Yuu 341-345

Title: Sleeping Together Tonight

“…May I ask why Yuu is video-calling me while bathing?”

“It’s not bathing, it’s soaking in a hot spring.” Yuu pointed his phone at his face, giving a relaxed smile to the cute, confused girl on the screen.

“Did you see the photos I sent earlier? Kyoto is beautiful, and the hot springs are great too. How about we take a trip here next time?”

“Traveling is such a hassle…” Lazily, Sora rested her head on her arm. Her bright eyes looked at him, and a soft smile curved her lips. “But if Yuu wants to go, once in a while is fine. Just don’t go to places that are too crowded.”

“Don’t you want to go to an amusement park? Or see cherry blossoms in spring, the ocean in summer, maple leaves in fall, and go skiing in winter… Most of those places are crowded.” Yuu teased deliberately.

“Hmm…”

Sora showed a hesitant expression. After a moment of doubt, she bit her lip and huffed reluctantly. “They’re just people… If they dare interrupt my date with Yuu, I’ll chase them all away without leaving a single one!”

“You’re not even 160 cm tall, yet you talk so big.” Yuu teased.

His jab immediately made Sora grin and glare at him angrily.

“Yuu, you’ve gotten so bold since leaving home… If you don’t behave, just wait and see how I’ll punish you when you get back!”

“Oh?” Yuu raised an eyebrow curiously. “Just a little sister, how are you going to punish me?”

Tilting her small head, Sora smiled triumphantly. Her eyes seemed to shine with pure, untainted light.

“I’ll sleep in your bed every day, stay up late playing games, turn the volume all the way up, and keep you from sleeping!”

Yuu couldn’t hold back a laugh. Then he lowered his head, pretending to be obedient. “That’s terrifying. Please forgive your big brother, great little sister.”

“Not sincere at all! At least you should…”

Before she finished, Yuu noticed something odd on the screen and couldn’t help interrupting her.

“Listen, Sora… That bedsheet you’re lying on looks kind of familiar.”

It was very similar to his own bedsheet… Or rather, it was his.

His stepsibling’s bedsheet had a different pattern. Yuu naturally knew which was which. Upon closer inspection, the background also looked like his room.

(Didn’t I lock the door before leaving? Why is my little sister lying on my bed, video-calling me?)

“…”

Under his puzzled gaze, the silver-haired girl’s face on the screen froze.

Without explanation, Sora decisively ended the video call, leaving Yuu with a slowly resigning expression.

Because of that, he didn’t hear the voice that happened to sound from outside.

“Yuu, there’s only one blanket here. Want to go back and grab another?”

Yuu raised his voice. “We’re sleeping in one bed tonight, no need to grab one!”

Of course, just for chatting under the covers.

After he spoke, a cheerful cheer came from outside. “Yay! Masuzu-chan scores big~”

Yuu slightly doubted his ears. “What?”

A calm, flat voice quickly replied, “Nothing. Hurry up and finish your bath. I want to bathe too.”

He smiled and shook his head, saying nothing more. He set his phone aside, leaned back in the warm bathwater, and closed his eyes.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

At the fastest speed, he entered sage mode, clearing out lingering thoughts and desires. Yuu stepped out of the bathroom steaming, feeling fresh and clean.

“The hot water’s been refilled. Your change of clothes…”

“Dango-chan brought my bag earlier.” After saying it briefly, Masuzu approached him. She sniffed with her small nose, then reached out and touched his freshly dried hair. A satisfied smile spread across her face.

“This is the first time I’ve seen you after a bath.”

“You’ll see more later. Go bathe.”

Yuu lowered his head, kissed her soft lips, and walked to the balcony.

As Masuzu hugged her clothes and entered the bathroom, he opened the floor-to-ceiling window. Stepping barefoot onto the cold wooden floor, he looked toward the room where laughter had echoed that afternoon.

The light was on, but the curtains were drawn, so he couldn’t see inside.

(Should I call to test them?)

Yuu thought about it. In the end, he felt it was pointless. He returned to his room.

It’d be better to pretend he didn’t know Haruno was in Kyoto and live without crossing paths. No need to stir up trouble.

He locked the floor-to-ceiling window and closed the curtains to prevent that overly curious older sister from climbing the balcony and peeking at them while they slept—based on his understanding of Yukinoshita Haruno, such a thing was entirely possible.

About half an hour later, a girl with rosy white skin, alluring like a freshly ripened fruit, emerged from the bathroom.

Her silver hair was wrapped in a white towel, tied atop her head. Her neck looked slender and elegant, like a white swan. Her thin pajamas couldn’t hide the curves of her ample figure, swaying with each step.

Her pants shifted. Yuu stopped looking.

“You’re wearing such thin clothes. Aren’t you cold?”

“Isn’t there a heater? I’ll just wear thicker clothes before going out tomorrow.”

Masuzu spoke casually. She took out a hairdryer and comb, walked to Yuu, and handed him the items with a sweet, gentle smile.

“Darling, help me dry my hair~”

“Alright, alright, alright.”

After Masuzu sat obediently in front of him and let her silver hair down from the towel, Yuu took the comb and hairdryer. He lifted her silver strands and began tending to her smooth, glossy hair.

Though it was a hassle, seeing her back in light blue pajamas, completely defenseless, humming and swaying, Yuu enjoyed it. He touched a girl’s most precious part with joy, making it hot, dry, and fluffy, then combing it straight.

“Hee~ hee~ hee~”

Masuzu closed her eyes. She wiggled her legs happily, savoring his gentle, careful touch. Her entire heart melted into a puddle of syrup. She only wished this moment could last forever.

Sadly, no matter how thick her hair, it would eventually dry.

After her hair was completely dry, an hour had passed.

Outside the window, the night was as cold as water. Though there were no stars or moon, everything had a soft, tranquil outline. The entire city slept soundly under its blanket.

“Haaah…”

Masuzu adjusted her disheveled clothes. Her chest still rose and fell rapidly. Her skin, from her face to her collarbone, was flushed and bruised due to its whiteness and sensitivity, making the marks more noticeable.

She glanced at Yuu irritably. “You don’t plan to do anything, so why can’t you stop yourself from touching?”

“It’s the result of a struggle between rationality and animal instincts. Why is Natsukawa-san so sweet? It’s impossible to fully restrain desire. I can only hold back by touching you.”

Yuu steadied his uneven breathing. His expression grew slightly serious. He was increasingly worried he’d turn into a beast after the lights went out.

For now, his rationality held firm. He could still uphold his principles and beliefs—but if Masuzu did something tempting while they slept under the same blanket, he couldn’t guarantee his sanity wouldn’t snap. He might ascend to adulthood tonight.

If he suggested sleeping in separate beds now, it could hurt the insecure Masuzu…

Just as he was conflicted, the system pinged a notification:

[Ding!]
[Congratulations to the host for receiving the reward: Heart as Clear as a Mirror and as Still as Water (status)]

Yuu froze. This was too perfect, wasn’t it?

(…System, are you trying to speed up my synchronization, or do you want me to become a saint who can restrain himself?)

The system replied: [This status can effectively resolve the host’s current issue. In exchange, the host can no longer receive rewards from the target before completing the mission.]

(But I didn’t agree, did I? Why are you collecting payment on your own?)

The system went silent, as if saying, “I’ve given you benefits, so don’t complain.”

Yuu clicked his tongue inwardly. After reading the status description, he felt relieved.

(I don’t know whether to call this system considerate or meddlesome…)

-

Title: The Mature Man

The Heart as Clear as a Mirror and as Still as Water simply meant maintaining a calm state of mind for a time, unshaken by anything from the outside world.

This poor monk had no worldly desires.

Though it felt like cheating to use the system, Yuu wasn’t rigid. He always used whatever resources he had. As long as he could achieve his goal, he didn’t care too much about the means. Naturally, he wouldn’t insist on controlling himself solely with mental strength.

(It’s like adding a new line of defense for myself.)

However, the system also warned: Heart as Clear as a Mirror and as Still as Water should only be used in critical moments. While it had no side effects when activated, maintaining it too long could easily affect his mentality.

The worst consequence might be completely letting go of all desires, realizing the futility of the world, and becoming indifferent to everyone except his little sister, whose influence over his hobbies couldn’t be shaken.

Yuu’s siscon nature was like the Heroic Spirits’ Throne of Heroes. It was why he’d survived this long, so it couldn’t be easily swayed by something like Heart as Clear as a Mirror and as Still as Water. But other things related to love might not be so certain.

Just as his feelings could be taken by the system, Yuu knew the system’s warning wasn’t baseless.

(After all, I’ll only use it when I really can’t control myself… I’m not someone who’s easily shaken.)

He smiled confidently. After understanding how to use this tranquilizer, Yuu turned off the light and prepared to sleep with Masuzu.

Don’t misunderstand—this was proper sleeping.

The ancient city was peaceful and quiet. The beautiful mountains and waters had melted into the darkness of the night.

The curtains were tightly drawn. The night breeze couldn’t enter. The heater hummed, and the room felt like spring.

The lights went out, plunging the room into darkness.

Amid the rustling, the scent of shampoo came to his side, quickly warming the cold bed.

Soft, delicate fingertips tugged at his sleeve. Her breath made his heart race.

“Not doing anything?”

“Not doing anything.”

Masuzu moved closer. Her soft, unrestrained body pressed against him. Her voice was slightly teasing.

“Just sleeping?”

“Only the eyes are sleeping.”

“Pfft! Hahahaha~” The intimate atmosphere shattered instantly. Masuzu burst into laughter. Her stifled giggles sounded like a clucking hen.

This dirty joke seemed to hit her taste. Her soft, warm body trembled briefly before leaning back against his chest.

“Don’t expect me to make the first move. It’s my first time, I’m shy.”

“It’s my first time too, but I’m not planning to make a move.” Yuu lifted the arm she was using as a pillow. He turned and hugged her, now using Masuzu as a cuddle pillow.

As he pulled her full, tempting body to his chest, he almost flipped over and rubbed against her. Fortunately, his common sense slammed the brakes at the last moment, stopping all movements that could generate heat. Only his heavy, hot breath flowed against her ear.

Masuzu tensed nervously too. But there was no resistance. She slowly softened in his warmth.

“Hah… hah…”

Their breaths intertwined under the blanket. The scent of body wash was almost entirely overtaken by each other’s aroma.

At that moment, to distract himself, Yuu began pondering a question—

What was the true definition of a mature man?

Money? Status? Or just how he interacted with others?

Perhaps all of it. But one sign that a teenager had grown into a mature man was surely starting to think with the lower half of his body.

When someone began facing their desires and admitting they were attracted to another. When they could honestly say, I crave her body—Yuu believed that was when someone could be called mature.

These words might sound crude. Supporters of platonic love would surely dislike hearing them, but that was the truth for the most part.

Many teenagers, when starting their first relationship, often told the girl, “I only like your personality. I have no ulterior motives toward you.”

But was that really true?

Don’t hide it! If you can’t even get excited for her, how dare you say you love her?

For the sake of reproduction, nature dictated that love was always accompanied by sex. Young people just didn’t want to admit it. They kept giving while admiring themselves.

Whether they could act on it or not, the desire was definitely there. There might be a few exceptions, but they couldn’t deny the general logic.

So, a mature man had a very clear goal—I’m good to you because I want to be with you. I want your body and to be close to you.

How it developed later could be discussed later. This thought was the starting point of love, the primary motivation for seeking a partner, woven from various hormones in the body.

There was no shame in admitting and facing one’s desires. It was just incredibly hard to honestly say, “Yes, I’m thinking with my lower body!”

Admitting it in your heart and bearing the consequences of that action was even harder.

In short, maturity in this sense was easily overlooked.

This applied to men and women alike.

Of course, as a mature man, Yuu’s desire to have Masuzu was currently at its peak. His mind raced, about to engage the hardware of his lower body.

“…Masuzu, I love you.”

His hoarse, beast-like voice sounded. Before desire fully took over, he firmly activated Heart as Clear as a Mirror and as Still as Water.

It was as if a cold towel was thrown over his body. The heat throughout him dissipated rapidly. His racing heart calmed. Even the holy sword Excalibur returned to its sheath swiftly. All desire vanished in that moment.

Closing his eyes, he could even see a tranquil lake appear in his consciousness. The lake’s water was blue and mirror-like, as if even tossing a stone wouldn’t create ripples.

At the same time, Yuu found his senses sharper than usual.

He could clearly hear the shy, hopeful heartbeat of the girl beside him. He could also hear the voice of someone in the next room talking on the phone while opening a window.

Though his eyes were closed, he could vaguely sense the room’s layout. He wasn’t afraid of his pinky toe hitting the table’s edge without light. Every small movement reflected on the lake’s surface.

Yuu quickly understood.

(So that’s it—besides being a tranquilizer, it can also make me stronger?)

(My generous and sweet system is incredible. It gave me the power sought by many martial artists, and the cost isn’t too bad.)

What surprised him more was that this wasn’t an absolute rationality status—his own feelings remained. His feelings for the girl beside him didn’t fade at all.

Still, after using it for just a few seconds, Yuu turned it off.

…The efficiency at extinguishing the fire was too strong. He feared if he kept it on too long, even that fire would vanish.

“Go to sleep. We have a match tomorrow.”

Saying it lazily, Yuu hugged Masuzu. His breathing was steady, as if holding an ordinary pillow. He closed his eyes peacefully and happily.

“…”

Masuzu, expecting a big battle, felt confused in his warm embrace. She even suddenly felt disappointed and unsatisfied.

“…Did you accidentally enter sage mode?”

Yuu didn’t answer. He only gently stroked the back of her head. His fingers lingered in her hair, feeling warm and soft.

Then, she gradually grew sleepy. Masuzu let out a small yawn. She didn’t care how her boyfriend suddenly became calm. Like a lazy cat, she closed her eyes too. She rubbed her face against his chest and breath, slowly falling into an unknown dream.

But she had a premonition.

Tonight would be the most peaceful and happy dream she’d had since parting with her mother at seven years old.

-

Title: You Love Me More Than You Hate Love

The next morning.

When Yuu woke up and opened his eyes, he saw Masuzu on top of him. After his mind went blank for a moment, his first thought was:

“This mission isn’t over yet… Thank goodness.”

Then his conscious brain kicked in, gradually processing the current situation.

“…What are you doing, Masuzu?”

He recalled a scene common in many anime—a childhood friend sitting on top of a boy, shaking him to wake him up.

But now the character was replaced with his girlfriend. It seemed more reasonable and sparked even more imagination.

“Good morning~”

Masuzu greeted him cheerfully.

She wore light blue pajamas, sitting on Yuu’s stomach, looking down at him. Her silver hair fell naturally, tickling his face.

“I’m looking at the sleeping face of this sinful man.”

“Who’s sinful…”

“Sometimes I really want to kill you and meet you in hell—that level of sin.”

Though Masuzu said that, her expression was calm, and her smile was so joyful it seemed to glow.

She was like a completely different person from the gloomy Masuzu of yesterday.

“Don’t say dangerous things like that in the morning…”

“Everyone who confesses their love to me, I curse in my heart to die miserably.” Masuzu said proudly, “I’m a twisted, gloomy, hypocritical, wicked, shameless, ungrateful, heartless, arrogant person who loves to belittle, slander, and treat others like monkeys—”

(Ah, here she goes again.)

(Being able to come up with so many bad words for herself, in a way, she’s pretty impressive.)

“Alright, alright.” Yuu sighed. He held her slender waist, preparing to lift her off.

But Masuzu leaned into him. The intimate contact through the blanket let him clearly feel the curves of her body.

“A conceited, haughty, selfish, stubborn, unreasonable, pitiful, bleak, tragic person—and also, the girl you love most, and who loves you the most.”

“…”

“Don’t misunderstand, this isn’t the answer I’ll give you… I just want to tell you, if one day you leave me, I’ll do anything to die with you and destroy all the happiness you’ve given me—you’re that important to me.”

Masuzu looked up and smiled.

The morning light filtering through the curtains made her sapphire-like eyes shine beautifully, surpassing any beauty in Kyoto.

“Get ready! Your girlfriend is that bad of a woman.”

“…I thought you were going to say something else.”

Yuu lay on the bed, looking down at the girl resting on his chest. Just like last night, he gently ran his fingers through her hair. His tone was slightly resigned.

“When I fell for you, I never planned to regret it.”

“Mmm!”

Masuzu smiled contentedly. She buried her head again, rubbing her nose against his chest.

“Yuu?”

That spoiled, little-girl voice—no one but him would believe it came from Masuzu’s mouth.

“Hah, hah, hah, hah~ Yuu. Yuu—. Hehehehe, this amazing person is my boyfriend… Huhuhu, I want to brag to the whole world. My boyfriend loves me so much, huhuhu~”

(This is the usual Masuzu… Wait, this seems a bit too much.)

“Hey, are you okay?” Yuu couldn’t help but ask.

Hearing that, Masuzu looked up. “Of course I’m okay. There’s never been a better time than now.”

“Oh, alright…”

“By the way, this intimate act has nothing to do with love. I’m doing it purely for physical and psychological needs. Simply put, it’s survival instinct.”

“Whatever you say.” Yuu replied, a bit exasperated.

Before he could even get up to prepare, Masuzu hugged him while lying on top of him. She started rubbing her face against his chest.

As if trying to melt his scent into her body, the silver-haired girl kept rubbing while panting. Her hair moved with her, brushing against his neck and chin.

“…What are you doing?” His expression grew stranger. Yuu asked for the second time.

In that close physical contact, Masuzu took a breath and said with a flushed face, “Can’t you see? I’m breathing.”

Quite serious.

“Is this how carbon-based lifeforms breathe?”

“I lied. Actually, it’s a rubbing motion I haven’t done in a while.”

“Rubbing motion… Do you need to do it this early?”

“Of course!” Masuzu propped up her upper body. She placed her hands on Yuu’s chest, lowered her head, and looked at him with wet, passionate eyes. “According to British research, if the first exercise in the morning is a rubbing motion, it can improve physical health, extend lifespan, cure all diseases, bring good luck, and attract wealth…”

“The last two are lies.”

“By the way, 87% of people who’ve experienced this rubbing motion end up pregnant.”

“Makes sense. You’re rubbing in the wrong place.” Holding back from activating Heart as Clear as a Mirror and as Still as Water, Yuu pulled himself from the blanket. He let Masuzu sit like a duck on the bed. Her expression looked a bit lonely.

“If we keep going, you’ll be part of that 87% too.”

“I thought you could hold back.” Masuzu raised her eyebrows, laughing to hide her feelings.

Though she was too shy to say it, the spiritual mark hidden under the blanket made her increasingly addicted. Her whole body felt strange.

“I can hold back, I just want to get up early.”

He said casually. Yuu turned his back to her and walked to the bathroom, leaving behind the warmth and softness. His respectful demeanor finally started to wane.

Before he closed the bathroom door, he heard the girl’s calm voice calling him.

“Yuu.”

“Hm?”

“Like this, staying at an inn with a partner, alone on a bed all morning, immersed in words and actions only couples do… I feel my whole body rotting from the inside out.”

“Because you hate love the most, right?”

“Yes.” Masuzu said with a wry smile. “But if I can rot together with you and stay by your side even when my body is crawling with maggots… Maybe the ending isn’t so bad.”

Yuu paused. He turned and looked at her. His face showed a gentle, happy smile.

“Then the answer is clear—Masuzu, you love me more than you hate love.”

“…”

The door closed.

Masuzu froze in place. She gently clutched the clothes over her chest. Her expression turned complex.

She couldn’t snap out of it for a long time.

-

Title: Natsukawa Masuzu’s Growth?

The sight of the two leaving the room went unnoticed by others.

So, aside from the Service Club members, no one knew that Masuzu and Yuu had spent the night together.

“If word got out, those single kendo club guys who’ve been solo for ages might gang up on you. I heard virgins have a strong sense of envy.”

“I’m a virgin too… And since they know they can’t beat me, they’d probably just grit their teeth, cry, and seethe from the sidelines.”

Without a shred of empathy, the two casually discussed the sorrows of single life. Fortunately, they didn’t run into any kendo club members on the way. Otherwise, the inn might have been filled with an aura of resentment from the morning.

Breakfast was also served in the dining hall.

The inn provided a standard Japanese-style breakfast. The closer they got to the dining hall, the stronger the aroma.

Masuzu walked beside Yuu. Before entering the dining hall, she deliberately tilted her slender neck and lifted her long hair, letting him check if any gaps were visible.

“Relax, the visible parts are covered with a bandage. As long as you don’t lift your shirt, nothing will show.”

Reaching out, he gently touched the bandage on her collarbone. Recalling the strawberry marks he left last night and the soft texture of her skin when he kissed it, Yuu felt his pants stir again.

A man in the morning has boundless energy.

He casually averted his gaze, banishing the lewd memories that surfaced in his mind.

Masuzu let her hair down and sighed with mock sadness. “These are possessive marks, aren’t they? As expected, men in bed are like beasts. They don’t care at all how the girl will be gossiped about afterward. They just shake their bodies to vent their desires…”

“Hey, hey, hey, I didn’t shake anything.”

“Because I was the one shaking.” Looking up proudly, Masuzu smiled triumphantly. Her blue eyes sparkled as she playfully hugged his arm.

“But even if they’re not hidden, I don’t mind.”

Her chest pressed against Yuu’s arm. Masuzu whispered softly, “Letting everyone know I’m yours—wasn’t that your motive for leaving those kiss marks, my dear Yuu?”

Her tone carried a hint of mockery, but Yuu shook his head in denial.

“Sorry, a man driven by instinct doesn’t think that far.”

Masuzu wasn’t discouraged. She kept pressing him. “So you admit you’re a beast?”

“I never denied it from the start. And even if I’m a beast, there’s probably no beast more restrained than me…”

He suddenly remembered something. Yuu couldn’t help but remind her, “By the way, don’t pretend to limp or act like you’re in pain in front of others later. The national championship is close, and I don’t want to be misunderstood as a pervert who doesn’t care about important things.”

Especially in front of the dignified and pure Snow Maiden.

Though she’d likely still look at him like he was scum, if Yukino truly thought he’d done something like that before the match, besides his rating plummeting, Yuu might be outright shunned, with an unbridgeable gap forming between them.

Yuu, who saw Yukino as a friend, didn’t want that to happen.

So, as much as possible, he wanted to maintain his image in Yukino’s eyes. At the very least, he didn’t want to be blamed without reason—including covering the kiss marks, which was partly motivated by this.

Of course, if Masuzu was unhappy, he’d let the misunderstanding happen. His girlfriend was the priority.

After all, Yuu was only one step away from actually going there, so it wasn’t exactly a baseless accusation.

“I know.” As if reading his mind, Masuzu sighed. “You’re afraid Dango-chan will be too sad, right?”

“Yui?”

Yuu blinked. Only then did he realize—indeed, misunderstanding or not, Yuigahama’s reaction would likely be stronger than Yukino’s.

“The person you love spending a sweet night with his girlfriend. Just imagining it makes you tremble, and it hurts so much you can’t cry.” Masuzu lowered her head. Her pace unconsciously slowed, and her voice grew soft.

“Yet yesterday, she personally brought my bag here. She even said, ‘Go for it, Yuu-kun really loves you, don’t let him down!’… She’s such an idiot.”

“So stupid that I started thinking the one who should be by your side isn’t me, but her. I even wanted to set you two up.”

“…”

Listening to her somewhat sad confession, Yuu stayed silent. He only interlocked his fingers with hers, hoping this action would give her enough security and tell her: I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.

As if instantly receiving his feelings, Masuzu gripped his hand tightly in return.

“Mmm, so that’s a thought from the past.”

She looked up. Her blue eyes sparkled again. Her voice was clear and confident. “Until now, though I don’t plan to show off in front of her, I won’t go soft and give up my place by your side—”

In the past, words like these would’ve come from her mouth only to tease her fake boyfriend.

But unknowingly, Masuzu had forgotten which was fake and which was real.

Just as she’d once envied them, she said what she truly wanted from the depths of her heart.

“When it comes to possessiveness, I won’t lose to anyone!”

“Masuzu… You’ve really grown.”

Yuu couldn’t help but pat her head. As if seeing his own child become independent, his tone was filled with an odd sense of satisfaction.

Before Masuzu could protest his treating her like a kid, they reached the restaurant door and crossed paths with two girls coming from the opposite corridor.

“…”

“…”

After a brief silence that felt like the air freezing, Yuigahama was the first to raise her hand and greet them.

“Yahaalooo~ So sweet. So lovey-dovey in the morning.”

Before Yuu could respond, Masuzu let go of his hand and bowed gracefully.

“Such excessive praise. It truly embarrasses me.”

“So polite!?”

Yuigahama was shocked, stepping back. The bun on her head almost bounced.

Ignoring her surprise, Masuzu continued using overly formal language. She bowed and said, “Last night, I’m deeply grateful for your care. I’ve reflected on all my past actions. Please accept my sincere apologies, Yuigahama-san, who is like a goddess.”

“I’m not happy being praised like that! Natsukawa-san, are you awake? Are you still sleep-talking?”

“Sorry, could you scold me with harsher words? Things like this don’t affect me anymore. Words like ‘female pig,’ you can say them, right? Or should I show you an educational video about it?”

“NO WAY! Aaaah—Even though it’s great that Natsukawa-san is back to normal, she feels weirder than before—”

On one side, Yuigahama screamed while clutching her head. On the other, Yukino was staring at Yuu.

“You’ve made up?”

“We never fought.”

“You comforted her all night?”

“Didn’t do anything that would affect the match. Relax, Club President.”

“No need. Do whatever you want. I’m not the one competing.”

The conversation ended there, brief but full of understanding.

Her expression was as flat as her tone. Yukino turned indifferently and walked into the restaurant.

Perhaps it was an illusion.

Yuu thought he saw her soft lips curve slightly, but in the blink of an eye, they returned to their indifferent arc.

The four of them, with a tacit understanding, didn’t mention what the two did last night or whether they did anything beyond sleeping.

They simply continued the peaceful atmosphere, so different from yesterday, and entered the restaurant to enjoy this morning’s breakfast.

-

Title: I Want to Be Friends with You

After breakfast, the kendo club coach gathered everyone in the locker room, filled with the scent of male sweat, to prepare for the match and give a pep talk.

Naturally, Yuu was among them. After joining the other kendo club members in stacking hands and shouting the slogan “Sobu Sobu, Zenkoku Bubu!” he said to Yukino, who was waiting outside:

“I suddenly remembered, where’s your sister? If my guess is right, she should be staying at this inn too.”

Yukino was visibly surprised. “She is staying here… How did you know? Did she tell you?”

“No. It’s just that after chatting with her yesterday, I felt she could pop up anytime near you, shouting about wanting to watch the match.”

Yuu spread his hands, indicating it was just a guess. He asked casually, not too concerned about Haruno’s whereabouts.

Masuzu, who was pulling a notebook from her pocket, paused. Then she put it back as if nothing had happened.

“You guessed pretty accurately.”

Yukino, who knew her sister’s character well, didn’t doubt his words. She only massaged her temples and sighed. “Indeed. She did say that to me on the phone last night… I don’t know where my sister is now. Maybe she overslept? Anyway, she’ll definitely show up, though I’d rather she went back to Tokyo.”

“You must be exhausted.”

Yuu nodded indifferently. Once his curiosity was satisfied, he quickly changed the topic.

In front of Yukino, he wasn’t lying at all, but he wasn’t entirely honest either.

Like the fact that Haruno’s real target was him, and that she even secretly climbed his balcony last night, tried to sneak in but failed, and had to retreat while sneezing. Yuu couldn’t possibly say that. It’d be troublesome if he was questioned further. He had no choice but to cover for Haruno.

More importantly, his jealous girlfriend was right beside him. If he said too much, she might grill him again about whether he liked mature older sisters with big chests.

If his excuse was that he was worried about his ex-girlfriend’s whereabouts, that’d still be understandable… But he’d have to be insane to say that.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Soon after, in an atmosphere brimming with tension, excitement, and burning enthusiasm, everyone packed their things and stepped out of the inn’s entrance.

The battle was about to begin. This gathering was to head to the competition venue, Kyoto University’s gymnasium, to prepare.

The participants carried their protective gear and bamboo sword bags, ready to face the fight fully equipped. Meanwhile, the others looked far more relaxed, like middle schoolers heading to watch a baseball game. Yuigahama even suggested bringing popcorn and drinks.

Of course, the moment she said it, Yukino shot it down mercilessly.

“Kendo is far more serious and sacred than baseball. While there are no specific rules for spectating, you should still maintain etiquette to avoid getting dirty looks…”

Before she could finish her lecture, Masuzu stepped in front of Yuigahama. She frowned and stared at Yukino, her tone filled with admirable righteousness.

“Yukinoshita-san, that’s enough. Dango-chan was just joking. You don’t have to take it so seriously, do you?”

The corner of Yukino’s eye twitched. “…”

Yuigahama was bewildered. “I-I mean, I’m glad you’re defending me… But I wasn’t joking…”

“What’s wrong with wanting to eat and drink when you’re hungry!” Masuzu changed her statement without changing her expression. “If Yukinoshita-san cares too much about rules, your body won’t develop properly… Look at Dango-chan as proof. You need to repent!”

“Why don’t you just say I’m fat!?” Yuigahama was on the verge of tears.

With a baffled expression, as if looking at a lunatic, Yukino shook her head and walked toward the bus without looking back.

“Yuigahama-san, until she’s fully back to normal, I suggest you ignore her for now.”

Masuzu said discontentedly, “Your words are so hurtful. Everything I did was sincere—only 30% was teasing you guys.”

“So there’s still 30%... No, this isn’t the time to complain.” Yuigahama furrowed her brows, looking at her in confusion. “Natsukawa-san, you’re so weird today! It’s not that I don’t want to be friends with you, but your attitude… It feels too forced. It’s actually scarier.”

“…Really?” Hearing that, Masuzu couldn’t help pressing her lips together. She stroked her long hair, lowered her head in thought for a moment, then sighed in resignation.

“Sorry, since I don’t have any female friends, I really don’t know what to do.”

“Friends?” Yuigahama blinked in surprise.

“Yes. Simply put, I want to be friends with you, Yuigahama-san.”

Though she admitted it frankly, her snow-white, delicate face flushed. Her gaze shifted restlessly, and her fingers behind her back fidgeted nervously.

Yuigahama stared at her unique expression in shock. Her mouth hung slightly open. Many questions arose, but in the end, only one sentence came out:

“Why?”

“As thanks for bringing my bag last night, let me be your friend for a few days… Haha, I can’t say something arrogant like that.”

She laughed casually, but Masuzu’s steps quickened toward the bus.

From behind, even the back of her ears was red. Amid her swaying silver hair, it looked like a bright red plum blossom in the snow.

“It’s not an important reason… I just want to start changing from the simplest things.”

Her voice, deliberately lowered to hide her embarrassment, carried clearly with the breeze.

“…”

Yuigahama stared at her back.

She fell silent, as if the voices of others calling her to board the bus vanished from her world.

Only her racing heartbeat pounded, as if it could strike her eardrums.

“…People who fall for Yuu-kun really get changed by him.”

She muttered. Yet she couldn’t help but smile.

As if seeing herself in another world, achieving a dream she’d abandoned, she smiled reluctantly but proudly.

What could she do? After all… Yuu was the boy she’d loved for three years and could never forget.

“Yuu-kun, you have to find happiness too.”

With that simple wish, Yuigahama prayed.

Then she wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes. With a relieved smile, she followed the others, enthusiastically discussing the upcoming kendo championship.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Kurayuri Girls’ Academy, rest area.

“The match doesn’t start until this afternoon. Where should we go this morning…”

“How about going to Shimogamo Shrine again? Who knows, maybe we’ll run into that handsome guy again…”

Yuuki Asuna, passing behind her two juniors, overheard their conversation. After a resigned sigh, she reached out and tapped both their heads.

“Rie, Yuko, we’re here to compete, not sightsee… If the coach finds out we’re sneaking off again, don’t say I didn’t cover for you, okay?”

“Y-Yuuki-senpai?!”

As if caught by a demon instructor, the two juniors jumped to their feet, standing ramrod straight with serious faces. Only their hands rubbed sweat against their thighs, and their calves trembled as if cramping.

“We were just talking. We weren’t really planning to sneak out!”

“Please forgive us!”

“Eh…” Asuna scratched her cheek, unable to hold back a wry smile. “Don’t be so nervous. Am I that scary?”

“…”

The two juniors didn’t dare utter a word. They could only stare at their noses, praying she’d leave soon.

They couldn’t be blamed for being so timid. The senior before them was the new ace of Kurayuri Girls’ Academy’s fencing club.

Though only a second-year, she’d defeated everyone from the coach to the main players who competed in last year’s nationals, claiming the Queen’s Seat in the fencing club. Both her character and strength were deeply respected.

She excelled in academics and sports, was beautiful, and had a gentle personality. She always greeted with a smile and didn’t act like a rich kid at all.

Such a perfect existence—perhaps only the fencing club members could understand the terror and madness hidden within her…

Simply put, this senior loved real combat.

She enjoyed slaughtering the entire fencing club every so often under the guise of training.

She rarely held back and never lost.

Her meteor-like sword thrusts, relentless attacks, and fierce aura, as if venting something unpleasant, gave most club members PTSD. They reflexively trembled when they saw her pick up her fencing sword. Their respect and fear for her grew even deeper.

Compared to the coach, who’d decided to relax until she graduated, the elite athletes competing in this national championship were even more afraid to offend the brown-haired girl smiling gently and looking puzzled in front of them.

“Haaah, whatever you want.”

Asuna shook her head. Used to this treatment, she didn’t feel too sad.

But before she left to train, her eyes glanced at the phone screen on her junior’s table.

It was a side-profile photo of a boy. Since it was taken secretly, the angle and clarity weren’t great. She could only tell he was a handsome guy, standing in front of a World Heritage Site plaque, looking deep in thought.

But for some reason, Asuna couldn’t look away from the photo. She even unconsciously stepped forward. Ignoring her juniors’ screams as they hopped away like rabbits, she picked up the phone.

“This…”

“Senpai, we’re really sorry! Please don’t confiscate our phones!”

“We promise we’ll win the championship this time! Even if you take it, please give it back after the match!”

“Calm down. I’m not planning to take your phone.” Ignoring their near-tearful expressions, Asuna frowned. She stared at the face in profile. Her expression grew serious, but her tone carried confusion.

“Can you tell me the name of the person you photographed?”