Yukinoshita Yōno's long-awaited appearance caught Minamoto Senya off guard, and he couldn't help but feel a slight spark of admiration.
After some time apart, she still had her sharp, elegant mid-length hair, her features refined, with clear, fair skin and bright, sparkling eyes, her thin lips tinted a delicate cherry shade.
For some reason, Senya couldn't help but think of Yukino.
Not entirely surprising, of course—these two really were sisters. Even if their temperaments differed, their appearances bore a striking resemblance, easily fifty or sixty percent alike.
Come to think of it, he hadn't been in touch with Yukino for a while either. But summer break wasn't far off, and she'd be returning home soon. Maybe then he could arrange to meet her.
"Yōno-nee, long time no see," Senya said as he carried a plate of sliced watermelon into the living room.
"Long time no see~ Hey, Senya-kun, were you just staring at me? Is there something about me that caught your attention?" Yukinoshita Yōno set down her bag, narrowing her eyes with a mischievous glint, deliberately leaning closer to him.
Senya didn't even get a chance to answer before her gaze sharpened, and she suddenly leaned in, sniffing at his neck playfully, a teasing smile curling her lips.
"What's going on? You smell so fragrant… have you been hugging a girl?"
As expected, this was someone he couldn't afford to underestimate even for a second.
Her "dog-like nose" could pick up scents hours later—amazing, if somewhat intimidating.
Senya remained calm. "Living under the same roof as Tōka and Rikka, a lot of our laundry gets mixed together. It's normal for some feminine scent to linger."
"Oh?" Yōno glanced at Tōka, who was gathering the laundry, and asked with mock curiosity, "Is that so?"
"Doesn't really matter, does it?" Tōka said with a nonchalant shrug, hiding her interest—or rather, refusing to reveal it in front of Yōno.
Otherwise, she'd be teased mercilessly. She had known her friend long enough to understand how passionately Yōno would latch onto anything remotely interesting.
Yōno wasn't letting up. "How can it not matter? This involves your beloved brother's future… and even the choice of his next little sister."
"That's not really my concern… alright, alright…" Tōka temporarily finished putting the laundry away in her mom's room and then came out to gently press on Yōno's shoulder. "You didn't come here for this, right? Weren't you supposed to help me figure out which universities would be a good fit?"
"Right, and Senya's here too. You can stick around and help Tōka think it through."
So that was why Yōno had come today—this was serious business. Indeed, Tōka had reached a crucial point.
Senya nodded, but he grabbed a small plate of watermelon from the kitchen and headed upstairs. "You two chat first. I'll bring this to Rikka as soon as she comes down."
"Okay."
Watching him leave, Yōno nudged Tōka with her elbow and lowered her voice. "Hey, hasn't Senya-kun grown a little?"
Tōka tried to act nonchalant. "Has he?"
"Yeah! Before, when I stood in front of him, I barely had to tilt my eyes up to meet his gaze. Now, I have to look up just slightly. I hope I haven't shrunk!"
"Maybe. I'm with him all the time, so I wouldn't notice."
"He seems a lot more handsome too. That childish look on his face has faded, replaced by this more mature charm. Combine that with his skills… if I lived under the same roof, I'd probably never find a boyfriend who measures up."
Yōno slowed her words, propping her chin in her hand while observing Tōka's reaction.
And Tōka, knowing her friend too well, responded effortlessly, "Considering your usual standards and tastes, it would be strange if you found a boyfriend easily."
Her tone was casual, flawless.
Footsteps came from the stairs.
Yōno shrugged helplessly, failing to get a clear answer.
When Senya returned to the living room, she displayed her usual big-sister charm and gestured for him to sit beside her.
Her extroverted personality allowed her to interact with others with natural familiarity—a kind of innate gift.
Tōka, on the other hand, was the complete opposite.
She had spread out several university brochures on the coffee table.
Senya glanced over—these were all prestigious domestic universities.
No surprise; Tōka's grades were excellent, and after leaving the gymnastics club, she had more time to study and had improved further.
Senya casually picked up a brochure. It showed aerial views of the campus, followed by details about the school's history, research programs, and general information—a basic overview that was sufficient.
"All right, let's seriously start helping Tōka think this through," Yōno said, nibbling on a piece of watermelon.
Senya glanced at her. "You're surprisingly calm about this, Yōno-nee."
Tōka responded, "Well, she's already been recommended by her school. She has a confirmed spot at the university she wanted."
"Eh~" Senya played along, showing a look of admiration.
"That's an exaggeration, Senya-kun. You've never thought, 'Wow, this sister is amazing,' have you?" Yōno cut straight to the point.
Even knowing this, Yōno felt a subtle sense of satisfaction—a small personal victory—more than she had when telling her overseas sister, Yukino, and receiving a "Congratulations, sis" in return.
"Don't say that. I genuinely think Yōno-nee is impressive. Being recommended by the school shows your outstanding ability."
Japanese university admissions generally fall into four categories.
First, as Tōka mentioned, a student can be recommended directly by their high school if they excel academically and in character.
Second, students can take university-specific entrance exams, which is common in private universities.
Third, the most widespread method: take the national university entrance exam, then participate in individual school exams.
Fourth, a more holistic approach evaluates overall ability and achievements rather than grades, sometimes granting admission without exams.
"Stop flattering me. Tōka also has an excellent rhythmic gymnastics background. That's why her school recommended her for collaboration with a university, exempting her from exams," Yōno said.
Senya looked up from the brochure. He hadn't heard this from Tōka before—after returning from the beach, he had been preoccupied with resolving Tōka's own doubts. At that time, the conflict between Shiha and Sae erupted, and his focus had shifted entirely.
Though the situation was understandable, he knew he had been neglectful—a fact he couldn't argue against.
He had promised to look after her for life, yet he had ignored her struggles shortly after.
Pathetic.
Silently, Senya scolded himself, keeping his expression neutral so the others wouldn't notice.
Tōka shook her head at Yōno's comment. "Those are sports-oriented schools. I've given up rhythmic gymnastics. I'm not planning on pursuing that professionally. So why would I go there?"
Besides, these universities were far away—Hokkaido in the north, Nagoya nearby. Choosing any of them meant she couldn't come home freely.
Dorm life or a rented apartment wasn't a problem, but being away from family for so long? She couldn't accept it. That alone ruled out these options.
"Exactly. When choosing a university, you can't go against your envisioned future. What fields interest you, Tōka?" Yōno elegantly finished her watermelon, wiped her hands, and flipped open a brochure.
Tōka sighed, pensive. "That's the problem. I wish I knew what I was really interested in."
Her predicament mirrored most third-year students—uncertain at this crucial stage.
Yōno continued, "Weren't there previous discussions with your mom and teacher? What did they say?"
Tōka answered, "Mom respects my choice. My homeroom teacher suggested some directions and schools, but…I don't think that's really what I want for my future."
Yōno nodded thoughtfully. "That's tricky."
Tōka leaned on her slightly. "Sorry for dragging you into this messy situation."
Yōno hugged her shoulder. "Don't be silly. You know I love helping you. If worst comes to worst, you could aim for my university, same major. Working together in the future isn't a bad option."
Tōka tapped her chin. "Could be a backup plan…"
"I'm joking! Don't tie your life to mine so easily, though I wouldn't mind." Yōno immediately looked at Senya.
"What's going on? You're awfully quiet today, yet your beloved sister needs you to strategize."
That "beloved" part could be ignored…
Senya exhaled and set down the brochure. "Tōka, what kind of person do you want to become? What life do you envision for yourself?"
He wasn't focusing on schools but guiding her to imagine her desired future first, then work backward to solve the current dilemma.
Just like he had done.
As a child, he had drifted aimlessly, content yet purposeless, mechanically improving himself. Later, meeting Sae, Shiha, Rikka, influenced by Tōka, and observing Yukino mature beautifully…
He wanted a future with them by his side, even more intimately than now.
Having such a vision, he had dreamt of it repeatedly and once he recognized these feelings, he had set a clear course and pursued it steadily.
If he could establish a life vision this way, so could Tōka.
Tōka thought carefully about Senya's guidance. The approach worked—she could easily picture her desired future.
Her softening expression caught Yōno's attention. "Looks like you found an answer."
Tōka didn't reply.
Her vision: at home in the evening, she's cooking, the twins asleep in their cribs, Senya returns from work, hugs her, kisses her forehead, then entertains the babies—a happy family scene.
Not an easy scenario to articulate.
Tōka shook her head, half in denial. "Not that fast, but Senya did help me realize I could approach it this way."
"Glad I could help," Senya said casually. He briefly met Yōno's gaze, then looked away.
Tōka stood and tied her hair back. "I'll start cooking. I'll think more tonight. Yōno, are you staying in the guest room or with me?"
Senya blinked. "Yōno-nee's staying overnight?"
Yōno grinned. "Why, aren't you happy about it?"
"Of course, just a little surprised—you're usually so busy."
"How do you know I'm busy?"
"Occasionally, Tōka or Yukino mention your schedule: student council duties, tutoring classes, and so on."
"I see… Yukino really tells you everything. I've handed student council duties to juniors, semi-retired. Tutoring? Not necessary now that I've been recommended by the school."
"So she's officially got free time," Tōka added.
"Exactly~" Yōno was in high spirits. "I'm here following your schedule, however convenient."
"I understand."
"Also, I might borrow your pajamas tonight."
"No problem." Tōka shook her ponytail and headed to the kitchen.
Yōno raised her hand. "Senya and I can help too."
"No need. I'll handle it; you two just sit and rest."
"Is she being polite with me?" Yōno whispered to Senya.
Senya thought. "Probably just worried we'd be in the way."
"Oh? Did me coming today disrupt you?"
"Disrupt? What do you mean?" Senya feigned ignorance.
Yōno's eyes crinkled in a radiant smile. "Nothing, just chatting to myself. You have nothing else to do, right? Tell me about Yukino. My sister feels so distant lately; last time we spoke was last month."
Well, my relationship with her isn't much better… Senya thought wryly.
…
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