Chapter 82 - 82: Yukino: She had already lost her home

Before meeting Haru, Utaha first met up with Kato Megumi. As usual, they arranged to meet at a small, budget-friendly café near Utaha's house. Ever since they became friends, the two would often meet at this café whenever they had time to discuss the heroine's script. Megumi assumed that today's meeting was for the same reason. But the moment she saw Utaha, a different thought crossed her mind. The reason was simple—Utaha looked stunning. She was dressed far more elegantly than usual. The well-fitted dress not only accentuated her tall figure but also highlighted her slender waist and ample chest. At first, Megumi thought Utaha might be going out with her parents later, which would explain the extra effort in her appearance. But as they ordered their drinks and got into their usual script discussion, Megumi noticed something else. Utaha-senpai was in an unusually good mood—far more open and carefree than usual, as if she wasn't carrying her usual burdens. After a while, Megumi casually asked, "Did something good happen to you, Senpai?" Utaha blinked. "Is it that obvious?" Megumi shook her head. "It's probably because we've been meeting so often that I can tell." It was a reasonable answer. Utaha believed it. She smiled before admitting softly, "Something good did happen… but also something bad." "The kind of thing you can't talk about?" Megumi asked understandingly. Utaha gave a small, apologetic nod. Megumi didn't press further, but she had already figured it out. Amamiya Haru. If there was anyone who could put Utaha in such high spirits, it had to be him. Megumi was curious but kept her expression neutral. "At this pace, the club's short film should be finished by the end of the month." Utaha's gaze flickered. With the way Yukinoshita was acting lately, there was no way they'd finish by then. "Have you thought about what comes next, Senpai?" Megumi asked. Utaha frowned slightly. "Next?" "Well, Yukinoshita-san's short film is actually really interesting, and the story is quite touching. As long as it's properly promoted, I think a lot of people will enjoy it once it's released." "That…" Utaha had never thought about it that way. At first, she had only wanted to improve herself. Taking on the role of the film's heroine was just her way of proving to Yukinoshita that she was just as talented and capable. But now, with her mind full of Haru, she hadn't given the film's future any thought. Hearing Megumi mention it, she suddenly realized—if the short film gained popularity, the attention she received at school would increase dramatically. "How annoying," she muttered, picking up her juice with mild frustration. Megumi nodded in agreement. "You're already quite popular at school, Senpai. If this film blows up, even more people will be paying attention to you." Utaha suddenly said, "It's fine. I plan to work behind the scenes in the future anyway." "Behind the scenes?" For once, Megumi looked genuinely surprised. Utaha's expression was serious. "I want to become the best screenwriter." "I see." Megumi thought Utaha seemed more determined than ever. Did Haru say something to her again? "But honestly, aiming to be the best screenwriter… that's quite a challenge." "If even I don't believe I can be the best, how can I ever reach that goal?" "Eh?" Megumi blinked. That sounded exactly like something Haru would say. What on earth had those two talked about? For the first time in her life, Megumi's curiosity was about to explode. At around ten o'clock, they went their separate ways. Back in her bedroom, Utaha stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her appearance. She touched up her makeup and, satisfied with the result, smiled. She and Haru had planned to meet for lunch. It had taken some serious effort on her part to get him to agree. "Mom, I won't be home for lunch." Before heading out, she tried to suppress the excitement bubbling inside her and casually informed her mother. Her mother watched her daughter's cheerful footsteps with a sigh. — Ten minutes later, Utaha and Haru met in a private room at a restaurant. That was also her request. "You seemed pretty eager to meet. Something important?" Haru looked as composed as ever. Utaha gazed at his face, her lips curling into a playful smile. "I kind of regret giving away my first kiss so casually." "Well, it's too late for that now." "True." They exchanged light banter while placing their orders. Once the server left, Utaha spoke again. "How are things between you and Yukinoshita-san now?" Despite her best efforts, a trace of worry and unease slipped into her voice. Haru answered calmly, "You don't need to blame yourself, and you don't need to overthink. This is something I should handle." Utaha understood immediately. After a brief hesitation, she bit her lip and whispered, "I'm sorry." "Are you going to start saying dumb things again?" Haru countered. What's done was done. He wasn't about to blame her. The only one at fault here was himself. Seeing his attitude, Utaha deliberately put on a bright smile. "Actually, I have an idea." "What idea?" "You could just put all the blame on me—" "I get it now. You didn't come here to chat. You came to pick a fight." Haru cut her off. Her eyes twinkled with amusement. "Fine, I won't say it." She could feel his concern for her, and it warmed her heart. But her desire to help him was even stronger. Of course, she wouldn't say that out loud. Instead, she teased, "Want me to help you relax this afternoon?" "Your acting is getting sloppy." "That's kind of rude, you know." Though she had been joking, after lunch, she still stayed with him for a long time, unwilling to leave. She avoided mentioning Yukino, instead chatting about school life and the rising popularity of the mysterious "Hooded Hero" online. Haru listened patiently. And just like that, two uneventful days passed. Then, for the first time in a while, Yukino sent a message in the film club's group chat— All swimming and filming activities for the week were postponed. She had something to take care of. No one objected to the postponement. Two days later, in the afternoon, Haru received a call from Haruno. "Yukino went back to Chiba… She's with our parents now. I was the one who suggested it. You know what that means, right?" "I'm heading out now." "My point is, what about the fancy dinner you owe me?" "I'll put it on my tab. We'll settle it next time." Haru sincerely thanked Haruno over the phone. The real reason she called wasn't just to inform him that Yukino had gone home. She was sending him a message—Yukino was doing much better. Haru called for his driver. Once inside the car, he closed his eyes to rest. He recalled something Yukino had once said to him. "My world is actually very small." And now, she was proving it. She was angry. She was hurt. But she chose to be alone. And precisely because she was alone, she felt even lonelier. That was why she agreed to Haruno's suggestion and returned home for a while. It was Haruno's way of looking out for her. Seeing her little sister like this, she couldn't just let her isolate herself indefinitely. Home was the better option. On the way, the driver asked when Haru planned to return. "Drop me off and head back yourself. I might not be coming back. There's a good chance my hundred-something pounds will stay in Chiba for good." The driver shuddered. "Boss, the way you say things is terrifying. If I didn't know better, I'd think you were going to the Yukinoshita house to start a fight." "More like to get beaten up," Haru corrected. The driver suddenly remembered the compliment Haru had given him before. So, he put it to use. "Your badass." His pronunciation in Chinese was surprisingly crisp and accurate. Haru couldn't help but laugh. — Yukinoshita Residence, Chiba. Mr. and Mrs. Yukinoshita were upstairs. Their younger daughter was in her room downstairs. "There's something off about Yukino," her father said. His wife didn't reply immediately. She calmly poured tea and said, "I know Haru's personality well. He's pampered Yukino since they were kids. Occasionally, he'd tease her and make her mad, but…" Her husband hesitated. "But Yukino looks different this time. It's not like before." "It's just a couple's quarrel. Besides…" She paused for a moment, still composed and elegant. "Haruno told me Yukino wanted to come home because she was in a bad mood." "So?" Her husband didn't quite follow. Mrs. Yukinoshita took a sip of tea and said flatly, "If Haruno told me, that means she told him too." Right on cue, her phone buzzed on the table. She glanced at the screen and smiled. "See? He's already on his way." Her husband peeked at the message: "Auntie, can I crash at your place for dinner? Would that be okay?" "Didn't Haruno just call you a little while ago? He got here fast. No wonder Yukino got tricked into going out with him." He sighed, feeling a little resentful about his daughter being "stolen." His wife smiled knowingly. "I'll see if he needs my help later. What about you?" Her husband chuckled. "I'm not helping him." He sounded so firm. But when Haru arrived, carrying gifts he had hastily bought along the way, he greeted them with a sheepish smile. "Sorry for the sudden visit. I brought some things for you." As he showed them the gifts, Mr. Yukinoshita's eyes lit up. "Haru, you have great taste. I've been eyeing this mechanical watch for a while now but kept forgetting to buy it." Haru grinned. "Well, doesn't this prove we're on the same wavelength? Otherwise, how could I have picked out something that just so happens to match your taste?" "Good point." Watching her husband and Haru chatting so naturally, Mrs. Yukinoshita maintained her gentle smile but didn't bother joining the conversation. "I'm not helping him." She had heard that line too many times before. Compared to her own strong-willed personality, her husband was much more easygoing. Since they had no sons, only two daughters, he had taken a liking to Haru from a young age. Haru had always been mature and reliable, earning his admiration. "Auntie, this is for you," Haru said, handing over a scarf and some cosmetics. She took a quick glance at the gifts before accepting them. "How convenient," she murmured. Haru played dumb. "What do you mean?" She didn't answer. These were exactly the things she liked. She didn't need to guess—Haru had obviously sought outside help for this. And who was the best person to ask? The answer was obvious. Haruno. "How much did you bribe Haruno?" Mrs. Yukinoshita led Haru inside, her voice gentle. "I didn't. Haruno and I are just good friends—no deals involved," Haru said righteously. Not a single word about his desperate plea for Haruno's advice on the way here. Mrs. Yukinoshita smiled. Then, her expression turned cold. "Should I call Haruno right now and ask?" Haru sighed dramatically. "Auntie, please have mercy." "Honest kids get rewarded." She patted his head like she used to when he was little. The three of them sat in the living room. While her husband happily chatted with Haru, she silently brewed some tea. She was a capable woman. In a way, the Yukinoshita sisters were like her—but a toned-down version. She was truly all-capable. Not an all-capable girl, but an all-capable woman. Naturally, her tea-making skills were impeccable. After handing Haru a cup, she finally spoke. "You'll stay for dinner. As for tonight, it's up to you whether you want to go back or not." Her husband nodded. "If you want to stay, I'll prepare the guest room like before." Haru sipped his tea, feigning shock. "Wait, I'm actually allowed to stay?" Mrs. Yukinoshita gave him a knowing smile. "You weren't planning on leaving, were you?" "I thought you'd just scold me and kick me out." "Oh, Haruno really wasn't lying about how smart you are." Then, her tone suddenly shifted, sharp and direct. "So? How exactly did you upset Yukino? She's furious this time. I'd like you to confess. That way, maybe I'll go a little easier on you." The abrupt change in tone and topic caught Haru off guard. He chuckled awkwardly. "That's why I'm here to apologize." She studied him for a moment, then smirked. "You? Apologize?" Without another word, she walked to Yukino's room and knocked. Five seconds later, the door opened. Yukino stood there, her delicate features slightly puzzled. Her mother said nothing. She simply stepped aside, revealing Haru awkwardly sitting on the couch. Yukino blinked. Then, she froze. Her first thought: Of course, this shameless guy showed up uninvited. That's just how he is. Her second thought: Haruno was working with him all along! She was still mad. She still haven't forgiven him yet. But since her mother had personally knocked on her door, there was no way she could just turn around and shut it. Mrs. Yukinoshita took in every shift in her daughter's expression. Then, she cast Haru a meaningful glance. It said: I liked your gifts, but you weren't honest with me. So, this is as much help as you're getting. The look was blatantly obvious. Yukino, sharp as always, caught it immediately. Her mind blanked for a second. What? Even Mom's in on this? She glanced at her father. Great. Now it's both parents. Yukino was speechless. She hadn't even forgiven him yet. And somehow… She had already lost her home.