Yuu 366-370

Title: I Want to Transfer Schools!

“Well…”

Seeing the slightly awkward atmosphere and realizing her question was too direct to likely get an honest answer, Asuna took a deep breath. She suppressed the unease that had been stirring since morning and gave a wry smile, shrugging at the three of them.

“I was just asking for a club member. If you don’t want to answer, that’s fine~ I’ll head back now. See you!”

“Yeah!” Yuigahama nodded with relief, beaming widely. “Next time, let’s play cards again, just the three of us! No Yuu-kun this time. Let’s make it a girls-only meetup!”

“Yuigahama-san, have you even asked for my opinion…”

Asuna smiled and waved at them. “Alright, it’s a deal then. We’ll connect on LINE later.”

After parting with the Sobu High members, she returned to her school team. Occasionally, she frowned, lost in thought, and occasionally checked her phone to chat with her brother.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

About three hours later, they left the culturally rich city of Kyoto. As soon as they stepped off the Shinkansen, Tokyo’s hazier air greeted them.

Declining invitations to celebrate the victory, sing, or shop, Asuna gave a brief goodbye to her friends from Kuroyuri Academy. She took a taxi straight home and hurried back to her room.

Then she grabbed her notebook and began writing down things she hadn’t thought about before but now seemed slightly illogical upon reflection.

“Why did Mom so easily allow me to play games…”

“Why did Sugou-san suddenly go overseas…”

“Why was I able to argue (crossed out) reason with Mom…”

“Why did my skill level rise so quickly…”

“Why was I able to complete Grandma Martha’s mission…”

“Why am I happy… why am I sad…”

“Why does Tenkuji Yuu feel so familiar, yet I can’t remember where I met him?”

“Why, even though I only spoke a few words with him, do I instinctively think the issue is related to him?”

The paper was filled with the word why, but she couldn’t find a single because to calm her heart.

Frustrated, Asuna put down her pen. She fell back onto the bed, letting her messy chestnut hair spread across it. She stared blankly at the ceiling.

“This is too weird, this world…”

This real world felt less real than the virtual full-dive game—what was the problem?

Her tangled thoughts made her brain feel like an overheating machine. She could only pause her thinking for a moment to let herself cool down.

Lying on the bed as if asleep, before she realized it, it was already dinnertime.

Hearing her mother’s instructions from outside the door, Asuna suddenly opened her eyes. Her gaze was firm and serious, like a sword drawn from its sheath.

“Thinking here won’t solve anything! If I want to uncover the truth, I need to get closer to the most suspicious place.”

The game world was one of them. She’d log in later, talk properly with Grandma Martha, and ask her brother to check the deleted data logs.

And then, the real world…

She went downstairs. Aunt Sada had prepared dinner. Her mother sat upright at the dimly lit dining table, illuminated only by candles. She’d already started eating without waiting, her hand still holding a tablet.

“Mom, we won the national championship.”

Kyoko stared at the tablet without looking up, speaking in a cold tone. “Yes, it’s good that club activities can achieve results. But remember, as a student, grades are always the priority. Since you’ve won the national championship, quit the club and focus on studying. Don’t practice useless things.”

“Alright, I’ll quit the club.” Asuna nodded and pulled out a chair to sit.

In contrast, Kyoko paused her eating. She raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Why? No arguing? You fought with me for so long about joining the club, but now you’re so obedient…”

Asuna picked up her knife and fork. While eating, she said flatly, “Because the next thing I’ll argue about is more important. So, whether it’s quitting the club or being the top student in class, I can agree to your requests.”

“…What kind of trouble are you planning now?”

Kyoko’s face looked displeased. She set her work tablet aside. The candlelight reflected in her deep, cold pupils, trying to make Asuna shiver.

But at some point, her daughter was no longer afraid of her like this, nor of her cold demeanor.

Asuna also set down the knife and fork she’d just picked up. Like a soldier about to charge into battle, she spoke to her mother, word by word, with a firm and non-negotiable tone:

“As soon as possible, I want to transfer to Sobu High!”

“…”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Flashback.

That afternoon, after seeing off Asuna, who asked strange questions, Yuu and the others boarded the bus together.

Their belongings were already loaded onto the bus. They’d checked out of the inn, so now they could head straight to the Shinkansen station and return to Tokyo.

Since Masuzu wasn’t there, the seat next to Yuu was taken by someone else.

“Tenkuji-kun, you showed something impressive again in today’s match.”

With a gentle smile, Himura approached him, sitting by the window. He suddenly grabbed Yuu’s wrist. His voice was like a spring breeze: “The hand that mimicked Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu and defeated the opposing team single-handedly—does it really have so few calluses? It’s hard to believe.”

As he spoke, he touched the area below Yuu’s left ring finger and the fleshy part under his thumb with warm hands, his movements careful and gentle.

As if a big brother had groped his, Yuu got goosebumps all over. He quickly pulled his hand back and glared at him in disgust.

“Talk properly! How dare you touch me. Watch out, or I’ll beat you up!”

Himura raised both hands with an innocent look, but a smile played on his lips. “Don’t worry. I was just touching. Like a touch in Chinese medicine, nothing to fear.”

“Who cares if it’s a touch or not? Don’t cause trouble with me. I’m not interested in guys.”

“Coincidentally, neither am I. I don’t like guys who are too weak.”

“Who’s talking about strength? We’re talking about gender.”

“Oh, can’t I touch you out of curiosity?”

“If you say one more word, I’ll switch seats with Yukinoshita.”

Yukino in the back seat: “…”

After ruthlessly rejecting the overly enthusiastic president multiple times and seeing him finally calm down, Yuu let out a soft sigh and looked out the window.

In the glass, he could see the reflection of the girl in the back seat. Her cold gaze could perfectly freeze a frog in a lake.

Yuu smiled at her, but she frowned and turned away as if disgusted.

“What’s with that? My smile’s pretty good…”

Yuu looked at his reflection in the glass. Unable to see clearly, he quickly lost interest in looking at himself. He leaned his head against the cold window and closed his eyes for a nap.

The third task was complete.

As usual, Yuu asked the system to take back his feelings—he thought this would be the last time.

After waking up this morning, he decided to change and face things he didn’t dare to before.

Until he could face the next task without having his feelings taken back, he wouldn’t indulge himself anymore…

Perhaps that’s what’s called growing up.

Though only two tasks remained, it seemed a bit late to say this, but that was fine.

As for the timeline changes this time, simply put, Yukinoshita Haruno and Natsukawa Masuzu didn’t come to Kyoto to watch the matches.

Yuu didn’t understand why Haruno didn’t come, but in the memories without Masuzu, it was indeed only Yukino and Yuigahama staying in the group room. Asuna had only come by last night to play cards.

There were many things to fix this time. After all, unlike the previous two times, which mostly happened during summer vacation or outside school, his relationship with Masuzu involved many people and things. Naturally, the system had to adjust more.

For example, Yuigahama’s feelings…

Hiding a slightly resigned expression, Yuu seemed to fall asleep in the bus. He lowered his head quietly and slowly sorted through these memories.

“But why are there no clues at all for the next target? Why don’t I have to go somewhere at a specific time to wait for someone?”

“Is filling the emptiness of girls outdated? Is the system going to pull a new trick?”

-

Title: Yuigahama Gathers Her Courage

From the bus to the Shinkansen, then from Tokyo Station to Chiba, they didn’t return to Sobu High together. They parted ways just like that.

Yuu suggested that the three of them, members of the Service Club, could share a taxi back. He didn’t mind covering the cost—of course, that was rejected by Yukino, the proud little rich girl.

But if the fare was split three ways, Yuigahama’s small wallet wouldn’t be able to handle it.

After coming to Kyoto for food, drinks, and fun, she’d nearly spent all her pocket money. A taxi fare split three ways was still expensive for an ordinary family like hers, and it wasn’t a necessary expense.

Considering this, Yuu didn’t say anything. He naturally switched to taking the bus back.

However, Yukino’s apartment was in a different direction. She had to take a different bus route. They had to part at the bus stop.

“Are you okay? Do you know how to take the bus? Do you know how to pay the fare?” Before Yukino boarded her bus, Yuu asked with a concerned face, like a parent sending their child to kindergarten.

“Don’t treat me like an inexperienced princess. Unless you want me to underestimate your intelligence.”

Yukino ignored him. She flicked her glossy black hair, which shimmered like translucent graphite and carried a clean floral scent. She pulled out her SUICA card and joined the queue.

“Yukinon, be careful on the way~”

“Yuigahama-san, you too.” Only when facing Yuigahama did Yukino’s expression soften. “If that guy does anything inappropriate to you, don’t hesitate. Use that thing I gave you right away.”

“Oh, that thing…” Yuigahama glanced at Yuu secretly. She scratched her flushed cheek and laughed awkwardly. “Haha, thanks for the concern, but I don’t think I’ll need it…”

Yukino advised seriously, “Being trusting is good, but always being cautious of the opposite sex around you is a necessary mindset for a girl who doesn’t know how to defend herself.”

Hearing this, Yuu immediately understood—(Good grief, Yukinoshita even gave her pepper spray to use against me?!)

(How low is her trust in me?!)

“No, that’s not the issue. If anything, if I really had to use it, it’d be more fun…”

“What?” Yuigahama muttered, and Yukino couldn’t hear clearly. She tilted her head slightly.

Not daring to look at Yuu, Yuigahama quickly urged her to board the bus. “It’s nothing! Yukinon, hurry up. The people behind you are waiting!”

“Even if you say that, I’m also waiting for the person in front to board…” Yukino sighed helplessly. She shifted her gaze to the boy beside her. Her cold, clear eyes seemed hesitant.

After a moment’s hesitation, she pursed her lips. Her clear voice was flat as usual. “Tenkuji-kun, if you’re not feeling well, get some rest. Don’t show that kind of face and affect other people’s moods.”

“Huh?” Yuu widened his eyes slightly in surprise. He instinctively touched his face. “What kind of face? Do I look sad?”

He turned and asked Yuigahama the same question. She shook her head, looking at Yukino with a puzzled expression.

“…Then assume I saw wrong.”

Her tone was as soft as a feather. She turned away, her back looking colder.

“See you at the club tomorrow.”

After saying that, she quickly disappeared into the crowd boarding the bus.

After seeing Yukino off, Yuu and Yuigahama boarded the same bus.

Though they didn’t get seats, the bus wasn’t too crowded. There was no manga-like scene where a boy stretches out his arms to protect a girl from being pushed.

Though unspoken, when they got off the bus, Yuigahama clearly looked disappointed.

Dead winter branches stretched out from the walls, but some roadside trees still had a few green leaves refusing to wither, proudly showing what it meant to stay vibrant in the cold wind.

Her clothes fluttered, and her light pink hair gently brushed her shoulders and neck.

As she walked down the familiar street, she tilted her head and asked the boy beside her with concern, “Yuu-kun, are you really not going through something sad?”

“No, really.” Yuu rolled his eyes. “Do you believe everything Yukinoshita says? We easily won the championship. Why would I be sad?”

“It’s not just about the match. It’s also about human relationships.” Yuigahama put her hands behind her back. She lowered her head, looking at the tips of her shoes walking in sync with his. She said softly, “Though I’m a bit reluctant to admit it, I think Yukinon understands you better than I do.”

“Understands what? Do you know who my favorite male voice actor is?”

“Huh? If I’m not mistaken, Matsuoka Yoshitsugu…” Yuigahama raised her head in confusion, answering reflexively.

She’d heard him talk about this in a conversation before. When Yuu recommended JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, he specifically mentioned that one of the famous lines in the first part was voiced by Mr. Matsuoka.

Since Yuu rarely mentioned things he liked, Yuigahama remembered it well. She even looked up a lot of information about the voice actor, just so she’d have more topics to talk about with him next time.

When with someone you like, this was just the basics.

“And Yukinoshita definitely doesn’t know that.” Yuu patted her dango-styled hair. He smiled casually. “We’ve known each other for almost three years. She hasn’t even been around for three months. How could she understand me better than you?”

“I see…” Yuigahama muttered. Her ears turned slightly red, and she lowered her head, chuckling softly.

Though she wanted to say, That’s not what I meant by understanding, Yuigahama had her own intentions—she was thrilled to hear Yuu praise her like that. How could she argue with him?

As for Yukino, maybe she really misjudged?

Because no matter how she looked at it, Yuu didn’t seem sad at all…

He could talk and laugh, even tease her (about her hairstyle). He was no different from usual!

“Then I’ll walk you this far.”

Time passed quickly. Yuigahama hadn’t fully savored the warmth and happiness of chatting with him alone, and now they had to part at the intersection.

Though they lived fairly close, there were still a few blocks between them… If she lived next door, maybe she could’ve been his childhood friend.

She heard there was an anime called My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU or something about childhood friends not losing. If she were his childhood friend, she might not have to worry so much and could go to school with him every day.

Though, she probably couldn’t do something like climbing onto him to wake him up…

“Yui?”

“Yes!” Hearing Yuu call her, Yuigahama snapped out of her daydream. She stood upright like someone caught guilty. Her face flushed, her expression tense. “Childhood friend—No, Yuu-kun, is there something I can help with?!”

“What are you talking about? I said I’m leaving. Be careful on the way, don’t walk into a pole.” Yuu flicked her forehead, speaking helplessly before turning to leave.

“I know. I’m not that clumsy…”

Pouting, she touched her forehead. She couldn’t tell if she was happy or not. Yuigahama watched his back as he walked toward the street corner. Her long eyelashes fluttered.

In the cold wind, the warmth on her face chased away the chill. Her eyes were fixed on his silhouette. Her heart pounded fiercely, its rhythm seeming to say—

It was still early. She didn’t want to part with him like this.

Time spent with someone she liked, even a single second, felt precious.

And she, now greedily wanting more, wanted to take a step further.

“Yuu-kun!”

Summoning courage from who-knows-where, Yuigahama suddenly stepped forward. She chased after his figure and grabbed the edge of his jacket.

Raising her flushed face, even if she was shy, anxious, and her heart raced, she couldn’t escape his gaze.

She’d already done something like confessing her feelings. If she chose to run away now, wouldn’t that mean her feelings for him were fading year by year?

So, Yuigahama chose to charge forward, to make him understand from the depths of her heart once again:

“You don’t have any plans this afternoon. Can I… come over to your place?”

(I still like you. I want to get closer to you.)

“Besides, you don’t have a girlfriend… Inviting a female friend to your house shouldn’t be anything to avoid.”

As for that last sentence, it was just the girl’s way of covering herself, so he wouldn’t think she was a shameless girl.

-

Title: Surprising You

Yuu wondered if this was because the world’s timeline had been reset.

The accumulated feelings couldn’t be erased, but the memories of having a girlfriend were gone. From there, an increasingly intense emotion, like aged wine, and an urge no longer restrained, emerged.

Thus, after three years of knowing each other, Yuigahama, for the first time, asked to come to his house.

Though she didn’t remember, all the emotions suppressed by Masuzu at the time, once they erupted without hesitation, might make her more proactive than before and attack him more aggressively, right?

Yuu analyzed Yuigahama’s psychological state very rationally, like a psychologist diagnosing a patient in front of him.

Emotionally, Yuu felt a slight resentment toward himself, along with a faint sense of relief in his heart. Seeing Yuigahama’s shy yet candid eyes, his emotions became complicated.

Unlike his former girlfriends.

Yuigahama, who had liked him since three years ago, her feelings wouldn’t be erased by the system. She wouldn’t say, “It was nice meeting you,” nor would she… make him wait to say goodbye.

Among the emotions Yuu sacrificed, Yuigahama’s feelings never wavered. They only settled, quietly settling.

Though he didn’t know how the system fixed her memories, there was no doubt that as long as those feelings didn’t vanish, they were something worth cherishing.

Yuu took a soft breath.

The cold air pierced his lungs, dispelling the oppression, and he felt a bit more relaxed.

When losing something, he shouldn’t forget the things he still had—yes, he never forgot them.

It’s just that sometimes, he was too focused on the goal ahead, neglecting other things.

“Girlfriend… Huh.”

Yuu smiled at Yuigahama. “Indeed, as someone who’s been single for seventeen years, I don’t need to worry about bringing a girl home causing misunderstandings.”

That was a very deliberate way of speaking…

Yuigahama was slightly confused but didn’t dwell on the issue.

“So, is it okay?” Her eyes sparkled like stars. She clenched her small fists, excited and hopeful.

“Unfortunately, I don’t have a girlfriend, but I do have a little sister.” He changed the topic. Yuu shrugged. “She might not let you in. The moment she sees you, she might chase you out.”

“So Sora-chan is that clingy to her big brother… But it’s fine, I’ll try to get along with her!”

As if to prove herself, Yuigahama raised her head and puffed out her chest. She slapped her chest firmly and said resolutely:

“Don’t underestimate me. I’m great with the neighbor’s kids… Cough! Cough, cough!”

“Indeed, not many big sisters can choke themselves out. What a dummy.”

Yuu looked at her helplessly and amusedly. He stood in place, not stepping forward to help her catch her breath. He only turned and walked toward home after she calmed down, her face flushed red.

“If you want to come, come. I happen to have bought some good black tea… But be prepared to enter hell.”

“Aren’t you exaggerating a bit?” Yuigahama hurriedly caught up, unable to resist grumbling. “Who compares their house and little sister to hell…”

“Indeed. As long as Sora’s in a good mood today, it might not reach hell-level for you.”

Though his face seemed joking, Yuu gave the impression he was making a terrifying statement.

“Fair warning. Whether it’s a girlfriend or a friend, I’ll always side with my little sister. So as long as she’s not too rude, I won’t defend you.”

“Maybe this is what they call a siscon… With that attitude, no wonder Yuu-kun’s always single.”

Mocking herself to ease the tension, Yuigahama took a deep breath. She looked hesitant but had no real intention of backing down. Instead, a blazing fighting spirit ignited in her eyes.

“Don’t worry. This is just about getting along with my future sister-in-law early (whisper)… Becoming friends with my best friend’s little sister! A small issue like this won’t be hard for Yuigahama Yui!”

(Oohh, I’m going to charge forward!)

She looked far from calm. Her fiery enthusiasm to win over the little sister was so intense that even a pile of tied-up Boruto: Naruto Next Generations manga by a utility pole corner almost caught fire without a flame.

Yuu shook his head, letting her prepare as if facing a great enemy. He stepped forward, walking slowly toward home.

Come to think of it, in Part 5 of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, the policeman friend Abbacchio once said, right?

Once someone only chases results, they tend to take shortcuts.

In the process of taking shortcuts, they often lose the truth, and the motivation to do things gradually fades.

So, the most important thing is the will to pursue the truth. That way, one won’t forget their original goal and can persist until the final moments.

…But besides that, what else did he want to gain?

Something unrelated to the system’s tasks, which always vanished and were forgotten, something that would never disappear…

Indeed, it was by his side.

“Should… I make some changes too?”

After glancing at Yuigahama’s profile, Yuu slowly sank into his thoughts.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Tenkuji Residence.

Eager to call her brother and ask about his estimated return time, after confirming multiple times, Sora now sat at the entrance, waiting for the perfect moment. She wanted her brother, who’d been in Kyoto for four days and three nights, to see her the moment he got home.

“After not seeing me for so long, Yuu must feel lonely…”

Holding this thought and the bunny plushie against her warm chest, Sora couldn’t help but giggle softly. She swung her small white legs, staring at the door with a face full of anticipation, ignoring her silver hair spilling onto the wooden floor.

What expression should she use to say, “Welcome home”?

She shouldn’t be too smug. Maybe being casual would be better? With a scornful, disgusted look… No! Yuu wouldn’t like that!

Or should she surprise him so much he’d cry from being touched, like with her homemade food… It’s too late to prepare now, right? And it might give Yuu food poisoning. PASS.

If she wanted to surprise him, it was quite simple.

Sora looked down at the thin dress she was wearing. With the air conditioning on inside, even though she only wore a dress and a set of underwear, she didn’t feel cold.

Then, her pink fingertips gently hooked the shoulder strap, revealing her white shoulders and collarbone, along with the soft curves that weren’t too prominent. Though her upper body wasn’t particularly full, this seductive posture, paired with her innocent and delicate figure, was enough to make certain people with specific XP systems stand at attention instantly.

No doubt, her brother was definitely one of those people with such a specific XP system!

“Hmm, even though Yuu might tell me to put my clothes back on with a flat face… It’s worth a try!”

-

Title: Yuigahama Yui’s Home Invasion

Her face felt hot. Even without a mirror, she knew her cheeks must be flushed, and her small heart was pounding fiercely.

This was the first time she had been so bold in teasing Yuu. Though nervous, for some reason, Sora didn’t feel scared or want to back down at all. A vague thought floated in her heart—

If she didn’t act quickly, it would be too late if Yuu got a girlfriend!

It was strange. She had never heard any rumors about Yuu being close to another girl, nor did she feel that Yuu liked anyone. The prime suspect—that Yuigahama girl—had made no progress in three years and had already been removed from her list of people to watch out for. There shouldn’t be anything to worry about.

Yet, the alarm in her heart had been ringing since morning. While waiting for Yuu to return, Sora felt inexplicably anxious. She feared Yuu would come back from Kyoto with a child, making her an aunt prematurely. She couldn’t calm down at all.

“No problem!”

After cheering herself up, Sora glanced at her half-slipped dress. While still debating how much to reveal, she faintly heard footsteps outside the door, followed by the sound of a key being inserted into the lock.

(He’s back!)

Sora immediately sat up straight, cross-legged at the entrance, striking the pose of a wife ready to welcome her husband home. She brushed her silver hair behind her ear, her clothes disheveled, and her face expressionless as she watched the door slowly open.

“I’m home…”

One second after Yuu opened the door, he slammed it shut. The smile on his face looked a bit stiff.

After a brief pause, he spoke as if nothing had happened: “Sora, I forgot to tell you on the phone. I brought a friend… Yuigahama Yui, to hang out at our place.”

(Meaning, put your clothes back on quick!)

(Thank goodness my reflexes are at the peak of human limits. If Yui saw that scene, the impression of living an immoral life at home with my little sister might never go away.)

(Is this what it feels like to be one step away from social death? It’s thrilling.)

“What’s wrong?” Yuigahama peeked from behind him. She looked at the door, then at him with curiosity.

(Nothing, just my little sister waiting for me at the entrance with her clothes half-off. She has a slightly peculiar way of playing.)

Of course, he couldn’t say that. Yuu only answered nonchalantly: “Nothing. I just told Sora to get ready to welcome a guest.”

“Eh? No need to be so formal…” Yuigahama waved her hand, a bit embarrassed.

Soon after, Yuu opened the house door again. After ensuring the scene inside was appropriate, he pushed the door fully open and walked in first.

“I’m home.”

“Welcome back.”

The flush on her face hadn’t faded. Sora stared at him expressionlessly. She unconsciously squeezed the bunny plushie in her hands. Her tone was icy: “You’re back later than scheduled. Did you go grocery shopping for dinner?”

“No. We just walked a bit slower.” Yuu took off his shoes at the entrance, grabbing his slippers and a pair of guest slippers that hadn’t been used in a while. He signaled with his eyes, “I brought a classmate. Say hi to her.”

Only then did Sora look up. She coldly stared at Yuigahama as she entered. Pursing her lips, she didn’t speak.

Standing beside Yuu, Yuigahama waved and smiled warmly: “Nice to meet you, Sora-chan! I’m your brother’s friend, Yuigahama Yui. Just call me Big Sis Yui~”

Sora silently observed her for a moment. Suddenly, she said, “I know who you are.”

“Eh?” Yuigahama was taken aback. Before she could feel pleased, the silver-haired girl spoke in a cold tone:

“You’ve liked him since middle school. That’s why you’re always clinging to him… But you’re still just friends with him now. Were you rejected once? How shameless.”

“…”

The overly blunt and sharp words left Yuigahama speechless. The corners of her mouth twitched slightly. She looked at Yuu with a hint of confusion.

An attack far stronger than she’d expected… Was this what Yuu meant by hell?

“Sorry. I usually tell Sora about what happens at school. I’ve talked about you a lot too… But I didn’t tell her those things. She figured them out herself.”

Those things naturally referred to Yuigahama confessing her feelings and being rejected by him.

After explaining, Yuu helplessly patted Sora’s head, but she brushed his hand away with the bunny plushie, her face displeased. Sora lifted her sad face, glaring at him sharply like a knife.

“Why did you bring this woman home? If you don’t explain clearly, I won’t let you touch me!”

Wow, that jealous-wife tone.

Yuu didn’t know whether to laugh or not. But if he laughed, it would surely make her angrier. He could only explain in a gentle tone:

“Didn’t I say I was bringing a classmate to hang out? She’s my friend. Don’t be rude. Give her a proper greeting.”

“I’m not being rude. I’m just telling the truth.” Sora glanced at Yuigahama. Her pink lips pursed slightly, showing a rejecting attitude.

“You brought a girl home after not seeing me for four days. Yuu, have you considered my feelings?”

“It’s my fault for not telling you earlier. But I don’t think I did anything wrong by bringing a friend home… I have social relationships to maintain too.”

Yuu smiled. He pinched her soft cheek and leaned forward. He said softly, “You can be jealous and mad at me. I don’t care how much you act out later… But my sweet, obedient little sister isn’t a girl who lacks manners in front of others, right?”

“…”

Her small mouth opened. Sora seemed to want to argue something. But as her eyes met his, she was slightly startled. Her teary eyes stared deeply into his. After a few shifts in expression, she slowly bit her lip.

“Ugh, you annoying preacher!”

She huffed angrily and pushed his hand away as if sulking.

Just when Yuu thought she’d turn and head back to her room, Sora shifted her gaze back to Yuigahama. Her cheeks, still flushed from being pinched, puffed out. Hostility wasn’t hidden in her eyes, but she gave a slightly indifferent bow.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Yuu’s cousin, Kasugano Sora. Welcome to our home.”

There wasn’t the slightest hint of welcome. She even emphasized cousin to stress their marriageable relationship.

Yuu shrugged. He wasn’t surprised by her behavior. Nor did he plan to defend himself. A proper greeting was already a success—and he’d warned Yuigahama beforehand. If she wanted to come to their house, she had to be prepared for his sister’s jealousy.

If it wasn’t something rude like earlier, he wouldn’t punish Sora, lest she misunderstand again that he’d abandon his little sister for another girl.

Still, her unusually obedient attitude surprised him a bit.

He thought she’d at least throw a tantrum and storm back to her room.

Of course, both Sora and Yuigahama, even if they lost past memories, the accumulated feelings would make them change and grow…

Yuu unconsciously clenched his fist. His expression remained unchanged.

“Sorry for the intrusion.”

On the other hand, after witnessing the sibling interaction, Yuigahama still smiled brightly, despite being glared at like a mortal enemy by the silver-haired girl.

She didn’t look discouraged at all. She even felt relieved.

“Nice to meet you, Sora-chan!”

“…Don’t call me so familiarly. We’re not close.”

-

Title: This System Is Undergoing a Major Update

In the kitchen with the door closed, the aroma of tea brewed with hot water filled the air.

Honestly, in that dizzying list of skills, there wasn’t one related to the art of tea ceremonies.

However, perfect-level cooking included tea-related dishes like ochazuke. Expert-level dessert-making also encompassed a wealth of tea knowledge, such as the ideal temperature for serving black tea with certain cakes. The boundaries between the two were actually quite blurry.

Combined with his past part-time job experience, brewing fragrant Keemun black tea with a sweet aftertaste wasn’t difficult for Yuu. The tea was even a gift from someone—authentic Anhui Keemun, though it came with a hefty price tag.

After finishing brewing the tea, he started to hesitate about something else:

Should he add a potion to this tea and let the unsuspecting Yuigahama drink it?

He still had six drops of the Life Potion left. As the first friend to visit his home, Yuu didn’t mind sharing a bit of the precious life essence with her.

But he felt that if he added it, their friendship would no longer be pure and might very well accelerate in the same direction as Masuzu in the last task…

In simple terms, becoming a couple.

[Drink this, and you’ll be mine.]

Yuu absolutely refused to admit that he was already experiencing slight PTSD from the word girlfriend. Just thinking about it irritated him, and he didn’t want to dwell on it further.

Unless the system issued a fourth mission.

“Later. There’s no rush anyway… The potion won’t expire.”

In the end, Yuu slipped the bottle back into his pocket. He sighed, picked up the tea tray with three cups of warm tea, and headed to the living room.

“They should be done arguing by now, right?”

While brewing the tea, he heard Sora shouting. If he didn’t feel it unnecessary to intervene, Yuu wouldn’t have bothered with the tea and would’ve gone out to mediate.

Now, there were no more loud noises from outside. He guessed they’d reached an agreement—luckily, he’d already said he’d side with his sister, so he wouldn’t be put in a tough spot, no matter the outcome.

As for Yuigahama, Yuu believed she wouldn’t do anything to make things difficult for him.

His fingers touched the kitchen door. Before opening it, he suddenly paused. A question he’d ignored all day surfaced—

Where did that Cursed Charm go, the one that always returned to his pocket no matter how many times he threw it away?

He hadn’t seen it since morning. He just checked his pocket, but the charm wasn’t there…

Could it have been reset along with the world’s timeline changes?

If so, that was fine. What he feared most was that the bad luck had accumulated, and as the price for an impending disaster, the charm had vanished on its own.

But he hadn’t experienced anything bad all day… Did his sister disliking his friend count as bad?

While thinking, Yuu frowned and shouted inwardly:

“System, give… no, explain this to me.”

No familiar system voice responded. Instead, a panel suddenly appeared.

System: [This system is undergoing a major update. Please wait patiently, host. Current progress: 3.33%...]

Yuu: “???”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

After Yuu said he’d brew tea and closed the kitchen door, only the pink-haired girl with dango-style pigtails and the silver Rosy-haired girl faced each other in the living room.

The large window was tightly shut. The air felt frozen, as if it couldn’t move.

It was a bit odd to say they were facing off. Though the atmosphere in the living room was somewhat heavy and quiet, Sora was merely indifferent toward Yuigahama, no longer showing a sharp attitude.

She grabbed the gaming console in front of the TV, connected the cables, and then idly selected a game.

“Sora-chan, you like playing games.”

Sitting on the sofa, Yuigahama broke the silence with an obvious statement, trying to make her voice sound friendly and familiar.

An awkward conversation was still a conversation. Being able to talk at all was already a success. She wasn’t afraid of being ignored—if nothing else, someone who could befriend Yukino was usually accustomed to this kind of chill.

“Not bad,” Sora replied coldly, as expected.

To avoid her brother calling her rude again, Sora at least responded. However, she had no intention of continuing the conversation with Yuigahama.

Propping her smooth, pale cheek with her palm, she stared at the TV screen, but her mind wandered. She didn’t know what she was thinking about.

Yuigahama wasn’t discouraged. To keep the silence from returning, she tried hard to find a topic that might interest Sora.

“…Enough!”

After answering indifferently, Sora suddenly sat up straight and tossed the game controller onto the sofa.

Her cold, hostile eyes glared at Yuigahama, like a housecat baring its claws and growling in its throat. As if unable to hold back the emotions bothering her, she asked in a chilly voice:

“Let me ask you, did you force Yuu to bring you here?”

“…Force?”

Yuigahama blinked, tilting her head in confusion. “Why would you say force? And with Yuu-kun’s personality, could anyone really force him to do anything?”

“I could… But that’s not the point.” Unwilling to boast in front of her, Sora asked again, “If it wasn’t you, who else put Yuu in such a bad mood? Did something happen during the kendo tournament?”

If it was just a bad mood, Sora wouldn’t care too much.

But in Yuu’s eyes, she sensed a depression and self-mockery unlike anything before…

In front of his little sister, Yuu wouldn’t deliberately hide his emotions. In the past, when he got a low test score, he’d openly show his disappointment and quickly bounce back.

Unless it was something he didn’t want his sister to know, something serious enough to affect him deeply—at such times, Yuu was just a big brother desperately trying to maintain his dignity.

What Sora wanted to know was, during those four days and three nights in Kyoto, what kind of demon had shaken Yuu’s mind?!

“Even if you ask me that… We really didn’t encounter anything strange. Besides the matches, we just had fun. The matches went smoothly, and we won. There’s no reason for Yuu-kun to be sad, right?”

(Though Yuuki-san did ask some weird questions, that couldn’t possibly be the reason.)

Thinking seriously for Sora’s sake, Yuigahama lowered her head and bit her lip. She racked her brain, trying hard to recall every past scene.

Fragments of memories flashed through her mind. She muttered unconsciously:

“Yeah, no matter when, I’ve never seen Yuu-kun show a sad expression…”