It was another day in Sobu, a phone was displayed of Tobe dancing. The talk of the prom promotional video had caused a lot of gossip in the school.

Iroha: Everybody is abuzz about the prom video, it's all over my timeline. Look!

The girl had showed her phone to Y/N and Hachiman, Hachiman's mouth agape as Y/N kept his bored expression. Yui sat next to Hachiman, brightening up about the video. Yukino worked away at her laptop, sitting next to Iroha.

Yui: Yeah, I noticed it, too! A lot of people were sharing it.

Iroha: Yeah, they were!

Yukino: It was worth pouring some money into the video if it brings us additional promotion like that. 

Hachiman: So what're we doing today?

Iroha: Oh! (puts phone on table) I'd like you two to look through the pictures we're planning to put on the official page.

Y/N: So, you basically want our honest opinions of them?

Iroha: Pretty much. If there's any you're uncomfortable with, then cross 'em out.

Y/N: I guess I can do that.

Hachiman: (thoughts) Huh? Who gets all flirty like that during a photoshoot. (gazes at photos of him and Yui) Whoa, looks like I can't talk! Just remembering this is making me so embarrassed! I wanna die!

Yui: Um, Hikky, wanna look at them with me? 

Hachiman: Nah, I'll pass. I feel like I'll just reject all of them anyways.

Y/N: Pretty much expected that. (looks at photos) Oh, this one is pretty good.

Prompto: Right? I dig it, too!

(A/N) Wait a damn minute...Prompto, get the hell out of here! You don't belong in Oregairu! You belong in FFXV! Go back!

Prompto: Hai, hai!

(A/N): (sigh) Rewind the damn scene.

Rewinding....

Y/N: Pretty much expected that. (looks at photos) Oh, this one is pretty good.

Yui: Okay, I'll take a look at them. 

The green-eyed teen slides the photos over to Yui. She marked two of the ones of herself and Hachiman dancing.

Yukino: Well, are you starting to feel comfortable with this?

Y/N: Not like I was uncomfortable with it, anyway. Actually, that suit I wore was slightly tight everywhere. 

Hachiman: This is a bad way to put it, but I've come to tolerate the idea of holding a prom. The people who watched the video probably feel better about it, too. 

Yukino: Right...that means there was plenty of merit in releasing a video. 

Yui: (hands photos to Iroha) Okay, here's what I think. 

Iroha: Thank you!

Yukino: I appreciate this, you three. Sorry to make you come all the way out here. We can handle the rest.

Y/N: If there's still things to do, I can still help. I don't really have anything better to do when I get home.

Hachiman: Don't you have to send your measurements to Kawasomething?

Y/N: Already sent those last night when I went to her house for Taishi's celebration. Other than that, I've got nothing to do.

Hachiman: (looks to Yukino) We're done? 

Yukino: Yes, that's all I intended for you two to help with. The student council is already handling production, and we don't have any jobs for other people to help out with. Right?

Iroha: Huh? Oh...uh, y-yeah. If that's what you say, then I guess it's true. 

Yukino: (smiles) We may need to ask for your assistance again if it turns out that we don't have enough people, so I'll let you know when that time comes. 

Y/N: Alrighty, then.

Yui: Okay, got it. See ya later, then! If there's anything we can help with, let us know! 

After getting their belongings together, the three Service Club members were walking down the hall, away from the student council room.

Yui: I guess we're free now. 

Hachiman: Well, I'm always free.

Y/N: Same here.

Hachiman: ...Aren't you going to go hang out with Miura or someone? 

Yui: She said she has to go help someone out today. 

Hachiman: Oh? 

It was silent for the most part. Y/N was next to Hachiman on his left. On the right of Hachiman was Yui. The green-eyed teen turned his eye to glance over at the two, Hachiman now noticing that Yui was staring at him. Yui looked away in embarrassment. 

She stopped walking and started to fidget with her backpack straps, causing Hachiman to stop as well. Y/N walked a bit more, but remained in earshot to listen in on the conversation.

Hachiman: ...Wanna stop by somewhere?

Yui: Huh?

Hachiman: Uh, I mean...I was thinking I might get a little something for Komachi to celebrate her birthday or test score or whatever. 

Yui: Nice idea! That would be great! So great! I'll join you, c'mon!

The orange haired girl grabbed Hachiman by his shoulder and began to take off. Y/N sighed and shook his head, going about his usual business before he was also grabbed by his shoulder, Yui leaning both him and Hachiman with her. 

Timeskip

Y/N: (thoughts) Why...why am I coming along with?

The three Sobu High students were making their way to the mall, the plan to get Komachi a present.

Yui: So, Hikky, what are you gonna buy her? 

Hachiman: Actually, what do you think I should buy?

Yui: I'm already making the decisions!? 

Hachiman: Well, I don't know anything about the shops here. L/N, what about you?

Y/N: Nee-san would drag me around here when she was shopping for clothes. Other than that, no, I don't really know. 

Yui: Um, let's see...Komachi-chan might enjoy a hair clip or something like that. 

Hachiman: That sounds good. But I feel like if I give her something that doesn't suit her taste, she'll just be disappointed. 

Yui: You think so?

Hachiman: Yeah, I think so. She might say: (girlish voice) "Oooh! Thank you, Onii-chan! I'm so happy, tee-hee-hee!" or something like that, but go her whole life never using it.

Y/N: (sigh) That was the worse impression of a girl's voice of all time. 

Yui: That was a questionable imitation...but that's probably true. If I got a weird present from my papa, then I wouldn't use it either.

Y/N: (thoughts) I never use anything Hirmada gives me anyway. Not that I care. 

Yui: I'd be happier with cash. 

Hachiman: That just makes me feel sorry for your dad. 

After walking around for a while, Hachiman and Y/N found a vending machine that only sold MAXX coffee. Whether it was in a can or a bottle, they had it. 

Hachiman: No way, this is amazing! 

Y/N: Eh...I never thought there was a vending machine that only sold MAXX coffee. I wonder if the Ebony brand is still here. 

Yui: You two sure are excited!

Hachiman had taken his phone out, snapping pictures of the vending machine. He kept leaning, capturing pictures in different angles.

Yui: It really is designed to look like the coffee can....

Hachiman: It's more than just the design. The back of the machine even has the nutrition facts label just like a real can. Very detailed, right? (takes selfie) I can feel the love...

Yui: Eh...

Hachiman: (peace sign) Yay. 

Yui: Well, seeing it like this, I have to admit, the design is kind of cute. 

Hachiman: Right!?

Yui: This is the most excited you've been all day!

Y/N: She's kind of right there. 

Hachiman: The design has changed a number of times up until now, but this one by far is the most visually striking.

Y/N: Well, it does look better than the bland plain colored yellow ones back in the day. 

Hachiman: And it is beyond cute!

Yui: I'll take your word for it, I dunno any of the previous designs. 

Y/N: Well, it's not like they were that memorable, anyway.

Yui: (sigh) Well, whatever. I'll take a picture, too. 

The orange haired girl walked to where Hachiman was standing, who was currently preoccupied by looking at his phone. Hachiman was startled when Yui stood next to him, the girl taking out her phone and taking a selfie with him. 

Y/N stared at the two, drinking a MAXX coffee can.

Yui: There. 

Hachiman: (looks away) ...Send me that picture.

Yui: Sure!

This causes Y/N's eyes to widen, him spitting out his drink. The two look at him confused before Y/N shook his head, going back to this drink. 

A notification sound was then heard on Hachiman's phone. He taps on it, a small smile appearing as Yui had put on a filter on the photo. Yui had given Hachiman and herself a dog's nose and ears. 

Hachiman: Okay, mission accomplished. Time to go home.

Yui: (grabs Hachiman's arm) Mission NOT accomplished, we are NOT going home. 

Y/N: Yeah. You said you were going to pick a present for your sister out, remember?

Timeskip

Heading inside the mall, the three started to wander around and look for a suitable present for Komachi. They first went to a store filled with home appliances, Yui turning to a display table that had mugs. 

She picked one up and started to examine it. Hachiman sighed and looked to Y/N, him taking a step back as Y/N was examining another mug with a different design than Yui's. Then heading to an area that looked like a living room, Hachiman sat on a couch as she waited for Yui and Y/N to finish looking around. Y/N was in front of shelf that displayed stuff animals. One of them showed a Pan-san plushie. Something inside Y/N awakened, causing him to squeeze the hand of Pan-san.

The other black haired teen behind Y/N cleared his throat, Y/N turning around and giving him a glare that said, "you saw nothing." They then head to an area labeled the "1k Unit."

Hachiman picked up a magenta colored candle, examining it before he heard Yui's voice.

Yui: Hikky, when you go to university, do you think you'll live alone? 

Hachiman: Depends on the school and department. All of the schools that I'm currently thinking of applying to are within a commutable distance, though. 

Y/N: Same here.

Yui: So you two have already decided where to apply to. 

Y/N: Well, it's not really deciding.

Hachiman: It's more of a simple process of elimination. There isn't anything in particular I want to do. 

Yui: Yukinon's already got a career path in mind, huh? And so early in life...

Y/N stepped out for a while, heading somewhere else to look at something. Yui motioned for Hachiman to sit on the bed next to her. Confused, he does so anyway.

Yui: Hikky, what was your dream job as a kid?

Hachiman: Well, it depends on how you define "dream." If you just mean ideas I had as a kid, then...I wanted to be a doctor or a lawyer, or an oil baron or an idol. 

Yui: Those aren't dreams, they all have to do with money. 

Hachiman: Yeah...well, even hearing myself say that makes me wonder what I was on as a kid. 

Yui: Oh, but I think being an idol is a super dreamy job!

Hachiman: That isn't making me feel any better. But what about you?

Yui: I wanted to be all sorts of things, too. Like a florist, or a cake shop owner, and an idol! 

Hachiman: You're not much different than I am.

Yui: (stands up) Also...becoming a bride, or something.

A light blush came to Hachiman's face. It wasn't until they heard humming, looking to the source and seeing Y/N come strolling back in.

Y/N: Hmm? What's with the looks?

Yui: Uh, L/N-san. Can I ask a question?

Y/N: I don't see why not.

Yui: What was your dream job?

The green-eyed teen's eyes widen momentarily before they softened. He took a deep breath and just looked at the two.

Y/N: ...Who knows.

They sat in the room for a while, Hachiman sitting on the bed and Y/N leaning up against the wall, looking on his phone. Yui was over near the kitchen area, twirling a whisk around.

Yui: Ah! How about something homemade?

Hachiman: Huh? Make furniture?

Yui: No, I'm talking about for a present for Komachi-chan. Like a cake or something! 

Hachiman: Make a cake from scratch, huh? That doesn't sound too bad. (stands up) Then do you guys want to go eat some sweets for research?

Yui: Ah, that sounds awesome! Let's go!

Y/N: Well, I'm not one to deny free food. Let's go, then.

They then begin to exit, walking down the hall.

Yui: And when you give her a cake, give her a mug of something to with it and that mug can be her present, too!

Y/N: That's not a bad option. 

Next Day, End of School

It was the end of the school day, Iroha running into class 2-F's classroom.

Iroha: Oh, great, I'm glad you three are still here.

Y/N: Hmm?

Yui: What's wrong?

Iroha: Will you please just come with me?

The three look at each other then back to Iroha. They wondered if something went wrong with the prom preparations. The four of them were now walking down the hall.

Iroha: Things have gotten kinda messy,

Y/N: How messy are we talking about?

Iroha: You'll see.

Stopping in front of the Reception Room, Iroha knocks on the door.

Iroha: (opens door) Excuse me. 

As they stepped in, Y/N noticed that Hiratsuka-sensei and Yukino were sitting on one couch. On the other, his eyes widen slightly as he sees Yukino's mother and Haruno sitting in front of the two. The other two Yukinoshita's eyes were drawn to the room, Y/N's eyes relaxing and he gained a respectful posture. 

Situating themselves, Yukino was the first to speak up.

Yukino: Okay, let's start over from the beginning.

Mrs. Yukinoshita: (nods) Regarding the planned prom, there have been some voices calling for it to be cancelled. I was consulted by PTO members who saw images uploaded onto social media. They said it wasn't very wholesome, or rather...well, it caused some concern as something unbecoming of high school students. 

Haruno: Well, there are mixed opinions from the school alumnae, too. There weren't an especially large number of negative opinions, though.

Haruno had shot a smirk towards Y/N, who only grimaced. Last night at the Kawasaki household, Setsuna had gotten drunk about the prom being held at the school, her excitedly raving about it as she ran throughout the neighborhood streets. Y/N, Itsuki, Saki, and Taishi had to chase after her in order to stop her from disturbing everyone in the neighborhood.

Mrs. Yukinoshita: Just because it's a minority opinion, doesn't mean we just disregard it altogether. 

Yukino: So how exactly are you involved, mother? 

Mrs. Yukinoshita: I'm also a member of the PTO...and, if I'm requested to do something by your father's acquaintances, I can't ignore it. You understand that, right?

The younger Yukinoshita clenched her fists in frustration. Hours had then passed in the reception room, the group still arguing whether to hold it or not.

Yukino: Even so! If the PTO would move in solidarity with the school we can prevent problems like that, and we had informal consent to that effect!

Mrs. Yukinoshita: I do think the PTO was also rather hasty on that front. However, that informal consent was simply in regards to how the prom looked on paper, no? 

Iroha: But that doesn't make sense! We talk to them in advance so that things don't get overturned later on! And anyways, isn't it the parent's job to discipline their kids so problems like that don't hap--

Hiratsuka: Isshiki.

Iroha: (bows head slightly) I'm sorry. 

Mrs. Yukinoshita: I don't think it's wise to forge ahead with prom while there are vocal detractors. The thank-you party is for the graduating students, but also it's an important event for the PTO, the teachers, and other members of the community. Nobody has expressed discontent with the thank-you parties thrown in previous years, correct?

Iroha: If you're considering graduating students, we're also going to be graduating students in the future.

Y/N: (thoughts) She's not wrong. 

Iroha: We have the right to propose things regarding the thank-you party. Actually, we've gotten a mostly positive response from social media--

Mrs. Yukinoshita: That may be the case on social media. But it's also crucial to listen to the opinions that are not out in the open. 

Y/N: (thoughts) This discussion has caused the two to get in a deadlock. This is such a drag. But then again, Mrs. Yukinoshita has always been like this. She always was the scarier one. 

Mrs. Yukinoshita: Everyone has placed their trust in you, which means you have a responsiblity to hear everyone out. That's something you all need to keep in mind. 

Y/N: (sigh) The school gave informal consent, right? What's their stance on all of this? 

Hiratsuka: Personally speaking, I'm against the idea of immediately cancelling the prom. At this school, we have a history of placing value on the autonomy of our students. We should make the appropriate modifications and ask for the support of the PTO members, and continue to have intermittent discussions about this...is my opinion on the matter. 

Mrs. Yukinoshita: I agree with your opinion. Well then, I will return again for further discussions. (stands up) Yukino. I know that you're working very hard. But please, come home earlier, okay? There's no need to push yourself. I believe Y/N has told you many times before.

The youngest L/N only grunted and looked away. Yukino bowed her head slightly, making a quick glance over at Y/N.

Yukino: I know. 

Yukino's mother then left, Shizuka taking out a cigarette and opened a window.

Hiratsuka: That was rough. 

Yukino: What do you suppose the school's response to this will be? 

Hiratsuka: It's hard to say. To tell the truth, as it pertains to the video getting uploaded to social media, I...well, my superiors and I don't see it as a problem. However, there are a lot of gracious people out there who love sharing their thoughts with the higher-ups. If they come this far to make their voices heard, then we have to respond appropriately. 

Y/N: And the school can't appeal to the PTO, can they?

Hiratsuka: (puts cigarette out) There are ways of getting that done, sure...if you want to do more proms in the future, then I think it's best that I not get involved. 

The five students looked at her confused, which in turn caused Haruno to look at her.

Haruno: Shizuka-chan, you haven't told them yet?

Hiratsuka: You know I can't talk about things that haven't been made official yet. 

Haruno: You just can't say it, can you?

Hiratsuka: Er...no...

Haruno: Whatever, they should already have figured it out based on how many years you've been at this school. 

Yui: Um, you mean...

Hiratsuka: (sigh) Well, we can talk about that later. (looks to Yukino) Now, what will you do?

Yukino: (blinks twice and sighs) I'll tweak all the imperfections in the plan... (shakes head) No, I'll just have to think of a way to convince them during the future meetings. 

Hachiman: Yeah, that sounds about right. First, we'll gather materials to persuade them, and then...

Yukino: Wait. The student council will handle everything from here. This is something I must do. 

Y/N: (sigh) This isn't the time to be splitting hairs. 

Haruno: Being the Onii-chan, again?

Y/N: Huh? 

Haruno: (giggles) You just can't help Yukino-chan out all the time. You aren't her Onii-chan or anything like that.

Y/N: That has nothing to do with it...old habits just die hard.

Yui: She's important to us, so of course we'll lend her a hand and help her out. 

Haruno: I think that if you truly value someone, then you should respect their wishes. If the prom happens, then mom's impression of Yukino may change to some extent. Of course, that's only if Yukino-chan does it on her own without help. Now do you understand what getting involved would mean?

The teacher in the room looked at Haruno with a smirk, Haruno sighing before she grinned as well. 

Haruno: Even if you're convinced it's for their benefit, lending someone a hand isn't always the right choice. Do you know what the term is for relationships like yours? 

Yukino: Nee-san, stop.

Haruno only looked to her younger sister and jumped slightly. Yukino kept a warm smile on her face, the one Y/N would see everyday he'd see her back then.

Yukino: They get it. ...I want to prove that I can do it on my own. So Hikigaya-kun...Y/N...I won't ask for you two's help anymore. If I do, then I'll gradually become useless. I've pushed so much onto the three of you. all while claiming I wouldn't rely on anyone. 

Y/N: That isn't necessarily true--

Yukino: It is true. The end result is always the same. Although I thought I could do better, the truth is nothing has changed. So, please...

Y/N: (long sigh) ...Do what you want.

Next Day

It was raining the next day, signifying a gloomy day. The students of Sobu were talking amongst themselves, discussing the recent developing news about the prom. Y/N had sat in his seat, resting his head on his hand.

Yesterday, After Meeting

Haruno: Do you want to know the answer?

Y/N: Huh?

Haruno had asked Y/N to accompany her to Yukino's apartment, since she was using it for the time being. 

Haruno: About Yukino-chan, Hikigaya-kun, and 'Gahama-chan, and you...the relationship between you four...

Y/N: ...Well, I don't think I matter in the equation. 

Haruno: (laughs) It's so laughable at how dense you are. Both you and Itsuki.

Y/N: What's that supposed to mean? If you think one of them likes me, then you're wrong. I'm just someone with "that" man's blood in me. That's all. (sigh) So what's the right answer, then?

Haruno: Huh? The right answer? Oh, the right answer! The right answer is...it's called codependency. I told you before, didn't I? It's true that she trusts you. Feels nice having her rely on you, right?

Y/N: I never asked to be relied on.

Haruno: But that codependency you had is over now. Yukino-chan will now learn to be independent and become an adult. 

Y/N: What exactly is she giving up on to become an adult?

Haruno: The same as me, a whole lot of something.

Present

Y/N: (thoughts) ...A whole lot of something, huh?

Hiratsuka: (walking in) Okay, class, take your seats. 

Y/N only sighed and leaned back in his seat, wondering what Haruno meant.

Timeskip-End of Class

As Y/N was packing up, he heard footsteps behind him.

Yui: L/N-san.

Y/N: Hmm?

Yui: Are you going home now?

Y/N: Yeah.

Yui: Want to walk with me and Hikky?

Y/N: ...Sure.

Joining the two and heading to Yui's house, they walked along the side.

Yui: Hey, we talked about making a cake from scratch, right? I told mama and she said we could do it at my house. And you know, mama is actually excited about it and it's pretty embarrassing!

Hachiman: I'm hesitant to go...I'm even more hesitant after hearing that second part.

Y/N: It's probably not that bad. 

Yui: (laughs awkwardly) But, if we're at your house, Hikky, Komachi-chan will find out what we're doing. 

Y/N And Nee-san isn't the best at keeping secrets. 

Yui: I wonder if there's somewhere we can go...

A notification was then heard on Yui's phone, causing her to stop and take it out.

Yui: Huh?

Y/N: What?

Hachiman: What's wrong? 

Yui: Looks like there's trouble with the prom.

The orange haired girl then shows her phone to the two. The message was from Iroha. It said, "Prom might be in trouble. Like it's kinda cancelled."

Taking out his phone, Hachiman dialed Shizuka's ID. In the faculty room, at her own desk, Shizuka noticed Hikigaya is calling her and she picked up.

Hiratsuka: Yes?

Hachiman: (on phone) What's this I hear about the school deciding to cancel the prom?

Hiratsuka: I'll explain another day. I'm still busy dealing with it right now. 

Hachiman: (on phone) How many days is it gonna take for that? We'll lose any chance of making this work if we have to wait for details. 

Hiratsuka: (wide eyes) Then you want to help with the prom?

Hachiman: (on phone) Y-Yeah...I mean...

Hiratsuka: I guess I don't have to tell you or L/N then, don't I? The news about prom being cancelled wasn't told to you under Yukinoshita's wishes. I think you two understand what that means. I'll ask you straight. Knowing that, do you still have a reason to help with the prom? ...Hey, I won't understand if you clam up on a phone call. That's a bad habit of yours. Put it into words. I'll wait.

Over with Hachiman

Hachiman: ...The reason is, well...it's like this with the club, too, but I went too far to turn back. I can't possibly put this into words...it's something important, so I can't say it. I think this over, take careful action, and avoid mistakes to assure I'm understood...you do the same thing, right?

Hiratsuka: (on phone) Hikigaya, I'm sorry. Still, I'll keep waiting. So put it into words. 

Hachiman: (sigh) ...L/N can give you the answer.

Hachiman hands the phone to Y/N, who hesitantly took it.

Y/N: Hello?

Hiratsuka: (on phone) What's your reason to help at the prom.

Y/N: (thoughts) I made a lot of promises to her...most of them I ended up breaking. But this time... (normal) Long ago, I promised I'd save her. That's something I'll continue doing. 

Hiratsuka: (on phone) ...That's more like it. I'll make time. Get over here now, L/N.

The call ended and Y/N tosses the phone back to Hachiman, Y/N turning around in the direction of the school.

Y/N: You guys go on ahead. I've got to see Hiratsuka-sensei for a bit.

Yui: Oh, okay. What are you going there for?

Y/N: To get a better grasp of the situation, basically. 

Yui: I see...but with you or Hikky there, then I think things will work out in the end. 

Y/N: Yeah...I guess. See you guys tomorrow, then.

Beginning his walk back to the school, he thought back to those promises. It was true, most of them had been broken.

Y/N then started to pick up the pace. This was one promise he couldn't break now.

Y/N: (thoughts) Yukinoshita...no, Yukino...no matter what...

I'll always save you. Always.