Yuu 321-325

Title: Yuigahama Yui and Natsukawa Masuzu

Faced with such a terrifying expression, Yuigahama instinctively took a step back.

“W-What’s wrong? I didn’t say anything wrong…”

Masuzu opened her mouth.

(Of course I’m not wrong! What does it matter if you knew him first? I love him far more than you do! More precisely, I’ve reached the point of love!)

(I love Tenkuuji Yuu the most.)

(The most in the whole world!)

(You loser Dango-chan, don’t interfere with our sweet relationship!)

—That’s what she wanted to say at first.

She could say anything superficial; she was skilled at lying or spouting pleasantries. This was a situation she could easily resolve with a few sentences…

But why couldn’t her voice come out?

“…Don’t say stupid things. I’ll never like anyone.”

A hoarse voice emerged from her throat. Her gaze slowly dropped from Yuigahama to the ground.

It was the same during the autumn school visit.

Why could she be so honest? Why didn’t she wear a mask and deceive each other? Why did she look at her with eyes that seemed to want to pry open her heart?

Shallow, emotional people who didn’t know how to enjoy life always blurted out whatever was on their minds.

To Masuzu, this was utterly shallow and childish behavior.

Yet both Dango-chan and that angelic underclassman did the same thing.

What was this? Was honesty so great? So beautiful?

Then what was she supposed to do, someone who could only live by pretending?

The current her couldn’t lie in front of Yuigahama. What path should she take…

“…Natsukawa-san, why can’t you admit it?”

Seeing Masuzu’s frightened and fragile expression, after a moment of shock, Yuigahama unconsciously bit her lip tightly.

Her hands at her sides slowly clenched into fists. She hid her expression behind the shadow of her hair. Her soft voice tried to stay calm, but a faint tremble couldn’t be concealed:

“Even though… even though Yuu-kun likes you too… Even though you love each other, why are you still avoiding it now?”

“Why does Yuu-kun like someone like you… but you don’t even dare to cherish it…”

“It feels like you’re saying what I’ve wanted for two years is worthless…”

“What did you say?” Masuzu widened her eyes in a daze, seemingly not catching her last honest words. “Yuu… likes me? We love each other?”

As if refusing to believe it, she shook her head vigorously. Her heels stomped hard, as if trying to suppress the overflowing joy. Her voice grew uncontrollably loud:

“No!”

“No, no, no, no—!!”

It was a scream that sounded like a wail.

Facing Yuigahama in front of her and her own heart, she shouted with all her might:

“I won’t fall in love, I won’t like anyone!!! Something as boring and disgusting as that, I’ll never do it. Don’t taint my relationship with him with your own values and your stupid love-brained mind!”

“You’re the one belittling the word ‘like’!”

Suddenly looking up, Yuigahama bared her teeth like an angry puppy. She shouted back, refusing to back down: “I don’t know what you went through to hate love so much and be afraid of liking someone, but like is like! Love is love! You can be shy and unable to say it, but it’s still yours! It won’t just disappear because you say it’s not there!”

“Just like how I know Yuu-kun likes you, but I still can’t just stop liking him!”

“And in the end, isn’t it because you like him that you’re arguing with me about these boring, disgusting things?!”

She could deny the meaning of those words, but she couldn’t deny the significance already rooted in her heart—that was love.

Ignoring the shocked stares around her, Yuigahama glared at Masuzu’s expression. She didn’t even have time to wipe the tears welling in the corners of her eyes. In a world starting to blur, she wouldn’t let herself remain a coward forever.

“…”

Masuzu staggered back a few steps. Under her aggressive gaze, her entire body trembled as if locked in an icebox.

Her expression was distorted and chaotic. She opened her mouth several times, trying to speak, but couldn’t utter a single word in her defense. Her mind slowly went blank.

It was like being forced to stand at the edge of a cliff. If she resisted, she’d be pushed into the abyss. That’s why she refused, feared, and panicked.

*THUD—*

The plastic bag in her hand fell unintentionally.

Amid the dull sound, three drink bottles fell and rolled in different directions.

Finally, Masuzu fled.

Under Yuigahama’s disappointed and sorrowful gaze, she turned on her heels and ran toward her apartment without looking back, disappearing around the corner soon after.

Silence lingered beside her for a long time.

“Falling in love with someone does have moments where it hurts and you want to run away…”

“But Natsukawa-san, you should be the happiest person.”

Yuigahama muttered, biting her lip until it turned pale. She bent down, picked up the drinks, and quickly left the crowded area.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

For her, love wasn’t everything.

After being rejected two years ago, Yuigahama matured. She understood the pain of not getting what she wanted and how hard it was to let go.

Yet, despite that, she chose to maintain the status quo. As long as she could be by his side, she was happy—it wasn’t degrading, because Yuu cared for her too, just not in sync yet. It only needed time.

Though what she wanted was still far in the sky, Yuigahama was willing to wait until she could reach the height to grasp it.

Then one day, what she wanted was easily taken by someone else.

With a fake excuse, awkward behavior, and in far too short a time, that person stole the gentle gaze she’d waited for over two years.

(What is this? It’s too unfair! I hate it so much! Why can she do it? Why can’t I?)

Those thoughts once filled her mind. But in the end, Yuigahama sincerely hoped Yuu could be happy.

The person she liked didn’t like her back. It was a sadness shared by men and women alike. She’d heard similar love stories often, only this time it happened to her.

And now, her thoughts were simple.

Because she liked him, she hoped he could be with the person he liked and not feel the same pain she did. That was enough.

But…

Why was happiness right in front of her, yet Masuzu refused to face it?

“Natsukawa-san, do you know?”

“How sad Yuu-kun would be if he heard those words… No, you wouldn’t know, would you?”

“Because you’ve never heard the person you like say, ‘I don’t like you.’”

This time, Yuigahama truly couldn’t hold back anymore.

She’d always been the type to meddle since the beginning. Now, she couldn’t just sit back and watch.

Glancing in the direction Masuzu fled, Yuigahama pursed her lips and walked expressionlessly in the opposite direction.

“As long as I can make Yuu-kun happy, even I… can do something.”

-

Title: Natsukawa Mana Strikes Again!

Chiba University Hospital.

The health check-up took longer than expected. The initial report was only handed to Yuu around two or three in the afternoon.

“Compared to the last check-up, Sora’s condition has improved to a surprising degree… Preliminary estimates show her health has returned to the level of a normal person. However, changes in immunity, metabolic function, and other reports are still awaiting blood and urine test results, which will be sent directly to your home in five days.”

After observing Yuu, the white-haired elderly doctor smiled with satisfaction. The wrinkles at the corners of his eyes were filled with warm affection. “It seems you’ve taken excellent care of her, Yuu. Your parents in heaven must be proud of you.”

“You’re too kind.” Yuu shrugged, as if it were only natural. “Sora is the family I love most. I live well, so she has to live even better than me. It’s just how it is—nothing to brag about.”

A confident older brother declared that protecting his little sister’s life was the right thing to do, unmatched by anything else.

“You little rascal, you’re getting better at putting on a show.”

The old doctor chuckled softly. He patted Yuu’s shoulder, nodding firmly as if in praise. “But that’s a good thing! Seeing you two rise from the past and your relationship become even better than before makes me a bit relieved… So, here’s the deal.”

Clearing his throat twice, he changed his tone. The old doctor winked, showing a mischievous expression. “Three years from now, Sora will be an adult. By then, I want to see a wedding invitation on my desk. If there’s none, don’t come see me again.”

Before Yuu could speak, Sora, who had been sitting obediently beside him, her face growing redder, stood up abruptly. She hardened her expression and spoke in a deliberately cold tone:

“Grandpa Doctor, if there’s nothing else, we’re leaving!”

The old doctor waved his hand, speaking in a reflective tone. “Yes, yes, yes. Yuu’s getting thicker-skinned, but Sora’s getting shyer… She used to promise to marry Yuu in front of me all the time. Girls sure change easily.”

“I haven’t changed. It’s still the same now.” Holding the hem of Yuu’s shirt, Sora spoke without hesitation. “It’s just that there’s no need to say it. Yuu won’t leave me either, so whether we marry or not isn’t important.”

(Your thinking is a bit dangerous…) Without saying that out loud, the old doctor glanced at Yuu, signaling with his eyes.

Yuu nodded, indicating he understood and would manage his relationship with Sora properly to avoid any family tragedy like that.

Having watched them grow up, the old doctor had strong confidence in Yuu’s devotion to his sister and his maturity in handling things. He didn’t ask further and promptly let them leave the consultation room.

This was also the first time Sora left the hospital without bags of medications and health supplements, only carrying a simple health check-up report.

“I told you, the Life Potion was useful.” Yuu raised his chin, his face full of pride. “Look, you gained two or three kilograms.”

“Go die!” Grinning, Sora punched his stomach. Her punch did no damage. “Grandpa Doctor said this is called returning to a normal weight, not getting fat! Besides, it’s your fault for always making delicious food every day—it has nothing to do with that suspicious potion, okay?!”

“Fine, forget the weight. What about the rest?”

“I’ve been exercising at home with Ring Fit Adventure, being careful not to catch a cold. I also took my meds and supplements on time as the doctor said—it’s all my own effort!”

“Well, what you said makes sense, can’t argue with that.”

Yuu raised his hands in surrender. As long as the results were good, it didn’t matter whether it was due to the potion or not.

(Unfortunately, her chest and height haven’t changed at all since the last check-up… Wait? Maybe that’s a good thing?)

“Hmph hmph~”

Though her expression didn’t show it, Sora seemed happy that her body was no longer frail. A faint smile appeared on her slightly flushed face. Her steps were bouncy as she swung on his arm.

“Then it won’t be dangerous when giving birth…”

A dangerous whisper slipped from her mouth. Yuu decided to pretend to be deaf for a moment and act as if he heard nothing.

The two left the hospital’s main entrance. As they passed through the central courtyard, the angelic girl and her melodious tune were gone. Only elderly patients on shift changes remained, napping under the afternoon sun, occasionally speaking softly with nurses or caregivers pushing their wheelchairs.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Bicycle parking area.

Even before reaching their bike, Yuu and Sora stopped in their tracks, staring in shock at the girl and burly man in front of them.

“Yo, I’ve been waiting for you.”

Blonde twin ponytails hung over her shoulders. Her deep purple eyes shone bright and cunning. The girl, who looked like a middle schooler, sat sideways on their bike’s seat, casually swinging her legs.

“Long time no see. Did you miss me, Onii-chan~?”

Her melodious tone carried a hint of malice.

Undoubtedly, she was the embarrassing troublemaker, Natsukawa Mana, who hadn’t appeared since being scolded in front of Masuzu at the luxury apartment.

Hiding behind her brother’s broad back, Sora tugged at his sleeve, asking warily and irritably, “Who’s she now? Why do you know a girl so much younger than you? Is that bald guy her bodyguard?”

“Natsukawa Mana, someone who came to cause trouble for her older sister. The bald guy is Yasuoka; I scolded him once alongside her.”

Yuu spoke without hesitation. Yasuoka’s expression remained as solid as marble. Meanwhile, Mana couldn’t help but purse her lips, glaring at him fiercely.

“You remember such trivial things for so long. How petty of you. I’m amazed Masuzu could like you.”

Sora quickly caught the key point. Her gaze grew sharper and more hostile.

“Masuzu? Like you?… So, she’s your girlfriend’s little sister?”

Before Yuu could answer, Mana spoke first, smirking mockingly.

“Exactly. Though I don’t want to, I have no choice but to call this guy my brother-in-law~”

Her intrigued gaze shifted from Yuu to Sora. Mana winked. A mocking laugh slowly spread across her lips as she said flirtatiously, “So, who are you? Don’t tell me you’re his sisc—”

“If you finish that sentence, I guarantee you’ll regret it.”

Before Mana could complete her words, the late autumn weather suddenly turned to winter with Yuu’s soft tone.

Yuu stared at her, his face smiling, but his eyes as cold as ice, deep and dark.

“How dare you be rude to my sister. Even a hundred bodyguards and ten Natsukawa Masuzus couldn’t save you—that’s my promise.”

He was serious. So serious that he wouldn’t hesitate to hurt a fourteen-year-old girl.

No one was allowed to harm his only family, not even with a single word.

“Young lady, please step back!”

Yasuoka instinctively stepped in front of Mana. His tall, muscular frame reflexively took a defensive stance, his breathing tense.

Under that cold gaze, Mana began trembling uncontrollably. But she didn’t look scared—instead, she suppressed envy and excitement. Crossing her arms over her chest, she snorted proudly.

“I didn’t mean to fight you. If my attitude made you… and your sister unhappy, I’m sorry! Forgive me!”

“…Huh?”

Yuu froze. He turned and exchanged a glance with Sora. Both looked bewildered.

“Such an arrogant apology…”

“Or rather, why is she kneeling so quickly…”

-

Title: Even a Dwarf Wants to Protect Snow White

“Hey, do I look like an idiot?”

With one hand on her hip, Mana hopped off the bike seat. Her height was almost the same as Sora’s.

“I already know you can take down Yasuoka single-handedly. Would I show up in front of you without protection, even trying to provoke you? Only a fool would do that.”

“Oh, so you didn’t come here to get yourself killed?” Yuu understood. The other party was just used to speaking thoughtlessly and didn’t actually intend to mock Sora.

(…So when will she learn the saying that the tongue can kill?)

Mana shrugged, her tone mature like an adult’s. “Of course not! Though I’m not on Masuzu’s level, I still have an eye for judging people. I also know what kind of investment is the smartest.”

“I came to see you this time just to do you a favor. Let’s get along well, Brother-in-law~”

As if forgetting her earlier panicked retreat, the pretty blonde girl with twin ponytails approached with a sweet, cute smile. She reached out, trying to hug his other arm.

Before she could, Sora glared at her with icy eyes. Her demeanor was eerily similar to Yuu’s just moments ago.

“Whoever you are, stay away from Yuu.”

“…”

Mana’s hand froze in mid-air. She pouted, nearly crying this time. But she managed to hold back her tears, lifted her chin proudly, and turned with a calm demeanor.

“Fine, looks like neither of you likes me much. I was going to offer a million yen as a gift—what a pity.”

Sora sneered coldly. Her initial wariness and fear had vanished. She spoke without hesitation, “Who cares about your dirty money? We’ve got our own.”

Mana looked up at the sky, clicking her tongue in annoyance but not daring to snap back sharply.

She was helpless. The overly protective older brother was watching from the side. If she upset him again, a spanking or a slap wouldn’t be a big deal. She was only afraid he’d get serious and send her to the hospital. That would be far from fun…

After all, that earlier glare was so ruthless, as if Yuu would kill them and bury her on the spot.

This guy must have secretly killed someone before.

Mana irritably twisted her twin ponytails but had to swallow her anger.

In the end, why didn’t she have a handsome, reliable, and doting older brother like that? All she had were disharmonious parents and an older sister who’d kept her at a distance since childhood.

The world was so unfair…

“Let’s get to the point.”

Despite her complaints, Mana still remembered her purpose for coming. She turned and looked at them seriously, her eyes fixed on Yuu.

“Soon, he… the head of the Natsukawa family, my and Masuzu’s father, will return to Japan. His purpose isn’t clear yet, but it definitely has to do with Masuzu!”

“Oh?” Yuu raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised. “You mean… after Natsukawa Ryouji returns to Japan, he’ll come to cause trouble for Masuzu?”

“Very likely. After all, he caused a stir at school just because his daughter got a boyfriend, and that already made Father a bit displeased… Wait, how do you know his name?!” Mana’s voice rose in shock mid-sentence, her eyes suspicious.

“Stuff like that is easy to find if you look. Don’t make a big deal out of it.”

Yuu shook his head, unfazed. He asked in a flat tone, “This is your family’s business. Why are you telling me specifically? By the way, does Masuzu know?”

“Masuzu doesn’t know. If Yasuoka hadn’t secretly told me, I wouldn’t have known he was coming back either. It feels like a surprise attack.” Mana sighed. “As for why I’m telling you, it’s because he’s very likely to come for you too—as Masuzu’s boyfriend, your information has been on his desk for a while.”

“What an honor.” As if he’d expected this, Yuu rolled his eyes and grumbled boredly. “I can already guess what he’ll talk to me about. Can’t these people be more creative? They meddle too much in their daughter’s love life. Have they never experienced puberty? Always picking out the best goods in the market to bring home, not caring if it’ll upset her stomach, as long as she’ll marry and be used for profit? They never think that with so many good girls in the world, there’s a reason they choose to fall….”

“Oh…” Mana stared at him blankly, blinking. Though she’d started the topic, she couldn’t get a word in now. The man was doing all the talking.

“Well, maybe like you said… By the way, why do I feel like your grudge is bigger than mine and Masuzu’s?”

“Yeah, I feel that too.” Sora, who’d been listening quietly, also glanced at him suspiciously. “And Yuu, why does your tone sound so experienced? Have other parents come to you to talk about love before?”

“Don’t sweat the small stuff.” Yuu waved his hand casually, redirecting the conversation bluntly. “I’ll talk to Masuzu about this. You don’t need to worry. If she’s forced to return to Sweden, I’ll find a way to keep her here. If she’s forced into an arranged marriage, I’ll do my best to stop it, even if the enemy is a big capitalist.”

“I’m not worried about you two. I told you, I’m just here to do you a favor.” Mana crossed her arms, tossing her blonde twin ponytails and sneering. “If someone else said something that bold, I’d probably laugh it off as a frog dreaming in its well.”

“But if it’s you, maybe you really could go up against that man and give Masuzu the freedom she wants… Though I don’t know how, the chances of success are slim.”

Where did this confidence come from? Mana didn’t know either. Maybe it was Yuu’s strength that brought Yasuoka to his knees, or that terrifying aura, or perhaps the deep confidence and calm when he made that promise.

It was as if Yuu truly feared nothing and could do anything. Though she wasn’t hiding behind him like the silver-haired girl, a sense of security welled up in Mana’s heart, telling her she could fully trust the older brother in front of her.

“Since you get it, I won’t say more… Well then, Brother-in-law, I’m entrusting Masuzu’s happiness to you. Be the prince who protects Snow White!”

She waved casually. Mana glanced at Sora, then turned and walked toward the car parking area.

“Leave it to me. And I’ll remember this favor, Mana.”

She hadn’t gone far when his voice came from behind.

Facing the bright setting sun, Mana couldn’t help but smile. She glanced back, her blonde hair fluttering softly.

“Really? If I get bullied someday…”

“As long as you don’t act recklessly, I don’t mind helping you out.”

“Tch, this discriminatory treatment is too much.”

“Talk again when you have a third of Sora’s cuteness and obedience. The treatment might improve a bit.”

“Huh? Go die, siscon!”

Though she cursed him from the bottom of her heart, Mana wasn’t angry. Instead, she smiled proudly.

It was a carefree, unguarded, cheerful smile—the first time she’d seen it.

Under Sora’s warning and threatening gaze, Mana squinted her eyes like crescent moons, laughing brightly.

(This brother-in-law of mine is really a super weird guy.)

(But I don’t hate this feeling.)

“See you next time! Brother-in-law, and little sister-in-law~”

Her crisp, cheerful voice carried on the breeze.

As if provoked, Sora bristled like an angry kitten. Her silver hair stood on end. Puffing out her cheeks, she glared at her smile.

“I don’t want to meet again. And I’m definitely older than you. Why are you calling me little sister?”

Mana tilted her head in confusion. “Hmm? Aren’t you still in middle school? I was born in March.”

Sora immediately flashed a proud smile. Hugging Yuu’s arm, she raised her tiny chin slightly, showing the pride of an elder.

“If I went to school, I’d be a first-year high schooler—Hmph, you little kid!”

“…”

The corner of Mana’s mouth twitched slightly.

Weird or not, this family’s way of talking was just awful!

-

Title: A Love Confession That Goes Unanswered

Nighttime.

Yuu called Masuzu, informing her about the information Mana brought that day.

“Your father’s return is likely for two reasons. First, to warn you to behave more discreetly. Don’t cause a stir at school that could tarnish the Natsukawa family name—but I think you’ve been pretty good. Aside from having a boyfriend, you haven’t made any big headlines. It’s unlikely he’d return to Japan just to say that.”

“Of course, if we think pessimistically, he’s probably here to force you back to Sweden. The reason could be anything—to make you the obedient Natsukawa daughter again, fighting for their family’s interests.”

“The second reason is to warn me not to dream of catching a swan, then throw a check in my face, telling me to know my place and leave—the plot should go like that. He’ll mock me directly, saying I’m not even worthy of being the Natsukawa family’s son-in-law. Then he’ll kindly advise me to understand the importance of status equality. After I leave you without saying goodbye and deliberately distance myself, breaking your heart, he’ll take you back to Sweden with a legitimate excuse, making you willingly become his marriage pawn.”

“If he’s a good father who occasionally returns to Japan to visit his daughter, then consider everything I just said a conspiracy theory and overly cautious paranoia. If not, then don’t worry. We’ve got the upper hand in this information war. Just like Jotaro knowing DIO could stop time, no matter how strong the opponent, we can counter every move.”

After delivering those words smoothly and confidently, Yuu crossed his legs on the computer chair, casually waiting for a response from the silent other end of the call.

“…Yuu, did you hear all this from Mana?”

After a long silence, Masuzu finally spoke, her tone laced with disbelief.

Yuu swung his leg, a smile on his lips. “Aside from the info about your father returning to Japan, the rest is my own analysis and predictions… My Dear.”

“Haaah…”

As if too shocked to speak, Masuzu let out a sigh, then chuckled softly and muttered.

“Goodness, should I feel relieved or scared… That cunning, hypocritical man seems naked and powerless in front of you. He doesn’t even know your capabilities or how clever you are. If I ever tried to run away, would I be caught before I even stepped out the door?”

“Khr-khr-khr! I don’t have mind-reading powers, though what you said is spot on!”

Yuu laughed arrogantly, without a shred of humility. He spoke in a cheerful, carefree voice:

“So, what happened today to make you want to run away?”

“…”

Unexpectedly, the other end of the call fell silent again.

Yuu didn’t press. He just tapped his knee with his fingers, closing his eyes, lost in thought.

“…If I were forced back to Sweden, would you come after me?” Masuzu suddenly asked.

“If you left of your own will, no. If not, I’d snatch you back before you could board.” His voice was cold. Yuu said flatly, “Either way, my little sister is my top priority. Even you can’t make me leave her at home to chase you overseas.”

“A very siscon and cruel answer.”

“Sorry, I’m not the kind of guy who comforts people with sweet words. I won’t hesitate to tell the truth if I can.”

Masuzu couldn’t hold back a laugh. “Liar, no one’s gentler than you…”

“So gentle that I, who can’t give anything back, want to run away.”

Her words were so soft they almost vanished from the world, as cold and fragile as ice.

Of course, Yuu didn’t miss them. Holding the phone, he stared at the dark night outside the window, pursing his lips.

Too much gentleness makes people want to rely on it, but also feel unable to repay it.

Fearing abandonment at any moment, they become anxious and choose to leave first—did Yukinoshita Haruno feel the same way back then?

But he only thought, this was something he had to and wanted to do.

Sora never ran away, so why did they have such thoughts?

Perhaps that’s the difference between family and outsiders?

No matter how strong the feelings, they could be severed at any time. Yuu was the one who felt that most deeply.

“So, Masuzu, what do you think?”

Pulling back his scattered thoughts, Yuu shifted to asking, “I won’t ask what happened today… I guess you don’t want to talk about it either. If your father wants to take you back, will you stay here or go with him?”

Masuzu didn’t answer; instead, she countered, “If my father wants you to leave me, what will you do?”

“Answering a question with a question… And it seems you don’t remember what I told you before.”

Yuu sighed in disappointment. “As long as our agreement holds, now or in the future, I’ll be by your side—though it sounds like grand words thrown out casually, I was very serious back then.”

During the school visit, he made that promise to Masuzu in the rain. And as long as it was a promise, Yuu would hold firm to his conviction and see it through to the end.

Unless the world’s timeline changed, women could always trust Yuu.

“Of course I remember… You know that’s not what I’m asking.”

Her voice on the phone reverted to the confused, anxious girl from before.

“If you don’t want me to leave, what do you want from me? Why are you doing all this? That answer—I’ve never known—”

Before Masuzu could finish, Yuu cut her off.

“Masuzu, it’s not that you don’t know. You’re just too afraid to face it.”

“…”

As the other side fell silent, Yuu took a deep breath and suddenly said:

“Masuzu, I love you—please, go out with me seriously, with marriage in mind!”

“—!?”

As if piercing through the silent night, his voice trembled in the air, crossing the distance to reach her heart.

Precisely because he saw through all of Masuzu’s excuses, Yuu chose to confess his love right then.

He could hear her holding her breath. Even her heartbeat, suddenly racing, faintly echoed through.

This was the answer she wanted, and the reality she didn’t dare face.

Wanting it yet avoiding it, unable to let go yet unable to endure, wanting to see clearly but refusing—Masuzu was the most troublesome, possessive, unusual, and childish girl.

If Yuu dated her, he might have headaches for years.

So, did he really like someone like this?

Perhaps this was the third time. Though the person was different, Yuu asked himself in his heart.

He couldn’t confess to a girl just to speed up a mission’s progress—he could joke, but from the first word he said to Masuzu today, Yuu was deadly serious.

So, he couldn’t deny it anymore.

As Yuigahama saw, at some point, Yuu couldn’t let go of this half-foreign transfer student—so bold yet cunning, never honest, always wearing a pitiful face to bait people, obsessed with JoJo but completely lacking its spirit.

He wanted to solve her problems, make her happier, let her stand calmly in the wind, making him wonder if she wore anything under her skirt.

Lonely and alone. She always lived strongly while pitying herself—precisely because of that, Masuzu couldn’t let him go either.

Because her strength was shattered by him, she became a dependency that melted everything, like a fish unable to live without water or a human without air.

Perhaps this was what mutual love meant?

“My answer’s out. Masuzu, what’s yours?”

After waiting a moment, Yuu leaned back in his chair as if drained, breaking the silence again.

The corners of his lips slowly relaxed into a smile.

“—Let’s date.”

“Give me half your life. In return, I’ll give you half of mine.”

Masuzu still didn’t speak.

On the other end of the phone, a deathly silence lingered, as if the air itself had been taken.

Even her breathing was inaudible. A darkness heavier than the night spread, deepening Yuu’s gaze. He stared into the boundless distance.

A few moments later.

*Beep-beep!*

The cold dial tone sounded.

Masuzu hung up, leaving not a single word.

“Hmph, she ran away.”

Yuu set down his phone without changing his expression, as if he’d expected this. He stood up and stretched.

“After this, our relationship will either get worse or better… Finally, the turning point of fate is coming!”

Muttering like he was reciting a script, he couldn’t help but laugh, walking to his bed and lying down.

He stared at the ceiling for a moment, then covered his eyes with his arm, blocking the lamplight.

Slowly, the curve of his lips faded.

Yuu’s soft sigh couldn’t spark even a flicker of light. It vanished into the night.

“If I hadn’t confessed, things would’ve been better.”

He was always serious, even knowing it might lead nowhere—truly a hopeless fool.

-

Title: And So, Yuu Began to Gaze at the Snowless Sky

Time passed quickly.

More than a week had gone by since Yuu confessed his love to Masuzu over the phone. The season had officially donned its winter attire. Bare, dry tree branches were everywhere, trembling in the cold wind.

On November 9th, the day before the National High School Kendo Championships.

Before the competition, each team had to gather and register at the venue—Kyoto University’s gymnasium. Afterward, they had free time to rest before the matches. They could relax, have fun, or even do last-minute training. The intense and exciting national championships would officially begin the next day, lasting two days, with the teams returning on the morning of the fourth day.

As a strong kendo team and regular at the nationals, Sobu High didn’t book Shinkansen tickets like other schools. They directly rented a bus so the kendo club members could feel more relaxed and free while competing out of town.

Yuu still woke up early. After his morning training and reading routine, he put on a specially designed sports uniform for participants, emblazoned with Sobu High’s emblem.

The newly bought kendo armor was in a black bag. The bamboo sword given by Himura hung over his shoulder. His short hair had even been trimmed. His sharp black eyes looked resolute and steady, giving him an energetic and spirited appearance, like a young athlete long-trained in kendo. Though his temperament had slightly changed, his handsomeness hadn’t diminished at all.

“Looking great! Truly a handsome, elegant, charismatic man who suits any style, loved by all, making flowers bloom and car tires burst—”

Before Yuu could finish, Sora, leaning against the staircase door, cut him off with a flat expression, as if she couldn’t stand watching him. “If you’re leaving, go already. Stop being narcissistic. The moment you open your mouth, that rare good image of yours shatters.”

“Rare? Sora, it seems you don’t understand.”

Yuu spread his arms, shaking his head and sighing. “That’s because you’re used to seeing my face every day, so your heart doesn’t flutter anymore. If it were other girls, even if I just gave a casual gesture, they’d fall for me.”

Sora’s tone was deadpan. “Oh, really? Then go ahead. Go make others fall for you with a gesture.”

“Too bad, I’m not the type to play around.”

Enough joking.

Yuu dropped his unserious expression, carried his bag to the entrance, and asked his sister behind him while changing shoes. “You’re not coming with me? I’m worried you’ll go crazy from loneliness being home alone for three days.”

Sora yawned, her chin resting on the bunny plushie against her chest, and said lazily, “First, I have a cat.”

“Meow~” Yukinon came over, rubbing against her legs, staring at Yuu alongside her.

“Second, I have the internet and tons of games.” She squinted her bright, beautiful eyes, leaning against the wall casually. “Lastly, I’m not a little kid who can’t even leave the house anymore. Tokyo to Kyoto isn’t far. With my condition now, I can come find you anytime. Why would I go crazy from loneliness?”

Yuu winked playfully. “Because you love your big brother so much?”

“Gross.” Too lazy to indulge him, Sora walked upstairs with her small, fair feet. “Don’t forget to call at night to check in. Don’t get distracted playing with girls.”

“I know. I won’t let you feel lonely.”

Yuu tapped his shoe heels, stood up, and opened the door.

A voice suddenly came from behind: “Oh, Yuu, where’s that girlfriend of yours named Natsukawa?”

“Masuzu? What about her?”

Yuu turned back, puzzled, seeing Sora’s hesitant expression.

“Nothing, just… lately, I haven’t seen you two going to school together anymore… And I feel like you’re not as energetic.”

“You’re being too sensitive. How could I lose my spark over something small?”

Yuu shrugged, speaking casually. “We’re just in a cold war right now. It’ll pass soon. And honestly, Masuzu isn’t my girlfriend. Once this fake boyfriend mission is over, I’ll be single again, the siscon big brother who belongs only to Sora!”

As he said the last sentence, he clenched his right fist and pressed it to his chest, his expression serious as if he’d sacrifice his heart for his sister.

“Who introduces themselves like that… No wonder Grandpa Doctor said you’re getting thicker-skinned.”

Helpless, Sora sighed. “Fine, as long as you’re okay. Be careful on the road and come back soon.”

Yuu smiled.

“Yeah, I’m off.”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

The morning sun looked dim. Gray clouds blanketed the entire sky.

The streets were foggy, the cold piercing to the bone. The sound of shoes on the ground was crisp.

Of course, with Yuu’s physical condition, he wouldn’t feel cold even in a short-sleeved shirt. But he didn’t need to look that bold.

He took out his phone, exhaled a white breath, and walked toward the station.

Five minutes later, under a familiar sloped street, he saw a girl with dango-style hair leaning against a streetlamp, breathing into her scarf.

“That cold?”

Yuigahama lifted her slightly frozen, flushed face, complaining with a smile. “You’re practically a main character; of course you don’t feel how cold it is today. Most girls are super sensitive to the cold!”

“Except your legs?” Yuu glanced at the smooth thighs under her short uniform skirt, unable to resist rolling his eyes. “At least wear pantyhose. And you dare say you’re cold?”

“I was going to wear short socks today… And don’t look around like that, perv!” Yuigahama pressed her legs together tightly, leaving no gap. Her gloved hands tugged at her skirt futilely, trying to block his view.

Yuu looked away uninterestedly, shoving both hands into his jacket pockets and walking ahead up the slope.

“Why suddenly go to school with me today?”

“Well… I don’t really know the kendo club kids, so I didn’t want to go alone.”

Yuigahama quickly caught up, walking beside him. Their shoulders nearly touched, but she paused and shifted slightly to the side.

“And there’s something I wanted to ask you.”

“About Masuzu?” As if he’d expected it, Yuu’s expression didn’t change. He stared at the cold, empty street ahead.

Whether for morning practice or heading to the nationals, kendo club gatherings were usually early. He and Yuigahama left much earlier than usual, so they didn’t encounter the usual rush of commuters or students.

The whole city felt silent, as if it were just the two of them. The warmth in his body evaporated with the white breath he exhaled.

“Yuu-kun’s still as sharp as ever,” Yuigahama sighed softly, nodding.

Yuu said resignedly, “It’s not that I’m sharp. You’ve got ‘I’m dying to know what’s going on with you two’ written all over your face. If I couldn’t guess that, I might as well be the ultra-dense protagonist of a light novel.”

“What, is it that obvious?!”