Different from the slightly clumsy yet adorably sincere movements of Yukinoshita Yukino, her elder sister Yukinoshita Haruno exuded an elegance that could only come with experience and self-assurance. As the eldest daughter of the Yukinoshita household, Haruno carried herself with a mature air, and even though she wasn't exactly well-versed in romance, her natural charisma and poise made her seem like a seasoned expert in the art of seduction.

At this moment, as the night sky shimmered with stars above them, Haruno's eyes narrowed slightly, and a teasing smile played on her lips. Her porcelain-white arms slipped around Nozomi's neck, drawing her body closer until she sat effortlessly on his lap. It was a gesture both bold and graceful—completely natural for someone like her.

She playfully toyed with the situation, leaning into the closeness between them while slyly gauging Nozomi's reactions. Her charm danced in the air like sakura petals on the breeze. If Hayato Hayama were to witness this scene, his heart might shatter into a thousand tiny fragments. Yukinoshita Haruno was demonstrating her womanly allure in the most elegant and direct way possible.

After all, she was a darling of high society, a goddess in the world of polished socialites. Though this might've been her first time kissing a boy, her performance was far from awkward. Determined to secure her position in Nozomi's heart, she took the initiative with a confidence that left no room for second thoughts.

And Nozomi? He welcomed it.

Being adored by someone like Haruno—beautiful, intelligent, ambitious—was something few would dare dream of, and he had no intention of letting such a gem slip through his fingers. In fact, the correct route here was obvious: he'd marry both sisters. If the Yukinoshita matriarch had objections... well, he'd act first and beg forgiveness later. After all, Haruno had already agreed to the engagement, and Yukino… well, he had already moved her heart.

...

Her lips were like soft, cool jelly kissed by the spring wind. Nozomi gently savored Yukinoshita Haruno's cherry-red lips, tasting the faint sweetness of her lip balm and feeling the slight tremble of her frame. She was nervous—adorably so—but quickly fell into rhythm, responding with more ease and affection as the kiss deepened.

This night wasn't a coincidence. Haruno had come here to elevate their bond, to seduce him not just physically but emotionally, to declare herself not as a distant fiancée arranged by family ties, but as a woman truly interested in him. A partner.

Yet, amidst her satisfaction, a slight pang of resentment stirred in her chest.

Hadn't Yukino claimed she wasn't interested in Nozomi? And yet, in the blink of an eye, she'd returned home, nestled herself in his daily life, and made moves of her own.

Tch… Sneaky little sister.

Haruno instinctively hugged Nozomi's neck tighter.

He held her soft waist close, his heartbeat thudding loud in his ears. Haruno was more than just a beautiful face. She had a stunning figure, remarkable talent, and a unique aura of confidence and playfulness. If Yukino was the budding snowflake in the garden, Haruno was the full-bloom camellia—impossible to ignore.

Holding her in his arms, Nozomi could only admit it to himself:

Yukinoshita Haruno was incredible.

...

It was a long, lingering kiss before the two finally pulled apart, breathless and flushed. Haruno sat snug in Nozomi's lap, cheeks tinged with crimson and her chest rising and falling as she caught her breath.

"Geez... you're way too good at this, Kouhai-kun," she said, trying to suppress the pink in her face with a pout. "I'm completely outmatched."

Nozomi chuckled, brushing a few strands of hair from her cheek as his fingers lingered gently. "It's precisely because I'm so skilled... that I want to give Sister Haruno the best experience possible."

"You really have no shame, huh? Scumbag!" Yukinoshita Haruno remarked from the side, arms crossed as she scowled—though the faint pink on her cheeks betrayed her. With a soft thud, she lightly punched Nozomi's chest.

Despite her biting words, there was a glimmer in her eyes—a flicker of reluctant admiration. She might have called him a two-timer or a smooth-talker, but deep down, she couldn't deny the allure of his unwavering ambition and confidence. Compared to the passive, self-deprecating boys she'd met before, Nozomi's boldness struck a chord. He wasn't just looking up at her from afar; he was someone who stood beside her, unafraid to reach for what he desired.

She didn't want a hollow marriage like her parents'. A weak husband who couldn't keep up with her—who'd end up cheating on her while she sacrificed everything—was her worst fear. What she needed was someone who could match her stride or even carry her when she stumbled.

Even if Nozomi was a little outrageous, a bit selfish... he was real.

Nozomi kissed Haruno's hand as he took it gently, his lips brushing against her knuckles. Then he turned and adjusted Haruno's position slightly, letting her lean more comfortably against him.

"Yes, I'm the worst," he admitted with a grin. "But even if I am, I'm not letting you go, Haruno. You better get ready. I'm going to convince Madam Yukinoshita to accept everything—Yukino, you, us."

"Hmph~ What if Mother doesn't agree?" Haruno poked his cheek with her finger, eyes narrowed playfully. "She might seem distant from Yukino, but she definitely cares... for both of us. I'm her precious daughter, you know."

Nozomi leaned in and kissed her lightly on the cheek. "She will. If she doesn't, then I'll win her over with the power of words... and maybe charm."

Haruno's expression twisted into a weird mix of amusement and suspicion. "You're not saying you've got other plans for Mother, right?"

Nozomi waved both hands quickly. "Whoa, whoa, of course not! Ever since I knew I'd be engaged to you, I've treated Madam and Yukino like family!"

"Hmm... you said 'like' family, not that you wouldn't do anything to her."

Nozomi froze for a second, then laughed nervously. "C'mon now, Haruno. I'm not that much of a beast."

Haruno sighed but didn't press further. To be honest, her mother and father had long since become a cold political couple. If it weren't for the Yukinoshita family's social standing, they probably would have divorced years ago. Her father, while decent, could never handle a woman like their mother.

She changed the subject. "By the way, Nozomi, how's the virtual reality game project coming along?"

Nozomi wrapped his arm around her waist again, letting his chin rest on her shoulder as his palm gently pressed against her stomach. It was an intimate pose, but they had long stopped pretending to keep their distance.

"The game's already entered internal testing," she replied, letting out a content sigh. "And that secretary you liked? Kawasaki? She's fully trained now—an absolute professional. I can finally delegate to her and take some of the load off."

"My fiancée has such great taste," Nozomi grinned. "Kawasaki's sharp and driven. If I hadn't tossed some money her way, and if her mom hadn't fallen sick, I probably wouldn't have had the opportunity to help her—or recruit her."

"She's got pride, but she's strong," Haruno nodded. "It's admirable."

Then, as if a thought struck her, her expression grew serious. "Nozomi, have you ever heard of Kayaba Akihiko?"

Nozomi tilted his head. "Yeah, he's one of the lead researchers in VR game development. What about him?"

"I can't say for sure," Haruno said slowly, her brows furrowing, "but every time I see him, something just feels... off. It's like he's hiding something—some darker goal behind the project."

"You're not wrong to feel that," Nozomi said, eyes narrowing slightly. "A lot of those VR researchers aren't exactly... normal."

Haruno perked up. "Oh? Do tell, Mr. Scumbag."

Nozomi chuckled, then leaned in and stole another kiss before speaking. "Well... since you asked so sweetly... let me tell you everything I know."