"Guh… I can't even argue with that."
Cruz giggled as she watched them bicker. Anzu leaned in to whisper to Hachiman.
"So, um… that back there was just a lie to get us out of trouble, right?"
"Yeah, pretty much. Sorry for dragging you two into it. You'll just have to bear with the rumors until graduation."
Anzu didn't look entirely convinced. She turned to Cruz. "Are you okay with that, Cruz?"
"Eh? Why wouldn't I be? I'm more worried about whether someone like me being called Hachiman-sama's lover is a nuisance to him."
"Ah… I see how it is…"
The dead-serious look in Cruz's eyes told Anzu everything she needed to know. Cruz's feelings for Hachiman were intense—though Anzu's intuition suggested it was something slightly different from mere "romance."
"So… who are you, exactly?" Anzu asked Hachiman.
"Right. I have business cards now. Here."
Anzu's eyes nearly popped out of her head as she read the card: Soleil Corporation, VR Division Manager, Hachiman Hikigaya.
"Wait, what?! You look my age, and you're a manager at Soleil?! For real?"
"It's mostly in name only. Technically, the VR Division doesn't officially exist yet. I'm still a student."
"What does that even mean?"
"It's a placeholder title. There's a Network Division, but the VR Division won't officially launch until I actually join the company… I think?"
"Don't ask me," Yukino interjected. "Ask her."
Yukino pointed toward a black sedan parked nearby. A beautiful woman was standing beside it; as soon as she spotted them, she came running over, ignoring everyone but Yukino.
"Wait, wait, Yukino-chan! Why are you linking arms with Hachiman-kun?! Are you trying to get a head start?!"
"Ask the man himself, Sister."
"Hachiman-kun, what's the meaning of this?" Haruno demanded.
"Sigh… Look, it's like this…"
After Hachiman explained the situation, Haruno's eyes began to sparkle.
"I'm going back to university! I want to be treated as Hachiman-kun's girl on campus too!"
"Shut up, you crazy sister. Stop talking nonsense and get to work."
"Ehh? Can't a girl dream a little?"
"A little? Don't you mean 'constantly'?"
"Yukino-chan! Hachiman-kun is being mean to me!"
"Sister… have you already forgotten what happened the other day?"
"Ugh…"
Haruno seemed to deflate, likely remembering the lecture she'd received from Yukino and their mother. She pouted for a moment before turning her attention to Cruz.
"Fine. Let's start the entrance exam! I am the current President of Soleil Corporation, Haruno Yukinoshita. Nice to meet you!"
"Yes. It's an honor to meet you."
Cruz had done her research. she knew exactly who Haruno was and was well aware of her eccentric personality. She didn't bat an eye. Anzu, however, was reeling.
"Wait, really? This isn't a prank show?"
"Your friend has a very retro vocabulary," Haruno laughed. "Maybe she should stick around and learn exactly what kind of person her friend really is."
"Oh… okay."
Haruno turned back to Cruz, her expression shifting to one of genuine interest. "You're not shaken at all, are you, Cruz-chan?"
"No. I expected as much."
"Good, good. I like girls like you. Now then—this is the turning point of your life. Answer my question with your whole heart."
"I will."
The atmosphere grew heavy with a sudden, sharp tension that made Anzu catch her breath. Then, Haruno spoke the question.
"Tell me… would you die for the Hachiman-kun standing right here?"
"If he told me to die, I would," Cruz answered without a second of hesitation. "But Hachiman-sama would never give such an order. Therefore, I will live. I will live and live and keep on living, serving by Hachiman-sama's side until the very day my natural life reaches its end."
"Passed! Congratulations! You're officially hired as his personal secretary!"
"Whaaaaaaaat?!" Anzu screamed. "Cruz, what are you saying?! And Madame President, how can you decide that instantly?!"
"That's just the kind of company we are," Haruno chirped.
"It's… a bit like that," Hachiman added, looking at Anzu. "But don't worry. I'll make sure your friend is taken care of."
"I… I see…"
Anzu looked at Cruz. Her friend's face was glowing with a sense of fulfillment Anzu had never seen before. Seeing that expression, Anzu decided there was only one thing she could do: support her best friend.
"Congratulations, Cruz."
"Thank you, Anzu. I've never been happier in my entire life."
"I'm glad. I really am."
And so, Cruz was whisked away by Hachiman and Haruno toward the Soleil headquarters. Left behind, Yukino and Anzu found themselves standing together. Finding the situation somewhat amusing, they decided to go grab lunch together.
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