Although the banquet officially started at 6 PM, the Yukinoshita family, one of the organizers, could not wait for it to begin. Before 5 PM, they were ready to leave for the venue. Hikigaya, not wanting to be left alone at the Yukinoshita residence, decided to join them in the luxurious extended car.
The destination was the same as last year, on the first floor of the company, but this time, Hikigaya followed the Yukinoshita family to their private lounge, which also functioned as their office.
"Junior, it's still early for the banquet. If you need anything, I can ask the kitchen to prepare some snacks for you," Haruno, one of the Yukinoshita sisters, offered. She understood that social events like banquets could be physically demanding and not very accommodating for eating. For a family like the Yukinoshita family, socializing involved a lot of walking around, and they often needed a midnight snack afterward to avoid hypoglycemia.
"That's too much trouble, Senior Sister. I really didn't eat much at noon. By the way, please prepare a little extra. You two sisters will also need to replenish your energy; I'm sure there will be a lot to do tonight," Hikigaya replied. He estimated he would be busier at this banquet than he had been last year, so he felt no need to be polite, but he did want to show concern for her and Yukino.
Previously, when the two of them were alone, Haruno would have replied with a witty remark like, "With you here, my energy is always full." However, with their parents and Yukino present, she simply nodded and headed to the kitchen.
Another thought that bothered Haruno was Hikigaya's reference to "you two sisters." While this was merely a display of politeness, it also made her realize something deeper: Hachiman's gentleness and care might not be solely for her in future interactions, which stirred her own mental reflections. Haruno left the lounge and unexpectedly ran into Hayato Hayama, who was still busy with preparations.
Initially, Hayama only met the Yukinoshita family due to his parents' work and had no obligation to help. However, he gradually took on the role of an assistant to the Yukinoshita family, effectively becoming a tool for Yukinoshita Haruno.
"Sister Haruno, you're here so early. I still have some tasks to complete," Hayato said.
Haruno was puzzled by his statement. As one of the event's organizers, she felt that it was odd for him to suggest that the organizers should rest while he, as an outsider, continued to work. Even someone as seasoned as Haruno, who had long utilized various means to turn outsiders into tools without guilt, now felt slightly uneasy.
"Yes, Hayama, you should go in and take a rest. You don't need to worry about the rest," Haruno insisted.
"It's okay, Sister Haruno, I'm still..." Hayato began, wanting to stay and see if he could assist in any way, but before he could finish, Haruno walked away without looking back.
Hayato had high emotional intelligence and understood what Yukinoshita Haruno, the brilliant young lady, thought of him, yet he was still willing to take on these tasks. Perhaps, he mused, being a supportive figure could also be somewhat rewarding.
"Excuse me…" Hayato knocked on the door of the lounge and greeted Mrs. Yukinoshita and Mr. Yukinoshita. As he turned to acknowledge Yukino, he spotted a familiar-looking boy sitting next to her. He had an excellent memory and began to search his mind frantically.
"Hikigaya…-san?" Hayato greeted him, uncertain. If Hikigaya had been wearing the same outfit as last year, he would have recognized him immediately. However, with Hikigaya's current look being so different, he hesitated.
"Hello, Hayama-san. Time flies; it's been a year since we last met," Hikigaya replied, recalling the blond boy in front of him. He remembered that Hayama had approached him and held a conversation at the banquet last year.
He thought about how tiring it must be for someone with Hayama's outgoing personality. Hayama didn't carry the same confidence that came from his own strength and family background like Haruno did, nor did he possess Yukino's cold and aloof aura. However, Hikigaya kept these thoughts to himself, recognizing that it was Hayama's personal choice.
"Yes, Hikigaya-san, I think we should exchange contact information today," Hayato responded, curious as to why Hikigaya was now sitting in the Yukinoshita lounge, side by side with Yukino.
"Hello, Yukinoshita-san. Long time no see. After March next year, we will be classmates at Sobu High School. I look forward to your guidance," he added.
"Sure, Hayama-san. Please guide me as well," Yukino replied.
Yukino's response was tepid. She and Hayato Hayama were quite close, so she did her best not to show any signs of alienation. At that moment, she was peeling an orange on her lap. Once she finished, she naturally handed a piece of the fruit to Hikigaya, who was standing beside her. Hikigaya simply nodded and took it without saying anything further.
Hayato observed all of this and believed that the simplicity of their actions indicated the closeness of their relationship. He was aware that Yukino had been arranged by her family to meet various wealthy young men, and he speculated that Hikigaya might have been chosen by the Yukinoshita family and accepted by Yukino.
"It's not easy for Hikigaya-san to be recognized by Yukinoshita-san," he thought silently. He had initially assumed that Yukino would continuously resist her family's plans.
At that moment, the door of the lounge opened, and Haruno walked in carrying several boxes of snacks.
"Come on, junior, try our chef's specialties," she said.
Haruno distributed a box of snacks to everyone present, then took the last two boxes and approached Hikigaya, sitting on his other side. With Hachiman sandwiched between the two sisters, Haruno picked up a cookie and took a bite herself. She then held out a second cookie directly to Hikigaya's mouth. Just like when he accepted the orange from Yukino, Hikigaya merely tilted his head slightly to take the cookie, keeping his eyes fixed on the screen of his mobile phone.
Hayato's mind went blank for a moment. The sequence of events after Haruno entered the room completely shattered his earlier assumptions.
"What is going on? Is Hikigaya the long-lost son of the Yukinoshita family? The two sisters are so close to him, yet the Yukinoshita parents are right there and saying nothing?"
Confused and unable to comprehend the current situation, Hayato decided to stop trying to make sense of it. Feeling that it was inappropriate for him to remain in such a strange environment, he stood up, bid farewell to everyone, and quickly left the room.
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