"Hana, babe, trust me, you'll never know unless you ask!"
"But what if he says no?" she groaned.
"And what if he says *yes*?" Haruki pressed.
"I don't know about this..."
"What's the problem? You have feelings for them both, right? And anyone with half a brain can put two and two together - you can see them watching each other when they think the other isn't paying attention, for goodness sake!"
"It's easy for you to say! What if they say no and hate me?" Hana took a sudden interest in picking at the piece of wood they were sitting on.
"Babe," Haruki turned to face Hana, "No one could hate you. You're the least hateable person I've met. Shoot your shot. Reap those rewards."
"I don't...-"
"Haruki! Hana!" A joyful shout echoed through the courtyard, making Hana jump.
"Oh, speak of the devil," Haruki wiggled her eyebrows at Hana and raised her head to meet the gaze of the advancing Yukimura. "Yuki, hey there! And Saizo - always a pleasure, my dear."
"What dragged you in off the street, hm?" Saizo sighed and glanced at Hana. "Making trouble are we?"
"Always." Haruki grinned and stood, "Reporting to the boss. According to Mochizuki I have to go all the way to the top with this one."
"You don't say."
"I do. Especially since I would never pass up any opportunity to see the Tiger himself. Mm, what a specimen. Makes the journey all the more worthwhile knowing I get to see those broad shoulders and chiseled jawline up there on that dais. Makes a girl wonder if they're the only thing about him that's chisel-"
"I- I should go start dinner. It was really nice seeing you, Haruki, we should catch up again soon!" Hana leapt to her feet and bowed hastily before making a quick retreat, her face bright red.
Haruki took special joy at seeing the micro-emotions play over Yukimura's face as both he and Saizo watched her scamper off to the kitchens, patting her cheeks with the backs of her hands.
"That girl should really slow down one of these days," she mused. "Luckily she has the both of you to look out for her, hm? What a beautiful little threesome you make."
"Yeah, we're all really lucky here!" Yukimura beamed, missing the pointed look Haruki was sending him. "It's great to have such good friends you can count on!"
Saizo however was not as dense and raised an eyebrow at her. "We are making trouble indeed, aren't we."
"Oh, I have no idea what you mean," Haruki waved her hand at Saizo, dismissing him.
As if on cue, Kansuke rounded the corner and bowed his head in greeting to her. "Oh! Well, that must be me. Ta-ta for now, boys. Lord Shingen awaits!" She giggled as she called over her shoulder to them, waving a hand in farewell.
"It would be good for Hana if she visited us more often," Yukimura thought aloud, "I think Haruki could bring her out her shell a little more. Encourage her to be a bit bolder, you know?"
Saizo gazed after her and muttered. "I'd wager we'll see some of that Haruki effect soon enough."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"... Just keep your mind open, dear."
