Yuu 451-455

Title: I Totally Don’t Like You, Got It~

“If not, no matter what, you wouldn’t date someone you don’t like!”

Only one truth! —With such expression, pushing invisible glasses, Yuigahama loudly declared:

“Yuu-kun asking you is one thing. Main point, Yukinon actually liked Yuu-kun long, so didn’t refuse dating him!”

Brilliant deduction echoed clubroom. Yukino sat, body tense like stone statue.

“You... I...”

From initial shock, white face dyed bright red. Opened small mouth, wanted defend. Forced shut under Yuigahama’s challenging gaze: Go on, say you’re lying~.

Lower lip bitten left to right. Couldn’t move usual smart brain. Couldn’t think words deny counter opponent.

(Unless say harmless little lie, as long not caught...)

Thinking this, secretly shifted gaze, glanced Yuu, wanted know current expression.

Instant regretted.

Because this guy, casually waiting her look. Moment eyes met, Yuu held cheeks, shyly twisted half-body, squealed coyly:

“D-don’t look! Totally don’t like you, annoying!”

Then wriggled like maggot, winked fast as shocked.

Yukino: “...”

As heard sound of sanity line neck vein snapping head.

Acting too good, anger-inducing skill top-tier.

Who cared lie or not, huge anger replaced unadmitted shame. Face red from rage. Eyes like cold burning flame. Teeth grinding clear.

With deep breath, slowly raised finger pointing Yuu. Eyes straight at Yuigahama. Asked word by word:

“You said, I’d like this thing?”

Yuigahama: “Ahaha...”

Though liked this thing, couldn’t deny Yuu now deserved punch. Even wanted hit with small fist, make normal.

But before punched, Yuu back usual casual. Lazily leaned chair back. Nonchalant:

“Don’t mind trivial. Me Yukinoshita not dating for feelings. Like or not irrelevant.”

Used to his relapses, Yukino nodded. Quick back serious: “Important, make him Ideal Boyfriend... Honestly, request too vague. Never had boyfriend, not pro animal trainer. No clue start.”

“What’s with animal trainer? Ideal boyfriend husky or teddy dog?”

“Only fear humans more troublesome than dogs.” Yukino smiled. Somehow victory feeling emerged.

“Yuu-kun, God not explain?” Before bicker, Yuigahama cut as usual: “Like, what indicators complete pass, or succeed if Yukinon willingly kisses?”

Yukino reflex showed disgust: “Sorry, impossible.”

“Said, my thing not simple.” Yuu spread hands, sighed: “Just said Ideal Boyfriend. Rest my effort. Guess... maybe do max boyfriend acts satisfy Yukinoshita?”

(Almost. Nearly said from experience.)

Though Haruno Masuzu watched side. Sooner later truth not first time, Yukino not first girlfriend revealed. For now, minimize discussed issues, let accept gradually.

Yuu not want see Yukino glaring disbelief, mocking jerk tone: “Dated my sister? Targeting both?”

Too embarrassing.

“Boyfriend acts satisfy Yukinon?”

Yuigahama frowned. Hand chin, thought: “Mmm... For me, Yuu-kun by side enough... Hard imagine Yukinon. Guess normal date or care won’t satisfy...”

“Not that complicated.” Expression softened. Yukino gazed Yuu fondly, like mistress hoping pet obey soon: “As long he lives human, no demands.”

“Heh, only say now.” Yuu rolled eyes, showed indifference.

“Jokes aside. Really want complete task, I’ll demand mercilessly.”

Yukino crossed arms chest. Expression firm. Ruthless: “Every request perfect. Even you, no slack—current you far from perfect imagined. Prepare.”

“Calm. My matter, no way let you care more.” Yuu waved. Sudden recalled. Curious stared eyes.

“So, what’s perfect you imagine? Almighty Superman, or useless gentle youth?”

“...”

Heard question, Yukino slight stunned.

Then somehow, gaze shifted elsewhere. No longer looked.

Lip corner couldn’t hold smile. Yuu kept curious child innocence. Pursued: “Tell, if not, how know aim? For me our future, tell, what’s Handsome Prince in Lady Yukinoshita’s heart!”

Yukino flicked long hair beside ear. Showed flat expressionless face side to Yuu. No intent respond.

Said to Yuigahama:

“Yuigahama-san, we’ve said all needed. Any complaints, venting urges, aim culprit there. No intent steal boyfriend... Besides, just knew your relation two days ago.”

“Mmm, know.” Yuigahama nodded, smiled. Looked relaxed than start: “Though Yukinon reluctant admit feelings, trust you. No intent steal my love! Also, you Yuu-kun not dating for mutual liking. No reason blame both~”

“Thankfully...” Yukino secret relieved sighed. Thought, confirmed no missed dating relation explanation. Her turn ask.

Since heard yesterday, always wanted ask direct:

“Yuigahama-san, explain, what’s threesome date meant yesterday?”

-

Title: The Service Club’s Annual Emotional Drama

“Simple, means three go play together.”

Yuigahama answered blinking.

Too casual attitude silenced Yukino moment.

Seeing expression, Yuigahama stroked head dango. Laughed, bit shy: “Know what Yukinon wants ask.”

“Actually, after knowing dating reason, suggestion not needed... Wanted three date, deepen bond, just stay by Yukinon Yuu-kun.”

“Stay by us?” Yukino lowered head. Frowned, seemed not understand thinking. Mutter showed growing disbelief: “Yuigahama-san, if really dating, what you do same—“

“Mmm, same making Yuu-kun two-time. Want both, won’t let go either.”

Yuigahama open answered.

Yukino silent. Even breath barely audible.

As to dispel doubtful mood, Yuigahama calm continued: “Foolish, right? Only action can do. Thought lots. Fear losing Yuu-kun, want alone. Don’t want Yukinon take, don’t want lose more.”

“But if only fear, can’t do anything. So, thick-skinned, protect mine.”

Yuu silently looked. She honest firm returned gaze.

“Even Yuu-kun Yukinon really date, fine, I came first. Won’t give up. Only change mind, accept he has other girlfriend.”

Whether others accepted, no relation Yuigahama.

Though not only, as long first, Yuigahama satisfied—Sora likely felt same now, right? Facing evil woman stealing brother, if can’t stop, let be. Important ensure stay by side first.

Also, not that good sacrificial girl. Had small bad intent hard say...

As long second third couldn’t stand, withdrew, wouldn’t she be only?

Right, test.

Test if words said: “I’ll go through all with you, whatever.” Just sweet talk move heart.

Yuigahama no compromise!

Hurt jealousy aside. Greedy chase wanted, straight no care others’ views, act satisfy desire—if not love thus, sure sooner later loser, see him go other girls.

Yes, like past two years.

Now, Yuigahama prove resolve no less than latecomers. Feelings not fragile glass!

Front row taken. If still lose, better join nunnery!

“Yuigahama-san...”

Somehow, Yukino’s voice hoarse. As pull back from cliff: “No sense. No need do this.”

Yuigahama serious stared: “Sorry, sense won’t keep me with liked one. If not him, wouldn’t do weird.”

Yukino’s voice unconscious strong, near demanding: “Dating for help request acceptable. Don’t care if flirts everywhere later? Reality not novel old times. Even accept multiple wives, thought how others view?”

“Yukinon should know better, Yuu-kun playboy or not? Later issues, honestly not thought far. Anyway, Yuu-kun protects me. Not afraid gossip!”

“You, fool...”

“Girl in love foolish.”

“Spoiling makes this guy worse flirting... If task done, ignores feelings, dates other...”

“Then find!”

Yuigahama laughed carefree, naughty child no heart: “Recall him say—I’ll cheat, least twice. Count this, one more?”

“Task or not, hope next girlfriend easygoing as Yukinon!”

Yuigahama casual hopeful said, as thought nothing.

“...”

As life values shook, Yukino held slightly dizzy head. Thumb pressed aching temple. Out words.

No matter Yuigahama’s words, couldn’t grasp mind resolve—really someone so open-hearted?

Which girl endures liked one sharing heart, being intimate others despite together?

Least, Yukino imagined scene. Couldn’t...

“Not say anything?”

Forced recover mind chaos, Yukino deep sighed. Turned accusing tone stared Yuu.

(Thinking, girls liking him almost all crazy?)

(Nee-san so, Natsukawa-san too, even Yuigahama-san now...)

Slowly, Yukino’s gaze added caution. As stared evil dragon kidnapped princesses.

But Yuu glanced. Calm tone: “Support means admit flirt jerk. Deny means trample Yui’s resolve. What say? Since nothing changes, better calmly accept, do must.”

“Just running reality.” Yukino cold said.

“Contrary, you not dare face.” Yuu sighed. Looked up rain view window.

Such absurd reality, if not experienced, who easily face?

Sky gray-covered. Rain fell, as till world end.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

End, Yuigahama not cancel threesome date.

“Long perfect date satisfies Yukinon, maybe task done! Let help!”

Not pair mode end trio. Yuigahama follow behind, observe date, give advice, join play end.

Location, playground—must in date plot.

Though felt unneeded, knowing Yuigahama’s near-deviant resolve, Yuu no rejection—at least this, decided follow wish.

Yukino gave up meddling. Let do whatever. Just wanted finish Yuu’s request... Other things, unconsciously not overthink.

Found even thought, powerless. No change—stubborn only trap deeper.

“Don’t wanna be like them...”

Recalled sister first harsh talk, Masuzu forced kiss, Yuigahama openly okay boyfriend cheating—

Yukino warned self. Mustn’t truly love boyfriend.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

After info-heavy lunch, three prepped back respective classes, afternoon lessons.

Before parting, Yuu reminded:

“Our dating likely spread fast. Can’t explain reasons all. Even explained, won’t listen... So, no action, gossip lingers, affects school life.”

“Don’t care self, you different. Yui know my worry... Yui, earlier thought too optimistic. High schoolers now no limits hype. Don’t care anything, words, till lose interest.”

“Yukinoshita, don’t underestimate. Think ignore, all fine as before?”

“Mocked for excellence cold attitude, mocked personal life. Both school bullying, but damage impact different...”

“Don’t look like that. Know my fault, so proactive analyze, thought solution.”

Yukino cold withdrew gaze. Frowned hard. Finger beautiful chin, thought pursed lips.

“Same view Yuigahama-san. Ignore useless people’s chatter... Though pig herd hates, won’t clean for good pig rating, right?”

Finished, sneered disgust. As recalled past, cold arrogant tone added anger mockery.

“Good, good~ Let past pass.” Motherly Yuigahama stroked head. Yukino dodged uncomfortable, arm caught chest. Couldn’t escape hug despite try.

Talk done, Yuigahama no hide dominance. Ignored Yukino’s complex wish keep distance. Hugged touched freely.

After resists, Yukino let cling. Eyed Yuu quick finish. Wanted class.

“Issue, now you pig pen part. Understand pig talk, feelings affected actions, know malice source.” Yuu shrugged. Calm tone.

“Though see them low-intellect pigs, can’t deny group power. Least this school mini-society, enough slowly crush spirit.”

Yukino slight sneered: “Think won’t fight? Resolve not weak. Not worth hurting.”

Yuu serious stared: “Even so, don’t want you hurt any form my fault.”

Bit silent. Yukino resigned sighed. Shifted gaze: “...Damn cheating big-talk guy. Know do what?”

“Course.” Yuu smiled. Glad despite all, attitude usual. Little change.

“Two plans. First, rough—gossip spreads, act. Fake breakup crowded place. Slaps, slams, make me miserable. Create hot topics. Their anger shifts me. Then manipulate opinion via online buzzers.”

“Sounds flawed, give day. Can perfect plan. Don’t worry.”

Finished, Yuu confident chest-patted. Looked, as awaited praise.

Two doubting-intelligence stares thrown. As said: “Thought before saying?”—even Yuigahama’s eyes blamed sighed.

“No?” Yuu coughed twice. Casual withdrew chest.

“Use brain. Suicide plan work?” Yukino shook head, low-intelligence too-lazy-explain expression.

“Rejected. Rather be cheating victim all eyes, than let do that.”

Yuigahama rolled eyes. Blaming tone. Ruthless rejected.

Yuu scratched cheek. Happily changed: “Fine. Since both say, switch Plan B.”

Heart knew, even perfect, plan never accepted—reversed, he same.

Said to see reactions... Though Service Club ties complex, unconsciously cared. Feelings not cracked System meddle. Stronger.

Far better worst scenario Yuu imagined.

(Really lucky guy.) Couldn’t help think. Smiled again. Casual said two girls:

“Way not ruin name, free you gossip attacks, actually simple.”

“Just act.”

Yukino reflex frowned: “Again? Don’t tell act flirt jerk confessing everywhere, no girl picky?”

Yuu quick waved: “No, no. Risk big. What if accepted? Really don’t want more girlfriends!”

(Tch, guy dares talk.)

Yukino too tired retort. Crossed arms, annoyed stared.

“What?”

“Simple.”

Yuu snapped fingers. Amid noisy prep bell, casual smiled, said:

“Make Service Club join Cultural Fest—Step one, promote annual emotional drama class forum!”

-

Title: Come to the Service Club to Watch a Movie

Since no time convey remaining thoughts, Yuu decided discuss reputation recovery online group.

Each break, discussed Service Club three-member group. Shared views, helped refine lacking parts, flexibly adjusted per situation—nearing school end, plan initially settled.

With Cultural Festival week away, drama prep untimely. Yukino refused stage. Decided short film, played alternately clubroom.

Estimated five-ten minutes. Theme, absurd emotional conflict. No props effects needed. Just excuse for line.

“Couple? Haha, wanna know why said? Come Service Club room Cultural Fest watch movie. Just dialogue reading-like. Sorry caused misunderstanding. Actually funny see you fuss spread gossip small mistake~”

Course, final mocking line unsaid. Point, Yuu planned flip public opinion with buzzers. Confident douse not-fully-lit internet fire.

To prevent girls disturbed pre-Festival gossip, Yuu discussed timing. After school tasks, go Service Club record thirty-second PV, air hot school forum. Slap thrill-seekers’ faces.

Script, since short film to prove Yuu Yukino innocent, no complex script needed. Yuu spent half-hour class, thought one. Could add subtract plot anytime, showed freedom ease.

Even if film bad rushed prep, no issue. No worry actors’ acting bad—his fine—as long purpose conveyed, who cared audience thought good!

...Sadly, Yukino cared.

Perfectionist. Allowed no sloppy handling. Especially, no cheap rushed work for projects she joined.

Must do best possible. Though rumor clarifier, make quality art house short!

Thus, seized scriptwriter role. Yuu, computer-savvy (if not, could learn), handled tech issues. Yuigahama managed general errands—all three actors. No cameraman, relied fixed-position camera.

Discussion done, three enjoyed process. Like classmates teaming drama performance.

Sudden proposal, purposeful start, tight time. Yet, completing together, creating their unique work, passion flowed endlessly heart.

After school.

Before leaving class, Yuu heard Yuigahama tell nearby friends:

“Yuu-kun actually... not cheating. Okay, tell secretly, don’t tell others... Service Club plans Cultural Fest. Making youth love short film. Yuu-kun male lead, Yukinon... Yukinoshita-san...”

Though Yuigahama said don’t tell, two-three days, topic likely spread among girls. Prepped mental readiness, eased next fire-dousing.

Observed reactions post-Yui’s explanation—effect good. Many showed enlightened looks. Sighed Thank goodness~ as if they were cheated victims.

Clearest, Yumiko checking nails, rocking chair back. Day-long gloomy face softened. As found little son-in-law thought bullied just played extreme game. No morning threat look.

Knowing Yumiko still unfriendly, Yuu glanced, casual shifted gaze.

Yuigahama sensed look. Speech paused. Returned glance, continued friends unchanged tone. No one noticed oddity.

Fact, their gazes met, blinked multiple times.

Couldn’t hold smiles. Joy like naughty act unnoticed—sadly, not telepathic. Couldn’t read minds from looks, only guessed blink meaning.

She meant praise encourage. He meant show off farewell.

Yuigahama stayed class spread film news max, Yuu left, headed Committee.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

“Hello all, here help again.”

Arrived Cultural Fest Committee office, Yuu found post-school crowd larger last time.

Though most not serious work, casually chatted, enjoyed heater, played phones. Saw him enter, stared curious observing. Ignored tasks, ready gossip faces.

Gazes focused. Meeting room briefly silent. Mood odd.

“Yo...” Yuu understood. Long-absent member returned for fun.

Usually played dead, now came faster Yukino. High schoolers’ curiosity made reporters cry.

Resigned shook head. Smiled. Crossed arms door, casual raised brow crowd:

“Don’t stare. Am zoo star? Careful, I’ll charge.”

Said, many laughed. Frozen air bit cheerful.

Extrovert member laughed, about talk. But before, Yuu smiled, voice echoed room.

Made ears hear only words, choked their intended words:

“By way, many new faces. Transferred, or back post-leave?”

“Why not see last time? Only saw undone work?”

“Absent last, here today confess errors, or afternoon tea party?”

-

Title: Give Me Some Face

Though Yuu smiled, tone full mockery.

Some giggling members’ faces stiffened. Words hit sore spot. Some turned guilty, others displeased from shame anger.

Tense air enveloped meeting room. Yuu stood casual front, bathed varied emotion gazes, no intent joke divert talk.

Finally, someone couldn’t stand humiliated mockery grumbled soft:

“Tch, not committee member, meddling much...”

No wait others support, Yuu one second appeared before speaker, smiled asked: “Know I’m not committee? Why here, help short-staffed committee?”

Slightly delinquent-looking male student startled. Reflex stepped back, straightened neck, angry glared: “Didn’t come help your arrogant girlfriend? Open PDKT work, think you’re great?”

Though weak spirit, hit key point. Yuu very satisfied.

Cold glanced friend trying defend, no one interrupt talk time. Slowly shifted gaze back. Calm said:

“First, I say Yukinoshita girlfriend, she instantly is? If say you’re boyfriend of friend beside, you openly come out?”

Male student’s body tensed. Face showed shock fear: “H-how know!?... No, who say coming out, jerk!”

Too angry. Male student hard pushed Yuu’s chest, face flushed. Swung hands feet, looked ashamed angry, wanted fight all out.

Friend beside quick hugged, pulled back, no let conflict continue—or rather, no let someone sudden draw bamboo sword hack all.

Unlike expected quick anger. Though not pushed, Yuu not mad.

Just looked both odd gaze. Hesitated, coughed twice bit shy apologetic. Tone somehow less mocking:

“Second, not great. But outsider like me helps committee. Shouldn’t introspect? Who’s issue? Me, or you often absent shirk?”

“...”

“Not lecturing. Just think, all friends want make Cultural Fest good. Why throw work others, enjoy others’ results, say I helping meddle?”

Yuu’s gaze sincere, unlike earlier arrogant mocking.

Softened voice, as pierced heart, amplified guilt.

Not just two males front, half room heard words lowered heads guilty. Earlier displeased shut mouths. Dared not opine before him.

Main reason, scene finding sound source instant, appearing ghost-like scary. None wanted second victim, mocked up close.

If leader pressed once, next needed more courage.

Clearly, those not daring face Yukino, only slacking numbers, lacked courage.

Yuu silent, surroundings quiet again. Only careful serious workers’ paper-flipping echoed silent room.

Till now, none dared gossip Yuu Yukino. Not even think, feared Yuu catch observing, for good talk.

Though smile friendly approachable, eyes sharp pressure, none dared return gaze—

Now truly saw why legendary second-year—piano made cry, solo beat most sports clubs, led kendo club championship, daily with pretty girls—worshipped, even formed true fan club.

“Seems all know answer? Reasoning good.” Confirmed none spoke, Yuu satisfied nodded. As dispel choking gloom, light clapped twice.

“Then, hope from now get along, work hard, build school’s beautiful Cultural Fest. Don’t give chance help Club Pres again.”

Heard familiar footsteps. Reflex quickened speech:

“Also, spreading others’ gossip, real or online, without person’s confirmation shameful. Hope some know place... Around ten tonight, I’ll post video school site. Then know last words’ meaning.”

Addressing curious gazes, Yuu mysterious smiled. Turned, saw Yukino push door, enter.

“Sorry, teacher called talk, late.” Yukino sighed, bit tired. Clean flawless face lacked spirit, but expression calm.

Raised eyes, saw room scene. Odd repentance mood somehow. Stunned place. Small mouth opened cutely.

“What you all doing...”

“Surprised today’s attendance? No shock, all have repentance time.” Yuu walked front. Enthusiastic patted slim shoulder. Smiled: “Seems no need help today. I’ll prep tools later. Do Pres duties not hated... Least don’t be too harsh delegating.”

“Misunderstand my personality? When assigning work...” Mid-sentence, Yukino sudden frowned. Reached, fixed shirt fold. Gaze knife-cut committee behind. Voice cooled:

“What happened?”

“...”

Yuu no answer. Eyed signal notice situation.

Yukino quick reacted. Withdrew hand as shocked. Turned, walked Pres chair expressionless. Attitude merciless:

“Go first. I’ll ask Okuda-san incident.”

Careful, no ear red shown hair gaps.

“Fine. Don’t forget Fest script.” Yuu nodded. Serious raised voice: “Else, I’ll improvise like last~”

“No need say.” Pulled chair sat, Yukino back cold serious. Straightened back, eyed increased committee. Quick brought room serious work talk.

“Meeting starts. All sit. Team leaders report member count work progress. No time waste.”

(Said be gentler... Fine, if gentle, they’d be uneasy.)

Yuu shook head. Hid lip corner smile. Closed Committee door.

Memorized faces, names, classes, all.

If next found daring defy Yukino, small acts—no mind spare time personal talk.

Handled sudden situation, Yuu thought. Decided walk Film Research Club.

PV must record today. No time buy new camera. Phone recording too crude. Certain perfectionist patient wouldn’t accept.

Only borrow.

Film Research Club’s autumn exhibit self-made short film. Should have pro equipment.

His (appearance) relation good. Borrow, they’d give face!

Confident, Yuu walked club building. Polite knocked, stated intent.

Heard:

“Sorry, Tenkuji-kun... Can’t lend.”

“...”

-

Title: About a Junior Groping Her Senpai in the Corridor

Yuu’s smile froze slightly, barely noticeable. Then asked politely:

“If not possible, no issue. May I know why?”

“Borrowed yesterday. Only one set equipment. Really sorry,” Film Research Club Pres said, slight regret tone. “Don’t know how long used. How about after returned, I inform Tenkuji-kun?”

“No need. Too much trouble. I’ll find way. Should feel bad disturbing.” Yuu somehow relieved. Smiled, turned, left.

Not two steps, saw Iroha Kanade appear stair turn.

“Senpai!” Iroha’s eyes sparkled. Quickened steps, raised video camera hand.

Aimed lens, surprised tone faded. Self-talked: “Everyone, look! Tenkuji-senpai, Sobu High’s famed second-year! Besides handsome sports all-rounder, grades top school. Super popular female students all levels, even own true fan club!”

Yuu glanced. Turned, asked Kanade: “What’s she doing?”

“Recording video,” Kanade short replied. Silver hair swayed. Pale gold eyes, little fluctuation, clear as reflecting human hearts.

“Like this!” Iroha walked, blocked Kanade view. As emphasize presence, raised hand off-camera. Bright coy voice full energy.

“Interviewing students everywhere, prepping video doc political views survey pre-election. Way easier fun than questionnaires! Haha, though can’t show Cultural Fest~”

“Got it.” Recalling Film Club Pres’s troubled look, Yuu realized: “You borrowed equipment? Nice meeting here.”

“Huh? Senpai recording video too? With lady Senpais?” Iroha blinked. Stepped back, covered mouth, face reddened. Eyes wide disbelief: “No way... lewd video?”

“...Voice recorded, y’know?” Yuu pointed camera. Anger value rose twenty percent behind smile.

“Ugh, annoying~” Iroha stuck small tongue. Cute waved hand cheek. Smiled condescending: “Course video edited post-recording. Think I’m dumb, include harmful parts?”

“Then parts harm me?”

“Course cut, used threaten... Ah, no, communicate with Senpai~”

“Good, death penalty.”

Yuu cracked knuckles. Sudden stepped, ready snatch camera.

Iroha hid behind Kanade. Used innocent-faced Kanade shield. Placed camera atop head, shouted sad-angry tone:

“Try rough this child!”

“...”

Kanade silent rolled eyes. Back, front. Blinked twice. Feather-soft tone:

“Wanna be rough?”

“No, no way.” Stared pure clear eyes, Yuu forced drop teasing kouhai intent. Glared friendly at triumphant Iroha.

“Oh, so...” Kanade lowered gaze.

Yuu odd look: “Why feel you disappointed...”

“Cause, everyone casual Iroha, me, all polite, keep distance.”

Kanade soft sighed. Silver hair fell face side. Little-expressive face bit gloomy.

Looked floor, muttered unconfident: “Am I disliked... Though think so, daily they give snacks, canteen auntie sneaks extra mapo tofu. Really don’t get...”

Yuu shrugged. Natural said: “What’s not get? School idol’s like. Respected, distanced. Unless perfect social skills, many feel unworthy approach.”

Kanade raised head. Frowned, retorted: “Be friends, no worthiness, right?”

“True. So, want friend someone, say direct.” Comforting, Yuu took chance pinch cheek.

Cheek cool soft, like fridge marshmallow. Urged cover palm rub hard.

Held inner beast. Pinched cheek, patted head. Silver hair touch fine, like crane-woven silk.

“They lack my courage. Be active closer... Not too close. Say opinions well, got it?”

“Opinions...” Kanade gazed warm brotherly smile. Silent moment, slow nodded. Small face glowed: “Got it, Yuu-senpai.”

“Good. Future StuCo Pres can’t hesitate!” Yuu smiled, withdrew hand. Stepped back.

Since when, Iroha’s camera in hand. Played interest.

“Ah—!! Senpai, thief!”

Iroha, distracted talk, realized. Rushed Yuu, swung small fist: “Return camera! Future StuCo’s!”

“Film Club’s.” Yuu showed Film Club label. Raised hand high, short girl couldn’t reach.

Camera lens aimed jumping annoyed Iroha. Yuu wide smiled: “Don’t panic. Return after delete earlier. Lend Service Club bit. Won’t long.”

“Robber! Senpai, so vile!”

Though face flushed angry surface, Iroha rolled eyes. Hand moved as accidental. Placed hand Yuu’s shoulder, tried reach camera, secretly felt firm muscle warm touch under clothes.

(WOW, called super cool naked?!)

Though not too muscular, touch steel-hard. Felt clear biceps line. Instant, brain imagined perfect male actor bodies...

Iroha held drool urge. Kept expression intact. Not serious grab camera. Mind full groping more muscle.

(Rare chance take advantage. Long Senpai insists not return—Hehe, don’t blame me, Iroha, groping sexy-butt Senpai!)

(Girl’s dignity?)

(What’s that? Senpai care? Can trade groping fun?)

(No! So, useless!)

“Quick, return camera!”

Shouted angry, Iroha secret gathered strength. Prepped jump Yuu’s body, pretend accidental joking—aim hang, touch more muscle.

But before acted.

As seen head to heart, sudden hard warm thing hand. Hard hot thing held tight, easy slipped grip. Nearly lost balance, fell.

—Cold camera, held both, warmed.

“Fine, return.” Yuu patted messy clothes. Looked Kanade: “Trade. Lend camera bit, I help edit survey video. Post-production hassle. One-hour lend trades hours work. Won’t refuse, right?”

Kanade shook head. Yuu didn’t know thoughts. Just stared body, thinking gaze.

Meanwhile, Iroha, reclaimed camera, stood lost something vital. As life lost fun. Whole self pale aura.

(Why not act faster?)

Whatever, Yuu achieved goal.

[Ordinary S●NY Video Camera x1, Shotgun Mic x1, Other Support Gear x1]—OBTAINED!