Since that was the case, we should probably leave now. If she took the opportunity to invite us to dinner, that would be no laughing matter. I wasn't mentally prepared to meet Hayama's parents yet! This was our chance to leave!
"Then we'll be going."
"Yeah, that's right."
Yuihama spoke after me. Haruno and Hayama nodded as well, probably thinking the timing was right.
"Ah..."
Only Yukino's gaze wandered helplessly.
Seeing her sneak glances at our reactions and Haruno's, Haruno let out a small sigh and stared at Yukino.
"What about you, Yukino?"
"What do you mean...?"
"Are you going to the dinner gathering or not? This gathering is also meant to celebrate your birthday. I've already taken care of what I needed to do, so it's up to you whether you go."
Haruno's tone was somewhat cold. She had insisted so strongly on bringing Yukino out earlier, yet now she was surprisingly decisive.
I didn't think what Haruno had needed to do was simply give her a birthday present, but regardless, the decision was Yukino's to make.
"...Right."
Yukino said that, yet found it difficult to decide, cautiously glancing at Yuihama and me over and over. Seeing that, Yuihama gave a faint, bitter smile.
"Um, you don't have to worry about us."
"Yeah. We were planning to head home anyway."
"I see..."
Yukino gave an ambiguous reply and lowered her head. Yuihama's expression darkened a little too. Then, seemingly struck by an idea, she rustled around and pulled out the bag tucked under her arm.
"Oh, right. This is for you. Your birthday's tomorrow, so it's a little early."
Yuihama handed the gift bag to Yukino. Since she had already given her present, I might as well give mine too.
"Happy birthday."
"Th-thank you..."
Yukino stared at the presents