"You little brat!" Hibari Eri snapped, unable to hold back. "What did you say?"
"Onii-chan!" Reiko ducked behind Hayashi Shuichi, clutching his arm pitifully. "Eri-nee's being mean!"
"You…" Eri started to stand, ready to pounce, but Hayashi Shuichi held her down, mindful of her knee. "Eri, she's just a kid. Don't take it personally."
"Yeah, I'm just a kid…" Reiko nodded, but as Hayashi Shuichi turned away, she stuck out her tongue at Eri, making a mocking face.
Infuriating! Eri slammed the table in frustration. I'll go to America with Shuichi and never come back, just to spite you!
At the kitchen counter, Hayashi Shuichi prepped dinner and ingredients for the izakaya's opening.
"Onii-chan, how was the exam?" Reiko asked cautiously.
"What do you think? I slept through the morning tests," he said casually. "Eri and I skipped the afternoon ones."
"Slept? So, zero points?" Reiko's face lit up. "Great! I was worried you'd ace it."
Realizing her slip, she glanced at the clock. "Wait, if you skipped the afternoon tests, where'd you go?"
"I went shopping with Eri on the commercial street," he replied. "Also helped her pick new glasses."
That witch! She couldn't take Onii-chan abroad, so she dragged him on a date! Reiko stomped, ready to confront Eri.
Just then, Fujimine Yukiko pushed open the door, humming cheerfully. "Your big star has arrived! Where's my welcome?"
"Yukiko-nee!" Reiko cheered, rushing to greet her.
"Yukiko-chan!" Yukiko smiled at Reiko.
"Stupid fox!" Eri muttered, rolling her eyes.
"Tch, glasses…" Yukiko tilted her head, eyeing Eri. "Not bad, you actually dressed up today. Even changed your glasses. But your style's still a fail. That high ponytail…"
"You know nothing!" Eri huffed.
"I know way more about fashion than you!" Yukiko glared.
Seeing them about to bicker, Hayashi Shuichi cut in. "Didn't I tell you last night you didn't have to come? Spend time with your parents."
"I wasn't going to, but…" Yukiko hesitated.
"But what?" Hayashi Shuichi frowned, sensing trouble.
"My parents want to visit tonight," Yukiko said with a nervous laugh. "Don't worry, I cleared up last night's misunderstanding. They just want to see where I work!"
"All izakayas are the same," Eri said suspiciously. "What was this misunderstanding?"
"Nothing, just small stuff," Hayashi Shuichi said, glaring at Yukiko.
Last night, Yukiko's parents had grilled him like he was their son-in-law, making things awkward. Despite Yukiko's claim they were just checking her workplace, Hayashi Shuichi suspected they wanted to inspect their "future son-in-law's" business.
"Sorry if it's trouble," Yukiko apologized quietly.
What could he say? "Fine, customers are welcome. When are they coming?"
"Around ten, I think," Yukiko checked the clock. "After dinner, near closing, I'll head back with them."
Seeing he wasn't upset, Yukiko relaxed.
Last night, her parents had questioned her about her deduction performance, knowing her limits. Unable to hide it, she admitted Hayashi Shuichi gave her the chance to shine. This only convinced them there was something between her and Shuichi—why else would he give up such a spotlight?
Though they didn't mind her dating in high school, they worried about her getting hurt. After interrogating her to confirm no "substantial contact" had occurred, they decided to visit the izakaya.
Yukiko, too embarrassed to share this, changed into her work clothes and busied herself at the counter.
Her unusual diligence caught everyone's attention, even Reiko's. Eri grew more certain last night's "misunderstanding" was no small matter.
Reiko, who'd been out with her parents during the City Hall incident, only knew bits of it. Eyeing Yukiko and Eri, she schemed how to spark a fight and profit from it.
Just then, Orisaka Midori, the delinquent girl who'd visited before, walked in with a bag. Reiko, thinking she was a customer, said, "Sorry, we're not open yet."
"I'm here for Hayashi-senpai," Midori said, placing the bag on the table. "This is ointment for your arm. You must've run out of the last one. I came by last night, but the izakaya was closed."
"We were out last night," Hayashi Shuichi explained, rolling up his sleeve. "No need for more ointment. My arm's fine, see?"
"…How'd it heal so fast?" Midori frowned. "That kind of injury should take at least six or seven days."
(End of Chapter)
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