"I understand."
"Will you hate it?"
"I like it very much."
Until the bright moon set.
---
The topics that men and women are keen on have always been different.
Men prefer to discuss grand strategies and make lofty speeches, especially about politics and careers, while women lean more towards family, children, time, and appearance—of course, some ethereal fairies are excluded from this category.
Just like now, even at a glamorous banquet, even adorned with wealth and power, the essence of the conversation has not changed; it is an instinct deeply engraved in their genes.
"Oh my, Yukinoshita-san—you've hidden Kiyono-sensei for two years; it's about time you let us meet him. Otherwise, I'm afraid the next time we see him will only be at your family's wedding."
Outside, it was dark, and inside the hall, chandeliers scattered star-like light from the vaulted ceiling.
A gentle, elegant woman approached, lifting her skirt slightly. They had only "accidentally" heard once that this young literary figure was the Yukinoshita family's adopted son.
Since then, whenever they gathered, Kiyono became a favorite topic of conversation.
"I heard Kiyono-sensei's works have even sparked some discussion overseas recently,"
a wealthy madam with a retro hime cut added.
"But what's most enviable is the Yukinoshita young lady—to have such a childhood sweetheart as a fiancé. Even my old man sighed, 'How wonderful it would be to have such a son-in-law.'" Another lady with her daughter at her side sighed with envy.
"My child has been preparing for the Tokyo University entrance exam recently, so he probably hasn't paid much attention to such things."
Yukinoshita's mother's tone suddenly became gentle and chiding.
Although no one had asked this, the ladies immediately followed up with a wave of knowing praise.
Yukinoshita's mother hid her lips behind a folding fan, but her brows were slightly raised. Clearly, the family's head was in an exceptionally good mood.
While Yukinoshita Haruno and Yukinoshita Yukino had received compliments in the past, those were mostly about their appearance and demeanor. This was the first time someone like Kiyono had elevated the entire family's attention and reputation through his own efforts; it was almost like a dream.
Their family was not short of money, and as for reputation, perhaps it had been somewhat lacking, but she had never harbored grand ambitions—she only wished to preserve the family's foundation. Now, Kiyono had changed that. When he and Yukino both got into Tokyo University and achieved even greater success in the future, perhaps the Yukinoshita family might even earn the title of a "modern literary family."
Thinking of this, Yukinoshita's mother also sighed inwardly. In less than a year, Kiyono's achievements had grown increasingly impressive. It was the result of accumulated experience, but also resonated with the current social climate: sales exceeding two million, foreign editions, sparking social discussion, and even rumors that his work had helped reduce the suicide rate…
Putting aside the truth of that last point, the mere fact that the media was willing to report it showed the public's sentiment.
Later, after chatting with others for a while, she returned home, maintaining a rare, constant smile.
With such an excellent "son-in-law" in the family, even the somewhat "unpromising" Yukinoshita Yukino had found direction and was steadily striving upward. That might also spur Yukinoshita Haruno a little, making her shed her laziness and move forward more proactively.
And with Kiyono's help, Yukinoshita Haruno's future would surely be much easier…
The family is thriving.jpg
Yukinoshita's mother stepped out of the luxury car, walked through the courtyard and along the veranda, and headed toward Kiyono's room, preparing to check on the future of the Yukinoshita family as usual—whether he wanted to challenge the highest academic institution or had already achieved great results, in her eyes, the boy's health was always the most important.
It was precisely for this reason that she had called Kiyono back home, worried that he might be under too much pressure and overworking himself.
Kiyono must be working hard right now, right?
Yukinoshita's mother's expression softened as she gently knocked on the door.
The scene in her mind: night, the dim glow of a desk lamp, foreign and domestic classics spread on the desk, drawing on the past to illuminate the present, quietly contemplating and researching in the vast ocean of history and literature, constantly pushing himself with the goal of becoming a great writer.
But what did she actually see?
The wooden floor let out a dull thud, followed by a girl's startled cry. Yukinoshita's mother's heart tightened, and she instinctively pulled the door open.
The next moment, her pupils constricted. Scattered manuscripts fluttered through the air like cherry blossoms. Her cherished daughter—the perpetually cold Yukinoshita Yukino—was pressing Kiyono down onto the tatami in a completely unladylike posture, her beautiful black hair spilling across the boy's body.
Hearing the commotion, the two teenagers turned their heads at the same time.
And the moment she saw her mother, Yukino's usually sharp pupils slowly spun, and a large blush spread from her ears across her cheeks.
"Mother… this isn't—this isn't what it looks like, this is a misunderstanding!"
Watching her flustered daughter and Kiyono, the kimono-clad beauty stood in the doorway, sighed in distress, and lightly tapped her forehead with the folding fan.
Could Yukinoshita Yukino really have feelings for Kiyono…?
Yukinoshita Haruno's figure flashed through her mind.
What am I supposed to do now?
---
In the half-open tearoom, separated by paper screens, Yukino and Kiyono knelt on the tatami, coldly blaming each other, with no trace of their previous intimacy, while the head of the household quietly sipped warm Darjeeling tea, tea snacks placed before her.
"Is this… a new method of literary discussion?" Yukinoshita Haruno appeared behind her sister's shoulder, fanning the flames with a serious expression. "Should I call the police for assistance? Although the one doing the ambushing seems to be little Yukino."
Yukinoshita Yukino: "This has nothing to do with you, Big Sister!"
Seeing the target of criticism shift, Kiyono took a sip of water, then habitually reached out for the exquisite tea snacks.
Slap.
Yukinoshita's mother gently smacked his paw away, making her position quite clear.
Seeing this, Yukinoshita Haruno raised an eyebrow, quietly picked up a snack, and offered it to him with a smile: "Ah~"
Slap.
This time, Yukino smacked her sister's hand away.
"Little Yukino is so mean! Not even giving me a single bite. You're already so controlling now—Kiyono might not have any personal space left in the future!" Haruno painted a bleak future.
"I will fight for my freedom."
After tossing out a playful line, Kiyono coughed. Seizing the opportunity, he suddenly spoke:
"By the way, Auntie, someone from HNK contacted the publishing house today. They asked if I had time to do a documentary. It's an in-depth interview, and they might also ask you to appear on camera. If you don't want that, I'll turn them down."
HNK was a national public broadcaster. Its documentary programs and cultural specials were highly authoritative—the previous appearance at his book signing had only been a brief clip in a special. This time, it was a proper high-profile exclusive interview, with him as the sole focus, and it might even be scheduled for a prime-time slot. That alone showed how much his status had risen over this past year.
Kiyono had never been enthusiastic about interviews and had rejected many magazine invitations, to the regret of fans who were gradually starting to treat him like an idol. However, this time was different.
It wasn't for the prestige, but because it involved the Yukinoshita family—this would likely be the first time his relationship with them was clearly presented to the public. He didn't want them to worry, so he told them in advance.
An interview?
The three Yukinoshita women raised their eyebrows in unison, each lost in thought.
As local politicians, the Yukinoshita family had a certain amount of notoriety, but compared to celebrities or writers, the media scarcely paid them any attention—at most, they'd be mentioned by local stations. Of course, if they caused some big scandal, everyone would happily plaster them across the headlines.
Now, being asked to appear in a national-level program, they instinctively felt a bit awkward.
But Yukinoshita's mother understood Kiyono's intent and felt somewhat relieved.
She thought for a moment, then said, "This exclusive interview will increase your public influence. It's best if you accept it."
There was no need to worry too much about privacy; a national broadcaster would strictly supervise and protect that. He could even decline to show his face. She felt there was no reason to refuse.
"Then I'll let them know tonight and set a date," Kiyono nodded.
At that moment, Yukinoshita's mother turned to her eldest daughter with a flawless smile and said softly:
"Haruno, you should appear as well."
So Mother's meaning is… Yukinoshita Haruno's eyes flickered. A ripple spread outward across the calm surface of her heart.
"Oh dear, this will be my first time on such a program. What if I end up becoming a national goddess? How troublesome…"
She lightly touched her cheek with a fingertip.
Then, Yukinoshita's mother hesitated, shifted her gaze to Yukinoshita Yukino, and said slowly:
"Yukino, you grew up together with Kiyono. Are you willing to appear on camera too?"
"If I don't have to show my face…" Yukino took a deep breath and replied in a low but firm voice.
Her mother didn't object as much as she had imagined. That alone gave her a bit of courage.
Yukinoshita Haruno narrowed her eyes and let out an "Ehh~".
Mother should just be considering Yukino's feelings, right? She shouldn't have any other intentions… right? Whether it's the succession or Kiyono, I'm the one who's always worked so hard…
---
A writer's morning begins with a cup of black tea.
In the quiet courtyard shrouded in morning mist, the ageless adoptive mother brewed tea. Then, teacup in hand, she gently slid open the child's door. The camera shifted, revealing the faint glow of an all-night desk lamp. Under that hazy light, the young man, pen in hand, was calm and absorbed in writing.
The boy set down his pen and turned around.
He wore a white yukata with a sky-blue haori over it, like a snow-covered peak bathed in the first light of dawn, even giving off a sense of "holiness." Just seeing him made one's heart stir.
The teacup was placed down, and a warm exchange followed. The scene of a loving mother and filial son lasted several dozen seconds before a clear, well-enunciated female narrator's voice cut in.
[Heisei's Phenomenal Writer Talks About the Breakfast Scene and Creative Secrets of "The Moon."]
"Yes, I get up at six every day to write, and my adoptive mother takes care of me like this, bringing me a warm cup of tea. To me, she's my real mother."
"Of course, I do occasionally pull all-nighters, because so many people are waiting for my work—and that's also the best time for inspiration to burn."
A clear voice, like a spring breeze rippling over a stream, rang out.
"At night, you can reach out and touch the stars, and open the boundaries of dreams. In the morning, you can sketch the glorious birth of life. At that moment, there's no need to mix pigments—you just cast that brief instant when night and day exchange places into the crucible and let it forge itself into a poetic dream."
As he recited this, he subtly glanced at the camera, as if asking whether he sounded too affected. The staff behind the lens responded with a thumbs-up.
[—9:17]
The young man sat on the veranda, a copy of Snow Country resting on his knees, its pages the warm yellow of aged rice paper. The background sound design blended in the murmur of flowing water.
[Kiyono-sensei is the youngest Akutagawa Prize winner in history, and his book sales have reached two million within two years. His writing is calm yet powerful. May I ask what led you to the path of literature?]
"Ah, that's indeed because of family… that is, the influence of my adoptive mother and everyone at home."
He smiled gently.
"I used to wander from place to place—streets, parks, under bridges. I've seen trash cans at four in the morning, and I've slept in cardboard boxes behind convenience stores, shivering in winter rain. At that time, I was terribly resentful, but then they brought me home, and in that moment, a thought was born in me."
The young man looked into the distance, as if he were gazing at the lights and starlight he saw when he first arrived here.
"Thoughts are too fleeting and too shallow. Only when they're written down on paper can those burning things be remembered forever."
"So I started writing. That was my original intention. And after I voiced this desire, my family gave me tremendous support. They made me realize that literature shouldn't be some distant snowy mountain, but a warm flame."
Off-camera, the three Yukinoshita women all fixed their eyes on his face, their expressions deeply moved.
[—12:45]
On the screen, a pair of hands appeared.
Slender and delicate, pale as snow, with fingertips painted a cherry-blossom pink.
Those hands rested quietly on her knees. Just from the sight of those hands and legs, one could tell she was a girl worthy of being immortalized in a painting.
[We heard that Yukinoshita Yukino has also applied for Tokyo University, the same as Kiyono-sensei. Were you influenced by him? Were there any interesting stories during your exam preparations?]
"This is my own decision. As for anecdotes… does him often sneaking out to eat count?"
A cool, clear voice, like thin snow on one's fingertips, sounded.
[Yukino Yukinoshita, you must have noticed that 'snow' and 'moon' often reappear as metaphors in Kiyono-sensei's works, chasing after beautiful phantoms. How do you interpret that?]
Her slender fingertips trembled lightly.
"B-because… because he always watches the snow in the courtyard when it snows, I suppose…"
[—14:23]
A flawless short-haired woman suddenly stepped into frame, every gesture and smile imbued with a dew-fresh elegance like early cherry blossoms, fully displaying the poise and manners of a proper young lady.
"Hihi, just call me Yukinoshita Haruno. Feel free to ask me anything. I've collected enough interesting anecdotes about the Yukinoshita family to fill a book!"
At her words, the previously solemn atmosphere instantly lightened. The staff burst out laughing, and even the dull recording camera seemed to come alive.
[Yukinoshita Haruno, you also grew up with Kiyono-sensei, correct? What kind of child was he back then? Did he love writing from an early age?]
"Hmm… that's a bit of a tough question. If I give you an example, you'll understand right away."