Chapter 78 – A Request That ’Ended’!
"So this is the place—’Angel’s Staircase.’ The last shop still open until morning."
"But... looking at it now, it’s sealed off? What’s going on here?"
"There have been five cases of missing people here, so the authorities shut it down."
"In that case... are we still going to investigate?"
"If you’re determined to go in, it’s possible."
"Eh?"
Hearing that, Hikigaya Hachiman turned sharply toward Yukinoshita Yukino, who stood calmly beside him.
Not only him—Yuigahama Yui and Zaimokuza Yoshiteru, who had tagged along for this investigation, also looked at Yukino with faces full of confusion.
"This place happens to be one of the Yukinoshita family’s properties, so entering won’t be an issue."
Yukinoshita Yukino explained in her usual composed tone.
And at that mont, the difference in social class beca painfully clear—like an invisible slap across their faces.
Hikigaya Hachiman, Yuigahama Yui, and Zaimokuza Yoshiteru were all from ordinary families. Compared to the Yukinoshitas—who possessed power, wealth, and influence—the gap was overwhelming.
"S-So cool..."
"There’s nothing impressive about it. It’s just a family property. It has nothing to do with ."
"Ehh, still, that’s amazing, Yukinon. You’re like a noble princess!"
"Please don’t say things like that, Yuigahama-san."
The word "princess" carried a sting for Yukinoshita Yukino.
Being born into privilege ca with its own weight—and its own scars.
For Yukino, anything that touched upon her family—her parents, her elder sister, their reputation—was sothing she despised.
Since childhood, she had lived in her sister’s shadow.
Always chasing, always trying to catch up, but never once managing to stand beside her.
A mother who left her alone.
A father who was powerless to change things.
And a sister—too perfect, too radiant to reach.
All of it left wounds that never truly healed.
"Sorry, Yukinon."
Realizing her insensitivity, Yuigahama quickly apologized.
"I overreacted, Yuigahama-san."
Yukinoshita replied softly, regret flickering in her eyes.
Watching their exchange, Hikigaya Hachiman began to realize sothing—
This girl nad Yukinoshita Yukino, who seed proud and cold, might actually be the weakest one in her family.
She hated being tied to the na "Yukinoshita" because she wanted to prove her own worth.
That she was Yukinoshita Yukino of the Yukinoshita family, not a product of the Yukinoshita family.
"According to Taishi, Kawasaki Saki worked here. She’s supposed to get off around five in the morning."
"In that case... there’s one problem."
"Ah, about the timing?"
"I think... she’s hiding her real age."
"Because she’s actually still a high school student."
"So, where do we start the investigation?"
The conversation between Hikigaya and Yukinoshita flowed smoothly, showing a strange sort of rhythm between them—
a chemistry only people who had worked together for long could have.
Yuigahama Yui and Zaimokuza Yoshiteru simply stood nearby, unable to cut in.
Right now, they were just spectators watching the "two-person stage."
A faint ringing suddenly broke the silence.
Riiing—Riiing...
Hachiman fished his phone from his pocket.
The na flashing on the screen: Komachi.
"What’s up, Komachi? Why the sudden call?"
"This is , Nii-san. Taishi."
The voice on the other end wasn’t Komachi’s—it was a boy’s.
"Shut up. I’m not your brother. Not now, not ever. Drop that delusion."
Click!
With a look of irritation, he ended the call without hesitation.
Yukinoshita and Yuigahama exchanged glances.
Though they said nothing, one conclusion was obvious—
The dead-eyed, emotionless man before them was the very definition of an overprotective older brother.
Brrrt—Brrrt...
Monts later, the phone rang again. The sa na appeared: Komachi.
"I’m not your brother."
That was Hachiman’s imdiate greeting when he picked up.
"Hah? What are you talking about, Onii-chan?"
This ti, it was Komachi—his real sister.
"Komachi, oh, it’s you. Sorry, not ant for you."
"I know. Anyway, Onii-chan, where are you, Yukino-onee-san, and Yui-onee-san right now?"
"We’ve arrived at ’Angel’s Staircase.’ It’s sealed off, but Yukinoshita said she can get us inside."
Hachiman purposely avoided ntioning that the place belonged to the Yukinoshita family—
he knew Yukino hated any talk involving her lineage.
"You don’t need to go in. Just now, Taishi’s older sister ca ho. The kidnapping case’s been solved. Saki-onee-san has been rescued."
"Eh... seriously...?"
Hachiman froze.
After spending the entire afternoon investigating... it was already over?
He turned toward Yukinoshita, as if to say, "Guess that’s that. We can drop it now."
"Got it. We’ll head back."
"Okay! Hurry ho, Onii-chan~!"
"Yeah, yeah."
Beep.
The line disconnected. Hachiman turned to his companions.
"What’s wrong, Hachiman?"
"Kawasaki Saki’s already back ho."
"Eh? She’s back? How?"
"Apparently the kidnapping case has been resolved. She’s been rescued."
"Thank goodness..."
Yuigahama exhaled in relief.
She hadn’t contributed much, but knowing the person they sought was safe—that alone was enough.
At that sa mont, Yukinoshita’s phone vibrated.
It was a ssage from her older sister, Yukinoshita Haruno.
She’d written that she had now mastered Breathing Techniques and beco a swordswoman.
More than that, she wanted Yukino to return ho tonight—
because Yukinoshita Akira wished to discuss sothing important.
"Yukinoshita, so... what now?"
Hachiman looked at her. After all, Yukinoshita was the president of the Service Club.
She had delayed her training session with Totsuka Saika just to fulfill this request.
And now, it all ended like this.
A faint sense of regret began to form.
"Since the person we were looking for has been found, let’s head back. The request is considered canceled."
"Alright, then let’s go ho."
"Let’s go~!"
Hearing Yukinoshita’s decision, Hachiman and Yuigahama nodded in agreent.
As for Zaimokuza Yoshiteru... well, poor guy—
it seed everyone had completely forgotten about him.
But honestly, his role had only ever been that of a "guide" when they explored the maid café the other day.
Now that the mission was over, his usefulness had naturally expired.
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