How did he get to know Yukino? Did he use some unspeakable methods, or did he deceive the innocent and kind little Yukino with sweet words?
Also, why did I not get any news at all? If I hadn't happened to run into them today, were they planning to keep it a secret from me all along?
Speaking of which, Shizuka must have known, right? And she didn't even tip me off.
Heh heh, Shizuka's lips are sealed, huh? It seems she needs some proper training.
Yukinoshita Haruno thought these things, but the smile on her face grew even brighter and more radiant.
It was then that her eyes caught sight of the shoes Tanaka Masao was holding.
Although Yukinoshita Haruno did not personally witness Tanaka Masao's epic lung-inhaling scene, she had a rough idea from the expressions and conversation between the two just now.
The clever Yukinoshita Haruno immediately deduced the general situation.
This guy must have done something to Yukino's shoes, most likely smelled them.
Poor male creature, in the end, he couldn't overcome his curiosity about a beautiful girl, could he?
But I don't blame you; it's Yukino after all, so it's normal to be attracted.
However, since I've discovered it, I won't be polite.
A faint smile appeared on Yukinoshita Haruno's lips; she knew what she had to do.
No matter what your relationship with Yukino is, please leave her side, Unknown-kun.
Although Yukinoshita Haruno had many thoughts in her mind, only a few seconds passed in reality.
Facing Yukinoshita Yukino's inquiry, she said with a smile,
"Didn't I hear that Yukino was sick and was a bit worried, so I specially came to visit you? But—"
As she spoke, she skillfully steered the conversation towards Tanaka Masao again.
"It seems someone arrived earlier than me. Won't Yukino introduce him to me?"
"Tanaka Masao."
Without Yukinoshita Yukino needing to introduce him, Tanaka Masao spoke up on his own.
"Oh, Tanaka, I'm Yukino's older sister, Haruno. Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you, Sister Haruno."
Tanaka Masao breathed a sigh of relief. What? Even if it was a disguise, Yukinoshita Haruno seemed quite easy to get along with.
"Hey, Tanaka, what are you holding in your hand?"
Yukinoshita Haruno still had that friendly smile, but the words she spoke were nothing short of a devil's whisper to Tanaka Masao.
Damn it, Haruno, aren't you good at socializing? You should be actively ignoring this right now.
In response, Yukinoshita Haruno indicated that she was indeed good at socializing and reading the atmosphere, but the current outcome was exactly what she wanted most.
"This, uh, that..."
Tanaka Masao's eyes darted around, and he started to stammer.
If only Yukinoshita Yukino had been questioning him, he could have said he couldn't control his curiosity.
At most, he would receive Yukinoshita Yukino's scorn, along with some verbal attacks and emotional damage.
Then he would go about his business.
But Yukinoshita Haruno was clearly up to no good; he might be in trouble today.
Ah, is this the day it finally comes? Will my pure, innocent, flawless, and kind character and persona finally be ruined?
I'm merely sacrificing my entire life for a moment of curiosity.
Mr. Tanaka, do you have any regrets in your life?
My life has been like treading on thin ice. I've already slowed down, so how did I reach the other shore so quickly?
Looking back on my life, if you ask if there are any regrets, it would probably be that one.
That day, I could actually do twenty push-ups, but I stopped after only seventeen.
And that day, when I had my cheat meal, I should have eaten one more ice cream.
Ah, right, right, and that day... The only thing I did without regret might have been the taste just now.
Because if I didn't know what the taste was really like, my curiosity would never be satisfied.
I might even be muttering about what it tasted like right before I die.
Before Tanaka Masao could finish reviewing all the regrets in his life's rapid flashback,
Yukinoshita Yukino's voice rang out.
"Those are my shoes. I asked Tanaka-kun to hold them for me."
"?"
Tanaka Masao opened his eyes, looking at Yukinoshita Yukino with some disbelief.
Yukino, you'd actually find an excuse to get me out of this?
Seeing Tanaka Masao's incredulous gaze, Yukinoshita Yukino merely glanced at him indifferently, a hint of disdain in her eyes.
I just don't want Sister and my family to know that I know a creature like Tanaka-kin. Right now, all you have to do is act like a human. We'll talk about our business later.
Mission accomplished.
Tanaka Masao laughed awkwardly twice.
"Ah haha, that's right. I just saw there was some dust on the shoes and was looking for something to wipe them with."
The disguise on Yukinoshita Haruno's face stiffened for a moment. Her eyes narrowed, revealing a dangerous glint.
Are you two flirting, do you think I can't see it?
Such a clumsy lie, do you really think I can't see through it?
However, Yukino would actually lie for a man, conspiring to deceive me. This is getting more and more interesting.
At this moment, Yukinoshita Haruno suddenly wasn't in such a hurry to make Tanaka Masao leave.
She was somewhat curious how this unremarkable boy had managed to make Yukinoshita Yukino go to such lengths for him.
"Oh, I see. Tanaka is really enthusiastic."
As she spoke, she walked into the room, closing the door behind her, clearly not giving Tanaka Masao a chance to leave.
"Tanaka, since the shoes are wiped clean, stay a little longer. You're not in a hurry to go back, are you?"
Tanaka Masao indicated that he was actually quite eager to go back.
However, seeing Yukinoshita Haruno blocking the doorway, giving him no chance to leave, he could only nod against his will.
"Not in a hurry, not in a hurry."
Dear Mom:
Your son Masao is currently being held by a bad woman using very forceful methods, but please don't worry, she is a beautiful woman, and I will be back a little later.
Sincerely, your handsome son.
My foolish son, your mom here would prefer you not come home tonight.
...