good to have you home."
Yukino softened at her father's gentle greeting, giving him a small nod. "It's good to see you too, father."
Haruno, never one to let a moment pass without commentary, clapped her hands together with exaggerated cheer.
"What a touching family reunion! And to think, I almost missed it. Can you believe I had plans today? Naturally, I canceled everything the moment I heard our dear Yukino was gracing us with a visit."
"You needn't have gone to such trouble on my account." Yukino replied, a hint of steel creeping into her tone.
"Nonsense!" Haruno exclaimed, her smile sharp enough to cut glass. "What kind of big sister would I be if I didn't drop everything for my family?"
This brief exchange with Haruno was enough to make Yukino find herself wishing for the relative simplicity of her apartment.
As if sensing the rising tide of emotions, Renjiro cleared his throat softly. "Your mother is in the study, Yukino. I am sure she would love to see you."
Yukino nodded as she stepped into the hallway, only to feel Haruno's hand on her arm, halting her progress.
"Don't forget your peace offerings, little sister." Haruno murmured, her breath warming against Yukino's ear. "You will need all the help you can get."
With a final, inscrutable look, Haruno released her grip and glided past, disappearing deeper into the house.
At that moment, Renjiro's hand came to rest lightly on Yukino's shoulder, a silent gesture of support that spoke volumes.
"Once again, welcome home, Yukino." He said softly, before following in Haruno's wake.
…
.
Before long, the four members of the Yukinoshita family were settled in the refined elegance of the study.
They settled into plush leather armchairs, the rich scent of freshly brewed tea filling the room.
Yukino carefully distributed the gifts she had brought, and for a moment, the tension that had been lingering between them seemed to ease.
"Thank you, Yukino." Her mother spoke softly, her eyes meeting Yukino's for a moment.
"It was no trouble." Yukino replied, her tone a careful balance of politeness and sincerity.
Her mother gave a small nod, a gesture of acknowledgment more than anything else. "So. How was the trip?"
"It was... fine." Yukino answered, keeping her tone polite but detached.
But before she could continue, Haruno's voice cut through the moment with her usual playful jab.
"But why are you alone? Where's Hachiman, your boyfriend? Is he on his way?"
Her eyes darted down the hallway as if she expected him to appear at any moment.
Yukino's expression is a masterpiece of neutrality, though the corner of her mouth twitched ever so slightly.
"Haruno, that's enough." Their father's voice cut through the charged atmosphere, firm yet not unkind.
Haruno sighed, but her smirk remained intact.
Haruno sighed dramatically, her trademark smirk firmly in place. "Alright, alright. I will behave."
The glint in her eyes, however, made it clear that she was merely biding her time.
Yukino's father turned toward her, his steady gaze offering a silent sense of support.
"We are just glad you are home." He gave her a gentle nod, his tone soft.
Yukino allowed herself a small, grateful nod in return.
The family settled into the living room, the air easing somewhat as the conversation shifted to lighter topics.
Her father inquired about her school, asking for updates on her studies, touching on her trip. Even Haruno's occasional teasing remarks seemed to have carried less bite than earlier. But not for too long.
"So." Haruno said with a sly smile, leaning forward slightly. "How was Kyoto? Anything interesting happened there?"
Before Yukino could respond, their mother interjected, her voice soft but firm. "Haruno, I am certain Yukino had a productive trip. Let's not press too much."
Haruno shrugged, her smirk returning in full force. "Oh, I am just curious, that's all." The words dripped with false innocence.
A moment of quiet descended upon the room, but Yukino knew better than to hope it would last.
Sure enough, Haruno's eyes soon lit up with that familiar spark of mischief.
She held up her wrist with exaggerated nonchalance, as if suddenly remembering something of enormous importance.
"Oh... and mom, I didn't mention this, did I?" Haruno spoke, feigning innocence.
She twirled her hand slightly, catching everyone's attention with the soft clink of metal.
"See this bracelet? Isn't it lovely?" Her eyes shifted to Yukino, her grin widening. "It's a souvenir from Yukino's boyfriend."
Yukino froze, her fingers tightening slightly around the fabric of her dress.
Of course Haruno would bring this up, subtlety was never her forte when it came to teasing.
The mention of Hachiman in front of their mother, though, felt like a calculated move.
Their mother's eyes flicked to the bracelet, her expression unreadable.
"Is that so?" She murmured, her voice as composed as ever, though Yukino could feel the weight behind those words.
"Yes." Haruno continued, clearly enjoying herself. "Such a thoughtful gift, don't you think?"
Yukino cast her sister a sharp glance, her patience wearing thin. "Haruno, you are doing it again."
Their father, who had remained silent up until now, shifted slightly in his chair, his gaze moving between his two daughters before settling on Haruno.
"It seems you have taken quite a liking to him."
"Oh, didn't I mention?" Haruno's smirk widened. "I have met him a few times. He's… intriguing. Definitely not what I expected. And yes, I would say he has his own kind of charm, wouldn't you agree, Yukino?"
"Charming or not, I don't want to hear you chatter about it." Yukino interjected, her tone firm as she crossed her arms defensively.
To Yukino's surprise, Haruno nodded, her expression shifting to one of mock solemnity.
"Okay, I will stop the chatter."
But soon she understood the reason behind her retrieval, as she observed Haruno leaning back on her sofa, clearly satisfied with the minor chaos she had stirred.
"Hmm... isn't he the same young man who collaborated with Ryota on that game?" Renjiro mused, his deep voice resonating in the quiet room.
Yukino blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected question.
What game-!?
In that moment, a memory flickered to life.
Her mind raced, fragments of a conversation on a bus journey flashing through her thoughts.
Hachiman's voice echoed in her memory, cut short by an interruption just as he was about to mention something about [Candy Crush].
Haruno, ever the keen observer, caught the flicker of recognition in her sister's eyes.
A sly smile spread across her face, reminiscent of a cat that had just cornered its prey.
"Yukino, don't tell me Hachiman kept this 'hidden' from you?" She purred, her words dripping with mischief.
Yukino's spine stiffened, her voice sharp as she retorted. "Of course I am aware."
Dear Boyfriend, you better be ready with an explanation for this. She silently vowed to have a thorough discussion with Hachiman about this revelation.
Haruno, her curiosity piqued, turned to their father. "But dad, how did you come to know about him?"
Yukino found herself leaning in slightly, eager to hear her father's response.
Renjiro took a moment, as if carefully choosing his words.
"I haven't had the pleasure of meeting him in person." He began, his tone measured and calm. "But I am acquainted with someone from the company he partnered with for the game's development."
"So... what's your impression of him?" Haruno pressed, her expression a captivating blend of genuine interest and barely concealed mischief.
"He seems quite capable." their father replied, nodding thoughtfully as if confirming a long-held suspicion.
A small wave of relief washed over Yukino, though she was careful not to let it show on her face.
It seems even my family has also somehow fallen, Hachiman. She thought, a hint of pride coloring her inner voice.
However, before she could fully savor the moment, her mother's cool, collected voice cut through the air like a freshly sharpened blade.
"...well, if only his capabilities extended to choose the people he associates with." She remarked dryly, her gaze unwavering.
"Oh? You are still dissatisfied with his behavior, I see." Yukino's father commented with a slight sigh, his tone a mixture of understanding and mild amusement.
Yukino couldn't suppress the inward smirk that tugged at her lips. Except for my mother, it seems.
Curiosity getting the better of her, Yukino voiced her thoughts. "Is there something concerning Mr. Ryota?"
It was unlike her mother to form baseless opinions, and Yukino hadn't noticed anything particularly objectionable about the man, personally.
Even Haruno seemed intrigued, leaning forward slightly as if sensing the unveiling of a long-buried secret.
Their father cleared his throat, his casual tone belying the weight of his words.
"...well, there was a time when Haruno might have been engaged to him."
Yukino blinked in surprise. That's… unexpected.
"It was ages ago, when you were both still children." their father added, noticing the stunned expressions. "Don't worry about it."
As Yukino's thoughts raced, trying to imagine the seemingly ill-suited match.
I can't imagine Mr. Ryota would have been a good match for Haruno… and not to mention Haruno's interest.
….and considering that he is currently dating Ms. Hiratsuka, it's a moot point now.
Haruno herself dismissed the notion with a light laugh. "Ha! Funny, dad. But yes, he seemed decent enough."
Their mother, still visibly processing this information, raised an eyebrow. "You have met him? When was this?"
"Oh, it was when Yukino's boyfriend called to give me that souvenir. Ryota happened to be with him." Haruno explained casually, though Yukino detected a deliberate shift in her tone.
Yukino suppressed a sigh.
Once again, she manages to steer the conversation back to Hachiman. She thought, a mixture of exasperation and fatigue washing over her.
….
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[-After A Hour-]
As the evening drew to a close, Yukino retreated to her room, she let out a long, deep breath.
The unexpected revelation and her family dynamics had left her drained, yet somehow she felt a little lighter.
...but she could tell her mother was still unhappy about her staying in the apartment.
Lying in bed, she glanced out the window at the night sky, her thoughts drifting back to the clubroom, the way Hachiman had looked at her, and the quiet moments that seemed to say more than words ever could.
Um.. [Candy Crash], huh?
Yukino mumbled thoughtfully, her hand reaching out for her mobile.
.
….
[To be continued…]
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