Sett Chapter 24: Tadashi? Yukino? Haruno? Ehhh? (Patreon)

[Yukinoshita Yukino: Tadashi-kun, I apologize for my bad attitude yesterday.]

[Yukinoshita Yukino: Please forgive me. I will make sure to properly apologize.]

[Yukinoshita Yukino: It seems my sister has also encountered a supernatural event. Can I ask for your help with this?]

[Yukinoshita Yukino: Please, no matter what conditions you have, I will do my best to fulfill them!]

‘She’s pretty determined!’ Tadashi thought, his expression turning strange as he mentally joked, ‘The big sister is a sis-con, and the younger one is secretly a sis-con too, huh?’

However, what made him look even more peculiar wasn’t this, but the fact that both Shizuka Hiratsuka and Yukino had reached out to ask him for help regarding the same person—Haruno.

‘Didn’t they communicate with each other?’

"Sure, I can do it," Tadashi replied to Shizuka while also typing his response to Yukino on his phone.

...

[Tadashi: Sure, I can help.]

[Tadashi: Let me know the time and place once you've decided.]

Yukino, looking at the response on her phone, finally relaxed her clenched fists.

‘Thank goodness, Tadashi agreed.’

But then she frowned slightly, feeling puzzled: ‘I even offered to fulfill any condition, so why didn’t he make any demands?’

‘Could it be that he’ll ask for something after helping?’

‘In that case, at least he has some professional integrity.’

Yukino smirked, a hint of sarcasm tugging at the corner of her mouth.

In her mind, Tadashi was already equated with being a jerk.

At that moment, Haruno returned from her call, stepping back into the room.

"All set," Haruno said with a relaxed smile. "I've already arranged everything. Tonight, we'll meet the person who’s going to help."

"Is that so?" Yukino was slightly surprised, not expecting her sister to act so quickly.

‘Does she know someone from that field as well?’

A bit surprised, Yukino added, "Sister, I want to go with you!"

"Huh? That’s not necessary." Haruno waved dismissively.

"No, I’m going with you!" Yukino's eyes were firm and unyielding. "I don’t feel comfortable with you going alone. If something happens, we’ll face it together."

"Yukino..." Haruno was deeply moved, pulling Yukino into a big hug and rubbing her affectionately against her chest.

"Aw, Yukino, that’s so sweet of you."

"You care about me so much."

"I'm so happy!"

Yukino, overwhelmed and suffocated by her sister’s hug, was both embarrassed and frustrated. Despite being siblings, why didn’t she inherit their mother's "assets" like her sister?

Pushing Haruno away forcefully, Yukino pouted, "Anyway, I’m coming with you tonight."

"Alright, alright!" Haruno agreed with a laugh, thinking that since Shizuka had recommended the person, it should be trustworthy. Letting Yukino come along would be fine.

...

...

That evening, Haruno drove to Sobu High, picked up Yukino, and headed to the reserved restaurant.

Since Shizuka didn’t have any afternoon classes, she stayed at home before heading out, driving Tadashi with her to the restaurant as well.

"I’m Yukinoshita. I’ve reserved room number 3," Haruno told the staff as she and Yukino arrived at the restaurant.

"Please follow me, Ms. Yukinoshita," the server guided them to their private room.

Haruno and Yukino sat down.

Shortly after, Tadashi and Shizuka arrived, led to the room by a server.

"Oh, you’re here, Shizuka!" Haruno greeted enthusiastically, but then noticed the young man behind her and looked surprised.

‘So young! This boy, who looks like a high schooler, is the professional Shizuka mentioned?’

"Tadashi-kun?"

Suddenly, Yukino’s surprised voice came from behind.

"Tadashi?"

Hearing the name, Haruno froze, her mind racing as she quickly realized—her sister's friend and Shizuka's professional contact were the same person!

"Well, isn’t this a coincidence, Yukino?" Tadashi greeted with a smile. "But I guess meeting me again isn't exactly a good thing for you."

After all, people only asked for his help when they encountered supernatural trouble.

Yukino? x2

Both Shizuka and Haruno's expressions shifted slightly as they heard Tadashi address Yukino by name.

"It’s certainly not a good thing..." Yukino, caught off guard, was at a loss for words. Trying to regain composure, she switched to the matter at hand and said, "I didn’t expect my sister to ask you as well. Sorry for the trouble, Tadashi-kun."

She bowed deeply in gratitude.

Seeing this, Haruno followed suit, feeling a bit frustrated. They hadn’t even asked for help yet, and they were already giving thanks.

For the first time in a social setting, Haruno felt at a disadvantage.

‘Tadashi, huh? I’ll remember that name.’

Haruno quietly ground her teeth, now on full alert. This boy was far too close to her sister, even calling her by name. Could it be that he was planning to become her brother-in-law?

No way!

She wouldn’t allow it!

With her thoughts racing wildly, Haruno straightened up after bowing and resumed her poised, elegant demeanor, warmly inviting Tadashi and Shizuka to take their seats.

After ordering food and some conversation, Haruno finally learned that her sister had recently encountered a life-threatening supernatural event.

"Yukino, why didn’t you tell me!?" Haruno exclaimed, her voice rising with worry.

"It’s been resolved, so there was no need to worry anyone," Yukino responded calmly. "Besides, who would believe something like that?"

"But still..." Haruno felt exasperated.

Though Yukino’s reasoning was sound, Haruno couldn’t accept it.

As a sister who doted on Yukino, she couldn’t stand the thought of not being there when her sister was in danger.

"Promise me you'll tell me next time!" Haruno said seriously.

"Yes, yes..." Yukino reluctantly agreed with a nod.

Haruno spent a long while fussing over her sister, offering advice and warnings before finally letting the matter rest.

She then shifted her attention to Tadashi.

"Tadashi-kun, Shizuka has already explained my situation to you, right?" Haruno smiled gracefully, her tone polite. "So, does this mean I’m really experiencing a supernatural event?"

"Well..."

Tadashi’s thoughtful expression made everyone tense up.

"Is it very serious?" Haruno asked, her anxiety growing.

Yukino and Shizuka also watched Tadashi closely, waiting for his response.

"It’s not exactly serious, but the entity behind this... it's clever and quite cunning," Tadashi murmured, his gaze fixed on Haruno.

More accurately, his eyes were focused on the back of Haruno’s neck, where a thin thread extended upwards toward the ceiling.