Date Her Instead Vol. 4

Chapter Four: The First Time She Asks

"...and it looks like winter will finally come for Hokkaido, as a large snow storm is set to hit most of the region tonight. Expect at least several inches and possibly even six."

Sitting on a couch that was not her own, Haruna sighed a bit after hearing the weather forecast. She had nothing against snow or winter. In fact, there were time when she even enjoyed it. However, plenty of snowfall also meant real practice for her club. All members would most likely get a message any minute from Izumi Komatsu, president of the Girls Snowboarding and Skiing club, telling them that they'd be heading to the Hidden Corner Resort for their first official practice.

Of course, Haruna could get the message and it still mean nothing. She had already skipped one day of school and was considering skipping another. Going to school meant seeing Kanako, and that was something she wasn't sure she was ready for yet.

"What's the matter Haru-chi? You look more grumpy than usual," Chitose said as she walked into the room. "I'm not grumpy. And shouldn't you be at class or something?" Haruna shot back. Considering what Chiyo had told her before, Haruna was sure that Chitose should've been back at college. Most of her time was spent in Sapporo, but she would come back to Iwanai sometimes to check up on Chiyo. Her current visit seemed a little long though. "What, you think I'm some delinquent like you?" Chitose joked. "I'm not a delinquent..." Haruna muttered. She had heard that line plenty of times. Most teachers and plenty of students just assumed she was one because of her attitude, but it was pretty far from the truth. Haruna's grades were middle of the road, but she did always show up on time and usually turned in her assignments. No different than any other student.

"Well whatever," Chitose said with a wave of her hand. "I'm still here because of the storm comin' in. I just sent an email to my professors too, so hopefully they'll understand!" "Hopefully?" Haruna repeated in her head. Really, this was the first time she had interacted with Chitose so much one-on-one. It was almost a given that Chiyo was always with them, but she had gone out to walk with Michi, leaving just the elder Wakabayashi and Haruna alone.

Chitose took a seat next to Haruna and joined her in staring at the television screen. "Hey Haru-chi," she began. "Do ya have any siblings?" "Huh? No, why?" Haruna answered. "Oh. Want me to be your big sis?" Chitose asked. "What?" Haruna said, a look of confusion and annoyance on her face. "Aw c'mon, don't look so miffed. If you said yes, I'd treat ya just like I treat Chi. Pretty sweet deal right?" "...Where the hell is this even coming from?" Haruna asked. Chitose shrugged. "I just thought ya looked like ya could use a big sis in your life right now, what with ya being all heartbroken and all." "I'm not..." Haruna tried to deny it, but it was true. Her heart did feel broken, although it was hard for her to call it heartbreak when there had never even been a relationship. "Then again, if it feels this bad now, then maybe I'm better off not dating Kanako..." she thought.

While Haruna's feelings for her childhood friend were certainly still alive, they meant very little in the face of what Haruna was sure was true. Kanako had gone back to tell Akio yes. They were probably a couple now, so on top of not wanting to see Kanako, she also had no desire to see those two together either.

"So how 'bout it?" Chitose said. "Pass," Haruna said curtly. "Wow. Not even a second thought," Chitose said with a laugh. "But how about I give ya some sisterly advice anyways?" Haruna looked at her. "Why?" "Why, huh...?" Chitose repeated, her eyes gaining a look of nostalgia. "I guess it's because I just wanna get to know ya better." "I'm lost," Haruna said flatly. "Well ya see," Chitose continued. "Chi was... not in a great place when she first came here. She ever tell ya about it?" "About before she came to Iwanai?" Haruna asked for confirmation, which Chitose gave with a nod. "Kinda. She said some serious stuff happened, but she never went into detail." "Yeah, that makes sense," Chitose said.