Yukino and Anzu sat together at a quiet café, enjoying a peaceful lunch. They had considered the university cafeteria, but both had realized that being the "Two Great Beauties" would only invite prying questions they weren't in the mood to answer.
"Fufu. Were you surprised today?" Yukino asked, a playful glint in her eye.
"Yeah, incredibly! I had no idea you were the sister of the President of Soleil."
"I am. And eventually, I expect to join the company myself to support him."
"Support him? You mean the Department Manager?" Anzu asked curiously. Knowing how brilliant Yukino was, she couldn't help but add, "I feel like someone with your talent could aim much higher than that..."
Yukino smiled mysteriously. "Manager? Ah... no. He holds that title for now, but once he officially joins the company after graduation, I expect he'll be named President almost immediately."
"Wait, seriously?!"
"Think about it," Yukino reminded her. "Even Cruz-san was hired specifically to be his personal secretary."
Anzu recalled Haruno's words from earlier and nodded. "Oh, right! She did say that!"
"That's how it is," Yukino said, watching Anzu's reaction. "Since you're her best friend, would you be interested in aiming for a position at Soleil as well?"
Anzu looked conflicted. "I'd love to think about it seriously, but my family actually has a business I'm supposed to help with."
"Oh? What kind of business?"
"My mom runs a snack bar in Ginza."
The mention of Ginza triggered a memory for Yukino. Hachiman had recently mentioned a woman named Misaki who ran a bar. If she recalled correctly, the shop shared her name.
"And what is the name of this establishment?" Yukino asked.
"It's called Misaki. Same as my mom's name!"
Yukino's eyes widened slightly. "I see... I suppose this truly is fate."
"Huh?"
"Nothing, just talking to myself. Anzu-san, was it? I hope we can be good friends from now on."
"Definitely! Let's take Cruz and go out somewhere together soon!"
"I look forward to it."
From that day forward, the three would remain inseparable throughout their university years, eventually becoming famous on campus as the "Inpenetrable Trio" who never let a single man get close.
"A pleasure to meet you, KITT. I am Cruz Mamiya. I have been appointed as Hachiman-sama's secretary. I look forward to working with you."
[The pleasure is mine, Cruz-san. Though I must say, I am impressed that you aren't startled by a speaking vehicle.]
"I did my research," Cruz replied simply.
[I see. Formidable.]
Inside the car, Hachiman and Haruno watched the exchange with varying degrees of shock.
"Hey, Max," Hachiman muttered. "Did you seriously research the car too?"
"Ah! You finally called me Max again," Cruz said, her eyes shining. "I understood why you couldn't back there, but it was still quite lonely. As for your question—yes. I pride myself on knowing a great deal about Hachiman-sama."
"Could you... maybe stop with the '-sama'? It's making my skin crawl," Hachiman pleaded.
"Impossible. We must maintain a clear distinction between public and private personas."
Hachiman and Haruno shared a look. They were clearly on the same wavelength. Hachiman cleared his throat and addressed her.
"Alright. Until we reach Soleil, consider the inside of this car a completely private space. So, Max... now that we're alone, what did you actually think of everything that happened back there?"
Cruz's professional veneer shattered instantly.
"Oh my god, it was incredible! Hachiman-sama, you were way too cool! When that piece of trash grabbed my arm, I felt sick, but I never dreamed you'd actually come to rescue me! Ahhh, you truly are the one I can surrender my everything to! Please, Hachiman-sama, do whatever you want with this Max!"
"...Um."
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