Yuu 431-435

Title: Can I Ask for Your Help?

Yukino wouldn’t break promises made.

Meaning, since agreeing to his girlfriend choice request in the kitchen, she’d agreed to be his girlfriend and tackle that weird task together.

Moreover, Yukino hated lying, especially before someone she knew despised lies.

So, when Okuda stated fact and annoying person burst in seeing it, though wanting refute and defend—though face burned hot—though unprecedented shame flooded brain...

She could only grit teeth humiliated, restrain, pretend not hearing Okuda. Turned, glared sharply at Yuu.

“Didn’t I say wait in class? Why still outside eavesdropping!”

Yukino hoped Yuu read gaze—Talk normal, don’t mess up before everyone!

Of course Yuu understood. Like knowing her character and prior warning, he knew what she didn’t want.

But seeing Yuki-onna (Snow Woman) flushed, teary-eyed, biting cherry lips, staring shy awkward, joy in Yuu’s heart surged uncontrollably. Dark urge bubbled chest.

First time seeing such expression! Honestly, Yukino too cute, right?

Who could resist teasing?

“Why? Isn’t it simple?”

Following instinct, Yuu blinked innocently: “I’m your boyfriend. How could I let you struggle.”

As emphasized word exited, nearby Okuda realized mosquito between them. Quickly lowered head minimize presence. Typing keyboard, perked ears eavesdrop.

Other committee members noticed front drama. All silently continued work, used corner eyes watch show.

“Who said I’m struggling?”

Yukino deep breathed, tried calm from shock. But soft ear tips still showed sakura pink amid hair strands: “Working. Irrelevant people... Tch, out first. Later explain (teach) you properly.”

Yukino extended hand, pointed door. Gave eviction order with force.

But didn’t expect Yuu deepen role. Gently grasped fingers, gazed lovingly.

“Yukino, promise me, don’t overwork anymore. Okay?”

“...”

Baritone voice pierced ear. Warmth spread from cold fingertips to skin.

Yukino suddenly felt strength leave body. Whole self numb weak. Like electric current top to bottom, heartbeat too fast momentarily, sucked all chest air.

But pride forbade admitting reaction—else, as if really liking him?

Agreed dating to defend friend, admiration for this man... Known months. How fall love so easy?

Yukino found no reason liking Yuu.

Thus, unhesitatingly withdrew hand. Expressionless, eyes cold, cruelly ordered: “Don’t need help here. Now, out!”

(Is this tsundere anger?)

But hearing mind prompt.

[Ding!]
[Congrats, Host reward: Yoga (Expert Level)]

(She not that mad?)

Anyway, continued bothering only anger Yukino more, stiffen atmosphere. Not Yuu’s intent bursting in.

After satisfying evil taste, next real business.

“Alright, no joking.”

Expression calm. Yuu clapped, as cleaning dirt from grasping fingers.

Yukino’s brows twitched. Focused Okuda suddenly felt temperature drop. Like Ice Age early in meeting room. Near-window students instinctively checked seals, cold winter wind entering.

Yuu eyed Yukino. Serious tone: “Yukinoshita, maybe feel Committee unrelated to me. Prefer other members share work, not let me do for friend... Girlfriend.”

“Not unwilling.” Half-second pause, Yukino connected. Quickly office mode: “Said, ask help when can’t endure. Forgot?”

“Not forgot. Isn’t now?”

“Also said, don’t underestimate me.”

“Worrying is underestimating? Then loving you pity?”

Office mode shattered. Yukino pursed lips, somehow dared not meet eyes.

“...Don’t use that example.”

Yuu stepped forward, kept eye contact. Pressed: “Am I wrong? Unrelated to Cultural Fest Exec, but unrelated to you? You helped big thing, can’t I lighten Fest work?”

“Just want rely self...”

“Return favor. Only you saint self-sacrifice? Can’t do for hardworking girlfriend?”

“Don’t exaggerate...”

“Exaggerate? Then helping bit fine, right? Or kneel beg permission help?”

“Meaning not that...”

“Then what?”

Yuu repeatedly cut Yukino’s words, influenced thinking with rapid questions, even moral blackmail.

Yuu beside chair. Coldly stared head-lowered, fist-clenched Yukino before desk. Like thug winning argument, lip corner cynically grinned. Merciless final blow.

“Say again, Yukino—“

“Came help not because useless, but don’t want disturbed by beyond ability things, bothered by others besides me till can’t rest proper. Intervened work without permission.”

“Now, not reject pridefully, but rationally accept help. After ensuring Fest and self on track, all fine, then think proper thanks!”

Words heavy fell. Yuu deep breathed, exhaled strongly.

Silent wordless. Air suffocating quiet.

As Yukino secretly raised eyes, Yuu’s gaze normal. Brought helpless sigh-like. Tone not stiff, slightly sad.

“Hey... Gave many outs. Won’t embarrass me before crowd, right?”

Yukino unconsciously glanced meeting room back.

Exec members, frozen statue-stare, not recovered from their argument drama. Receiving gaze, hurriedly resumed work, like animation play button pressed.

All guilty, dared not eye. But Yukino same. Dared not face their odd ambiguous stares.

Drew gaze as nothing happened, bit lower lip. Stared desk. Fingertips anxiously scratched surface. As pondering rejection words.

Yuu helpless against too stubborn girl. Could only endure odd shame, lower head slightly, sigh in ear:

“Rationally using surroundings resources what mature strong person should... Treat me as tool you use.”

This truly loosened Yukino’s tense dam. Always straight unyielding back seemed curve weak bow.

“No need go that far, just want help.”

“Who made you troublesome?” Yuu complained: “Just help friend, why make me go that far?”

“If came bit later, maybe accept offer open-heartedly. I’m that complicated.” Yukino self-mocked smile. Slowly raised eyes, straight stared.

“Anyway, world, where disobedient tool lectures master?”

Yuu annoyed: “Would say this if not you? Still dare talk.”

“Just say, can’t treat you utilizable tool.”

Yukino sighed. Past cold firm pride melted like ice, left sincere warm gentleness in eyes.

Pinched clothes hem. Resigned smile, softly:

“Bit trouble here. Can I ask help, Tenkuji-kun?”

Slightly startled, Yuu smiled too.

“As wish.”

*👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻!*

Agreement, merry applause in meeting room. Not loud, but full blessings joy.

“Yay!”

“Thank goodness!”

“Congrats you two~”

“Sob sob sob, so envious—“

“Is this god-love...”

“Though heartbroken, fell love again... Even two at once.”

Varied cheers, continuous claps turned heavy atmosphere lively cheerful instantly.

Next second, Yukino slammed desk both hands. Stood furrowed brows, cold eyes.

Suddenly tilted head, sweet smile.

“All finished work? Good. All just clapped talked, forward. So free, coincidentally work for you.”

“...”

“Start Okuda, count them.”

“...”

Meeting room dead silent.

Then, as nothing happened, all lowered heads, continued work.

-

Title: The Calmer, The Less Self-Conscious

If their relationship were still just ordinary friends, would Yukino let him intervene?

If he didn’t help, would she be overwhelmed by work, exhausted to take sick leave at home, while he visited with Yuigahama?

Yuu didn’t know answers to these questions, nor need to.

Because now, they weren’t mere ordinary friends. Before she buckled, he got permission to intervene.

Besides slight discomfort claiming boyfriend before committee, all headed well.

After self-intro and greeting maybe four-tenths attendees, Yuu took unhandled task list from Yukino. Brows furrowed slightly.

“Indeed, quite a load...”

Clicking tongue, Yuu pondered. Ignored Yukino’s wanting-to-say gaze, called departing student.

“Toujou-san, can print these posters in print room too?”

“Eh? But deliver docs to teacher... Print room queuing now.”

“I know. Find Hiratsuka-sensei Japanese dept, say borrow teacher exclusive copier. No queue. No wait. Ask bring after print. Go straight. Won’t waste time.”

“So, fine... But teacher errands, improper?”

“Don’t fear. Say Tenkuji-kun forced. Blame not you... Please!”

“Alright, since Chair’s boyfriend said...”

“...”

Feeling odd, Yuu silent. Lowered head, flipped docs.

Next!

“Accounting audit... Koizumi-san, you handle finances?”

“Y-yes... But docs to handle now.”

“Let see... Not your task, right?”

“Uh, other team absent yesterday, Chair reassigned...”

“Ignore fools. Everyone own tasks efficient. This, only you can.”

“Tenkuji-kun, glad say, but Chair hears... Glaring behind. Very angry...”

“Focused work. Report for you, give docs, tell progress.”

“Okay, from here...”

Listening seriously, brain full speed. Soon, Yuu took Koizumi’s stack, scanned superhuman vision.

“This with that, this together...”

Quickly categorized, color-coded sticky notes. Hour-task for Koizumi perfect in one minute.

Ignoring monster-saw shock, Yuu turned to head chair. Placed docs before Yukino.

“Check, sign.”

“...”

Pen hovered long unmoving. Yukino stared. Face showed much to say, gaze complex.

Anger question fool remark. Surprise neat speed finish. Plus unnamed: admiration, relief, pride etc.

Work-mode Yuu no intent wait calm. Placed docs, headed door.

“Where going!”

Reflex, Yukino stood. Realizing next-second loss control, feigned calm turned away, twirled ear hair. Added:

“Just... asking.”

Explanation near none. Rare shy look photo-worthy.

“Coordinate personnel from clubs. Know most list.”

Half-turned, Yuu snapped paper, casual smile: “Wait here. Back soon.”

Pale pink flush spread flawless white face, cinnabar in water.

Unable face too-bright smile, Yukino sat. Holding pen, casually:

“Know. Go.”

“Then, off?”

“Careful road—“ Stopped, Yukino death-glared, but felt winter pass warm breeze face.

Yuu burst laughing. Long strides, winner-like.

Only after Yuu closed door, Yukino withdrew warning cold gaze. Annoyed narrowed eyes, heavy sighed desk docs.

“Really, why can’t keep reliable facade end...”

(Even baited wife-send-husband line. This man same start to now. Never changed reckless nature...)

Though complained, lip corner unconsciously lifted.

Like rootless water hyacinth found riverbank. Heart calm, somehow happy.

Refocused work. Doc speed unchanged, error-free. But couldn’t help distracted, think him.

If real girlfriend, curb loose mouth near women. To Koizumi earlier, what soft tone? Who allowed...

*THUD!*

Not loud, but quiet work, head-desk sound attention-grabbing.

“N-no, fine. Ignore. Continue.”

Holding slight-pain forehead, Yukino ordered shame-restrained. Face buried docs, dared not lift.

Luckily, authority, none dared laugh openly tease. Minor slip passed ordinarily.

Secretly confirmed, Yukino tugged collar. Heat neck to ears. Bit lip, secretly regretted.

“Dating not love. Why care tone to anyone... Stupid.”

“Anyway, Tenkuji-kun said likes Yuigahama-san, not me!”

“Only forced ask date...”

Thought emerged, like cold water head-poured.

Yukino gradually calmed. Face flush back snow white. No more improper thoughts. Focused front docs.

Even Yuu return, wouldn’t let find wrong.

Current Yukino loved no one.

-

Title: Spoiling Yukinoshita Too Much, Watch Out Yuigahama Gets Jealous

“I heard there’s a naughty kid here making teacher a errand boy. Who~ is it?”

“Reporting, me! Thanks for help, Sensei. Just leave posters on desk.”

“Oh dear, why so formal with me... Feel this fatal blow!”

After placing posters, Hiratsuka’s body blurred shadow, fist enough spark indoor whirlwind shot mercilessly.

Yuu extended one palm, casually blocked.

*THUD!*

With him dividing line, terrifying energy split two, blowing his forehead bangs and behind black straight long hair girl’s.

Palm firm as mountain, held mid-aged female teacher’s white hard fist unmoving.

“Sensei, serious...?”

From behind, Yukino narrowed eyes annoyed.

Such power impossible block ordinary. Clearly Hiratsuka held nothing back punching.

Joking usual, no issue. Anyway not punched, wouldn’t casually comment others’ education— but object time different. Naturally, mindset slight difference.

Hiratsuka good teacher, but wouldn’t stop Yukino PTA (Parent-Teacher Assoc), warn restrain violence...

“Don’t mind! If not Tenkuji, wouldn’t use such force!”

Seeing dangerous contemplation flash eyes, Hiratsuka hurried explain. Also hugged Yuu shoulder friendship sign, boldly laughed heartily.

“See, Tenkuji fine. Not mad, why you mad? Such physical interaction easy for him~”

Clamped soft elastic mature chest, Yuu pious face, loudly chimed: “Right, right. I’m not mad, why you?”

Then turned Hiratsuka: “Sensei, fighting Tyrannosaurus not called easy. Don’t overestimate me.”

“...” Yukino lip corner twitched. Despair-covered face: “Hiratsuka-sensei, next time kill him. Silencing charity.”

Hiratsuka sighed, released shoulder: “Think I don’t want? If not likely lose, long felt Sacred Teacher Fist Hammer.”

Kid relies unbeatable fact, handsome face trouble everywhere. Dares provoke anyone, none can do anything.

Though highly unprofessional, if someday Yuu overdoes girl, trapped unsolvable love triangle, Hiratsuka might laugh heartily, applaud welcome:

“Good, you taste this day!”

Shook head dispel immoral thought, Hiratsuka not just deliver posters chat.

Stood before meeting room. Eyes first observed silent orderly working members like precise clock gears. Then desk piles far reduced prior. Finally followed desk to Yukino back committee chair.

Face vs yesterday check, far better, like watered red flower.

“Thought you’d hold till collapse seek help. Didn’t expect realize reality quick.”

Relieved sigh, Hiratsuka arms crossed chest, raised brow, smiled: “Asking help not shameful. Even your sister not omniscient god, needs others achieve goals—shameful know limits insufficient, yet uphold self for pride scant confidence, mess everything.”

“Understand truth without harsh lesson, luckier than most, Yukinoshita.”

“...No intent uphold self.” Awkward mumble, Yukino soft sighed, honestly admitted: “But right. Human strength limited. Limits what one can, so... Face own weakness, rationally use surroundings help, adult way live.”

Saying, seemed thought something. Irresistible faint smile lip corner.

“Right, glad see change!”

Unaware secret glance someone, Hiratsuka satisfied nodded.

Past Yukino arrogant cold, honest dislike lies. Though basically gentle pure, stubborn hedgehog, refused open heart, communicate others.

Beautiful figure cold blue flame, sadly ephemeral—and past.

Now Yukino, richer expressions. Willing reflect, face facts. Smiles, complains with others.

No longer arrogant, someone pulled higher pedestal, made smart girl slightly dishonest. No longer cold, at least two friends warm lonely cold club room together.

Because those too soft, process protected well—grew before hurt. Though not deep, for genius like her, no issue.

As teacher, Hiratsuka wants see such stage!

Really smart. Toss Yukino to Yuu, let chemistry react, mutual push growth. No smarter choice.

“Yukinoshita, keep strengthening... What doesn’t kill makes stronger. Absorb success failure experiences. Grow till teacher level!”

As whole hot blood burned, Hiratsuka joyfully solo-finished. Patted Yukino shoulder encouragement, expectedly got eye-roll return.

Then own shoulder patted twice.

Behind, Yuu softly: “Sensei, before irresponsible words... Yukinoshita forced share much work, shouldn’t her alone issue, right?”

“Ah, this...” Hiratsuka face stiffened. Knew what coming.

“Frank—why school allow committee skip freely, absent whims, no late punishment? Still students punish students? Yukinoshita chair responsible manage members, but no compulsory punish power. Even no right hit anyone like you... Besides own lacks, school admin negligence carelessness? If Fest delayed, push all blame her?”

Tone calm, words rational. But lines deep resentment, condemnation. Yuu sharply seriously stared increasingly cold-sweat beautiful teacher.

“Say upfront. Won’t allow such.”

Hiratsuka stepped back two. Awkward coughed: “T-this... Calm. Yukinoshita my student. If scapegoat her, I first won’t allow!”

Yuu polite smile: “What’s no allow? Control student words? Ever notice bullying formation factors?”

“I-I know! Don’t casually big accuse me!” Knowing can’t argue, Hiratsuka raised hands surrender, quickly moved meeting door front.

“But responsible Exec teacher not me. Occasionally supervise, check Yukinoshita okay... Tell responsible teacher mentioned issues. Give answer soon. Can?”

Suddenly other person, Yuu enthusiastically waved, smile-full face:

“Of course, please help, Sensei~”

“You bastard...”

Played by own student, Hiratsuka annoyed scratched hair. Then heavy sighed. Eyes flashed, tossed last words before leave.

“Spoiling Yukinoshita too much, watch Yuigahama jealous!”

“...”

Unprepared shocked, Yuu froze place.

Ignored fleeing Hiratsuka post-speak. Secretly glanced behind Yukino odd guilty feeling.

As unheard. Head down, continued signing docs flat expression.

Only Hiratsuka reminded, Yuu recalled still school reason not help Yukino committee, but invite visit sick Yuigahama home together.

Too serious work, forgot real matter...

Apologized Yuigahama heart.

“Yukinoshita, we go.”

“Hm, work nearly done.”

Calm firm girl stood, tidied desk items.

“Let’s visit Yuigahama-san.”

-

Title: Can I Trust You?

Both in open-window corridors, bare tree branch ends, and school gate paths, all filled with raging winter cold winds.

Thus, before leaving school, Yuu and Yukino visited first-floor back stairs vending machine.

Yuu himself not cold-fearful, but Yukino half-face scarf-covered, might need hot drink warm hands body.

“Already this cold end November. Should be White Christmas year.”

Yuu inserted coins, randomly picked hot coffee can. Clunk as fell.

Took coffee, stepped back, let Yukino forward.

“Possibly. Such holidays unrelated to me,” Yukino coldly replied.

“Who said? We imitate SOS Brigade, Christmas party club room... Ah, know buy drink? Teach?”

Yuu feigned kindness.

Yukino inserted coins mimicking, selected hot tea can, coldly glanced opposite him.

“Don’t treat me ignorant Young Miss.”

Not threat, cold warning, made Yuu halt joking expression.

“Understood, sorry... Mood bad?”

Seemed since leaving meeting room, Yukino mood not high. As chest burden, lazy bear.

“Nothing.” Yukino took tea, left immediately.

Yuu followed: “Still lie to me? But high EQ, won’t ask more... Anyway, gloves Christmas gift?”

Yukino warming fingers on aluminum surface, paused steps briefly, continued without turning.

“Whatever give. But already have gloves, no need wear yours.”

“Have, why not wear? Like train finger freeze endurance?”

“Just left home.”

“Good. Later give gloves, carry myself so can’t take, block your house daily, force on hands. See still forget.”

Yukino walked as unheard. Pink slender fingertips protruded sleeve. Pulled tea tab slight force, rested can edge soft lips, left shallow trace.

As cooling tea or sigh, after moments soft voice:

“...Flirt.”

[Ding!]
[Congrats, Host reward: Cat Petting (Proficient Level).]

Yuu voiced dissatisfaction: “What’s flirt? Just normal care, okay?”

Yukino unshaken, flat tone: “Seeing that normal care proof you’re flirt.”

“Think prejudiced against me.”

“Right.”

“Coincidentally, me too.”

“...Say.”

“Thought... Ah, forget.”

“Childish.”

Yukino gently kicked. Though expression cold, Yuu laughed happily.

Dare argue means mood far better. If truly mad/dislike, completely ignore, treat invisible.

Both side-by-side left school. Walked quiet streets. Can drinks diminished.

Secretly avoided detailed Yuigahama talk issues. Random chatted committee class activities small things. Interaction mode like club room, but subtle unstated change.

Not closer, but mutual teasing arguing frequency unconsciously reduced.

Friends? Couple? Seemingly relationship type unimportant.

Just spent time most natural, comfortable way.

...But some things must ask.

Unsure how far Yuigahama house. Yukino followed down long slope. After hesitation, frankly asked:

“Tenkuji-kun, surely know... Nee-san interested in you.”

Yuu startled briefly. Expression little changed. Nodded: “Know. No hide attempt.”

Saying, suddenly recalled, couldn’t help frown.

“Not just last question, perhaps used you spy, gather my info through?”

“...Sorry.” Yukino slightly bowed head, admitted.

“This person tireless...” Yuu heavy sighed. Scratched short hair: “No need apologize. Anyway, meet time little, knowable limited. No harm.”

“Rest assured, rejected her yesterday. Won’t do again future.” After firm oath-like tone, Yukino voice unconsciously smaller: “Anyway, promised you to...”

Date him, complete Ideal Boyfriend task.

“Dating” word, Yukino still couldn’t say calmly—at least not now.

“Hm, don’t pressure self.” Yuu deliberately old tone. Seriously patted shoulder, voice hoarse faked: “Company trusts you. Our generation best employee. Fight, Da Yo!”

“What nonsense...” Yukino half-laugh half-cry, but wanted say not this, didn’t let topic drag.

Pursed lips. Expression slightly dark, spoke again:

“Yesterday home, advised Nee-san give up on you soon. One-sided love continuous yields nothing.”

“...”

Yuu breath hitched. Held eye surprise. Stared oddly.

“Then, scolded by her...” Loss bitterness unconsciously face. Yukino soft sighed. Fingers rubbed tea can edge: “First time spoke emotionless tone. Clearly, really angry.”

“Natural...” Yuu pressed temples. Felt slight headache.

To memory-recovered Haruno, “One-sided love yields nothing. Give up,” like to long-distance couple: “She forgot you, found other woman. Break up.”

Stepping minefield, 360 Thomas spin inside. With sensitive nature, odd not explode.

If not sister saying, Haruno might slap too...

As for Yuu, initially fine, but likely someday drugged unaware, basement locked. Turned butter puppy only yell: “Onee-san, want more various ways, right?”

Terrifying. Thank System.

Yuu secretly patted chest, grateful. Yukino not as optimistic.

“Feelings for you deeper expected... Even madness level.”

Inhaled cold air, Yukino halted. Looked up, stared Yuu eyes, seeking brightest morning star twilight sky.

“If knows our relationship, jealousy likely impulsive acts disrupt destroy. Even involving me, won’t abandon goal.”

“Since child, Yukinoshita Haruno does whatever wants, mostly succeeds... Also figure always chased, shamed me.”

Unconsciously gripped empty aluminum can, suppressed heart contradictory feelings. Yukino stood straight, calmly stared. Voice thin clear ice surface:

“Dating you targets me, but don’t know handle. No solutions—So, only beg you.”

“Tenkuji-kun, can I trust you?”

-

Title: Melancholic Yuigahama Yui

Yuigahama family home.

“Already after school time...”

Faint bell sound, or perhaps distant crows carrying bustle.

As if aware, Yuigahama lifted head. Gazed out window to gradually darkening sky.

After few seconds blank stare, returned gaze to workbook on desk. Pen tip softly wrote just-found answer.

“Huf... About enough here.”

Muttering, Yuigahama set pen down. Interlocked ten fingers forward, stretched body hard—felt rusty body, but brain hyperactive.

Usually opposite.

In short, today Yuigahama did two big things.

First, after mom permitted, pretended sick, skipped school.

Second, sat desk-front, studied all day. From morning till now, never left desk except meals, toilet. Didn’t turn on phone waste life.

Shocked? Hehe, she too.

When forgot descend lunch too focused study, mom nearly dragged to psychiatrist. Muttered, “What stimulation? Saw N-O-R directly...”, words she didn’t understand.

Really, just promised morning, though no school, study diligently. Not skipping laziness or avoid anyone...

Alright, even Yuigahama didn’t believe that.

Anyway, felt reborn. Body healthy, except slightly sore eyes. Condition super prime!

“Right, we’re students! Love totally unimportant. Before us not just poetry struggle life, but national mock exam pile”

Odd zeal ignited heart. Yuigahama slapped desk book, stood. Pious passionate look, eyes hope future zeal.

Mama Yuigahama, secretly door-opened, sighed. Entered tray-bearing.

“Yui, Mama glad you rise on time...”

“Uh... ‘Rise’ word odd?”

Body tensed. Awkward face slightly flushed.

Yuigahama sat desk as nothing. Held head bun, pretended nothing happened.

After placing desk items, Mama Yuigahama sighed. Palmed smooth daughter cheek, slightly anxious: “But, like this just borrow study escape sadness. Though turn heartbreak motivation, can’t force self.”

“I-I’m not heartbroken!”

Grabbing tray chocolate cookie, defended: “Anyway, want study own will. No force. My mood change way!”

“Your mood change before not like.” As seeing all, Mama Yuigahama narrowed eyes slightly: “All because him, right? Tenkuji Yuu.”

“...”

Yuigahama head down, ate cookie, drank green tea. No answer.

Indeed, mood change, karaoke or bowling old style.

Study? No such ambition.

Maintain grades certain level. Anyway, no matter effort, can’t match those two, no plan Todai Waseda. Just casual self.

Mediocre her live mediocre life. This much unchanged.

But, though thought so, even fake sick bad mood, not old self do.

Her mediocre no longer mediocre, but still far from admired star.

“Tenkuji-kun grades great, right?”

Mama Yuigahama voice softened slightly.

“...Rank one.”

“Though same high school, unconsciously chase steps, stand same height. Thus not sing, not play out, hide home study, temporarily escape him.”

Mama Yuigahama soft sighed. Stroked bowed-head daughter: “Coward part unchanged, but far stronger before, Yui.”

“Not too coward. Said needed...” Yuigahama ate chocolate bites, as swallow unclear voice. Slightly annoyed: “Also, don’t casually analyze daughter feelings.”

“Sigh, why so predictable~” Mama Yuigahama softly naughty smiled. Rubbed head hard twice: “But didn’t guess melancholy reason. Tell Mama? Maybe useful advice~”

“Talk as Mama much experience...”

“At least more than you, life experience and woman experience.” Mama Yuigahama poked soft cheek, teased: “Anyway, before you two that stage, Mama teach related knowledge... Like, make self comfy look...”

“Aaaaaaaaaah—Don’t wanna hear, don’t! Mama stop talk! Quick out!” Before censor shadow mind, Yuigahama cut words. Returned empty cookie plate tray, shame-annoyed pushed mom out door with tray.

“Handle my problem self! Mama just happy daughter striving! Done. Down dinner when ready!”

“Eh~ Mama want feel teen hardship too. Said youth-preserving~” Mama Yuigahama sad-stared.

“Mama young enough, clearly just gossip me!” Amid fun mocking mom smile, Yuigahama angry puffed cheeks. Prepared close door.

But before shut, mom voice again:

“Yui, whatever... Can escape day calm, but not lifetime. Some things face.”

“Though Mama unknow Tenkuji-kun did, after think doubt hurt despair, tell true feelings, heart choices.”

“Better say, cry blanket Mama hug than regret room silent! Life path. Don’t fear. Mama always with.”

After soft words fell, silence seconds. Then footsteps left door, light downstairs.

“...”

Leaned room door, Yuigahama body-weighted shut. Dangling hair shadowed face.

Outside window sky darkened amazingly fast. No sunset today. Gray clouds quick ink-covered.

“Really... Mama so kind.”

Calmed silence, wiped eyes. Left door, took black-screen phone desk, pressed power.

Besides morning care messages, sent no other—what Yuu doing now?

Straight home? Or Cultural Fest work? Maybe old part-time.

...Or, chatting Yukino?

Not just Yukino, but Haruno-san, Masuzu... Even Iroha or Kanade possible.

Yuigahama unknow since when, but felt all world girls attracted Yuu. While she most mediocre. None notice if abandoned anytime.

Stars prefer earth humans, or shine Galaxy Moon beside?

“Know, mustn’t think this... All needless worry. Can’t that inferior.”

As self-convince, complain all same-feeling people.

Yuigahama unconsciously clutched chest clothes. Bit trembling lip, deep breathed.

But, yesterday scene resurfaced mind.

So weird. Said be girlfriend. Both understood feelings, firm promise. Bluntly, even first kiss...

Then, why still so uneasy dare not face, not talk?

Why fear happy future together?

“—Soon starts, affair Yuu said.”

This vague premonition caused heart unrest.