Yuu 381-385

Title: You Really Have Bad Intentions!

Yuu set down his bento box and took his usual seat across the long table from her.

“President, for someone who’s once again successfully completed a request for the Service Club, do you have any kind words to share?”

Slowly, Yukino picked up some rice with her chopsticks, chewing gracefully with her small mouth. After swallowing, her slender, pale neck moved slightly, and she said calmly:

“Thank you for your hard work. You did well.”

“That’s it?”

Yuu opened his bento box, only then realizing he’d accidentally cooked too much.

A good habit formed over time would take longer to forget—but no matter, with the skills granted by the system, he could finish any amount.

“What else should there be?” Her beautiful, delicate eyelashes trembled softly. Yukino’s cool blue eyes glanced over, the corners of her mouth curling up as if mocking him. “What, do you want me to pat your head like you would a cat that successfully used the litter box?”

“Don’t cats usually get scratched under the chin?”

Yukino set down her chopsticks, lowered her head, and apologized sincerely: “Sorry, if it’s you, I physically can’t do it.”

“So patting my head is fine? Your tastes are pretty weird.”

Facing her sharp gaze, Yuu couldn’t hold back a joyful laugh. He thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere of their seemingly tense but actually casual banter.

In this regard, Yukino was truly a special presence for him—not related to being an ex-girlfriend, purely because interacting with her made him feel increasingly at ease.

The more he got to know her, the more he wanted to be good friends with her, not enemies who despised each other.

…Though not exactly friends, occasionally teasing her like a cat was quite fun too.

As for what Yukino thought of him, Yuu didn’t care too much—if she genuinely disliked chatting with him, this girl who valued truth and honesty would say so outright. Then, he’d just need to adjust his approach.

No need to guess her pretenses, no need to correct her deviations…

Similar yet different from Yuigahama, though they hadn’t known each other long, Yuu felt an inexplicable familiarity with her, as if they were on the same level, seeing eye to eye.

“Yukinoshita.” While eating, Yuu suddenly asked, “Want to come see my cat?”

“…Cat?” Her eating paused mid-motion, as if a pair of cat ears had popped up and twitched on her head. Yukino looked up and stared at him seriously. “Are you serious?”

She remembered Yuu once arrogantly telling her he had a gray tabby kitten that was not only cute but also smart, able to understand human speech.

She didn’t understand what it meant for its CV to be Ayako Kawasumi, and Yukino wasn’t interested—after all, it was his cat, not hers.

“Just looking at a cat, why so serious?”

It was just a spontaneous suggestion, and Yuu didn’t understand why she showed such a tense expression.

Yukino pursed her lips, placed her chopsticks neatly on her bento box, and said softly, “I’ve seen news reports about plenty of scummy guys using the excuse of showing off pets to trick girls into coming to their homes for nefarious purposes.”

Yuu ate casually. “You think I’m that kind of guy?”

“…Let’s not talk about personality. In terms of morals, you’re still trustworthy.” Unwilling to lie, Yukino, who had slept in the same hotel as him for several nights and traveled to Kyoto together, declared as much, her attitude seemingly softening.

“So, you’re just shy about coming to my place to see the cat.”

Yuu sharply pierced through her thoughts.

Yukino’s ears turned slightly red. She cleared her throat and calmly shifted her gaze out the window.

“Just tell me when.”

Being unable to lie had its downsides—she had to fight her embarrassment and could only accept the humiliation of feeling exposed.

Yuu smiled, not continuing to tease her, and placed his phone on the table.

“Though my original intention was just to show you a photo, not to bring you to my place to play with the cat… If you want to come, you can drop by anytime this weekend. I’ll brew tea with no drugs in it for you.”

“…Sorry for misunderstanding. Unfortunately, I don’t really want to go.”

Clenching her small fist on her knee, Yukino took a deep breath. Realizing her mistake, she didn’t retort but shifted her gaze to the phone, her cool eyes unable to hide a glimmer of anticipation.

She set down her bento box and reached toward Yuu with a perfectly natural expression. “Remember to unlock it first.”

With a raised eyebrow, Yuu smiled.

“Here.”

“…What?”

“If you want to see.” Yuu unlocked the screen, opened an album full of cat photos, and waved the phone in the air toward her, his tone casual, “sit next to me and look, or forget it.”

With Yukino’s excellent eyesight, she could certainly see the cute gray tabby kitten on the screen waving at her.

Her fair, delicate face flushed with a faint red. Whether from embarrassment or anger, she gritted her teeth slightly, glaring at Yuu.

“Now I’m starting to suspect you really are planning something with me.”

In a classroom with just the two of them, calling her to his side so forcefully was clearly a sign of intending something improper.

Yet, despite her words, there wasn’t the slightest hint of fear or even caution in Yukino’s heart—though when they first met, she nearly called the police just because he got close, especially after such a threatening move. It was only natural she’d be extra cautious alone with him.

Was this Stockholm syndrome?

No, she had simply come to truly know this person, who completely lacked the courage to act on any bad intentions.

“Come or don’t, I’m not forcing you to look.” Yuu shrugged, set down his phone, and continued eating.

To his surprise, without much hesitation, Yukino, with an expression as if she were making a sacrifice, brought her chair and bento box and sat carefully about a meter beside him.

The scent—whether from shampoo or detergent—flooded his nose with all the beauty winter should have, leaving him momentarily stunned.

(This girl smells really nice?)

Yuu unconsciously took a deep breath, only to see the beautiful, long-haired girl immediately cross her arms, glaring at him with embarrassment and anger, her upper body leaning away from him.

“You pervert! You really have bad intentions!”

“…You’re overthinking it. Just look.”

Too lazy to explain, Yuu gestured to the phone with his eyes and continued eating calmly.

He had no intention of doing anything to Yukino. His earlier reaction was just a male instinct—he always saw her as a friend.

…Maybe there was also a hint of a hesitant kitten being called over lingering in his impression of her.

“I hope you don’t do anything to reduce my trust in you again.”

Squinting at his profile, she spoke coldly. Then, Yukino let out a soft sigh, relaxed her guarded posture, and picked up the phone on the table with her slender, fair hand, as if she couldn’t wait any longer.

Soon after, soft exclamations came from her, occasionally accompanied by the sound of excited footsteps on the floor.

-

Title: The Type You Like, Is It Someone More Mature?

“So cute! What kind of cat is this…?”

“This pose is great too, I want to pet it…”

“It can shake hands? And open doors by itself? So smart…”

Her clear, cool voice, rarely so soft and sweet, sounded as if a snow maiden had finally turned human, as if winter had melted into spring.

Beside her, Yuu, who had finished his unusually delicious bento, leaned lazily in his chair, starting to close his eyes and rest.

The album he opened was specifically for cat photos, so he wasn’t worried about Yukino finding anything strange—but even if she did, it wouldn’t matter. At most, she’d see the six-pack abs photos he took to show off. No embarrassing personal pictures.

Just casually listening to her affectionate exclamations and recalling her usual cold, serious demeanor, Yuu couldn’t help but chuckle.

“…”

Perhaps deciding to ignore him, Yukino didn’t get upset about it.

But every time his laughter rang out, a foot would sneakily kick his shin under the table, then retract as if nothing had happened.

The midday sunlight slipped through the window, gently brushing over their hair—one short, one long.

Their shadows in the classroom were spaced as far apart as their chairs, but for once, they leaned together in a rare moment of closeness.

“Haaah…”

Time moved slowly, as if every detail was magnified. Even her satisfied sigh felt stretched, leaving a deep impression in his mind.

Yet it also felt like the blink of an eye. In an instant, Yukino returned the phone to him.

“Thanks.”

“Done already?” Yuu teased. The phone case still felt warm from her palm.

“Hmph. It’s a pity the cat has an owner like you.” Though her words were mocking, Yukino said them without hostility, her slightly flushed face and relaxed expression sounding more like a playful pout.

“Has it been vaccinated? What food does it eat? Judging by its age, it seems like a kitten. How do you usually train it?”

“Why do you care so much?”

Yukino looked displeased. “…At least tell me the cat’s name.”

“Yukinon.”

After Yuu answered, seeing her predictably shocked expression, he quickly explained, “Don’t misunderstand, I adopted this cat from the animal hospital before the semester started. I didn’t have any impression of you back then.”

“…Good, then.”

After all, a classmate’s cat having a name similar to hers could easily lead to inappropriate assumptions.

Though she believed his explanation inwardly, Yukino’s brows remained furrowed, and she kept staring at him thoughtfully.

She could tell Yuu wasn’t lying, but his roundabout way of speaking seemed to deliberately avoid some key point, not directly answering her question…

“By the way, I haven’t thanked you yet.”

The comment diverted her attention, and Yukino looked at him in confusion.

“Thanked me for what?”

Yuu glanced at her, his gaze returning to his phone, and said casually:

“Thanks for your concern yesterday. I’m doing much better now.”

“Yesterday…?”

Yukino blinked in surprise, her cherry-blossom lips parting slightly. Before speaking, she held back a laugh and pursed her lips into a beautiful curve.

“For something like that, I can see it myself. No need to mention it specifically.”

Turning her face away calmly, Yukino brushed her long hair, sighing as if exasperated. “Looking after subordinates is the president’s responsibility. If you’re truly grateful, show me a bit more respect than usual.”

“Yeah, right.” Glancing at the back of her ear through her hair, Yuu laughed too. “Wait until you beat me in the mock exam, then I’ll consider adding some honorifics for you.”

“Oh? Pretty bold for someone who was still mid-tier in the class rankings before summer break.” With a faint smile, Yukino turned her head, her tone as pleasant as her demeanor. “How about if we both get perfect scores, it counts as my win?”

“Sure, I can just secretly ask the teacher to add some off-curriculum questions. Unless you’re omniscient and omnipotent, I’ll definitely win.”

Yukino paused, then rolled her eyes at Yuu, who was laughing smugly. Her fingers gently tucked the hair by her face behind her ear.

“When it comes to shamelessness, no matter how hard I try, I really can’t beat you.”

“If you’re giving up, then it’s my turn to make a request, right? After all, wins and losses need balanced stakes.”

“Lunch break is almost over. Hurry up and go.” Ignoring his teasing, Yukino packed up her half-eaten bento—left unfinished due to looking at photos—and carried her chair back to the window. The tips of her black hair left a lingering fragrance.

Yuu also packed his empty bento box, waiting for her to finish tidying so they could leave together.

“Does Yuigahama-san have plans today?”

“Asking now, isn’t that a bit late?” Yuu watched her lock the clubroom door. “She went to eat with her friends. Unlike a certain someone, she’s very close with the girls around her.”

“You think I’d be jealous?” Yukino scoffed, her tone disdainful. “If I had to socialize with people who only know how to gossip and compete, I’d rather be with you…”

She suddenly stopped speaking.

Quickening her pace, her skirt fluttered as she walked ahead.

Yuu didn’t press further. He wasn’t the type of guy to bother a girl. Chasing and teasing someone over an accidental slip of the tongue was too tactless.

He just walked behind her, watching the beautiful area between her long black stockings and white thighs, smiling contentedly.

“…Your gaze is a bit perverted.”

Yukino suddenly stopped, waiting unhappily until he walked ahead of her before continuing.

“Just admiring something beautiful. I already said you’re not my type.” Yuu spoke casually, hands propped behind his head, with no intention of defending himself.

“Or, what, you think you’re not pretty?”

“Don’t think that tactic works on every girl.” Yukino sneered, lifting her chin slightly, tossing her black hair with bold confidence. “My beauty is something everyone knows, but that doesn’t mean I’m willing to let you admire me like some lifeless work of art.”

“Oh, really? My bad, then.”

“Apologizing proactively is good behavior. I’ll praise you for that.” After saying that haughtily, Yukino hesitated for a moment, silent for a few seconds, then spoke as if it were hard to say:

“Just asking casually, the type you like… is it someone more mature?”

“…”

The question itself wasn’t surprising, but the fact that it came from Yukino made Yuu so shocked he unconsciously stopped walking.

His nose nearly bumped into her back. The girl quickly stepped back, looking at him with a calm, expressionless face, while he stared at her with a strange expression.

“What’s that about?”

“…Are you asking for yourself, or is someone else curious?”

-

Title: Yuu’s Confusion

The feigned calm expression softened, and Yukino blinked in surprise.

Realizing what had confused her, Yuu covered his face with one hand, sighed, and explained, “If you liked me, you wouldn’t ask in such a way… And if you didn’t like me, you wouldn’t even bother asking.”

Yukino stared at him. After a moment of being stunned, she smiled with closed lips, feeling helpless but also acknowledging his point.

“Being analyzed so thoroughly like this feels as annoying as dealing with that person.”

“So, Haru… your older sister asked you to ask?” Yuu frowned slightly.

Without Masuzu’s influence, had Haruno, who should have given up at Shimogamo Shrine, started pursuing him again?

Regardless of whether she had her memories or not, her feelings were so strong and persistent…

Meanwhile, Yuu, whose feelings had been stripped away, only found it troublesome.

(Hey, is it really just troublesome?)

Though he thought so, a voice suddenly emerged in his heart.

Yuu unconsciously questioned himself—was there really not even a hint of happiness, relief, or gratitude that he hadn’t been completely abandoned by his past?

If Haruno regained her memories due to this persistence, even though Yuu had lost his feelings for her, could he truly remain indifferent and refuse to return to her?

At that moment, how would he face the system’s tasks?

How would he face the girl who wanted to settle down with him after all the tasks were complete?

—Confused, he didn’t understand.

Even his enhanced brain couldn’t find a clear path through this tangle.

Everything he had left behind would never return to how it was—only because he made that resolve could Yuu confidently face the next task.

Only with that could he carve a path he was meant to walk through the pitch-black desert.

If that premise was gone, all the fragility and deep pain, all the sacrifices he wanted to leave behind in the end, would become an empty joke…

Why should he feel happy that they were regaining their memories?

“Even though she told me not to say, I don’t want to lie for her sake… I should’ve said it from the start.”

Sighing as if regretful, Yukino looked at him. Her voice suddenly stopped, her brows furrowed, and she raised her hand.

“Why are you spacing out? Didn’t you say you were doing much better?”

“…Ah.”

The cool touch on the back of his hand snapped Yuu out of his chaotic thoughts. He saw the beautiful girl in front of him with faint concern in her eyes.

He instinctively grasped her wrist, and after realizing how slender and soft it was, he carefully loosened his grip but didn’t let go immediately.

He just stood there quietly, letting the slowly melting warmth cool his overheated brain.

“You…”

Yukino’s elbow moved slightly. She bit her lip, wanting to say something, but as their eyes met, it was as if a soft spot in her heart was struck hard, and her struggle quickly subsided.

After hesitating for a moment, she sighed as if giving up, her expression softening helplessly.

“…I’ll give you ten more seconds, or I’ll consider using a slap to snap you out of it.”

Luckily, this area was usually deserted. If anyone saw this scene, Yukino might reflexively use a slap or aikido to clear up the misunderstanding while dealing with this disrespectful club member.

Physically perfect, kind-hearted, gentle, and charming—truly worthy of being me. Something her sister could never match—Yukino, feeling a bit awkward, distracted herself by praising herself inwardly.

As for what Yuu was thinking or why he suddenly did this, Yukino had no intention of asking, as he surely wouldn’t answer honestly due to pride.

Pointless things, Yukino usually didn’t bother with.

In the quiet corridor, the afternoon shadows grew calm.

The delicate girl gently touched her cheek, while the tall young man slightly bowed his head, slowly closing his eyes as if falling asleep.

“…Sorry.”

Less than ten seconds later, Yuu opened his eyes, released Yukino’s wrist, and exhaled all the air from his lungs.

His calm, deep black eyes looked at her steadily again.

“I remembered something from the past and got lost in thought.”

“You’re the one who should apologize. The president’s concern isn’t for you to act spoiled.”

The wrist he had held still felt warm, but there was no pain or red marks left.

Yukino deliberately ignored it, naturally placing her hand at her side, turning her face coldly and firmly, then stepping toward the stairs.

“You owe me one… Class is about to start, hurry back.”

“Yes, honorable President.”

Deliberately using respectful language, Yuu smiled again, his tone barely changing. “About that question earlier… Please tell your sister I don’t have a specific type. If I had to say, I prefer little sisters right now.”

He wasn’t lying.

Precisely because of that, Yukino couldn’t help but give him a strange look, wanting to say something but stopping herself.

Which little sister, and like in what sense—asking would be pointless; it was probably just a flippant response.

So, Yukino chose to ignore it.

“I’ll pass it along as is. But that person might just be interested in you like a toy, so don’t get your hopes up.”

“Yes, President.”

“…Be more serious.”

“Yes, President.”

Too lazy to deal with his cheeky attitude, Yukino turned her face coldly and headed straight down the stairs.

Because she deliberately lingered, the leisurely walk back turned rushed. They could only quicken their pace, leaving the quiet special building for the bustling main school building.

Together, with a newly gained friend.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

“That guy, he really came to a secluded place like this to go on a date with a girl…”

Through the window, Utaha watched the two figures leaving the special building. Her gaze followed the young man’s steps, and she muttered to herself.

Yuu, as if sensing something, suddenly looked up toward her.

But before that happened, Utaha had already turned and left her spot.

“Why, why does that book only write about my past with him…”

-

Title: If My Lover Were Yukino…

During the break, in Class 2-F.

“After school, we’ll be making props together. Tenkuji-kun, you’re okay with that, right?”

“No problem, but can I stop by the club first?”

“Of course. The schedule’s flexible. Just meet the logistics team leader later to get your tasks.”

“Alright. Thanks for your hard work.”

After bidding farewell to the class president who came to explain the cultural festival tasks, Yuu turned to Yuigahama and asked, “What about you?”

“I’m making costumes with Yumiko.” Yuigahama said with a regretful tone.

She unintentionally placed her hand on his shoulder, tapping it lightly as if playing a piano, her cheeks slightly puffed out.

“I don’t have any sewing experience~ Is it too late to learn now? What if I end up holding the others back…”

Yuu laughed. “If you really can’t do it, just ask me. I’ll help you after finishing my tasks.”

“Yuu-kun, you can even sew?!” Yuigahama’s eyes widened. Then her face scrunched up, and she pursed her lips reluctantly.

“Not only are you great at cooking, but also… your femininity is too high… Yuu-kun, good thing you’re a guy. Otherwise, other girls would feel really inferior.”

Yuu nodded in agreement.

“True. If I were a girl, Yukinoshita wouldn’t hold the title of the most popular beautiful girl in school.”

It’d probably be like Haruno outshining Yukino.

He’d surpass her in everything, know more than her… even his chest would probably be bigger than hers.

Don’t ask where Yuu got that confidence. After all, it was impossible, so why not be a bit smug in his imagination?

But in comparison, though many said Yukino was a perfect superhuman, in Yuu’s and even Yuigahama’s eyes, she was just a smart, cold, independent, and somewhat reclusive beautiful girl.

Nothing particularly special.

That’s why they could treat her as a friend and interact with her as equals.

“By the way, Yuu-kun, did you eat lunch at the Service Club?” Yuigahama, with her finger on his shoulder, suddenly asked curiously.

“Yeah, there wasn’t really anywhere else to go.”

“Then… was Sora-chan there too?”

Caught off guard for a moment, Yuu looked at her and laughed. He reached out and pinched her soft, fair cheek.

“Not even officially my girlfriend yet, and you’re already interrogating me? Afraid I’d cheat with Yukinoshita?”

Her tone was indeed like a wife questioning her husband.

“Ueueue… it’s not like that~” Yuigahama made an unclear sound, her eyes looking aggrieved. “I was just asking. I’m not some overly possessive girl…”

“Besides, if my lover were Yukinoshita, I feel like I could accept it…”

Deliberately leaving her last sentence unfinished, she left Yuu releasing her cheek in confusion.

“Besides what?”

“Nothing!” Yuigahama rubbed her face and huffed as if annoyed, turning away. “If you don’t like it, I won’t ask again. Anyway, you probably just bicker with Yukino while eating, right?”

“I didn’t say I didn’t like it. If you want to know, I’ll tell you.” Yuu spread his hands, looking innocent. “Yukinoshita and I are good friends. How could a normal conversation be called bickering?”

His attitude was no different from usual, and Yuigahama didn’t press further. She turned, left her seat, and headed to the restroom with Yumiko and the others.

Yuu never could understand why girls went to the restroom together… Maybe it was like the bond between guys who fought together in the military?

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Winter days darkened quickly, making it easy to feel like it was already late when school ended.

Yet, just before four in the afternoon, gray clouds covered the top of the school building. The humidity wasn’t too high—a comfortable winter afternoon.

The bell rang, and the school, briefly quiet, came alive again.

Unlike usual, not many students rushed out of class to release their energy on the field or on the way home, regaining their spirit from the pressure of studying.

Some were still laughing and fooling around at their desks. Others went to the back of the classroom, pulling out tarps and half-finished props, calling their team members to continue yesterday’s work.

After saying goodbye to the lively classroom, Yuu, without his school bag, and Yuigahama headed toward the special building.

As far as the eye could see, props like signs, billboards, and stage decorations lined the corridors, infusing the cultural festival atmosphere into every classroom door. Outside the corridors, many students gathered on the field. Some were practicing, others making large props, carrying sound systems and equipment, preparing to start work.

It was like preparing for a festival. Everyone participated joyfully.

Most students preferred staying at school these days over usual—creating, shopping, practicing, and strategizing.

Academic concerns were set aside. With classmates, whether on good or bad terms, they built festival stalls for their class, gaining experiences not found in books.

The annual cultural festival always left deep memories, recalled after graduation, making people sigh that it was their fleeting youth.

Honestly, though, Yuu couldn’t remember what happened at last year’s cultural festival—the only thing he recalled was going home early, bringing snacks from the festival for his little sister, only to get a “Tch, just student-made stuff, tastes average” review.

Thinking of that, Yuigahama happened to ask, “By the way, will Sora come that day?”

“I’m not sure. She never used to come…” Yuu pondered for a moment. The image of taking his little sister to the hospital for a checkup flashed in his mind, giving him a bit of hope.

“Now, if the reason’s good enough, it should be fine.”

The reason Sora didn’t want to leave the house was complex. She wasn’t just socially anxious or a hikikomori. She was very different from a certain perverted painter—she once said that as long as she could be by his side, she was willing to leave the familiar house, no matter where she had to go.

In other words, she wasn’t afraid of people or unfamiliar places. She was afraid of a place without Yuu.

This brother and sister were each other’s shelter. Yuu was just a bit stronger.

“Great. If you need help convincing her, I’ll pitch in too! I really want us to stroll the cultural festival together~”

Yuigahama clenched her small fist, showing an enthusiastic expression.

Yuu nodded in agreement. Chatting casually with her, they climbed the stairs of the special building. The blank Service Club sign quickly appeared before them.

Like at lunch, he knocked first. After hearing a response from inside, he opened the door and entered.

Yuigahama watched from behind. She was slightly surprised but didn’t say anything.

“You’re here.”

With her back to the window blocking the cold breeze, Yukino closed her book. She waited until both had closed the door, then continued, “Though we could discuss in the group chat, I’m more used to addressing important matters in person.”

“Yukino, Yahallo~” Seemingly not listening at all, Yuigahama waved cheerfully and walked quickly toward her.

“Hey!”

As the cold hand was about to touch her cheek, Yukino blocked the surprise attack with her book. Her softened expression showed a hint of helplessness.

“You’re a second-year high school student. Please act a bit more mature, Yuigahama-san.”

“Ehehe, that’s just how girls joke~”

Without any regret, Yuigahama smiled brightly and walked back to Yuu’s side, her small dango hair ties swaying.

They placed their school bags on the table and pulled up chairs to sit.

Unlike usual, Yuigahama unconsciously sat close to his shoulder. When she caught Yukino’s gaze, she panicked slightly and shyly moved away, her expression showing guilt.

Seeing Yukino only tilt her head in confusion, not noticing anything, and quickly looking away flatly, she felt relieved.

Yuigahama herself didn’t understand her feelings now. She felt scared of her parents finding out she had a boyfriend, and she didn’t want their situation to affect the Service Club’s atmosphere.

Yet, when Yumiko questioned her at lunch, she openly admitted that she and Yuu were already prospective partners… Why couldn’t she do the same in front of Yukino?

“Yui, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing…”

Asking softly, Yuigahama answered softly too. “Yuu-kun, do you think we should tell Yukinon we’re dating?”

Yuu thought for a moment. “No need. Just admit it if she asks. She doesn’t seem too interested in stuff like this anyway.”

“You’re right… Okay, let’s leave it at that!”

As if finding comfort in his words, Yuigahama sighed in relief.

-

Title: A Chance to Put Yuu in His Place

“Have you finished whispering?”

After they stopped their hushed conversation, Yukino tapped the cover of her book. Her voice was clearer and more melodious than Christmas Eve bells.

“Next is the cultural festival. Since the executive committee’s tasks are heavier than expected, you two must be busy preparing your class stalls. So, I’ll suspend after-school club activities until the festival is over.”

As expected, both nodded without much surprise.

What was called Service Club activities mostly consisted of chatting, reading books, and playing on phones in this clubroom. There weren’t many requests to handle.

Plus, Yuu often didn’t show up for various reasons. Almost half the time, it was just Yuigahama and Yukino here, chatting awkwardly or doing their own things. It was very ordinary, nothing worth remembering.

So, feeling sad about the club being suspended wasn’t even a thought for the sensitive Yuigahama, let alone Yukino.

“But during lunch, we’ll come keep you company, Yukinon!”

As Yukino’s cool voice landed, Yuigahama raised her hand earnestly to add.

Yukino massaged her temples. “Don’t say it like I need you to keep me company. If you didn’t come, I’d be more relaxed…”

“Yui, you phrased it wrong.” Before she finished, Yuu spoke to Yuigahama in a chiding tone. “Even though Yukinoshita’s really afraid of being lonely, you can’t say it so bluntly. ‘I’m so lonely, I really want to eat with Yukinon, please~’—that way, she might accept it.”

“R-really?” Yuigahama was stunned. “I feel like that’d make Yukinon push back even more…”

“Heh, your instincts are correct, Yuigahama-san.” Yukino smiled, but there was no warmth in her icy blue eyes.

Yukino stared at Yuu, tilting her head cutely. She spoke in a gentle, kind tone:

“Vice-president who loves to act spoiled, if you spout nonsense again, don’t blame me for punishing you as president, okay?”

Yuu: “…”

The corner of his mouth twitched. He looked at the beautiful girl with long, straight black hair. She was delighted to have won for the first time. The corners of her lips couldn’t help but curve upward, and her entire face began to glow.

(This woman, can she really deliver such a harsh threat with such an innocent expression?)

(The perfectly just Miss Yukinoshita couldn’t be this mean. Who are you, really?!)

“Act spoiled?” As if left out of the conversation, Yuigahama looked between them in confusion, her lips pursing unconsciously.

“Since when does Yuu-kun act spoiled?”

“You believe her too?”

Yuu didn’t expect to be caught off guard like this. He also didn’t want Yui to know he’d done something like that to Yukino.

Yuu slowly hid his humiliated expression, snorting unhappily with a cold face. “Just mutual teasing. Don’t take nonsense like that seriously.”

“Oh? Though I’ve said harsh and wrong things before, I’ve never lied. In terms of trustworthiness…”

Yukino flashed a beautiful, cruel smile. She reached out to brush her silky black hair, looking at Yuu haughtily.

“Shouldn’t I rank higher than you, a boy who can’t even lie properly? Who do you think Yuigahama-san will believe, you or me?”

Though they already considered each other friends, she’d never pass up a chance to put Yuu in his place.

Just like how he always looked for opportunities to tease and provoke her. When she saw him back down or give in, her mood would inexplicably lift.

Conquering and being conquered. Even among friends—Yukino didn’t see anything wrong with it.

“Drown in your foolish confidence.” Yuu rolled his eyes. Not wanting to confuse Yuigahama further, he decisively ended the topic.

“Nothing else, right? If not, we’re leaving. See you at lunch.”

Returning to the main topic, Yukino had no intention of pursuing a cornered enemy. She frowned slightly and said with an awkward expression, “Actually, there’s one more thing…”

Yuu suddenly raised his hand. “Wait, someone’s coming.”

The conversation halted. Both girls were startled and looked at him simultaneously.

Yukino’s pink lips parted slightly. As she was about to speak, her ears faintly caught the crisp sound of footsteps from the corridor. The heels of shoes struck the floor firmly.

A few seconds later, the door opened…

SLAM—

If not for Yuu’s warning, both girls would’ve been startled by the sudden sound of the door.

As that thought crossed her mind, Yukino’s next thought was:

(Even though he heard the sound earlier, he didn’t take the chance to laugh at me. Is this really Tenkuji-kun?)

Then, she put on a cold face and looked unhappily at the teacher in a white coat who barged in.

“Hiratsuka-sensei, how many times do I have to say, please knock first!”

“Sorry, sorry. Next time for sure.” Hiratsuka answered without any sincerity.

She scratched her head and laughed. She strode quickly toward Yukino and placed a folder of papers wrapped in a brown paper bag on the table.

“Here, these are the test papers and assignments for Natsukawa from your class. Furukawa-sensei is busy, so I brought them for her.”

“…Thank you, Hiratsuka-sensei.” Unable to do anything about this overly casual teacher, Yukino could only purse her lips resignedly. She tucked the paper bag into her bag. “By the way, please tell Furukawa-sensei I’ll only be responsible for delivering these. Don’t ask me to build a relationship with her just because we live close by.”

“What’s wrong with caring about a classmate? She lives alone and isn’t answering her phone. Furukawa-sensei even considered directly informing that big-shot entrepreneur that his daughter didn’t come to school today. To be cautious, she wants you to visit her house and check on her.”

Hiratsuka shrugged. Her tone was casual, but her eyes looked at Yukino very seriously.

“A fever or flu is forgivable, but disappearing suddenly is a big deal… It’s fine if you think it’s excessive. Yukinoshita, I’m asking you to check on her. If you find anything wrong, call me. I’ll handle the rest.”

“You’ve said this much. Even if I didn’t ask for it, I don’t have a choice to refuse, do I?” Yukino sighed. She showed no resistance. “I don’t know whether to call you cunning or overly concerned about student safety.”

“I don’t care! Taking criticism from kids is part of our job as adults!” As if reciting a pearl of wisdom, Hiratsuka waved her hand smugly, then shifted her gaze to the other two who had stayed silent.

“By the way, you two are coming along. Consider it a Service Club activity… Yukinoshita’s social skills are quite concerning.”

Yukino twitched slightly. Her expression turned cold again.

“Sensei, I can’t pretend I didn’t hear that.”

Hiratsuka didn’t even glance at her.

Yuigahama blinked, looking at Hiratsuka, then at Yuu for confirmation, showing a confused expression.

“Eh? So, we’re going to visit Natsukawa-san’s house later too?”

Hiratsuka nodded casually, giving a thumbs-up.

“Exactly. I’m entrusting that transfer student to you. Young folks of the Service Club!”