Yuu 371-375

Title: Little Sister and Friend

Her voice trailed off.

As if a shallow cut had been made in her heart, Yuigahama’s eyes dimmed. She gave a wry smile, tugging at the corners of her lips.

“Yukinon said the same thing as Sora-chan…”

In other words, only those who knew him well enough and were close to him could see Yuu’s sad expression.

“And I’ve liked him for so long, but I can’t even do something like that… I’m really pathetic.”

(I can’t even compare to Yukinon, who’s always at odds with him. What have I been doing all this time?)

“…Hmph.”

Noticing the change in her eyes, Sora frowned. She gradually shed her aggressive demeanor. With a hint of gloom, she hugged her slender legs and gently leaned her back against the sofa.

“It seems it really has nothing to do with you… If it’s something truly important to him, he might not even tell me. In that case, I can only find a way to make him happy…”

Hearing her muttering, Yuigahama temporarily set aside her own despondent feelings. She faced her with a warm smile. “Sora-chan really cares about her brother! Yuu-chan would be so happy if he knew.”

“Do you even need to say that?”

Glancing at her with disdain, Sora said flatly, “Caring for and supporting each other is only natural for us… Otherwise, how do you think we’ve lived together all these years?”

“Yeah. That’s why you don’t want to be apart.” Yuigahama lowered her head and sighed softly. “Because you’re such close siblings, you feel reluctant about outsiders interfering.”

“…”

Sora froze slightly, as if her thoughts had been pierced precisely.

Then she turned, staring at her with an intensely serious gaze.

“What if it was you? You could be with him forever, but suddenly someone forcefully tries to barge into your world. They shamelessly want to take the most precious position from you. Would you open your home’s door and welcome them?”

Though she looked young, her words were strikingly mature. There wasn’t a hint of doubt or uncertainty, making it hard to argue back.

She stared at the pink-haired senior before her. The words from her small, cherry-like mouth carried weight.

“From the past to now, we’ve always walked side by side. That won’t change in the future. No matter what outsiders like you say, as long as Yuu agrees, that’s enough…”

“I can do everything you all can do. He doesn’t need to look for a girlfriend outside at all!”

As if unafraid that her words would be overheard by Yuu in the kitchen, Sora made her bold declaration and still wasn’t satisfied.

With an attitude as if she wanted to overwhelm everyone, she stood up from the sofa and stared at Yuigahama without hesitation.

“Remember, anyone who wants to take Yuu from me is my enemy!”

“…”

After a brief moment of stunned silence, facing this aggressive little monster, Yuigahama let out a soft sigh and shook her head calmly.

“Sora-chan, you don’t need to be so hostile toward me.”

“As you guessed, both in my third year of middle school and shortly after entering high school, my confessions were always rejected by Yuu-kun.”

“No matter how much I like him, he always sees me as just a friend… Even though I’ve tried so hard to get closer to him, I can’t even see what’s in his heart.”

“How could I take him away? I wish you could tell me, because I don’t understand at all…”

Not a single tear fell. She only smiled, speaking these words with a resigned tone.

Then she extended her hand toward Sora.

“So, don’t worry—I like him just like you do, but I’m not your enemy.”

“Sora-chan, I’ll never take your brother from you… I just hope I can stay by his side a little longer.”

After looking at her hand, Sora studied her expression but couldn’t bring herself to push it away.

(How many wounds must she have endured to say those words so casually, as if nothing happened?)

At the very least, Sora definitely couldn’t do that.

She didn’t know where she’d heard it, but someone once said: Unrequited love that lasts too long makes a person feel inferior. Too much humility makes a person grow accustomed to it.

So, this popular senior who seemed to have a perfect life wasn’t feeling inferior when she said those words.

It’s just that the strong her had grown used to it.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

After opening the kitchen door.

Yuu brought the tea tray to the sofa. He happened to see Sora lying listlessly in her original spot, as if something had defeated her.

“What’s wrong? What were you two arguing about just now?”

After setting down the teacups, he sat beside Sora and patted her cute little head.

They seemed to be getting along. Even without his presence, they could resolve their emotional issues on their own—Yuu felt relieved.

After all, who doesn’t like a shuraba scene that resolves itself?

“It’s girl talk. Don’t ask too much.”

Speaking in a sulky tone, Sora hugged his arm. Her shy softness pressed against him. The deliberately exaggerated gesture was like a cat claiming its territory, making people smile.

“It’s settled. Come on, let’s play.”

As she spoke, Yuu’s fingers gently brushed her elastic thigh. It made her breathing briefly heavier and faster. Yet she kept hugging him as if nothing happened. Her pale, flushed face looked stunning, like a peach that could drip juice when bitten.

But in front of others, she dared to act so boldly…

Did Yuigahama say something to provoke Sora?

“Let me rest for a bit first. I just got back…”

Wordlessly pulling his arm back, Yuu grabbed the other game controller. After giving Yuigahama an apologetic glance, he shifted his gaze back to the screen.

“Alright, what do you want to play?”

“Overcooked.” Sora pressed the A button. The TV screen changed, entering the game’s loading screen.

Overcooked, or Chaos Kitchen, was a cooking game available on various platforms. In multiplayer mode, players had to work together to prepare dishes according to specific steps.

Since the game was somewhat difficult and prone to mistakes during cooperation, conflicts often arose within teams. With mutual blaming and dragging each other down, it frequently led to broken friendships or relationships.

Whether a couple would actually break up over a game was uncertain, but at least when Yuu and Sora played, the atmosphere was usually harmonious. They could clear levels quickly with remarkable synergy.

The two were one. The sibling combo was the strongest—though not yet at the [empty] level, a simple game like this was naturally easy for them.

However, since they didn’t play it often, their progress was still midway, with many levels left to complete.

And now, Sora seemed eager to tackle the next part.

While controlling the little bus on the screen to head to the next level, she got up from the TV cabinet, grabbed a spare controller, and handed it to Yuigahama, who looked like a grandma, holding her tea and preparing to watch them play.

“Come play with us… Don’t get the wrong idea, this is just hospitality.”

After a moment of surprise, Yuu nodded with relief.

“Yeah. Come on, since you’re here. The more people, the more fun the game is.”

-

Title: Do You Still Like Me?

The old lady froze for a moment. Yuigahama, quickly returning to normal, set down her teacup and accepted the game controller as if flattered.

“Th-thanks… But it’s my first time playing this game. Won’t I hold you guys back…?”

“What a coincidence.”

Rarely, Sora smiled at her with a hint of pride.

“This game is just like that. It’s no fun if no one’s holding you back.”

(So she’s looking for someone to be the weakest link and increase the game’s difficulty.)

Realizing this, Yuigahama gained confidence. She immediately said with enthusiasm, “Great! Then I’ll show you just how bad I am! This isn’t bragging, but I rarely ever win at games!”

“That’s not something to brag about…”

The winter sunlight filtered through the sheer white curtains, scattering pale golden fringes across the tidy living room.

With different feelings, the three-person kitchen team’s battle officially began at that moment—

But not long after.

“Shrimp! Hurry and give me the shrimp! Stop using rice!”

“Shrimp, shrimp, shrimp, shrimp… Where’s the shrimp! How do I prepare it?!”

“It’s in the box next to it, then press the A button in front of the pan. Didn’t I just teach you? Hurry, time’s almost up!”

“Sora-chan, I’m done! Remember to take it over there~”

“As expected of Yuu… No, you idiot Yuu! If you have time to wander around, help me teach your friend! Why’s it gotta be me?!”

“Oops, I’ve got other stuff to handle. Keep it up, Sora~”

“Nice! Sora-chan, I’ve got it done! Now I’ll pass the plate… Ahhh, what if the stuff falls into the water?! I have to remake it!”

“…Big chest, no brain.”

“That’s so mean!?”

“Indeed, big chest, no brain. Emotions can’t be equated with IQ…”

“Even Yuu-kun’s saying it! You siblings are too cruel, sob…”

“I knew you were bad, but I didn’t think you’d be this bad… My stomach hurts.”

From noon to afternoon, Yuu’s house was filled with chaos. The desperate roars of the little girl and the panicked wails of the teenage girl mingled, occasionally interspersed with the light, pleasant laughter of the teenage boy.

After struggling to earn three stars in three levels, the game controller fell to the floor helplessly. Sora collapsed exhausted onto Yuu’s lap, her gaze vacant as she stared at the ceiling.

“I didn’t expect playing a game with a newbie could cause this much physical and mental damage… Good thing I don’t play online games.”

Sneering in frustration, Yuigahama said weakly, “I got better toward the end… Besides, Sora-chan, you said not to worry about being bad and just follow orders… I tried my best!”

“Alright, I was too naive back then.” Sora sighed. She seemed too lazy to say anything more, rolling over like a lazy cat.

As she rolled, her face ended up right in front of Yuu’s stomach.

Her body stiffened slightly. Her nose seemed to catch a scent. Her pale ears turned red instantly, but she didn’t intend to move away. She only shifted her head as if nothing happened, getting even closer.

Before her entire face buried itself in his stomach, Yuu pushed Sora off and stood up.

“It’s getting late. I’ll walk you home.”

“No need! It’s close, I can go back on my own.”

While refusing, Yuigahama neatly placed the game controller on the table. She grabbed her jacket and bag from the side.

However, the suitcase she hadn’t had time to take home was already picked up by Yuu.

“It’s almost dark. Better be safe.”

Without giving Yuigahama room to refuse, Yuu nodded to his sister and pulled her suitcase outside.

“Ah, wait for me…” Just as she was about to follow, Yuigahama paused, unable to resist looking at Sora, who was tidying up and turning off the game on the sofa.

After hesitating, she still spoke to her: “Um, Sora-chan.”

“What?”

“Next time, can I come over to play again?”

“…”

Her movements halted mid-action. Sora fell silent.

She seemed to be weighing the pros and cons or guessing Yuigahama’s true intentions. Her small, pale face showed no expression. Her glance briefly landed on Yuigahama’s ample chest before she quickly looked away in disdain.

“Only if it’s for playing games.”

Saying that, Sora turned her back, tidying the items on the table.

“…Okay!”

The corners of Yuigahama’s mouth couldn’t help but curl into a smile. She waved cheerfully. Even though Sora wasn’t looking, she still said brightly:

“Then next time, let’s play Overcooked again!”

Sora immediately refused: “No. Pick a different game.”

“Eh? Why?”

“I just recovered. I don’t want to get sick again from being too annoyed.”

“I-It’s not that bad…”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

After leaving the Tenkuji residence, on the way to Yuigahama’s house, the melancholic singing of a sweet potato vendor echoed.

Crows perched on utility poles. People walked slowly to their own melodies. Though no one was in a rush, in an instant, they vanished into another scene.

Under the sunset, the street clearly separated their two shadows.

“Congratulations. You’ve achieved a milestone: coming to my house and playing games with my little sister—the number one legendary achievement worldwide.”

Walking slowly in step with the girl, Yuu teased her with a laugh. His dark eyes were tinged with half the hue of the sunset.

“Legendary, my foot. Who even wants an achievement like that? So conceited.” Yuigahama wrinkled her nose, complaining. But she couldn’t hold back her laughter. Her steps became more spirited.

“But for me, this kind of experience is a first too, you know? Even though Sora-chan chewed me out during the game, by the end, I felt like we really became friends! Even though she’s younger than me…”

“Don’t mind it too much. As long as you’re happy, isn’t that enough?” Yuu patted her dango-styled hair. He smiled, squinting. “Thanks a lot for playing games with my troublesome little sister… I hope she didn’t give you too much trouble.”

“Of course not. If anything, I should be thanking you guys.”

Yuigahama smiled and shook her head. She looked at the footprints walking in sync with hers. Her voice was soft: “This was originally just my selfish wish… After getting such an unexpected outcome, how could I accept thanks from you?”

Yuu fell silent. He let her words drift with the wind, not holding them back.

“…Next time, can I come over again?”

Facing Yuigahama’s hesitant gaze, Yuu pondered for a moment, as if observing something.

“If there’s time, letting Sora talk more with people other than me is a good thing.”

“Pfft.” Yuigahama squinted her crescent-shaped eyes and chuckled softly. “Sometimes, you siblings talk in the same stiff way~”

“I don’t think so.” Yuu shrugged, speaking casually. “That kind of stiff tsundere character is outdated. I’m me, a firework whose character can’t be pinned down.”

Yuigahama stuck out her tongue: “Bleh~ I don’t get what you’re saying.”

“Then give some of your chest to Yukinoshita.”

Her face flushed, and Yuigahama covered her chest. “Pervert! I’m telling Yukinon!”

“Go ahead.” The corners of Yuu’s mouth curved into a mischievous smile. His steps unconsciously quickened. “I’m curious what theory she’ll come up with to prove to me that chest size has nothing to do with intelligence.”

“Ugh, Yuu-kun, you’re hopeless…” While muttering complaints, Yuigahama looked at his back. She slowly lowered her hands from her chest. Taking a deep breath, she wanted to say something.

(What he’s thinking, whether he can keep liking her like this, if he’d go on a date with her, or who he likes more between her and Yukinon…)

There were so many things she wanted to ask him. So many things she wanted to tell him that this one street wasn’t enough.

But as she opened her mouth, before any sound came out, the boy in front of her turned around.

With a faint smile on his face, standing at the edge of the sunset-lit street, he and Yuigahama locked eyes.

“Yui.”

“Yuu-kun…?”

The sunset began to fade. The stars of the night started to appear.

At that moment, Yuigahama suddenly understood—

What Yukino and Sora meant by that deeply sad expression.

“Right now, do you still like me, the same as you did three years ago?”

Yuu asked calmly.

-

Title: I Will Cheat, At Least Twice

“…Eh?”

Yuigahama widened her eyes in shock. She didn’t even have time to feel embarrassed. She only responded with a blank expression:

“W-why are you suddenly asking that…”

“The reason, I can’t quite explain it myself. I just want to know, I guess?” In an ambiguous tone, Yuu raised the corner of his lips again, giving a gentle smile.

“So, do you like me or not?”

“…”

Yuigahama’s breath halted along with the sound of the wind. She fell silent for a moment. Her palms grew sweaty.

It was just like when she confessed her feelings in her third year of middle school, except the reasons for her hesitation and panic now took a different form.

Even so, there was only one answer she could give.

“I like you. Always have.”

Letting out a slow breath, Yuigahama showed a faint, lonely smile. Her soft hair fluttered in the night breeze. “You already know that clearly, so why ask me? Do you want me to give up early?”

For some reason, her calves started cramping. She unconsciously took a step back.

“Hm… The old me might’ve thought that way.”

“The old you?”

Her slightly weak breathing made her stop trembling. Her furrowed brows shifted to confusion. Yuu looked at her as she pondered, his expression uncertain.

“Yui, though it sounds a bit late to say this now…” Taking a breath, Yuu looked straight into Yuigahama’s eyes.

Without excessive emotion, just gazing at her sincerely and seriously so she could believe him.

“There was only one reason I rejected you in middle school—I had to take care of my little sister. I didn’t feel I deserved to date you.”

If not for that, even if his feelings hadn’t reached the level of love, Yuu wouldn’t have minded having a girlfriend earlier—beneath the shell of reality, he was a normal guy with desires too.

If he weren’t tied down, who wouldn’t want to do whatever they pleased?

Moreover, he had never disliked this strong, gentle, slightly awkward dango-haired girl.

“Eh? You mean…”

Yuigahama snapped back to reality. Her mouth opened slightly in disbelief. She felt as if a massive shock had hit her face.

Before she could respond, Yuu continued honestly: “Then, when the second semester started, the reason I rejected you was simple—dating you would only bring harm to both of us. Once we crossed the line of friendship, sooner or later, I’d hurt you.”

That’s why, in the previous tasks, he always kept his distance from her. Though he knew it would make her sad and disappointed, it was still easier to accept than the difference between gaining happiness and slowly losing it.

Yuu had never considered that if all five tasks were completed, and he had no more worries, and Yuigahama still liked him…

There’d be no harm in turning back and letting this unrequited love have a happy ending.

“…”

Looking at him, Yuigahama was speechless.

She covered her mouth with both hands. Her trembling eyes misted over, quickly turning into clear teardrops.

All her past guesses shattered into pieces. The emptiness that was lost was now filled.

(Ah, so that’s all it was—)

Along with the words echoing in her heart, happiness surged like a flood, as if her dangling heart had finally landed safely on the ground.

In life, there are always things that don’t go as planned. Like tying hair with a rubber band—two loops are too loose, three are too tight. When showering, a slight shift of the lever to the left makes the water freezing, a slight shift to the right makes it scalding. One packet of instant noodles isn’t enough, two are too much.

And…

More than friends, but not yet lovers.

“So, it wasn’t my unrequited love…”

Though she was only confirming the fact that he didn’t reject her confessions because he disliked her, Yuigahama couldn’t hold back the wave of emotions. Tears of happiness streamed from her reddened eyes.

Seeing this, Yuu panicked slightly. He raised his hands. “Wait, don’t get too emotional yet!”

“?”

As if a pause button had been pressed, Yuigahama stared at him unblinkingly, her gaze showing confusion.

Yuu cleared his throat and got to the main point: “Though I said those nice things earlier, the reality is I’ve liked other girls during this time, and not just one… You get what I mean.”

(Meaning, my feelings for you aren’t that deep. I could date you, but I might cheat on you anytime.)

Even Yuu himself felt that someone bold enough to say such words was so scummy that even sugarcane pulp would be ashamed of him.

Such an openly flirtatious statement could undeniably be called that of a player.

“Yuu-kun, what are you actually trying to say?”

The shock was suddenly doused by this cold water. Instead, Yuigahama gradually calmed down. She was no longer swept away by turbulent emotions.

She wiped the tears from her face. Looking at him against the backdrop of the sunset, she seemed to be questioning.

“I’m not as smart as Yukinon. Can you explain it to me more simply?”

“I just want to tell you the truth.”

Yuu exhaled all the air from his lungs. As if giving up, he said firmly:

“I can’t explain why. If you start dating me now, I’ll definitely cheat—at least twice!”

Perhaps because the system was updating, he managed to say this without his heart feeling like it was being squeezed by a witch’s hand.

However, it left Yuigahama with a confused expression. “C-cheat? Why are you so sure…”

“It’s something forbidden.”

“…” Yuigahama felt like she was being toyed with. She wasn’t a wooden puppet. Of course, she’d get angry when she was supposed to.

Noticing her emotional shift, Yuu could only try to explain to keep her from ignoring him and walking away.

“Yui, besides Sora, you’re the one who knows the most about my past… Let me ask you. If I were so smart that I could beat someone like Yukinoshita in exams and win a national kendo tournament without much practice, why did I have to study so hard and work part-time to get into Sobu High School?”

“That’s because, Yuu-kun, you got smarter over the summer break…”

“Getting smarter isn’t like transforming. Can I become Kamen Rider just by saying ‘Transform! Open your eyes!’?”

“That’s a different situation…”

“The difference is the same. Someone who can do that is clearly not normal.”

Yuu carefully revealed information within the limits of what he could say. He tried to make Yuigahama accept his explanation in a serious tone.

“Just like I can’t tell you the reason for this abnormality, I also can’t tell you why I know I’ll cheat sooner or later.”

Yuigahama wanted to say something, but Yuu felt her gaze was like she was looking at an idiot.

“I’m only telling you this… If you don’t believe me, there’s nothing I can do.”

“I believe you!”

Embarrassingly, the moment she saw Yuu’s disappointed expression, Yuigahama reflexively raised her hands in surrender, hurriedly trying to prove herself.


-

Title: Will Yuigahama Yui Be Chosen as the Next Task Target?

Whether she truly believed him or not didn’t matter—what mattered was that she showed she was on his side… A girl in love wouldn’t care about such things.

She pressed her slightly aching temples with her fist. Her delicate brows furrowed as she thought for a long time. She looked at Yuu with desperate, complaining eyes:

“So, in short, for reasons you can’t explain, you’ll chase other girls even if you’re dating me, and it’ll happen at least twice?”

Yuu avoided her gaze, feeling inexplicably guilty.

“‘Chase’ sounds a bit harsh… But broadly speaking, yeah.”

“Then why are you telling me this?”

(Not even Yukinon knows, not even Sora-chan… Am I really that special to him?)

Though her feelings were mixed and uneasy, Yuigahama helplessly realized a sweet happiness she couldn’t resist was bubbling up in her heart.

How embarrassing!

“Why?” After a moment’s thought, Yuu answered casually, “Because you happen to be here.”

Yuigahama’s eyes widened. “Just a coincidence?!”

(How can this guy be so good at ruining the mood!)

Seeing her disappointed expression, Yuu showed a sincere smile. His voice softened unconsciously.

“Dummy. Happening to be here isn’t just any coincidence.”

System or no system, Yuigahama, who wasn’t family, always appeared by his side.

Fearfully yet persistently confessing her feelings, only to be cruelly rejected by him—

Perhaps out of compensation, or maybe just wanting to cherish these feelings, Yuu decided to be honest with her at this moment.

As for the reasons, if he really had to say them, they’d be endless.

Wanting to make a change starting now. Wanting to alter the repetitive situation.

Wanting to find someone to vent the frustrations piled up in his heart. Wanting to find someone to share the burden of his secrets. Wanting not to be forgotten…

Wanting to find a companion unrelated to being a girlfriend.

Yuu didn’t care about the reasons. He just wanted to say it. He wanted to say it to this female friend who had liked him for three years—

“Yui, even so, would you still want to date me?”

In that narrow alley, it was just the two of them.

Under the twilight-covered sky, he said it to her.

Unlike earlier, Yuigahama looked at the smile on his face. She slowly pursed her lips.

As if caught in an inexplicable, vague atmosphere, there was a loneliness in her eyes that made her feel sad.

As if she had been struggling alone in a world with nothing for a long time.

Suddenly, Yuigahama understood what answer he wanted.

“…I don’t want to.”

As she was provoked and said those words, she let out a sigh of relief and smiled sincerely.

As if she were standing in for the stars and moon, illuminating the city before her where he stood.

“I got rejected, huh.”

No matter how beautiful her smile, Yuigahama felt annoyed seeing his happy expression.

She suddenly threw the things in her hands to the ground. She stepped forward, standing in front of Yuu. Her small face flushed and scrunched up in anger. She grinned fiercely.

“Don’t get the wrong idea! I’m not rejecting you because you might cheat!”

“Then…”

Yuu instinctively stepped back, but Yuigahama gripped his collar tightly, pulling him down forcefully.

At such close range, the girl stared into his eyes seriously. Her warm breath, still carrying the scent of black tea, brushed against his lips. Her eyes reddened again.

“Stupid Yuu-kun. Since back then, I’m the one who liked you, I’m the one who approached you—I’m the one who hoped you’d like me!”

Since the day Yuu told her to sit across the table and stiffly said encouraging words. Since the day he refused to give up on her helpless self.

Though her confessions were rejected, the heart that had changed couldn’t return to how it was. It kept going until now. Her heart was filled with him.

Whether it was the warmth of his palm or the smile he showed unintentionally; whether it was his quiet presence or his casual teasing.

Yuigahama loved it all, loved everything about Yuu.

Thus, she shouted at him with a clear voice, as if to drive away all the darkness in the sky:

“If we’re really going to date, then so what if there’s a chance you’ll cheat?!”

“Before I hate you and break up with you for something like that, I’ll keep liking you and confessing to you!”

“As long as you like me too, no matter how many problems we face in the future, I’m sure I can get through them with you!”

“Because Yuu-kun… Yuu-kun, you…”

Yuigahama took a shaky breath, holding back tears. She bit her lip, gently pressing her forehead against his. She said, word by word:

“If you don’t like me, it’s completely meaningless!”

“…”

Yuu stopped breathing, staring at her in silence.

“So, I’m asking you, Yuu—”

Yuigahama closed her eyes and asked softly, “Do you like me?”

In the howling wind, the alley fell deathly silent.

Even though one step forward could make their lips touch.

But that small distance, as if uncrossable even after three years, remained blocked by suffocating air.

At some point, Yuu closed his eyes too.

Her body heat transferred to him. The warmth reached his heart but felt cold, as if freezing his body.

A familiar voice sounded at the same time.

[System update paused. Progress: 23.333%.]

[Will you choose Yuigahama Yui as the next task target?]

[Upon confirmation, the task will begin immediately.]

[Note: The task target chosen by the host will yield richer rewards and…]

(Get lost, you damn system.)

Without waiting for the system to finish, Yuu muttered softly.

(If you dare touch Yui, even if I reincarnate a hundred or a million times, I’ll never care about your stupid tasks… A broken person can do anything.)

[…Do you confirm rejection?]

(Do I even need to answer? Hurry up and go update.)

[System is undergoing a major update…]

After teaching the troublesome system a lesson, Yuu opened his eyes and looked at the girl in front of him. Her flushed face had stopped crying, but sadness was still clear on it.

She seemed to have guessed his answer. In the silence, the corners of her lips gradually lifted. She smiled casually, feeling relieved.

“I don’t know what your real plans are, but if possible, please don’t ask questions like that again…”

(Otherwise, I’ll really… really… really… be sadder than you can imagine.)

Before she could say it, the rest of her words were stopped by warm, soft lips.

It was just a brief kiss, like a butterfly landing. It felt almost like accidentally falling asleep, her head dropping and brushing against him.

But the shock it brought was like an atomic bomb exploding in her brain.

Yuigahama froze at first. Then her eyes widened. She looked at Yuu in disbelief. Her throat trembled, unable to make a sound.

“I don’t know if I truly like you, after liking others before. I also don’t know if I’ll like someone else in the future.”

As if giving up, Yuu smiled resignedly and gently touched her dango-styled hair.

As usual…

“But from now on, Yuigahama Yui… I don’t want to hurt you anymore, and I don’t want to keep my distance from you.”

His eyes were clear, filled only with Yuigahama’s dazed expression. They were like a vast starry sky spreading in the distance.

At least now, Yuu had no time to feel sad about his helplessness.

He had his own tasks to fulfill.

“I’ll come to like you faster than you liked me.”

As for the reward, perhaps it was a love that wouldn’t be forgotten?

His gaze never left her. Yuu cupped her warm cheeks. Their foreheads pressed together, and he whispered to her:

“So, until then, please don’t run away.”

No matter how many times the world resets, don’t run away.

He pleaded, like an ordinary boy with nothing.

Soon after.

Yuigahama’s face was wet with streaming tears.

She leaned in, biting her lip in return. Then she buried her face in his neck. She gripped his collar tightly, as if she’d tear it.

After letting go, her weak sobs sounded with relief.

“…Mm, I… can’t run away anymore.”

Yuu hugged the girl, letting her tremble softly as if she couldn’t hold back her sobs.

Looking up at the darkening sky, his eyes were deep and bright.

He believed—the warmth he felt in his chest, missing for a day, would never disappear.

Even if it would increase the difficulty of his tasks, or bring bigger problems and deeper pain, completely violating his original goal of asking the system to erase emotions…

As long as it didn’t vanish, that was enough.

Watching those memories felt like his heart was being pulled and stuffed into a TV. Yuu didn’t want to experience that again.

A cowardly hero wanted to become strong, and a strong girl pushed him from behind.

So he raised his gaze and stepped forward.

“I’m sure I’ll become stronger than before.”

He tightly hugged the soft body in his arms. Yuu swore to himself.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

“I was wondering why Yui didn’t come home this late~ Turns out she was busy getting cozy in an alley.”

A soft voice, filled with emotion and intrigue, suddenly broke into their moment.

They both looked toward the alley at the same time. A middle-aged woman with orange hair stood there. She propped her youthful, beautiful face with one hand, watching their embrace with a bright smile.

“Sorry, am I interrupting you two?”

Yuigahama immediately pushed Yuu away. She instinctively wiped her lips with the back of her hand. Her small face flushed in panic, like an innocent girl caught by family doing something without locking the door.

“M-Mama, why are you here!?”

-

Title: The Only One Who Can Toy with My Body and Mind Is Yuu-chan!

“Nee-san, why are you here?”

The elevator doors slid open. Upon seeing the figure, Yukino’s expression instinctively turned cold, radiating rejection.

“Of course, to see you~”

Used to her younger sister’s attitude, Haruno casually tucked her phone away.

She stepped away from the wall she was leaning against and knocked on the pitch-black door beside her. Her tone carried a hint of why are you so dense?:

“Open the door quick, I’m tired of standing.”

Of course, she took charge and ordered others without a second thought—sorry, the eldest daughter of the Yukinoshita family was a selfish and terrible person.

“…Figures.”

Yukino took a deep breath, exhaling all her frustration.

She gave in decisively, pulling out her key with an expressionless face. Without even glancing at Haruno’s strange smile, she opened the door and walked in.

Light flooded the room, unventilated for four days. The stale air made Yukino frown. The dust in the corner of the shoe cabinet was also particularly bothersome.

Yes, just like the woman muttering as soon as she entered.

“Ugh, I forgot you’ve been gone for days. There’s probably dust everywhere… Should I come back after you’ve cleaned?”

“You can leave now and never come back.”

Yukino remained cold. Yet, she couldn’t help feeling puzzled.

What was going on?

She felt this woman was even more annoying than usual… Her tone was also slightly different.

As for what was different, Yukino couldn’t quite pinpoint. After all, she didn’t really know her that well.

Her older sister, always above her, had never given her a chance to truly understand her.

For now, Yukino set aside this strange question. She placed her suitcase at the entrance, went to the living room to turn on the air purifier, and opened all the doors and windows, letting the cool afternoon air dispel the odd smell that had built up inside.

…What a pity, she’d have to wait for this uninvited guest to leave before she could clean.

Otherwise, Yukino could already imagine herself working hard while someone lounged on the sofa, casually giving orders.

Having a mere cleaning phobia was nothing compared to a scene that could be called mental harassment.

“If you’re afraid of dirt, clean the sofa yourself. The rag and cleaner are over there.”

After pointing out a clear path for Haruno, who stood in the middle of the living room looking around, Yukino returned to her room with her suitcase.

She had just returned from Kyoto. She had plenty to do—change clothes, unpack her suitcase, put dirty clothes in the washing machine, and ask Haruno to take souvenirs back to their father. Cleaning the room could wait.

As she closed the door, her sister’s voice came from the other side.

“Forget it. I feel like if I stay, you’ll make me help clean the house. I’ll say what I need to and leave.”

“Too bad. If you were willing to help, I’d happily order you around.”

Though the other party said that, Yukino couldn’t help but frown. Her fingers seriously propped up her chin.

(She’s leaving obediently. That’s not like her usual self… As expected, coming to see me was just an excuse. She has another motive.)

“What do you want to say?”

Not intending to guess further, Yukino asked directly.

Outside, Haruno leaned against the living room sofa. She glanced at the locked bedroom door. Her expression was full of thoughts.

On the cat-shaped door plaque, “Yukino” was written in a cute font… As expected, Yukino was still a kid. She probably couldn’t even bear to throw away the cat-patterned underwear she wore as a child.

(Next time, I’ll sneak a peek at her wardrobe.)

“Was Kyoto fun?”

While thinking of odd things, Haruno didn’t forget why she came to see her sister. She asked casually.

Yukino, behind the door, answered flatly, “Nothing particularly fun or not. The scenery was beautiful, and the museum’s information was quite rich. Overall, I gained a lot of useful things.”

“Hmph~ Such a model answer.” Letting out a long hum through her nose, Haruno said uncompromisingly, “How’d the kendo tournament go? Too bad, if I didn’t have sudden business, I would’ve gone with you guys.”

“Skipping school to go to Kyoto? Careful, Mom might ground you.” The faint sound of changing clothes came through. “As for the results, Tenkuji-kun, who you care about, shone in the matches. The national tournament win was basically thanks to him. Happy now?”

“Care about him?” Haruno raised an eyebrow. She asked casually, “Do I care about him that much?”

“Did you forget?”

Yukino’s voice grew louder in surprise.

“Following him everywhere at the fall festival, staring at him when he was with Yuigahama-san, hiding behind a utility pole to spy on them at the amusement park during the autumn trip… Nee-san, are you trying to deny your own dark history? I thought you were more honest…”

“Ara, what dark history?”

Without waiting for her sister to finish her words, which were more mocking than sighing, Haruno smiled. She said kindly and gently, “Yukino-chan, could you come out and explain what you call my dark history?”

“…”

Outside, the winter sun shone brightly. But inside, it felt as if a layer of impenetrable darkness had settled.

Though separated by a door, an inexplicable chill crept over Yukino’s smooth skin, uncontrollably raising goosebumps.

“…I’m just stating facts. Your actions were like a creepy stalker. I hope you can reflect a bit and stop embarrassing yourself.”

Though she said it with disdain, the door showed no sign of opening. It seemed it would stay locked until the person outside left.

(A coward who only dares to talk but never stands up to her sister!)

Haruno sneered with a curled lip. She had no intention of arguing with her foolish sister. She said lazily, “I forgot~ I said I forgot, so I forgot. I’m not a creepy stalker~”

But with that, the memories perfectly aligned.

Her gaze never lost its composure. While her tone was carefree, Haruno’s mind raced, comparing the information she’d gathered with her own situation.

First, only she currently had memories of dating.

Others, including the Haruno who forgot Yuu, had memories of meeting again as strangers, but she became inexplicably obsessed with him for no clear reason.

Metaphorically, the story from the summer vacation had been torn apart. The pages that followed developed on the premise that Haruno didn’t hire a boyfriend and thus naturally wouldn’t have met Yuu.

But since it was the same book, even if the premise changed, many things were still connected and even influenced each other.

Like her transformation, nostalgia, loneliness—like her stalking behavior, because it was an undeniable fact, it became the best evidence that the lost memories weren’t fake.

The two storylines from July to August and from August to now were things that truly happened.

As for her memories, they were more like overwritten than erased. The method was so crude that, upon careful thought, the flaws would be apparent.

It was just that, influenced by a mysterious force, the old her unconsciously ignored the suspicious points and accepted the seemingly reasonable developments along with everyone else.

If that wooden comb hadn’t suddenly broken, perhaps they would’ve kept drifting apart until…

She truly lost interest in him, or he got a new boyfriend and completely distanced himself from her?

Thus, the answer to the puzzle became clearer in her mind.

“So that’s it…”

Haruno gently tapped her knee. She stared at the floor calmly. The shadows in the room deepened the color of her dark eyes, making them darker.

In other words, to separate her from Yuu, God, in His arrogance, had reset the entire world.

He didn’t care how sad her Yuu was. He didn’t care that after she forgot him, he was like a living corpse for a while…

“Heh, He really dared to do that.”

Her fists cracked. Her teeth gritted.

It had been a long time since Haruno felt anger that could burn her reason like this.

Perhaps it was the first time in her life.

Even if the target was a god who could reshape the world, Haruno wanted to grab a horse and kick that foolish creature who stole others’ happiness to death, telling Him—

|Who do you think you are? The only one who can toy with my body and mind is Yuu-chan!|