Hayato Hayama felt a bit helpless.
Yukinoshita Haruno had called him to the mall, and he was in charge of carrying her things.
On the surface, it seemed like she was interested in him—but he knew better. She only wanted to ask him some questions.
Questions about Yukinoshita Yukino, her Sister.
The relationship between Yukinoshita Haruno and Yukinoshita Yukino was notoriously strained. She rarely contacted her sister directly and usually learned about Yukino's school life through Hayato.
Hayato's father happened to be the legal advisor for the Yukinoshita family's construction company. Because of this, Hayato had always been courteous toward Haruno since childhood.
Of course, that was only a minor reason.
The main reason was simple: he liked Yukinoshita Haruno.
Haruno had been excellent in everything since childhood—perfect in his eyes.
Because he liked her, Hayato worked hard to improve himself, hoping to become someone worthy of her.
But ever since entering high school, he realized something: no matter how hard he tried, being with the eldest Yukinoshita daughter seemed impossible. So he hid his feelings, hide the feeling that he still loved her, even though he knew that for her, he is nothing more than a informer.
.....
"Hayato, do you know that student over there?" Haruno's voice called out.
Hayato snapped out of his thoughts and looked toward the direction she was pointing—Yuigahama Yui and Akira Fujimiya.
Yui quickly withdrew her gaze, while Akira looked out the window casually.
"That boy is Akira Fujimiya, the new member of the Service Club," Hayato explained.
"Oh?" Haruno's eyes lit up as she walked toward Akira.
Hayato followed closely behind.
Step by step, Haruno approached Akira.
"Can I sit next to you?" she asked, smiling.
Yui opened her mouth, about to protest, but Akira replied first:
"If you want to sit, please sit opposite me. I'm not used to strong perfume."
"Not used to perfume? Oh, Are you afraid your girlfriend will get a little jealous?" Haruno teased, looking at Yui.
Yui's cheeks flushed, and she quickly lowered her head—but inside, she was secretly thrilled.
"Hello, Akira-kun, Yuigahama-san," Hayato greeted.
"Hello," Akira replied politely.
Yui stayed silent.
She assumed Hayato and Haruno were a couple, so she didn't feel like interacting.
Haruno sat beside Yui, and Hayato sat next to Akira.
"I'm Yukinoshita Haruno, Yukinoshita's older sister. I'm looking for Mr. Hayama to ask about my sister's situation at school," Haruno said after ordering coffee.
She seemed to notice Yui's misunderstanding about her relationship with Hayato.
"You're Yukino-san's sister?" Yui asked, surprised.
"Yes," Haruno smiled and nodded.
"The difference between the two of you is like the difference between the sun and the moon," Akira commented dryly.
Haruno's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "The sun and the moon?"
"The moon brings a sense of calm but can feel distant. The sun gives warmth, but if you get too close, it can burn," Akira explained slowly.
"You're really interesting, Akira-kun," Haruno said with a quiet smile.
Then she looked at Hayato.
"Hayama-kun, do you also find Akira's words interesting?"
"Yes… very interesting," Hayato admitted, glancing at Akira. He couldn't tell if Akira meant it seriously or casually, but it felt like a reminder.
"Akira, you're a member of the Service Club. You see my little Yukino every day. Don't you find her cute? Are you… attracted to her?" Haruno asked playfully.
Yui peeked at Akira, curious.
"Cute?" Akira looked at Haruno, puzzled.
"Isn't Yukino-chan cute?" Haruno continued, smiling.
"Miss Yukinoshita… do you know what she's called at school?" Akira asked.
"Ice Princess?"
(Note:- it was flower of Gaoling, but i change it into Ice princess, it doesn't match as well as i thought but 🤷♂️)
"Exactly. Most people don't see her as cute—they think she's out of reach," Akira explained.
"Do you think so too?" Haruno asked, her eyes narrowing playfully.
Akira paused, then answered honestly:
"When we first met, I was stunned by Yukino's beauty. But after spending time together, I got used to the quiet atmosphere of the Service Club. For me, it's a great place to eat lunch and read in peace."
"You admire her beauty, I see… I don't believe you wouldn't be moved," Haruno teased.
"I admire Yukino-san, yes—but I want to stay out of her way," Akira admitted.
"You really are too much, Akira-kun… you said in front of me that you want to stay away from her," Haruno pretended to be aggrieved.
"It's getting late. Let me walk you home," Akira suddenly said, while standing up and turning towards Yui.
"Yeah," Yui replied, quickly standing.
Haruno didn't stop them from leaving.
After paying the bill, Akira naturally held Yui's small hand as they left. A hint of happiness showed on Yui's face.
Akira's respect for Yukino and his honest evaluation made Yui feel satisfied. If he had belittled Yukino, she would have felt he was lying—but he truly admired her.
After all, Yukino was the most beautiful girl at Sobu High School.
"Hayama-kun likes Miss Yukinoshita," Akira said suddenly.
"Huh?" Yui turned to look at him.
"The metaphor I made about Yukino and Haruno was a test. Haruno saw through it and used my words to remind Hayama-kun to give up on her. Hayama also understood the meaning," Akira explained carefully.
"And what about Yumiko?" Yui asked.
"There are many girls who like him at school. Miura is strong-willed; with her around, no other girls will interfere," Akira said, watching the sunset.
"…This…but....Yumiko…" Yui didn't know how to respond.
...
Not far from Yui's house, Akira watched her go inside before turning to leave.
He didn't know whether Yui would tell Miura Yumiko what happened today—but he did know that Hayato Hayama might act differently after this.
Would this change be good… or bad?
Akira looked up at the sky, while pondering silently.
...
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