I just want to say, if you're feelin' down or feel like having thoughts of suicide or just feel overly depressed, ask for help. Or talk to people. If you want to chat with me, private message me or just start up a conversation on my conversations tab. I'll try to respond to you as soon as possible.

This is because a good friend of mine, SharinganRyu was feeling down and having all these negative thoughts. I'm not going to pry too much into the conversations we had, but all I'm saying is, if you need to talk, seek some friends out or talk to me. I'll listen. Enough of my rambling, onto the chapter.

---

It had been a day since Y/N's encounter with Hachiman and his cousins. He was now at Sobu High, once again a coincidence as the two stood in front of a vending machine. The two bought MAXX coffee cans again as they were having a leisure time to themselves.

It wasn't until the second most popular person in the school, Hayato Hayama, walked up to them.

Hayato: So I heard about it. Seems like it was really tough. Do you feel like a weight got lifted off of your guys' shoulders?

Hachiman: Huh? From what? 

Y/N: Yeah, what do you mean?

Hachiman: Oh, you mean my sister?

Hayato: No, not that. I'm sure that was rough, too, though. (buys MAXX coffee) Oh, yeah. Will you tell your sister congrats on finishing her exams for me? 

Hachiman: No, why would I? Why do I have to give her a message from you?

Y/N: Well, they seem to have a pretty good relationship. 

Hachiman: Though I'm happy to hear you say that. Thanks.

Hayato: (sheepish smile) Unbelievable, I never thought I'd get thanked for that. I wasn't referring to your little sister, though...I mean that other little sister.

Y/N: Other little sister...? Oh, Yukinoshita, huh? I didn't do much...I don't think.

Before, two nights ago

Back in Yukino's apartment, Y/N having settled in to watch his drunk sister on the armchair, he could hear the conversation between the Yukinoshita siblings.

Haruno sat one a two-seater couch, Yui and Hachiman on the three-seater one. Y/N stood next to his sister as Yukino was pouring everyone tea. Haruno on the other hand was helping herself to another glass of wine, Setsuna in her drunk state asking for more, all while Y/N kept slapping his sister's hand down.

Yukino: You're going to drink more?

Haruno: Of course. There are some days I just want to drink.

Y/N: Don't tell me... (sigh) Please don't tell me you two would do "that."

Haruno: Hmm...maybe.~

Setsuna: (pouts) Haru-chan!~ We never finished...

Haruno: We can continue some other time.~

Setsuna: (pouts even more) Mou...

Haruno: Besides, alcohol helps make life go down a bit smoother. 

Yukino: I think it's more often the root cause of problems, though.

Haruno: Don't worry, I'll listen to what you have to say.

Yukino: Right. You won't even listen to me even when you're sober.

Haruno: This is true! Now then...what did you wanna say?

Yukino: (deep breath) I wanted to talk about us, and what will happen with us in the future.

Small grunts came from the two boys and a gasp from Yui. Setsuna was too drunk to even comprehend the situation.

Haruno: Oh? You're going to let me in on all that?

Yukino: Yes. This about you and me. And also about mother. 

Haruno: Hmm? Ah, that's what you meant. This doesn't sound like something I want to hear. (looks to Yui) Right?

Yui: ...Eh?

Yukino: I still want you to listen. That's why I'm going home. There, I will talk to mother about my future and what I want. Even if I can't get what I want, I don't want to have any regrets. I want to...at least make myself clear, so that I can accept the outcome. 

With a look of determination, Yukino looked up at her sister with a smile, tucking some of her hair behind her ear. Y/N's eyes widened for a moment, but they soon relaxed, him regaining his composure.

Haruno: ...I see. So I guess that's your answer, then. Well, that's fine. You've grown a little, I guess. (drinks wine) I know what you want to say. If you're serious about it, then I'll work with you. 

Yukino: (confused) You'll work with me?

Haruno: Yes. Mom's not the type of person to change course very easily. So I'll put in a good word for you when appropriate. That being said, I don't know if that will be effective or not. However, you should go there with assumption that you won't be back here for awhile. 

Yukino: I figured.

Yui: Huh?

Haruno: I was only allowed to come here because she was worried about Yukino. If Yukino goes home, she probably won't be set free again so easily. First, pack up your things. Then you'll need to get in touch with mom.

Yukino: Yes...I'll do that.

Haruno: Hey. So I'll have free use of this place for awhile. That okay?

Yukino: You can do what you want with it.

Haruno: Thanks.

The older Yukinoshita gets up and goes to the kitchen, leaving the four of them, with a drunk Setsuna, in the living room.

Yui: I'll help you pack up, too!

Yukino: No, I can't let you do that for me, too...

Yui: It's totally okay! I actually want you to let me help. I really like organizing things!

Yukino: But...

Yui: I think this is the only thing I'm able to help you with...

Y/N: Let her do it.

Hachiman: Yeah. Free labor is hard to find nowadays.

Haruno then went to the coat rack, getting her things ready as she takes Setsuna's jacket and hands it to Y/N.

Haruno: That sounds good. Why don't you go ahead and stay the night? You too, Y/N. Maybe you could help her out with something.~

Y/N: Shut up. 

Haruno: Aww, why are you playing so hard to get for her.~

Y/N: (irritated sigh) This is such a drag.

Yukino: (looks to Yui) Would that be...asking too much?

Yui: (shakes head) No, I'd love to!

The orange haired girl scooted over, happily tapping Yukino's leg, who responds by smiling.

Yukino: Thanks.

Yui: Let's do some decluttering! I recently bought a ton of books on how to declutter!

Yukino: Those books are the first thing that should be decluttered.

Haruno: (opens door) I'm going to the convenience store. Do you need anything? Oh, Y/N, do you need me to take Setsuna home, too?

Y/N: Nah, I can handle it.

Haruno: Okay!~

Minutes later...

It had been minutes later, Hachiman leaving first. Y/N descended the elevator with Setsuna on his back, drool going down her face as her cheeks were red.

When the doors opened up, he sees Haruno in front of him.

Y/N: I thought you went to the convenience store.

Haruno: This sort of thing feels a bit like a rendezvous, doesn't it?

Y/N: If Hikigaya were here, he'd say something along the lines of an ambush. Not that I'd care though.

Decided to accompany Haruno to the convenience store first, which she begged, the three were now walking through a plaza area, Setsuna being carried on Y/N's back. The winter chill filled the area as there was still snow on the ground.

Haruno: (shivers) Freezing.

The youngest L/N rolled his eyes as he eyed Haruno's clothing. She was wearing the things meant for inside, shorts not helping in the situation either. The only thing she had suitable for the winter cold was the jacket she was wearing, which she left it open. 

She then begins to sniff all around it, finally raising her arm towards Y/N's face. 

Y/N: (sniffs) Oh, cigarette smoke, huh?

Haruno: Yeah.

Y/N: You and Nee-san were drinking for quite some time, huh? Please don't tell me you did "that" while you were there.

Haruno: Of course not! You know we only do that at our homes.~

Y/N: (sigh) I sometimes forget that she accidentally slips those days out when she gets home drunk.

Haruno: But to answer your question before, yep, they wouldn't let me go. I almost got pulled into going at it all night if it weren't for Setsuna to...hmm...you know what.

Y/N: I-I see...

Haruno: But I'm so glad I came home early. I was able to listen to what Yukino-chan had to say. (looks to Y/N) Hmm?

Y/N: I guess it's...that's just kind of surprising. 

Haruno: What is?

Y/N: That you actually listened to her. You didn't do that much when we were children.

Haruno: Of course I listened to her. I'm still her older sister, after all. If that's what Yukino-chan has chosen, then I will support that decision, whether it's the right one or not. 

Y/N: If she's making the wrong choice, shouldn't you stop her?

Haruno: You should know. She wouldn't listen to me. More importantly, I don't care either way. Because nothing will change. Whether it works out or she gives up.

Y/N: ...I guess some things never change.

Haruno: Yeah. Everybody becomes an adult by giving up on various things like that, you know. 

Y/N: I'm guessing you have that sort of experience?

Haruno: Hmm, I wonder! I don't matter here. We're talking about Yukino-chan right now. I think this is the first time she's ever made herself clear. Please continue watching over her like you did all those years ago, Y/N.

Y/N: ...I will.

Haruno: (giggles) I acted like a big sister again...

Y/N: Well, you were another older sister role model for me growing up. Why don't you try being like that all the time, then?

Haruno: No way. I'm nothing like you or siblings. Even Hikigaya-kun. He's always acting like a big brother.

Y/N: Well, yeah, he is an older brother after all. In fact, I'm none of those things.

Haruno: (giggles) Oh, I see. But it must be nice to have an older brother like Itsuki or Hikigaya-kun. I wish I had one of those!

Being the teasing girl she was, she wrapped Y/N in a side hug. While she was expecting Y/N to pull away, Y/N only accepted the gesture.

Y/N: Despite you being an annoying drunk right now, I kinda missed this.

Haruno: Oh no, I'm not drunk. Then again, you never refused my hugs.

Y/N: Yeah...I never did. You want me to call Nii-san and have him drop Nee-san off while I help you home?

Haruno: Oh, you're so kind! That gentleman personality of yours is coming back!~

Y/N: It's what Kaa-san would've wanted. Not only that, Nee-san would kill me if I didn't offer.

Haruno: Don't worry, I'm fine. No way I'd get drunk from that. Your sister on the other hand...

Y/N: (irritated sigh) She can be so stupid sometimes...

Haruno: Maybe I can't get drunk. No matter how much alcohol I drink, a part of me always stays calm. I can even see what kind of face I'm making. Even if I laugh and get wild, I feel like it's not actually me doing it. You're probably the same. I'm calling it right now. (whispers) If Yukino-chan didn't like you, I would've taken you all for myself.

A small blush made it to Y/N's face as Haruno only giggled in response, the two continuing down the street. But, she then said one more thing.

Present Day

After finishing their drinks, the two boys tossed their coffee cans in the recycling bin, Hayato still drinking his.

Y/N: Well, the hard part is starting now. That's just guess though.

Hayato: I agree.  But it's a whole lot better than it was before. I thought she would never change. 

As Y/N began walking back to class, the other two boys look to each other before they catch up. As he walked, Y/N remembered what she had specifically said.

"You're probably the same. I'm calling it right now. ...You can't get drunk."

Timeskip-End of class

It was the end of class, Y/N leaving the classroom first. Calmly walking down the halls towards the clubroom, he couldn't help but think what Haruno meant. 

"You can't get drunk."

He shrugged it off, now arriving at the clubroom doors. He goes to open it, but it doesn't budge. Sighing to himself, he leans up against the well next to the door as he begins to wait. A few minutes later, he sees Hachiman and Yui walking up.

Hachiman: Not inside?

Y/N: Door's locked.

Yui: I guess Yukinon hasn't come yet.

Y/N: Guess I can go get the key. 

Hachiman: I'll go with.

Y/N: Nah, it's fine. Just sit tight.

Normally, Y/N wasn't one to initiate something, the two looking at each other as Hikigaya shrugs. Walking for a little bit, Y/N opens the door to the faculty room. He goes to Hiratsuka's desk, but she wasn't there.

???: Hey, L/N. What's up?

He turns a bit to see Shizuka coming 'round the cabinets, peeking her head around.

Y/N: I just came to get the key for the clubroom.

Hiratsuka: Oh. Well, Yukinoshita already came and took the key earlier.

Timeskip

Yui: That's why I said I'd call her.

Y/N: Well sorry, you never told me that. 

Hachiman: Well, you left before she could say it.

Now that everyone was in the clubroom, everyone in their respective seats except Yukino, who was serving everyone tea.

Yukino: I went ahead and made tea. Would you like some?

Y/N: Sure.

Sliding a tea cup filled with black tea towards him, Y/N takes a sip of it.

Yukino: Uh...about the other day...thank you.

Y/N: You finished the move okay, then?

Yukino: Yes. I wouldn't go as far as to call it "moving," though...and Yuigahama-san was there to help me.

Yui: O-Oh, yeah, not a problem! It was no big deal.

Yukino: (smiles) You really helped me out. Thank you.

Before Yui could respond, a knock was heard on the door.

Yukino: Come in.

???: Excuse me!

The voice was familiar, causing Hachiman to grunt in annoyance and Y/N to rub his temple. Walking in with her signature foxy grin was the student council president, Iroha Isshiki.

Small Timeskip

Iroha: So, I borrowed a DVD, but the student council laptop is too new and doesn't even play DVDs!

Yui: What is this?

Y/N: And again, why are you here?

Yukino: (crouches) It's quite small, but it's a projector, right?

Iroha: (smiles widely) It is! Apparently, it can even display videos off a smartphone. 

Yui: Oh, but it's expensive, right?

Iroha: Well, get this! It came entirely out of the student council budget, which comes at zero personal cost to me!

Yui: (impressed) Oh!

Hachiman: That was the worst product demo sales presentation ever.

Y/N: (nods) Agreed.

Iroha: Ah, wait, I'm gonna put the screen up!

Putting up the screen, the five of them were now watching the projection, which seemed to be set in a high school like theirs. The lights were turned off, covering the windows with the blinds. Yukino and Y/N kept their normal expressions, it being a straight face.

Yui was smiling happily, clasping her hands together. Hachiman looked on lazily, resting his head on his fist while Iroha looked on with a smile, a small blush present on her face.

Soon, it was over.

Yui: (stretches) Wow, that was great!

Y/N: I just have one question, why were you watching the movie here?

Iroha: Huh? It's not a movie, it's a TV drama. 

Hachiman: That part doesn't matter...

Iroha: (grins) I was watching it for reference. But if I watched it in the student council room, I would seem like I'm slacking off.

Yukino: What does that say about the fact you chose to watch it here?

Y/N: Yeah. In fact, aren't you slacking off, right now?

Hachiman: Watch it at home!

Iroha: I follow the principle of not working outside of designated hours!

Yui: By the way, what do you mean by "reference?"

Iroha: There's a graduation ceremony this year, right? And then something called a thank-you party or something? The student council has to manage all of that. 

Hachiman: Right, the thank-you party. 

Iroha: Well, to be honest, a normal thank-you party is fine, but when I think about the one from when I graduated, I'd like to make something more flashy for this one. Um...and I think the graduates would be happy with it, too.

Yukino: I see. And that's why you want the prom.

Iroha: (claps) Yeah! You always just get it Yukinoshita! You're so great!

Hachiman: A pro...? What's that?

Y/N: A promenade, otherwise known as a prom. Nii-san said he had one for college. At least I think he did.

Yukino: Put simply, it's an abbreviation for a type of dance. In high schools overseas, it's the last dance party of the school year.

Yui: Oh! There was a scene like that in the drama, too!

Hachiman: Uh, why not just do a normal one?

Y/N: Yeah, why do you want to make it a prom?

Iroha: (laughs deviously) Because, I'm going to be the prom queen!

Hachiman: Oh...

Y/N: I-I see...

Hachiman: For our grade, the prom king would be either Hayama or L/N over there.

Y/N: (clutches head) I can already hear the screams of the fan girls. Stop it...

Iroha: Yeah, that's probably true! Basically, Hayama-senpai will be the king, and I'll be the qu-- (looks to Yukino and clears throat) By the way, senpais, this is totally unrelated, but are you going to get held back a year?

Y/N: (scoffs) Even if I did, Nee-san would go on a rampage. The most likely answer is a no.

Hachiman: As if.

Iroha: On, come on! It'd be the same as spending a year waiting to retake the university entrance exams, right? And using your student discounts is always a great bargain, you know?

Hachiman: Don't assign that future to me. Besides, I'd lose way more than I'd save. 

Iroha: Okay, what if you help with the prom, instead?

Hachiman: Instead of? Instead of what?

Y/N: Are we seriously going to hold a prom?

Iroha: Yes!

Hachiman: But it definitely can't happen, even if you start it now.

Yui: I think it looks fun, but...it also looks difficult. 

Yukino: That's right.

Iroha: Well...I know that. But I want to do it...do you think that's unacceptable? (puppy eyes towards Hachiman)

Hachiman: (blushes) It's not a matter of acceptability, but more that it's not really doable. There are a multitude of reasons why, but...I mean, you understand that, right?

Iroha: I see. ...Okay. (stands up) Then the student council will try to do this on our own. 

Hachiman: Right, good decision...huh? We're you listening.

Iroha: Yes. So we're going to do it on our own.

Hachiman: O-Okay. Alright then.

Y/N: (monotone) Good luck.

Iroha: If you change your mind or gain an interest, come hang out in the student council room! You're always welcome! So much that we won't let you go!

Hachiman: She wants to run us ragged, doesn't she?

Yukino: Can I ask you something?

Iroha: Yes?

Yukino: Why do you want to do so much to hold a prom?

Iroha: Huh? Um, because, I mean, I want to be prom queen...

Y/N: You mean in two years. There's something more to the reason this year.

Iroha: Uh, yeah...I've gotta start laying the groundwork for that now.

Yukino: Supposing that a prom is held two years from now, you'll be chosen as queen, even if you don't lay any groundwork today.

Iroha: U-Um...what!?

Yukino: I'm saying there's no real reason you have to do this right now. Not unless there's a bigger reason, like Y/N said. Even next year, there will be no problem--

Iroha: That won't work. Even if I suggest holding a prom next year, it probably won't happen. We'll be forced to give up because they'll say we won't have enough time. That's why no matter how difficult it is, and even if it's a flop, I have to lay the foundations for my next move!

Hachiman: Isshiki...

Iroha: This has to be done now. If we start now, we may be ready in time. 

Yukino: What and who are you doing this for?

Iroha: (foxy grin) ...For myself, of course!

Yukino: (nods and smiles) Right. Thank you for your answer. Now then, let's get started.

Yui and Y/N. ...Eh?

Y/N: You can't be serious...

Yui: Wha!? Huh!? 

Iroha: (disbelief) Are you for real gonna do it? Oh my gawd, Yukinoshita-senpai! I freakin' love you!

She envelops Yukino into a hug, Yukino having wide eyes as the rest watch with their own shocked looks.

Yukino: Hold on--

Iroha: But what was that third-degree you just gave me? It was scary! It'd be great if you'd stop doing stuff like that!

Hachiman: (grins) Well, I guess we have no choice if that's what the president has decided.

Y/N: (long sigh) Fine...let's do it, then. We'll do our job.

Yui: (nods) Yep, we will.

Yukino: Um, can I speak with you three?

Hachiman: Huh?

The three look over to their club president to see she was struggling to get Iroha off of her, the other girl still trying to hug Yukino.

Yukino: What I just did was on my one personal volition. I have no intention of forcing you to help.

Y/N: What do you mean?

Yukino: In other words, well...this was not a decision I made as club president, so I don't have the authority to make you help. But of course, I would be grateful to receive help from you three...simply, even if it's on my own. I intend to take responsibility for the prom and see it through to completion. Or rather...

Hachiman: You mean we're free to participate or not?

Y/N: It's what she said. 

Yui: No, Hikky, L/N-san. Yukinon is saying that she wants to try to do this on her own, right?

Yukino: This has to be done now...if we start now, we may be ready in time. Maybe...that applies to me, too. Because... (smiles) I want to make a proper start. I'd be happy if you three would watch over me. 

Yui: Then I won't say a word. But promise me, you will absolutely not overexert yourself. And if you need manpower, then you have to call us. Even if it's not as the Service Club, you can call us as your friends. I want to help you when that happens.

Yukino: ...Yes, I promise I will. Thank you.

The two bring their pinkies together, forming a promise.

Yui: Alright! Sounds good to me! How about you, Hikky, L/N-san?

Hachiman: Same.

Y/N: (scratches cheek awkwardly) I, uh...I did promise you that a long time ago, didn't I? W-When we first met...so, yeah. I will.

Yukino: (tilts head) Am I making a mistake?

Y/N: N-No...it's fine. 

Hachiman: No idea, though.

Yukino: (sigh) You never say anything useful.

Hachiman: Oi...

Iroha: (sigh of relief) I get it, for the most part! Okay then, thanks for your help, Yukino-senpai!

Yui: (wide eyes) ...What did she just call you?

Yukino: (smiles and bows head) I'm looking forward to this.

Iroha: Then will you please come to the student council room, starting tomorrow?

Yukino: Sure, I don't mind.

Yui: Thank you!

Timeskip-Night

After the school day, Y/N was walking up the steps towards his apartment complex. Taking his key from his bag, he unlocks and takes off his shoes. Oddly enough, he was humming a happy tune, which wasn't noticed by his older sister.

Setsuna: Hmm? What's gotten you so chipper?

Y/N: Oh...just remembered an old promise...that's all.

Setsuna: Hoh?~ (wraps Y/N in a headlock) Did something good happen? Do you want to spare Onee-chan the details?~

Y/N: (struggling) There's nothing going on! All that's happening is a prom that's been planned.

Setsuna then stopped, making Y/N confused. Suddenly, Y/N was then pulled into a deep hug, Setsuna raving about.

Setsuna: Ohmygoshthere'sapromgoingon! Weneedtogetyouanewsuit! (gasps) Weevenneedtogetyouadateaswell! HowaboutYukino-chan!?Ofcourseyou'regoingtogowithher! I needtocallSakisakiandhavehergetyouanewsuit!Thisisthebestdayever! Ohmygosh, Ican'twaitforthis!

As she kept talking, she sped off to her room, Itsuki coming out of his room as stared down the hall that Setsuna went down to her room.

Then he looked to Y/N with his most confused face.

Itsuki: What's up with her? She usually doesn't get like that unless there's something big going on.

Y/N: Oh, yeah, about that. The student council is planning on holding a prom.

Itsuki: Heh. (wraps an arm around Y/N) You're going to become a man. Now, you just need a date. Remember, you're Onii-chan is here.

Y/N: Nii-san, you shouldn't be talking. You don't even have a wife yet.

And with that, it felt like Itsuki's whole world had shattered, the oldest L/N trudging to his room as a gloomy atmosphere surrounds him. A chuckle escaped Y/N's lips before he remembered the memory of back then.

Flashback

The L/N family were currently leaving the Yukinoshita household, Hirmada having left much earlier to get to his work. Setsuna, Itsuki, and Sarashiki had already gone to the car with Y/N still at the front door still, standing in front of a younger Yukino as the girl clutched a Pan-san plushie.

Yukino: Promise...

Y/N: Huh?

Yukino: Promise you'll watch over me forever?

The young girl had extended her hand out, waiting for Y/N's answer. Y/N only put on a kind smile as he brought his hand forward and connected their pinky fingers together.

Y/N: Yeah.

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

I promise.

Flashback End

Y/N: Promise, huh? (sigh) ...I already broke it a long time ago.

---

Was able to get it done today, so early release ahead of it's schedule. 

Thanks for reading this and see ya in the next one.

-okami