Yuu 256-260

Title: Haruno’s Great Failure

Meanwhile, at the Yukinoshita household.

“They’ve already left? ...Good, now it’s my turn to shine!”

Haruno put down her phone, rising from the sofa, her face showing a bright, energetic smile.

As an expert in information gathering, she naturally knew when the second-year Sobu High buses would depart for today’s school picnic.

Originally, she had no free time to deal with such trivial matters, nor was she so obsessed that she’d follow her younger sister while she went out to have fun. But there was one boy in that group who increasingly piqued her interest. After thinking it over several times, Haruno finally decided to disguise herself and follow him, using this opportunity to observe his every move.

She stepped cheerfully into the changing room. The mirror reflected her thoughtful expression.

“First, his reaction to the comb on exhibition day. Then, my feelings seeing him intimately with a girl in front of the apartment. And finally, what Shizuka said—“

’That guy said he’s been used to dealing with people with twisted personalities since last summer break... For some reason, I instinctively thought of you. After all, not many people have personalities as twisted as yours, right? But it’s impossible he ever met you back then...’

It was an outrageous yet accurate comment, possibly a special animal instinct only Hiratsuka possessed.

Indeed, asking her for help gathering information was the right choice...

Brushing the curly hair tucked behind her jacket, Haruno adjusted her beret, then tapped her sunglasses twice. The corner of her lips lifted slightly as she murmured to herself.

“’I’ started feeling unwell before summer break ended, and Shizuka also mentioned that the boy’s grades began rising sharply and he displayed extraordinary physical abilities after this summer break. He also stopped caring so much about money like he used to...”

She couldn’t hold back her laughter, her chest unexpectedly filled with joy: “The timing is so coincidentally perfect—how can I believe my change has nothing to do with you, Tenkuji-chan?”

After expending great effort to gather information, she finally obtained significant results—the clouds shrouding her heart slowly dissipated, and sunlight would pierce through to shine.

“As long as I get closer to him, sooner or later I’ll see the light and rediscover the ‘lost things’ from within me!”

The usually calm and rational Haruno now acted like a child—stubborn and selfishly believing in this idea.

Even if, in the end, she found nothing, even if her transformation had nothing to do with the other party, it didn’t matter.

She was simply unconsciously drawn to him, like Earth orbiting the sun.

“No, such a girlish metaphor doesn’t suit me... Maybe ‘studying him from the inside out’ is better?”

Her tongue gently licked her lips as she showed a slightly captivating smile in the mirror. She giggled softly, then gracefully turned around.

Hat, coat, sunglasses... The stalking outfit was ready. Now it was time to begin the investigation!

“Haruno, where are you going?”

At the changing room door, a graceful, soft voice sounded.

Haruno’s smile instantly froze on her face.

Her entire body stiffened. Under that woman’s gaze, she couldn’t move.

“M-Mother...”

“It’s too late to use polite language now.” Saori Yukinoshita gently placed her hand on Haruno’s cheek, narrowing her eyes into crescent moons. She tilted her head, smiling very sweetly.

“My beloved eldest daughter, dressing like this—you’re not going to university, are you?”

“...W-why not.” The bright gaze felt like a curved blade. That icy stare made Haruno stammer. Carefully shifting her gaze, she spoke with a falsely calm tone.

“Just dressing neatly. There’s nothing wrong with dressing like this for university, right?”

“Really? Then could you explain to me the reason behind your frequent absences from class lately?”

“...”

Of course, it’s to gather important information about a handsome high school boy~

How could she say something like that to her mother?!

“Nothing to say.”

Saori smiled widely, stepping toward the cold-sweating Haruno.

“Refusing an arranged marriage is understandable, but skipping classes... If you don’t give me a good reason to convince me, starting today, you won’t be this free anymore, Haruno.”

“D-listen to my explanation!”

“Yes, yes, I’m listening~ Anyway, first take off that stalker outfit, then follow me to the living room. I’ll make some tea.”

“...Fine.”

Under her mother’s unchallengeable command, Haruno frustratedly removed her hat. She was forced to cancel her plan to go out.

Ah, this was such a great opportunity to stalk him...

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

On his seat, Yuu suddenly shivered, a chill crawling up his spine.

“Is some evil person trying to harm me again? System, just admit it!”

System: “?”

“Oh, we’ve arrived.” The bus slowed down. Hiratsuka beside him leaned forward, pressing her face against the window to look outside. “The weather’s so nice! If it still rains, how about I treat you to super luxurious ramen?”

“We must always stay alert...” Yuu looked at his teacher’s prominent chest. So close, so fragrant—it made his appetite rise. “But since Sensei said so, I won’t hold back.”

As he said it, he raised his hand.

He rubbed his nose, frowned, and turned his face away.

“You’re so confident.” Hiratsuka didn’t notice his disgusted expression. She pulled her body back and stood, grabbing her bag full of items. “We’re getting off the bus. Clean up your trash.”

“Fine, fine~”

Yuu sighed resignedly, gathering all the empty drink cans and snack wrappers into a convenience store plastic bag. He planned to throw them in the trash bin at the park after exiting the bus.

Hiratsuka stood in front of the bus, not using a microphone. She shouted loudly to the students inside:

“Kids, get ready to disembark—“

“Ooo!!”

Under the clear blue sky, ten buses slowly stopped at the Shimizu Scenic Area parking lot.

Soon after, hundreds of high school students poured out of the buses like fish whose bellies had been split open, their eggs flowing out. They gathered in shaded areas for roll call, then walked toward the scenic area plaza in slightly chaotic but orderly fashion.

After a series of pre-departure instructions, they distributed maps, emergency phone numbers, and other information. Teachers began announcing groups, and students split into smaller groups. Some groups were deathly silent, others as loud as festivals—the contrast in atmosphere was everywhere.

Yuu briefly chatted with Totsuka, then walked toward Yuigahama—the two girls were in the same group. He couldn’t let two girls come looking for him.

“Yuu~ Hurry, hurry! Let’s decide where to start walking!”

Holding the map, Yuigahama happily waved at him. Her pink dango-style hair shimmered softly and beautifully under the sunlight.

Yumiko beside her only glanced at Yuu, then returned her gaze to the map. She extended her decorated fingers and said bluntly, “Let’s go here, to the shopping street.”

“Eh~ Shouldn’t we walk around the scenic area?” Yuigahama pouted, seeming slightly reluctant. “We can go there after walking around elsewhere, right? And making Yuu accompany two girls like us shopping—wouldn’t that be too...”

“Who cares about him? If he doesn’t want to shop, let him go somewhere else alone.”

“But Yumiko, Sensei said we have to move in groups...”

“Sensei also said she wouldn’t care too much!” Yumiko cut her off impatiently, her eyes sharpening. “Yui, if you want to walk with him, just say so. If not, I’ll go find someone else to have fun with. Pick one—simple as that!”

“...”

Yuigahama fell silent. She looked at her friend, slightly confused, then unconsciously glanced at Yuu, who was walking over.

Oh no, Yuu’s angry!

Though there was still a smile on his face, his eyes held no smile at all. Yuu truly looked like he’d humiliate someone until they couldn’t move!

Yuigahama instantly realized it. Though she was happy Yuu was angry for her sake, when he was angry at her friend, she felt conflicted.

Yumiko too—why did she have to glare back so defiantly?!

(An angry Yuu is so scary. I don’t want to see you scolded to tears... Hic hic hic, is this the battlefield between my friend and the one I like?)

“Remember your name, Miura, right? You—“

“Ahhh! Right! How about this!” Yuigahama quickly stood, blocking their fiery gazes. She shouted to cover the awkwardness. “The three of us pick one place, then play rock-paper-scissors to decide where we go. Then we plan a route to visit all places. That way, no one will regret it!”

“Hah? Yui...” Yumiko raised an eyebrow, still wanting to say something, but Yuu spoke first, his voice overpowering hers.

“Fine. If Yui thinks it’s a good way, I don’t mind going anywhere.”

Sitting in front of them, Yuu smiled, looking at Yumiko’s increasingly terrifying expression, his tone extremely gentle: “After all, I deeply respect my friend’s feelings.”

“After finally being in a group with a friend and getting to walk together, I won’t act like a childish, sulking, selfish brat.”

Yumiko slightly tugged the corner of her lips. She gritted her teeth, glaring as if wanting to retort. But she saw Yuigahama beside her, looking awkward, her fingers gripping the map tighter. She reluctantly suppressed her anger in her chest and snorted, her golden drill-twin-tails swaying.

“...Whatever. I wasn’t that interested in the school picnic anyway. We can go anywhere.”

“Great... Thank you, Yumiko!”

“Huh.”

Yuigahama placed a hand on her chest, sighing in relief. She glanced at Yuu with deep gratitude, then placed the map between them.

“Yumiko picked the shopping street, I want to hike Mount Mosum. What about you, Yuu?”

Yuu looked at her, pointing to a spot on the map: “There’s a small Ferris wheel here. We should go there early. Otherwise, we might have long lines, delaying our schedule.”

“Ah, you’re right...” Yuigahama bit her soft lip, hesitating between the mountain and Ferris wheel icons.

Yumiko also frowned. She seemed very eager to ride the Ferris wheel. As she opened her mouth to speak, she saw Yuu smirking at her.

So she closed her mouth, crossed her arms, her fingers impatiently tapping her elbow. She didn’t want to give her opinion.

“...How about we just play rock-paper-scissors?” Yuigahama quickly decided. “But Yuu and Yumiko play. After all, hiking the mountain can be done anytime, so I’ll step out.”

Yumiko looked back at Yuu. She still looked deeply hostile, fists ready at her sides.

Yuu observed her, then suddenly asked bluntly:

“It seems I’ve never done anything to upset you, right? Or do you just have a bad temper?”

Yumiko was momentarily stunned, then showed a cold smile, her eyes staring icily.

“I just dislike seeing certain people who think they’re popular—already have a girlfriend but still flirt with other girls. They don’t consider how others will see that girl!”

Yuu blinked, then pointed at himself, saying disbelievingly: “Me? Popular? Flirting with other girls?”

Yumiko shrugged, turning her gaze away as if it had nothing to do with her.

“I didn’t name anyone. Seems you’re self-aware.”

“...”

As Yuu fell silent with a strange expression, Yuigahama also stared at her friend in shock, finding it unbelievable that this was the truth.

“Yumiko, could it be you’re hostile toward Yuu because of me?”

Yumiko lifted her chin proudly, looking perfectly normal. “Why? Isn’t he the reason you became gossip? Didn’t those annoying rumors start because of him? He already has a transfer student girlfriend who’s stunningly beautiful, yet he still drags you—a plain girl—around. If we don’t teach him a lesson, he’ll keep hurting other girls!”

Yuigahama quickly waved her hands to explain. “N-no, it’s not like that! Yumiko, you misunderstood... Wait, did you just call me plain...?”

Yuu nodded in agreement. “Yui is quite plain. That’s the only correct thing in your entire sentence.”

“Yuu, shut up!”

Yuigahama glared at him.

They stared at each other for several seconds, then suddenly burst into laughter.

“Hahahaha—“

“I never expected... I thought there was some complicated reason, but it’s so simple, hahaha...”

The previously tense atmosphere suddenly turned cheerful.

“W-what? What are you laughing about? What’s funny?!”

Yumiko looked back and forth between the two smiling people, not reacting yet. But Yuigahama lunged at her, nearly knocking her backward.

“Waaah! Yui, are you a dog? Don’t tackle me like that!”

Cheek to cheek, Yuigahama laughed joyfully and calmly.

“It’s fine~ I just feel... it’s such a relief to have Yumiko as a friend!”

“Hey, why suddenly say such sentimental things...”

Yumiko awkwardly struggled to break free. Her cheeks slightly reddened. When she faced Yuu, who was smiling, and saw the scene, she couldn’t help growling, her blush deepening.

“What are you looking at! You bastard, stay away from Yui!”

“What bastard?”

“You, the bastard!”

Yuu nodded. “I see. So you’re the bastard who’s already changed gender. Stay away from Yui!”

“...”

-

Title: How Cruel Is Yuu’s Heart?

Despite its simple name, Shimizu Scenic Area was a small resort with the most complete and innovative facilities in the region.

It had a connected hotel and a shopping street stretching from the mountain slope to the base. It also featured entertainment facilities like a Ferris wheel and a pirate ship. Looking around, modern buildings and natural forests blended seamlessly—anyone could find their joy here.

The meeting and dispersal point for Sobu High students was the lobby at the scenic area’s entrance.

The path to the Ferris wheel on the mountainside was still far, requiring part of a climb.

Fortunately, the park had considered visitors who didn’t want or couldn’t hike the mountain. They specially built a monorail that went directly to the mountainside Ferris wheel. No extra ticket was needed for round-trip travel—saving a lot of time and energy.

“Let’s just take the monorail.” Yumiko decided without hesitation.

Yuigahama had let go of her. After a brief explanation from both of them, she no longer held strong hostility toward Yuu, who clearly had no intention of hitting on her friend. She now ignored him, only speaking with Yuigahama.

As for the idea of going to the shopping street, since the Ferris wheel sounded more fun, Yumiko had already dismissed it. She immediately treated the Ferris wheel suggestion as her own idea.

Yuu didn’t care either. After all, he was broad-minded. He wouldn’t argue with a childish high school girl.

“The girl with the golden drill hair is right. If we still want to visit other attractions, wasting time walking is unwise.”

“...What did you say about my hair?”

The Fire Queen instantly flared up. She could no longer ignore someone begging to be provoked. She looked ready to argue with him on the spot.

Yuu shrugged casually, completely unafraid of her threatening fierce aura. He felt as refreshed as in spring.

If his opponent were someone else—say, Yukino—he might just give her a cold glance, sneer sarcastically, and ignore her like a rabid stray cat.

The effect wasn’t strong, but it was deeply insulting. Yuu usually couldn’t do much against such an attitude. He could only change the subject or provoke further. It was harder than teasing a cat.

But now, facing an opponent like Yumiko, who was as easily provoked as a Bronze-tier player, Yuu somehow felt the pleasure of defeating a weak opponent. In his heart, he’d already thought of a series of words that could make her cry...

Of course, that was just a thought—Yuu, the straightforward one, what ill intent could he possibly harbor?

“Alright, alright! Since Yuu has no problem, let’s take the monorail and ride the Ferris wheel!”

Seeing the happy smile on Yuu’s face, Yuigahama obediently stepped forward again to mediate, preventing the situation from escalating. She separated Yumiko’s sharp glare. Actively grabbing both their hands, she tried to liven the atmosphere.

“Today’s school picnic only happens once during our second year! Our goal today is to visit all the fun and beautiful places before we go home!”

“Come on, Yuu, Yumiko—let’s go together—“

“Eh, eh, ooo—!”

Yuigahama raised their hands high, cheering joyfully.

Unfortunately, the only response was awkward silence.

“...”

Yumiko on her right rolled her eyes with a helpless look, as if watching a fool.

Yuu on her left looked at her with a gentle gaze, as if observing someone mentally disabled. He said nothing, but it hurt the girl’s heart even more.

“Ahahaha...”

Yuigahama awkwardly lowered her hands, her face slowly reddening. Amid the faint laughter from onlookers, she couldn’t help shrinking her neck, lowering her voice in embarrassment:

“Nothing happened just now! Let’s go quickly!”

“Good grief...” Yumiko couldn’t help sighing while holding her forehead.

She didn’t know what Yui was thinking, shouting like that in public. Now she felt embarrassed too.

But as she prepared to leave this awkward spot with Yui, she heard a loud shout from beside her:

“Ooo—!”

A male voice rang out.

An even more awkward atmosphere instantly descended.

Amid curious, strange stares from everyone, Yuu smiled calmly. He looked down at Yuigahama, whose hand he was raising.

“I was a bit slow to react, sorry... Our first group journey starts now, right?”

Their steps to leave instantly stopped.

“Eh? You don’t have to do this either, after all, it was my own idea...”

The longer Yuigahama spoke, the quieter her voice became. Finally, as if understanding the meaning of his smile, her sweet dimples appeared on her cheeks. Her slumped shoulders and neck, somehow, were now straight again. A natural, warm smile shone brightly toward him.

“Thank you, Yuu!”

“You’re welcome. I won’t let my friend feel embarrassed alone.” Yuu passed her, turning to smile at Yumiko. “You agree, right, Miura-san?”

“...Meddlesome!”

Yumiko gritted her teeth. Suddenly, she lifted their hands high beside her ears and shouted in a forced tone:

“Ooo—this is enough!”

When she lowered her hands at high speed, her beautiful face was also red. She bit her lip, suppressing her embarrassment. She glared at Yuu in annoyance.

Yuigahama giggled, swinging her arm as if comforting: “Thanks to you too, Yumiko~ It’s so nice being in a group with you both!”

Yumiko snorted, released her hand, and quickly stepped forward.

“Don’t say useless things. Let’s get going!”

“Ah, wait for me, Yumiko!”

Shouting, Yuigahama turned. As she wanted to say something to Yuu, she realized he’d already let go of her hand. He was walking casually toward the Ferris wheel.

“Why are you spacing out? You’re our captain.” Yuu said to her, still standing in place.

Yuigahama was startled. She pointed at herself: “Captain? Me?”

Yuu wore a perfectly normal expression: “Who else? A group needs a captain. She doesn’t like me, and I don’t want to listen to her. So only you can take on this role.”

“But...”

“No buts. From now on, you’ll have to organize our activities, or we’ll end up fighting sooner or later.” His tone was firm and straightforward. Yuu put his hands in his pockets, walking without looking back.

“I’m still waiting for you to make us get along and enjoy this school picnic together. Have you given up already?”

It was the promise Yuigahama had made to him in the corridor yesterday.

Yuu hadn’t forgotten it—and Yuigahama wouldn’t forget it either.

“There’s no way I’d give up. This is just getting started! I’ll do my best so you two won’t fight!”

Her pink hair fluttered as she followed with light steps.

Her round dango hair, her honest, cheerful smile, shining brightly under the warm autumn sunlight.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Meanwhile, in Class 2J.

Yukino and Masuzu stared at each other, each with arms crossed over their chests. The air felt frozen.

“To the cat house.”

“To the Ferris wheel.”

Their stubborn voices clashed head-on, lightning sparks flying through the air.

Beside them, an ordinary-looking high school girl trembled, clutching her head under the pressure from these two extraordinarily beautiful girls. She looked like she was about to cry.

“Hic hic hic... Anywhere is fine. How about you two play rock-paper-scissors...”

-

Title: A Brief Tale of Summer and Snow

Whether it was fortunate or not, two famous girls from Class J ended up in the same group. But with no other boys joining them, they couldn’t experience the joy of polygamy.

Meanwhile, for the average female student who happened to land this seemingly enviable position, being in a group with both of them was incredibly stressful. Far from happy, she now only wanted to escape this painfully tense atmosphere as quickly as possible and let the two of them enjoy themselves in peace.

“They’re not this cold in class! Why are they acting like this now...”

“Natsukawa-san, could you please give the best reason to go to the Ferris wheel first?”

Yukino knew that staring each other down wouldn’t solve anything. She touched her chin and spoke in a clear voice: “Let’s set aside the Ferris wheel, which is the farthest facility from us. I don’t think three women need to view the scenery from an enclosed space.”

“Do we really need to go to the cat café first?” Masuzu countered with a smile.

“Of course!”

Yukino immediately puffed out her flat chest, as if trying to strengthen her argument. But then she noticed the full, prominent chest of the silver-haired girl in front of her, instantly straightened up, and cleared her throat as if nothing had happened:

“According to research, playing with cats stimulates hormones in the brain, calms the mind, and relieves stress—“

“You just want to pet cats, don’t you?” Masuzu didn’t listen long. She cut in with a direct, accurate conclusion.

“...”

As if liquid nitrogen had been sprayed on her face, Yukino froze in place for several seconds. Yet, once she thawed, she remained calm. She brushed her long black hair from her shoulder and spoke honestly:

“Fine. I admit I’m fond of feline creatures, so I suggested going to the cat café first... Then again, are you really that interested in the Ferris wheel, Natsukawa-san?”

“Of course~ The moment I saw there was a Ferris wheel here, I couldn’t wait to ride it—“

“That’s a lie.” Just as before, Yukino didn’t wait for her to finish. Her verdict rang out.

As if touching a sore spot in her heart, Masuzu’s smile slowly faded.

Instead, Yukino crossed her arms over her chest, showing an elegant, cold smile.

“After all, we’re both choosing our group’s destination to satisfy our own egos. We should resolve this in a fairer, more accurate way, rather than standing here debating until we convince each other... That’s inefficient.”

“...Fiiine.”

With a flick of her silver hair, Masuzu struck a slightly odd pose. Her calm demeanor returned as she spoke confidently: “Then, to meet with my boyfriend, lose gracefully here, Yukinoshita-san.”

Yukino raised an eyebrow, smiling even brighter: “Not many people can defeat me, and you’re not one of them, Natsukawa-san.”

The air subtly shifted. The wind carried invisible dust.

Though they wore simple gym clothes, they resembled two proud, cold female knights standing opposite each other on the battlefield, ready to raise their spears and charge like a storm.

The ordinary female student watching couldn’t help but be transfixed. She felt like a spectator, sitting in the audience with popcorn, waiting for them to determine the winner. It was an odd feeling.

She wasn’t even worthy of being a referee, nor did she know who to support... In any case, she just hoped they could resolve it peacefully without involving her.

But as she thought that, both of them suddenly turned to her.

“Classmate (name), as you suggested, let’s decide the winner with rock-paper-scissors.”

“After all, the other classmates have already left. Considering time, rock-paper-scissors is the simplest and best choice.”

“Eh?” The ordinary female student looked back and forth between their faces, her shoulders shrinking, slightly confused.

“B-but is it okay? Actually, you two can just decide. I don’t mind...”

Yukino immediately frowned, strengthening her tone: “You’re also a group member. Of course, you have the right to participate in all group decisions! It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a place you want to visit—just give your opinion.”

Masuzu also smiled slightly, returning to her well-behaved self, speaking gently: “Exactly. Don’t be afraid. Even though Yukinoshita-san has a temper that isn’t very pleasant, she wouldn’t do something terrible like ostracizing a classmate.”

“...”

Yukino turned her face away, smirking as if ignoring a crow’s caw.

“...”

“I see. I understand.”

After carefully confirming their expressions, the ordinary female student nodded. She finally gathered her courage and stood in front of them.

Looking closely at their two incredibly beautiful faces, she snapped out of her slight daze, blinking as if realizing something:

Though their aura and appearance seemed like beings from another dimension, making people feel intimidated and instinctively keep their distance...

But how... when seen up close, weren’t they just kind-hearted ordinary girls after all?

As soon as she thought that, she instantly relaxed. She smiled and raised her fist.

“Then, let’s play rock-paper-scissors!”

Yukino nodded. “Fine. As a notice, I’ll throw rock.”

“Eh?”

The ordinary female student wore a confused expression.

Masuzu smiled indifferently. “Do you think I don’t know how many times I’ve heard that Yukinoshita President hates lying? Of course, I’ll throw paper.”

“Eh?!”

The ordinary female student widened her eyes in shock.

Yukino showed a sweet, charming smile. “Rock-paper-scissors is a game of chance. Winning through deception is part of the rules... Does she think I’m such a rigid person that I can’t adapt during a game?”

“Eh?!!”

The ordinary female student opened her mouth, unable to say anything except express shock.

Masuzu’s face darkened halfway.

“Sorry, she doesn’t actually know you that well.”

Yukino slightly narrowed her eyes. Neither would back down.

“I don’t want to get too close to her either. By the way, haven’t you forgotten your original intention?”

“No need to worry. Everything’s going smoothly.”

“Good. Seeing your attitude so bad, I thought I might’ve accidentally disturbed you.”

“You call this bad? Do you live in Utopia?”

No one knew where the spark of battle came from, but the sound of clashing swords rang out again. The scent of gunpowder began to fill the air.

“...No, this isn’t the time to fight!”

She quickly snapped out of her daze. The ordinary female student ignored everything. She raised her fist and shouted loudly:

“One—scissors, rock...”

Their attention was drawn, and they instinctively swung their hands to follow her motion.

“Paper!”

“...”

The final winner was the ordinary female student.

“Then... can we hike the mountain?”

She clenched her small fist, asking with slight anxiety and nervousness.

“...”

Masuzu and Yukino looked at each other. They simultaneously sighed unwillingly, brushing their hair with blank, lifeless eyes. Yet they still spoke honestly:

“The winner decides...”

“Yey!”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Unaware of what had happened with the beautiful girls, on Yuu’s side—

Since they’d decided their destination early, when they arrived at the monorail station, there weren’t many tourists. They didn’t even need to queue—immediately boarding the car.

Besides them, there were a few Sobu High students who had moved faster, and some students from other schools on their school picnic.

-

Title: Do You Think This Is Really Okay?

“Thankfully we came right when the park opened. Otherwise, with other tourists added in, we’d definitely have to wait in a long line.”

The monorail moved slowly. Yuigahama gazed at the scenery passing by outside the window. At the station, a crowd had already gathered, waiting for the next train.

“After riding the Ferris wheel, should we go straight down the mountainside, or climb to the summit first to see the view?”

Yuu pulled out the map, holding his chin in thought.

Across from Yuigahama, Yumiko glanced at him and said with a pout: “Of course we go down. Hiking up a mountain with two or three people is so boring. Unless we call another group to join us, I don’t want to.”

“Good.” Yuu nodded, putting his map away.

“Then we’ll hike the mountain. The weather’s cool today—it’s a perfect day for hiking.”

He didn’t say that just to oppose Yumiko.

Based on the weather forecast status clue, rain would start falling around two or three in the afternoon. If they didn’t take this chance to hike up and down quickly, later they’d have to return through muddy mountain paths.

Yuu had his own reasoning, but since he didn’t plan to explain it, of course it caused a misunderstanding.

“You—do you even listen to what others say... No, you’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you?!”

Her eyes flared up again, her beautiful face twitching slightly. Her fingers gripping her golden hair clenched tightly. Her drill twin-tails almost turned into spiral blades.

Yuigahama timely blocked her sharp glare, showing a comforting smile: “Come on~ Yumiko has great physical fitness, right? Back in the tennis club, hiking a mountain was nothing to you.”

“It is nothing—I’m just annoyed by his attitude!”

“Then later, when we hike, let’s just leave him behind. How about we make him unable to keep up with us?”

“...Oh? Yui, that’s a good idea.”

Yumiko raised an eyebrow, interested. A cruel smile slowly appeared at the corner of her lips. Her queenly aura returned as she spoke confidently and proudly: “Honestly, during the tennis club’s camping trips, I could always easily reach the front. Even the guys could only eat dust behind me...”

As she proudly boasted about her past glory, Yuu whispered to Yuigahama: “Were those guys deliberately following her just to sneak a peek at her butt?”

“Y-you pervert!” Yumiko’s face turned red. Yuigahama lightly slapped Yuu’s arm. Her cheeks puffed up in annoyance. “Are you planning to do that when we hike later?”

“Calm down. If she wants a race, it’ll be you two peeking at my butt.”

“Who’d want to peek at your butt!”

“Not interested? I think my butt shape is quite perfect for an average guy.”

“...E-even so, we’re not as perverted as you! I misjudged you!”

Yuigahama said it without any conviction.

Yuu smiled, no longer teasing the girl who looked innocent and silly but actually had a complex mind.

He shifted his gaze. Since there was still some distance to the mountainside Ferris wheel, he began observing the people inside the monorail, using his sharp vision and hearing to analyze the information around him.

Including them, there were thirteen Sobu High students, nine students from other schools, and eight regular tourists.

Perhaps the picnic feeling was stronger than gossip. Classmates who clearly knew them didn’t talk much—only giving them strange looks before excitedly chatting about their own walking plans.

The downside of being famous wasn’t small, but it wasn’t to the point where everyone could be so bored—proof being, after the gossip died down, rumors about Yuu and Masuzu were no longer popular, or could even be called old news.

As long as they didn’t do something shocking in public, the audience that lost interest in them would eventually shift their attention elsewhere... Likewise, Masuzu’s father’s situation should be the same.

The best way not to provoke others was to stay low-key. It would be their victory if he forgot about this issue.

That’s why Masuzu suggested acting cautiously, so her father wouldn’t catch and take her back.

Yuu touched his chin, his eyes showing a thoughtful expression.

“Actually, there’s the simplest solution...”

“If I just go meet her parents and make them approve our relationship by any means, I could focus on building a relationship with her without any obstacles until the mission ends, right?”

After all, parents would sooner or later forget that he’d taken their daughter.

With the system, even if he accidentally had a child with someone, he could reset everything back to a world where nothing happened... Of course, logically, that wouldn’t happen, and Yuu didn’t want to see such a plot emerge either.

But if he said it, he wouldn’t feel much mental pressure. With the bullet-word ability, he could easily do many things and save himself a lot of trouble.

It wasn’t that he’d never thought of using the hypnotic-level bullet-word ability to complete the mission, trying to bypass system rules.

But even though he thought that way, Yuu never did it.

Maybe he just wanted to enjoy the process, not reach the end with petty tricks. Or maybe he thought the system wasn’t dumb enough to have a bug like that. He feared bad consequences if he tried it, so he dismissed the idea out of caution.

Though he didn’t know what he was preserving, looking back, thanks to it, he could get to know two women with their own unique charms. He fell in love with the bright or gentle scenery that only they possessed.

Natsukawa Masuzu might not be an exception.

“Before Masuzu becomes helpless, I’d better just see how things go.”

As Yuu snapped out of his complex thoughts, the monorail had already smoothly arrived at the station. The muffled sound of valves echoed as people exited the car one by one.

Yuigahama walked ahead, and the other two followed her out of the station.

Not far away, a small amusement park—complete with a Ferris wheel, pirate ship, and carousel—appeared before their eyes. Since it had just opened, the atmosphere was still calm and quiet. The large facilities stood still, waiting for tourists to power them up.

With a clear goal, the three of them immediately walked toward the Ferris wheel. They quickly boarded it, enjoyed the view, and prepared to play on other amusement facilities.

Yes, the process was that simple.

Since two girls and one boy rode the Ferris wheel, and the relationship between two of them wasn’t very good, of course, no romantic or special moments occurred.

Yuu enjoyed the scenery outside the Ferris wheel the whole time. He listened to the two girls across from him chatting cheerfully. He got back on solid ground without feeling anything. In the middle of it, he also briefly chatted with Hiratsuka, who called to confirm if her group members were all accounted for.

“If Miura were replaced with Totsuka, this school picnic would surely be memorable every moment...” For some reason, this thought appeared in Yuu’s mind. He deeply missed his only male friend.

If there was another chance, he’d invite Totsuka to go out.

Amusement parks, aquariums—anything was good... Wait, don’t misunderstand. This isn’t a date.

How could two adult men walking together be called a date?

“Yuu, we’re going to the restroom.”

While thinking random thoughts, just before they’d head to the pirate ship, Yuigahama said to him.

There was a long bench nearby. Yuu sat there, lazily leaning back against the seat. “Then I’ll wait here. Do you need help guarding your stuff?”

“Yeah, please~”

Yuigahama naturally handed her bag to him. Yumiko frowned, hesitating briefly. After taking out a few small items from her bag, she also handed over her zipped-up bag.

“Don’t randomly open it.” Still not trusting him, she gave a command.

“Calm down. Not interested.” Yuu placed both girls’ bags beside him. Looking at Yuigahama, he didn’t forget to give advice: “Remember to bring your phone. Check carefully after entering the stall—don’t miss any suspicious reflections.”

“Ugh—don’t say scary things!” Yuigahama couldn’t help shrinking her shoulders, slightly frowning, showing a fearful expression. “You idiot Yuu, what if we get scared to use public restrooms?”

Yuu crossed his arms, closing his eyes casually. “I just want you both to stay alert outside. After all, often when people face danger, they can only rely on themselves to protect themselves.”

“Ah, that’s true...” Yuigahama fell silent for a moment, then her expression turned serious. She nodded firmly. “I understand! I’ll be careful!”

Looking into the distance, Yumiko grumbled while twisting her hair. “Like a nagging housewife...”

Yuu smiled, looking at her. “Miura-san, be careful on your way too.”

“...No, no need to say that. Yui, let’s go.”

The girl flicked her golden hair. She walked toward the restroom without showing the slightest respect.

Yuigahama smiled at him, then followed her.

Watching their retreating backs, Yuu sighed, quietly uttering his final words:

“...No matter who you are, that’s fine. But remember to protect Yui.”

Saying that would only ignite a battle.

Yet, considering Yuigahama had tried her hardest to improve their relationship with various topics, Yuu didn’t nag anymore. His attitude could be said to be far better than before.

After all, why did Yumiko call him a bastard?

Despite the Fire Queen’s arrogant aura, she, who was always innocent and loyal, wouldn’t let anyone tarnish her reputation with such a label.

“But... loyal, huh...”

Thinking about this, Yuu felt slightly guilty for the first time. He couldn’t help pressing his aching forehead.

Not because his past feelings suddenly returned, but because he realized something...

If during the mission, he fell in love with someone who wasn’t the mission target, and the system couldn’t erase those feelings, wouldn’t he face the very situation he’d desperately avoided in the first mission?

Loving someone, yet having to be another person’s boyfriend. There was no worse situation than this.

Or the system was broken, returning all memories and feelings it had taken, then plunging him into a battlefield worse than death.

Yuu couldn’t help shivering. He shook his head, banishing that hellish scenario from his mind.

“Rarely able to go out, better not think too much.”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Inside the park area, women’s restroom.

After safely finishing their business, Yuigahama and Yumiko stood in front of the sink, tidying themselves in front of the mirror.

“So Yuu really is a good person! Though he sometimes says sharp things, he’s considerate, gentle, and reliable. You won’t lose out if you get along well with him...”

Listening to her friend continuously promoting Yuu’s virtues like a salesperson, Yumiko couldn’t help rolling her eyes. She casually tossed the wet tissue in her hand into the trash bin.

“Enough! Basically, he’s a good person—let’s all be good friends. Is that what you’re trying to say?”

“Ehehe~” Yuigahama scratched her cheek, laughing shyly. “Is it that obvious?”

“What’s not obvious...” Yumiko tapped her forehead, the corner of her lips twitching. She looked like she’d already lost. “Can’t even the blind and deaf see it? Even a matchmaker isn’t as enthusiastic as you!”

“No, no, forget about matchmakers...”

Yuigahama said softly. Then she lifted her gaze, looking at her seriously and honestly.

“Since Yuu and Yumiko are both important to me, I hope you two can get along and not fight.”

Speaking directly from the heart was a shallow, childish act—but most people did it.

Because it was exactly that kind of gaze and words that could make others feel sincerity.

“...Important or whatever, who knows such things.” After a pause, she answered with an unintentionally bad tone.

As if hiding her embarrassment, Yumiko loudly clicked her tongue. She released her hand from her hair, her tone becoming much softer. “Well, what you said isn’t wrong, Yui.”

“Besides his low intelligence, inability to speak, and discriminatory attitude, Tenkuji has no flaws worth criticizing. If I didn’t have that initial bad impression of him being a bastard, I wouldn’t talk like this, right.”

“Right! Yuu has many other good qualities!” Seeing the person she liked acknowledged by her friend, Yuigahama was very happy. She unconsciously wanted to continue, so Yumiko would truly change her view of him.

But an idea suddenly popped into her mind. She couldn’t help carefully observing her friend’s expression. After hesitating for two or three seconds, she spoke apologetically: “Even though he’s good, liking him as the opposite gender is really exhausting. So I suggest we’d better just stay friends...”

“Pfft!”

Yumiko couldn’t hold back her laughter. Then her expression instantly changed. She flicked her forehead in annoyance.

“What are you saying! I already know you like him. He’s been fired from the position of ‘opposite gender’ in my eyes. I won’t like anyone, let alone him! I’d never steal a friend’s boyfriend!”

“A-just giving advice~” Yuigahama awkwardly touched her forehead. Her face slightly reddened as she spoke softly. “And he’s not my boyfriend. We’re just friends—good friends...”

“Maybe on his side, but on yours it’s too obvious. Your eyes look like they want to stick to him, and your whole body radiates pink bubbles—since I met you last year until now, I’ve never seen you like this!”

Yumiko reached out, forcefully pinching her soft cheeks like kneading dough. After satisfying herself, she released her hand.

Yuigahama didn’t resist—she just smiled foolishly.

When her friend revealed her feelings, though she’d mentally prepared herself, she still felt embarrassed—while simultaneously feeling slightly embarrassed for worrying needlessly.

“Alright, enough being so relaxed, Yui.”

Yumiko’s tone suddenly turned serious. Her furrowed brows made her expression look stern.

“What is it?” Yuigahama looked at her confused.

“Isn’t that guy dating the transfer student from Class J? Even so, you’re still so close to him, and even openly love him from afar... Do you think this is really okay?”

“...”

Facing her friend’s blunt question, Yuigahama fell silent for a moment.

-

Title: The Ordinary Girl’s Outburst

If she said that Masuzu and Yuu’s relationship was fake, she was sure Yumiko would feel relieved.

But Yuigahama couldn’t do it. Even if she only told Yumiko, there was still a risk the secret would be exposed.

Emotionally, this issue involved Yuu. Rationally, as a Service Club member, she and Yukino had agreed not to reveal mission details—so of course, she couldn’t break that promise.

At the same time, Yuigahama also wondered—if Yuu truly had a girlfriend, should she give up on this love?

Would she still be like she was now—saying “friends” out loud, yet unconsciously always wanting to stay by his side and steal his attention?

“...Of course, it’s not okay.”

After a brief silence, Yuigahama answered softly.

Lifting her face, she blinked. She smiled—a lonely, helpless smile: “But what can I do! The longer I love him, the less I want to give up. Leaving him hurts far more than being the subject of gossip.”

No one knew better than her.

Those rumors meant nothing compared to the year she spent being a stranger to him.

Because Yuigahama knew—so long as she remained his friend, so long as she asked for help—

Whenever, wherever, Yuu would stand behind her and protect her. He was always so gentle—and it felt so natural.

“So Yumiko, you don’t need to worry. I know what I’m doing!”

Her cute, childish face turned mature. But her overly relaxed smile also made her look silly: “Ehehe~ But I’m really surprised. I didn’t expect you’d care about me this much. I thought you just didn’t like Yuu.”

“There are so many bastards in the world—why should I focus on him?” Yumiko rolled her eyes, pinching Yuigahama’s cheek again. “Most importantly, I don’t want to see my friend get tricked by a bastard and walk away!”

“Uehh...” Yuigahama made an indistinct sound, struggling to protest. “Yuu isn’t a bastard! He’s rejected me several times...”

“What?!” Her brows furrowed. Yumiko clenched her fist, eyes blazing. “That guy dared to reject you—and multiple times?! He has no eyes! I need to teach him a lesson!”

Yuigahama quickly held her back as she was about to storm out of the restroom. “Yumiko, you’re being too overbearing! You can’t accept it if he accepts, and you can’t accept it if he rejects. What’s Yuu supposed to do?!”

“Well...” Emotionally charged, Yumiko clearly hadn’t thought that far. She opened her big eyes and mouth, speechless. “...Anyway, until he breaks up with that other person and officially starts dating you, don’t let him touch any part of your body! Even if it’s one-sided love, there’s dignity involved. Don’t let yourself get tricked into giving yourself away!”

“I understand, I understand.” Yuigahama sighed, whispering, “Stop talking about Yuu—Yumiko, you’re just like a worried mother afraid her daughter’s dating a bad guy...”

Her ears twitched. The Fire Queen instantly glared at her fiercely.

“Yui, what did you say?”

“N-nothing, nothing...”

Their conversation paused for now. With a deeper friendship, Yuigahama and Yumiko walked out together.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Time seemed to stop. The scene froze like a painting.

Against the sunlight, though wearing simple gym clothes, Yuu still looked cool sitting on the long bench. Passersby talked about him, countless gazes drawn to him.

He remained still, eyes closed, enjoying the warm sunlight. His “don’t disturb” aura made many girls who wanted to ask for his LINE back off.

“...Yuu, what are you doing?”

“Isn’t it obvious? I’m waiting.” Yuu opened his eyes, lazily looking at the two girls entering his space. He returned his raised leg to its original position. “If you’re ready, let’s go. Next, we’ll hike the mountain—remember to drink enough water.”

Yumiko approached. While grabbing her bag, she said bluntly: “If you’re waiting, just wait. Do you need to draw attention like that? You’re not showing off.”

“Sorry, it’s a natural gift.” Yuu shrugged, making the golden drill-twin-tailed girl unable to hold back her grumbling. She snorted, not wanting to say anything more.

Even so, Yuigahama still sensed a change in the air—toward something better.

The smile on her face grew happier. She approached Yuu and Yumiko, raised her hand, and cheered: “Then let’s go! Let’s hike the mountain~”

“Everyone, let’s—eh! Eh!”

As she half-spoke, Yuigahama was pushed by the two of them. They didn’t let her finish her “oo—” sound.

“Doing something like that once was embarrassing enough. Don’t expect me to do it again!”

“Yui, sometimes I think—you might have thicker skin than me.”

“That’s an outrageous judgment?!... Wait, weren’t we going to ride the pirate ship? Why are we hiking the mountain now?”

“Because I didn’t want to ride it. I thought you wouldn’t notice. Damn, what a shame.”

“...Wow, this guy—really terrible.”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Mount Mosum, hiking trail.

Golden sunlight filtering through the trees shone on the slender shoulders of the two girls, scattering into golden strands in their soft hair.

The ordinary student walked ahead. The two followed behind like dolls. Fine sweat dampened the hair on their foreheads, but their faces still looked beautiful and calm. They were completely unaffected by exhaustion.

If they looked this ordinary, this appearance might be called “walking corpses,” right?

“Y-Yukinoshita-san... If you’re tired, just say so. We can stop and wait until you’re ready to continue.”

“No... need. Though my physique is weak, I’m not that weak.”

“Don’t push yourself... You’re the Service Club president and my boyfriend’s superior. Huh...”

“Haaaa, Natsukawa-san, you’re more... helpless than I imagined. As a member’s girlfriend, I won’t laugh at you even if you sit down to rest now. Hah...”

The ordinary student turned, helplessly watching the two who kept challenging each other despite nearly out of breath.

“Natsukawa-san, Yukinoshita-san, if you need a break, just say so. I can wait for you.”

“No need!”

They said in unison. Their slender, straight legs stepped on the stairs. They walked almost side by side, stubborn and unwilling to back down.

“Then don’t talk—hike quietly!” The ordinary student said firmly. “Hiking requires attention to breathing. If you talk, your breath will become irregular. You’re both model students—you should understand!”

“...” Yukino fell silent. She slightly opened her pale lips, calmly regulating her irregular breath.

Masuzu still grumbled unsatisfied: “Just a classmate (name), but so bold...”

The ordinary student looked her up and down, eyes as bright as sunlight, appearing utterly dominant.

“Any complaints?”

“No~”