Yuu 416-420

Title: The Fourth Task

Just as the final dish was plated, the system panel, which hadn’t appeared in a while, popped up grandly, obscuring Yuu’s vision.

[System Task Update.]

[Please select the task execution target, Host.]

[Time Limit: Within five minutes.]

[Instructions: Choose one of the four individuals (Kasugano Sora, Tachibana Kanade, Isshiki Iroha, Yukinoshita Yukino) to execute the task. Become their ideal boyfriend. If a choice is not made within five minutes, the system will automatically select all four individuals above as task execution targets and simultaneously activate the final trial task.]

[Hint: The Last Trial of Humanity will cause irreversible impacts on this world and all living beings in it. Please choose carefully, Host!]

How to put it…

Upon seeing this content, Yuu was beyond shock. His mood calmed instead. He even had the leisure to scoff bit by bit.

(Disappearing for days, and this is all you’ve got?)

(Letting me choose the task target myself is new. What’s this about wanting all of them if I can’t pick one out of four? Are you telling me to start a harem, or are you the one who wants a harem? What’s this Last Trial of Humanity nonsense? Are you bold enough to unleash Azi Dahaka?)

If Yuu were truly insane, he might wait five minutes to see what this so-called Last Trial of Humanity was—As for what would happen to the world, what did that have to do with him?

At worst, it couldn’t be worse than his current situation. Might as well drag everyone down with him. Maybe his mood would feel lighter.

…Unfortunately, even if he felt helpless, Yuu wouldn’t choose such a despairing end right now.

He had to protect his little sister. He also had to protect Yuigahama, who was waiting for him to confess his love—a person who promised to be a hero must at least have the courage not to break.

So, now there was only one problem, very simple.

Who among the three should he choose as the target for this task, to become the ideal boyfriend the system spoke of?

Either of the two juniors could work, but he couldn’t read Kanade’s mind. In comparison, Iroha was easier to handle—he felt Iroha had a decent fondness for him. If he seriously pursued her, he might complete this fourth task quickly.

Even if Iroha knew he was a two-timing jerk, Yuu was confident that, just like the three times before, he could make her…

(If I really have thoughts like this, I might never come back.)

As cold as ice, he told himself inwardly, rejecting this shortcut.

Yuu was someone used to overthinking and thinking too far ahead. Precisely because he’d consider the situation ten steps ahead when only the first step emerged, he could never take that first step decisively.

He always tried hard to think and rack his brain for the best solution—he was afraid of making any choice he’d regret, until the most perfect and correct outcome appeared.

The contradiction between rationality and sensitivity was the main reason Yuu was slow to decide.

And now, the system kindly gave him five minutes to think.

To think about who would be the fourth victim.

(Haha, is this what they call freedom? So generous. How about being even more generous and giving me more time?)

Of course, the system didn’t respond. It seemed to revert to its initial mode with only basic functions. Only cold words flashed with translucent light before his eyes.

The five-minute countdown began. Four minutes fifty-nine seconds, fifty-eight seconds…

Watching the time tick by, Yuu suddenly felt helpless and confused.

The system’s tactic was too cruel. Why now, why at this moment, when he needed all his courage just to pursue a normal relationship, did the system force him to make a choice like this?

(What should I do…)

(Who should I choose…)

(Should I just give up…)

(What if I randomly pick someone, tell them about the system, and repeat an endless death loop? That way, I wouldn’t have to choose…)

(No, I might as well just be a jerk. What’s wrong with toying with a girl’s feelings? Those players aren’t punished. Why should I be so hesitant…)

(Big thoughts flooded in. Though Yuu tried to convince himself, they only piled up in his mind with a heavy burden, as if trying to crush him.)

The steaming dish in front of him suddenly blurred.

At that moment, the sound of footsteps came from behind.

Yuu snapped out of it. He just remembered there was someone else in the kitchen besides him.

His friend, and also one of the task choices, Yukino, was behind him.

A vague idea suddenly emerged from the depths of his mind.

As if grasping a lifeline, Yuu tried hard to suppress his instinct to overthink. He gritted his teeth, turned, and called out to Yukino, who was about to leave.

“I want to ask you something.”

Perfect Acting. All his hesitation was hidden the moment he turned.

But seeing her resigned expression, perhaps this attempt to hide only made him look more pathetic.

No matter.

Yuu wanted an answer.

He wanted courage.

He wanted to, like the system, dump the burden of choice onto someone else.

That way, he could keep moving forward.

So, Yuu spoke calmly to the cold, elegant girl in front of him.

“I promised Yui…”

(Sorry, Yukinoshita.)

“I’ll be in a relationship with you, Isshiki, Tachibana, one of you… Or rather, be the ideal boyfriend for one of you.”

(Sorry. This is the most correct way I could think of for myself in such a short time.)

“What do you think, who should I choose?”

(Yukinoshita Yukino, I trust you.)

(Even for an absurd question like this, you can give me an answer, right?)

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Perhaps because she was too shocked.

Confusion filled Yukino’s mind. It made her stare at Yuu with a look of incomprehension. After frowning and pondering for a few seconds, she asked as if to confirm:

“You just said you’re certain you’ll be in a relationship with Yuigahama-san, but you also want to be the ideal boyfriend for one of me, Isshiki-san, or Tachibana-san?”

“Yes.” Yuu nodded.

“You’re not joking?”

“You can tell.”

“Yes, I can tell. Your brain is truly broken.” Yukino confirmed with her usual sarcastic tone.

“Not broken. This is the question I want to ask you.”

Yuu looked at her expectantly.

Though her cold, piercing gaze was frightening and hurt his heart, he still stubbornly and seriously met her eyes.

“Yukinoshita, just give me one answer. Three choices. Who do you think I should choose to cause the least damage?”

“…”

If she were still holding the wooden container, she’d probably have dropped it and the rice on his head—Yukino’s expression was that cold and ruthless.

Her small, translucent white hands, faintly showing her veins, clenched gently at her sides.

“Tenkuji-kun… no, Tenkuji Yuu.”

She took a shallow breath. Her small mouth parted slightly. Her voice was cold and emotionless.

Just as Yuu braced himself to be scolded and mocked thoroughly.

Yukino let out a heavy sigh. Her sharp gaze showed a hint of resigned softness. She spoke softly to him, as if looking at a naughty child rolling in muddy dirt:

“So, this is what you meant back then, the thing you couldn’t control?”

-

Title: I Accept Your Request

“Is that so?”

Yuu didn’t need to answer; just by looking at his expression, Yukino had already reached a conclusion.

Her black hair swayed slightly with the movement of her head. She crossed her arms and sighed resignedly. “Honestly, I can’t imagine what reason would force a man to cheat. Especially when you say it so blatantly like this, even announcing your crime in front of one of the victims… Can’t you explain even a little?”

Yuu snapped out of his thoughts. Before he could fully process the complex emotions in his heart, he answered while spreading his hands. “You think I don’t want to? It’s already good that I can directly state the goal. My difficulties are too many to explain.”

After grasping the system’s restrictions, everything he revealed—whether to Sora, Yui, or Yukino—constantly teetered on the edge of triggering a time loop through death. Yuu couldn’t say more.

Even so, it was better than saying nothing, wearing a suffering expression, carrying everything alone, and leaving those who cared about him perpetually confused.

At least, that’s what Yuu thought.

Of course, honesty had to be selective… For example, Yukinoshita Haruno. Unless she voluntarily asked about things related to the past, Yuu wouldn’t bother explaining anything to her, even though one of them had regained their memories.

What was once left behind isn’t easily reclaimed.

“Goal? Difficulties?”

Propping her chin with her hand, Yukino pondered, showing a thoughtful expression. “From your words, it sounds like someone forced you to make this absurd choice… No, it’s more like someone gave you an unavoidable task.”

“You can’t defy your superior’s orders. You also don’t dare make the decision yourself. That’s why you’re so anxious that you couldn’t help but confide in the perfect me?”

“…”

Stunned, Yuu stared at her as if she were a ghost, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly.

“Yukinoshita, are you a god or a mind-reading Esper?”

(With just this little information, she’s already guessed the truth almost perfectly. Is this person too smart, or does she understand me too well?)

“Just simple deduction. I don’t mind if you call me a god; after all, I am the perfect me.”

Flicking her long hair as if hiding her pride, the smug smile that briefly appeared on her lips was quickly suppressed. Yukino furrowed her brows and looked at him seriously again.

“Then it’s my turn to ask.”

Yuu blinked. “But you haven’t answered…”

“Answer my question first.”

“Everything has an order…”

“Hmm?”

Any objections?—That was her tone.

“…No objections. Go ahead, Yukinoshita-sama the Goddess.”

Under her cold, undeniable gaze, Yuu could only raise both hands helplessly. But for some reason, his heart felt much lighter.

Though the countdown had only a little over a minute left, after talking with her briefly, the suffocating feeling gradually faded. The confused and helpless emotions vanished silently, like snow melting under sunlight.

(…So, I trust her that much, huh?)

He felt like a child whining to his mother. Realizing this, Yuu sighed quietly to himself.

“First…” Her fingers tapped her elbow twice. After choosing her words, Yukino began speaking seriously, as if interrogating. “Have you ever discussed this with anyone else?”

Yuu answered honestly. “Except for my sister, outsiders know about my cheating. As for the three-versus-one choice, I only told you. Maybe I’ll only ever tell you.”

“Mhm. It’s not something you can just say.” Yukino commented flatly, then continued asking, “Your relationship with Yuigahama-san… No, let me rephrase. You’ll be in a relationship with Yuigahama-san while also being the ideal boyfriend for someone else. Have you considered her feelings?”

“If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t be this troubled now.” Yuu shrugged, trying to act nonchalant. “Both she and I made the appropriate resolutions beforehand… That’s also why we haven’t actually started a relationship yet.”

“So, you knew you’d cheat sooner or later and had Yuigahama-san mentally prepare first?”

It was more a confirmation of fact than a question.

Yukino gently pressed her temples and sighed again. “If those words didn’t come from you, I’d sincerely suggest she see a psychiatrist… Either crazy or an irredeemable jerk.”

Yuu raised an eyebrow and smiled. “I didn’t expect you to trust me so much. Truly my friend.”

Yukino showed a faint smile too. “Yeah, my fault for knowing that advising you is completely useless. I’m someone who firmly gives up when the time comes. I won’t do pointless things like that.”

“Hehe. You’re indeed smart.”

“Next… Since you can’t explain the reason, my final question is this.” Muttering softly, Yukino erased the smile from her face. Her cold, calm gaze locked onto Yuu’s eyes.

“Why did you tell me?”

(Forget how much courage it took to say something like this. With his IQ, he can’t possibly not know that choosing to be honest will only make his task more complicated and harder to complete.)

(Ideal boyfriend?)

(What ideal boyfriend would blatantly say they’ll cheat? Isn’t saying it just asking for trouble?)

Though this contradiction suited Yuu’s troublesome personality, Yukino still wanted to know—What was the real reason this guy chose to be honest with her?

“…”

This seemed to be a question that required thought. Yuu fell silent for a few seconds before speaking slowly.

“There are many reasons, but maybe none are what you want to hear.”

In the kitchen, where the air flowed calmly, they looked at each other. Their expressions were natural, no longer pretending.

“I can’t lie to Yukinoshita.”

“Can’t, or won’t?”

“Same thing.”

“Why?”

“I won’t tell you.”

“You like me?”

“I like you from a human-to-human perspective. But as a man and woman, forget it.”

“Heh. The guy who was just sneaking glances dares to say that.”

“Hey, buddy, can we get back to serious business?”

“The serious business is that you haven’t said what I want to hear.”

Her expression suddenly turned tense and serious. Yukino stepped forward, standing in front of Yuu.

The distance between them suddenly shrank to an intimate closeness. Yuu could smell her scent. Even with so many dishes on the table, the unique, fresh, sweet fragrance of the girl still pierced his nose.

Tilting her small, pale, and flushed face upward, Yukino parted her cherry lips slightly and asked, word by word:

“Tenkuji-kun, what do you want me to answer? Tell me the truth.”

“…”

Yuu held his breath, as if choking.

Though he was just standing there, he felt cornered against a wall, with no room to retreat or dodge.

Just as he couldn’t lie to Yukino, Yukino wouldn’t let him lie to himself.

“Alright…”

With no intention of resisting, Yuu closed his eyes as if surrendering.

The remaining seconds, less than ten, vanished from his sight. His vision went dark.

Even so, her presence remained vivid. Yukino was like a cold snowflake, leaving residual warmth in his palm.

Sighing, expelling all the air from his lungs, Yuu spoke slowly:

“Can I ask you, Yukinoshita?”

For the first time, Yuu stopped pretending to be strong. He surrendered the weakness in his heart.

If he couldn’t choose, let someone else choose—But such a sneaky, cowardly method wouldn’t be forgiven by anyone.

“Forgetting any favors owed to you for now, I won’t stand by if my friend is in trouble.”

Without the slightest hesitation, Yukino spoke as if it were only natural.

Then, her cold, soft fingers touched his forehead, gently smoothing out the creases there.

Her voice seemed to laugh and sigh at the same time.

“So, Tenkuji-kun—I accept your request.”

“Whatever the cost, I’ll save you from that expression.”

[Time Remaining: 0:01]

[Target Confirmed: Yukinoshita Yukino.]

[Instructions: Task Activated]

[Become Yukinoshita Yukino’s ideal boyfriend. Rewards will be given based on the Host’s performance.]

[Task End Time: Unknown]

[Task Hint: Yukinoshita Haruno’s memories have been restored. This character may affect the task’s progress. Please proceed with caution, Host!]

-

Title: A Relationship Plummeting Toward the Abyss

“Whatever the cost?”

Yuu opened his eyes. Before he could recover from his shock, he instinctively repeated the phrase.

For heaven’s sake, he was just stunned by the girl’s resolute determination and wasn’t thinking anything else.

But Yukino froze for a moment, then quickly stepped back, clutching her chest. She bit her lip and glared at him angrily.

Her flushed cheeks clearly misunderstood something.

“Even at a time like this, you can still have perverted thoughts, Tenkuji-kun, you really—”

“Wait, this scene has happened before!”

Without letting her finish, Yuu hurriedly raised his hand to stop her. He defended himself with a sincere expression. “You remember, right? I said I’m not interested in your body at all. I don’t have any dirty thoughts about you! So don’t suddenly come up with perverted ideas yourself!”

Yes, he knew this truth shouldn’t be spoken, but he did it instinctively anyway.

The urge to tease Yukino might already be etched into his DNA.

Of course, hearing this, Yukino’s anger flared even more.

Recalling what happened when they first met and glancing down at her not-so-curvy chest, her face alternated between red and pale. A cold fire also blazed in her eyes.

The temperature in the kitchen dropped drastically. Then, her sharp, icy gaze locked onto the knife rack behind him. A fleeting glint of intent passed through.

“Hehe…”

(Damn! She’s laughing because she’s too angry.)

Yuu sensed trouble. His demeanor instantly turned serious. Just as he cleared his throat and was about to say something to calm her, the kitchen door slowly opened.

“Yuu-kun, Yukinon?”

Yuigahama poked her head in from behind the door. She looked at both of them, blinking in confusion, then asked hesitantly, “The food’s ready, right? Do we need to help carry the plates? Everyone’s kinda hungry…”

Her shoulders suddenly trembled. Her reflexive voice was slightly shrill.

“I-It’s ready!”

As if doused with a bucket of cold water, Yukino’s anger instantly subsided. She tried hard to maintain her composure.

Standing right in front of her, Yuu could see clearly.

When Yuigahama’s voice rang out, Yukino’s expression briefly became very interesting. It was mixed with complex emotions like stiffness, panic, guilt, confusion, hesitation, and more. Her small face also visibly flushed several times.

“Yukinon? What’s wrong?”

The perceptive Yui didn’t miss this odd reaction. With a confused and worried expression, she opened the kitchen door and stepped inside.

“Nothing…” Yukino quickly adjusted her mindset. She brushed past Yuu as if nothing had happened, reaching for the wooden rice container she’d set down earlier.

As they passed each other, Yuu’s lips moved slightly. He controlled his voice, slipping it quietly into her ear.

“I chose you… Let’s find a time to tell Yui about this. I can’t hide it from her.”

“…”

Yukino took a deep breath. She didn’t speak, only nodding faintly, almost imperceptibly—after this, they not only had to find time to reveal everything to Yuigahama but also discuss what this Ideal Boyfriend Task actually entailed.

Only with more information could she fulfill her promise.

As she picked up the rice container and turned, aside from her face still flushed as if freshly baked, Yukino’s expression had returned to calm. She was just a bit afraid to meet Yuigahama’s eyes.

“There’s a lot of stuff. Let everyone come in to help carry it.”

“Eh? Oh, got it…”

Yuigahama’s gaze followed Yukino’s figure to the door. Even after she left the kitchen, Yui stood rooted in place, her brow furrowed in confusion. She looked at Yuu, who was also picking up two plates of dishes from the counter.

“Yuu-kun, Yukinon, she…?”

“Why’s her face so red, right?”

Yuu took her words with a natural expression, admitting honestly, “I just teased her with a few words. Mostly because she got mad.”

“I see.” Hearing it was something that often happened, Yuigahama immediately felt relieved, dispelling the slight, inexplicable unease in her heart.

She smiled brightly. Her eyes were filled with unchanged trust and reliance on him. She jogged to the counter, picking up two plates of dishes as well.

“Hmm~ It smells so good! Really, food made by Yuu-kun and Yukinon together makes my mouth water just from the aroma!”

Yuu smiled. “Wanna eat? I’ll cook for you every day.”

“Can I?!… No, forget it!”

Shaking her head firmly, Yuigahama stood beside him. She walked to the door with him, her tone resolute and full of conviction.

“I’ll improve my skills soon. Then, one day, I’ll make a delicious bento that Yuu-kun will want to eat for life!”

Their shoulders brushed. As their warmth mingled, Yuu also said softly:

“Alright, I’ll look forward to it for life.”

“Hehehe~”

Though she was the one who said it first, Yuigahama ended up getting shy herself. She giggled foolishly, floating in her joy.

A smile unconsciously curved Yuu’s lips. He turned his gaze away from her, only to meet Yukino’s eyes as she looked back.

Not far away, they held each other’s reflections in their eyes.

(Did she hear what I said, or did she guess it just by looking?)

(Her expression is different from before. Complex and hard to describe.)

With his shoulder leaning against Yuigahama’s and his eyes on Yukino, Yuu’s steps suddenly halted. He felt something—

The relationship between the three of them, perhaps starting now, was plummeting straight toward an irredeemable abyss.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

At this moment, elites gathered, and executives filled the venue.

In the middle of the day, people in suits and elegant dresses chatted, the atmosphere harmonious and warm.

Soft classical music played in the luxurious hall. A long dining table neatly divided the large space, covered with various drinks and foods. Lavish, rich, and delicious dishes were available for anyone to take, as if free.

Taking a glass of champagne from a waiter’s tray, Haruno sipped it slowly while searching for that strikingly conspicuous figure.

Most of the older folks had found suitable business partners. Now was the time for the juniors to interact freely—called networking, but really, it was a matchmaking event. No one came just to make friends.

For her, it was indeed like that.

Temptations were everywhere. Everywhere, she could encounter flirtations. If not for fear of being unable to explain when her mother asked, Haruno would’ve brought her boyfriend out to shoo away those flies.

“Yes, Haruno-san…”

“Sorry~ I’m busy right now~”

Passing a gentle young nobleman, not wasting time on unnecessary people, Haruno circled the banquet hall. Finally, she found a silver-haired girl with a gloomy aura in a corner.

She seemed to have rejected many people already. At the moment, her surroundings were empty. No shameless flies buzzed around to bother her.

Expressionlessly, she nibbled on a small apple carved into a bunny shape, bit by bit. When Haruno approached, Masuzu set down her fork and plate, bowing slightly to her with elegance and softness.

“Good afternoon, Yukinoshita-san. Thank you for your care the other day.”

“They’re the ones who took care of you. I didn’t do anything.”

Haruno waved her hand casually. She closely observed the overly artificial faint smile on her face and the polite, emotionless distance.

As if thinking of something amusing, the eldest daughter of the Yukinoshita family couldn’t hold back a laugh from deep within.

“Pffthahahaha…”

“Eh, sorry?”

Frowning at her smile, Masuzu tilted her head slightly in confusion, her eyes signaling, Where did this mental patient come from?

Haruno didn’t care. She quickly stopped laughing, letting out a relieved sigh as if pleased. Her fingertips gently swirled the pale purple champagne in her glass.

“Sorry, do you think I’m weird?”

“Quite weird.”

Masuzu nodded honestly, returning to her seat in the corner. Her demeanor suggested she didn’t want to talk much.

Haruno ignored it. Resting her arm on her curvy chest, the rim of her glass lightly touched her flushed lips. Her captivating eyes narrowed slightly.

“Weird is fine. The important thing is… Whether it’s just my imagination or not, I feel like I have a lot in common with you.”

She raised the corner of her lips in a faint smile, looking at the surprised Masuzu. A meaningful glint flashed in her deep eyes.

“The gem of the Natsukawa family… no, Masuzu-chan~”

“Want to consult about life with your Onee-san?”

-

Title: Haruno’s Information Tactics

“Consult about life?”

Masuzu muttered softly, then shook her head disinterestedly. “Sorry, I’m feeling a bit unwell. Could you leave me alone for a bit?”

“Oh, don’t be so quick to refuse~”

Sitting casually beside her, Haruno crossed her long, fair, and shapely legs beneath her dress, swaying them comfortably. “Your father… Natsukawa Ryouji brought you here, probably wanting you to mingle more with high-society peers and show you off as his added value.”

Masuzu’s apple-eating paused. She stared at her, blinking. “How did you know…”

Haruno waved her hand nonchalantly. “Oh, middle-aged folks always play the same old tricks. Especially beautiful girls from prominent families—about ninety percent will have similar experiences.”

After saying that, Haruno abruptly changed the topic. “By the way, didn’t you lose your sense of taste? Seeing you eat an apple here, has it recovered?”

“Not yet. The doctor said it’s stress-related taste disorder, possibly caused by psychological pressure, and it’s not easy to cure.”

Looking at the half-eaten apple bunny on her plate, Masuzu answered with a calm expression. “Right now, I’m just eating to keep myself busy. Though I don’t know if it’s sweet or not, the texture is crisp and juicy, so at least I can feel a bit of a normal eating sensation.”

“Oh~ I see. I’ll have one.”

Ignoring Masuzu’s confused expression, Haruno unhesitatingly took a piece of apple from her plate, chewed, and swallowed it, then nodded enthusiastically.

“Sweet! Such a pity you can’t taste it.”

“I don’t care…”

“Then, is the reason your sense of taste suddenly vanished also unimportant?”

“Of course not. I’ve already been—”

Instinctively answering along with her words, Masuzu suddenly realized her mistake as the words left her mouth. She sat up straight, as if facing an enemy, and stared at her coldly.

“You’re fishing for information from me?”

“I don’t know whether to call you sensitive or smart for catching on so quickly.”

Haruno sighed regretfully. She spread her hands, like a bandit discarding her weapon, and said with an innocent face, “Fishing for information, you say. You’re my little sister’s classmate. I wouldn’t do that! This is just casual chat, you know. Chat.”

Without waiting for Masuzu’s response, Haruno suddenly leaned forward, closing in with a smile.

As if compressing her opponent’s thinking space until they couldn’t breathe, from an extremely close distance, Haruno whispered to Masuzu, “Later, I can help you deal with your father. I’ll ask him not to drag you around introducing you to those ‘promising young men’… You know, those people love matchmaking their kids too.”

“…”

It was like a devil’s whisper echoing in her ears. It also felt like being watched by the cold eyes of a snake.

Masuzu sat stiffly in place, like a statue. She remained silent, not answering.

Haruno gazed deeply into her eyes, as if searching for the beauty that once existed in those dull sapphires. She didn’t miss even the slightest change in expression, firmly dominating the atmosphere and rhythm of the conversation.

The prey had been hooked—next was the time to break down her psychological defenses.

The corner of her lips curled slightly into a mature, languid smile. Haruno put an arm around her shoulders in a friendly manner, her tone soft and cheerful. “Don’t be too wary. I really just want to chat with you… Oh, how about this!”

“An information exchange. We’ll talk about things we’re both interested in. I’ll go first, how about that?”

Unaccustomed to such an intimate gesture, Masuzu quickly pulled away after calming down, her eyes flaring with vigilance.

“I don’t have anything interesting…”

“Mhm. He’s not a thing.” Haruno nodded in agreement, a pleased smile unconsciously appearing on her face. “You must want to know about Tenkuji Yuu.”

“!” As if her deepest secret had been pierced, Masuzu’s eyes widened in shock. Her fingers trembled slightly. She stared at the mature woman before her, speechless.

Her deeply shaken appearance finally made her seem a bit like a normal human, no longer a soulless doll.

“Got it right~”

Though it was just a trivial guess, coming from Haruno’s mouth, it felt like an established fact. She wove a web, waiting for her prey to fall.

Lying wasn’t just about words but also demeanor, confidence, even movements and expressions—fortunately, she was always lucky. Her lies were rarely caught.

“Masuzu-chan, I’ll tell you about Tenkuji Yuu. At the same time, I’ll help you get rid of those annoying parents… In exchange, you need to answer my questions.” In a familiar, casual tone like a friendly older sister next door, Haruno winked cutely and laughed heartily. “It’s a decent deal. Two for one—I’m actually the one losing out.”

“…”

After a moment of silence, Masuzu sighed as if giving up, whispering while looking at the glossy marble floor. “What do you want to know? I’ve said before, I don’t know anything about how your sister is at school. I’ve never even paid attention to her.”

Haruno shrugged. “That one? I have spies at school watching her. I don’t need to ask you specifically.”

“…Alright.”

Masuzu thought, The Yukinoshita family really has personality issues—planting spies in high school to monitor her sister, that’s beyond overprotective… No, that’s straight-up stalking.

“Then I’ll start. Exclusive! Info on Tenkuji Yuu!”

Clenching her hand in front of her mouth like a microphone, Haruno announced seriously.

Masuzu nodded, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. She unconsciously sat up straighter.

Her hand reached into her clothes, searching for a notebook but finding none. She placed it back in her lap as if nothing happened.

Haruno pondered. “First, hmm… Let’s skip his all-around excellence and brilliance. Straight to the sensational stuff!”

“Sensational?”

His size? Or duration?

Unfortunately, what she was about to say was completely different from what crossed Masuzu’s mind.

“Right! Though the credibility isn’t high, the person said it with convincing evidence, so I had to believe this information…”

Haruno lowered her tone, speaking as if telling a horror story, whispering coldly. “She was Tenkuji Yuu’s girlfriend a few months ago. Rumor has it, the day after she broke up with him, she suddenly lost her memory. She forgot everything about their relationship.”

“Lost her memory?”

Masuzu couldn’t hold her breath. She stared at Haruno with a serious expression, as if trying to recall some vague fragments in her memory.

“Right. Like an urban legend. The thing is, when she regained her memories for some reason, she realized no one remembered the days she dated him… The whole world became unreal!”

Lowering her voice, Haruno narrated, her icy eyes not missing even the tiniest change in Masuzu’s expression.

The induction was complete. After being hooked and caught, it was time to dissect.

This was the only information she’d give—what she’d gain afterward would surely deepen her understanding of the secret.

Whether this was a profitable deal depended on what answers Masuzu could provide.

If her observations and instincts weren’t wrong…

A dangerous glint flashed in her eyes. The corner of her lips curled into a crescent-like arc.

(My dear Yuu-chan, even if you have your difficulties, that’s no excuse for you to be a playboy…)

-

Title: Conversation at the Dining Table

The Tenkuji household.

A variety of colorful, aromatic, and flavorful dishes adorned the table. A family gathered harmoniously around the dining table… Wait, this wasn’t a family.

Yukino, Yuigahama, Iroha, and Kanade, the four beautiful girls, sat in pairs. The tableware was ready. Only Yuu, the core family member, hadn’t come down yet.

“You guys start eating. I’ll head upstairs for a bit.”

After taking off his apron, Yuu prepared to go upstairs to check on Sora’s plans.

Would Sora eat with everyone downstairs, or should he make a separate meal set for her and bring it upstairs? Yuu wasn’t sure what his little sister preferred.

Though earlier that morning, while cooking, Sora had peeked in from outside the door several times, as if monitoring whether her big brother was getting cozy with another girl.

However, when Yuu asked her to join in the living room to knead dough, Sora fled back upstairs without a word, as if terrified of meeting so many outsiders.

(I should’ve asked Sora’s opinion before lunch.)

Lost in thought, Yuu heard Yukino’s cold voice.

“We’ll wait for you to come back before starting. How could guests eat first while the host is away?”

Saying this, her gaze swept around the room.

Iroha and Yuigahama nodded in agreement. Meanwhile, Kanade quietly pulled back her small hand that had reached toward the Mapo Tofu. She sat in her chair with a calm and obedient expression.

Suddenly, Yukino felt like a kindergarten teacher directing children.

“Alright, I’ll be back quick.”

Yuu smiled at her and swiftly walked out of the living room.

After he left, the atmosphere at the dining table fell into a brief silence for some reason.

No one moved. Only the white steam slowly rising from the fragrant dishes tempted everyone’s appetites.

Iroha secretly swallowed. To divert attention and lighten the inexplicably heavy mood, she laughed and spoke as if nothing was wrong.

“Um, which dishes were made by Senpai, and which by Yukinoshita-senpai? They all look so delicious.”

“I washed the dishes; he cooked.” Yukino didn’t notice the odd atmosphere. She shifted her gaze from the bookshelf in the living room and answered naturally. “Honestly, he was enough on his own. I went to help just as a garnish.”

Iroha hurriedly waved her hands. “No, no, no. More than just a garnish! Yukinoshita-senpai looked so beautiful in an apron and ponytail. It’s totally the wise wife vibe. Senpai must’ve been staring at you the whole time while cooking!”

Yukino blinked, unsure what she was thinking. Her small face quietly flushed. She twirled the end of her ponytail with her fingers, her gaze shifting away guiltily.

“…Thanks for the compliment.”

Yuigahama looked at her expression curiously.

Iroha didn’t think too deeply. Taking advantage of Yuu’s absence, she continued enthusiastically. “I know! Maybe that’s why he let you into the kitchen to help! Yukinoshita-senpai, Senpai didn’t try to grope you under the pretense of cooking, right? If he did, we’ll gang up on him later!”

Since the relationship among the three Service Club members had mended, and Senpai couldn’t possibly be a real pervert, Iroha joked without hesitation, trying to warm up the atmosphere by targeting someone absent.

But she didn’t expect Yukino to frown, speaking with some deliberation. “Gang up, forget it. He didn’t act out intentionally. He just accidentally touched me a few times while cooking. And when grabbing something from the upper cabinet, from behind me…”

Yuigahama: “?”

Iroha: “!?”

Yukino: “…No, pretend I didn’t say anything. In short, he didn’t harass me under the guise of cooking. I hope you don’t misunderstand.”

She was met with wide-eyed, shocked stares from both. Though she tried hard to keep a straight face and stay calm, her beautifully shaped ears still turned a bright, shy red. Her heartbeat nearly leaped out of her chest.

Yukino didn’t know what was wrong with her. Since leaving the kitchen and facing Yuigahama, her thoughts had been chaotic and hard to manage. She only realized something was off after the words slipped out. She couldn’t stay as calm and relaxed as usual.

All that filled her mind was him, herself, Yuigahama, and how the three of them would interact in the future.

“I won’t misunderstand… Though I might need to question him properly later.”

Muttering under her breath, Yuigahama decided to shift the conflict to spare Yukino further embarrassment. “Honestly, didn’t Iroha-chan also have her hands touched by Yuu-kun a few times while kneading dough?”

“Eh?” Slightly startled, Iroha hurriedly defended herself, her face also flushing slightly. “T-That was just normal business contact. It doesn’t count! Yuigahama-senpai, you’re so sneaky!”

“Ehehe~” Squinting her eyes like crescents, Yuigahama laughed slyly. “Whose fault is it that Iroha-chan called Yuu-kun a pervert who gropes girls! Even if he did grope, he’s already groped all three of us once.”

“Yuigahama-san, please watch your words.” Yukino massaged her forehead helplessly. But for some reason, she felt relieved.

As the topic drifted away from Yuu, the three began chatting and bantering. For a moment, the living room’s atmosphere became harmonious. The peaceful camaraderie among the girls seemed to shield against the cold wind outside the window.

Though separated from them and with little chance to join in, Kanade didn’t mind too much. She just stared intently at the cooling Mapo Tofu with her pale golden eyes, praying silently.

(Yuu-senpai, hurry back.)

(Mapo Tofu is best eaten hot.)

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Not long after, Yuu entered the living room, bringing a small silver-haired girl in a white dress.

Her slender limbs were as pale as ivory chopsticks. Her youthful face showed no expression, and her eyes were cold, as if rejecting everyone. Yet her fingers clung to the hem of his clothes, as if whining and unwilling to let go.

“Hmm… Seems like only Isshiki hasn’t met Sora.”

Walking to the dining table with his sister, Yuu introduced her. “This is my little sister, Kasugano Sora.”

“Nice to meet you.” Sora said flatly, her eyes not looking at them at all.

“Oh, nice to meet you…” Iroha’s cheerful, relaxed expression faded. She nodded a bit nervously, a polite smile just forming on her lips when she suddenly widened her eyes in shock. “Wait, you mean only I… Kanade-chan has already met Imouto-san? When?!”

“At the hospital during treatment.” Kanade answered concisely, sitting like a statue in her seat. Yet her entire body radiated eager, impatient anticipation.

Her eyes never left the red-and-white dish.

“Sora-chan, long time no see~” Yuigahama smiled and waved.

Sora, rarely shifting her gaze, nodded slightly.

Then she looked at Yukino, who seemed more nervous than Iroha but was trying hard to stay calm.

“Kasugano-san, hello. About this morning…”

Before she could finish, Sora cut her off, her tone cold. “You mean about you wanting to ‘hug my family’? I don’t care. Yuu already agreed anyway. If you want to hug, go ahead.”

After that remark, an awkward silence descended on the dining table again.

Yuigahama and Iroha looked back and forth between Yukino and the Tenkuji siblings. They were too shocked to know what to say.

Yuu rolled his eyes helplessly. Yukino froze for a moment, then her face flushed. She hurriedly tried to explain again.

At that moment, like thunder striking, a loud stomach growl echoed from the corner of the table.

*GRUUUK—*

“…”

Under everyone’s stunned and astonished gazes, Kanade lowered her head, clutching her stomach. Her silver hair covered half her small face. The usually calm and serene girl showed a rare embarrassed and awkward expression.

In a soft, feather-light voice, she explained in a barely audible whisper:

“Sorry… This is my first time having Mapo Tofu right in front of me and not being able to eat it. I didn’t mean to rush you all to eat. Please don’t mind me.”

Hearing this, Yuu quickly pulled Sora to sit in the two remaining empty chairs. He waved his hand and announced like the head of the family:

“Alright, let’s talk about everything after eating. Now—”

“Let’s eat~”