4 episodes left! We're almost done! We're near the end of this wild ride. Thanks for sticking by me with this book. While it is shorter than it usually is, I'm quite happy with how it turned out in the end. I'm also most likely skipping episode nine as that episode mainly focuses on Yui and Hachiman. So the next chapter will proceed onto episode ten. Again, thank you for sticking with me on this book. It's about to come to an end.

Enough from me, onto the chapter.

---

It was nighttime, both Y/N and Hachiman were meeting up with Hayato. The three Sobu students met up at a nearby park area.

Hayato: So basically, this is a dummy prom?

Y/N: To sum it up, yeah.

Hachiman: I'm glad you catch on fast. 

Hayato: Well, honestly, it makes no sense to me. The Captain Committee has already agreed to assist the student council. Therefore we cannot cooperate with you. Therefore, I cannot help you.

Y/N: Well, I kinda expected this, so I'm not really surprised. 

Hachiman: Then how about personally? Will you, Hayato Hayama, help us out as an individual? 

Hayato: (looks to Hachiman) Helping you out personally is the last thing I want to do.

Y/N: And me?

Hayato: You're fine.

Y/N: (grin) Not really surprised, considering our relationship then. (thoughts) Then again, I never really let go of that relationship as well. 

The three share a small chuckle before they took sips from their MAXX coffee cans.

Hayato: I remembered something from a long time ago.

Hachiman: Hmm? What are you talking about? 

Y/N: Was it that promise?

Hayato: Like I said, a long time ago...you weren't there at the time.

Y/N: Right...must've been when you guys were over there.

Hayato: I remember her saying something similar when she got isolated by her class. She said "I'm okay on my own, I don't need help."

Y/N: Heh. Sounds like her.

Hayato: In the end, you ended up getting even more involved. The resulting pain only spread further because I half-heartedly tried to help.

Hachiman: What? Is this a confession of sin? If so, you should be talking to a wall and not me.

Hayato: I should have put everything I had into helping her back then. Things would've been different if you were with us Y/N, but...

Y/N: Yeah..."Him."

Hayato: If I had just done that... (turns to two) Y/N, Hikigaya, you're both taking the wrong approach here. This isn't what you should be doing. 

Y/N: (sigh) You don't think I don't know that? Of course I know, but I'm still doing it anyway. It's the only way to prove it. (thoughts) The only to prove "that." I now know what you mean, Hiratsuka-sensei.

Hayato: What are you trying to prove?

Y/N: (clenches can) Something I've been neglecting long over due. I'll do it right...this time. Even if she doesn't want my help, I'll still do it.

Hayato: (scoff) You still haven't changed. (thoughts) ...That's good.

Next Day-Dusk, Beach

It was after school, Y/N, Hachiman, and Zaimokuza had accompanied Yui, Yumiko, and Hina to the beach. The three girls were standing by the water while the three boys stood from afar. A puzzled look plagued Y/N's face.

Yumiko: It's so freakin' cold! Yui, the heat pack! The heat pack!

Yui: On your back? Or your stomach?

Yumiko: Either one!

Zaimokuza sat on the beach towel, watching over the group's things. Hachiman and Y/N stood side by side, the camera in Hachiman's hand.

Yui: Here ya go.

Hachiman: ...I feel like I'm watching something forbidden...

Y/N: I know we're here for the sunset and a good shot and all, but why did she think it was a good idea to stand near the water?

Yumiko: It's freezing!

With a sigh, the two boys walked up to them, the three now giving them their attention.

Y/N: Thanks for helping us out. 

Hachiman: (raises camera) I appreciate your assistance today. 

Hina: No problem!

Yumiko: (shyly looks away) Well, I'm just doing this because Yui asked me to. 

Hachiman: Now then, can we get started soon?

Yui: Oh, sure.

Both Yumiko and Yui get into position, the two girls facing the ocean as the sun was in clear view of the camera. 

Yumiko: (squeals) Y-Yeah...hurry it up, Hikio!

Hachiman: Urk...! Okay...

Snapping a few pictures, he takes a look at them. Yui had her hands behind her as she faced the sun, Yumiko hugging herself and putting her legs together to build warmth within her. A dissatisfied look was then put on Hikigaya's face.

Hina: Lemme see.

He then hands the camera to Hina, the girl gaining a grin as she raises it up. 

Hina: Switch this one and then...bam! There.

She hands it back and the two see that the shot was enhanced. The lighting was different, the two girls now having normal poses, their arms at their sides.

Hachiman: Wow...kinda looks like a pro shot.

Y/N: Eeehhh...nice lighting. 

Hina: Right?~ And also...

The girl gains a devious grin as she makes her way to the other two girls. The two boys then gain dumbfounded looks.

Yumiko: Hey, Ebina!?

Hina: C'mon, it's fine! It's fine!

Light blushes begin to sport their faces, Y/N awkwardly looking away, but his eyes would trail back towards them. 

Yumiko: Baka, baka, baka! Seriously, Ebina--

Hina: And it's off!

Yumiko: It's freezing, so cold!

Hina had ripped off the jacket Yumiko was wearing, Y/N now shaking his head at the yaoi girl's stupidity. Yui backed off, looking at Hina with shock. 

Hina: Girls playing down at the beach in their uniforms have gotta be barefoot or it's not realistic...

Yumiko: I get it, I'll do it myself! I'm gonna do it myself!

As Hina walked over to Yumiko, her hands in a grabbing motion, Yumiko quickly tries to get the track suit pants she was wearing off. She squealed as Hina's laughter continues, Y/N, Hachiman, and Zaimokuza looking away with blushes. 

Yumiko: Oh, god! I'm gonna freeze to death!

Hina sadistically giggles to herself at her handiwork. She then faces Yui, but the orange haired girl had come prepared. She had taken off her socks, jacket, and scarf before Hina could do it. 

Working up the courage to head to the cold water, the two girls run towards it and exclaim, mostly due to how cold it was. Hina stood from afar taking the pictures with her phone while Hachiman took shots with his camera.

Yumiko: I'm getting soaked! Oh crap!

Yui: Wait! Wait!

Hina: (satisfied sound) Yeah, that's a nice picture.

Y/N: You know, we called you here expecting you'd be in the pictures, too...

Hina: Eh? Those two beauties are more than enough, don't you think? (smug) You don't need me "rotting" things up. 

Hachiman and Y/N: (sigh)

Hina: But, well, it'll work out, right? 

Hachiman: What will? 

Hina: After all, you're both totally different from me. 

Y/N: So you heard?

Hina: I dunno how it came to this and it's not really my place to say anything, but...wasn't there an easier way to do it?

Y/N: Perhaps. But the simpler methods are the more difficult ones.

Hachiman: That's true. 

Hina: Oh, that's creepy.

Y/N: Not really.

Hina: Well, I guess I can kinda relate. You two got this pessimism thing going, and I don't hate it. 

Yumiko: Ebina! Pictures!

Yui: Let's take some together!

Hina: Sure!

The glasses wearing girl then took off her socks, jacket, and scarf, her running over to the other two girls. Y/N sighed with a smile as he took Ebina's phone, which she had handed him over before running over, and began to take pictures. 

A single camera shutter click was then heard as the day ended.

Next Day, Sobu High, Gaming Club

In the Gaming Club, the dummy prom members were hard at work. Hatano had just finished typing away on his work.

Hatano: (exhausted sigh) Alright, I'm done. 

Sagami: (turns laptop around) Here's the test site, for now.

Yui, Hachiman, and Y/N lean forward in their seats. The title of the page read "Prom Saikou Project." The picture they used for the background of the site was the one Hachiman took yesterday. Yui, Yumiko, and Hina had joined their hands together, standing in the water with smiles on their face as the sunset was present in the photo. 

Hachiman: Zaimokuza, try to post something. 

Zaimokuza: Umu (sure). Aaaannnd...post!

Zaimokuza then sent a mock test post, him sending the message "Test post" along with a picture of the Kaihin school president Tamanawa and Kaori Orimoto. 

The geek then sent another post. It saying, "We exchanged ideas about the prom with Kaihin Sogo High School students! We'll continue working with nearby schools in the future!"

Y/N: Eeehhh...this is actually pretty cool.

Yui: Wow, this is pretty amazing! Looks good!

Hachiman: Okay. Move it to the real thing. 

Hatano: (nods) Got it.

Y/N: Zaimokuza, go on ahead and post about it on social media soon.

Zaimokuza: (thumbs up) Thou canst rely on me!

Y/N: (stands up) Should this go well, we should get results at the beginning of next week. But for now, thanks, you were all a huge help.

Y/N bows his head slightly in appreciation, the four boys looking at him shocked while Yui just smiled. He'd changed considerable, now showing that he wanted to do something. Especially for her sake.

After school, Y/N was walking home with Saki, Hachiman and Yui going their own ways. The two cousins were talking about how their day was, but Y/N was interested in Saki's love life.

Y/N: So, that guy...

Saki: Who?

Y/N: That blonde guy. Sort of spiky hair. Was that the Arata guy you were telling me?

Saki: Y-Yeah...what about him?

Y/N: Nothing really. Just saw him kiss your cheek, that's all.

Saki: (blushes) You saw that!?

Y/N: Yeah. (raised eyebrows) Is that a problem?

Saki: N-No, not really. J-Just don't tell Itsuki.

Y/N: I know. He'll kill the poor bastard before I do.

Saki: Don't you dare!

Y/N: Yeah, yeah. (sigh) Well, I've got to make a call.

Saki: To who?

Y/N: Someone who'll leak the information eventually.

Going onto his phone, he scrolls through his contacts to see one of the very few people he calls. He felt like he was going to regret it, but he tapped it anyway, the phone ringing as it attempts to contact her.

Haruno: (on phone) ...Yahello! How are you?

Y/N: Better than most days, at least. Got a sec?

Timeskip

Heading to a local cafe, after walking Saki home, Y/N met up with Haruno. The two sat in front of each other, Y/N handing his phone over to the older Yukinoshita.

Y/N: Think you can leak this out that'll help us out?

Haruno: Hmm...I don't really get it.

Y/N: You should already know what the situation is by now. How people are speaking out against the prom.

Haruno: Yeah, I understand that part. What I don't understand is why you're doing this.

Y/N: ...You know why.

Haruno: I told you about the relationship between you and Yukino-chan, didn't I? Do you honestly think this is beneficial for her?

Y/N: Not that it doesn't have much to do with Yukinosh--Yukino. I'm just doing it all on my own. I guess you can say it's for self-satisfaction.

Haruno: (snorts) Yukino-chan doesn't want any help, and you're doing it for yourself. But something tells me you're still doing it for her sake.

Y/N: Who knows?

Haruno: If you ask me, the best thing you could do is just watch over her.

Y/N: But that just means extending the distance between us. I'm not about to do that. I'm trying to bring this to a proper end.

Haruno: (smirk) Is any sort of ending okay with you? Even if it's the end that neither Yukino-chan nor anyone else wants?

Y/N: Normally, I wouldn't care. But, I'm aiming for a certain ending.

Haruno: ...Y/N, why are you taking this so far?

Y/N: I've broken so many promises to her already. I intend to keep the current promise I've made. So whether she wants it done or not, I'll still fulfill it.

Haruno: ...That's so like you. You're finally saying how you truly feel, huh?

Y/N: Perhaps.

Haruno: (grin) I'll make sure the leak goes smoothly for you. 

Y/N: Thank you.

Haruno: But it'll be tough with this as your only ammo. You've got all your ducks in a row, but you're not dealing with people who argue fairly. Moreoever, it's my mother is who you're up against.

Y/N: I know that.

Haruno: (stretches) But I'd say you might have a chance depending on how you present it to her. Because she doesn't really feel strongly about the prom one way or another. 

Y/N: (stands up) Well, I'll do what I can.

Haruno: Good luck.

Next Day

It was the next day, Y/N was leaning back in his chair. As he was relaxing, the door opened and in walked Hiratsuka.

Hiratsuka: L/N. Do you have some time? There's a visitor asking for you.

Y/N: How nice. Am I the only one they requested?

Hiratsuka: You are. Well, they didn't request you specifically, I was told to bring "the one in charge."

Y/N: Oh, that. Yeah, Hikigaya recommended that as the host name.

Hiratsuka: With a name like that, it only adds to your list of titles.

Shrugging, he exits the room with her. The two were silent for the most part before Shizuka asked him a question.

Hiratsuka: Is this all part of your plan?

Y/N: More or less. But, yeah.

Hiratsuka: This isn't really like you. Is there any chance of success?

Y/N: Regardless, this is the only path I could take, so maybe. 

Hiratsuka: Not a bad answer. I like that sort of thing. ...L/N, are you free any time soon? It doesn't have to be today, even tomorrow or any time after that is good.

Y/N: Eh. I'm basically free everyday. 

Hiratsuka: Wanna get ramen or something?

Y/N: Sure.

Arriving at the conference room, the person that called him was Mrs. Yukinoshita.

Mrs. Yukinoshita: Hello, Y/N. It's good to see you again.

Y/N: Likewise.

Hiratsuka: Now then, can you please go over what brought you here today?

Mrs. Yukinoshita: Yes, of course. Getting straight to the point...are you the one who came up with this?

Pulling out her phone and showing the picture he showed Haruno yesterday, Y/N only grinned.

Y/N: Perhaps I am the mastermind. There's a clique or two who want something flashy that fit modern high schools.

Elbowing him in annoyance, Hiratsuka sends a glare Y/N's way. He only shrugs and focuses his attention back to Mrs. Yukinoshita, the older woman giggling.

Mrs. Yukinoshita: Setting up a dummy event wasn't a bad move, but it seems to be rather of poor quality. Even by your standards. It doesn't matter if there are multiple choices. It's difficult for anything to proceed unless you solve the problem at the root. What are your thoughts on that?

Hiratsuka: One real problem we face right now is that there appear to be students who will rebel if we continue to push for voluntary cancellation. Which means there is a risk they could proceed and hold the event in place without our knowledge or control. (pushes stack of paper forward) In that case, I believe the wisest choice is to select one of the plans that retain some level of influence over. It may be wiser to choose the situation. Even from the student council end, everyone has accepted this and is modifying the plan.

The air felt tense as Mrs. Yukinoshita read over Shizuka's proposal. It was silence for a few seconds before she spoke up again.

Mrs. Yukinoshita: I see. It seems you have prepared plenty to persuade them, but I'm still unsure as to whether they'll agree or not. There are some bull-headed people in the organization. Even if I bring this up to them, I don't believe it will be enough to actually sway their opinions. 

Y/N: (thoughts) That's right. She didn't come here on her own, some circumstances forced her into this position. The answer is simple. The prom is the problem. She's here as a means to an end. A tool meant to solve the problem. (normal) Then can we perhaps ask for your help to persuade everyone else?

Yukino's mother wasn't his opponent on the board. But rather the strongest piece. The Queen on a chess board. 

Y/N: There are enough components in the plan that makes it convincing, right? The situation could change depending on who makes the argument for it. (thoughts) If she does it, she may be able to win over the PTO members with sticks up their asses. (normal) Me being the son of one of the most powerful and influential man could help, but I doubt my status has any persuasive power over them. Considering my siblings and I announced our disownment ourselves from the poor bastard.

Mrs. Yukinoshita: That's isn't the slightest bit true. I think you've worked very hard in a short amount of time. So much that I actually was curious to find out who did it. 

Y/N: (thoughts) Is this the only card in my hand to play? Guess I have no choice but to play it.

Mrs. Yukinoshita: (smiles) You've always been remarkable. Sarashiki must be proud. 

Y/N: (bows head) Thank you.

Mrs. Yukinoshita: Very well. I'll speak about all this with the members of the PTO. It would be most helpful if you could also attend, Miss Hiratsuka. 

Hiratsuka: I'll fit it into my schedule if you provide me the possible meeting dates.

Y/N: (stands up and bows) Well then, goodbye.

Mrs. Yukinoshita: Y/N. Let's meet up again. And bring your siblings next time, okay?

Y/N: (smiles) Of course. I'll be leaving now.

Hours passed and it was now near the end of the day. Y/N arrived at the front door to the Service Club room. As he was about to open it, he was hesitant to do so. Could he really admit it here? He shook his head, telling him he'd have to wait. Right now, this wasn't the right time. Not yet, at least.

Opening the door, he was met with the beautiful black hair of Yukino Yukinoshita, moving with the way of the wind. Her icy blue eyes stared out the open window as she looked at the orange horizon. He slightly blushed at the sight before the girl had turned around, now noticing Y/N in the room. 

Yukino: Hello. 

Y/N: Uh, hey.

Yukino: (closes window) Do you need something here?

Y/N: (scratches back of head) Well, yeah. I'm supposed to deliver a work-related message to you.

Yukino: I see. I'm sorry you had to come all the way here.

Y/N: Uh, don't worry about it. It wasn't any trouble at all.

As Y/N sat down in his usual chair, Yukino took a deep breath. She then calmly walked to her own seat, sitting down as Y/N looked away, scratching his cheek.

Y/N: It's about your prom plan. Your revised plan was safely approved in the end. So...I lose.

Yukino: ...Yes. You won.

Y/N: Huh? What do you mean?

Yukino: I went along with how you did things, and this happened. This means you've essentially won.

Y/N: But, you anticipated this, right? You had the slightest understanding of what I was trying to do, didn't you? In that case, you win.

Yukino: (shakes head) Except I couldn't be certain. Because as long as the very idea of a prom itself was being opposed, then your plan should have failed. However, I had a feeling that you would find a way to make it work.

Y/N: Heh. That's some solid trust. But then again, we've known each other for so long.

Yukino: I was surprised, too, because I felt that way naturally. That goes to show how dependent I've become upon you. But, I've always have. Ever since we were young. 

Y/N: Even if that's true, that doesn't change the fact that you won. I may have joined late, but we agreed that the winner would be the person who made prom happen in the way they proposed. 

Yukino: You're okay with me being the winner?

Y/N: (nods) Always have.

Yukino: (clenches fists) ...Then our competition is over now. You'll do what I tell you to do, right?

Y/N: I... (long sigh) Yeah...the terms we agreed on were clear.

Yukino: That they were. 

It was silence for a few minutes. Y/N awkwardly shuffled in his seat as no other words were being exchanged.

Yukino: ...I'll be honest. It was fun.

He looked up at her, only to find her piercing blue eyes prickling with tears, a gentle smile on her face.

Yukino: It was the first time that I felt comfortable spending time with other people aside from you. It made me happy. Fighting and arguing, and even crying in front of people like that were all new to me. I was so nervous when the two of us went out together, and there were so many things I didn't know because it was my first time. I had no idea that it was okay to rely on someone. That's why I made a mistake somewhere...I'm okay...it's okay now. You saved me. Just like you promised. That's why both this competition and this relationship...will end with this.

Y/N: Yeah...I lost. I'll do what you tell me to. If I can do it, I'll grant whatever wish you want. 

Yukino: ...Admit it to me. Admit what you truly feel.

Y/N: ...Is that your wish?

Yukino: Yes, that's my wish.

Y/N: (sigh) ...Okay.

Getting up from his chair, he walked over to her, slowly. Yukino was taken aback slightly and stood up from her own, now backed up against the wall.

She tried to look away, but her wrist was grabbed by the youngest L/N. When he finally faced her, he bit his lip. He struggled to say something. Yukino waited. Waited for words to come out of his mouth. In the end, he couldn't say anything. For now, he settled with something simple.

She had closed her eyes, waiting for a certain contact to occur. But she didn't feel it. Instead, she felt something on her forehead. She opened her eyes to see Y/N had kissed her forehead, him releasing it as he looked on with a sincere look in his eyes. She was slightly disappointed, but she didn't show it.

Y/N: Wait for me.

Yukino: H-Huh?

Y/N: Wait for me. Will you, Yukino Yukinoshita, wait for me?

Yukino: O-Of course.

With a nod and a small smile, he patted the younger Yukinoshita's head, grabbing his bag and went out the room. He walked down the hall for a little bit before he stopped. He took a deep breath before he slammed his fist onto the wall. He didn't care on how much it hurt his fist.

The only thing he did was cursing at himself. He wasn't sure why he couldn't say it. In fact, he wasn't sure why he couldn't say anything and admit the fact. But there was no denying it. Years of rejecting those feelings. Years of trying to bury it and deny that it was true, no matter how true it was. There was no denying it.

Y/N: I'm in love with Yukino Yukinoshita.