Hikigaya has been planning something significant recently: arranging the furniture in his new house. Since Hachiman himself despises trouble, he has been particularly attentive to the furniture he plans to buy in order to get everything done once and for all. However, after making a list, he realized that his 90-square-meter apartment wasn't large enough to accommodate all his ambitions.
Hikigaya had previously purchased a complete home theater and a large sofa that can be used in various positions. The home theater has already been delivered to his new home and is ready for installation, while the sofa is still on its way.
In addition to the necessary items, he hopes to acquire furniture that will minimize his daily chores. He even seriously considered hiring someone to help with housework but ultimately decided against it, as he still prefers to be alone.
Hikigaya wants to finish decorating his new apartment before the New Year holiday. These days, new furniture has been arriving daily, and he has had to head straight to the new apartment after school to confirm the placement of everything.
As he sees his new home gradually becoming more complete, Hikigaya finally feels a sense of accomplishment. His mother is a bit worried about his ability to live alone and fears that this beautiful new house might become a mess after a few months. Therefore, she has told him that she will come over from time to time to help clean and cook.
He never refuses his mother's kindness. After moving out, he knows that he will see his family less often and will frequently return home unprompted.
"It's finally over..." Hikigaya said as the last and most important piece of furniture, the dishwasher, was officially in place. His new home was completely furnished.
Hikigaya lay down on the large sofa in the living room, remembering that the new tenants across the hall have not yet moved in. Neighbors are an unknown factor when moving to a new place, and he can only hope that his future neighbor isn't a pop star who will throw parties late into the night.
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"Is this what you envisioned, Yukino? Moving out while you're still in high school?" Mrs. Yukinoshita said coldly. At that moment, the four members of the Yukinoshita family were seated around the table in the main hall, engaging in what they called a family meeting.
"Yes, Mother. I hope to continue cultivating my independence and rent a place near the school to reduce my commuting time." Yukino replied. She no longer had the tough demeanor she displayed when she first arrived home; her tone wavered slightly as she explained her reasons.
"I thought that after studying in the United States for three years, you would miss home a little. I didn't expect you to be so eager to leave." Mrs. Yukinoshita's tone was emotionless, which sent a chill down Yukino's spine. She would have preferred it if her mother had gotten angry, shouted, or even made sarcastic remarks.
"Actually, moving out isn't a bad idea for Yukino. Many skills can only be developed through living independently. Moreover..." Mr. Yukinoshita supported Yukino's decision to move out. He noticed his wife's unpredictable attitude and decided to persuade her. However, before he could finish, Mrs. Yukinoshita raised her hand to signal him to stop.
"I have nothing against it," she said, changing the subject. Yukino, who had been looking down, suddenly raised her head in surprise.
"Yukino, if you want to move out, I agree. However, the location of your residence will be determined by the family, and I will retain a key to your place. If you agree to these conditions, I will allow you to live alone for the three years of high school," Mrs. Yukinoshita stated.
From an outsider's perspective, her terms seemed reasonable. After all, Yukino did not possess the financial means to live independently, making it fair for her to accept the family's arrangements.
However, the primary reason Yukino wanted to move out was her mother's overwhelming desire to control her and her sister. Since Yukino became aware of her surroundings, she has had almost no privacy. Although she has nothing to hide, she is growing increasingly dissatisfied with her mother's constant intrusion into her personal life, leading to countless conflicts.
Therefore, Mrs. Yukinoshita's seemingly reasonable request served as a warning to Yukino: don't try to escape your mother's control by any means.
"What's wrong, Yukino? This is a very reasonable request," Mrs. Yukinoshita said, noticing her daughter's hesitation. She then glanced at Haruno.
"Yukino, this is already quite favorable. Please agree to Mother's request," Haruno whispered to Yukino. She understood what her sister was thinking, but they weren't in a position to ask their mother for anything at that moment. If they hesitated any longer, they might not even have this chance.
"... Okay, Mother. Sorry for the trouble," Yukino finally conceded after a moment of contemplation. She recognized that she had no right to refuse. Even if it was the lesser of two evils, she chose to accept her mother's arrangement.
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"As expected, Yukino-chan, your little plan has failed," Haruno said after their parents had left. Though it sounded a bit gloating, this was Haruno's peculiar way of expressing her love for her sister—given her own sense of being controlled.
Haruno had long accepted her mother's incessant control, but that didn't mean she believed her mother was right. She knew that resisting would be futile while she felt weak. Realizing that Yukino also understood this harsh truth filled her with sympathy.
"If that's what you're trying to say, then there's no point in continuing this conversation," Yukino replied coldly. At that moment, she gained a new understanding of her own weakness and powerlessness in front of her family. She felt a surge of anger that she had no outlet for.
"Why take your anger out on me, Yukino? We are obviously in the same boat. Well, forget it. You're finally back from America, and I think it's time I told you some things." Haruno planned to share details about Hikigaya Hachiman, though she intended to leave out many specifics.
"Haruno, come here for a moment," Mrs. Yukinoshita called out unexpectedly. The Yukinoshita family had recently begun preparing for the year-end banquet, and Haruno was frequently summoned by their mother to help with arrangements.
"Okay, Mother, I'll be right there," Haruno replied reluctantly. Before leaving, she winked at Yukino, signaling that they would talk later.
"What... is so mysterious?" Yukino thought, feeling a bit confused. She hadn't anticipated her sister would share any shocking news, so she decided to get up and walk around.
Yukino stood up and found the phone that Haruno had left on the cushion. The screen of the phone lit up because of a notification. She vaguely saw that the wallpaper of the phone was a group photo under the notification bar.
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