At the same time, in the Yukinoshita family residence.
"I've contacted the moving company. Tomorrow… how about I take leave to help you move?"
"No need to trouble yourself, Father. The moving company is enough, and I can handle the rest myself."
Yukino firmly declined her father's offer, ignoring his slightly hurt expression, and left the living room. Mrs. Yukinoshita stood at the doorway, her expression soft and resigned, but her tone offered little leniency.
"Though I've agreed to your request to live alone… I still have to say, Yukino, you should focus on your studies now. Wait until you're older before acting tough in this meaningless way."
Having debated this with her mother multiple times, Yukino replied flatly this time, "This has nothing to do with acting tough. Being independent early is also a form of learning."
"Is that so?" The corner of Mrs. Yukinoshita's lips curled into a piercing, cold smile. "Or is it because Haruno never lived on her own during high school, and this is one of the few ways you can surpass her?"
"Sorry, I don't understand what you're saying." Yukino brushed her long black hair aside with her hand, passing her mother without changing her expression. She seemed unaffected by such simple provocations. Yet, her fist, hidden at her side, unconsciously clenched tightly.
"…Rest early."
Mrs. Yukinoshita sighed lightly, her gaze finally shifting from her daughter as she slowly walked toward her husband, who sat dejectedly on the sofa, upset about their daughter's move.
Yukino went upstairs and happened to meet Haruno, who had just opened her door. The moment their eyes met, Yukino's face showed irritation.
Unexpectedly, after a brief pause, Haruno bloomed like a flower, displaying a captivating, cheerful smile.
"Yo~ Isn't this our cute Yukinon, who nearly got into a car accident, then conveniently used the chance to request a move, hoping to gain a sense of superiority in mental growth? What a coincidence~"
Her mocking tone, with just one word, could taint one's mood, making people grit their teeth in frustration.
Yukino took a deep breath to calm herself, glaring at her sister coldly and angrily. "Think what you want, but have you ever heard of environmental influence? I don't want to be affected by a college student who's always drinking at home and not studying properly. I'm moving for my future—don't you even understand that?"
"Oh? Your words are off, Yukinon."
Haruno's brows furrowed, a rare serious look on her face as she said firmly, "I still go to class! University is a free world where, after getting enough credits to pass, you manage the rest of your time yourself!"
"…"
Rubbing her temples, Yukino sighed from the depths of her heart. Looking up, she stared at the college student leaning casually against the door, dressed in a cool white crop top and sports shorts, slowly sipping beer. She couldn't help but reflect.
Since when did her once-perfect sister start exuding this faint, indescribable sense of decadence?
Having always watched Haruno's back, Yukino noticed her changes faster than anyone.
First, she developed a taste for spicy food; then, she started aimlessly driving around. Recently, she actively told their mother to decline business drinking invitations, redirecting her focus to female-dominated salon gatherings, no longer wanting to charm men with her allure—a detail Yukino overheard, as her mother and sister didn't want her involved in business matters too soon.
Why had things turned out this way? Even now, Yukino was searching for the reason. She couldn't deny her fascination with the people or things that could change Haruno. Maybe she could find a chance to surpass her sister, truly outshine her, and make them acknowledge her!
"Yukinon." Haruno's voice pulled Yukino from her thoughts. At some point, Haruno had stepped closer, a mischievous smile on her lips, lightly tapping Yukino's forehead with the dewy base of her beer glass.
Yukino instantly stepped back, brushing her slightly damp hair and glaring at Haruno angrily. "What are you doing?!"
Unfazed by her anger, Haruno said casually, "Once you move out, remember to invite your big sister to visit often, okay?"
"I'll keep that in mind. As for when, please wait patiently." Yukino sneered, showing no welcoming attitude.
"Such an unadorable kid~"
Muttering, Haruno suddenly moved quickly, vigorously ruffling her sister's smooth, straight hair. Yukino froze for half a second, stunned, before reacting, shielding her head and retreating to her door. Like a kitten with raised fur, she bit her lip slightly, her face flushed, staring in disbelief at her sister, who was grinning while pulling back her hand.
"Haruno, what's wrong with you?!"
Though she was usually sharp-tongued, such playful, intimate gestures hadn't happened in years—was she drunk? Or elated from a big business deal, acting so carefree?
Haruno looked at her, as if thinking nothing or perhaps puzzled, and gave a faint smile.
"Nothing. I just wanted to prove my love for my little sister isn't that sadistic."
"You…" Yukino was certain she was drunk and rambling. "I don't understand what you're saying. I'm going back to my room!"
As if escaping, she turned to enter her room but heard Haruno's voice behind her.
"Yeah, I don't know what I'm saying either… It's been like that lately."
With a hint of self-mockery, Haruno carried her beer, slowly heading downstairs.
"But your big sister's really worried. If you have any trouble living alone, just call, and I'll sort it out quickly and neatly~ Remember to stay in touch."
"…"
Yukino turned at her door, watching Haruno's swaying figure descend the stairs. She opened her mouth to say something but stopped. She knew the biggest change in her sister had nothing to do with business…
It was like a street covered in thick snow, melting under the sun into early spring's form.
Slowly, gently—she could see Haruno's sincerity. Though it was still hard to tell if it was genuine or fake, Yukino didn't hate this feeling.
"…Big sister!"
Unconsciously, she called out. Haruno paused on the stairs, turning with a surprised, confused smile. "What's up?"
"Well…" Rarely speaking without thinking, Yukino's eyes shifted, hesitating for half a second before picking a random topic to change the subject.
"Do you know Tenkuji Yuu? He's in my grade and currently in the same club."
"Tenkuji Yuu?" Haruno sipped her beer, letting the alcohol ferment in her mouth, her brows slightly furrowing. "Never heard of him. Why? You interested in him?"
Yukino clicked her tongue, clear disgust in her eyes.
"No, it's just that he's arrogant and rude, very much like you, so I was wondering if you knew him."
After a moment's thought, she added, "He's the one who saved a dog from under a car's wheels on the morning the new school year started."
"Oh? A little superhero like the Flash?" Haruno's brows shot up, her interest piqued, even forgetting to head to the bathroom.
"Introduce him to your big sister! Maybe I can make money off him. Lately, investing in athletes for competitions is trending, like horse racing."
"Daring to turn someone into a money-making tool…" Rubbing her temples as if with a headache, Yukino sighed. "As expected, this won't change easily."
"Hmph, in this world, no one can change me except Yukinon~" Haruno chuckled, climbing the stairs as if to hug her sister in friendship.
But all she got was a closed door and a fleeting glimpse of shimmering black hair.
"I'm going to study. Don't bother me unless it's important."
"Tch~"
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Aincrad, Floor 1.
Town of Beginnings, Silver Spoon Inn.
This inn came with a restaurant. Though its furnishings were simple, the food was rich and delicious. At 8:30 PM, a man and woman in cheap equipment sat at a dark brown wooden dining table in the corner, staring at each other with serious expressions.