Chapter 81 - 81: How Could Things Ever Stay the Same?

As Yukino's voice echoed through the living room, the atmosphere shifted. The fat cat lounging on the couch seemed to sense the tension. Letting out a soft meow, it quickly leaped off and disappeared into the shadows. Haru met Yukino's gaze—calm on the surface, yet concealing a turbulent storm underneath. His voice was heavy, tinged with guilt. "…I'm sorry." The instant those words left his mouth, her eyes trembled. She had always been sharp. In that single moment, she had already pieced things together. Almost instinctively, she asked, her voice detached, "You and Kasumigaoka-senpai?" "…Yeah." When it came to matters of the heart, Haru had never wanted to lie to her. Just as he had once told her, word for word, how he had rejected Utaha's confession in the past—now, he could only give her the truth. The moment he admitted it, the air in the room froze. Three seconds passed. Yukino averted her gaze, picking up the remote to lower the volume of the television. Her voice was quiet. "I know you have a habit of being an idiot, but this isn't something you should joke about." Haru felt his chest grow heavier. She was trying to run away from it. No—she was giving him a chance. If he were to say, "I was just joking," she would pretend none of this had happened. But the crack between them would remain. Haru took a deep breath. "I'm not joking. Kasumigaoka—" "I said if you keep this up, I'll get mad." Her voice rose slightly. Her slender fingers fidgeted with the remote, as if attempting to change the channel, yet in the end, she never pressed the button. Finally, she tossed the remote aside. Her sharp eyes locked onto his, piercing straight through him. But Haru's response remained unchanged—guilt, regret. "I'm not lying." A second passed. Then two. Then five. Yukino closed her eyes for a brief moment before opening them again. "…Why?" Haru had no answer. He couldn't tell her that it was Utaha's unwavering devotion, her reckless love, her willingness to give him everything—those feelings had shaken him. He could have shifted all the blame onto Utaha. If he did that, Yukino would probably forgive him. But that would be a coward's way out. He had already accepted it—when he was moved by Utaha, he had already became a scumbag. At the very least, he should take responsibility. Yukino waited. When no answer came, her carefully maintained composure finally began to crumble. She stood up, her voice cold. "Why aren't you saying anything? You're not usually like this." Haru let out a slow breath. "Because if I speak, it'll only sound like an excuse. And I don't want to lie to you." "…Scumbag." Her voice was emotionless. Haru didn't refute it. The television, now muted, continued playing its program. The ceiling lights illuminated the living room, but the divide between them was stark—the television screen acting as an invisible wall of separation. Yukino opened her mouth as if to say something, but when the words reached the tip of her tongue, she found that, for the first time, she couldn't articulate them. She sat back down, fingers pressing against her temple as if trying to ease an oncoming headache. Her teeth bit down on her lower lip. "…Have you told anyone else?" "No." "Then why are you telling me now?" Her voice cracked, her usual control slipping. Her eyes, usually so composed, burned with disbelief and fury. "If you hadn't told me… then…" "It wouldn't have changed anything, Yukino." Haru forced a bitter smile. Yukino froze. She understood him too well. And she understood what he meant. When it came to love, he would never deceive her. And because she understood that, she let out a quiet, almost mocking laugh. "A sentimental scumbag?" she murmured. "Amamiya Haru, when did you become this kind of person?" It wasn't just a question for him—it was a question for herself. She was searching for an answer. Searching for an excuse. Something—anything—to smooth over what had happened tonight. But no matter how hard she looked, she found nothing. "…Haru." She called his name softly. But before he could respond, she turned away. And without another word, she walked into the guest room, closing the door behind her. After a while, she appeared in Haru's sight once more. She had changed out of her nightgown and into a tracksuit, carrying a bag in her hand. Without saying a word, she walked past Haru and headed toward the door. Just as she passed by him, her wrist was suddenly grabbed. "If you're thinking of lying to me now, I can only tell you—it's already too late." Her voice was devoid of emotion, as if telling him: I already gave you a chance to lie to me. Haru didn't try to argue. Instead, he spoke in a low voice, "With everything that's happened because of me lately, it's not safe for you to go out alone at night. Stay for the night and leave in the morning." Yukino remained silent. She understood what he meant. With the growing fame of "Hooded Hero," there were plenty of opportunistic streamers and people with bad intentions prowling the streets at night, looking for trouble. "Let go of me," she said. "I insist." Haru didn't release his grip. Another moment of silence passed. In the end, Yukino gave in. Only then did Haru let go. She walked to the guest room door, pausing to give him a complicated look. She was waiting. Just like when they were kids—whenever he made her angry, he would always come over, apologize, and find a way to make her smile again. Then, they would make up like nothing had happened. Even as she pushed the door open, she still thought that if he chose to lie to her now, she might just forgive him. But the words never came. Yukino withdrew her gaze and stepped inside. With a soft thud, the door closed behind her. Haru turned off the TV, walked out to the balcony, and pulled out his phone. He dialed Officer Yuuki's personal number. "Sorry, I'm guessing I need to go to the station to make a statement about that incident? I can come now." "Oh, no big deal. I took over the case myself. Those kids cooperated easily—they spilled everything before I even asked." "What about the blond guy? The one who pulled a knife—I might have hit him a little hard." "He's in the hospital. Two broken ribs. It's a bit serious, but nothing I can't handle. Don't worry." "Thanks." "Haha, no need for that between us. Besides, I'm counting on you and the Yukinoshita family to help with my promotion. I've been stuck in this position for years, you know?" Officer Yuuki always made it clear—he was desperate for a promotion. Haru was about to end the call when Yuuki suddenly lowered his voice. "By the way, there's something your parents might need to step in for." Noticing the shift in his tone, Haru frowned. "What is it?" "Thanks to you, Hisada has confessed. Just as we expected, his family isn't taking it lightly. They've been pulling strings these past few days, but my superior and I have been blocking them. However…" Yuuki's tone grew serious. "I don't know what's going on in Hisada's son's head, but after seeing photos of the wreckage on the cruise ship, he's convinced the 'Hooded Hero' was behind it. Now, he's trying to dig up information on you." Haru's expression remained unchanged. "Has he found anything?" "No. I've already taken care of the surveillance footage from those areas. But he's stirring things up online, and more people are starting to suspect the Hooded Hero's connection to the incident. My superiors are feeling the pressure and want to launch a full investigation." "I see." After a pause, Haru suddenly asked, "What if I go to them first?" "Don't even think about it. Hisada's son isn't in a good state of mind, and a lot of his family members legally own firearms. I don't want anything happening to you—I wouldn't even know how to explain it to your parents." "Relax. I know what I'm doing. I'm not that reckless." "Hm, true. You do tend to be… pretty hardcore." Haru chuckled. "I'll reach out in a few days. I'll take care of it." "Alright. Just stay safe." After hanging up, Haru gazed at the bustling street in the distance, his eyes flickering with thought. At five in the morning, he was already up. After what happened last night, he knew Yukino probably didn't sleep well. Given her anger and disappointment in him, she would undoubtedly leave as early as possible. When he finished making breakfast, he saw her stepping out of her room just in time. "Good morning. Eat something first—I've already called a driver to take you home," Haru said. "…Mm." Yukino responded with a single syllable. They ate breakfast in silence. It wasn't until she stood by the car, luggage in hand, that she turned to him. "I thought you'd put up more of a fight to stop me. I guess your guilt got the better of you, and now you don't even have the nerve to be shameless about it?" "…I'm sorry." That was all he could say. Yukino took a deep breath, then looked away. Without another word, she got into the car. Haru gave the driver a look, silently asking him to keep an eye on her mood. The driver nodded in understanding. As the car disappeared from view, Haru returned to the house and sat in the living room, lost in thought. Meanwhile, in the car, the driver glanced at the rearview mirror to check on the silent girl in the backseat. Just as he was about to say something, Yukino suddenly spoke. "You don't need to worry about me. I'm fine. Just a little tired." Caught off guard, the driver awkwardly nodded. He hadn't expected her to be so perceptive. Still, as a married man, he could tell at a glance that his boss had fought with his girlfriend. So, pretending to recall something, he said, "I used to argue with my wife a lot too. But in the end, we always made up. After knowing someone for so many years, the feelings don't just disappear…" "Please just focus on driving," Yukino interrupted him curtly. The driver's mouth twitched. He sighed inwardly—Boss, it's not that I don't want to help, but your girlfriend is just too hard to talk to. "Thank you." When the car stopped at her house, Yukino thanked the driver, grabbed her bag, and walked inside. She unlocked the door, changed her shoes, and stepped into the living room. Without a care, she dropped the bag full of clothes on the floor and flopped onto the couch. She didn't bother maintaining her usual grace or composure. Lying there, she stared blankly at the ceiling before curling up on the sofa. The bright morning light cast her solitary figure in stark contrast against the empty room. "Alone again." She closed her eyes, her heart aching. Even though it was warm outside, she felt like all the warmth had been drained from her body. ----- "Such a half-hearted response. How boring... Oh well, since I'm your big sister, I suppose I have to take care of you two. I'll head over to Yukino's place in a bit." "Thanks." "Saying 'thanks' won't cut it. Just remember to treat me to a fancy meal." After hanging up, Haru sank back into his seat. He had never intended to give up on Yukino, nor would he ever. And he certainly wasn't about to sulk at home like some tragic character in a melodrama. That would be stupid. Right now, Yukino was undoubtedly in a terrible state. As much as he worried about her, Haruno was the better person to handle the situation for now. As he sat there in thought, his phone vibrated. He glanced at the screen. A message from Utaha: You should be awake by now, Haru. Haru : I've been up for a while. Utaha: Then let's meet up. I'll pick the place. No refusing me. Haru blinked at the message, momentarily surprised. She must have figured something out. And he was right. Last night, Utaha had gone home and enjoyed a sweet, peaceful sleep. But the moment she woke up this morning, something clicked in her mind—something she had overlooked. He must have told Yukino the truth! Having spent enough time with Yukino, Utaha considered herself one of the few people who truly understood her. If Haru had been honest, there was no doubt in her mind that he and Yukino would have argued, and that their relationship would now be on shaky ground. And she was the reason why. But instead of feeling satisfied, Utaha found herself anxious. She had always known she was the third party in this equation. That knowledge alone had been enough to make her feel awkward at times. Now that her feelings had finally been acknowledged, it had thrown Haru into turmoil. She couldn't just sit back and do nothing. Yukino must be furious right now. She probably won't even look at Haru, let alone answer his calls. That means the only person who can speak on his behalf... is me. With that thought, Utaha steeled herself for the bold and risky move she was about to make. Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Haruno arrived at her sister's apartment. She pressed the doorbell and then, just for good measure, knocked firmly on the door. "Open up, Yukino. I know you're in there." There was the sound of footsteps before the door swung open, revealing Yukino's cold, impassive face. "What are you doing here?" she asked flatly. Haruno grinned as usual. "Take a guess." Yukino's eyes narrowed. "Did he ask you to come?" Haruno let out a short laugh. "Congratulations, you guessed wrong." Yukino remained silent. Yukino staired at her sister with suspicion, scrutinizing her face for any sign of deception. But no matter how long she stared, she couldn't find a single crack. With no other choice, she stepped aside. "Fine. I'll just assume you came on your own." "Don't bother testing me. You know me, and I know you even better." Haruno stepped inside with an easy grace, bending down to switch into indoor slippers as if she owned the place. "Didn't I mention before? I planned to book out the swimming facility for the photography club so everyone could relax over the holiday. I came today for that." As she finished changing shoes, Snow merely responded with a flat, "I don't believe you." "Well, believe it or not, I'm here." Haruno smiled brightly, dismissing the matter with her usual playfulness. Without giving Yukino a chance to argue, she took her hand and led her further inside. Under normal circumstances, Yukino would have retorted, unwilling to let her sister's sly remarks get the better of her. At worst, she might have lost the verbal battle but would have at least put up a fight. But today, she didn't resist. She let herself be pulled along in silence. As they entered the living room, Haruno's gaze flickered briefly to the bag carelessly toppled onto the floor. From her angle, she could clearly see the clothes stuffed inside. So it's gotten this bad? Even Yukino moved out? Haruno had already been aware of their cohabitation, but seeing this made her realize she had severely underestimated the depth of this conflict. She recalled something Haru had once said—an old Chinese saying: Since we're already here, we might as well make the most of it. That was exactly how she felt now. Since she was already here, she might as well take care of her sister. As for Hasru's promise of a fancy meal as thanks? Oh, that was nowhere near enough. Haruno's thoughts shifted seamlessly as she sat Yukino down before getting up again. "Where's the tea? I'll make us some." Yukino instinctively made a move to stand, but Haruno gently pressed down on her shoulder, her gaze suddenly serious. "Until you decide whether or not to tell me what really happened, just stay put." Yukino hesitated, then relented, lowering her eyes. For once, her sister didn't tease or prod her like usual. Instead, she showed concern in her own indirect way. And that only made it worse. She dropped her head, running her fingers through her silky hair, her usual composed image nowhere to be found. If only he would call right now and apologize. If only last night had been nothing more than a bad dream… Haruno returned with the tea leaves but suddenly paused mid-step. A second later, she resumed as if nothing had happened, carefully preparing the tea with practiced hands. In her mind, Haru had always been waiting—waiting for Yukino to make her decision. He had waited for years, as though his patience was limitless, as though Yukino would always be the same girl who had once stood by his side. Stories always romanticized the idea of If only life could always be as it was at first sight—but in reality, no one's life ever remained that simple. Not mine, not yours, not his, not hers. No one's.