Living with Amano

Run away from home...

Unexpectedly, Hayama's "commission" would be achieved in this way.

At this moment, Makoto Amano didn't know what to say.

However, he is truly relieved that Yukino still possesses a heart that can resist and will resist.

This is also where she surpasses Yukinoshita Haruno.

However, even though this direct method of "turning the tables" is simple and practical, it will also bring forth a series of troubles that are not easily navigable.

Just like now...

Makoto Amano's headache arises at the thought of encountering Mrs. Yukinoshita.

He "abducted" the other's daughter once again. No matter how unreasonable Mrs. Yukinoshita's demands are now, he can only bear them.

Unless he sends Yukino back directly tonight.

But that is clearly not a viable option.

If he truly wanted to send Yukino back to her home tonight, he would have to renounce his claim as the harem king as soon as possible.

A headache...

Damn it, how should I approach this mother-in-law?

——

"You..."

Does he already know why I ran away from home?

When the words reached her lips, Yukino hesitated to speak.

Because throughout their journey, from the time they met until now, Makoto Amano had never inquired about her reasons for running away from home...

The answer to this question seems self-evident.

Perhaps what this guy said to Hayama this afternoon was...

"What's wrong?"

Makoto Amano could already see his house.

It was beneath the lot illuminated by streetlights.

Odd, the lights in the room are still on?

Hasn't Sister Haruno left yet?

Although the door is locked, there are windows by the back door. So, if one wishes to leave, they should be able to...

"Nothing."

Yukino shook her head, but the closer they got to the Amano family's house, the more complicated her emotions became.

Especially since her sister seems to still be there.

"Don't worry, with me here, your sister won't forcefully take you home."

Makoto Amano speculates that the reason Haruno hasn't returned home is probably because...

Because it doesn't align with her ladylike status to climb through windows or the back door, right?

Or perhaps she merely wants to stay and find an opportunity to "avenge" him?

Hmm... the latter is probably more likely.

"I'm not worried about that..."

In truth, the reason Yukino ran away from home today wasn't solely due to the blind date, but also...

She wants to move out and live on her own.

Refusing the blind date and moving out both challenge Mrs. Yukinoshita's authority in the Yukinoshita household.

It was the combination of these two actions that infuriated Mrs. Yukinoshita, leading her to uncontrollably slap Yukino.

"Your mother, I'll also speak with her on your behalf. Didn't I say it before? I'll protect you."

Makoto Amano was also greatly concerned about Mrs. Yukinoshita's reaction later, but in the current situation, he can only take things one step at a time.

"Even if you say that, I won't be swayed in the slightest, and I won't... become obsessed with you like Yuigahama-san."

Speaking of which, she still doesn't know why Yuigahama completely succumbed after seeing someone lift his clothes.

"So don't assume that I'll agree with you... It's even more impossible... Impossible..."

A man who aspires to have a harem had better perish a thousand times over before speaking.

The more Yukino entertained the thought that Makoto Amano might have such ideas, the angrier she became.

"It's alright, even if..."

Even if Yukino remains stubborn for the rest of her life, Makoto Amano won't give up.

"I'll always be your good friend, an ordinary childhood sweetheart."

"..."

Yukino didn't respond to the conversation, nor did she gaze at the man before her.

She simply turned her cheek in the direction of the evening breeze.

"Can I rent a place at your house?"

It took Yukino a while to regain her composure before asking in a cool, albeit trembling, voice.

"Don't misunderstand, I simply want to rent a place outside. It doesn't have to be your house, so don't dwell on it..."

"So, Yukino wants to live with me. No wonder..."

No wonder Mrs. Yukinoshita became angry.

"I'm telling you, did you understand what I just said? It's not your house. I only want to find a place to rent, whether it's an apartment or an empty room in your house, it makes no difference to me... Or is your comprehension as feeble as that of an insect, unable to grasp my words?"

She maintained her composure and swiftly countered someone's speech without giving it any thought.

Simultaneously, her eyes conveyed the message of "If you keep spouting nonsense, I'll leave immediately."

"No, I was just joking..."

He knew that if he continued to provoke her, Yukino might truly flee like a startled cat, so he decisively put on a sincere expression.

"Yukino can rent a place for as long as she wants, but the rent..."

Makoto Amano looked Yukino up and down.

"How much do you want?"

Yukino's cat-like eyes widened, as if she had noticed something, and she took a step back, crossing her arms over her chest.

"If you harbor any malicious intentions towards me, I'll call the police right away."

"No... I'm merely assessing whether your capabilities are suitable for the job."

"What's the meaning of that?"

"It's not an issue if you want to live in my house. I'll give you a friendly price for the rent, but you'll have to help me tidy up the place. I haven't cleaned it in over a year, so it'll be quite exhausting..."

"Alright."

Yukino's wariness lessened slightly, and she nodded subtly.

Even if Makoto Amano hadn't mentioned cleaning the house, she would have volunteered to help.

"You probably didn't bring much. Remember to buy some daily necessities tomorrow. I'm accustomed to living alone, so I don't have many guest supplies at home..."

Judging from the girl's school uniform, she likely doesn't have many belongings. Makoto Amano visually estimated that she only had a mobile phone and a wallet on her person.

"Don't worry about that. I will... but..."

At that moment, Yukino's face flushed slightly.

"I forgot my panda plushie at home, the one Yuigahama gave me. Could you..."

She's genuinely fond of that doll.

"Retrieve it for you? But wouldn't it be better to seek your sister's assistance in a situation like this?"

Yukinoshita's home is already a "lion's den" to Amano Makoto.

He didn't know if he would have the chance to escape unscathed this time , like he did last time when he was summoned to the Yukinoshita household by Yukinoshita's mother.

"I..."

Of course, Yukino had also considered asking her sister, but...If her sister were to learn that she still cherished those dolls, she would undoubtedly tease her mercilessly or use it to mock her.

Due to some peculiar mindset, Yukino currently has no desire to be ridiculed by her sister.

"Just pretend I never mentioned it.If you don't want to help..."

Yukino resolved to find another solution.

Besides, it doesn't necessarily have to be that doll, it's just...

Receiving a gift from a friend is a precious thing. If she doesn't bring it with her, she'll always feel like she disappointed them.

——