Yuu 426-430

Title: Forced Kiss

“Natsukawa Masuzu?”

(Why is she in Haruno’s car?)

Yuu was shocked. He could clearly feel her gaze locked straight on him. Her expression was like blank paper, unchanged, but her dark pupils held complex emotions.

Last time he cooked porridge for her, she avoided eye contact as much as possible...

Thinking of this, Yuu’s heartbeat quickened slightly. His palms sweated a bit.

(Is she seeking me out for business, or have her memories recovered?)

With Haruno as precedent, Yuu was forced to consider memory recovery possibilities when facing oddities involving ex-girlfriends. He no longer fully trusted the System’s promises—

Even so, Masuzu’s current appearance didn’t suggest full memory recovery.

Based on his understanding of the girl, if she remembered the past, she wouldn’t be as calm and deep as Haruno. Being impulsive, she might bang on his door at midnight or outright kidnap him.

So, if she just stood observing, perhaps she was like Haruno some time ago. Though aware her oddity related to him, the rest was still shrouded in memory fog.

Still within safe limits.

His lifted heart slowly settled. Yuu secretly felt relieved.

Haruno was troublesome enough. If adding Masuzu with recovered memories, better to surrender outright.

Let whoever wants do the fourth task; I choose death.

...But honestly, this progress was faster than Yuu estimated.

When he cooked porridge at her house, besides some lingering emotional reactions, Masuzu didn’t suspect his connection to her strange illness. Since then, she hadn’t actively stalked or bothered him.

Yuu thought it’d take months more before something like Asuna realizing oddity and testing him happened.

Who’d have thought now, Masuzu stood there, calmly staring at him with a gaze like an uncle eyeing the man behind him after feeling his butt groped.

Sensing something, Yuu glanced at Haruno heading to the car’s front.

“Don’t tell me...”

Yuigahama’s voice from behind cut his thoughts: “Ah, it’s Masuzu-chan! Yahallooo~”

Masuzu nodded faintly, returning the greeting.

Her gaze shifted from Yuu to Yuigahama’s peeking face, then glanced at the Yukinoshita sisters walking side by side.

Finally, she stepped forward.

“Hmm?”

Seeing her sudden action, let alone Yukino, even Haruno raised an eyebrow. Shocked gazes followed Masuzu passing her.

Like a puppet on strings, her steps stiff and mechanical. Yet without hesitation. She walked straight toward the Tenkuji house door.

The closer, the brighter the light in her eyes. Each step firmer.

Her pale face gradually regained color. Her lethargic aura turned fresh. Her unintentionally downcast gaze lifted gracefully and peacefully, no longer despairing.

The sunset suddenly thickened. It illuminated her flying silver hair, like ripples on sea surface.

“Masuzu-chan, you...”

Initially, Yuigahama thought she came for her.

Seeing her new friend regain spirit and return to her captivating, stunning usual self, though confused, she felt happy for her deep down.

But after greeting, Yuigahama realized her eyes didn’t look at her at all, but at the handsome youth ahead.

Unwavering, like winter migratory birds flying south to warmth, like salmon returning to spawn, Masuzu’s eyes ignored others. She steadfastly locked on Yuu.

What’s going on?

The sunset seemed to burn her long hair. Yuigahama just stood confused. Only when she stood right before Yuu did she snap to.

Anxiety from nowhere made her unconsciously clench fists. She tried speaking to Masuzu with a puzzled face:

“Masuzu-chan...”

She ignored her. In the sunset so calm even crows shut up, Masuzu just looked up, her beautiful, clean face calmly gazing at Yuu.

Suddenly, she raised a hand, held his cheek, and tiptoed high. The series of moves smooth and quick.

“!?”

Everything happened too fast. Let alone Yukino who’d walked to the car and turned back, even nearby Yuigahama couldn’t take preventive action.

She couldn’t even make a sound. Like others, she just wide-eyed in confusion, mouth slightly agape. She witnessed their lips meet amid the darkening sky—

“Wait a second.”

A palm touched lips. Yuu stepped back, bumping soft, elastic like an airbag behind. He immediately shifted angle, retreating to empty space beside.

“Where’d you get this kissing maniac? Who force-kisses without talking upon meeting?!”

In confusion, he ignored current alienation and politeness. He instinctively scolded in familiar past tone.

Ignoring surrounding stares. Masuzu stood back in place. She touched her failed-attacking lips. She sighed regretfully.

“Sorry, I’m the type who skips foreplay. Thieves don’t send warning letters before crimes, right? Except Kaito Kid.”

“You admitting it’s a crime...”

“Actually, I awakened a Stand named Kiss.”

“Then surrender to American prison now!”

Wiping lipstick from palm on pants, Yuu grimaced slightly. He shifted gaze, meeting Sora’s behind the door.

“...”

As if relieved yet too despairing to care, Sora sighed long, then sneered at him.

Yuu’s eye corner twitched.

(...My sister, your brother nearly got force-kissed. What’s with your expression saying, I knew Yuu’s immoral!)

(I was waiting for her to speak, who’d think she’d suddenly kiss?! Luckily I reacted fast with similar experience, or else...)

Not thinking further, Yuu gathered thoughts. Before others recovered from shock, he put on serious face, questioning convincingly:

“Natsukawa, why’d you do this? Overkill for a prank!”

“...”

Hearing this, Yukino with displeased expression and cold gaze halted. She crossed arms over chest, standing nearby. Planning to see how he’d handle this sudden incident.

And nearby, hesitant-to-speak Yuigahama stayed silent. She just instinctively bit lip. She watched the two locking eyes again. Fingers gripped clothes hem tightly.

As for Haruno, after brief shock, she showed slightly regretful expression.

“Why, huh?”

Lowering hand, Masuzu slowly closed eyes.

She looked up, as if listening to blood flow or pondering in cold sunset wind.

She wet lips just touched by his palm. The girl tugged mouth corner. Faint smile appeared under ink-faded sky.

“Just repayment for cooking porridge that day. If you want, I wouldn’t mind kissing Yukinoshita-san, Haruno-san, and Yui too.”

That was a lie.

As for her truth, it was just wanting to. An impulse from body instinct, nerve reflex like knee-jerk.

But before many people, Masuzu couldn’t say her truth. She could only choose lying—but didn’t want to lie staring into his eyes.

So, while explaining, she slightly understood this feeling.

(Like the Red Stone of Aja to Kars, Yuu is crucial to me.)

As for why, as Haruno told her in the car, she still needed more clues.

Anyway, Masuzu took the first step out of the fog.

-

Title: Omen of Sisterly War

Finally, the black car took away the Yukinoshita sisters and Masuzu.

The night sky hung high. Yuu escorted Iroha and Kanade to the station to catch the train. Along the way, he also walked Yuigahama home.

Throughout the journey, to avoid awkwardness, no one mentioned what just happened. They kept chatting and laughing as usual.

However, Yuu could see Yuigahama was clearly uneasy. She tried hard to smile cheerfully. She couldn’t hide her confused and uncomfortable expression, but she also wanted to seem calm so as not to appear narrow-minded.

She wasn’t good at pretending, to the point Iroha kept signaling midway for Yuu to explain everything soon. Don’t let Yuigahama’s anxiety drag on past a day, as the longer it went, the harder to explain.

Yuu wanted to, but unfortunately Yuigahama gave no chance at all.

When alone, she dodged and changed topics. Upon reaching home, she went straight in without looking back, leaving one sentence: “My feelings are a bit off. I want to go home and calm down!”

Though it wasn’t impossible to hold her back and explain firmly, reassuring her feelings as much as possible.

But first, the Yukino issue was agreed to be told together by both.

Second, the Haruno matter seemed to have convinced her. Though not fully believing, Yuu couldn’t explain more.

Third, the one who should explain to her wasn’t him, but Masuzu.

He was a victim too! Clearly no contact with Masuzu since visiting, who’d think she’d suddenly kiss?

Haruno probably knew.

Based on all that, Yuu actually had nothing to explain to Yuigahama. So he gave up forced reassurance and let her go home with a troubled heart.

The only good news might be Sora seemed to have let go of some principle. She was cheerier than usual and didn’t care how many women outside were involved with him.

“You said you’d date the silly dumpling, but your ties with many other girls are unclear. Yuu, you really disappoint me!”

“...Please step up your efforts.”

The above was said by his sister with a sweet smile.

Yuu could guess her thoughts, nothing but—“After you suffer Shuraba, you’ll ditch those outside women and return to my embrace!”—and such.

From initially sniffing if he came home late, to now accustomed to ‘adventures’ outside. Sora sat calmly at home, waiting to reap the results.

This mindset shift truly troubled Sora... And also her brother’s moral image, loyal only to his sister.

No matter how much turmoil, night would surely come.

As the city quieted, the hardship named ‘today’ ended too. Some slept soundly, some tossed restlessly.

How many headaches and stomachaches awaited in the future, Yuu didn’t want to think anymore—overthinking breeds hesitation, that’s why fools are luckier.

“Then, I leave it to you, future Yuu.”

“May you still smile tomorrow.”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

The drive from the Tenkuji house to the luxury apartment took about half an hour.

Thanks to Haruno’s excellent driving skills. She drove fast yet safe—and in that brief half-hour, the three only talked trivialities. The alien, heavy atmosphere stretched it into an uncomfortable half-day.

They each pondered their own affairs, like Ludo pieces. Three different colors as opponents. No one wanted to talk too much to each other.

In the driver’s seat, Haruno hid something from Yukino, but couldn’t say it now.

In the passenger seat, Yukino hid something from Haruno, but didn’t want to tell her.

In the back seat, Masuzu... closed eyes to rest. She still felt the near-kiss sensation. Fog had lifted from her white, soft face. She smiled relaxedly. She had the freest mind among the three.

The black car slowly stopped before the apartment gate.

Yukino unbuckled and opened the door: “I’m home. See you.”

“Mhm, bye-bye~”

Fingers tapping the steering wheel, as if still thinking. Haruno rarely ignored her sister like this.

Holding the car door, Yukino’s steps suddenly halted. After Masuzu got out and walked to the apartment, Yukino still standing pursed lips. Gathering courage, she softly asked Haruno:

“Nee-san, do you really... like Tenkuji-kun?”

“Hmm?” Just noticing she hadn’t left, Haruno shifted from reverie to her sister. She raised an eyebrow surprised. “Yeah... What’s up?”

“Even though he’s so popular?”

“I’m very popular too. Proves we’re a matching pair.”

That confident, elegant answer slightly startled Yukino. She didn’t notice the sudden frustration filling her heart. Unconsciously raising voice:

“If he has a girlfriend, would you give up?”

Hearing this, Haruno nearly said: “His girlfriend is me!”

But she held the urge to reveal truth. She looked at her sister’s complicated expression, confused. Her gaze gradually changed.

“Girlfriend? He doesn’t have one now, right? Or, is he really with...”

“Yuigahama-san!”

Before she finished the name behind, Yukino hurriedly connected. Tone firm, face serious. Seemed very afraid of misunderstanding.

But met with her sister’s sneering gaze, her face flushed again. Fingers unconsciously pinched hair by ear. Soon dropped guiltily. Coughed several times to ease embarrassment.

Tone calm again. She spoke frankly: “He told me today he’ll date Yuigahama-san.”

“I don’t care what Natsukawa-san thinks, but Nee-san, Tenkuji-kun clearly doesn’t want too much involvement with you. Better give up sooner.”

Unclear if personal interest, Yukino just stated facts.

Hard to say about others, but from observation, Yuu clearly avoided her big sister intentionally, not wanting entanglement.

If she kept bothering, it’d only bring harm and trouble to both—as someone involved in their relationship, Yukino felt need to intervene, convince her to let go of feelings for Yuu.

This was for their good too.

As for handling Service Club feelings afterward, unrelated to big sister. She needed to talk with Yuu again...

“...”

After those words, Haruno fell silent.

Streetlights and car lights illuminated the dark road. Yet half inside the car seemed sunk in darkness, dissolving her deep black pupils into night sky, turning them to cold stars without warmth.

“If the one saying this wasn’t Yukino-chan... I might be very angry, unprecedented fury.”

It was a cold voice Yukino never heard. Made her unconsciously step back. Whole body chilled. Shivers suddenly filled her.

Haruno like a provoked, enraged beast. Though still smiling usual, emitted no familiarity. Just felt she tried hard suppressing anger. One wrong step, she’d pounce.

“Shut up. Don’t act righteous here, you know nothing.”

“Close the door. I’m going home.”

-

Title: So Simple, Yet He Must Reject Fiercely

The next day.

Welcoming the new morning, Yuu faced the rare winter sunlight. He cursed his yesterday self.

“Idiot, all you can do is push problems to the future!”

He went downstairs and turned on the water.

While brushing teeth in front of the mirror, Yuu carefully reviewed yesterday’s events. He also planned for the future.

Anyway... The System was back in action, meaning his vacation ended.

“Morning was a harmonious cooking class. Tachibana and Isshiki learned what they wanted. Sora didn’t antagonize them much. Total success.”

But at noon, while lovingly preparing lunch with a friend, without warning, the System’s wheel crushed him again. Like an immoral capitalist urging subordinates to work immediately.

“The four-choice issue was left to Yukinoshita to decide... If she wasn’t there, I might’ve really given up choosing and let the System do whatever.”

Mouth full of toothpaste foam, but Yuu couldn’t hold back a smile.

His past self surely wouldn’t believe he’d feel happy over improving relations with Yukino—

He once swore to save her. Whether possible or not was questionable, but that sentence alone saved Yuu.

If someone knew his fragile side, he could calmly show his strong side to those he wanted.

“Next, explain to her what the ideal boyfriend task really is, without violating System warnings...”

After that, he and Yukino must come clean to Yuigahama about his girlfriend openly cheating with her best friend.

Thinking of the dumpling girl’s possible expression, Yuu couldn’t help grimacing. His stomach hurt—but no choice, it must be done.

He wasn’t stupid. He knew hiding would bring greater disaster and wounds. So, he strived for honesty as much as possible. If unable to say truth, he’d dodge otherwise. That’s how he interacted so far.

But after all preparations, felt sadness, and questions asked, Yuigahama should’ve mentally prepared. Her reaction shouldn’t be too intense.

If she couldn’t accept, Yuu could only...

“Tch!”

He spat white-foamy saliva into the sink. Yuu rinsed. After tidying his already handsome face, he left the bathroom. Changed into sportswear, preparing for morning jog.

Though his body, System-enhanced to bare-handed bear-killing without exercise, he kept the morning jog habit. He thought calmly about his affairs in the cold, fresh morning wind.

Light steps lightened his mood too.

“In the afternoon, through games, Sora’s relations with everyone improved. She wasn’t as afraid... Whether my feeling or not, she seems to like Tachibana more than Isshiki and Yui.”

When playing in his room, for team games, Sora actively paired with Kanade. No hostility or wariness like their hospital first meet.

Is this girl friendship?

Though not understanding, since good, Yuu didn’t probe further.

“After that, Haruno...”

Riverside scenery flashed by. Yuu let his body move mechanically. Expression calm, eyes focused in thought.

“Not coincidence. She prepared... Maybe realized something wrong since visiting day. After noticing Masuzu’s amnesia similarities to hers, to get more info, she brought Masuzu before me. Observed her reaction, and mine.”

Haruno unchanged. She’d do anything for goals. Even used Masuzu to test him—Masuzu’s later forced kiss, perhaps from something Haruno said in the car?

To Yuu, memory-recovered Haruno was true final BOSS. She’d only hinder hiddenly, piling problems and difficulties.

Yet what she wanted was simple: just reunite, fulfill promise to advance together.

So simple, yet Yuu must reject fiercely.

“Anyway, now I like someone else...”

The sigh blown by cold wind. Yuu suddenly stomped ground hard. Calf veins bulged. Body accelerated. Became blurry light shadow, weaving freely through quiet streets and alleys.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Ten minutes later.

Forehead slightly sweaty. Yuu stood at door, slightly panting. After overworked calf tendon recovered from tear, he opened house door and entered.

As he closed door, whole body refreshed. Looked relaxed, not like just doing five hundred weighted squats with cement pipes at empty construction site, just to feel physical fatigue.

No need shower. Yuu went straight to kitchen. Donned apron, started preparing breakfast.

“Haruno and Masuzu can only react spontaneously now. Unfit for active actions. As for Asuna, as long as I avoid Kuroyuri Academy area, won’t meet her. No need over-worry...”

“So, forget unnecessary. Focus on Yukinoshita and Yui.”

After sorting situation, he set this principle for future actions. Mood lightened.

If trying handle everything, end with handling nothing—though superhuman physique and abilities from System, fundamentally Yuu remained ordinary human. Couldn’t perfect everything.

Especially feelings. He was amateur, like middle schooler first dating. Far from playboys.

So, only one thing he could do now.

Namely, see goal ahead, advance straight.

“After school today, Service Club meeting... Don’t know if Yukinoshita has time. Feels time short.”

Skilledly served two breakfast portions. Went upstairs, called Sora to eat.

Under sister’s sleepy gaze, Yuu left house. Took out phone, messaged Yuigahama.

Yuu: [I’m out. Want to head to school together?]

Other read about one minute later.

Yui: [Bit flu. You go first. Don’t wait.]

Seeing phone, Yuu frowned slightly—Yesterday not cold all night, why flu?

Yuu: [You okay? I’ll visit. Should still time cook porridge bowl.]

Yui: [No time! You go first. I’ll catch up soon! (Muscular Arm Shiba Dog Sticker)]

Yuu: [Alright. Tell me anytime if trouble.]

After read, Yuigahama sent no reply.

Yuu pocketed phone. Since she said so, his steps toward Yuigahama’s house changed direction, continued to school.

Then, during morning classes, he heard Yuigahama took sick leave that day.

-

Title: She Is My Girlfriend

During lunch break, in class 2-F.

Many sat sideways in others’ seats for easier chat with friends behind.

“Yuigahama-san doesn’t seem the type to take sick leave. At least in my memory, this is her first time absent due to illness, right?”

Totsuka said with slight emotion. With graceful posture, he took a side dish from his bento, eating bit by bit.

Yuu ate his bento absentmindedly, casually replying: “Anyway, fools never catch flu. I was shocked she took leave.”

“I just meant Yuigahama-san usually full of energy, giving feeling viruses couldn’t beat her... You’re exaggerating.”

Totsuka smiled bitterly. Suddenly recalling something, his eating paused. Two faint pink blushes appeared on his beautiful, white face. Whole self suddenly nervous without reason.

“Um, Yuu... Can I ask one thing?”

“Go... Cough, what question.” Yuu nearly said classic like, ‘I once loved, save my mom’ (viral meme ref). He quickly gathered scattered thoughts, seriously facing his beautiful, slightly shy friend.

Totsuka glanced around secretly. Confirming no eavesdroppers, he leaned fragrant, soft hair before Yuu. His panting breath tickled ear.

“You’re dating Yuigahama-san, right?”

“...Yeah.” Yuu looked oddly. “I thought you knew.”

Lately, he always went home with Yuigahama daily. Never hid their intimate public interactions. Class rumors of them dating circulated long. Some boldly teased. Yuigahama nodded blushing when girls asked. Rumors basically confirmed.

Yuu thought his relation with Yuigahama consensus among classmates.

Didn’t expect Totsuka suddenly ask.

“Had to confirm with source, right? Awkward if misunderstanding.” Scratching face, Totsuka’s smile mixed relief and joy. Sighed softly, muttered: “Dating... Good.”

Yuu raised eyebrow: “My relation with Yui makes you that happy?”

“Because Yuigahama-san likes you so much!” Softly, Totsuka smiled: “Though realized her feelings mid-September, before that, meeting Yuigahama-san on street, she always asked about you. Listened very seriously. Nearly pulled notebook to note.”

“When someone badmouthed you, she’d show displeased expression. As if wanting fight but no courage. Could only defend you very softly behind.”

“When praised, happier than others. Showed proud expression as if honored too. Nearly thought she fan club member.”

“Oh, yes. Seeing you held by other girl talking, she’d stare intensely from afar. Feeling like wanting separate with gaze... When asked why staring, she angrily said ‘nothing.’ Relaxed only after girl left.”

Unconsciously talked much, Totsuka took water bottle, drank to moisten throat, sighed emotionally.

“Recalling now, Yuigahama-san then really looked love-struck girl... So nice when hidden love bears fruit, couple together!”

Handsome silver-haired youth smiled, sincerely to friend: “Congrats! Be happy!”

Seeing bright, clear eyes, Yuu chewed slowly. Swallowed, then spoke.

“Of course. She is my girlfriend.”

Said with heartfelt conviction, no doubt.

Yuu knew better than anyone how Yuigahama liked him—no matter memory changes, always fool girl loving him over two years. Feelings undiminished, even stronger.

Thus, love’s pain more intense.

Yuu didn’t want Yuigahama hurt, disappointed. Wanted accompany, see her usual silly smile. See shy expression hair ruffled, warm gaze only for him beside her.

Is this love? Still undecided.

Like facing past exes, Yuu didn’t want hasty conclusion, admit falling for someone.

Anyway, such feelings maybe not summed one word, or ‘love,’ right?

Thus needs time. More time analyze with Yuigahama. Before deadline, wherever fleeing, won’t easily let go.

Selfish? Fine. Girlfriend many? No matter—as long as Yuigahama only his girlfriend.

With thought, bento unconsciously empty.

Yuu decided, after school visit her...

With Yukino.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

After school, Yuu grabbed bag, quickly left class.

Pre-arranged permission with Equipment Committee, no one stopped. Just watched back with slightly ambiguous, blessing smiles.

Standing usual crowded corridor, Yuu didn’t go Class J for Yukino. Too troublesome, conspicuous.

Waited Cultural Festival Exec door open. Seeing crystal-clear girl from upstairs, approached, greeted.

“Yukinoshita, got time later?”

Cold expression, pure aura girl startled. Gaze unconsciously softened. Asked gently: “What’s up?”

“Yui sick leave. Visit together later.” Knowing she disliked nonsense, Yuu explained straight.

“Yuigahama-san?” Frowned worriedly, Yukino nodded quickly: “Okay, but finish Committee first.”

“Then wait outside.”

Yukino about agree, hesitated: “...Or back to class? Unsure latest busy time.”

Yuu eyed meeting room with two-three people (kitten three big fish). Showed slightly hard-to-face expression: “You understaff... Always like this?”

“Sigh... Many mid-issues, but overall runs.” Forehead-held, Yukino seemed unwilling elaborate. Soft white palm patted shoulder. Urged softly: “Back to class. Contact after done.”

“No need stay help?”

Cutely rolled eyes, Yukino said nothing. Shiny black long hair spun with swaying skirt arc. Turned, left.

Yuu watched back. Until Committee door closed, didn’t return class as said.

“Stay here first, see situation.”

Thinking so, scratched non-itchy neck.

Then, sensing something, suddenly gritted. Muscles tensed like alert crouching tiger. Narrowed eyes, swept surroundings.

(Someone watching me!)

-

Title: When Stalking or Peeping, Red Bean Bread and Milk Are Essential

With enhanced physical fitness, plus various odd skills and stats, Yuu became extremely sensitive to gazes, like a girl in a miniskirt without spats.

But since usually center of attention, he was accustomed. Of course, he wouldn’t suddenly turn DIO-pose grabbing necks just because passersby glanced.

Even if someone mesmerized by handsomeness stared multiple times, unless acquaintance or too sharp gaze, Yuu instinctively ignored to avoid growing neurotic.

And now, coincidentally one of those two situations—wait, both?

Alert movement halted. Yuu eyed stair corner. Nearly transparent silver hair flashed in vision. Reaction quick. Hid immediately after Yuu noticed.

Though all three silver-haired, the girls he knew had slight color differences.

Sister Kasugano Sora: grayish silver. Junior Tachibana Kanade: snow silver. Ex Natsukawa Masuzu: transparent silver.

Clearly, the peeper who quickly fled downstairs after caught was Masuzu who tried forced kiss yesterday.

“This person, already targeting me...” Yuu couldn’t help clicking tongue.

Compared to Haruno in prior mission, if Masuzu realized something and stuck, everything more troublesome—different class, more time, closer distance observe. Even actively cause school issues.

For now, just peeping fine. Yuu could pretend unaware. If someday Masuzu caused life-disrupting trouble for truth...

Then only remove pity and regret, warn mercilessly.

“Ignore for now. Decided not to care about them.”

Shaking head, sighing, discarded issue from mind, focused on goal ahead.

Using Micro Presence Adjustment to minimize existence, Yuu stood outside Committee Room, casually leaned corridor wall hands in pockets.

Through window, not staring committee chair girl, but casually observed whole room.

After minimizing detection risk, Yuu began peeping Yukino.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Club Building, Rooftop.

Kasumigaoka Utaha set down binoculars. Bit red bean bun, sipped milk.

“Indeed, red bean bread and milk essential for stalking.”

Satisfied sigh, but shivered from cold rooftop wind. Quickly wrapped in coat and scarf.

“But this person too sensitive. Even deliberate long distance, still sensed attention... Non-dense protagonists popular now?”

Muttering, Utaha recalled black notebook. Heart urged open, see recent thoughts.

But sealed on home bookshelf. Before truly return and open, curiosity faded in cold wind.

Calmed. Hugged knees, chin on black-stockinged knees. Beautiful brows furrowed slightly. Expression serene.

“After observe bit more, meet directly... Very possible he knows about notebook.”

Though temporarily harmless, notebook appearing in room—no matter discard or burn—cursed object. Couldn’t ignore.

Simultaneously, Utaha curious—who this junior? Why involved in his oddities?

“If smooth, material for volume four~”

Thinking, couldn’t hold slightly fanatic, oddly hopeful smile.

Then...

“Achoo!”

Loud sneeze. Hugging arms, shivering, Utaha packed quickly. Hurried down rooftop shivering.

“Why imitate others peeping on rooftop? Freezing half to death...”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Cultural Festival Exec Office.

Heavy, silent air. All heads down, own tasks.

“Where personnel coordination, media promo, accounting audit members?”

Holding progress sheet, Yukino found lacks in check. Cold voice—not loud, not soft—echoed room.

Meeting room not large, but fewer timely attendees made it feel empty.

Asked short-haired girl first left seat. Surname Okuda. Handled personnel coord, records. Most serious committee member besides her.

“Uh, Chair...” Fingers stopped keyboard. Okuda awkward but polite smile. Helplessly: “Most absent today. Rest maybe come later?”

“Absent? Why not tell me?” Yukino frowned. Expression colder: “If all habitually late, when work finish on time?”

(Because you’re unfeeling. No one wants contact personally, know...)

Not voicing heart, Okuda sighed. Opened chat history, handed phone.

“Just got rep message... Well, at least informing now.”

Yukino took, viewed. Absences similar reasons. Class matters handle. Anyway, committee smooth, one-day off no issue.

But many absent last week too, delayed overall. Not chaotic yet, buffer time nearly gone. More issues for other teams.

Anyway, today’s tasks—if absentees don’t come—others handle. If all busy, piles on Yukino. She’d handle alone.

“Chair, this unsustainable. Use threats?” Okuda cautiously eyed expressionless Yukino: “Like, late or frequent absents, report teachers, make apology letters etc...”

“...No need.” Yukino thought. Returning phone: “Tell group each team send someone responsible. Else Committee can’t run. All lazy accountable.”

“Eh? This soft okay...”

“Lazy prefer whipped dead than move. Just inform laziness consequences. Whether come, depends if truly want this Festival. Don’t want threaten work.” Soft sigh, gaze cold calm. Cold sneer: “Even force such, results poor. Conversely, not coming improves final quality.”

“But Chair, really short-staff...” Okuda scratched head. Honestly messaged group, sighed: “Those three teams have today’s work too? Others full. Even baseball bat force, can’t like me...”

“...”

Viewing docs, Yukino silent. Bit lip, struggled slightly.

Soon, sigh escaped. Raised eyes. Firmer expression. Seriously ordered: “Tell lates come ASAP. Till then, I handle some media promo, accounting audit.”

“Eh, Chair, your work enough?” Okuda tugged lip wordless. Worried complain: “Not iron man. All on shoulders bad for Committee and you...”

“Fine. Can handle this level.” Firm unchanged. Eyed Okuda. Tone softened: “Personnel coord, still trouble you.”

“Ah, this...”

Scratching head, Okuda eyed unprocessed computer pile. Cute face wrinkled like bitter leaf swallower.

Just confused reject or accept, grit teeth, anxious.

*SLAM!*

Yuu pushed door fast.

“Report, your external aid arrived!”

“...” Yukino froze.

Okuda startled, then clapped realized.

“Ah, Chair’s boyfriend!”

Before voice opinion on sudden intruder, Yukino glared. Face faintly red.

“Who...!”

Wanted say, but stopped opening mouth.

(...Seems, can’t deny?)