Confronted with her daughter's skeptical gaze, the "Frost Mother" felt a subtle tremor of her heart—a sourness she couldn't quite name.
Her change in attitude toward Haruno and Yukino was naturally influencing her as well. She gradually realized that ever since bringing her eldest daughter into the Yukinoshita household, Haruno had been forced to bear its pressures, never able to enjoy a normal girl's youth. Haruno also maintained a constant fear and vigilance toward her own "mother."
But this time, what she said wasn't for the sake of the Yukinoshita household's benefit.
Her expression complicated, she spoke:
"Haruno, do you think I'm trying to use you and Yukino, as sisters, to tie Rei Ao-kun down and thereby gain advantage for the Yukinoshita name?"
"Aren't you?"
Haruno herself didn't quite know where she found the boldness to question her mother so directly—perhaps it was because it concerned her beloved little sister.
Misunderstood, the Mrs. Yukinoshita again felt a pang in her heart.
Yet she still laid out her thoughts:
"I'm not demanding you do such a thing. Yes, it's a rather over-the-line idea. My only wish is to keep Yukino from getting hurt by love. If you, Haruno, help her, I'd feel at ease. But I hope that premise is built on your own willingness. If you don't want to, I won't force you."
In a rare instance, she was revealing her genuine feelings.
Compared to the naive Yukino, Haruno was better at discerning others' hearts. Facing someone like Rei Ao—whom no conventional rules could bind—Mrs. Yukinoshita still worried Yukino might be taken advantage of.
"..."
Haruno was surprised. From her mother's tone and gaze, she only saw sincerity. She was really caring about Yukino? That notion felt astonishing.
"Mother really has changed?"
Her heart stirred. Since it was for Yukino's sake, Haruno decided to put aside her old grudges for a moment and speak openly:
"Mother, do you think it's that easy to get close to that man?"
Naïve. Her mother had never personally witnessed how Rei Ao could obliterate an entire planet and all its life. Haruno remembered her first encounter with him: the shock, the terror. She had once regarded him as a being indifferent to life.
However, after deeply understanding that other world, even she had to admit that the humans there were quite twisted and detestable. This changed her impression of Rei Ao somewhat. Even she had to concede there might be no man in this world more outstanding. Part of her envied Yukino for that.
But precisely because she knew Rei Ao's power and uniqueness, she also knew small ploys or tricks would be useless to him. Trying them might even backfire.
Mrs. Yukinoshita shook her head in response.
"Though I don't know how powerful Rei Ao-kun truly is, I do know we must face him with sincerity. So, Haruno, what I really want to ask is—have you grown fond of Rei Ao-kun?"
Her gaze sharpened. Haruno often seemed absentminded these days; as a mother, she'd noticed. That had begun after the big "incident." Now she was finally broaching the topic to confirm her suspicion.
"I…"
Haruno wanted to say no. But her mind recalled that broad back which shielded her from the swirling murderous aura—and she could not forget that moment.
That was certainly the first time she'd been so deeply impressed by a man. It was indeed the feeling of attraction. But…he was little Yukino's boyfriend!
Seeing Haruno stand there speechless—
"Sigh."
Mrs. Yukinoshita let out a small sigh.
"As I thought."
Even with no reply, the look on Haruno's face revealed it all. None of the high-society heirs had ever won Haruno's favor. Yet the uniqueness of Rei Ao seemed to have touched even her…
Gathering her thoughts, the Mrs. Yukinoshita spoke earnestly:
"Haruno, if you truly have feelings for him, then go after them."
"Mother, what are you talking about? Yukino—"
Haruno jumped up, agitated. She'd nearly agreed in that instant! That was absolutely impossible!
"Yukino would understand you." Mrs. Yukinoshita's voice was meaningful. "If you don't try for something you desire, you may regret it. Think it over."
She rose and headed toward her bedroom, leaving behind words that felt like a key opening an indescribable door. Staring at her mother's departing figure, Haruno's expression turned strangely complicated.
"Wait, Mother." She suddenly stopped her.
"Hm?" Mrs. Yukinoshita paused, glancing back.
Haruno gave her a peculiar look and said, "Mother, do you know the Spencer family?"
"Spencer…" Mrs. Yukinoshita frowned, recalling. "The deceased diplomat?"
"Mm."
"Why mention them now?" She was puzzled.
"No, I'm not talking about him, but about his nominal wife, Sawamura Sayuri, and her daughter, Sawamura Spencer Eriri."
Haruno's gaze flickered.
Mother, if you're pushing me onto a path of no return, I'll drag you along too.
Even if Yukino won't forgive me, she'll still forgive you.
Haruno decided to open the door of a new world for her mother, who was still in the prime of her life.
…
"Another one!"
Kasumigaoka Utaha's eyes went wide in disbelief.
So soon, another new group member—and it was Ms. Mafuyu Kirisu, who apparently had already been "taken" by Rei Ao.
"How does he keep doing this?"
Mafuyu Kirisu was her own homeroom teacher, so no one knew better than Utaha how strict she was, how obsessed with rules. Even so, this teacher somehow disregarded professional ethics and social norms to be with Rei Ao.
"Tch… how's he managing it?"
She tapped a leg clad in black stockings, jiggling it in frustration. That showed her inward restlessness—partly confusion, partly jealousy.
Now she was certain she felt something for Rei Ao. But her pride kept her from showing it. Most crucially, Utaha didn't grasp why she had no apparent allure for him. She'd been in the group longer than Eriri and the others. Yet even Eriri had ended up in Rei Ao's arms.
"He's supposed to be a lecher, right? Why not come for me?"
He'd rather target the older Ms. Mafuyu than choose her! For the first time, Kasumigaoka Utaha felt uncertain about her own feminine appeal.
She bit the nail of her thumb lightly.
"Maybe I should take Machida's advice and be more proactive?"
Kasumigaoka Utaha wanted to make a change!
~~~
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