Like a deer caught under the headlights of a truck, I freeze.

"...Yukino-chan?"

She calls out a little softly this time.

Was it too late for me to hide him? Is it even possible? Maybe under the bed? Or perhaps inside the closet? I look around the apartment for other options.

"I'm coming in..."

"Wait..." I cry out, but it was too late to stop her from pushing the door open. The door was locked, but it wasn't surprising for her to have a copy of the keys.

She steps inside with a grin as her eyes lock on mine. She then does a quick survey around the room as she closes the door behind her. Her eyes light up as her gaze settles down on Hikigaya-kun's shoes and she makes a victorious 'hah' sound. She takes her heels off and puts them carefully beside Hikigaya-kun's shoes while chuckling under her breath. She then walks towards me, a smile stretching from ear to ear.

"Yukino-chan, really, stealing my date from me. I didn't think you had it in you." She pauses to raise an eyebrow at my bathrobe. "I hope I didn't interrupt."

"I...I was thinking of taking a bath."

"Together?" She says with a leer. "Where is he, anyway?"

My eyes reflexively turn to the bathroom door before I could stop myself. I open my mouth to speak, but no words come out. What was the point of trying to deceive her? He'd come out sooner or later. And there was no way to fool her into thinking he wasn't here, not after seeing his shoes near the doorway. I raise my hand and point.

"Oh, so you're joining him then?" Her eyes brighten with glee.

"Um, no..." I shake my head hastily. "I...I was just making breakfast. I'll take my bath after he's done."

"Is that right?" She takes a peek at the kitchen. "I won't mind if you go in with him. In fact, I insist. I'll take care of breakfast." She winks.

"No, thank you. That's unnecessary."

"What are you saying? I'm trying to help you Yukino-chan! Let Nee-san give you her support!" She pokes my arm, as she walks into the kitchen. "Go ahead and have your bath. Take your time and enjoy! I promise I won't be a bother."

I stay rooted on the spot, trying to project my hostility. "You already are."

She takes a sweeping look at the ingredients. "Carbonara is it?"

"Nee-san..." I stop as I notice the bathroom door open a crack. I turn away from her to approach Hikigaya-kun. He was standing just behind the door, looking hesitantly outside.

"Hikigaya-kun?" I lean in and whisper.

"Hey," The door opens a little wider and he peeks out cautiously. "Why is she here?"

"Nee-san is here to check on me." I answer apologetically. "She's in the kitchen right now, working on breakfast. I'll try to make her leave once she's done. You can take a bath in the meantime."

"Um," He fidgets. "Does she know about..."

"She doesn't know for sure..." I sigh and my shoulders slump. "But she does have her suspicions. You know how she is. It doesn't help that I look like this." I gesture at my bedraggled bath-robed form.

"You look fine." He looks me up and down. "You look hung-over, that's all."

"I guess..."

Perhaps it's not too late? He did have a point. I am hung-over. I should look the part, at least. My eyes and lips looked suspiciously puffy, however. It might not be enough to get rid of Nee-san's suspicions. But that doesn't mean I shouldn't try.

I shake my head and focus on Hikigaya-kun. I asked him to take a bath so that I'd have time to talk to Nee-san alone, but how was he going to leave after he's done? In a towel? That would be a little strange considering where he was. Nee-san would certainly find it suspicious. I'd need to take his clothes from my room and hand it over to him discreetly.

Ah, yes, my room.

...which I left open.

A shriek makes us both jump and I turn around hastily to look for its source, worried not because I thought the person was in danger, but because the sound hadn't come from the kitchen. And just as I suspected, the kitchen area was now empty, and the door to my room was wide open.

"What happened?" Hikigaya-kun asks behind me.

Nee-san exits my room a second later and her eyes flicker as she takes a good look at me, her mouth twisting into a sadistic grin. I could just about see the thoughts running through her head, her delight at seeing the contents and state of my room, her suppositions of what occurred between Hikigaya-kun and I, and her ideas on how to take advantage of the fact.

I stay in place and wait for her to speak up as I dream idly of fratricide.

"Yukino-chan!" She moves swiftly towards me. "Nee-san would like to talk to you for a little bit. And oh, Hikigaya-kun! Good morning!"

She stops just in front of me to look over my shoulder at Hikigaya-kun, giving him a radiant smile.

"What are you two whispering about?" She chirps. "I'm making breakfast, Hikigaya-kun. A rather late one, but that's understandable, considering." She gives both of us a suggestive wink. "Why don't you join us? Is pasta okay? Or would red bean rice be more appropriate? But we don't have the ingredients for that though. Ah!" She claps her hand to her mouth, eyes widening. "We could have that for lunch! I'll just go out and buy what we need! What do you think?"

"No." We snap and glare at her.

"You guys are no fun." She pouts. "Ah well, the idea's a little outdated anyway, so I guess that's fine. I'll just make breakfast extra special to make up for it. I may not look it, but I'm pretty good at cooking you know!"

She examines the two of us for a few seconds longer. I look at her steadily, giving nothing away, or at least, I hope I was. With one last laugh, she heads back to the kitchen, tilting her head at me in a gesture to follow her. I glare at her and turn my attention back on Hikigaya-kun.

"Take a bath. You can use the Pan-san towel."

"Wait. What are we going to do about her?"

"Would you help me hide her body?"

He stops and stares at me oddly.

"...it was a joke." I add.

"They say jokes are half meant."

"Yes, I know."

He gives me a sardonic grin. "I'll talk to her. But could you pass me my clothes first?"

"No. I'd rather not have you lie for my sake. But I will get you your clothes. Just wait a moment."

"But..."

"Let me take care of it." I give him a reassuring smile. "Just take a bath in the meantime."

"Fine." He sighs wearily. "But the Pan-san towel? There's another one right beside-"

"The other towel is Yuigahama-san's."

His eyebrows rise but he doesn't comment further. I then walk back into my room to get his things, handing them over to him quickly. And with a tired sigh of surrender, I then proceed to the kitchen.

"Nee-san, I can take care of breakfast." I announce as I enter the kitchen area. Her back was turned towards me, she was busy preparing the ingredients. "You don't have to bother yourself. In fact, you don't have to stay here too. Please feel free to leave, immediately if possible."

"Is this cream still okay?"

"Yes, of course. I checked." I frown at her back. "What do you want Nee-san? I'm here, I'm safe and I'm fine. Go tell mother and leave me alone."

"That won't do Yukino-chan. You owe me for last night." She frowns at me disapprovingly, her voice tinged with annoyance. "Is that how you treat someone who's helped you out? I was the one who had to deal with mother and father yesterday. And mother was quite livid, mind you. You should have heard her go on and on, even father got his share. They were also worried. Quite a bit actually. You owe them an apology, Yukino-chan."

"I suppose I do." I sigh and carefully take a seat, wincing lightly. I was still feeling a little sore. And sitting on a chair with light padding felt somewhat uncomfortable. "And I'm sorry for last night as well, it wasn't my intention. I simply forgot to notify you. I'll make it up to you some other way, some other time. Perhaps you should go back and talk to mother? Let her know I'm fine so she doesn't worry?" I hopefully suggest.

She chuckles as she adds a little oil and salt into the pot. She then follows with the pasta sticks.

"We still need to talk." She turns to face me, arms crossed beneath her chest. "So... you and Hikigaya-kun, hm?"

I shrug noncommittally.

"So, how was it?"

"What do you mean?"

"Was he any good?" She bends forward, whispering conspiratorially.

I glare at her silently and she laughs dismissively at my reaction. "Tell me the truth, did you or did you not, sleep with him?"

I keep my mouth shut as she closes the distance between us. She puts her hands on the table to loom over me, giving me a fierce grin while our eyes locked.

"Come on, Yukino-chan." She whispers menacingly. "You can tell Nee-san. If you won't, I'll ask Hikigaya-kun. And I won't be nice about it."

I grit my teeth and try to stare her down.

"If you tell me, I'll forget about last night." She offers, her voice sweet. "And I won't tell mother what I saw in your room today."

I turn away worriedly. The threat was clear in her offer. If I don't answer, then she'll tell mother, letting her draw her own conclusions. That would be a truly horrifying scenario. She was making me choose between two evils. And the lesser one was her.

It was hardly a choice.

"Fine." I grudgingly mutter.

"Fine what?"

"Hikigaya-kun spent the night here." I answer vaguely.

"...both of you in the same bed this time?"

I keep my mouth shut stubbornly. I won't lie. But I couldn't bring myself to tell her the truth either.

Of course, my silence was just as good as a 'yes'.

She lets out a loud laugh while she claps her hands excitedly.

"Yukino-chan, I'm so proud of you!" She turns her back on me to check on the pot and busy herself with the other preparations. "You can talk to me about these things you know. I'd be glad to give you advice. I can teach you a few tricks. And if you listen to me, he'll be eating out of your hand in no time, I promise."

"I don't need your advice, Nee-san. I'm better off without it."

"Your loss." She shakes her head ruefully. "So, the two of you are dating now, huh? About time I think, really, how many years has it been since you started falling in love with him?"

"Stop running your mouth." I complain.

"It's a shame that you'll be in different universities once the new school year starts. It's not that far but he's surrounded by several women interested in him, you know. You won't be able to keep an eye on him if you're away. He might be tempted to sample other dishes..." She chuckles under her breath.

"He isn't like that." I answer back. "And we have still yet to talk about our... relationship. But I won't be going to Tokyo if I can help it."

"What do you mean?" She stops and turns to look at me with a frown.

"I'm going to ask father to let me stay here, again."

"No, not that. What do you mean you haven't talked about your relationship?"

"Exactly that." I say, feeling a little annoyed at her question."We haven't had the chance..."

"Oh? Is that all?" She gives me flat look. "How much did you drink last night? Were the two of you drunk?"

"I can't say I was sober, but I don't see what that has to do with-"

"So the two of you had a one night stand then?" She rolls her eyes at me.

"Of course not!" I reply hotly. "We've known each other for years, it could never be that simple. Or shallow."

"Fine then." She smiles indulgingly. "Anyway, you're going to ask father again huh? What makes you think he'll say yes this time?"

"I'm not sure if he'll say yes. But I'm going to try anyway." I clench my jaw in determination. "And I'll try harder this time."

"Well, good luck with that." She gives me a wry look before turning back to her cooking. "You really can't stand being around us, can you?"

I shake my head. "It's more than just that."

Her gaze flicks towards the bathroom door, and with a smile and a nod, she says, "Oh, I see."

"That's not it, either." I protest. "Though it is part of the reason."

"Really? You seemed to be okay with the transfer before last night." She grins suggestively. "He's that good, huh?"

"What are you talking about? It's not that. Last night... what it meant... what it means... simply tipped the scales." I grumble, stealing a glance at the bathroom door. "I have more reasons to stay, now."

"Hmm, that so?"

She continues to cook and I let her. There wasn't much I could do about the current situation anyway. Nee-san already knows. And it doesn't seem like she'll tell mother. So for now, we were safe.

A few minutes pass and Hikigaya-kun eventually finishes his bath, coming out of the bathroom looking refreshed. He approaches the kitchen right after, eyeing Nee-san warily. He then takes a seat beside me.

"You should take a bath." He suggests, eyes still following Nee-san, like a cat eyeing his prey. Or some larger predator, in this case.

"Do I smell that bad?"

I tease him, making him turn away from her to give me an affronted look. I smile to complete the joke and walk away, grabbing a change of clothes inside my room. I then proceed to the bathroom quickly. I wanted to be done as fast as I can, I didn't want to leave Hikigaya-kun alone with Nee-san for too long. It was easy to think what they would end up talking about without me there. I was worried what unnecessary things Nee-san might tell him about me.

And besides, the moment I enter the bathroom, I was assailed by thoughts of Yuigahama-san. Her shampoo bottle, her soap, her towel. Memories of moments we spent here, taking baths together, laughing and gossiping all the while. Traces of her presence were all around me and it made me feel immensely uncomfortable. The idea of taking a long hot bath became less appealing by the second and I go about my business as fast as I could.

I approach the kitchen after a little over a quarter hour, feeling a little better, physically if not emotionally. The food was ready, he and Nee-san were waiting. A cup of coffee and a plate of pasta were placed in front of and beside Hikigaya-kun, I take my seat next to him to start the meal.

"Okay now," Nee-san starts off. "Can you guys tell me exactly what happened last night? And don't skimp on the details! I want to know every juicy bit." She pouts and looks at me. "Hikigaya-kun wouldn't tell. He says he doesn't want to talk without you here."

Hikigaya-kun ignores her, his attention focused on his meal. I was now feeling a little pang of regret that it was Nee-san who cooked breakfast and not me.

"That's none of your business, Nee-san." I answer as I take my gaze off of him, distracting myself with a sip of coffee. "You have my thanks for last night and for making breakfast, but don't get carried away."

"Still so cold!" She complains. "And it is my business! I'm your big sis and I can't help but worry. Of course I'm glad the two of you got together, but I don't want somebody calling me aunt yet!"

We both stiffen up at her remark and she laughs at us gaily.

"Don't worry, I was only kidding," She continues. "I won't actually mind being an aunt."

"Nee-san, could you please stop?" I groan.

"And you, Hikigaya-kun. How could you just leave me last night?" She pouts at him. "Onee-san was pretty upset you know. A lot of guys would've killed to be my date, and you left me without even bothering to let me know. I got pretty worried too. I had to call Komachi-chan just to make sure you were safe."

"Huh?" Hikigaya-kun perks up. "What did you tell her?"

"Hm? Oh, I just told her you were with Yukino-chan. I didn't want Komachi-chan to worry needlessly. She's studying for exams right? With the two of you disappearing just like that, it was obvious you'd be together."

"Ah, thanks, I guess." He says grudgingly. "And how do you know about her exams anyway?"

"She and I are good friends!" Nee-san rolls her eyes and points her fork at him. "I think it's quite important for me to get along well with my future sister-in-law."

"Yeah, whatever." He grunts and goes back to his meal. Nee-san stares at him a moment longer, her expression oddly peaceful. She then turns her attention to me.

"So, what do you intend to do about mother?"

"I'll cross that bridge when I get there." I answer vaguely. I hadn't really thought about it much, unfortunately.

"You know she has plans for you." She looks at me pointedly. "She wants you to take my place. And when you do, you won't have the freedom to do whatever you want. But! There's also a silver lining. If you let her, it'll be easier for you to build your career later on. She'll do everything to secure your future." She shrugs. "It's not so bad, you know."

She was right. Of course. But if I put myself in that position, it would make a relationship with Hikigaya-kun near impossible. We could try again, a few years later, after we both graduate. But who knows what could happen? Would we still feel the same?

Wasn't I just being selfish? I understood why my parents wanted me close. Their intentions were noble. And yet...I was feeling an odd sense of urgency. What we had, between us, Hikigaya-kun and I was something fragile. I was afraid that if I didn't act to protect or preserve, it would be lost.

But there has to be a way somehow, to keep all the things I want, without causing pain.

"You shouldn't act too rebellious." Nee-san continues. "You wouldn't want to bite the hand that feeds you, would you? You have obligations to meet. Responsibilities to shoulder. And I won't always be there to share them with you."

"Wait." Hikigaya-kun suddenly breaks his silence. "Yukinoshita isn't going to do that. She's not going to run away from you guys. You know that."

"How can you be so sure, Hikigaya-kun?" She tilts her head at him. "She can be like our mother in some ways. Stubborn and selfish. That's why they can't get along. They see themselves in each other." She smirks at me.

Hikigaya-kun glares at her and he opens his mouth to retort but before he could, I reach out to grab his arm and squeeze lightly, signaling him to stop.

"Nee-san, I won't be running away." I turn to her and meet her gaze steadily. "I won't let mother run my life for me. But I won't leave her empty handed as well. I'll find a way to make things work."

"Oh?" She finishes her coffee in one gulp. "I hope you do."

She stands up, taking her plate and mug with her, putting them on the sink.

"I'll give you a few days to take care of things." She says. "I'll go talk to mother. Tell her you're not feeling well and that you'll stay here for a while."

She walks pass us with a wave. And she gestures me to stop when I try to rise from my seat. "Don't bother. I'll see myself out. Oh, and Hikigaya-kun," She turns his attention on him. "You owe me tea. Don't forget."

He stares back at her, face carefully blank.

I glance at the two of them, baffled at the exchange. But Nee-san doesn't elaborate, and Hikigaya-kun didn't seem to think much of it.

Hikigaya-kun and I stay on our seats, as we watch Nee-san walk out the apartment. She closes the door with a final wave at us, and we both sigh in relief as she exits.

I occupy myself with my breakfast, I was still feeling a little light headed and having something in my something would make things a little better. Beside me, Hikigaya-kun was sipping at his coffee a little listlessly, he was staring at something in the distance, deep in thought.

"So," I speak up, feeling curious. "Did you and Nee-san talk about something? What was that about tea?"

"Oh. That." He looks at me oddly. "You don't know? You were there too, I think."

"I was in the bath." I point out, confused by his reply.

"It happened a long time ago," He explains. "But it's not really important. It's nothing."

I ponder on his words. Trying to recall. "...tea..."

And in a flash of recollection, I understood. Of course. Years ago, when Hikigaya-kun met Nee-san for the very first time. She'd said something about having tea with him.

If he becomes my boyfriend, that is.

And is that what he is? After yesterday, he shouldn't be anything less. But does he see me as his girlfriend? Knowing him, he probably thinks it's impossible.

And I suspect he may be right. With Yuigahama-san and my parents to consider, how far could we go?

"Hikigaya-kun," I call out, feeling a little anxious. "Tell me, what... what's going to happen now? What are we?"

"I...don't know." He looks down at his coffee thoughtfully.

He was probably afraid of making an assumption. I understand the feeling, we were both in the same position. Our expectations, our desires, may not coincide. And if we were to find out that this was so. Our relationship would only turn to sorrow.

But I was ready. After last night, after giving him all of myself, why should I hold anything back? And there was no point in being too afraid, of staying in one place. Hikigaya-kun would not allow that. He desires honesty in a relationship. Normally, he should be the one insisting to define ours at this point. But considering the stakes, I could understand well why he would hesitate.

There's just no helping it then.

"Assume for a moment that I am absolutely fine with whatever decision you come up with." I take a deep breath. "That I will hold no grudge or feel no anger, if you were to choose not to continue this relationship. That you and I can stay the way we are if you do so, that we can forget that this ever happened. Assume as well, that I might be willing, and maybe even glad, to pursue," I make a sweeping gesture. "whatever this is."

I smile lightly at him, encouraging. I try my best to control my facial muscles. Hoping my smile doesn't turn into a desperate one.

"Tell me, Hikigaya-kun." I make an effort to keep my voice steady. "Tell me what you want."

He looks at me in the eye and we stare at each other. It may have been a minute, or maybe just a few seconds. But I felt time stop for me, and I held my breath, waiting. Eventually he sighs and puts his mug down, his face solemn.

"If this is... if whatever this is... is something you're okay with... then I'd like it to continue." he pauses to take a deep breath. "I want to know where this is heading. I want to know what this is. I want to know if what we're doing is right." he then smiles wryly. "It certainly feels right."

My smile turns into one of relief and gladness. I close the distance between us, kissing him on the cheek with a muttered 'pervert'.

"I don't find this too disagreeable myself." I say softly, it was like falling at the edge of a cliff only to find out you were saved because of a ledge just underneath.

But we weren't out of trouble yet.

"There will be problems , however." I continue. "And it won't be easy for us. We will both have to make sacrifices. And there are things that I won't be able to let go of. And if these become a strain on our relationship, I'm not sure of what might become of us. Most of these difficulties will be on my part, so I think you should have nothing to complain about."

"Thank you for condescending to be with me."

"Hmm, yes, you're quite welcome."

We share a quick smile.

"We will have to tell Yuigahama-san." I say bleakly. Voicing out my first concern. "I'm afraid of how she'll react."

"...she'll be fine. But I'll be there just in case."

"Thank you."

We pause for a solemn moment, considering the ramifications.

"So," I stand up and gather the dishes. "Have you heard from Komachi-san? I hope she wasn't too distracted by your absence."

"Nah, she's fine." He grumbles. "Too fine. She didn't even notice I was missing. My parents too."

"How unfortunate." I sigh dramatically. "And yet, not surprising."

"Yeah," He yawns apathetically, he then gives me a thoughtful look. "Hey... If you think about it. Your parents aren't so bad. They want to spend more time with you and stuff. And they were really worried about you last night too..."

"Yes, but that's understandable." I turn the tap on and start washing the dishes. "I am an asset to my family while you are simply a liability. Our situations are quite different."

"I'm an investment." He corrects me.

"One that has no returns." I say sadly. "And little hope for future income."

"That's why I'll marry rich."

"Is that why you chose me?"

"Who knows?"

He grins as I throw him a hostile glance. He offers to help me but I shake my head no. I finish washing the dishes quickly, putting them aside. I then dry my hands on a towel and turn to face him.

"So, what are your plans for the day? If you're waiting for something from me..."

"Uh, no. It's the other way around. Is there something I can do for you?"

"Oh, don't worry. I'll take care of things on my end. Though..." I take a seat opposite his. "Tomorrow will be another matter."

It would be best to meet with Yuigahama-san as soon as I can. Keeping it secret from her, even for a few days, might only exacerbate the situation. If she were to find out from someone else, it would spell disaster. Though there was only one other person who knew about us, that person was still the worst possible confidant, and I wouldn't put it beyond her to tell Yuigahama-san everything she knows on a whim.

"Ah, right." He nods in understanding. "Just call me before you two meet up. I'll be there. You sure you don't need me for anything?"

"Well..." I think about what I should do later. I would have to set an appointment with Yuigahama-san. But before that, I'll have to think of a way to mitigate the problems that are sure to come out once I tell her about last night. I would also have to look into what contraceptive to take, just in case. "No. I don't think there's anything you can do for me at the moment. I'll call you if something comes to mind."

"Ah, well, I guess that's that. I think I'll just go head out then." He pauses awkwardly. "I need to make lunch for Komachi too."

"Yes, that's fine." I smile.

He stands up from his seat and walks into the living room to gather the rest of his things. I walk into the bedroom to grab his jacket and hand it over.

"Hey, is it okay if I exit through the lobby?" He asks worriedly. "What if someone sees me and recognizes me? You might get into trouble."

"Wear your glasses and try not to act suspicious. It should be fine."

He nods at my answer. "So..."

Again, another awkward pause. Was he trying not to leave? No. That shouldn't be the case. Was he concerned about what I might think if he just left me alone? I frown at him, feeling a little puzzled.

"I don't have any plans this afternoon, but I do think I need some time alone." I tell him carefully. "I'll probably just stay here."

He nods at my answer, looking a little relieved and grateful. We walk together to the door and he stops just as he steps out.

"Um, about last night, I just want to say, thank you."

I look at him and his expression seemed to be serious. I laugh lightly in response.

"Yes, you should be grateful." I muster a haughty stare.

"Yeah." He laughs along with me. "I feel like I used up a lifetime's worth of luck. I wouldn't be surprised if I get into an accident and die the moment I leave this building."

"Not more than half, surely." I mumble. Since half of it probably would be mine.

"Why's that?"

"Oh, nothing." I wave it off. I then give him a warm smile. "I'm glad last night happened, Hikigaya-kun. Things may be bad for us in the future, but right now, I'm glad." I was still in doubt, however. If Yuigahama-san were to end our friendship and hate me, because of last night, would my words turn into a lie? I kept my smile in place, hoping my unease didn't show.

"Ah, that's..." He looks away, face red. "Yeah, well, I'm glad you feel that way. I-I should go."

On impulse, I step close and stand on my tiptoes, kissing him softly on the lips. I let my lips linger a second or two longer.

"Yes, stay safe. I'll see you tomorrow." I pull back.

"O-oh, right, I'll see you tomorrow." He replies, a little dazed.

I stare at his back as he walks unsteadily away. It was quite a joy to see and I was feeling a little giddy. To make him react this way despite everything that's happened made me feel a little hopeful for what's to come.

With one last wave, he steps into the elevator. I go back inside as the doors close and I head directly to the living room to check if he'd left anything behind. My eyes sweep the area and settle on the couch.

I walk around and stand before it. I then take a seat. I run my hands through the leather.

This was where we sat last night...

I raise my feet up to lie down on the couch, I curl myself into a ball and let my thoughts wander.

There were several concerns I needed to address.

My mother's desire to shape my future. Her wish to help, to reconcile with me, her wish for a better relationship.

My father's career. His support of my mother. His wish to make our family whole.

My sister's desire for independence.

Yuigahama-san's feelings and her friendship.

Hikigaya-kun. And my happiness.

It was all like a tangled yarn. Each of them was connected, somehow, to the rest. And like a cat I gnaw and paw at the ball, trying to make sense of the pattern, and perhaps untangle them.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Y-yukinoshita-senpai!" She exclaims in surprise.

It was an understandable reaction, since I rarely called or messaged her. The only reason I had her phone number was because she gave it to me when she asked for mine in return, back when we graduated. She was saying something about needing my help and guidance in the future. But the truth is, she was just spoiled. I didn't mind however, I was quite fond of her, in my own way.

"Hello, Isshiki-san. How are you?"

"Ah, well, I'm fineeee...?"

"That's good to know." I pause for a second. "About yesterday-"

"Ah! Right!" She interrupts me. "What's going on Yuikinoshita-senpai? Are you really leaving?"

There was a hint of worry in her voice. It was endearing to hear.

"Well... it is a distinct possibility. But I'm doing something about it."

"Ohhh, that's good then. It would've been troublesome without you here." She sighs in relief.

"...I said it was still a possibility. And what do you mean by troublesome?" I frown. She really was spoiled.

"A-ahh, wellll, you know!" She deflects rather vaguely. She then starts to laugh. "Anyway, how'd you like Senpai's disguise? I helped with the makeover you know! He looked really cool rightttt?" She pauses for a second. And her voice turns contemplative. "It was kinda creepy actually."

"Make up your mind." I put pressure on my temple and sigh.

"It was creepy that he looked cool. Senpai totally isn't the type you knooow?"

I smile fondly at her lazy speech and I belatedly add her as another reason for me to stay. Someone should be there to watch over her, after all. And it definitely shouldn't be Hikigaya-kun.

"Anyway, Isshiki-san. I wasn't calling to talk gossip with you. There's something I'd like to ask."

"Oh, sure! I'll do anything to help you Yukinoshita-senpai! You can totally rely on me for the small stuff!"

"That's not very reassuring." I grumble. "Well, it is something small..."

"Alright! What can I do for you Yukinoshita-senpai?"

"I need Hayama-kun's number."

There was a poignant pause on the other end. "Why?"

"It's nothing serious Isshiki-san. There's just something I need to ask him."

"Oh, uh, sure..."

"You sound suspicious..."

"Oh, no, no. I'm not Yukinoshita-senpai! It's fine, um. You don't have his number?"

"No, I don't." I answer simply. "Under normal circumstances, I'd have no use for it."

"I-I see... huh? W-wait... why are you asking me and not Yui-senpai?"

I sigh. She wasn't normally this nosy. Maybe I should've called Nee-san. "...because I can't. No need to dig deeper into it, Isshiki-san."

"Huh? You're acting really suspicious Yukinoshita-senpai..."

"Isshiki-san just give me his number." I sigh exasperatedly. "I'm going to call him just this once and ask him about something. It won't be a social call."

"Ah, yeah, of course. I'll message you his number then?"

"Okay, thanks." I hesitate for a second. "Isshiki-san?"

"Yes?"

"You..." I stop, was I overstepping my bounds? She is one of my friends, after all. Or at least I think she is. No, at this point, she should be. And I care for her more than I care for his privacy. So...

"...you should forget about Hayama-kun."

There was a silence on the other end. And it lasted long enough that I had to check my phone if she was still there.

"Ehh!? Wh-wha-what's this about?"

I flinch and put the phone away from my ear.

"My advice." I answer as I place the phone back carefully by my ear. "It's up to you if you want to listen or not."

"Errmm. W-why now?" She answers after a second. "Y-you didn't say much about these things before."

"Yes, you're right. But things change." I pause for a moment to think. "People change. Hayama-kun might be farther away from you than you thought."

"H-huh? Yukinoshita-senpai, did I do something bad to you just recently? A-are you mad at me or something?" Her voice trembles as she speaks and I start to feel slightly annoyed.

"No, I'm not mad at you." I sigh tiredly. "Just think about it, okay?"

"Ugh, f-fine."

"Oh, and Hikigaya-kun is off limits too." I add. I couldn't help it.

"Ehhhh?"

I smile as she continues to splutter. "And I'm serious this time, Isshiki-san."

"Wh-what's with you all of a sudden? What's happening!? Is there something I need to know!?"

I laugh lightly. "Send me his contact information, okay?"

"Eh!? Eh!?"

I end the call cheerfully. I was feeling a little guilty, but only just. It would be good for her to be on the receiving end every once in a while.

I receive Isshiki-san's message a minute later. I then call the number.

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AN

Soooo... I didn't make it in time. I failed to keep my self-imposed deadline. Again. orz

Holiday celebrations lasted longer than I thought. And I also landed a new job, a writing one (yey?). Unfortunately, every time I finish a work load and open my fic chaps, my brain is too flooded with BS I write at work and I'm like wuuuuuut.

So, I think I'm going to have to get a beta reader. I was on the fence about it at first. Since I make a lot of good changes every time I edit. But with my new job using up all my time and brain energy, I think it'd be faster if I get one. Someone sent me an email applying for the post once, so if you're still interested pm me? And I'd welcome a msg from others who might be interested too.

One other reason why I couldn't upload this chap earlier is because I had written another scene after the phone call. But I wasn't happy with it so I kept on editing it. But it's been too long without me updating so I decided I'd expand on it and use it on ch13 instead. So that's that.

Thanks as always for the reviews and pms! And I'm sorry if I made some of you worry. I know I said I'd be done by the 3rd. But RL stuff got in the way and I just didn't have enough time to work on the fic. But don't worry! Like I said in the prev chap. I did write an outline. So all I need is time. Really. I'll try to squeeze out as much of it as I can for this fic.

Anyway, see ya guys next chap!

Oh, and Happy New Year to everyone!