Sorry for the much longer break. It wasn't supposed to be this long, but midterms and all that started coming through. Added with my ability to procrastinate, things took a lot longer to settle down. But now I have the whole weekend to myself, and I shall be grinding the fanfiction, most likely. I also had a whole section talking about what reviews talked about in the previous chapter, but I'm not going to include that because I don't need to. Anyway, sorry again for the wait.

Chapter 10

Despite the extremely tense mood in the club room, I felt calm. The looks from each person's face filled with lingering disbelief or disgust was what I had expected, but we still had to try our best to remedy the situation. How this situation was resolved could end up helping me and Haruno immensely in the incredibly near future. And if it didn't pan out perfectly, at the very least, the three people in front of me deserved a complete and genuine explanation from both of us.

"And that's why you are here, nee-san? I hope you don't put it against me to find that hard to believe."

Yukino Yukinoshita was as unfaltered as ever. Her humorless voice was unwavering; and her ice cold glare wasn't aggressive, but it was persistent. She stared at us mildly annoyed, barely blinking. Honestly, I thought she would have been more angry, but maybe time over the weekend cooled her off a bit. I was wondering whether Yukinoshita would have chosen to cancel the club meeting today, which would have been inconvenient, but she didn't. Was she expecting us to approach them? Her expression was didn't give me any indication, but it doesn't matter whether she did or not. We were just lucky she didn't cancel the club today.

Yuigahama, on the other hand, had been nervously playing with her hands since we arrived and barely made any eye contact. I expected something like this from her, yet it still hurt seeing her so distressed. Isshiki was already waiting in the clubroom, too, to my surprise. Initially, she looked angry, but it quickly became lost once she saw Haruno follow in behind me. I suspected she was here to confront me when I finally arrived, but she hadn't expected Haruno to be here, as well. I can't even begin to imagine the conversation the three had, if they even had one, before I arrived. It was a little hard to picture considering two of them were now very silent. Hopefully, the self assured Yukinoshita could do the talking for them, since the rest seemed rather hesitant.

"It's the truth Yukino-chan," Haruno answered. "Otherwise, there would be no point for me to be here, right?"

Yukinoshita focused her attention to me, waiting for me to confirm. Haruno and I had talked about what we were going to say during the weekend; although, a lot of it still needed to be improvised. Both of us were wading in unfamiliar waters, so we just had to help each other get through it.

"She's saying the truth. We just want to explain why we've kept it a secret from everyone." I glanced at Haruno before continuing for some assurance. She nodded giving me some confidence to continue. I've never had to explain myself to anyone before other than Komachi, so this was a little more than awkward and uncomfortable. "We wanted to avoid this."

"Avoid telling us, so you could be spared the trouble?" Yukinoshita interjected. "You didn't want to be burdened with our feelings, and you didn't care enough to wonder how we would respond when we'd find out?"

"That's the wrong answer," Haruno replied.

"It's because we did know how you would respond."

"But you didn't care enough? You would just handle us like any other problem we get in the service club?" I frowned at the idea. It was disheartening to hear Yukinoshita say I would so easily throw everyone. I wasn't even sure if she truly believed what she was saying and was just trying to poison the waters. "And here I was beginning to think you were better than I initially thought, Hikigaya-kun."

"You shouldn't say things like that, Yukino-chan." Haruno seemed defensive, but she maintained her composure. I didn't think Haruno would do what she did with Hayato to her younger sister, but I needed to be ready for anything.

Yukinoshita glared back, arms crossed, already with a response. "And you? My own sister despises me enough to charm him into this shallow relationship just to get to me?" My eyes widened, hearing those words. What was she implying with that? I recognized the insult, but that wasn't the important part. The room seemed to agree with me and was silent for a second before Haruno spoke up.

"I'm not just playing games with Hachiman. I doubt you even believe that yourself." How Haruno became so excellent at maintaining her calm demeanor, I will never know.

"Then why don't you enlighten me, nee-san?" Yukinoshita must have realized what she said, but she didn't lose any steam. Although, her anger wasn't increasing, it wasn't wavering either. She had the same cold stone expression she gave me last week.

"Despite what you think, we do care about you." Haruno didn't let it show, but she was definitely a little agitated from Yukinoshita's words. Although, even I didn't think that sounded very convincing. "He didn't tell me why, but there was more to why he was hesitant than just being nervous."

She let the statement linger before turning to me, her expression asking for me to continue. Although it looked like I wasn't the only one who was surprised to hear the words coming from her mouth. Before I could gather my thoughts, a certain kouhai finally decided to regain some confidence.

"Senpai, why did you agree to date Haru-san-senpai?" A shy nod came from Yuigahama, agreeing with the question.

I had never really questioned why I chose to be in a relationship with Haruno, but as far as my experience has taken me, it hasn't been a mistake. She's only been supportive, overly sometimes, and wholly undeserved on my part, since we began. The real question was why she chose me. She always asserted that it was because I was the most interesting person to her. She fell in love with me, seemingly the same way I fell in love with her.

And I couldn't believe that. If anyone had a reason for doing anything, it was Haruno. I didn't doubt that she did love me, but now I was curious as to how it happened. I wanted to know what she was thinking- and why I was so lucky.

"I grew to love Haruno." This wasn't something I could explain so easily. I didn't even know where to begin.

"Was it that simple, Hikigaya-kun?" I turned to Yukinoshita who was wearing a slightly disgusted look. "You? Fall in love? Did you just accept nee-san's advances because she was the only one who made it obvious?"

Isshiki and Yuigahama slightly recoiled after hearing the statement, and their reactions to her statement stung. Things were definitely getting out of hand. At this point Yukinoshita was on her own island turning back every ship trying to dock. The other two girls were on a canoe, struggling against the tide that was crashing onto Yukinoshita's steep rocky shores. I didn't want to believe that they really had something of an attachment to me, despite everything pointing in opposition. I knew how Yuigahama felt, but I don't think I could find what I was looking for with her. She was a nice girl, but she definitely deserved someone better than me. Isshiki made herself very comfortable with me, and in hindsight, maybe she was trying to win me over, but it's too late. I was with Haruno now, and I decided I was going to put more effort with her than Komachi did during the winter festival.

"No." I also needed to get things back on track. "I was the one who went to her." Despite, Haruno doing all the talking, I was technically the one who initiated it by not telling my mom to drive me back home. "It's a long story, but please just believe that we're together because we both wanted it. I know for a fact it hasn't been a mistake, and I was hoping the three of you could respect that. If you can't, just tell me and I won't bother you guys again.

"Before you make a decision, I want to make clear that I didn't hate my time here in the service club with you three, and I don't know if it'll ever be the same. But I found something genuine and tangible with Haruno, and I don't want to lose her. I would rather that we can still be a club together, but if that's impossible, I'll inform Sensei of the situation and leave the club if you just say the word."

And for moment no one did. Everything was still for a few seconds. Even I was shocked at how assertive and confident my speech was. Haruno didn't make any indication, but I knew she was glad that I was able to get something out. I was afraid of choking up and not being able to articulate was I wanted. Now that I had, however, I could feel the tension grow. It was mounting slowly, yet no one wanted to break it.

I was tightening a fist, hoping that someone would say something- anything. I wanted to believe that things would turn out okay, but waiting felt just as agonizing as the other outcome. Eventually, those seconds turned into a minute, and it was still quiet. We just needed a response. At the time, I didn't think we were going to get one but a meek voice finally did.

"I want you to stay in the club, Hiki…" Her pink bangs were covering her lowered head and her hands were shakily clutching each other, but Yuigahama was the first one to speak up. Yukinoshita was right about something. I'd rather not seen anyone here be this upset or unhappy. "It's fun when we get to help people. Even if I don't really help out a lot, I still think the club's more fun with everyone together."

"Yeah, Senpai… I'm still gonna need your help with the student council still." Isshiki appeared more confident, but her voice was small. Both, at least, were in better shape than a minute ago.

"What about you, Yukino-chan?" Haruno pried. "Are you okay with us?" There was no malice or deceit in her voice when she spoke despite the short confrontation earlier.

The expression on Yukinoshita's face was unreadable. It reminded me of Haruno. Though, Haruno was unreadable because she had years of perfecting her masks through her time of what she considered uninteresting yet wealthy bags of air. Despite the younger Yukinoshita never having to deal with it, it was difficult to make out what was going through her mind. It took an excruciatingly long moment, but she finally answered.

"What are you going to do about mother and father?"

"We were going to ask for your help," Haruno replied bluntly. "It's a lot to ask, especially considering the circumstances, but we would have the best chance of convincing them if you did. I had already talked to them briefly, but they want to meet Hachiman before making their final decision. It's already looking pretty grim since we've hid it from them this long. Of course, we aren't going to force you into our mess, but it would be appreciated."

Hearing Haruno speak to Yukinoshita politely was a breath of fresh air. It was barely a step, but it was still forward. I might be just getting my hopes up, but maybe their relationship was salvageable. Before that, however, there was one thing we needed to do first, and we needed Yukinoshita's help. She didn't look particularly interested in helping us, but it was worth asking.

"It's our request to the service club," I voiced. "If possible."

I sat down next to Haruno on the couch sitting across her parents.

It wasn't a pleasant sight, and their grim expressions didn't make it nicer. Haruno took my hand in hers, not going unnoticed by her parents. Although, their reactions were different, I had no read on their opinions of me or my character. I had a vague understanding of what happened when Haruno talked to her parents before.

It was a short conversation, but her mother seemed especially upset that Haruno had hidden us for so long. She told me her father would be the easier one to convince, but that also meant it would also be easier for her mother to convince him. Her mom was upset that she hadn't chosen one of the suitors she had picked out, and was even more furious once she found out that Haruno had already given me the ring. It was the same one I was wearing on my hand that was holding Haruno. They made no mention of it, but it would definitely be a mistake to believe that it hasn't gone unnoticed.

"You must be Hikigaya-kun." Her mother spoke with no excitement or warmth. I could almost feel the animosity emanating from her. I guess I knew where Yukinoshita got her Ice Queen attributes from.

"It's good to finally meet you," her partner added. "I've heard from Haruno that you've been dating my daughter for a couple of months now." Haruno's dad, at least, seemed more animated and alive. Although, he was wearing a politician's smile, I could trace some interest from his voice, so maybe hope wasn't all gone.

"That's correct."

"You are aware of who exactly you're dating right?"

I was going to answer with her family's status, but that would have been a blunder. That wasn't why I was dating Haruno, and that wasn't who she was. This could be a test or it could not. I don't know how much Haruno got from her parents or from her environment growing up, so trying to guess if they were intentionally trying to mislead me would be pointless. Instead I answered literally.

"Haruno Yukinoshita."

"Who is my daughter. I can assume you are already aware of who I am?" I nodded. "So what reason would we allow you to date our daughter over any of the potential suitors my wife has provided for her."

"Because I love him," Haruno answered with no hesitation. Her parents were especially surprised by her outburst, but they recovered quickly. "Is there any other reason that's needed?"

"That question wasn't directed at you, Haruno."

"And that answer wasn't for you, mother," Haruno replied. "You've told me to do things, and I've followed all of them all my life. Can you let me have this?"

"No, I cannot."

"You've haven't even given him a fair chance."

"I don't have to. The very fact that you felt compelled to hide whatever this is is evidence enough that he's no good for you or for us."

Haruno tightened the grip on our hands but was able to remain composed. Her mom was annoyingly stubborn and seemed to cling onto traditional ideas too heavily. Haruno mentioned the suitors that her mother thought so highly of to me, and she believed them to be all the same. She wanted Haruno to marry into status like she did, despite her daughter's opposition. It was easy to say to just ignore them, but Haruno would be leaving behind millions. It seemed shallow to think about it in this way, but behind those millions were the people who raised her, too.

It might not be the most ideal of relationships, but those were some of the few connections Haruno held on to. I was scared that she might have to choose between her family or me, and arriving closer and closer to that point was terrifying.

"We were hiding it because we knew this would happen." Haruno was determined to keep both, but I don't know if she was ready to choose if had to.

"Yukinoshita-san, hear us out," I pleaded. "Just give us a chance. There's-"

"I thought you said I wouldn't allow it. What makes you think you can change my mind?"

"Why don't we give them a chance? He seems like an honest kid."

"Honest? He's probably here now because of the money behind her name."

"That's not true," I replied.

"Hmm..?" Her mother snickered, smiling like she had already won. "Then tell me-"

But there was an abrupt knock on the door. It opened, I assumed, by a servant.

"Excuse the intrusion." He graciously bowed before leaving, and in his place was Yukinoshita- Yukino to be specific.

We didn't know whether Yukinoshita was going to be here. She didn't give us a very definite answer a couple of days ago, and we didn't want to pressure her into it. The time between that club day and up to this meeting was one of the most nervous I've ever been. So seeing Yukinoshita here was relieving in nearly every way.

"Mother. Father," She addressed them.

"What is it?" her mom asked, a little annoyed. Her tone was a bit curt considering who she was talking to. It wasn't my business to correct her, and it seemed the rest of the room felt the same way. "We're in the middle of something concerning your sister, so please make it quick."

"That is why I'm here."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm here to vouch for Hikigaya-kun's character." Yukinoshita maintained her eye contact with her mother, who was comically astonished. Her expression told me she was just betrayed, which made sense from her perspective. The mood shifted, as their dad smiled. And the atmosphere suddenly became a lot amicable compared to the dire one earlier.

"Even you, Yukino?" their dad inquired. He turned to address his wife. "If both of them have such a positive opinion on him, there isn't a reason-"

"No. I won't allow it. This boy… he's not even out of high school yet. He must have done something." She was shaking her head solemnly.

"I have been in the same club with Hikigaya-kun for months and he has done nothing that would warrant suspicion." Yukinoshita took a pause to make sure her mom was listening. "He has helped find solutions for the majority of problems that has been received by the service club, as well. I think he has the potential to benefit your company, father, once he's out of school."

"See? I hope you're not just judging the boy based on his looks." Their dad was a lot more lenient than I had imagined. Although, he did let one of their daughters live in her own apartment before graduating high school. "Even Yukino thinks highly of him. I'm sure-"

"Quiet," his wife interrupted his attempts. I had a negative picture of their mom, painted explicitly by Haruno, already, and the longer I was in the same room with her, the more inhospitable she made herself out to be.

"I will no change my mind either, mother," Haruno asserted.

Their mother was grimacing, and it felt like she was about to start massaging her head at any moment. The room was quiet as to give her some time to think, and it wasn't too long before we finally got the answer we wanted. There was no support she would receive, and her denial couldn't last forever with the whole room against her. She probably recognized it, too.

"Okay."

And when we heard that word, it felt like the biggest weight was lifted off our shoulders. A massive stress was finally gone, and there were only a few things left to worry about. I turned to Haruno who was trying to suppress a crazy grin, and I wanted to get up and hug her. Instead, a small smile graced her lips, and I watched her eyes fill with excitement.

"Thank you, mother," Haruno said.

"Yes. Though, I hope you don't expect me to be so tolerant next time." She stood up and made a move to leave but not before saying one more thing. "And Hikigaya-kun, you better live up to their expectations."

She left quietly, sighing before closing the door behind her, and I couldn't help but smile. Haruno finally turned to me and quickly pounced, locking her lips onto mine. It was entirely unexpected, but not unwarranted. I'm embraced her tightly, but we were immediately reminded of where we were with an awkward cough.

"I hope you didn't forget about the other members of the room."

Haruno withdrew slowly, only stopping eye contact with me when she finally decided to speak. "No, I didn't. You should at least let me celebrate a little longer, father."

"Well, I'm not the only one in attendance."

Our attentioned moved to the younger Yukinoshita sister, whose cheeks were understandably red. She was trying too hard to seem as if hadn't noticed that we were kissing a moment ago, but finally focused her attention when Haruno approached her.

"Thank you, Yukino-chan."

"Don't mention it, nee-san," she replied. "It was a request to the club, after all."

"Come on. We want to thank you wholeheartedly. Just name your price."

"Don't forget about me," their father announced. "I think I did pretty well."

"Yes," the younger Yukinoshita said. "Though, why were so convinced to allow Hikigaya-kun to be in a relationship with nee-san?"

I was wondering about that myself. He didn't appear that way initially, but he had never said anything to oppose our relationship. He only asked a question to test me. Their dad smiled before standing up.

"Well, when your old man sees his daughter so passionate about something- someone, mind you, I couldn't help but be moved. It's been a while since I've seen Haruno so adamant."

I assumed he meant during their conversation over the weekend.

"Thank you, sir."

"No need for formalities, Hikigaya-kun. Just treat my daughter well." I nodded, and he turned to the younger sister. "Now it's your turn to find someone." Yukinoshita blushed mildly at the acknowledgment, but he continued. "Just make sure it's someone who can convince your mother more easily. Your old man is getting too old for this." He laughed at his own joke, lightening the mood. "Anyway, I'll be taking my leave now."

We watched him leave before continuing our conversation. I guess everyone's dad had something in common.

"Thanks, Yukinoshita."

"You should also thank Yuigahama and Isshiki. They were the ones who convinced me." She paused, her expression debating on what to say, if anything at all. "But I do have one request, Hikigaya-kun." I nodded, waiting for her to continue. "If you would accept my offer of friendship."

"Oh?"

That amused Haruno, but it overwhelmed me. A Disney ending couldn't have been better. These days, I found myself smiling a lot more often, and I could confidently say it was better than my years of being a loner that seemed so long ago.