Under the same night.
Just back at her apartment, Yukino—about to shower while carrying her clothes—received a call from her mother.
"You called yourself… Is there something important you want to tell me?"
Hearing her tone of slight disbelief, the voice on the other end replied softly yet authoritatively:
"Why, is it strange for a mother to call and check on her daughter living alone outside?"
"No, I didn't mean that…" Yukino's petite beautiful face showed slight helplessness; her voice unconsciously softened.
"I'm sensing a bit of mother-daughter strain. Don't be nervous—this is my side's issue."
Comforting gently, Saori chuckled lightly but decided in an undeniable tone: "Starting today, I'll call you regularly at this time to ask about your school life. So you don't secretly complain that your mother doesn't care because you've been living out for so long."
"Mom, I really don't think that…" Yukino sighed almost like a whine.
She turned from the bathroom door, placed her pajamas on the table, and slumped listlessly onto the sofa.
Her face full of headache.
"You worry too much—I'm fine outside, nothing to report daily… Besides, are you calling this late just to chat?"
Yukino tried steering the conversation properly to end the call quickly.
Her mother wasn't always authoritative.
Though since young she never dared disobey her orders and instructions—would back down under her serious gaze—and greatly respected this Yukinoshita family head who prospered the family and never lost to others; once having the biggest dream to become a woman like her.
But Yukino also often saw her mother teasing them sisters like children—sometimes childish and unserious; feeling very familiar with this unknown side of her mother.
…And somewhat hard to handle.
What else—Saori was a woman who seamlessly switched between joking and serious—maybe smiling teasingly one second, warning cautiously with sarcastic cold tone the next.
Her attitude changed easily—making one unable to guess her thoughts.
Far harder than always-serious people. Maybe this is dealing with a tiger?
Though this tiger was one of her most loved family members.
"Well, though I want to continue this rare mother-daughter chat time—but it's late. The rest when we meet."
Saori sighed softly as if lamenting; next moment back to soft calm tone.
"Yukino—this weekend is Sōbu's Cultural Festival, right? I heard your club made a short film—I'll come see it. Remember to save me a seat."
"!" Still recovering from surprise, Yukino unconsciously opened her mouth—rejection words nearly out.
But ultimately she bit her lip annoyedly, said nothing, and fell silent.
…If her mother truly wanted to come—she couldn't stop her.
Though phrased as a question—her mother's tone clearly showed decision made, not easily swayed.
To change her mind—needed sufficiently strong and true reasons.
If reasons better than hers—mother wouldn't be stubborn, even gladly change—but worst: neither she nor her sister ever succeeded in the past.
As usual—Yukino silently accepted the fact, fully giving up futile struggle.
The existence that could make her surrender unconditionally—perhaps only her mother in this world…
Well—besides that man.
"Haruno will tell you the exact time. We might come together—remember to pick us up." Saori still gently ordered.
"I understand. But that day I still have executive committee work—so I can't spare much time."
Hugging her knees, back leaning on the soft sofa backrest.
Answering flatly—a cold light flashed in Yukino's eyes; mouth corners slightly sneered.
So this was her sister's doing again…
(Leaking about Service Club filming—arousing Mom's interest in the Cultural Festival—what's her plan?)
(Want Tenkuji-kun to meet the parents early?)
(No—she can't be that stupid.)
With her advantage—impossible to imagine Mom opposing her relationship with him; might even actively matchmake—and doing things benefiting others completely against Haruno's acting principles.
"Hmph…"
Rubbing the deep crease between her brows, Yukino sighed softly; expression serious again.
Even after yesterday's incident—her sister seemed to have no plan to behave…
True—no mistake. This is what Haruno would do.
She was already wary—the rest was how to counter her move.
"No problem—I won't stay long; have to return to work after a quick look."
Saori's voice brought Yukino's thoughts back; she said relieved: "I see… Then I'll try to make time. If truly can't—I can only ask my friends to welcome you."
"No need to trouble—whatever's convenient." Saori opened her fan, saying slightly displeased: "In my daughter's eyes—is your mother the type to cause trouble if unsupervised?"
"…Not really. Just calmer with someone watching." Struggling to suppress the urge to say the truth, Yukino said calmly: "Anything else? If not—I'll shower and sleep."
"Alright—that's it. Good night, Yukino."
Following her mother's soft sincere voice, Yukino also smiled thinly, saying softly into the phone:
"Good night, Mom."
Just as she was about to hang up—Saori suddenly spoke again, as if remembering something unsaid.
"Oh right, Yukino."
"Yes?"
"If you have a boyfriend—remember to tell the family."
"…"
"Not restricting your dating freedom—I trust your judgment; you won't choose someone unclear… But in dating matters—as a Yukinoshita daughter, you must be more careful than others."
"Hmm…"
"Your sister's also in a new relationship recently—even handmade a bracelet for her boyfriend; truly back to high school girl in love days… Just she's very secretive—told me nothing; I haven't heard of anyone close to her on campus."
"Haah…"
"Yukino—I hope you're not like Haruno; give your mother a bit more trust. Once sure he's reliable—bring him home for us to see. The Yukinoshita family's future son-in-law can't meet the parents only before the wedding."
"That…"
"Not urging you to find a boyfriend immediately—you're only seventeen; studies more important. But if one day you meet someone you like—Yukino you must remember…" The old-lady-like talk stopped; Saori asked confused: "What? Seems you want to say something."
"…"
Looking at the bright night outside the large window, Yukino slightly opened her mouth—hesitating several seconds.
Coughing to hide her embarrassment, face slightly flushed, she said calmly into the phone:
"Unlike Nee-san—I already have a boyfriend in a stable relationship. He's my classmate and same club."
"…You sure?" After brief silence, Saori asked with unconcealed surprise: "You already have a boyfriend?!"
Yukino couldn't hold back a laugh.
"Yes… Even I—have someone I love and want to be with forever."
If it's her mother—maybe just seeing her expression talking about Yuu, Mom could already realize something, right?
Then—better confess their relationship frankly before Mom realizes herself—afterward, she'll apologize to Yuu.
After all—in their relationship, this step ultimately unavoidable…
And honestly—Yukino didn't want to avoid it.
Introducing Yuu as her lover to her mother—just thinking of the scene, Yukino felt her chest hot, whole body tingling—shy and awkward, but so happy she didn't know what to say.
Because she loves Yuu—she wants those around her to love him too.
She wants Yuu to like her family—wants to see satisfied expressions on her mother's face.
Yukino gently placed her palm over her faster-beating heart, took a deep breath trying to stay calm—but her mouth corners and tone unconsciously lifted into happy relieved curves.
"So—no need to bring him home; you'll meet him at the Cultural Festival!"
And at this moment—Yukino unconsciously forgot the most important thing.
Yuu isn't just her boyfriend.
In other words—that is—Yuu isn't just the Yukinoshita family's future son-in-law.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Yuigahama residence.
"Mom—you really want to come to our school?"
"Why—can't a thirty-something old lady like me approach your high schoolers' sacred grounds?"
Mama Yuigahama pouted dissatisfied—like a sulking child, hands on hips glaring at her daughter.
Plus her graceful mature youthful face—though not cute, had a bit of childish mischief.
Drying her wet hair, Yuigahama muttered softly: "I didn't say that—though soon forty…"
"Still years away okay?!"
Vein bulging on her forehead, mouth corners twitching with a scary smile, Mama Yuigahama ordered undeniably: "Anyway I don't care—I'm coming to your school's Cultural Festival! I want to see what film your club made! I want to know where you usually flirt with Yuu-kun!"
Her tone more like a child's whine than an order—less mature than her high school daughter.
Already used to her mother's trying-to-act-young appearance, Yuigahama sighed tiredly: "Mom—you're really childish…"
"Please call it youthful spirit." Saying that proudly, Mama Yuigahama also imitated her daughter—sighing disappointedly, even deliberately loud: "So ungrateful—who locked herself in her room refusing to come out over emotional issues—needing Mom to care, advise, be her trash bin and confidante…"
"Alright alright! I didn't say I won't let you go!" Before she went too far, Yuigahama quickly stopped her—face flushed embarrassed: "And besides—you know the way to school; you can go anytime—why ask me?"
Mama Yuigahama raised two fingers, explaining casually: "First—respecting my daughter's wishes. Second—a wife mixing with energetic young teens could be a huge mental shock… I need someone to accompany me strolling."
"Where's the respecting my wishes…" Yuigahama set down the towel, rolling her big eyes at her mother: "But I still have to help club activities and class exhibits—so I can't accompany you the whole time; you'll have to walk around alone."
Mama Yuigahama's eyes sparkled: "Then—can I ask Yuu-kun to accompany me?"
"No way!"
Like a puppy guarding its bone, Yuigahama jumped from the sofa—baring teeth at her.
"He's my future son-in-law—wouldn't it be better for you to build a good relationship with him now…" Seeing her daughter start narrowing eyes—as if ready to pounce and rub her face with the just-used wet hair-drying towel, Mama Yuigahama hurriedly waved hands and backed off.
"Alright alright—I won't talk to him without your permission; even if I do—it'll be under your supervision. Geez—having a boyfriend means no need for Mom; didn't expect Yui to be so heartless."
"I didn't say I don't need you. Who told you to keep teasing me—of course I'd get mad."
Yuigahama huffed loudly, sat back on the sofa, warning unhappily: "Listen carefully—don't do anything to embarrass me okay? My friends and Yuu-kun's little sister will be there too—please stay the gentle wise mother; don't let your secrets get exposed."
"What secrets? I'm always this gentle and wise—far better than you melancholic blonde girl!"
Retorting while ruffling her daughter's hair—before her daughter yelled and jumped angrily, Mama Yuigahama turned lightly, humming toward the kitchen.
"Finally an official mother-child meeting… Aww—hope the son-in-law's more attentive than the daughter."
"Mom!"
"Not saying anymore—not saying anymore~"
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Video call ongoing, Masuzu frowned at Mana; after hearing her sister's unilateral notice, she asked somewhat firmly:
"Transfer schools after the Cultural Festival? Why? Is that his order…"
"Not really. Dunno—suddenly I want to transfer to the same school as you, Masuzu… Don't misunderstand—this isn't to protect you or anything; I'm just doing what I want!"
"Heh—I don't think that. Is this surveillance? Did he notice something?"
"Tch… Anyway—I'll come to your school during the Cultural Festival to look around; then directly transfer to Sōbu first year! That's it—stupid big sis Masuzu—see ya!"
"Hey—Mana—!"
Call disconnected unilaterally.
Looking at the darkened phone, Masuzu unconsciously bit her thumb nail—head down with gloomy expression, muttering slightly anxiously:
"Mana actually wants to transfer… With that kid's personality—everything will definitely get more troublesome…"