237: Yukinoshita’s Sisters

"...Mom, don't ask. If it doesn't go well, it just means it doesn't go well. Yukino and I have to go to bed early, so that's it. Good night to you too."

Before her dissatisfied mother could continue asking questions, Haruno ended the call, tossed her phone aside, leaned back on the sofa, and stretched her arms above her head.

Then, under the watchful eye of her sister, she picked up the can of beer she had just bought at the convenience store downstairs, unscrewed the ring, tilted her head back, and took a big sip, making an obvious swallowing sound and letting out a genuine sigh of relief, reminiscent of an uncle.

Haruno, who usually presented herself as very cultivated and refined to the outside world, shed her external armor without any scruples when she returned home, revealing her candid and sincere side.

"If you're interested in this, you can have a little taste. I won't tell Mom."

Haruno caught her sister's gaze, raised her beer can, and smiled enticingly.

"No."

Yukino shook her head firmly in refusal.

Regardless of whether it was necessary or not, she would not touch alcohol. 

She truly didn't understand the allure of something that could cloud one's thinking and slow down their faculties, making so many people in the world act like ducks rushing around.

Besides, two people close to her were particularly fond of drinking: her instructor, Ms. Hiratsuka, and her sister, who was right in front of her. 

Haruno had always excelled in both academics and social skills, far surpassing her, and always appeared perfect.

"Well then, forget it. Indeed, Yukino will continue to be the good child."

Haruno took another sip of beer, and there seemed to be a mischievous undertone in her words.

Yukino frowned slightly as she caught a whiff of the alcohol in the living room. Before she could say anything, her sister continued,

"Thanks for what happened today. It was a huge help, saving your poor and helpless sister from the fire."

As she said this, Haruno put on a pitiful and delicate expression.

Yukino sighed helplessly,

"Next time something like this happens, please don't come to me again. Sister, can't you just refuse directly?" 

"Whether it's the family or the guy, if you just choose one party and make it clear, it will save a lot of trouble."

"Haha, so Yukino is still an innocent and cute child. The world of adults isn't that simple, but I don't hate your way of thinking at all." 

"I won't say this anymore. I'll try to find a way to avoid trouble as much as possible next time. Is that okay with you?"

Haruno picked up a can of drink and handed it over. Seeing her charming smile, Yukino couldn't help but take it and gently clink her glass with her sister's.

"It's been a long time since the two of us have been alone together like this. Let's talk about our concerns."

As soon as such an opening statement came out, Yukino instinctively felt something was off. 

Based on her understanding of her sister, this was the cue she always used to broach a specific topic.

"It's getting late. It's time for me to rest. Sister, don't drink too much and make sure to rest early."

As soon as Yukino stood up from the sofa, Haruno grabbed her wrist instantly.

"Don't be so boring. I've been alone with my lovely sister for a long time. It's rare for us to both be free like tonight."

Yukino mercilessly shattered the mood,

"We went home together a few days ago."

"With Mom and Dad here, it's not convenient for us sisters to talk about many things directly."

Half-forcing and half-pleading, Yukino was pulled back to the sofa.

Haruno didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point, asking about the thing she had just noticed and was very concerned about.

"Speaking of which, it seems that a new neighbor has moved next door to you, Yukino."

"..."

Yukino remained silent. She didn't want to discuss this topic and threw the empty snack packaging bag on the coffee table into the trash can.

"When we were at the restaurant this afternoon, I happened to notice the way you and him looked at each other." 

"Also, when I went out to buy things earlier, you seemed to look at him in a certain way, as if you disliked him. What's wrong?" 

"Did he do something bad to you that makes you hate him so much?"

Haruno rested her chin on her hand, expressing her observations with a half-smile.

Sure enough, she had been discovered...

"...Sister, you should go and rest."

Yukino stood up for the second time, trying to leave.

But this time, Haruno chose not to let her go. She leaned back on the sofa and spoke lazily,

"It doesn't matter if you don't say it. Let me guess and see. Is it because that boy is pursuing you even though he has a girlfriend?"

Yukino continued to walk toward her room.

"It seems you guessed wrong. Then you must have noticed his erratic nature, so you feel disgusted with him."

This time, Haruno's tone became more confident.

And she guessed correctly this time. Yukino stopped and turned around slowly,

"Some things are truly incomprehensible. Why would someone engage in such despicable behavior when they already have a girlfriend by their side?"

"Well, you'll see this kind of thing more and more in the future, so it's not unusual."

Haruno shrugged,

"But getting angry at someone like this who has nothing to do with you is not something a smart person does, nor is it your character."

"..."

Yukino's silence made Haruno realize something,

"It seems there's something else I don't know about. Is the other party related to you in some way?"

"...Good night."

Yukino said this and returned to her room without pausing this time.

Haruno sighed slightly and looked out the window.

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