After Yukinoshita Haruno asked her question, perhaps knowing her reputation for being sly, she didn't even wait for Minamoto Senya to answer. Instead, she launched into a detailed explanation to make sure he understood she wasn't joking.
"My mom has a close friend who's the chairwoman of a school overseas. It's already been decided for a long time—once Yukino graduates elementary school, she'll transfer directly there.
Normally I wouldn't meddle in things like this. But the truth is, Mom really likes you. She's been watching your growth with interest.
In her opinion, you're even more exceptional than Yukino, and someone like you deserves better educational resources.
So, if you want, she can take care of all the paperwork and arrangements for you to study abroad too. Just like now, you'd continue attending school alongside Yukino—only in another country.
And as for the costs, you don't have to worry. As long as you keep up your outstanding grades, that school offers scholarships every year. When you calculate it out, it's barely any more expensive than studying here at home.
So? What do you think?"
It was obvious Haruno had come prepared. Her words flowed smoothly in a long stretch, barely pausing for breath.
Senya understood perfectly well—this was, without a doubt, a wonderful opportunity.
As for the Yukinoshita family's generosity, maybe it was because of the long-standing bond between him and Yukino. Or maybe they truly thought he was too talented to be left without proper opportunities, and simply wanted to give him a hand where they could.
Either way, he appreciated the kindness.
But studying abroad had never been part of his plans.
Senya's tone was polite and sincere:"Thank you, Haruno-nee. Please also thank your mother for me."
That one sentence was enough for Haruno to understand.
A gentle refusal.
She wasn't surprised—based on what she knew of him, this was exactly how he'd respond.
Still, it was a pity.
Haruno sighed quietly, not for herself, but for her younger sister.
Senya might still be a boy in age, but his mind was sharp, his will firm. When he refused something, no amount of persuasion could change it. At least, not if it came from her.
"What a shame. My mom keeps saying that if someone like you could broaden their horizons abroad at such a young age, it'd do wonders for your future."
"…I'm a little curious, though."
"Oh? About what?"
"If that's how she feels, why didn't she send you abroad too, Haruno-nee?"
"Ah, that." Haruno smiled faintly. "The Yukinoshita family has completely different education plans for me and Yukino. It's tied to the family's future. I can't go into details, but… if you were one of us, then I could tell you."
She tilted her head playfully."So? Want to become part of the Yukinoshita family?"
At that moment, Haruno—the Yukinoshita family's elder daughter, now a second-year in middle school—sat with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.
To describe her, you could borrow Du Mu's line: "Slender and graceful at thirteen, a flower bud just at the cusp of spring."
Thirteen years old, delicate and light as a budding branch, her presence carried an untainted freshness.
Just sitting there, smiling faintly, she was a picture of beauty.
Day by day, Haruno was growing up…
Senya quietly sipped his water and offered no reply.
Which only seemed to brighten Haruno's smile.
The two of them chatted for another half hour, shared lunch, and parted around one in the afternoon.
It was March, still winter break. With no pressing tasks at home, Senya slipped under the kotatsu, munching on sunflower seeds while watching TV.
By three, his father returned with bags of groceries.
Recently, Minamoto Sanada hadn't been working.
Since late February, he'd taken a long leave of absence—already more than half a month.
Before that, he'd told Senya to take care of himself and even asked the neighbors to look after him, before heading off to Hokkaido for about a week.
Senya hadn't minded. In fact, he supported it.
His father had no real hobbies, living each day on a strict work-home routine. Life didn't need to be so mechanical—taking some time to relax was a good thing.
"Here, have a tangerine." Sanada handed him a peeled segment.
Senya arched an eyebrow, noticing the hesitation flickering across his father's face. Clearly, he wanted to say something but didn't know how to start.
Rather than pressing, Senya pretended not to notice and kept watching TV.
Finally, after half an hour, Sanada seemed to gather his courage.
"Senya."
"Mm?"
"Well… this is a little sudden, but… I want to introduce you to someone."
"A friend of yours?"
"Yes. A friend. But… soon, probably more than that. You might not remember, but you've actually met her before."
"I remember. That night she got drunk."
"Right, that's her. The truth is, I've been meaning to tell you. That woman and I… we have feelings for each other. So, we started dating. When I went to Hokkaido last week—it wasn't just me. I went with her."
"..."
Senya set down his sunflower seeds.
He looked at his father with newfound respect.
If he remembered right, that woman was married!
To think that his quiet, serious old man… had managed that.
Sanada, oblivious to his son's shocked reaction, was focused only on how to make his son accept this late-blooming second spring of his.
"She and I both felt it wasn't right to keep you in the dark. So… we wanted to tell you openly, and hear what you think."
What he thought? He'd already voiced it years ago.
In truth, Sanada had always been a considerate father. With his looks, the fact that he'd only once ever brought a woman home all these years proved he was mindful of his son's feelings.
"Don't worry about me, Dad. If you really like her, of course I'll support you. You've worked so hard for so long—you deserve someone to stand by you and take care of you."
Hearing his son's words, Sanada's eyes grew misty.
But as the saying went, a man doesn't shed tears lightly. He forced himself to stay composed, not wanting to show weakness in front of his son.
He swallowed hard. "Then… how about this? I'll invite her, and the three of us can have dinner together. Get to know each other properly."
Senya had no objection. It was winter break; his schedule was wide open.
Sanada, too excited to wait, set the meeting for that very evening.
At seven o'clock, father and son arrived at a Western-style restaurant.
It was obvious Sanada was nervous—fidgeting, restless, unable to sit still.
Amused, Senya found himself playing the role of comforter, reassuring his father.
Thankfully, the woman didn't keep them waiting long.
As soon as she arrived, Sanada began introductions. "This is my son, Minamoto Senya."
"Good evening, ma'am."
The woman—beautiful, refined, but clearly anxious herself—smiled nervously."Ah, hello, hello! Your father only told me at the last minute, so I didn't have much time to prepare. I brought you a little gift, though—I hope you like it!"
"Thank you."
"No, no, it's nothing!"
Senya accepted the small paper bag. Inside was a warm-looking brown scarf.
Sanada chimed in at the perfect moment. "Senya, you can just call her Takanashi-san."
"Understood. Thank you for the gift, Takanashi-san. I really like it. You were very thoughtful."