"Hey Bro, there's a taxi in front of our ho- ahhh… What?"

The situation was pretty simple. I was heading out to attend the damned formal event. Komachi meanwhile noticed the cab outside and decided to share the news. Then it dawned to her that I headed for the exit in an expensive formal suit with a pair of equally expensive black shoes in one hand and a coat in another.

The result was that she stared at me her with mouth forming a perfect O and eyes becoming wider than Tokyo Bay.

"Bro?.. Where did get this suit? I don't know something about you?"

I stopped.

"Bought by Yukinoshita for… the formal event. Right, I forgot to tell. I promise I'll tell you later-"

Komachi appeared lost in thought.

"Hmmm, hmmm, hmmm… Bought by Yukino-san, huh, hmmm… For the event, he said… Aha!" Suddenly she slapped her fist into the palm, realizing something. I could swear I saw a light bulb over her head. "Ohooo! Got it, got it! Best of luck then, leave mom and dad to me! Komachi will handle things!"

She abruptly hugged me.

"Bro's so grown up now… Komachi really really happy..." She raised her face and looked me square in the eye, her tone suddenly getting completely deadpan. "If you ever mess things up with Yukino-san, Komachi will feed you to Kaa-kun. Komachi's real serious right now. Are we clear?"

I eagerly nodded.

"Clear."

"Good." She released me and slapped my back. "Good luck, Bro. Komachi's with you and all."

I smiled despite myself.

"Will do."

After putting on my shoes and coat I approached the cab, smiling at Komachi's shocked state when she saw me, when I suddenly realized one thing.

The girls would be dressed up too. Somehow I knew for sure I was going to mimic Komachi very soon.

Somehow I didn't mind that at all.

"Good evening. Get in." That's Yukinoshita. Short white coat only showed the lower half of her plain midnight blue dress reaching her knees, with black stocking-clad legs and elegant black high heels showing underneath. On her hands were thin black gloves, while a couple of simple yet elegant droplet-shaped earrings adorned her ears. For some reason her hair was undone, with only her usual red ribbons for decorations.

"Hey, Hikki!"

Yuigahama was next to her, wearing a coat too. The dress underneath was orange and slightly shorter than Yukinoshita's. On her feet were the gray heels, and her hair was gathered in a simple loose ponytail. She too wore the earrings, diamond-shaped in her case.

"H-hey."

I managed to nod to both of them and sat on the back seat, closing the door.

"Makuhari Messe please." Yukinoshita directed the driver, who nodded. The car started moving.

Sitting elbow to elbow with Yuigahama was uncomfortable. Distraction, I need a distraction… oh.

"Hikki, what are you rea- wait, why do you have a book with you?!"

"Hm? Ah, it's a backup option in case I get bored." Which I certainly will. "Besides, it perfectly fits into the jacket pocket."

"I so can't believe it… And I really should have expected that… Yukinon, don't tell me you do that too."

"Actually not," Yukinoshita smirked. "I'm a prominent young lady and we don't bring books to the social events."

I just looked at the prominent young lady in question. Her smile slowly faded as she averted her eyes under my stare.

"That and Mother always took the books away." Yukinoshita finally added. "So it's only a small music player now. Here."

She reached for her small pouch and fetched a player with neatly folded earbuds.

"Heyyy! Not you too! What's with you quiet types! Boo!" Yuigahama pouted, then muttered: "At least share the earbuds with me."

"Sure," Yukinoshita smiled and handed her the aforementioned earbud, which Yuigahama gratefully grabbed.

"Hmm… what's it, jazz?" She noted after putting it into her ear.

"Yes. It's my usual choice when going out. It helps me calm down."

"Oh." Yuigahama sat straight, reached for her ear with her fingertips, closed her eyes and started listening.

The rest of the trip was quiet.

"The checkroom's here," Yukinoshita helpfully pointed.

I looked at the girls while taking off my coat.

Yukinoshita's dress turned out to be strapless, accentuating the fine lines of her figure while exposing her slender snow-white shoulders and collarbones, with the gloves appearing reaching her elbows. The dress Yuigahama wore was sleeveless turtleneck, showing off the curves of her body and chest. On her neck was the necklace matching her earrings.

Somehow, no matter how much I looked at them, they didn't provoke any lewd thoughts. Instead, as the acute realization hit me, they looked just plain beautiful.

"You're… looking good tonight," I finally said and immediately felt doubt overcome me. Was I supposed to say it? Was it appropriate? Was it expected of me? It's not like it's something I say a lot why did I have to say it at all aaaaaaagh they'll laugh at me-

"Thanks."

"Thank you."

They were slightly blushing now. This certainly wasn't the reaction I expected. I suddenly felt uneasy. I didn't think this through at all, now did I...

"Shall we… go?"

"Nuh-uh." Yuigahama shook her head and raised her hand, stopping me. "Yukinon!"

"Right." Both girls stepped to me, Yuigahama holding my shoulders from behind and Yukinoshita starting to smooth my collar.

"W-what?"

"You don't look half bad either, I might say," She said stretching up my jacket. "Though you need several finishing touches."

With that she moved on to my sleeves.

"Ummm..."

"Stand still," Yukinoshita ordered me. I complied, trying not to move and fighting all the tickly sensations caused by tugging my clothes here and there.

After some time I felt the pressure off my shoulders.

"Now we shall enter," Yukinoshita said with a satisfied nod.

As we walked the corridor, she said:

"Hikigaya-kun, set your back straight please."

"That again?" I sighed complying. "Done, Milady."

She nodded.

"I will remind till it kills you."

"Yes, Milady."

She sent me a sidelong glance.

"Are you by any chance mocking me?"

"... Not at all, Milady."

Yukinoshita pouted. Yuigahama giggled into her hand.

The hall we entered looked somehow like I expected, with the pompous interior, tables with snacks in the corner and many people in formal wear. They probably were well-known enough, but I didn't bother recognizing.

"Oh hey, it's Hayato!" Yuigahama exclaimed and waved.

Indeed, not far from us was Hayato Hayama. Along with him, to my surprise, were Isshiki and Miura. The latter seemed to chastise the former who was standing with the tray full of snacks, apparently intending to feed Hayama. The guy in question stood between them with his usual stiffly polite smile, obviously trying to mediate.

Good thing I'm not the protagonist of a dumb romantic comedy…

Hayama saw us and waved. Both Isshiki and Miura followed him with their eyes and noticed us too. All three headed here. Me and Yukinoshita briefly nodded to them. Yuigahama wasn't that rude.

"Hayato, Yumiko, Iroha-chan, yahallo!"

"Yahallo, Yui-senpai, Yukinoshita-senpai! Hello to senpai too, by the way."

"Hey there. Thanks for not forgetting about me too."

"Oh come on, like I really would do it." Isshiki put her hands behind her back, leaned forward and looked at me coyly. "Don't you have something to say, senpai?"

With that she stood up straight and made some turns left and right, showing off her surprisingly modest lime dress.

Ah, got it.

"Mhm. You're the cutest in the world. Now shoo."

"That's mean, senpai!"

"Hi, Yui." Miura meanwhile greeted us. "And… Yukinoshita, Hikio, hello to you too."

"Good evening, Miura-san."

"Yo."

Miura nodded to us straightening the hem of her pink dress. While not as cordial as with Yuigahama, she and Yukinoshita weren't cold to each other anymore. Meaning Yukinoshita got one more acquaintance.

"Evening everyone," Hayama finally got a chance to greet us properly. "Nice to meet you here."

"The pleasure's mine, Hayama-kun." Yukinoshita replied. Her treatment of him had also slightly improved since back then. "We can stay with you if you don't mind. I have some time before Mother will come for me."

"I don't mind," Hayama replied.

The newly-formed circle started the conversation. I listened to it, not paying much attention and trying to plan on what I was going to do here.

From the corner of my eye I spotted a gorgeous woman in a long peach dress coming to us.

"Yukino. Good evening. I'm really glad you came here." She nodded to us and looked at Yuigahama. "Gahama-san… was it?"

"Yuigahama."

"Oh, pardon. So, Yukino," She turned to Yukinoshita. "It's time to join our guests."

Yukinoshita's shoulders sagged. She made a deep sigh, seemingly to soothe herself.

"I know, Mother." she finally replied and turned to us. "I'm afraid I'll leave you for now. Hopefully I'll join you later."

With that they left.

What, I'm ignored again?

Meanwhile people entered the central opening.

"Hey, Hikki, dancing!"

"Hm? Well, yeah, they are..."

"Dummy."

Yuigahama held my hand tight and dragged me along.

"Wha-wait-hey!"

Too late. We were now among couple dozen pairs ready to dance.

The music started. Some slow pompous waltz. I hesitated for several seconds, but, seeing one of the pairs approach us on the crash course, decided to move. What was that, left foot back…

Yuigahama more or less smoothly followed me, looking right into my eyes. Almost like Yukinoshita instructed her.

And there we were, slowly spinning counterclockwise, me gently holding her hand carrying her back, her palms resting in my grasp and shoulder. Her cheeks were faintly red. So probably were mine.

Yuigahama clearly enjoyed herself. I couldn't help but remember that time in Kasai Rinkai park back then.

"Hey, Yuigahama..." I decided I was comfortable enough to start talking.

"Hm?"

"Why did you so eagerly drag me here?.." Only after saying it I realized I've expressed the question in the rudest way possible, but decided to continue. "After all you said back then… Why?.."

Several emotions showed on her face one after another: bewilderment, frowning, even eye-rolling, then finally a warm knowing smile.

"So what, dummy? I want to dance with you."

"Y-yeah..." I honestly was at a loss. What else could I reply to this?..

The music stopped. Yuigahama stepped back and curtsied, somehow clumsily but still with a happy smile. I awkwardly bowed.

"Thanks for the dance, Hikki. Not bad, you know."

"You're not the one to judge."

"Whatevs."

We slowly approached the other three. Turned out Miura did get him to dance with her and now returned clearly happy.

"Yumiko, did you dance too?" Yuigahama approached her with a clear intention to chat between dances.

"Yeah, w-with Hayato."

"Ah, congrats. How was it?"

"Well..." Miura hesitated and looked at Hayama, who immediately understood and nodded with a smile.

"Iroha-chan, I apologize but can you leave us alone?"

"Hm? Hayama-senpai, what's wrong?"

"Nothing. Next dance is yurs, as I promised. We have plenty of time."

"Can't wait! Be right back."

Hayama watched her leave, then made an incredibly heavy sigh.

"What, tired of them?"

"No." He shook his head. "Just wanted some time alone."

"Doesn't sound any different to me."

"That's because you're you," Hayama laughed. "There are things they'd like to discuss without us boys anyway."

"Huh."

We fell silent, just standing by each other and looking around. He apparently didn't have anything to say, and I was perfectly fine with that.

Isshiki, Yuigahama and Miura were lively chatting not far away from us. I kept one eye on them while trying to find Yukinoshita in the crowd. Finally I spotted her together with her mother and an unknown man, probably her father. They talked to a small group of people gathered around them.

"By the way, Hikigaya-kun," Hayama suddenly said. "Were you invited by Yukino-ch… I mean Yukinoshita-san?"

I frowned at his slip, but let it slide.

"Yeah. Something along the lines of allowing her to invite two acquaintances." I looked at the girls again. "Do you have something similar?"

"No," he shook his head. "I just wanted to take them along, is all."

"What, both at the same time?" I rolled his eyes at him. "You clearly didn't think this through."

He laughed.

"True that-" Suddenly his smile disappeared. "-crap. Don't turn around."

"Yes, yes, the event in Ikebukuro, with both families- oh. Ohhhhhhhh."

I knew that voice all right. Thanks, Hayama, but it's too late now.

"I'm sorry, I've just spotted an unexpected acquaintance of mine. I'll come by later!~"

I turned and prepared to meet Haruno Yukinoshita head-on.

There she was, in the little black dress, and I do mean the definitive article since it was Hepburn's exact copy. Her stroll was light and playful while her face was adorned by a smile both wicked and flirty at the same time.

"Guess who I seeeee~! My, my, Hikigaya-kun, how did you manage to sneak in? Or was it more like smuggled in?" At this point she approached me, deceptively slowly, her hips swaying. She looked above and put her finger on the cheek.

"Ah! Right! My dear substitute little sister took you along so as she would evade all the scary men asking her to dance. Am I right? Am I riight?~" She poked my cheek and I reflexively dodged it. "Ah. I overdid it again, didn't I? Big sis is such a clutz. Sowwwyy."

I only quietly grimaced.

"Oh look at it, it's this trademark grumpy face of yours again. I missed it too, you know. And now that I've encountered you..." I felt her finger tracing my ear, which immediately lit up. She leaned in to me, tickling my face with her breath. "Would you care for a dance?"

I gulped and took a step back.

"N-no."

She tilted her head.

"That was a rhetorical question. You're a smart boy, you know what rhetorical means, don't you?~ Once again: would you care for a- hey!"

At this moment I felt something warm and velvety firmly grab my hand. I was yanked out of Haruno-san's reach and tugged… somewhere. Probably outside.

"Yukino-chaaaan! I was only jokiiing, return him back pleeease!" Haruno-san pleaded. Not that she really meant it.

The hand tugged stronger and we broke into run. It indeed was Yukinoshita dragging me. I couldn't say for sure where we were going, but the banquet hall was farther by the second.

Yukinoshita finally released my hand and slowed down to walking pace. She clearly was out of breath.

I stepped near her, syncing my walking speed.

"Thanks, Yorda." I mumbled.

"Sorry?"

"No, nothing… I mean, thanks."

"Nothing to thank for. You really should not let her approach you." Yukinoshita rebuked, pouting.

"Sorry, won't happen again."

She just sighed, shook her head and somewhat tiredly smoothed her hair with both hands. I noticed a brief sidelong glance at me, but didn't say anything.

We walked on. Out of the corner of my eye I quietly watched the girl taking measured steps beside me. The clicking of her heels was muted as continued walking while catching her breath. For some reason she reminded me of a stray cat carefully treading the street.

Finally we reached some sort of recreation area. Two sofas, large window showing us the night city, couple of vending machines by the wall.

I guided Yukinoshita to one of the sofas.

"I think you should rest."

She looked around and hesitantly nodded.

"Alright."

After taking Yukinoshita to her seat I went to the vending machines to get some drinks.

What do we have here… The assortment of drinks wasn't all that different from the street vending machines, meaning MAX Coffee was there. I could go anywhere around this city and still find a can or two. I really loved Chiba.

Now something for Yukinoshita… Huh. Strawberry Yasai Seikatsu. The one she sent me for when we had first met Yuigahama. And she didn't pay for that either. I smiled wryly despite myself. Back then I was too much of an inept coward to refuse or demand money; though I probably should have. That was really unbecoming of you, miss Model Student.

I tried to be annoyed by the fact and failed. That stupid box of juice was a thing of the past now. One year of knowing someone can do that to you. Probably. Not that I had ever forgiven anyone after getting to know them for so long before. Come to think of it, not that I have ever known all that many people for that long…

With these thoughts I inserted the coins again and grabbed the juice box. Holding it and the coffee in my hands I returned to the sofa, noticing Yukinoshita's eyes fixed on me.

"Here."

"Thank you," she nodded and took the beverage. "How much was it?"

"Don't bother."

Yukinoshita frowned and sent me a disgruntled glance.

"Spare me the chivalry, Hikigaya-kun."

She stood up and approached the vending machine, then returned to me. Taking her small purse out, Yukinoshita fished out several coins and offered them to me.

"My half. Do not argue please."

"Stubborn, are you."

Yukinoshita rolled her eyes, then suddenly grabbed my hand, turned my palm upwards and put the money there. Because of that velvety feel on my skin yet again I didn't get to voice my protests; by the time I opened my mouth Yukinoshita had returned to her seat already.

"...You still didn't have to," I uttered looking at the coins in my hand. Wait…

"Yukinoshita, that's twice the amount."

"I know. I am good at mathematics. Or at least better than you are," Yukinoshita replied turning her head to me.

"Figured that much, smarty-pants," I looked back in annoyance. "I'm asking why."

Yukinoshita suddenly halted and looked sideways.

"When we were solving Yuigahama-san's request… I didn't pay you for the drink. It had bothered me… ever since..." Her voice became quieter with each word.

I looked at the money in my hand once again.

"Don't think I'm bothered by it anymore anyway." I finally said tossing them into the pocket.

Yukinoshita looked at me for several seconds. Then she closed her eyes and put her hands on her lap, stretched her back and leaned back on the sofa. I silently watched her bare shoulders move forward, then backward again, into the relaxed position.

"Can we stay here longer?" she asked with her eyes still closed. "I'd like to recover from the crowd... I suspect you would want some too."

"Sure would." I stretched my hands. "Might as well sneak back home."

Yukinoshita touched her forehead with her glove-clad hand. Sighing, she opened her eyes and looked at me with a somewhat miffed expression.

"No. You are staying. Please do a favor to me and Yuigahama-san." Seeing something on my face she shook her head. "Really now, Hikigaya-kun. Are we that much of a bother?.."

I stared at the soles of my boots.

"... No." I finally uttered. "Sorry. Reflexes."

"Oh," she replied; out of the corner of my eye I noticed her lips upturning a little. Seeing her opening up her pack of juice I turned to my coffee can.

Leaning back on the sofa I felt slight pressure against my left side. I have forgotten I had been carrying my book all this time. Truly a forgotten treasure.

I was about to take it when Yukinoshita called me.

"Um… Hikigaya-kun..."

I turned my head to see her holding her music player in one hand and fiddling with the earbuds in the other. For a second I wondered where she kept it only to notice a small pocket on her dress.

"I know this sounds out of left field… but how about a dance?"

I blinked.

"O-okay, why not. Let's return then-"

"No," she stopped me. "I meant we dance here."

I blinked some more.

"Yeah, well, how? We don't even have anything to dance to."

"We do, in fact," Yukinoshita showed me the player in her hands. "So… Would you care for a dance?"

I paused.

"Okay."

I stood up and approached her. In response Yukinoshita also rose up and reached for her player. Then, as if remembering something, she whispered 'oh', unbuttoned the gloves and put them off, carefully laying them on the sofa. Taking the player again she handed me the earbud. I took it and carefully inserted into my ear. Yukinoshita did the same. Now we were standing a palm length's apart from each other, drawn together by the short earplugs cable. Yukinoshita stared at my face for several seconds, then quietly coughed as if to hide her embarrassment and turned her attention to the player. After selecting a song she handed it to me

"Keep it in your pocket, please."

I did as she told me to. So, what was it… right. Hand on her shoulder blade, take the other hand into mine. I felt my heartbeat spike when I touched her hand… For a moment I wondered if it would be like this everytime we touch.

Yukinoshita meanwhile put her free hand on my shoulder and straightened her back. A wild thought crossed my mind: boy was she small and frail right now. Then the music started.

A soft, slow jazz song, the one I actually recognized. The rhythm was distinctive enough, so I picked it almost immediately and made a step forward. Yukinoshita followed suit...

We started dancing, slowly moving in a circle within the recreation corner. The only source of light were muted luminescent lamps on the ceiling, completed with the illumination from the vending machines. I moved to the song in my ear, my movements more confident with each step. Yukinoshita followed my lead. At one point her lips started moving. It took me a while to realize she was whispering the song's lyrics. We kept on stepping together.

Lately I often can't help but think of what will become of us; of how will our relationships fare in the future. Sometimes I'm optimistic about it all, mostly not. Past was full of shame, future was full of anxiety. That's how I always thought.

Then there was right now, and suddenly I was acutely aware of this particular "right now". In this "Right now", past was full of shame, future was full of anxiety and in the present me and Yukinoshita, wearing the most impeccable formal attire, in some dark corner of this community center, were dancing to the ages-old song coming from a player and a shared set of earbuds. From time to time we dared to look at each other, unable to do anything with the bright pink tint on our cheeks. I felt her faint breath against my face and inhaled the barely noticeable aroma of her perfume. Her back under my fingers was warm, easily felt through the thin fabric of her dress.

No matter how much I tried afterwards to remember anything else beside that during those several minutes, nothing came to mind. Maybe there was indeed nothing aside from that.

The song ended. Both of us stopped near the wall. After several hesitant moments I handed back the player, took a step back and bowed as smooth and I could. Yukinoshita looked at me in surprise, but then smiled and elegantly curtsied. A wave of embarrassment suddenly overcame me, making me turn away scratching my head.

"I know that song, by the way. 'Dream a Little Dream of Me', right?"

"Correct. I'm surprised you know it, actually."

"My old man used to listen to old jazz singers a lot. You know, Ella Fitzgerald, Doris Day, all that… I remember him having a whole box of CDs. Though he stopped listening to them around the time I turned twelve. Wonder where that box is right now."

"It would be nice if you found it then. Those songs are really beautiful after all."

"Yeah." I fell silent. Hesitating for several seconds, I decided to add:

"Umm… Thanks for the dance, I guess."

"You're welcome," I heard Yukinoshita say. "I liked it too. And, by the way..."

I turned to her, noticing the teasing undertones in her voice. Her smile was more smug now as she covered her mouth with her fingertips.

"For the reference purposes… was it better than the Air Oklahoma Mixer?"

That was overkill. All I could do in response was drop my jaw and make a barely sentient nod.

"Oh. That's how it is then," She nodded closing her eyes and smiling, genuinely this time. "I'm glad."

"Mmmhm." I sighed. "I think it's time to go back. Rescue Yuigahama from your sister, you know."

"Indeed. That was selfish of us to forget about her. Shall we?"

I smiled despite myself.

"Yeah."