Two days had passed since Y/N had semi-declared his "love" for Yukino Yukinoshita. Of course, he knew it himself that he loved her. He just wasn't sure how he was supposed to say it.

Yesterday, he ran into her a couple of times when he went out. Every time their eyes met, he'd be overcome with blush and would awkwardly shift around, much to her confusion. Y/N himself was still getting used to the feeling he had been receiving. He was honestly so mad at himself for not noticing it back then and only noticed the feeling now. He really was an idiot.

Currently, he was able to get his act together, now that the prom has been fully approved by the PTO. They all met in the school gym, tables, streamers, ribbons, and banners decorated the area.

Iroha: Yukino-senpai is in charge of things in general, and I'm the MC and also responsible for the sound systems. The vice president will be in charge of the lighting, and the secretary is working with the catering. I've got minions from the Soccer Club taking care of all the other odd jobs. Oh, and also, someone very intimidating coming to handle any wardrobe mishaps!

Y/N: Oh, Saki, huh? You're making it sound like you're hiding a Yakuza or something. 

Yukino: If Hikigaya-kun, Yuigahama-san, and Y/N will be helping us out, then...perhaps they could cover the reception desk or do the lights or music?

Yui: I'll work at the reception desk! Hikky isn't really suited for it...and L/N-san--

Y/N: Just tell me what to do and I'll get it done. 

Iroha: That's true. In that case, you two can be the sound assistants. The plan was for me to do it all alone, but I have to be all over the place tonight. So it'd be a huge help if one of you could stay the whole time.

Y/N: I'll just move around and help as I go. That's what I'm mainly good at.

Hachiman: Got it. 

With the plan settled for the day, everyone was going about their work. As for what he said, Y/N was going around, helping as much as he could. It was mostly moving things around and setting up lights and different things. Occasionally, Saki would have him help out with a few small things as well, getting some measurements off of him.

However, it was a different story when he would go to assist Yukino with something. When he did, the slightest contact between them would incite a blush on the both of them, the two apologizing for no apparent reason. Their little word exchange would often end with an awkward goodbye.

Y/N: S-So does this mic need a stand?

Yukino: Y-Yes, I believe so.

Y/N: How h-high do you need it? About here?

Yukino: (shyly looks away) That's fine, but I can handle something like this on my own. 

Y/N: (scratches head) R-Right. My bad.

Yukino: No, th-that's nothing to apologize for. 

Y/N: No, I mean for other things, too...

The two silent looked at each other, blushes soon appearing on their faces as they thought of their encounter in the Service Club room two days ago. Awkwardly saying goodbye, Y/N heads off to someone else who needed help. 

Overall, it was just a normal day at the school. As Y/N worked around, being the worker drone he was, he thought about next year. Next year, another prom would be held, but this time meant for the graduating class of his year. And next year, the Service Club would be done, disbanded. But deep down, he'd still help anyone, whether it was the student council or Yukino Yukinoshita asking for help. It's what his mother would want and it was how he was raised by her. Y/N's lips curved upwards at the thought of all this. He didn't think it was bad at all.

It was soon time, the day drawing near the end. The guests were soon let in, Y/N on stand by as he was to wait to receive orders for helping anyone. At the same time, he leaned up against the wall, looking up at the projected screen as it was displaying the events of what happened this year. The Sports Festival and ChibaSEn, it brought smiles and laughter from the seniors as they reminisced the events. To Y/N's surprise, Haruno and Mrs. Yukinoshita had attended the prom themselves, which they seemed to be enjoying. 

Soon after, the disco ball was set up, music playing as the seniors began dancing to the music. Y/N ended up dressing up in a suit that Saki had prepared for him, Meguri asking Y/N for a dance since Setsuna nor Itsuki were able to make it. Now, things were winding down, things slowing down and people no longer coming in. Changing back to his school uniform, Y/N leaned up against the wall as he watched the people continue to have fun. The only thing he could at the moment was wonder. Wonder how he was going to tell her.

His attention was then brought to the dance floor, now seeing Hachiman and Yui dance. Surprised, his face softened up to a smile. Minutes would soon pass, the final song ending. Those same words rung in his mind.

"Admit it to me. Admit what you truly feel."

He sighed as he leaned back, looking up as the lights flashed all around him. He just couldn't do it yet.

Timeskip

Hiratsuka: Great job. It was a nice prom. 

Y/N: You were already there. Why didn't you join in?

Hiratsuka: My time to shine is at the farewell ceremony. I'm the guest of honor. 

The prom committee were at an after party, in a lounge area as they conversed with each other. At the punch bowl, Shizuka and Y/N were talking.

Y/N: You're not gonna get the chance to dance at the ceremony.

Hiratsuka: Good point. You're brother is off on the ceremony, right? I wanted to dance with him.

Y/N: (deadpan) Then why don't you? You guys are going out, anyway.

Their attention was then brought over to the door, Mrs. Yukinoshita and walking in. Yukino walked up to them, putting her hands in front of her as she gave a slight bow.

Mrs. Yukinoshita: That was a good event. 

Yukino: Thank you very much for your cooperation in this very matter. Thanks to your guidance, we were able to hold the event with no major problems. 

Mrs. Yukinoshita: Oh, no, it was a huge help that you were able to accommodate our sudden requests. 

The two had bowed at each other, Haruno off to the side as she held a smile. Some family relations were being healed at least.

Mrs. Yukinoshita: You did a great job as the person in charge. You served in that position very well. I'm quite impressed. 

Haruno: I had a lot of fun watching, too! It was so great! Hooray for you, Yukino-chan! Hey, this is the type of thing you want to do, isn't it? You're looking into following this sort of career path, right? 

Mrs. Yukinoshita: (confused) That sort of career? What do you mean by that? 

Haruno: How about you ask her yourself?

Yukino: ...About that...I have an interest in father's job, so I'd like to be involved in some point in the future. I know the work I did for this event doesn't relate to that future. I also know it proves nothing. Honestly, I'm not expecting anything immediate, I'm talking about far off in the future. I just wanted to make you fully aware of what my current thoughts are. 

Everyone paused what they were doing in the room. Silence quickly filling it as they stare at the mother and daughter interaction that was currently happening. Snapping her fan to a close, Mrs. Yukinoshita gains a small frown, but serious could be seen, as she stared at her younger daughter.

Mrs. Yukinoshita: You are seriously considering this, right? 

The student body in the room watched with tensed looks on their faces. Haruno examined her nails, slightly glancing over to Y/N, who kept clenching his fists every now and then, slight worry in his eyes. Haruno grinned as she knew Y/N finally figured out his true feelings. Yukino looked at her mother with a sincere look, slightly nodding her head. 

With a quick snap of her fan, Mrs. Yukinoshita gained a small smirk.

Mrs. Yukinoshita: I see. I understand your feelings about it, Yukino. If you're absolutely serious about pursuing this, then I will support you. 

Both Y/N and Yui let out subtle sighs of relief. Mrs. Yukinoshita put a hand on her daughter's shoulder, an understanding look appearing on her face.

Mrs. Yukinoshita: Take your time to think about everything from here on out. There's no need to rush your decisions. 

And finally, Yukino Yukinoshita nodded with a smile towards her mother, something Y/N hadn't seen in a long time.

Mrs. Yukinoshita: It's already getting late. It's time for me to leave. Please excuse me.

Timeskip

It was around 10 o'clock at night, the after party of the prom was over. The only ones left in the room was Yui, Yukino, Haruno, Y/N, and Hachiman. 

Yukino: Nee-san, thank you for everything.

Haruno: Hmmm. Well, mom certainly seemed like she was okay with it. Hard to say how other people feel though, right? 

Yui: (serious look) Why are you asking us? 

Haruno: Because at the very least, I'm not satisfied. 

Y/N: Huh?

Haruno: I can't possibly accept that this outcome has the same value as my twenty years of experience. If you really want me to yield my position, then you're going to have to show me something worthwhile. After all those years I spent being groomed, you can't expect me to just give up so nonchalantly. (devilish grin) You have to realize that it's going to be difficult to appease me. 

The four of them looked at the older Yukinoshita with slight confused looks, unsure of what to think. Haruno then puts on a pleasant smile, a fake usual demeanor as she usually does.

Haruno: Now then, perhaps I'll go say hello to Shizuka and then head home. Oh! I'm looking forward to Itsuki's and Shizuka's wedding. Do send me an invitation, Y/N.~

Y/N: (rolls eyes) I'll send one when Nii-san gets the balls to actually propose to her.

The older Yukinoshita leaves the room, sparing one more glance towards Y/N as she exited the sliding door. Yui let out a sigh of relief.

Yukino: (apologetic look) I'm sorry about that. Nee-san went and said all those weird things...

Y/N: Don't be. We grew up together, so I'm already used to it. 

Hachiman: I'm already used to it, too.

Yui: Yes, that's true. 

Yukino: You're right. I'm glad that you said that. But...I think she was a little serious today. That's just how much those twenty years are weighing upon her. 

Yui: I think that the year that you spent, or rather the year that we all spent, weighs just as heavily. It's not the length of time that matters. I mean our time spent together was so bizarre!

Y/N and Hachiman: Bizarre?

Y/N: I guess it was.

Hachiman: The Service Club has been a weird place from the start. 

Yukino: I think a lot of that is your fault, though. 

Yui: For sure. But that's also why it was so much fun! Though it's because you two were always so weird that there were also sad, uncomfortable, and painful times...

Y/N: But there were other times that were happy, right?

Yui: Yeah. It was a long and amazing time that I really came to love. 

Yukino: (smiles) That's true. I can say that I agree with confidence. 

Yui: Yeah.

Yukino: So that's why...if we're going to bring this to an end, I think now is the best time. 

Yui: I'm totally okay with it if we keep this going, but...if that's how you want it, then that's fine with me.

Before the two could respond, the sliding door was opened by the foxy student council president. 

Iroha: Hey, you guys! We already finished cleaning up the gym, so...huh? Did something happen?

Y/N: Nah, don't worry about it.

Hachiman: No, it's nothing. You're already done?

Iroha: Yes! Cleaning this room is all that's left. (playfully salutes) But, anyway, thanks for all your help!

Y/N: Okay, good work, then. I'll be heading home now. It's past curfew and Nee-san is going crazy.

Yui: How so?

Y/N: I've already gotten twenty missed calls from her as well as fifty unanswered texts. Later.

Iroha: Huh? Uh...this room still needs to be cleaned...

Y/N left without another word. In fact, the thing about curfew was all a lie. It was honestly just an excuse for him to escape. In the end, he still couldn't say it.

He wasn't aware of the footsteps that were soon catching up to him. He turned his head around slightly, Yukino having caught up as she tugged his shirt sleeve.

Yukino: Um...I just thought I should tell you...thank you for your help today. And not just for what you did today. For everything you've done up until now. I'm sorry for all the trouble I've caused you.

Y/N looked slightly shocked at her, a small smile coming to his face. He moved his hand, patting the top of her head as Yukino blushed at the contact.

Y/N: There's nothing to apologize for. While I may have caused a lot of trouble, I'd do it again. I already told you, didn't I? I'd come save you, no matter what.

Yukino: Yes. You did say that. 

Y/N: Mm-hm.

Yukino: (gentle smile) Really, thank you. You have helped me so much. But, it's all...okay now. From here on, I'll work hard to...do better on my own. That's why I--

Y/N: Yeah, I know.

Slowly, he undid the grip on his shirt sleeve, squeezing it tightly. The warmth of his hands only incited another blush  onto her face. Y/N on the other hand found this the perfect opportunity, and yet, he was still rejecting it. He mentally sighed to himself and gave her hand one last squeeze before he let go and kissed the top of Yukino's forehead. That was the only thing he could do to hopefully show it. 

He quickly said his goodbyes and turned the other way, walking down the dark corridor that was lit up by the moonlight. Unknown to him, a single tear drop left Yukino's eye as she clenched her hand.

Yukino: ...Why can't you just say it?

---

Y/N's footsteps echoed down the hall, turning the corner as he finds Haruno leaning up against the wall. She was on her phone, the light from her screen illuminating her face as she seemed to be texting someone. 

Haruno: I knew you'd just run away. 

Y/N: Yet you're the one who called me out here. What is it that you're trying to achieve here?

Haruno: I told you. It doesn't matter to me, whichever one is fine. I don't really care what's going on in my family. I don't care whether it's me or Yukino-chan who ends up doing it. All I want is for you to leave me satisfied. Give me some sort of ending.

Y/N: ...What do you want to see. Sincerity? It's like you're trying to mug me for my feelings instead of wallet.

Haruno: That's not far from the truth. But you should know, just like me, my mom won't accept any of this either. 

Y/N: The positive response begs to differ, though. 

Haruno: (laughs) None of what happened is enough to satisfy that woman, which is why she didn't say yes or no. The reality is that there has been zero resolution. And it seemed to me like Yukino-chan had her own realization. 

Y/N: Perhaps that's the benefit of being family. 

Haruno: Anybody who was watching should be able to tell, not just me and my mother. Even people who are "just friends" like you must have noticed it. 

Y/N: Well, that's hard for me to say because I'm not sure of what to say about it.

Haruno: I know. You've fully realized it now, don't you?

Y/N: Yeah...I have.

Haruno: You truly do not know when to give up.

Y/N: What can I say? It's a trait me and that asshole share. 

Haruno: (turns around) ...Absolutely no one would be satisfied by that. 

Haruno begins to walk away, picking up the pace as Y/N looks at her confused. Shaking his head, he takes off after following her out of the front entrance.

Y/N: Hey! Why is it impossible?

Haruno: Because. The wish that she made was nothing but an act of compensation. 

Y/N: ...

Haruno: You all did your best to accept it, right? You only kneaded the shape and the words around, and looked away from it...you did good at rationalizing and giving excuses...that's how you deceived yourselves and avoided the reality. 

Y/N looked down, gritting his teeth as his hands begin to shake. Haruno walked up to him and put a hand on his cheek, lifting his face up to see hers.

Haruno: That's why I told you... You can't get drunk. 

Y/N: Heh. Seems like I can't. 

Haruno: If you don't settle this properly, then it's just going to smolder away in you. No matter how much time passes, it will never end. I've done my own share of deceiving for twenty years now, so I know all too well...my entire life has been nothing but a sham. Hey, Y/N...I wonder if anything genuine...actually exists. 

Y/N: ...Who knows?

TimeskipI

It was around midnight at Sobu, Y/N sitting at the steps of the front entrance of the school. He seemed to be deep in thought, be was knocked out of his trance as someone slapped his back from behind.

Hiratsuka: Hey, you! Don't go outside with your indoor shoes! I was just about to lock up. Hurry up and change your shoes. 

Y/N: (sigh) Hai, hai.

Hiratsuka: (grabs Y/N's shoulder) L/N. It's already late. I'll take you home.

Y/N: No, it's fine. I don't live too far from here, so I can just walk. 

Hiratsuka: Come on, it's fine. Besides, Itsuki messaged me fifty times already, wondering where you're at.

Instead of going home, Shizuka took him and her to a small area to do games. It was the same place the Hikigaya siblings took him that one day. Inside, Shizuka had a bat in hand, swinging it as she launches a baseball far. Y/N stood behind the net, watching.

Hiratsuka: Hatsushiba!

Y/N: Hmm...

Another baseball was then launched.

Hiratsuka: Hori!

Then another.

Hiratsuka: Saburo!

More came her way, Shizuka swinging the bat with might.

Hiratsuka: Satozaki! Fukuura! Otosuka! Morozumi!

Y/N: (deadpan) Why is she saying the names of former all-star Marines members?

Hiratsuka: Franko!

Shortly after the session was finished, the two sat in a lounging area, a small ash tray near Shizuka. Two stumps of the cigarettes as well as a lighter was near it.

Hiratsuka: Did Haruno tell you anything? 

Y/N: Lots of things. ...She says I can't get drunk. Just like her. 

Hiratsuka: Well, that is true for Haruno, but...you're not talking about alcohol, are you? 

Y/N: She means more of like a mood or relationship. According to her, I'm codependent. 

Hiratsuka: (puffs smoke) That certainly does sound like what Haruno would say. I suppose that some people could agree with Haruno's take if they were looking at things from a place of skepticism. (puts out cigarette) But I'm not one of those people. You, Hikigaya, Yukinoshita, and Yuigahama do not have that sort of relationship. (wraps Y/N in a side hug) Don't summarize what you have in a simple word like "codependence." Can you honestly pack all of your feelings into a single word?

Y/N: No...I can't.

Hiratsuka: Precisely! (sigh) Giving advice to students isn't new, but giving it to one who's going to be your brother-in-law soon is a big difference.

Y/N: Heh. He finally had the balls to do it, then. (thoughts) Guess it's just my turn, huh?

---

While much shorter than a usual chapter, there wasn't much I could adapt onto here. Nevertheless, I hope you enjoyed this chapter as I'm planning on closing this book to a close next week. Spring break starts for me so I plan to release the next chapter on Thursday or Friday of next week.

Anyway, that's all from me. I do hope you enjoyed this book as much as I had fun writing this. We're soon coming to the end and it's crazy. Until the next one.

-okami