Yuu 116-120

Title: System, Stop Blaming the World

It must be acknowledged, of course, that he now had a girlfriend.

After learning that Sora saw him heading to school with Masuzu from upstairs, Yuu knew it was time for another family meeting.

Was this a misfortune for him?

He didn’t think so. If true misfortune struck, it would be far worse than this.

For instance, if Masuzu showed up at his doorstep in the morning, confronting Sora directly and sparking a fight between girlfriend and little sister…

Or, if two certain people regained their memories due to another system glitch, then came along with Masuzu, facing Sora in a tragic showdown between girlfriend, ex-girlfriends, and little sister…

If things like that happened, that could be called true misfortune.

Dating and getting caught by his little sister was just a matter of time. There was a limit to how much he could avoid it—though troublesome, Yuu was mentally prepared.

So, during dinner, he roughly recounted everything about Masuzu to Sora.

That included how he was asked to be her fake boyfriend, how their relationship improved during the pretense, and how it now felt no different from a real couple.

Excluding the part about the system, their story was actually quite simple, with little need for embellishment or omission—just leaving out the kisses, hugs, and touches so Sora wouldn’t think he was some perverted creep who liked groping women.

After finishing, Sora fell silent for over ten minutes. She seemed unwilling to talk to him, or perhaps she was just processing the information. Her flat, cold expression showed no change, far calmer than Yuu had expected.

After all, in both the first and second missions, when Sora realized Yuu had someone in his heart and supposedly a girlfriend, she revealed an insecure, clingy side. Though she didn’t throw a tantrum due to her maturity, Yuu had spent considerable effort soothing her emotions and reassuring her that he wouldn’t abandon his only family for an outsider.

Logically, Sora having experienced a world-line shift and memory loss, shouldn’t have changed her behavioral patterns. The same scene should have repeated.

But when she spoke again, Yuu heard:

“You haven’t done it, have you? That thing.”

Yuu blinked, staring at his slightly blushing sister, who was pretending to be casual. He was utterly bewildered.

“W-what are you saying… That’s it?”

“Isn’t that important?”

Her gaze returned, and Sora frowned. Her eyes were as cold as an angry kitten whose tail had been stroked. “Yuu’s virginity being taken by some unknown woman without my knowledge—just thinking about it makes me mad! Is it weird that I want to know that first?”

“Of course it’s weird…”

“I’m going upstairs. I’m not eating!”

Sora glared at him angrily but didn’t get up from the dining table.

“Fine, just say it.” As if helpless against her, Yuu covered his face with one hand, his tone somewhat pitiful. “Your brother… is still a virgin.”

“As expected.” Sora’s expression shifted, and she laughed mockingly.

Through the gaps in his fingers, Yuu shot her a sharp look. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing~”

(Just a coward who doesn’t even dare do anything to his little sister.)

Sora, of course, wouldn’t say that last line out loud.

She only smirked mockingly while picking up and eating her food. With slender chopsticks in her mouth, her pink lips glistened with oil.

Seeing her like that, Yuu’s expression gradually turned helpless.

“Well… Your reaction is way calmer than I imagined.”

“Hmm, I think so too.”

Sora nodded, slightly puzzled as she bit her chopsticks. “It feels like something similar happened before, or maybe I dreamed something like it?”

“In short, my heart already had a hunch. So, it’s not strange if it actually happened… Weird, right? Even though Yuu’s being seduced by some random woman out there, I’m not that mad. I even feel confident that whoever this girlfriend is, I’ll be the one laughing in the end.”

“That’s pretty weird.” Yuu nodded, because she had indeed said something similar before, dismissing Yukinoshita Haruno as insignificant.

But that was something from a previous world-line.

With an unchanged expression, Yuu mentally flipped off the system and sneered.

(Damn it, I knew you were unreliable. So many flaws in your work, and you still dare call yourself a system? No system family has a disgrace like you!)

[…Host, the system has said before, this is an inevitable effect of world-line changes. Since it’s a change, not an erasure or jump, it’s only natural for residual feelings to remain. Even with the system’s power, they can’t be fully erased.]

Rarely did the system use a defensive tone, as if unwilling to take the blame.

(But what does that have to do with you being a disgrace? If you can’t do it, you can’t do it. No need for excuses.) Yuu shot back immediately, his tone stern, like lecturing an ignorant child.

(You’re a grown system now. Stop blaming the world and obediently admit your mistakes!)

[System: 😐]

Whenever it couldn’t argue back, this damn system slyly pretended not to hear. Next time, it would do the same thing again, leaving no way to vent his frustration.

In short, because Yuu chose to confess, combined with the system’s influence and the fact that past efforts weren’t in vain, Sora not only didn’t lock him up, she didn’t even run to her room to sulk—unexpectedly, everything went smoothly as if nothing happened.

“Don’t bring her home for now. You can meet at the door. I’ll be watching from upstairs.”

Aside from that line, his possessive little sister seemed to have accepted that her brother had a girlfriend. After calmly finishing dinner, she went straight back to her room to play games.

Apparently, Uma Musume was super fun lately, and she was addicted to playing it on an emulator—not her phone, since she was also playing other games.

Come to think of it, he should thank the system this time, right? This attachment wasn’t a bad thing for him, was it?

“You think I’d think that? Damn system, I haven’t settled the score with that comb yet. You’d better behave and be a proper toolman!”

Whatever happened, after successfully navigating his sister’s hurdle, Yuu still felt relieved. Another secret had been revealed. In the end, the outcome was pleasing for everyone.

Could that amulet also absorb his misfortunes?

With a hint of gratitude, he thought this, then pulled the inescapable amulet from his pocket.

Dull green cloth. The word “misfortune” embroidered in black thread seemed even deeper. A faint, mysterious black light flowed over it, somehow feeling like it was ready to explode.

Like a ticking time bomb, just looking at it made him uneasy.

Yuu quietly tucked it back into his pocket, looked up at the sky, and let out a tired sigh.

“Bad stuff… Just don’t cause trouble during the national tournament.”

-

Title: Going to the Hospital

Weekend.

Today, he had to take his sister to the hospital for a check-up, or more precisely, a health examination. Regardless, Yuu woke up early as usual.

Morning exercise and reading were mandatory routines. Around eight o’clock, he knocked on Sora’s door, then went downstairs to prepare breakfast.

At half-past eight, a pretty little girl came downstairs yawning, clutching a stuffed animal. Today, it was a dolphin, and her long silver hair was neatly combed.

“Stayed up late again last night?”

“No.”

“Is Uma Musume fun?”

“Of course… Tch!”

Met with the annoyed glare of the teenage girl, Yuu’s smile was as bright as the morning sun outside.

After breakfast and washing the dishes, they returned to the second floor to get ready. After changing clothes and grabbing their bags, they gathered at the entrance.

In front of the small mirror by the shoe rack, Yuu examined his reflection. Though dressed in ordinary casual clothes, he still looked handsome and stylish. He couldn’t resist reciting a dramatic line:

“So, who is this all-talented, gentle, and elegant prince, as if straight out of a fairy tale? That’s right—it’s me.”

“Idiot?”

A straw hat covered her silver hair. Her plain white dress formed a slender, delicate silhouette, her back alone looking fragile, beautiful, and captivating.

Sora turned, rolling her eyes. “How old are you, still being so narcissistic? Hurry up, let’s go!”

“My dear sister, you’re mistaken—narcissism has nothing to do with age. When I grow up and become a dashing uncle, I’ll be even more narcissistic than now.”

Yuu touched his chin, imagining his face matured and more refined, nodding with satisfaction and anticipation.

Rather than narcissism, he preferred people call it confidence—confidence that his looks and talents were no less than anyone else’s, and that whatever he wanted to achieve, he could with effort.

Of course, things beyond human limits didn’t count.

For example, catching the Miss System inside his body to torture it into something R-rated or the like—he didn’t have that ability, so he wouldn’t have such blind confidence.

The house door closed. The handsome older brother and sweet little sister pulled out a long-unused bicycle from the corner of the yard.

The bike was dusty. Yuu had cleaned it thoroughly yesterday—if only the New Status could be used on objects, he wouldn’t have spent so long cleaning it with a hose and rag.

“Here, hop on.” Saying this, Yuu sat on the cushioned back seat, his expression as playful as a child’s.

Sora kicked him off.

“Move, that’s my spot.”

“Hahaha, you’re so cute~”

Yuu laughed heartily, then skillfully moved to the front seat. One foot on the ground, one on the pedal, he tilted the bike so Sora could sit comfortably sideways.

“What’s so cute? You think I want to carry you?” Clenching her fist and smacking his broad back, Sora sighed helplessly at her sometimes silly brother.

Once she was seated, Yuu stopped joking. He pedaled firmly, the chain spun, and the bike moved steadier than a freshly started used car.

Leaving the gate, the open road and sunlight hit them both.

“The weather’s great~”

“Hmm.” came a faint echo from behind.

Facing the ten o’clock morning sun and riding along the cool river, Yuu spoke casually, “Sora, it’s been a while since we went out together, hasn’t it?”

“Why go out if there’s no need? Isn’t staying home nice?”

Hugging his waist from behind, her silver hair fluttered softly like silk. Sora answered lazily.

“Is that why you don’t go to school?”

“Exactly. Having you is enough. I’ll find a way to make money online later. Going out or not doesn’t matter.”

Sora said it as if it were obvious. She snorted softly, hugging his waist tighter, pressing her cheek and soft body against him.

“If Yuu’s not with me, there’s no point in going out.”

Yuu paused for a moment, then nodded thoughtfully.

“Fair point. If you went to school with me, you wouldn’t have to worry about me being kidnapped by some random woman anymore.”

“…”

Whatever she was thinking, Sora fell silent.

Her small, soft body still pressed against his broad back. Her arms wrapped around his waist like a warm scarf, swaying slightly with the bike’s jolts.

Like two people glued together, the season was reduced to spring alone, with no room for cold winds to slip between them.

Yuu didn’t speak either. He kept pedaling, passing quiet streets.

Riding a bike with two people was technically against the rules, but a boy carrying a girl usually didn’t care about such minor details.

Two wheels rolled along the road. Cherry blossoms and yellowing zelkova trees swayed their bare branches in the northern wind.

Pedestrians walking their pets occasionally prompted a few dog barks, followed by deliberately hushed scoldings.

Birds flew from power lines, a few remaining green leaves peeked over garden walls.

Startled glances from housewives, and a fleeting glimpse of silver hair at the corner of their eyes.

The city scenery passing by always felt more beautiful with someone by your side.

Blue skies, a sun warm like spring.

“Sora, if I buy a motorcycle later, let’s go for a ride, okay?”

“…Sure, why not.”

Yuu smiled happily.

After about a half-hour ride, before Sora could complain about her sore backside, they arrived at Chiba University Hospital.

It was the largest and most comprehensive hospital nearby. Sora had always been treated here since she was young. Most of their parents’ inheritance went toward expensive medical bills and health supplements, just so she could live as healthily as a normal girl.

It was precisely because he feared that money would run out one day that Yuu worked so hard last summer.

Fortunately, those days ended with the system’s arrival.

Sora’s condition wasn’t incurable. It was congenital—her body was weak, and her immune system low. Even a common cold could knock her out, and she’d been a frequent hospital visitor since childhood.

Though not fragile like a glass doll, a severe illness could be fatal.

Sunlight could be enjoyed on the balcony, exercise could be done with equipment, so staying home was actually the best protection for Sora, even if it made her gloomy and socially withdrawn.

After long, costly treatments, Sora’s health had recovered to slightly below a normal girl’s a few months ago. At least, she could go to school—she just didn’t want to.

Plus, recently, Yuu gave her a Life Potion, holy water from another world said to extend life and strengthen the body.

As long as the system’s items weren’t a letdown, perhaps from now on, his sister could shed her sickly persona?

Though happy, the knot in his heart, once so complicated, had been unraveled by a single bottle of medicine, leaving Yuu’s feelings strangely mixed.

Human capabilities truly had their limits…

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

“We’re here, get off.”

In front of the tall, rectangular building, their two-wheeled journey paused.

After locking the bike, Yuu glanced at Sora, who dismounted from the back seat, smoothing her skirt with a flat expression.

“We’re just here for a full check-up this time—if your physical condition is confirmed to be normal, you might not need to come here so often anymore.”

“Doesn’t matter to me. I’m used to it.”

Sora held Yuu’s hand, leaning against him as if it were natural.

Having been hospitalized often since childhood, she didn’t mind the smell of disinfectant. Besides, as long as her brother was by her side, she felt at ease anywhere.

“Let’s go. The sooner we’re done, the sooner we can go home.”

Pressing her straw hat to cover her face, as if afraid to meet others’ eyes, the petite silver-haired girl hugged Yuu’s right arm and followed him faithfully.

Yuu didn’t mind. He led her from the parking area to the hospital’s main entrance.

With slow steps, they passed through the hospital’s central courtyard. There, lush trees and stone benches dotted the area. Men, women, and children of all ages in hospital gowns casually enjoyed the sunlight. Wheelchairs glided through golden tree shadows, and occasionally, music and laughter filled the air.

A young man with wine-red eyes and a warm smile played an accordion, surrounded by children listening quietly. A blonde girl cheerfully played a harmonica, swaying side to side in front of elderly patients, sending warm, melodious notes into the breeze, adding a vibrant morning hue to the hospital’s pale white walls.

Yuu could feel Sora, glancing over, gradually relaxing her tension. A faint smile appeared on her face.

-

Title: This Character Overlaps with Me?!

Yuu and Sora paused for a moment. After listening for about ten seconds, he snorted as if unwilling to be outdone:

“If I brought a musical instrument, I could steal all their popularity right now and hold a concert for you.”

“Really?” Looking at him competing for attention like a child, Sora glanced around and pointed at a leaf on the grass. “Then can you play a leaf flute? There’s an instrument right there.”

Following her finger, Yuu shrugged. “Sorry, not every leaf can be made into a flute. To make a good sound, you need a smooth, flexible, oval-shaped leaf.”

“Then forget it.” Sora didn’t care. If her brother actually started playing a leaf flute there, she’d feel embarrassed instead—though she wouldn’t be the center of attention, just imagining squeezing through a crowd to watch his performance made her uncomfortable, like a socially anxious person thrown into a mob.

“The health check won’t take long. I want to hurry home and rest.”

“Play games?”

The two resumed walking, passing through the relaxed yet lively hospital courtyard, heading toward the main entrance.

At that moment, amid the crowd, Yuu spotted a familiar figure.

As his gaze landed, the person seemed to sense something and turned. Beneath a pristine white beret, bright golden eyes blinked.

“Yuu-senpai?”

Her voice was soft and calm, yet clear amidst the melody-filled breeze.

Before Yuu could respond, Sora reacted first.

“Yuu… senpai?”

Muttering, she lifted the brim of her straw hat with her index finger, frowning as she stared at the white-haired girl not far away.

Then she froze.

“H-Her character overlaps?!”

Their hair was the same long silver-white, their bodies equally petite, and their chests similarly modest.

She called Yuu so familiarly. Plus, Yuu had admitted to being a brocon, meaning he liked petite girls like her.

If there wasn’t a blood relation between them…

“Hiss…”

A cold breath filled her lungs. Her body trembled unconsciously.

For some reason, Sora felt an intense sense of crisis, even greater than when she learned her brother had a girlfriend!

“That’s Tachibana, what a coincidence.”

Unaware of the tense little face hidden under the straw hat, Yuu greeted Kanade. “You here for a doctor’s visit too?”

“Yes, I have a heart condition.” Kanade answered honestly and flatly, seemingly unbothered by others knowing she was ill. “Senpai too?”

“Huh? My heart’s perfectly fine.”

Kanade paused, tilting her head as if confused. “Hmm… I wasn’t asking about that. But health is better than anything. Congratulations, Senpai.”

“I’m not kidding. I’m here with my sister for her check-up.” Yuu smiled, patting Sora’s head. “Sora, this is my underclassman, Tachibana Kanade. She’s your age.”

“Nice to meet you.” Kanade bowed slightly, greeting earnestly. Her round white beret nearly slipped off her head.

Sora hesitated. Clutching Yuu’s arm tighter, she whispered, “…Nice to meet you.”

Then she stomped on the back of his foot, grinding it as if venting her anger.

Yuu’s expression didn’t change; he still smiled warmly and cheerfully—but inwardly, he was full of questions.

(My dear sister, you’re shy, sure, but why attack me?)

“Um…” Kanade observed the face under the straw hat. Her puzzled eyes showed concern. “Are you okay? Your expression looks a bit off…”

“I’m fine.” Sora buried her face in Yuu’s arm, speaking coldly. “Don’t mind me. Can we go now?”

The last sentence was directed at Yuu.

Sensing his sister’s wariness and insecurity, Yuu didn’t say much. He nodded to Kanade, then led Sora away from the hospital courtyard.

Kanade watched their backs, adjusting her slightly tilted beret, muttering expressionlessly, “…What, do I look scary?”

She sighed, as if slightly bothered, before refocusing and continuing to enjoy the accordion and harmonica performance.

“By the way, Yuu-senpai and his sister are really close…”

(If I had a brother, could I act spoiled like that too?)

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

“Why are you mad?”

In the same tone he’d use to soothe a girlfriend, Yuu wiggled Sora’s small hand.

Though he enjoyed her reaction, Sora’s face didn’t soften at all.

“I’m not mad.”

“Jealous? Seeing me talk to another girl?”

“Absolutely not. Don’t be so full of yourself.”

“Got something you want to ask?”

“…Are you and Tachibana Kanade that close?”

“Ha, you are jealous.”

“…”

Her small face flushed with anger. Sora grabbed his arm and bit it.

Worried about hurting her, Yuu didn’t resist, letting her leave warm teeth marks on his arm.

He laughed casually. “You weren’t worried when I got a girlfriend, but I really don’t know what’s got you worried now.”

“You wouldn’t understand.” Sora puffed out her cheeks, muttering, then turned away as if sulking.

Yuu thought for a moment and quickly drew a conclusion. “Oh, I get it. Tachibana’s a lot like you. You’re afraid I’ll turn to her?”

“Who’s worried about that?! I don’t care about you, you big idiot!”

As if her little unspoken secret had been exposed, even the tips of her pale ears turned red. Her light-colored eyes glared fiercely at him, and though hidden under the shadow of her straw hat, she still looked shy and charming.

Seeing she wasn’t scared at all, her small face puffed up like a steamed bun. Sora finally stomped her foot hard and marched toward the hospital’s main entrance alone.

“I’ll do the check-up myself. Don’t follow me!”

Yuu, of course, didn’t listen.

With a doting smile, he slipped his hands into his pockets and strolled leisurely behind Sora, admiring her hurried, adorable back like a little rabbit. He even teased in a flirty tone:

“Sora, don’t worry, your brother will never turn away~”

“Shut up! Shut up! Idiot!”

“Keep scolding, keep scolding. Tachibana-san wouldn’t scold like that.”

“Pervert!”

A rare morning, a rare closeness, rare laughter and anger under the sunlight.

This was the daily life of the Tenkuji siblings, one of its rare scenes.

-

Title: When You Buy Something and Get Caught by an Acquaintance

Weekend.

When Masuzu woke up in the morning, the first thing she did wasn’t to open her eyes but to hug her blanket, quietly listening to the sound of her alarm.

“Masuzu, I love you… Masuzu, I love you… Masuzu, I’ll always love you…”

The sweet, gentle voice filled the room, mingling with the scent of sunlight.

Needless to say, the owner of this voice was her lifelong anchor, Yuu—the one person whose absence might make her want to end it all.

Of course, he didn’t know his voice was being used as an alarm—or that these lines were secretly recorded and edited by Masuzu.

The purpose was to wake up every day to his tender calls.

The reason she didn’t ask him directly was that she didn’t want to be seen as a bothersome woman. Rather than risk annoying him, she’d rather use technology to fulfill her unspoken desires.

The alarm played for thirty seconds. With a peaceful expression, Masuzu listened for the full thirty seconds, then squinted and reset the alarm for three seconds.

Yuu’s voice filled the air around her again. A tingling sensation shot from her ears to her lower abdomen, like an electric current passing through her thighs. She couldn’t help but curl her toes, clutching the blanket tightly.

“Yuu… My Yuu… Guk heh heh heh heh…”

No one knew she could act this embarrassingly in the morning.

About ten minutes later, Masuzu reluctantly turned off the alarm and forced herself out of bed.

She tossed the damp blanket—only because of her excessive drool—into the laundry basket, then went to the bathroom for hygiene routines: just using the toilet, washing her face, and brushing her teeth. Afterward, she emerged looking refreshed.

“What should I do today? Go to the park to hunt those love-worshippers~”

Humming cheerfully, Masuzu grabbed a muscat grape-flavored jelly from a box on the floor, sat on the sofa, and took out her phone.

The familiar taste as she sucked on it wasn’t as delicious as usual.

“My tongue’s been trained.”

Curling up on the sofa, she sighed with a mix of sadness and happiness, then slowly sipped the jelly to ease her hunger.

It was only three days after she got sick that he made porridge for her. After that, he said it was too troublesome and stopped cooking it daily.

She thought it was fine, but gradually, Masuzu realized that she, who had never cared much about food, now found even store-bought food bland, let alone the nutritional jelly she’d relied on. Her tongue and brain craved only that rich, smooth bowl of plain porridge. Other foods felt like garbage in comparison.

Or perhaps, because she missed his figure in the kitchen cooking for her and the atmosphere when he was at her house, her sense of taste was slowly fading?

Though not to the point of being unable to swallow, she’d lost interest in finding tastier jelly. She realized clearly that she was slowly being colored by his hues.

“Will he take responsibility?”

Thinking of this question, Masuzu unconsciously touched her chest. A mix of pain and warmth spread slowly, making her breath catch for a moment.

Why did it hurt?

Was it because she kept refusing to face reality, wanting more from him but unable to reach it?

Why was she happy?

Was it because she no longer felt alone, and there was someone besides her mother she could be spoiled by?

She couldn’t understand these conflicting feelings, just as she could never grasp what love was.

But every time she thought of his face, overwhelming happiness drowned out the confusion, as if she were wrapped in a sugar shell, every touch sweet. So, she forgot how to let go, forgot how to protect herself.

“I really want to see you, Yuu.”

She tossed the empty jelly packet, opened LINE, and sent him a message.

She got a quick reply. After chatting for ten minutes, her initially goofy expression gradually shifted, and she sighed with regret.

“Going to the hospital? Looks like I can’t meet him today…”

Though she could follow him to the hospital and pretend it was a coincidence, the problem remained—she didn’t want him to think she was too clingy and get tired of her too soon.

More importantly, would she, Natsukawa Masuzu, become a dreadful girlfriend who tracked her boyfriend’s every move, recorded his daily life on weekends, and secretly eliminated any women who dared approach or flirt with him?

Of course, that would never happen!

“Today, I’ll just go for a walk. I don’t want to rewatch JoJo for now.”

After checking the location of Chiba University Hospital on the map, Masuzu put down her phone, grabbed a detective hat, sunglasses, and a dark brown raincoat, then stepped out of the house casually.

Approaching November, the streets looked bleak. The sun, half-hidden by clouds, pierced through the layers. Pedestrians walked the streets like eggplants wilted by frost.

Masuzu, fully disguised, blended perfectly into the gray crowd, wandering aimlessly.

After walking for about ten minutes, she felt thirsty. She turned into a nearby LAWSON convenience store, planning to buy a bottle of water to drink on the way.

Grabbing a room-temperature mineral water bottle, Masuzu frowned. She picked up two more—if she “accidentally” ran into them near the hospital, offering a bottle could be a good way to change the topic.

She wasn’t sure if Yuu would be thirsty… Wait, if the target was his sister, wouldn’t a drink or soda be better?

For the first time, Masuzu felt confused about such things. After deliberating for a while, she decided to swap the water for one bottle of water and one soda. She carried the three items to the cashier.

On the way, she passed the medical supplies aisle. Her steps suddenly halted. She saw an item there, and her expression gradually turned serious.

“Should… I buy it?”

Okamoto 0.01, commonly known as a condom.

Buy two—one for a lucky charm in her wallet, one for a safety charm at home…

For someone who rejects love, such superstitions were unthinkable.

With no ill intent, Masuzu frowned and bit her lip, seriously contemplating the dynamics between men and women. If one day she got intimate with him, and Yuu couldn’t resist sleeping with her while she had no intention of resisting, wouldn’t it be dangerous without protection?

By dangerous, she meant that he, being responsible, might push her away over this issue, ruining the mood they’d built toward adulthood.

Yuu might lose his senses to passion, but she wouldn’t… unless, at that moment, she was ready to take full responsibility.

“Though that wouldn’t be bad either, it’s not realistic…”

A sigh escaped her lips.

Her thoughts spun faster. Various censored scenes flashed through her mind. Masuzu touched her chin. Her pale face turned a tempting pink, but her eyes grew sharper.

After ten minutes of deliberation, ignoring the strange looks from the female cashier, Masuzu finally made a difficult decision.

She took a deep breath. With a resolute expression and awkward movements, she reached for the small square box.

Her heart pounded wildly, her fingertips trembling uncontrollably.

“The hymn of humanity is the hymn of courage. The greatness of humanity is the greatness of courage—to get closer to Yuu, that’s my courage!”

Just as her hand was about to touch the small box.

“Natsukawa… -san?”

Like being struck by lightning, Masuzu yanked her hand back. Too flustered to hide her embarrassment, she turned toward the voice.

Near the store’s exit, a familiar figure with pink hair styled in dango buns stood, still looking silly. Her chest was modest, and she stared at Masuzu in surprise, also noticing the Okamoto 0.01 she was about to grab.

“Are you… buying that?”

-

Title: Turns Out She’s Zhuge Dango

Seeing that the person was Dango-chan, Masuzu opened her mouth in shock. It took her a moment to process.

“Dango-chan… Why are you here?”

This convenience store should be quite far from Yuigahama’s house.

Though she wasn’t particularly interested, since Yuu and Yuigahama lived close to each other, Masuzu had unintentionally learned her address—that’s why she found it odd.

Why did she run into her here?

Could it be that she, too, deliberately came here to “coincidentally” meet Yuu, putting them on the same path?

Thinking this, Masuzu immediately became wary.

“Me? I’m just here to pick up a package since my mom ordered from the wrong store…” Yuigahama blinked, still recovering from her surprise. Her eyes kept darting between Masuzu and the small box on the shelf.

“My business isn’t important… Natsukawa-san, were you just about to buy that… rubber thing?”

“…”

Masuzu fell silent. Various excuses flashed through her mind, including the option to turn and leave.

But in front of her number-one rival, she finally composed her expression to remain calm, like a queen plucking a small grape from a plate. She elegantly pinched the small box between two fingers.

“Yes, so what?”

“I have a boyfriend. Isn’t it normal to think a bit about my safety?”

Masuzu raised an eyebrow. As long as she didn’t feel embarrassed, the one who’d be embarrassed was the person who caught her! Though this situation could hardly be called getting caught.

“Eh? Y-yeah, that’s normal… Wait, am I overreacting?” Yuigahama’s eyes showed confusion. After briefly doubting herself, she suddenly realized, “No, that’s not it! Natsukawa-san, by buying this, does that mean you two have already… already…”

“Exactly.” Facing her incredulous stare, Masuzu let out a long sigh. She placed her other hand on her smooth cheek, looking down sadly.

“Don’t be fooled by Yuu’s usual polite and gentle demeanor. In bed, he’s a beast in a suit… So wild and passionate, every day at least three or four Mr. Okamotos get ruined. It’d be bad if I didn’t stock up.”

“Haaah, I see, so you haven’t done it.” Yuigahama let out a relieved sigh, her face still flushed.

“You…” Masuzu’s expression stiffened, and she stared at her with a twitching mouth. “Why are you so relieved? Do you think I’m lying?”

“Because your joking expression is way too obvious.” Yuigahama smiled, her honest gaze meeting Masuzu’s. “And if you were really showing off, your face wouldn’t be that red. Most importantly, there’s no way the gentle Yuu is a beast in a suit!”

“Have you tried?” Masuzu quickly caught the crux of her words and frowned.

“Tried… HAAAAH?!” Realizing the implication, Yuigahama frantically waved her hands. Her face turned even redder, and she said in a panic, “No way! I’m still a virgin… I mean, that’s not the point! Anyway! I get it now—you haven’t done that, but Natsukawa-san is planning to buy it in advance!”

“…Tch.” Masuzu clicked her tongue in irritation. Being seen through by Yuigahama made her extremely annoyed.

What irritated her most was feeling embarrassed and awkward because of Yuigahama’s words, and without realizing it, she put the condom back on the shelf, as if conceding to her rival.

(Looks like my courage isn’t as strong as Zeppeli and the others.)

“Think what you want, I’m leaving.”

With three drink bottles in her basket, Masuzu walked around Yuigahama and headed to the cashier.

After paying, she noticed Yuigahama hurriedly grabbing her package and following her out of the store.

“Natsukawa-san, wait for me!”

Masuzu frowned. She crossed her arms over her chest and turned to the side, like a hedgehog bristling with spines. Her eyes looked at Yuigahama warily.

“What? You want these drinks? Like a wanderer in the desert willing to drink their own urine to quench their thirst, are you trying to get these drinks from me?”

“So full of JoJo vibes…” Yuigahama gave a wry smile. She was used to her attitude and theatrics, so it wasn’t strange. “I just wanted to ask—since you’re preparing for that with Yuu, does that mean you two are officially dating, right?”

“So what if I say yes?”

Masuzu had no intention of answering. She turned and walked away. Her cold, dismissive attitude made Yuigahama pause, but she still stepped forward, persistently asking:

“I like Yuu too. Isn’t that reason enough?”

Her tone seemed to say, You’re just a fake girlfriend, so why act so smug?

“Like? How easily you say that word…” Feeling increasingly irritated and unable to hide her agitation, Masuzu sharply turned her gaze to Yuigahama, sneering.

“Since you’re like that, I’ll tell you honestly—Yuu didn’t just come to my house, he took care of me when I was sick, kissed me, and made porridge for me! Are you satisfied now?”

“Those things happened too?”

Unexpectedly, Yuigahama only blinked. She didn’t seem shaken as Masuzu had imagined. “But even if those things happened, you’re not officially dating. Still in a fake relationship?”

“…”

(Enough! What’s with this Dango-chan?)

(She’s usually silly, fitting her big-chest, small-brain persona, but now she’s so direct and aggressive. Was it all an act?!)

(To throw me off guard, she even acted to this extent… Well done, I underestimated you, Dango-chan.)

(You’re the Tobio guided by Bucciarati to the Colosseum!)

“So what if we are? And what if we aren’t?”

Masuzu took a deep breath, pushing her wavering feelings deep down. She looked at the defeated dog in front of her with the calm of a girlfriend. “I don’t need to report my relationship with him to you. If you’re really curious, ask him directly. Don’t bother me.”

“Well, yeah, you’re right.”

Yuigahama looked at her. Her gaze didn’t waver at all, and she even casually countered, “But when it’s just a matter of saying ‘We’re dating’ or ‘We’re not dating,’ why does Natsukawa-san always take the long way around?”

“Wouldn’t it be easier to make people give up if you were more straightforward?”

Masuzu fell silent. She opened her mouth but couldn’t say anything.

For some reason, she didn’t dare meet Yuigahama’s straightforward, honest gaze. She turned her face away, tightly gripping the plastic bag’s handle, and kept walking quickly.

“Yeah, we’re dating! So give up already! Yuu’s mine alone!”

And Yuigahama’s infuriating voice, accompanied by a helpless laugh, came from behind.

“Natsukawa-san, ever since you fell for Yuu, you’ve gotten worse at lying.”

After that sentence, Masuzu’s fleeing steps halted.

“…What?”

She slowly turned, bewildered, her eyes wide as she stared straight at Yuigahama behind her.

“You said… I fell for him?”