Yuu 421-425

Title: What is Called the True Heroine!

The atmosphere at the dining table was very harmonious.

Though Sora tried to sit on his lap while eating to prove her status in front of these girls, while also informing them that she was an acute siscon, so they’d keep their distance from Yuu.

However, no matter how much he adored his little sister, Yuu wouldn’t become a human chair during meals... He might say it in normal times, but to prove the fact that he was a sister-lover in front of these people, the easily embarrassed and prideful Yuu wouldn’t do it.

At most, he’d just feed her bites. Only after long coaxing could Sora, with her overflowing emotions, be calmed.

After lunch, Yuigahama and Iroha took responsibility for washing dishes. Kanade dried them. The three girls laughed and played in the kitchen. Occasionally, splashes of water could be heard.

Meanwhile, outside the living room, Yukino was holding the gray tabby cat again. She sat on the sofa, carefully stroking its back. A faint, healing smile appeared on her face.

The warm afternoon sunlight streamed through the glass window, illuminating her beautiful and sweet profile. It emitted a clear glow.

As if the light came from her, her skin was so white and translucent it reached that level.

“Meow~”

While making tea for the others, Yuu enjoyed her innocent and adorable appearance from the corner of his eye.

Though he wasn’t staring openly, Yukino soon seemed to sense something. She lifted her eyes and met his gaze. A slightly flushed cheek appeared, but she didn’t look too panicked.

“What are you looking at?”

“Watching you being cute.”

“Me being cute is normal. You think flattery like this will work on me?”

[Ding!]

[Congratulations, Host has obtained reward: Aikido (Mahiru Level (Proficient))]

“Hmm... Believe it or not, I feel it worked quite well.”

It had been a long time since he felt this sensation.

Yuu looked at the system panel and couldn’t help laughing.

Yukino looked confused. Her attention quickly returned to the cat in her lap. She firmly ignored her friend who was full of lies. Her fingers scratched the cat’s chin.

Before diving deeper into the task issue, they had a silent agreement to maintain their current friendship. At least when alone, their attitudes wouldn’t change because of the kitchen incident.

However, for Sora, who decided to stay and observe closely, the relationship between them was clearly not as simple as friends—the relaxed conversation atmosphere, familiar gazes, and actions. Those deep emotions had been evident to her from lunch until now. The damage it caused was far greater than showing affection in front of singles.

She knew her big brother had good relationships with many girls, but she didn’t expect it to be this good...

She tightly strangled the doll in her hand, venting the jealousy and dissatisfaction in her heart. But Sora didn’t feel as anxious as she imagined—or rather, the fear that her brother would be stolen by outsider vixens was almost nonexistent.

She even found it a bit amusing.

Because from her observations, though the long black-haired girl had very high compatibility with her brother, she didn’t have the overflowing love in her eyes like the pink dumpling. Her feelings weren’t deep enough, and her chest wasn’t big enough. It could be said she lost in everything except appearance.

If she really wanted to steal her brother, she’d have to get past the pink dumpling first, and most likely fail.

The flaxen short-haired junior her age was the same. Though she seemed uninterested in Yuu, and occasional teasing would be met with counter-teasing, her combat power was almost like a minnow.

Yet Sora still detected a faint fish-stealing cat scent from her—if no one was watching, her behavior might be bolder. She might evolve from a minnow into a Gyarados.

Of course, that was just speculation.

But after such long observation, Sora also realized one fact. A fact that truly dispelled her unease.

“The more popular Yuu is, the more tragic their battles... And no matter how they fight, they can’t affect my status.”

“You fight to the death outside, holding each other back, just to become Yuu’s girlfriend. Meanwhile, I casually play games at home, getting Yuu’s affection every day, together morning and night...”

“And this distance, you outsiders can never close in a lifetime!”

What is called the true heroine!

Thinking of this, Sora felt tickled. In her heart, she even wickedly prayed for those vixens to fight soon. She wanted to see blood flow like rivers. But since she didn’t want Yuu disturbed by his social relationships, she could only suppress these dark thoughts and choose to ignore them, watching from the sidelines.

Honestly, the one she might like the most was the silver-haired girl she thought was the biggest threat—Mapo Tofu.

Ah, no. She remembered her name: Tachibana Kanade.

This person’s eyes were only on Mapo Tofu. She didn’t even look at Yuu until the Mapo Tofu was finished. This was in stark contrast to the other three who kept stealing glances at him.

She was only tempted by the food, not her brother’s body. This immediately improved Sora’s impression of her—Not easy! Finally, a girl who could make her feel at ease!

Unfortunately, Sora wasn’t the type to actively chat and socialize with others. Though her hostility toward Kanade completely vanished, she had no plans to befriend her.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

About ten minutes later, the three girls finished washing dishes. Their hair and sleeves were wet.

If not for the aprons, their upper bodies would surely be soaked.

“I told you... I asked you to wash dishes, not play with water.” Setting down his teacup, the corner of Yuu’s eye twitched.

Yuigahama and Iroha scratched their heads, showing the same awkward smile. “Ahahaha, we didn’t mean to play~”

As for Kanade, she seemed only incidentally affected. Her wet areas weren’t much, but she still bowed politely and apologized. “Sorry, I’ve caused you trouble.”

“So casual in someone else’s house, really...” Yukino sighed helplessly. She gently set the cat aside, patted her knees, and stood.

“Anyway, to the bathroom first.”

Yuigahama blinked. “Eh? This level doesn’t seem to require a bath... Especially at Yuu-kun’s house...”

“Who said anything about bathing. We’re going to get the mop to dry the floor! Isn’t the kitchen floor still wet now?”

“Even without seeing it yourself, you know what the kitchen looks like now. Yukinoshita-senpai is scary...”

Yukino expressionless, led the three obedient girls toward the bathroom.

Yuu looked at the prepared teacups on the table. He watched Yukino’s confident steps and suddenly realized:

“Wait, how does she know the mop in my house is in the bathroom? You’ve only been here once. Why are you so skilled?!”

“How dare she call others casual. You’re the one so casual you treat this place like your own home!”

-

Title: Playing Games Isn’t as Important as Playing in Senpai’s Room

After the midday commotion, the afternoon split into two groups.

Yuu taught Kanade how to make Glowing Mapo Tofu, while the others played games in the living room.

Since there were exactly four people after Sora joined, they chose games playable in pairs—Yuigahama and Sora on one team, Yukino and Iroha on the other. They played everything from Overcooked to Mario. Noisy voices echoed in every corner of the house again.

At three in the afternoon, Kanade, with droopy eyes and a bit disappointed, left the kitchen. Yuu followed, consoling her.

“Don’t feel bad alone; most people in the world can’t reach my level... Tachibana, learning the basics is enough for you. No need to force it to glow. Wouldn’t it be better to keep practicing until it suits your taste?”

“Sorry, after tasting Yuu-senpai’s Glowing Mapo Tofu... I can’t go back. I want to eat Mapo Tofu that delicious every day.”

“That... Even if you say so, I can’t make you instantly have perfect cooking skills.”

“Perfect level?”

“That’s my current cooking proficiency... Uh, consider it a classification for youthful ailments.”

“Mhm, I get it. I’ll work hard to train my cooking skills. Any other ways?”

“Other ways? The simplest is to befriend me and...”

“Me?”

“...My sister. If you come over often to play with her, I can serve you Glowing Mapo Tofu. As long as you stay friends, I’ll keep making it for you.”

“Ngg... Can’t befriend someone with ulterior motives like that.”

“Is that so? Then no other way. You’re not the type to disdain regular food after tasting gourmet, right?”

“Indeed... Mhm, until my cooking improves, I’ll be patient!”

Seeing her raise her small hand, expression flat but eyes sparkling with renewed vigor, Yuu couldn’t help laughing. He raised his hand and ruffled her hair.

Kanade didn’t mind, since while the other taught her in the kitchen, his hands had violated her scalp multiple times. Each time Yuu pretended it was accidental, but after petting, he’d show a healed expression. Clearly intentional.

(...Is this what Isshiki meant earlier, being naughty under the guise of teaching?)

Though the question crossed her mind, since Yuu didn’t grope other parts of her body and his eyes showed no malicious intent, he seemed just to want to pet her head like a pet.

So, though a bit embarrassed, Kanade gave in and asked him to do it. She let her head be petted as if it were natural, gradually getting used to the feeling.

Due to her congenital heart disease, her heart couldn’t beat fast, or it would hurt like her chest was torn in two—and this slightly quicker heartbeat allowed her to vividly feel the reality of being alive without causing pain.

Not hating it. But not good to ask him to do it more often. Just let it happen naturally.

With thoughts she’d never had before, Kanade quickly forgot about it. She joined the others in the living room, who were tired from gaming and taking a break.

“Next? We play a six-player game?”

Yuigahama made space beside her. She looked up at Yuu approaching.

Sora shifted her gaze. She didn’t say much—after all, she was next to him. That empty spot would place Yuu between them. Acceptable.

“But we only have four controllers...”

Before Iroha finished, Yuu and Yukino said in unison: “I won’t join, you guys play.”

They exchanged glances, then looked away as usual.

“You two are so in sync~”

Yuigahama teased. Amid Sora’s oddly intense stare, she asked as if confirming: “Yukinon must be tired, right? Then give the controller to Kanade-chan. Shall we continue to the next level?”

Iroha whispered: “Ouch, of course tired. Yukinoshita-senpai has too strong a competitive spirit. Weird if not tired, since she’s dead serious about winning every game.”

As her teammate, the pressure on Iroha was immense too.

“...I’m just not used to yielding.” Yukino placed the controller in Kanade’s hand with a flat expression. She stood, as if hiding embarrassment. “The living room seems a bit messy. I’ll help clean it.”

Sora immediately turned. She stared at Yuu’s profile, her eyes conveying dissatisfaction: Why aren’t you stopping her? You want her to be our lady of the house?

Yuu could only say to Yukino: “No need to bother. I’ll sweep after you all leave.”

“No bother. I don’t plan a big cleanup anyway.” Her soft lips clamped on a hair tie. After rolling up her sleeves, revealing her white forearms, Yukino re-tied her beautiful long ponytail. Her gaze was gentle and natural as she looked at him.

“Where’s the broom? In the storage room?”

“It is in the storage, but how do you know... Sssshh!”

Though not painful, Yuu honestly drew a cold breath. He hurriedly covered his mouth.

Sora glared coldly at her useless big brother. She released her hand twisting her waist and turned to Yuigahama.

She had no intention of stopping it. Instead, she seemed accustomed, selecting games to play...

What exactly was their relationship?

Weren’t they rivals?!

Anyway, the dumb brother and silly pink dumpling couldn’t be relied on. Sora had to step up herself—she couldn’t let the long black-haired one act like their lady of the house. It made her uncomfortable.

So, she set down the controller. Sora suggested casually:

“Oh, right. Want to visit Yuu’s room?”

The air suddenly went silent. Everyone’s gazes focused on the Tenkuji siblings. They also stopped what they were doing.

“?” A big question mark popped in his head. After shock, Yuu hurriedly refused, “Wait, Sora, didn’t you originally not want them upstairs? Why now...”

“Yuu, shut up, this has nothing to do with you.” Sora silenced him coldly without looking.

“What do you mean nothing? It’s my room!”

Yuigahama tugged Yuu’s clothes with sparkling eyes: “Come on, come on!”

Iroha immediately set down the controller. Her face serious like embarking on a grand voyage: “Playing games isn’t as important as playing in Senpai’s room! Let’s go!”

Yukino hesitated briefly. She turned, showing a teasing smile: “Though I still want to clean... But, I’m a bit interested in Tenkuji-kun’s room.”

“Even you... My room doesn’t hide embarrassing stuff. No benefit in seeing it.”

His lip corner twitched. Yuu finally chose to stop resisting. He looked at Kanade, who stared confusedly at the started game screen. Now, no one held the controller with her.

“Tachibana, what about you?”

“...I’ll go with everyone.”

Sighing regretfully, Kanade set down the controller. She stood with the others and headed upstairs.

Deliberately lagging behind, Sora patted Yuu’s shoulder comfortingly: “Don’t worry. I didn’t put H-books in your room.”

“So you had that intent...” Yuu pinched her cheek annoyedly. “I really don’t get what you’re thinking. I thought you’d never let them into my room until death.”

“I still think that now.”

“Then why?”

(To make them all act together, so none becomes the most special.)

Of course, she wouldn’t voice this sly thought. Sora looked away flatly. She only left a soft snort to Yuu:

“I won’t tell you~”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

On the highway dyed red by sunset light, a black car sped like dark lightning, skillfully and nimbly weaving through traffic jams.

After the gathering ended, Haruno found a suitable excuse. She easily dealt with Natsukawa Ryouji and whisked away his daughter—Natsukawa Masuzu—into her car.

As for the reason to explain to her parents and skip the post-event drinking, there was only one—picking up her little sister playing at a friend’s house.

Though factual, her goal wasn’t that simple.

“Remember, what we talked about today is a secret. Don’t tell even Yuu-chan~”

“...Mhm, I know.”

Hearing her voice, Masuzu in the passenger seat nodded faintly. She looked out the window at the rapidly receding scenery, expressionless, but her eyes slightly dazed.

Going to see him. Just thinking that, her always black-and-white world suddenly gained anticipated color.

“Tenkuji... Yuu.”

(What did I really forget? Who are you really?)

-

Title: Oh Hoo, The End

Entering his room alone might cause issues, but if a group entered, of course nothing would happen.

After touring like a museum, the group’s interest waned slightly. They did unfinished things in his room—like playing games.

Yuu’s room also had a gaming console and a crystal screen, but it was a PS5, not a Nintendo Switch. So, playable group games were fewer.

Yuigahama, Iroha, and Kanade sat on the soft-carpeted floor. Sora lay blatantly on her back on the bed, looking down at them like a queen on her throne. The game controller in her hand was like her royal scepter.

As for Yukino, after curiously examining the bookshelf, she pulled out a book, then sat at his desk casually flipping through it.

Perhaps the desk and study chair never imagined they’d one day be pressed by the butt of a long black-haired JK, their hard bodies wrapping her soft parts.

Leaning against the headboard, Yuu gazed at the beautiful girls in his room. He spaced out briefly, then resignedly looked away, opening his phone to play a game.

Uma Musume, start!

“Tokai Teio, Teio Teio Te Teio... Ore no Aiba ga!”

That afternoon passed in such a harmonious, relaxed atmosphere.

No Shuraba, no extraordinary developments disrupting the peaceful life. Just everyone gathered, doing the same or different things peacefully.

While immersed, Yuu suddenly felt like he’d touched the form of happiness—he liked these unremarkable yet lively, warm times. No need to overthink. When he looked up, everyone was there, their faces showing happy, relaxed smiles.

But he couldn’t help recalling the past and those he’d left behind.

(If only they were all here... Haaah, what am I thinking.)

Even without feelings, he’d still miss them. But mere longing was useless. Though one of them, Haruno, had regained her memories, the separated distance couldn’t be easily mended.

So, Yuu’s curtain of farewell with them would continue.

When would the next farewell curtain arrive?

Yuu glanced at her at the desk. Seemingly focused on the book’s world, Yukino with slightly drooping lashes didn’t notice his gaze. Her elegant figure with straight back was always so beautiful and captivating, like a snow lotus blooming calmly, gracefully, and purely.

Yuu couldn’t help laughing. He looked away. Suddenly, that heavy feeling was gone.

(After all, this girl said she’d save me.)

Though embarrassing to admit, somehow he felt relieved because of her.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Time passed, like sand slipping between fingers.

The afternoon sky gradually darkened. Thick sunset hues burned the clouds, emitting mesmerizing orange light across the vast horizon.

Dusk arrived. Time to see them off.

Some girls tidied their things. They donned jackets and scarves. Their cute, small feet slipped back into shoes. Messy hair from playing was neatly fixed.

Sora stood on the stairs, watching Yuu put on his jacket.

“After seeing them home, don’t wander outside. Come back quick.”

Yuu flicked her forehead. “What do you mean wander? Am I that kind of person?”

“You dare talk! Who knows, you might date someone on the way back or something...” Sora muttered expressionlessly. She didn’t flinch from the flick. “It happened before. Could’ve come home early but was late, even bringing a living person home...”

(Just say Yuigahama’s school number directly.)

Yuu rolled his eyes helplessly. Luckily, Sora spoke softly, so the ready girls didn’t hear. He waved reassuringly, turned, and headed to the front door.

Before leaving, their gazes focused on Sora. Farewells sounded in sequence.

“Sora, don’t worry about your brother’s safety. See you.”

“Sora-chan, I’ll come play again next time. Bye-bye~”

“Thanks for the hospitality! But Iroha won’t lose next time. Mario must win~”

“Thank you. The games were fun. Mapo Tofu was delicious... Can’t we not part like this? Then I’ll come again next time. Goodbye.”

“...”

Seeming unaccustomed to such cheerful group farewells, under those warm gazes, Sora paused. Her wide eyes slowly dropped to the floor. Then she hid her whole face behind the rabbit doll in her hand. A slightly awkward, feigned-strong voice sounded.

“Don’t keep saying see you. I don’t agree to you coming play all the time... At most occasionally. And remember to wash dishes.”

Kind laughter sounded softly. Yuu smiled relieved too.

The gray tabby cat poked its head from behind Sora. Yukino’s eyes lit up. She eyed Yuu questioningly.

After he nodded, she squatted, extending a hand to the tabby.

Yukinon the cat meowed. It obediently jumped into her arms. It let itself be lifted and petted.

“Good girl~ Good girl~ Onee-san will come see you again. What snack do you want?”

The overflowing maternal gentleness on her face was truly different from her usual self.

Seeing this, Iroha covered her face as if unable to watch. She wasn’t used to Yukino like this, no matter how many times.

Unfortunately, Yukino no longer cared about her crumbling image. She didn’t mind odd stares. For her, snuggling a cat was victory.

Yukinon meowed. Yukino took it as agreement. She glanced at Yuu again. Confirming no objection, she nodded satisfied, eyes curving in smile: “Then Onee-san will come again.”

Sora muttered beside: “Better not come alone...”

Or after hugging the cat, she might hug someone next.

After fully cat-sucking, just as Yukino was about to set down Yukinon, the doorbell rang.

Yuu frowned. He passed the girls. Without peeking, he opened a door crack.

“You’re here! Who at this hour...”

“Hi, it’s me~”

“...”

The familiar, light voice unashamedly burst in with the cold outside wind, like a sharp knife.

Seeing Yuu’s wide-eyed, frozen shock, Haruno couldn’t hold back an evil smile. Her fingers itched. She wanted to pinch his cheeks and poke his chin to tease, like before.

Sadly, now wasn’t the time.

Suppressing the urge, she passed Yuu, calling into the entryway blocked by his body:

“I came to pick Yukino up. Yukino-chan’s inside~”

“Nee-san?”

Hugging the cat, Yukino poked her head: “Why are you here...”

Before finishing, Haruno, eyes meeting the cat in her arms, shrieked in surprise:

“Yukinon! You still have it, and it’s this big! Come, let Mama hug you~”

She outstretched both arms. A rare, genuine smile appeared, with slight longing.

The tabby meowed joyfully at Haruno. It jumped strongly from Yukino’s hold, straight into Haruno’s chest.

“Ah, wait...”

Yukino raised her hand in loss but couldn’t recapture the cat that left her embrace.

The emptiness lasted seconds. Yukino suddenly frowned. Sensing something wrong, she looked back and forth between Yuu and Haruno.

Cold wind swept. Her ink-black hair fluttered. Her cold voice fell softly under the winter sky.

“Nee-san, how do you know its name is Yukinon? And why do you act like you’ve seen it before?”

“And what do you mean Mama... Yukinon, you two raised it?”

Hearing that, the other girls poked heads from behind the door. They saw the three people and one cat in the frozen atmosphere, with varied expressions.

Whether from cold or shock, at that moment, Yuu’s whole body shivered.

-

Title: Tenkuji-kun, Say Something! Why Are You Silent?

“Oops…”

Only after hugging her little cat, unseen for months but occupying a significant place in her memories alongside Yuu, did Haruno realize something was off.

(Seems I accidentally spilled something~)

Blinking innocently, Haruno showed no panic at all. Seeing the person before her with trembling eyes, the joy surging in her heart nearly made her burst out laughing on the spot. She had to hold it in until it almost hurt.

How to put it?

The more she loved him, the more she wanted to see him panic and afraid, different from his usual calm and confidence... Right, this had nothing to do with a sadistic personality. It was just one expression of love!

“Meow~”

As if sensing her joyful mood, Yukinon scratched her chest. It also gently licked her face, then scrunched its cat face and stuck out its tongue.

“Ah, sorry. I’m wearing a bit of makeup today~”

Haruno hurriedly lowered her head. She teased her love crystal with Yuu. The more she looked at him, the more she liked it. She slightly regretted why back then she was only busy working and didn’t come to his house every day to bond with him.

Her detached attitude shifted Yukino’s gaze—or rather, everyone else’s—to Yuu.

“Yukinon also seems very attached to Nee-san, even though they should be meeting for the first time…”

After roughly grasping the situation, Sora chimed in from behind: “Yukinon hasn’t gone out since coming here. If they’d met before, me and... your big sister? We should’ve met too.”

But in fact, Sora had never seen this beautiful, classy big sister. She also didn’t know her connection to Yuu.

Yuu knew too many women. From juniors to adult women, all sorts. And most of them liked him... Damn, was this what they called social grass?

Sora was helpless to complain. She didn’t even have energy to be jealous. She could only accept that her big brother was a light novel protagonist—no fault there, at least he wasn’t a walking human cannon?

What’s a cat? Should be grateful her brother didn’t bring home a kid seeking recognition.

“She’s Yukino’s big sister, Haruno-san, a university student. She came to help our club at the fall festival.”

After softly explaining to the confused others, Yuigahama looked at the back of Yuu’s head, also puzzled: “Right, Yuu-kun. Does Yukinon have some connection with Haruno-san?”

“…”

Yukino narrowed her eyes slightly. She sharply stared at Yuu’s tense profile. She seemed to ponder, guessing all possibilities.

(He said he adopted Yukinon during summer vacation.)

(But on the fall festival day, he told Nee-san they were meeting for the first time in front of us. Nee-san didn’t act like she knew it before...)

(Plus, this name Yukinon is suspicious. It feels deliberately chosen to tease me—right, just like something Nee-san would do.)

(Thinking that way, his convoluted explanation of the name’s origin back then, as if hiding something, seems to point to an unbelievable answer.)

Not just Yuu went to the animal clinic to adopt the cat, but Haruno too. Even the cat’s name resulted from her mischief.

And Yuu didn’t want to lie to Yukino, so when asked, he deliberately omitted the Haruno-related part, giving an answer that wasn’t a lie nor the truth.

If so, everything could be explained.

(But, not right!)

(If their connection is jointly adopting the cat, even naming it, why did Nee-san come find me asking about him? And why did she only start paying attention after their first meeting at the fall festival?)

(The logic’s messed up. Feels full of holes, nothing explainable.)

(Impossible they coincidentally met at the clinic, Nee-san casually named the kitten she saw, he casually agreed, then both forgot they met, and only remember now, right?)

(Seeing how familiar Nee-san is with Yukinon, it must be more than that...)

The more she thought, the more her head hurt. Yukino frowned. She used a cold glare to remind Yuu he’d better give a reasonably explanation right now.

“…”

Yuu’s current feeling was probably like wanting to read a novel in class but accidentally clicking a porn ad on a site. His phone, at full volume, suddenly blared moans. The whole class became his stage.

In short, headache up top, stomachache below.

He’d just thought peaceful daily routine was happiness’s form, but it shattered instantly. And the one shattering it casually petted the cat, with no intent to help.

Damn, what kind of scene was this?

Couldn’t she let him end this turbulent day perfectly...

Yuu couldn’t help complaining inwardly:

(System. Why, even though Haruno’s memories recovered, you can’t even erase a cat’s memory... Are you really that weak?)

「……」

The system didn’t respond, as if broken. Indeed, many BUGs after the update.

Perhaps it was the change Haruno brought after regaining memories—but whatever the reason, Yuu had to face this embarrassing situation first.

Why embarrassing...

Little sister, best friend, and potential girlfriend all stared at him. They urged with eyes to satisfy their curiosity. Beside, two juniors watched the drama.

Plus, right in front, the ex-girlfriend occasionally glanced from the corner of her eye, seemingly awaiting what lie he’d tell.

In this situation, Yuu wasn’t made of iron. How could he not feel embarrassed?

“Tenkuji-kun, why’d you suddenly go silent?”

Slightly tilting her cute small face, it showed a cold smile. Yukino once again aimed her sharp spear at him.

“Could it be, you really adopted Yukinon with Nee-san? She’s the mom, you the dad?”

As those words fell, the atmosphere somehow turned dangerous. The winter cold wind instead made bodies heat up, as if a campfire burned nearby.

(Seems, as long as it involves Nee-san, she can’t consider feelings like with Yuigahama-san)

Yuu breathed slowly.

He quickly calmed, clearing his mind, relying only on strong logic, without Mirror-Calm Heart.

If he lied, he’d be caught. If too shaken, he’d look guiltier—

With this beautiful, smart girl who knew him well, Yuu’s boasted eloquence was basically unusable. He wasn’t sure if Haruno would expose him outright, leaving him defenseless before everyone.

But, there was still room to fight!

He’d never done anything disappointing to anyone.

At least in this thrice-altered world, Yuu indeed met Haruno only after the fall festival—

So, saying it with chest out was enough.

“You can check the clinic records. I went to adopt Yukinon alone... As for how Haruno-san knows its name and why she’s so familiar, ask her. I don’t know how to explain it to you all.”

“However, Haruno-san and I did meet once during summer vacation.”

Yuu smiled faintly. Facing everyone’s gazes, seeing Haruno’s curious eyes, he said calmly:

“At the street corner where Yukinon was abandoned, I crossed paths with her... So, honestly, the fall festival wasn’t our first meeting.”

-

Title: Talking Too Much Will Lead to Mistakes

Of course, after hearing that sentence, Yukino also threw out a fitting question.

“You even remember who you crossed paths with a few months ago?”

Holding back laughter with sealed lips, Haruno also nodded seriously: “Right, I don’t even remember crossing paths with you there. Tenkuji-kun, is your memory too good, or were you already head over heels for me back then?”

“Of course my memory is too good.” Showing no panic at all, Yuu spread his hands, mimicking her innocent face. “Besides Haruno-san’s captivating appearance and distinctive aura, any normal man would unconsciously notice... Though I didn’t see it with my own eyes, thinking back now, you were probably the one who found Yukinon at that utility pole and brought it to the clinic, right? That’s why Yukinon is so close to you, and it also matches the clinic’s description of the kind person who paid for Yukinon’s treatment and boarding fees— that’s the basis of my assumption.”

“Hmm, the explanation’s a bit convoluted, but reasonable enough.” Haruno nodded slightly, then raised an eyebrow with a faint smile. She looked at him with a slightly dangerous gaze. “-san?”

Yuu fell silent. Only now did he remember Haruno once told him: “If you keep using formal language, I won’t play along anymore.”

The situation was already complicated enough. If he recklessly stirred chaos and claimed they’d dated, Yuu didn’t know how to face Yukino and Yuigahama—from a pragmatic view, the task difficulty would skyrocket.

Life is hard. Yuu sighed.

If everything could be solved with honesty, he wouldn’t want to be a mysterious man trying to coax a lie detector girl here...

“In short, no matter how much you suspect me and Haruno... If we knew each other in the past, it’s pointless. If we really did, why hide it from you at the fall festival?” Restraining himself, Yuu sighed. He continued in his usual way, convincing with logic.

“Even if we were cheating and wanted to hide it, the motive isn’t strong enough. My relationship with Yui and Yukinoshita back then wasn’t as close as now. No reason to pretend not to know each other in front of you...”

Not giving a definite conclusion, but using reasoning to make people think: “Wow, what you said makes sense~”, was his skill.

For example, Yuigahama now nodded as if realizing something. She looked at Haruno intimately interacting with the kitten, and the faint suspicion and distrust from before vanished.

As for Yukino, she wouldn’t be easily fooled—why? She’d been tricked by tactics like this for nearly a semester.

Did they think she hadn’t learned and could be easily deceived?

(Childish! Don’t you understand the principle that talking too much leads to mistakes?)

(But it’s true... In September, our relationship couldn’t even be called acquaintances. If we just jointly adopted a cat, neither Nee-san nor him needed to pretend not to know each other in front of me. On the contrary, Nee-san would’ve bragged about it more...)

Unrelated to other factors. Purely because she knew those two too well, Yukino dismissed her prior suspicions and guesses.

Maybe it was a misunderstanding, or perhaps hidden facts she didn’t know...

She raised her eyes, looking toward Haruno who could provide the conclusion to all this.

This girl’s attitude was also odd. So familiar with Yukinon on first meeting, yet she explained nothing. She just left the situation to Yuu. She seemed eager to watch him struggle defending himself amid everyone’s suspicions.

(Is that how you love him? Isn’t that too deviant?)

As this thought flashed, Yukino suddenly realized something. Her face changed slightly. She looked a bit unwell.

She just realized now: if she accepted Yuu’s request to be his ideal boyfriend—wouldn’t that mean dating someone her big sister liked?!

Not only facing Yuigahama, but also her big sister... Wait, isn’t this problematic?

She had no time to ponder if they knew each other in the past. Yukino secretly bit her lip, plagued by dilemma again.

“…”

At this moment, Haruno also sharply noticed the loophole Yuu showed in his defense.

“My relationship with Yukino-chan and Yuu-chan isn’t as close as now...”

Muttering that sentence, Haruno recalled Masuzu still waiting in the car, possibly looking this way.

If her guess was right, there were already two victims, including herself... If there’s a next, it’s likely one of these two.

Though no solid evidence supported this theory, Haruno was almost certain: the closer the relationship with Yuu, the easier to lose memories. Proof was herself, who regained them.

Moreover, one thing she cared deeply about...

Yukino equated with Yuigahama but not denying it—had she also fallen like that silly dumpling?

Haruno hoped not.

“Yukino-chan, since when did your relationship with Yuu-chan get this close?”

Without hesitation, she tilted her head, asking Yukino. Haruno then shifted gaze to Yuu, smiling: “Yuu-chan too, do you want to tease Yukino-chan? She’s my little sister. If you want to pursue her, you have to get past Big Sis first.”

Her words were casual, more like teasing her sister’s friend. She emitted no cold killing intent.

Yet, for some reason, Yukinon’s fur suddenly bristled. As if fleeing a monster’s grasp, it quickly jumped from Haruno’s arms and dashed inside, hiding behind Sora’s legs.

“Nee-san, please don’t talk nonsense in front of my friends.” Snapping out of tangled thoughts, Yukino retorted dissatisfied, brows furrowed. But her ears heated slightly.

“I’m not talking nonsense. It does sound like that, right?” Haruno tilted her head slightly. Her gaze swept Yuu, Yukino, and Yuigahama behind. “Yukino-chan too, this is the first time you said ‘my friends.’ Your relationship is better than I thought.”

“That has nothing to do with you either.”

To prevent more embarrassing remarks, Yukino nodded to Yuu, then walked ahead to the black car parked outside.

“You came to pick me up, right? Let’s go. Don’t block the door and trouble others.”

“Tch, so cold to Big Sis~”

Complaining casually, Haruno stared deeply at Yuu. That gaze sent shivers, but her plans were inscrutable.

Quickly, she withdrew as if nothing happened. She turned, following Yukino’s back. She waved casually: “Well then, that’s it. Yukino-chan and I are heading home first. Be careful on the road~ Too bad the car seats aren’t enough; otherwise, I could drive you all.”

“No one asked for that...” Yukino sighed softly, then showed confusion. “But adding us, the back seat should fit three, right? Why not enough?”

“That’s because I’m also coincidentally dropping someone off~”

Her voice was loud enough for everyone at the door to hear. Haruno chuckled, then called to the car:

“Masuzu-chan, rare visit. Why don’t you get out and greet everyone?”

As those words fell, soon the car door opened.

A beautiful half-Japanese girl with long silver hair slowly stepped out. Those dull, wistful sapphire eyes didn’t shift a bit. They locked straight on Yuu standing at the door. A complex light flickered in her gaze.