When Haruno arrived in the living room, she blinked in surprise at the sight of the two beautiful girls resting quietly.
Turning to Haru, who was setting things down, she asked, "What's with them?"
"They didn't sleep well," Haru replied vaguely. "They're just resting now."
That only deepened Haruno's confusion.
Still, she lowered her voice out of habit, not wanting to disturb Yukino and Utaha."You seem totally refreshed though. So why didn't they sleep well?"
A moment later, a possibility struck her. "Wait… did they argue late into the night?"
From her perspective, Yukino and Utaha were obvious rivals in love. Both were proud and stubborn; it'd be weirder if sparks didn't fly when they were together.
Haru remained vague. "No, they argue now and then, but I, as the Dragonfly Captain, always step in to mediate."
Haruno didn't even ask what "Dragonfly Captain" meant. She glanced once more at the two girls resting peacefully in the living room and let out a soft laugh."Looks is something I'm not supposed to know. How fun."
Half an hour later, Yukino and Utaha finally recovered.
They both greeted Haruno politely, though there was still some lingering nostalgia in their expressions—missing that blissfully relaxed state they'd just emerged from.
Haruno took the initiative, smiling: "Kasumigaoka-san, want to come with us?"
Yukino alone was already a handful. With her older sister joining in, she had a bad feeling her position might get very precarious.
It wasn't that she feared being bullied—Haru was here, and the worst she might get was a few sarcastic jabs.
But the idea of the Yukinoshita sisters teaming up? That was a nightmare waiting to happen.
Right then, Yukino, now fully recovered, said calmly,"If senpai's not coming, then let Haru walk you downstairs. We'll be leaving shortly."
"I'll go." Utaha responded instantly.
Haruno chuckled at the side, clearly entertained. "So Kasumigaoka-san has a strong competitive spirit too, huh?"
Did her reply just now… show competitiveness?
Haruno's smile stayed gentle, but her words were sharp: "Yukino barely said a word, and you responded immediately. That means you don't want to fall behind—especially not behind her. Am I right?"
Utaha's heart skipped a beat.
How did she deduce that from just one line?
She instinctively glanced at Haru, who was calmly pouring tea. He met her eyes and gave a subtle look that said: "That's just how Haruno is."
Now Utaha felt even more unsure.
If these two sisters teamed up today, she'd probably get eaten alive—bones and all.
She crossed her legs instinctively, hands folded on her lap, trying to appear calm, but internally she was in a full-blown panic.
If Haru knew what was going through her head, he'd probably tell her quite seriously:You really don't have to worry—because those two will never team up.
Yukino's pride, along with her resistance toward her sister, made cooperation impossible.
As for Haruno? She'd probably be delighted to pretend to team up, but then just sit back and watch the chaos.
If she got bored, she might even join Yukino in teasing Utaha for fun.
With Utaha now on board, their originally planned trio turned into a group of four.
Haru quickly arranged for someone to deliver an extra set of sketching tools. Once Yukino and Utaha finished changing clothes, they all headed out to the park.
Since it was Saturday, the park was already bustling at this hour, mostly filled with young people.
Some were on dates, while others were small groups of friends hanging out and enjoying the day.
Naturally becoming the designated bag carrier, Haru was quick on the uptake. He found a quiet spot, laid out the mat and picnic cloth, then neatly arranged the food and supplies for the girls.
"Good job, Haru," Haruno praised him with a bright smile.
Once Yukino and Utaha were seated, Haruno asked, "So, Haru, what are you planning to do now?"
"I'll watch you guys paint for a bit, then maybe take a stroll," Haru replied, already having made up his mind.
"If possible, I'd rather not paint," Yukino voiced her opinion calmly.
Haruno gave her a teasing look. "But we agreed last night, didn't we? That today, you'd accompany me and do anything I wanted."
"Did we?" Haru blinked, surprised.
Utaha also glanced over curiously at the sisters.
Expressionless, Yukino corrected her sister, "Please note, what I said last night was: 'If it's something I don't dislike, then I'll accompany you.'"
"That's basically the same thing. Come on, I'm your big sister—I wouldn't trick you," Haruno said with a playful grin.
"That's debatable," Yukino replied without skipping a beat.
Listening to their exchange, Haru grew more curious. "What exactly did you two talk about last night? Care to share?"
Utaha subtly leaned in, clearly interested in learning more about Haruno—whom she considered her strongest rival.
"I'll let you explain?" Haruno glanced at her sister.
Yukino couldn't be bothered and stayed silent.
Haruno didn't mind. She smiled lightly and said, "After dinner last night, Yukino and I were just casually venting about our recent lives and a few troubles we've run into…"
Her tone brightened as she continued, "What made me really happy was that Yukino actually suggested I take a break—and even said she'd join me."
Yukino still didn't say a word, though her pale cheeks were tinged with pink.
Haru finally understood. He remembered telling Haruno before that she should take better care of herself and stop bottling things up. Yukino had noticed that too and silently agreed to support her.
Last night, during their chat, Yukino had probably recalled Haru's advice and simply repeated it.
"Miss Haruno and Yukinoshita seem to have a great relationship," Utaha commented sincerely.
Haruno nodded with a beaming smile. "Of course. Yukino and I have always been close."
Yukino, clearly done with the conversation, set up her easel and started thinking about what to paint.
Watching from behind for a bit, Haru got bored and went for a walk around the park.
By the time he circled halfway back, the girls were no longer sitting on the mat. Instead, they were standing beneath a large tree.
Next to them stood a mother and her young daughter. The little girl was gazing longingly up into the branches, where a balloon had gotten stuck.
It was too high for anyone to reach by jumping. They'd need a ladder—or someone would have to climb up.
Seeing the situation, Haru offered, "Let me take care of that."
But Haruno shook her head with a mischievous smile. "Nope. I promised little Rena here that I'd get it down myself."
The girl, wearing her hair in twin buns, gave Haruno a sweet smile.
Haru raised an eyebrow. That didn't sound like Haruno. Being helpful wasn't really her style.
Utaha quietly approached and whispered, "I'm guessing it's because the little girl told her she was really pretty."
Yukino added in a flat tone, "Not just that—she also said she hopes to grow up to be as beautiful as my sister."
Haru chuckled. "Got it."
Even someone as aloof as Haruno couldn't ignore the sincere flattery of an innocent child. That kind of compliment would melt anyone's heart.
To return the favor, she was willing to go out of her way for this stranger's minor trouble.
"So… you're going to climb the tree, Haruno-nee?"Haru folded his arms, amused. Now he was here for the entertainment.
But Haruno knew him too well. She glanced at him, eyes sparkling. "I'm wearing a skirt, remember? It's not exactly tree-climbing friendly. Come help me."
"How?" Haru asked, puzzled.
Haruno gave a playful, knowing smile. "Let me sit on your shoulders—I'll be able to reach from there."
Before Haru could respond, Yukino frowned. "Are you serious?"
Utaha also looked at Haruno's outfit.
All three of them were wearing skirts today. Yukino's and Utaha's came down just past the knees. Haruno's was longer, flowing down to her pale ankles.
But sitting on a guy's shoulders in a skirt—especially with the hem constantly riding up—wasn't exactly modest.
Though no one else was around besides the mother and daughter, both Yukino and Utaha clearly felt this wasn't appropriate.
Haru, thinking along the same lines, offered, "Why don't I go find a ladder?"
"I don't want to keep my cute little admirer waiting," Haruno said cheerfully. "Just help me out this once, okay?"
As she spoke, she lifted the hem of her skirt slightly, making her intentions very clear. "Come on, kneel down. I'm getting on."
It was like a scene straight out of a fantasy novel—the lady knight mounts her loyal steed.
And in terms of being mounted, Haru was already quite experienced.
After all, both Yukino and Utaha had accepted the role of "lady knight" at one point or another, believing it gave them a sense of control and dominance.
Of course, once their legs gave out and they had to beg for mercy, the scene became considerably less graceful.