COFF CAFE
This was a small, privately owned café tucked away in Setagaya. Among certain circles, it had earned quite the reputation for its rich, authentic coffee flavors and its elegant, understated interior design.
One of its regulars was Yukinoshita Haruno.
She had first come here years ago, brought along by a beloved mentor who was also something like an older friend. Ever since then, she had taken a liking to the place. Whenever she wanted to relax, chat, or catch up with a few close friends, this was one of her favorite spots.
"…By the way, if we head out this way and walk down the street, there's this old-school vinyl record shop. These kinds of tasteful retro places are rare these days. And if we get hungry, there's also a ramen shop nearby called Potamizuya Nishikigoi. My mentor really loves the ramen there—I've gone with him a few times. The broth is incredibly rich, and the noodles have a great bite. We could go try it later."
By the café's window, Haruno and Takanashi Toka sat across from each other.
As usual, it was a casual meet-up between close friends from different schools.
Toka recalled that the last time they'd met was back during spring break.
Now, as she sat listening to Haruno talk animatedly in front of her, she found herself marveling at how strange and wonderful fate could be.
When she had first gotten to know the Yukinoshita family's eldest daughter, she had never once imagined they would become this close.
Yet after enough back-and-forth interactions, the two of them had unexpectedly clicked. And now… it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call Haruno her very first true confidante.
Thinking about it, that was thanks to Senya. If not for him, she never would have gained such a precious friendship.
Senya…
No. Why was she thinking about him again?!
"Hey!" Haruno suddenly leaned forward with a mock pout, eyes narrowing at her. "Toka, were you even listening? I was passionately recommending my favorite hidden gem of a shop to you. Even if you're not interested, at least pretend you are. That's just basic manners!"
Toka smoothly pulled her thoughts back to the present and said evenly, "Who said I wasn't interested? We'll check out the shops you mentioned later."
A vinyl record store could be fun to browse. And the ramen place—she'd try it. If the taste really was good, she could even try recreating it at home for Senya…
And for her parents and Rokka, of course!
"But that faraway look on your face just now was definitely you thinking about something else," Haruno teased, propping her chin on one hand.
"I'm always like that. You know that already." Toka deflected shamelessly.
She picked up the black coffee Haruno had recommended and took a sip. At first, all she tasted was bitter char. But after a moment, subtler layers emerged—caramel sweetness, then the faint aftertaste of nuts and fruit lingering on her tongue.
"…This is good." Toka's eyes widened slightly.
"Of course. I only recommend the best." Haruno beamed smugly, her usual relaxed smile returning.
Now that the ice had been broken, her mood lifted. And with that, she could finally move on to the real reason she had invited Toka out today.
Yes, it wasn't just idle fun. More importantly, it was something she wanted to do for her dear little sister Yukino, who was overseas and couldn't be here herself.
Haruno's lips curved into a playful grin. "So, Toka~ I recently came across something really interesting."
"…" Toka glanced at her with weary resignation, even a hint of disdain.
"What? Don't look at me like that."
"I've been holding this in for a long time, but I'll just say it. Haruno, whenever you're scheming something, you always have these obvious little tells."
"Eh? Do I?"
"Yes. You start softening your voice with weird little sound effects, and your smile turns into that squinty-eyed grin. It's cute, sure, but with me you don't have to put on an act. We're friends, aren't we? Just be direct."
Toka set down her cup and said this with sincere calmness.
For a moment Haruno froze. Then she chuckled lightly.
"You're right. But if you noticed this a long time ago, you could have just told me earlier."
"I was… hesitant back then."
"Hesitant?"
"I wondered if we were close enough yet. I didn't want to risk offending you or making things awkward."
In other words, now their friendship had deepened enough that Toka no longer had that worry.
"I see."
Haruno nodded, genuinely pleased.
For someone as reserved as Toka, who normally bottled things up, this kind of straightforwardness was proof that she had truly accepted Haruno into her heart.
"Then I'll be direct. Something interesting has happened at my school recently. I think you'll find it relevant—and it might even involve you, in a way."
"What do you mean, 'might'…" Toka sighed, then asked, "…So what is it?"
Haruno clasped her hands together on the table, resting her chin on her fingers. Without the gleam of glasses, the pose still carried that "scheming villainess" flair.
"Saeko-chan and Utaha-chan both enrolled at my school this semester. You knew that, right?"
"Of course."
Not only did she know, she had learned about it through three different channels—her sister Rokka, her stepbrother Senya, and… Senya's diary.
"Good. Well, they've already become the talk of the school. People are calling them Sōbu High's two flowers—one for brains, one for brawn. Their reputations are so impressive that even teachers have noticed. Even in my grade, plenty of people secretly admire them."
As she spoke, Haruno gave the faintest sigh, her smile tinged with nostalgia.
Back when she had first entered Sōbu High, she had also been the center of attention—outstanding in academics, athletics, and social influence. She had been adored across all grades.
Now, with graduation approaching, her spotlight was fading.
Indeed, the waves of the new generation always pushed the old aside.
"Still, it's just boys making a fuss. Every school has its silly rumors."
Toka herself had heard from some girls at her school that boys called her the "goddess of the gymnastics club."
Honestly, she found it more embarrassing than flattering.
That kind of empty praise meant far less to her than a simple, genuine "this tastes good" from Senya after eating her cooking.
Speaking of which—he'd be home early today. She should hurry back to make dinner…
Wait.
Why was she thinking of him again?!
It wasn't as though he couldn't cook for himself once in a while!
"Toka?"
Haruno raised an eyebrow as her friend suddenly smacked her own forehead.
"It's nothing. Go on."
Toka gulped down a large mouthful of bitter coffee, using the taste to refocus.
"Well," Haruno continued, "Saeko-chan handled things in her usual way. She beat up two of her admirers—one of them the judo club's ace. After that, the rest of the boys backed off."
"…I see. And Utaha?"
Toka already had a feeling where this was going, but since Haruno had set up the story, she decided to let her finish.
"Utaha-chan, apparently, got herself a boyfriend. Once people knew she was taken, the boys lost interest."
"Oh? That so."
"Judging by your reaction, you already knew." Haruno wasn't surprised.
Toka nodded. No point in hiding it.
"So, that person—it was Senya, wasn't it?"
The intel around school was that Kasumigaoka Utaha had an outside boyfriend who'd shown up on campus wearing a mask. His face couldn't be seen, but according to eyewitnesses, he was tall, refined, and unmistakably attractive.
Haruno hadn't been sure. So she had brought it up here, pretending to share gossip, but really fishing for confirmation. All for her little sister's sake.
"Yes. It was Senya." Toka answered firmly.
She knew from both his casual remarks to her and from his diary entries.
Haruno leaned in. "So are they actually dating?"
Toka slowly stirred her coffee. "…No. Like you said, it was just a performance. Utaha was overwhelmed by admirers, so Senya helped her by pretending to be her boyfriend."
"I thought as much…"
If it were real, a certain step-sister wouldn't be this calm.
Smiling faintly, Haruno added, "He really does tell you everything, doesn't he?"
This time, Toka kept her composure. "Our dad works away from home. Mom is always busy with the shop, looking after little Chiyo. So at home, it's usually just me, Rokka, and Senya taking care of each other. We're a blended family, and we all value this bond a lot. Naturally, we talk about everything openly."
"…That sounds wonderful."
"You have a cute little sister too, don't you?"
"She was cute back when she stuck to me all the time. But now… it's a little different."
Haruno stretched in her seat with a languid smile.
"Speaking of siblings, what do you think about Senya's future? He's about to enter high school. He's talented, handsome, popular. As his sister, aren't you concerned about his love life? After all, his partner might one day become family to you too."
Toka thought seriously for a moment before shaking her head. "That's his decision. It's not my place to interfere."
"But you are his beloved sister. Your opinions will influence him, whether you want them to or not."
"…Haruno." Toka exhaled. "Didn't we just agree you'd stop circling around and speak plainly? What are you trying to say?"
"Ahaha, caught me." Haruno tapped her head playfully. "My sister and Senya grew up together. They know each other better than anyone, and their personalities fit perfectly. She may be abroad now, but she'll be back soon. Then they'll be together again, side by side, like before. Don't you think that childhood-friends-to-lovers thing is wonderful?"
Her eyes sparkled mischievously. "If everything works out, your bond with me will deepen too—not just friends, but sisters. Doesn't that sound nice?"
She leaned forward. "So… Toka, what do you think?"
…
That morning, Toka had left home at ten, spent the late morning chatting in the café, then gone with Haruno to the ramen shop she'd recommended.
By a little after two, they parted ways, promising to meet again soon.
On the train home, Toka pressed her hand to her forehead, feeling a headache coming on.
Haruno's true purpose had become clear by the end: she wanted Toka to support Yukino's side when it came to Senya's future.
But Toka herself hadn't even sorted out her own feelings—feelings that were messy, wrong, and nothing like what an "older sister" was supposed to have.
Her recent thoughts and actions… were not proper at all.
How could she respond honestly? In the end, she had only deflected: "Senya's choices are his own. I have no right to interfere."
Yet when she said that, Haruno's gaze had seemed to pierce straight into her heart—almost as if she saw through to that shameful, forbidden thought Toka kept locked away.
"…Haa."
Guarding a secret like this was exhausting. Sometimes, in moments of weakness, she even wanted to confide in someone—recklessly, just to feel lighter.
Maybe she should talk to Haruno.
But as soon as that idea surfaced, she crushed it.
It wasn't that she didn't trust Haruno. Despite her playful cruelty, Haruno would never deliberately hurt a true friend.
But Toka's secret… was not something normal people could accept.
If she confessed, how would Haruno see her?
Since she couldn't control the outcome, better to keep silent.
Still… bottling it up was suffocating.
Maybe she should try writing, like Senya did with his diary.
Her head was full of tangled thoughts as she finally returned home.
At the entryway, she saw Senya's shoes. Instantly, a relieved smile crossed her face.
Whatever storms churned outside, the moment she knew he was here, her heart cleared, turning bright again.
She couldn't help it.
"I'm home, Senya."
She bent to take off her shoes, her voice light and cheerful.
There was no reply.
She assumed he was upstairs and hadn't heard her.
But when she entered the living room, her steps slowed.
Senya was there—leaning back on the sofa, eyes closed, his breathing calm.
He had fallen asleep.
…
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