"Yukino-san, Yui, Yumiko, Hachiman called. He can't make it back today," Hayama relayed.
"That's a shame. Well, he might not have much to say about high school," Yukino said with a chuckle.
"Hikki's more about the present than the past!" Yui added.
"I wanted to tease him about his awkward moments, like during the school trip," Yumiko sighed, half-joking.
Yui frowned. "But how'll we get home?"
Hayama smiled. "Hachiman's got a car waiting outside for you."
"Tsuzuki, maybe?" Yukino guessed.
"Could be," Hayama replied.
Outside, the trio found Kit waiting.
"Yukino, over here," Kit's voice called.
"Kit! You're the one waiting?" Yukino exclaimed.
"Hachiman requested it," Kit replied.
Yukino blinked. "He owns you now?"
"My Grandmaster is Hachiman, followed by Haruno and you. Legally, Haruno retains ownership, but all master rights are Hachiman's, with insurance adjusted accordingly," Kit explained.
"Your father allowed that?" Yukino asked, stunned.
"Haruno said Master was thrilled Hachiman liked me and agreed to transfer rights. Mistress supported it too."
"Both Mom and Dad love Hachiman too much," Yukino muttered, echoing Minami as they boarded. Yukino took the driver's seat for formality.
"Where's the driver? Yukino, you driving?" Yui asked.
"When'd you get a license?" Yumiko added.
"I'm driving," Kit clarified.
"The car talked!?" Yui gasped.
"Greetings, I'm Kit. Hachiman ordered me to take you home."
"This is wild…" Yumiko murmured.
The trio, amazed, let Kit drive them home. Iroha, meanwhile, had left earlier to hang out with Komachi. Back home, Yukino confronted her father.
"Dad, I'm shocked you gave up Kit."
"Haha, it's been a while since I've seen that look on you! Hachiman loved that car, so it was an easy choice."
"You love Hachiman too much," Yukino said.
"Not just your father—me too," her mother chimed in from behind.
"Mom!"
"He's our family's benefactor. He strengthened you and your sister's bond," her mother said.
Yukino fell silent.
"That's the official reason," her mother added.
"Official!?" Yukino blurted, a rare outburst.
"Of course, we're grateful. We never doubted Haruno's abilities or yours. You'd have protected the Yukinoshita name without him. But that would've been stagnation."
"Mom…"
"We were wrong. Haruno made us see that. She said, 'I'll bring the Yukinoshita family under Soleil Corporation. That way, no matter who's president, the family's secure. I'll make Hachiman president of Soleil, freeing us to act. Whether we enter politics or send someone loyal, we'll build power.'"
"Haruno said that?"
Her parents nodded. "We decided to stop imposing our wishes on you two. It's paid off. Your faces are brighter, and you're coming home more."
"I thought controlling your paths was best for your happiness. I was wrong. When you and Haruno challenged us, we resisted, but you exceeded our expectations. Now, you're ready to soar, all thanks to him."
"Dad, Mom…" Yukino's voice caught.
Her parents grinned mischievously. "But honestly, we gave Kit to Hachiman because we adore him."
"He's such a charmer. You just can't help liking him," her mother added.
"You both love him too much," Yukino muttered.
"That's why we're worried you and Haruno might delay marriage," her father teased.
"If only the law allowed Hachiman to marry both of you," her mother quipped.
Blushing, Yukino deflected, "Maybe that's Haruno's ultimate goal."
The trio froze at her words.
"No way… right?" her father said.
"It's possible," her mother mused.
"Haruno might actually…" Yukino trailed off.
"Let's drop this," her father said.
"Yeah," her mother agreed.
They stopped, uneasy that it felt too plausible.
"But if you two don't marry, that's an issue," her mother said.
"Maybe we should have another kid or two," her father added.
"Yukino, we've got things to do. Rest in your room," her mother said.
"Wait, what are you talking about!?" Yukino called, but they left.
Yukino, noting their change, returned to her room. Later, her parents mused about twins, naming them Ayano (for a colorful life) and Yukino (for happiness), inspired by Asuna and Hachiman's white and black imagery. They jokingly called them Snow White and Black Snow Princess. Yukino and Haruno listened, exasperated, unsure if it would come true.
In her room, Yukino, sensing something, dove into ALO, arriving at Valhalla Garden. Yui and Kizmel greeted her.
"Yukino-san, YuiYui-san and Yumi-san are waiting!" Yui said.
"They didn't invite you but guessed you'd show. And here you are," Kizmel added.
"Thanks for the welcome. It feels nice," Yukino smiled, entering and spotting Yui and Yumiko on the sofa.
"What's up, you two?"
"Yukino! I wasn't ready to sleep and thought someone might be here," Yui said.
"Same, figured someone'd show," Yumiko added.
"Pretty much my vibe too," Yukino said.
They sipped tea Kizmel brewed, who'd learned maid-like skills from Yui.
"Hey, since we're here, wanna watch Elsa-san's PV?" Yui suggested.
"I've never seen it. Kinda curious," Yumiko said.
"Me too," Yukino agreed.
Yui pulled up Elsa's video.
"Wow," Yui gasped.
"She's so good," Yumiko said.
"Hard to believe it's the same person," Yukino mused.
Kizmel, intrigued, switched the display to Urbus, the second floor's main town. "I think her song's about this place."
"Maybe she visited during the beta and wrote about it," Yukino said.
"Makes sense with the visuals," Yumiko nodded.
A chime rang. Yui checked the monitor, revealing Fuka Jiro. "It's Fuka Jiro-san. Let her in?"
"She's an apprentice. Why not?" Yukino said.
Yui guided Fuka Jiro in, who greeted cheerfully, "Yo! Fuka Jiro-chan's back for another challenge!"
"Hey, Fuka-san. Problem is, Hachiman, Asuna, and Kirito aren't here," Yukino said.
"Bummer," Fuka Jiro replied.
"Have some tea!" Yui offered.
"Thanks! Yui-chan's always cute, and Kizmel-san's so cool I'd marry her!"
Kizmel replied flatly, "Marry? I'm likely already 'married' to Hachiman."
"Jealous! Wait, does that mean people think I'm after Leader too!?" Fuka Jiro exclaimed.
The trio nodded calmly.
"Probably," Yukino said.
"Definitely," Yumiko agreed.
"Don't worry about gossip. No one here minds," Yui added.
"What!?" Fuka Jiro gasped, then asked, "Can you tell me about Leader, just a bit?"
The three shared carefully.
"He used to have a gloomy vibe but now gets called 'handsome,'" Yukino said.
"Gruff but super kind and observant," Yui added.
"He's set to become president of a big company, still a student!" Yumiko said.
"What!?" Fuka Jiro shouted. "Young, hot, and a future CEO? He's a catch!"
"We're used to it," Yukino said.
"Now that you mention it…" Yumiko mused.
"The ultimate catch!" Yui laughed.
"Please, let me join the lineup!" Fuka Jiro begged.
The trio hesitated.
"Asuna's there, so it's tough," Yumiko said.
"There are other ways to connect," Yui added.
"First, you need to join the guild," Yukino noted.
"Got it! I'll work harder!" Fuka Jiro vowed, brimming with determination.
She started to leave but paused, drawn to Elsa's song. "What's this?"
"Elsa Kanzaki's song!" Yui said.
"It's… really good," Fuka Jiro said.
"Stay and listen," Yumiko suggested.
"Will do!" Fuka Jiro sat, and the four enjoyed girl talk before parting.
Logging out, Fuka Jiro called a friend. "Hey, Kohi? Found an amazing song by Elsa Kanzaki! You gotta hear it. Also, I met awesome people and I'm training hard to join them. Their leader's incredible…"
Thus, the three girls and Fuka Jiro ended their day.
-------------------------------
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