Yuu 331-335

Title: From Kansai to Kanto, They All Gather

This time, eight kendo club members came to Kyoto: one coach, four core members, one reserve, and two presidents and vice-presidents as spectators. All were experienced competitors. Their data from district tournaments was well-known—their styles, whether defensive or offensive, and who to watch out for were all clear.

Now, an unfamiliar face wearing the same sports uniform walked among the group, instantly drawing suspicion from other teams.

“Is he a secret ace or just a bluff…?”

Suspicion spread. Countless gazes turned toward Yuu. He looked calm, neither rushed nor anxious. There was no strong aura around him. He simply squinted, nodding with a friendly, innocent smile at students from other schools staring at him.

This made the group even more tense—most kendo practitioners enjoyed shounen manga, so they naturally understood the truth that squinting eyes and a smiling face usually meant a monster.

Instantly, several coaches from other teams suddenly smiled warmly, greeting the Sobu High group, their intent to gather information glaringly obvious.

Unfortunately, before they could, Sobu High’s coach had already instructed the club members to surround Yuu. They registered at lightning speed and left just as quickly, giving other schools no chance to snoop.

“I don’t think this is necessary. Even if they got the info, they wouldn’t have time to strategize.”

Yuu, surrounded like a hero, was slightly resigned. Though he felt proud being the secret ace, to him, this was a bit over-the-top.

Yukino, forced to squeeze beside him, hunched her slender shoulders. As they moved, she sighed helplessly, “At least we can get to the inn and rest quickly… I’m starting to hate this place, and it smells bad.”

“Your smell?”

“If it was your smell, I’d have vomited already.” Yukino didn’t even glance at him.

“I see.”

Yuu nodded. The meaning was clear: if he smelled of sweat too, Yukino might be vomiting by now.

He didn’t mean to be an air freshener for others… He felt a chill down his back. Was it because that Scandinavian beauty was staring at him?

“By the way, Yuu-kun’s really become the ace.” Yuigahama said admiringly, “Who’d believe someone could be the strongest ace in their first tournament?”

“You’re wrong, Yui.” While walking back outside the stadium with the kendo club members, Yuu explained casually, “The standard format is five matches, best of three wins. If the first three positions—leader, second, and core—lose, the match ends right there. No matter how great the ace is, it’s useless. So, there’s a fighting style that puts the strongest as the leader to attack, and one that places the core to hold key matches. Betting everything on the ace is a big risk.”

Yukino nodded in understanding. “Like Tian Ji’s horse race. Arranging strength order to let the strongest win first. The best horse against the average, the average against the weakest… But with a three-out-of-five system, the chance of a comeback is high. Not every team can use this strategy.”

Yuu spread his hands. “Exactly. But that’s the coach’s problem to figure out.”

“Hmm… I think I get it!” Yuigahama puffed her cheeks, seemingly grasping it. “So, if the kendo club loses the first three matches…”

Then it’s got nothing to do with Yuu. No matter how great he is, he wouldn’t get to fight. He’d just be a mascot—no chance for a comeback. Lose, and go home.

“Yeah. So maybe in the quarterfinals, or against a strong opponent, the coach will call for the Gyokuryuki system, so I can secure the win right away.”

The reason Yuu wasn’t fighting from start to finish was… the kendo club members didn’t come here just for a vacation or to simply win a trophy. Victory was important, but they also wanted the experience of competing!

If it was just about winning, they wouldn’t bother with nationals. They all had pride, confidence in their skills, and a strong desire to seize victory with their own hands.

“Gyokuryuki? What’s that?” Yuigahama was confused again.

*SNAP!*

Yuu flicked his fingers casually. Yukino glared at him coldly, then explained to Yuigahama, “It’s a winner-takes-all system. Members from both teams can fight regardless of order. The winner keeps fighting. If it’s a draw, both step back. The team with the last person standing wins… Think of it as a relay battle.”

“Exactly. So…”

Yuu pointed at himself with his thumb, smiling casually.

“If the situation allows, I’ll take on all five of them at once, ensuring no accidents on the path to the championship.”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

They finally arrived at the hot spring inn. Exhausted from the long journey, the group dragged their suitcases and gathered in the lobby to divide rooms.

The seven male and one female kendo club members were split into two rooms: one group room and one single.

Though the club covered their room costs, since Masuzu was from the Service Club, the kendo club booked a room for the three girls together—a four-person room.

Yuu, of course, got his own room.

“Alright, it’s free time now. Remember to be back by six for dinner. Hot spring bathing is fine at night. Enjoy Kyoto’s streets, and get ready for war tomorrow!”

“Ooh!”

The sports club’s cheers were always so unified and loud, even when they were just excited to have fun.

Yuu tossed the key in his hand, casually glancing at Masuzu.

Her shimmering silver hair cascaded behind her. Masuzu looked calm, like a winter lily. Her mask and hair covered most of her face, making it hard to see the emotions hidden in her sapphire eyes.

She simply followed Yukino and Yuigahama, dragging her suitcase into their room.

Almost instinctively, Yuu wanted to use [I Predict Your Move] to find out what Masuzu was thinking—whether she had naughty thoughts about sneaking into his bed or something similar.

But recalling what happened on the bus, he hesitated. In the end, he did nothing and walked to his own room.

“Oh, Yuu-kun, drop off your luggage and meet in the lobby!”

“Huh? What for?”

Yuigahama clenched her fists and said enthusiastically:

“To explore Kyoto together, of course!”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

In a dark room, the phone screen illuminated her cold smile.

“Finally here… I didn’t expect them to skip the Shinkansen and take a seven-hour bus.”

“Good grief, is the trip planner’s brain full of muscle? I’ve been waiting since morning. Wandering alone was so boring. Good thing I brought work to finish.”

The stack of documents on the table showed how bored she’d been.

But the long wait wasn’t in vain.

Hearing the faint sound of a door closing in the next room, she could even feel the vibrations of footsteps on the tatami. She cut off contact with her informants.

“Hooray!” Then, she stood up.

The afternoon sunlight streaming through the window lit up her mature, beautiful face and her cunning, lively black eyes, like those of a fox.

“Hehe, I won’t make the same mistake as during the fall school trip…”

“Yukino-chan and Tenkuji-kun, just wait—I’ll give you a big surprise!”

As if thinking of something delightful, in the quiet single room, Yukinoshita Haruno couldn’t contain her excitement and laughed softly.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

His ears twitched slightly. Yuu, who’d just set down his suitcase, turned his confused gaze to the wall.

“I feel like I heard a familiar laugh…”

-

Title: Strolling at Shimogamo Shrine

Ignoring the confusion in his heart, Yuu observed the single room.

A standard Japanese-style room, not too large. In the center of the green tatami mats was a low square table. Across from the door was a window leading to a balcony. The floor was wooden, adorned with a few beautifully placed potted plants. In spring or summer, sitting there to enjoy the breeze and scenery would surely be pleasant.

Unfortunately, it was late autumn, early winter now. At best, he could only open the window for a bit of fresh air. Wouldn’t it be better to sit under a kotatsu table, sip hot tea, and eat mandarins? No need to go out and suffer.

Still, out of caution, he had to ensure there were no issues with the room before staying. Yuu poked his head out. He looked around and noticed the balcony of his single room was only about a meter from the next room. Someone bold could easily jump across.

He frowned slightly. The thought of a man with ill intentions jumping from the balcony to attack a woman at night crossed his mind.

“…I don’t need to worry about that, but I should warn the kendo club-chan.”

If someone jumped into his room, he might not be the one attacked… As for the only female kendo club member, it was hard to say how strong she’d be without her bamboo sword.

He wasn’t sure about the group room’s situation, but with Yukino there, Yuu wasn’t too concerned.

He returned to the room and locked the window. Then he checked the bathroom and nodded in satisfaction.

“A private bath? Nice. An inn with private baths is great.”

Though the inn’s public baths weren’t mixed, only divided into men’s and women’s sections.

As everyone knew, only middle-aged women, old men, and teenagers with bad intentions went to mixed baths, so it was basically the same.

Mistaking the bath wouldn’t happen either.

Since he glanced at it while passing, he saw the men’s and women’s signs were tiled. Unless someone tore down the entire wall and swapped them, there’d be no bath mix-up incident—but in reality, that would never happen.

As long as the inn and its guests had functioning brains.

“Tonight, I’ll video call Sora from the bath… Of course, everything below my neck will be underwater.”

As if imagining his sister’s reaction, Yuu couldn’t hold back a gleeful laugh.

He left the bathroom, grabbed his wallet and phone, and after ensuring the room key was in his pocket, locked the door and left.

About ten minutes later, after sitting in the lobby playing Uma Musume, Yuu finally saw two Service Club girls come out.

“Sorry for the wait~” Yuigahama scratched her dango-haired head shyly. “I suddenly couldn’t find something, so I unpacked my suitcase for a while…”

“Yuigahama-san, when we return, I’ll supervise your packing. Be prepared.”

Yukino pressed her forehead, sighing. Her resigned, cold gaze pierced Yuigahama’s face, making her smile awkwardly.

“Then I’ll leave it to you, Yukinon…”

“Are you two like a babysitter and a kid?” Yuu teased. He looked behind them, puzzled. “Where’s Masuzu?”

Yukino gave him a you-should-already-know-without-me-saying look.

“Um… she said she wanted to rest in the room and told us to have fun.”

With slight hesitation, Yuigahama lowered her voice, quietly observing Yuu’s expression.

But Yuu just nodded, showing no surprise, and changed the subject.

“There are too many places to visit in Kyoto.”

Yukino jumped in immediately.

“I’m interested in the museum at Kyoto University.”

“For me, I’d stroll around Shimogamo Shrine.”

“A World Heritage Site? I thought you’d go to Heian Shrine.”

“Not enough time. I’ll go there tomorrow or the day after.”

“Alright, then have fun.”

“You too, let’s go.”

After a flat conversation, they both headed toward the inn’s entrance.

Yuigahama blinked in place. Only when they were nearly at the door did she snap out of it, rushing to grab their sleeves.

“Wait, wait! You two, where’s your common sense?! Where’s the common sense to move as a group!”

Yukino frowned in annoyance. “I’m being lectured on common sense by Yuigahama-san…”

“That’s not the point!” Yuigahama looked incredulous. She glanced between their near-identical expressions. “Didn’t we agree to explore Kyoto together? Why are you just splitting up?!”

“Of course, because…”

Yuu turned to Yukino, and Yukino looked back at him.

Then, in unison, they said:

“I don’t want to walk with this person.”

As if struck a heavy blow, Yuigahama hung her head limply, letting out a puppy-like whimper.

“I don’t know if you two are actually close or just superficially compatible…”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

After some gentle persuasion.

“Tomorrow! Tomorrow we’ll all go together, or I’ll… I’ll cry in front of you!”

“Okay, okay.”

Under Yuigahama’s teary-eyed pressure, the two loners reluctantly nodded and sighed in resignation.

But not for today.

Yuu just wanted to visit Shimogamo Shrine alone to enjoy some peace. Meanwhile, Yuigahama wouldn’t let Yukino go off alone—her sense of group unity was far stronger than theirs.

So, despite her pouty face, after saying goodbye to Yuu, she went with Yukino to the renowned Kyoto University Comprehensive Museum.

As for Yuu, he could finally start his solo trip to Shimogamo Shrine.

Just like Tokyo’s abundant boutique shops, Kyoto had countless beautiful sights. Its cultural and natural beauty was the city’s hallmark. No matter the season, there was always charming scenery.

Kiyomizu Temple, Kinkaku Temple, Ginkaku Temple, Heian Shrine, Kyoto Gyoen, Fushimi Inari Shrine…

To explore all of Kyoto’s famous attractions, seven days and nights wouldn’t be enough.

Yuu chose Shimogamo Shrine for two reasons. First, it was close, only a kilometer away. A bus ride would take about ten minutes. Second, Sora had once casually mentioned that Shimogamo Shrine had the Renri no Sakaki tree—two trees growing together, a beautiful symbol of bonded love. It was one of the most visited spots for couples.

Though Sora mentioned it in passing and wasn’t particularly interested, Yuu, who happened to remember, decided to go and take photos.

He left the Kyoto University area and walked along the Shimogamo River.

At the bus stop, no bus came, so Yuu decided to walk, enjoying the scenery along the way.

At four in the afternoon in November, Kyoto’s pace felt too slow compared to him, a handsome Tokyo man.

As he moved away from the city center, the streets gradually grew quiet. The touristy vibe faded, replaced by the charm of Japan’s alleyways.

Stray cats casually climbed fences. Branches brushed rooftops.

Many tourists sat by the Kamo River, resting and taking photos. They smiled, watching local kids chase kites and play ball, covered in grass clippings. Occasionally, skilled players stood by the riverside, surrounded by friends, skipping stones and creating dozens of ripples in the water.

The winter afternoon breeze wasn’t too cold, at least not enough to make one shrink. He walked briskly through this relaxed atmosphere.

Unmindful of time, Yuu took a few photos with his phone. He passed the famous Kamo stepping stones, listening to the river’s rumble fade behind him and the gentle rustle of trees ahead.

A red torii gate opened like a forest entrance. Pine needles stayed green, and the greenery stretched into the unseen distance.

Tourists came and went endlessly, and he was one of them. He strolled casually into Shimogamo Shrine—its official name, Kamo Mioya Shrine.

Shimogamo Shrine was a famous love shrine. Most visitors were couples or groups of girls praying for luck in love. Single men like him were quite rare.

Or perhaps because he was too handsome. Not long after entering the torii gate, as he looked up at the large plaque reading World Heritage Site, someone approached and asked:

“Excuse me, do you have a moment?”

-

Title: Who Would Believe Haruno’s So-Called Coincidence?

Yuu turned around. Two unfamiliar girls, their faces shy and innocent, perhaps one or two years younger than him, stared at him with sparkling eyes.

“What’s up?” he asked politely.

“C-Could you please take our picture?” one of the girls said, holding out a phone with a pink rabbit case. Her fingers trembled slightly, showing both shyness and nervousness.

(Oh, is this their first time trying to approach someone?)

The thought crossed his mind. Yuu found it amusing but had no intention of exposing their motives. He reached out and took the phone.

“Sure. What do you want in the shot?”

“Just the plaque!”

Seeing his friendly smile, the girls’ cheeks flushed, and they grew even more excited. They quietly tugged at each other’s clothes, as if negotiating silently, their eyes practically devouring him.

Yuu pretended not to notice. He kindly took two photos for them and handed the phone back.

The girls took it, their eyes widening in shock. “Wow, it’s so good… My phone can take pictures this nice?”

“Seriously. It’s better than my sister’s edited photos…”

Of course.

Though it wasn’t written, back when they weren’t on cold terms, Yuu had gained Expert-Level Photography skills from Masuzu.

As long as the lighting was decent and the equipment wasn’t too bad, the photos would always turn out great.

After doing his good deed, Yuu stretched and turned to leave.

“Ah, wait a second!”

The girl who’d been sneaking glances at him quickly called out. Mustering great courage, she said with a flushed face, “Um… there’s a tea shop called Saruyu in Shimogamo Shrine. They sell really delicious Aoi cakes. As a thank you, can I treat you?”

Her friend nodded vigorously beside her. Her eyes darted from his slightly swaying bangs to his deep black eyes. She said in a pitiful tone, “We’re students from Kuroyuri Academy in Tokyo. We came to Kyoto for the tournament. We don’t know anyone here, and it’s just the two of us, so honestly, we feel a bit unsafe…”

“Kuroyuri?”

Yuu, about to decline, was taken aback. For the first time, he clearly observed their appearances and figures. He searched his vague memories.

…Didn’t he see these two near Yuuki Asuna?

“Exactly! Have you heard of it?” As if seizing an opportunity, the two girls stepped forward. Their eyes sparkled with hope as they looked at him. “Judging by your sports uniform, are you also from Tokyo for the national championship? What school?”

Yuu stepped back, maintaining distance, a polite smile on his face.

“Sorry, I…”

Just as he was about to make an excuse to leave, a hand familiarly touched his shoulder. Something soft and warm pressed against his arm. A cheerful, light voice rang in his ear.

The temperature and closeness felt familiar.

“What’s this~ Getting hit on by girls again?”

The woman leaned against him casually, her voice familiar and natural.

Stunned for less than half a second, Yuu seized the moment when the two girls looked away from him, closing his eyes to hide his obvious surprise, then answered resignedly:

“Not getting hit on. Just helping with photos.”

“Oh? Your luck with women is always so good. Who knows if that’s just an excuse to approach them!”

Yukinoshita Haruno said with a smile. The radiant, sun-like woman ruffled his hair, like an older sister teasing her younger brother.

Though it was just teasing, there was an inexplicable tenderness.

The two girls saw this scene. Still reeling from shock and confusion, as her short hair fluttered, her friendly gaze locked onto them.

“What, not done with photos? Want me to help? My photography skills are pretty good~”

Haruno smiled.

“Eek—”

Though her voice was soft and breezy like a spring wind, the girls felt like they’d fallen into winter. Behind her charming smile, their faces paled, and they began to tremble.

“N-No need! Thank you!”

After deep bows, the girls turned and fled in a panic, leaving a man and a woman standing in front of the giant plaque.

Her hand was still on his shoulder. The unfamiliar yet familiar touch created a brief silence.

“Haaah…”

Sighing suddenly, Yuu shifted his shoulder, freeing himself from her hand.

“I appreciate you helping scare them off, but Haruno-san, did you have to frighten them like that? I could’ve handled it myself.”

“I didn’t scare them. I was kind from start to finish. They ran because they were shy.”

Haruno blinked innocently. Her lively eyes rippled slightly, looking at him keeping his distance.

For some reason, the corners of her charming lips curved into a smile again.

“Well, coming to Kyoto once in a while, and coincidentally running into you getting hit on. There really are such coincidences in this world~”

“Yeah, sure. Japan’s just that small.”

Yuu laughed along with her.

Coincidentally coming to Kyoto, coincidentally visiting Shimogamo Shrine, and coincidentally showing up when he was alone…

Even Yuigahama wouldn’t believe this was just a coincidence.

After all, Yuu probably knew Haruno’s lying habits better than she knew herself—coincidentally meeting you getting hit on wasn’t coincidentally meeting you. A hidden plan lay in the difference between those two phrases.

Haruno was always cunning and clever, just like him. She was skilled at fooling others with lies that were 70% true and 30% false, playing with word traps.

That’s why Yuu understood that the woman before him had, without a doubt, come here looking for him.

The only coincidence was the two unfortunate girls drawn to his handsomeness and scared off by her aura.

(But why? Her memories shouldn’t have returned. Did she recall something from that wooden comb?)

(Damn system, give me another guarantee—is it true that a target who’s lost their memories won’t recall the past?)

While questioning the system in his mind, Yuu smiled and nodded at Haruno, then turned without hesitation.

“Well then, that’s it for now. I’m going to find my girlfriend. Have fun.”

The implication was clear: please don’t follow me, and don’t join my stroll at Shimogamo Shrine.

Yuu had no feelings for Haruno beyond memories. Right now, the one he loved was Masuzu. Naturally, he wouldn’t keep engaging with her, even if his attitude was a bit cold.

Without looking at her expression, Yuu walked toward the inner shrine, heading for the Momiji Bridge.

-

Title: Does Liking Younger Boys Make Sense?

The red hue of the maple leaves hadn’t faded. Before the dense Tadasu no Mori, the Momiji Bridge (Red Maple Bridge) lived up to its name. As if the maple leaves had fallen and clung to the bridge, its red color was both melancholic and beautiful.

After crossing the Takimi River and passing the Momiji Bridge, framed by red maples, the Kawai Shrine came into view. This shrine also had a towering torii gate at its entrance. Pedestrians came and went quietly, the atmosphere peaceful and solemn.

As part of Shimogamo Shrine, like a branch office of a company, the deity worshipped here was the mother of Japan’s first emperor, Emperor Jimmu, and one of the two main deities of Shimogamo Shrine—Tamayori Hime no Mikoto. The shrine had its own smaller sanctuary, reflecting its status and importance.

This shrine was dedicated to prayers for easy childbirth, child-rearing, and love bonds for women. For a single man, coming here was pointless.

With these thoughts in mind, Yuu suddenly stopped. He glanced to the side.

Haruno, walking beside him with her hands behind her back, stopped too. She tilted her head and blinked innocently with her large eyes.

“What’s up?”

“…If I told you to stop following me, would you say we’re just coincidentally going the same way and that I’m too full of myself?”

“Someone who says that is too full of themselves, right?” Haruno smirked mischievously, raising one finger. “But, bingo~ I was going to say exactly that. You really know me, Tenkuji~”

(Normally, she’d add -kun to my name, but now it’s just my family name.)

(Maybe soon she’ll use that familiar nickname, huh?)

Yuu sighed inwardly. Ignoring her teasing question, he pulled out his phone.

In his memory, if Haruno truly wanted to do something, she’d do it no matter the cost. And unfortunately, she had the initiative and ability to make things happen, like a hyena biting its prey. The old Yuu had nearly been devoured by her in several ways.

Because he was well aware of this, and seeing that Haruno, for unclear reasons, was determined not to let him go, Yuu only had a few options at the moment.

First, direct confrontation. Threaten her that if she didn’t disappear from his sight immediately, he wouldn’t be polite, even if she was a woman.

Though it was just a memory, Yuu couldn’t hit his ex-girlfriend.

Second, escape. If he couldn’t face her, couldn’t he avoid her? Though a bit cowardly, it was a good way to dodge trouble. If Jojo could do it, why couldn’t he?

But on second thought, not to mention his annoyance at being forced to change plans and feel restricted everywhere—if he escaped this time, could he escape the next?

From what he knew of Haruno, if she was truly chasing him, she likely already knew where he’d be staying these few days and had checked into the same place, even before he set foot in Kyoto.

Come to think of it, could that familiar laugh he faintly heard in his room earlier be…

Yuu couldn’t help but shudder slightly—how creepy, and how persistent she was in pursuing!

Then there was the third option, the Secret Move: Call the Parents!

Summon Yukino here. If Haruno wouldn’t leave him alone, then they’d have a family reunion in Kyoto. A dirty trick, almost like mutual destruction. Like back in childhood when you couldn’t win a fight, so you’d lie on the ground yelling for the teacher to come and punish your attacker.

This trick could work. If the goal was to resolve the Haruno issue, it was the best solution.

However, for certain reasons, Yuu chose the fourth option.

*BEEP—*

After about ten seconds of busy tone, the call connected.

Besides the sound of breathing, there was only heavy silence on the line. The other party seemed to have no intention of speaking.

Yuu didn’t care. His expression softened unconsciously, but his voice was flat, like delivering a business report. “Masuzu, I’m at Shimogamo Shrine now. I happened to run into a female friend who wants to walk with me. Do you think I should agree?”

“…”

The silence lasted only a few seconds.

For the second time, the call was hung up without a word, even faster than the last.

His expression barely changed. Yuu pocketed his phone and, while stepping toward the torii gate, said without looking back, “Follow if you want. If you came to find me, just say it now.”

Too lazy to probe or beat around the bush anymore, he issued his ultimatum and left Haruno standing there, his calm gaze exploring the shrine’s scenery.

As expected, Haruno caught up soon after, keeping a distance neither too close nor too far.

“Hooho~ Even while fighting, you still ask your girlfriend’s permission before hanging out with the opposite sex?”

Hearing her slightly mocking tone, Yuu replied casually, “Isn’t that obvious? How many couples fight over a lack of transparency, leading to misunderstandings that leave scars even after explanations? I’m not dumb enough to do that.”

“Oh, you’re so enlightened!” Haruno nodded in praise.

The next second, a low, dangerous voice suddenly sounded in his ear.

“In front of me, you’re using me as your ace to mess with your girlfriend. You’re pretty bold, high schooler.”

Compared to Yukino’s bone-chilling cold voice, hers was still smiling and gentle but carried a freezing sensation, as if one’s soul could freeze at any moment.

Yuu glanced at her. In her soft black eyes, there seemed to be a hidden black hole. Deep and indifferent, without a trace of warmth.

It was an expression of slight anger.

But he didn’t need to comfort her, nor was he afraid of Haruno retaliating. So Yuu just looked away and continued enjoying the surrounding scenery casually.

“If you don’t like it, you can go somewhere else, Haruno-san.”

“Oh my, I didn’t say I disliked it.” Haruno immediately smiled, shrugging without comment. “I feel like you really understand me. But there’s one thing you got wrong—I’m happy you’re using me as your ace.”

“Why? Does that have anything to do with why you came looking for me?”

“Well… I’m not sure if it does or not.” Her finger tapped the corner of her soft lips. Haruno pondered with a serious expression for a few seconds, then said uncertainly, “Maybe I was captivated by your exceptionally handsome appearance at the fall festival and accidentally fell for you?”

“For a high schooler?” Yuu was slightly amused.

“Why not? Only college guys are allowed to date younger girls? College girls can’t go for younger guys?” Haruno nudged his shoulder indignantly. “At most, we’re only three years apart. When you graduate, is it weird for a 21-year-old woman to like an 18-year-old guy?”

“You’re right. So it’s fine for a 20-year-old guy to like a 12-year-old girl, since it’s not weird for a 28-year-old guy to like a 20-year-old girl.”

“That’s just a dumb pedophile theory…”

“So liking younger boys makes sense?”

“…Pfft! You’re really interesting~”

-

Title: How About You Brush My Hair?

For some reason, Haruno felt an overwhelming sense of familiarity.

The feeling of walking beside him, chatting about random things, and realizing their steps had unconsciously synchronized.

Though this wasn’t their first meeting, it was the first time she was alone with him. At such a close distance, she felt the presence of someone named Tenkuji Yuu…

Things that were once unfamiliar became familiar, and things that were once familiar almost surfaced without her realizing, like a long-lost treasure about to return to her hands.

The empty space in her heart no longer felt so hollow and cold. The tearing pain seemed to have healed completely. A happiness and satisfaction she’d never felt before welled up from deep within.

(Why am I reacting like this? Could I really be falling for him?)

In her confusion and fear, Haruno still calmly analyzed her psychology—from the jealousy when she saw him with other girls to the happiness she now felt just walking and talking beside him. It was clearly the reaction of someone falling in love.

But was this really the person who would be her first love?

Could Haruno truly fall for a high schooler she’d only met a few times, who felt a bit strange, and who was her little sister’s classmate?

If she told her past self this, she’d probably just get scoffed at.

Like when she suddenly told her mother she didn’t want an arranged marriage and wanted to choose her own partner, without any strong reason. The outcome was predetermined, so everyone just accepted it.

“Really… so weird.”

“Hm? What’s weird?”

As soon as the words slipped out, Haruno’s expression froze slightly.

(Damn, did I accidentally say my thoughts out loud?!)

(My guard’s gotten so bad. Is he a reincarnated fox demon with a natural ability to charm everyone…)

She shifted her gaze from his profile. Looking toward the dance stage in the middle of the shrine, she said casually, “I was saying, the girls who come here to pray to Tamayori Hime no Mikoto for beauty are pretty weird.”

“What’s the point of praying? What you can’t achieve naturally, achieve through effort. If you can’t make up for it, develop another talent. They don’t even trust plastic surgeons, so why trust a deity to do something for you without much effort?”

At the end, Haruno’s tone carried a hint of mockery.

“Don’t take it too seriously. In the end, it’s just for psychological comfort. After praying, they’ll go back to their normal lives. Only a few actually expect miracles.”

As if interacting with an ordinary friend, Yuu’s attitude toward her became more natural. After admiring the shrine’s historic architecture, he turned and walked toward Jouyo-sho.

Jouyo-sho was a place selling various shrine charms and souvenirs.

“What? Buying a charm for your girlfriend?” Haruno followed, curiously eyeing the charms on the table with him. “Or for Yukino? Dango-chan? Are you getting one for everyone?”

“For my little sister.”

Amid her barrage of teasing questions, Yuu answered flatly. From five options, he picked the most feminine and stylish one.

The charm was a small lace pouch with a tiny button bearing the shrine’s Futaba-aoi emblem. He chose a light blue one, planning to give it to Sora as a gift when he returned, to show his little sister that her brother thought of her most while traveling.

It cost a thousand yen, the second most expensive among the charms sold here.

Yuu looked at it, then also bought the most expensive one. He paid three thousand yen.

As the miko wrapped the lace charm, she smiled and reminded him, “You can hang it on a bag to carry everywhere, or wear it at the waist or as a light necklace. Besides being decorative, it has magical power to pray for beauty and luck. It’s perfect for a girlfriend.”

From her tone and gaze, she seemed to assume Haruno beside Yuu was his girlfriend.

“Thanks.” Yuu nodded in response. Too lazy to explain that he wasn’t buying it for anyone or praying for his own beauty, he moved on.

In a spot out of sight, he secretly took out the Misfortune Charm, holding it with the lucky charm in his palm for ten seconds.

When he opened his hand, the charm itself hadn’t changed. But the red prayer stamp inside had faded, like peeling paint. There were even faint mold-like marks.

“…Impressive.”

Both the dominant power of the Misfortune Charm and the fact that this charm actually held some prayer power amazed Yuu. He pocketed both charms and looked at Haruno, who’d been hesitating for a while.

“Decided, this one!”

She picked up a black comb from the rack, held it beside her smooth face, and smiled at Yuu. “What do you think? This Black Hair Protector suits me, right?”

It was a stone charm shaped like a comb, made from sacred Nachi stone from Kumano. The top bore the Futaba-aoi emblem and Kawai-sha inscription. The box read Nuregarasu (Wet Raven). Supposedly, using it daily to comb hair would make it glossy and beautiful.

“It’d suit your sister better.” Yuu gave his honest opinion.

Haruno immediately puffed her cheeks. Her fingers twirled the ends of her pink-dyed hair, and she muttered discontentedly, “I’ll dye it all black when I get home and straighten it!”

After grumbling and paying, she acted as if nothing happened. Holding the stone comb in one hand, she pulled a wooden comb from a pocket close to her body. Her lively, teasing eyes locked onto his expression. She deliberately lowered her voice.

“I’ll tell you a little secret—don’t tell anyone.”

“What secret?”

By now, Yuu was unfazed by the wooden comb’s appearance. He just tilted his head, looking at her in confusion.

“Every time I brush my hair with this wooden comb, I feel like crying. I feel so sad, like I’m cursed.”

Haruno waved the wooden comb but used her other hand to slowly brush her hair from top to bottom with the stone comb.

“Other combs don’t make me feel this… Weird, right? Every time I use this comb, I can’t hold back tears. Is it my problem or the comb’s?”

She seemed genuinely troubled. Haruno sighed as she put the comb down, casually slipping the stone comb into her bag.

Without changing his expression, Yuu said disinterestedly, “Maybe it’s your problem? You could ask a paranormal expert or consult the miko here for answers. I don’t get weird stuff like that.”

“I’d never tell anyone else about this. I haven’t even told my mom or Yukino-chan. I’m only telling you, Tenkuji.” Her face flushed slightly, and Haruno winked at him playfully.

The corner of Yuu’s mouth twitched. He turned and walked away. “If there’s nothing else, let’s move on.”

Haruno had anticipated his reaction. She quickly caught up and forcibly placed the wooden comb in his hand.

“So, help me brush my hair. Just brush from top to bottom, like I did!”

“If I still cry, it means the problem’s with the comb. I’d feel a bit relieved… Please, think of it as a small favor for your Onee-san!”