Yuu 246-250

Title: Before the Picnic, A Little Agreement Between Them

Nighttime. City neon lights shimmered beneath the stars and moon.

After cleaning up dinner, Yuu returned to his room and found a vague message from someone.

Masuzu: {New boyfriend rule—starting now, your eyes can only look at me.}

It was like an absolute declaration—short, yet carrying an unchallengeable command.

Yuu’s cheek twitched slightly. He sent a single symbol.

Yuu: {?}

The girl seemed to be waiting in front of her screen. She read the message within seconds and replied immediately.

Masuzu: {Second, you can only be gentle with me. No flirting with other girls.}

“...Great. Her brain must be broken.”

Yuu: {You’re too possessive.}

Masuzu: {Got a problem? Isn’t that normal dating behavior?}

Yuu: {Even so...}

Masuzu: {Or are you planning to cheat on me and do embarrassing things with Dango-chan and other juniors besides me?}

Yuu: {I’ve never done embarrassing things with you... Whatever, just do whatever makes you happy.}

Yuu decided to give up. This person was too selfish to listen. It was pointless to say more.

Anyway, he didn’t plan to cheat on anyone, so it was easier to just agree to appease her.

Masuzu: {Good. If you break it, I’ll ORA until you die? That’s perfectly normal in the world of lovers...}

Masuzu: {Puff... The world of lovers, hahaha...}

The message sent, as if Yuu could see her laughing joyfully in front of her phone.

Yuu was speechless.

Masuzu made her own joke and laughed at it herself. This person was truly extraordinary.

Putting down his phone and ending the brief conversation, Yuu resignedly stared at the JOJO volume ten book on his shelf.

Judging from this, Masuzu seemed to be slowly opening her heart to him, just like Haruno at the beginning—though she wouldn’t admit it, her attitude had changed, and the system’s rewards were becoming increasingly advanced.

Besides money and physical skills, Expert-Level Disguise and the Intimidation status—true to their names, the first was a skill similar to Acting, the second a passive skill like a Killing Aura—both were far better rewards than manga books. A fake boyfriend relationship like before would never have earned these.

The distance between their hearts was closing. And the clue for this mission—show your charm, fill the emptiness in her heart—seemed to mean that as long as she fell in love with him and felt satisfied with love, the mission would end.

If so, wouldn’t the third mission be completed smoothly before long?

But...

“When she starts liking me, can I also start liking her?”

Yuu couldn’t help but think about this question.

Somewhere along the way, he’d grown used to his ability to attract attention. He only doubted whether he could fall in love with someone else—he never doubted his charm or social skills.

If he seriously wanted to pursue a woman, he could easily win her over, whether she was a young girl or an adult woman—that was roughly his level of confidence.

The problem was whether he wanted to reciprocate.

If Yuu still had the same mindset as before the first mission ended, he wouldn’t need to trouble himself over this. He’d just be an emotionless mission-completion machine.

But after completing the second mission, Yuu had resolved—he wanted a relationship that would let him say goodbye with satisfaction. He wanted to enjoy the process of achieving his goal, and remember every precious moment.

For someone who had already completed two missions, there was only one kind of heroism in this world: after clearly seeing life, still loving life.

After clearly seeing fate, still loving the process of meeting, knowing, and loving others—moving forward to the next stage with hope.

This was the third ending Yuu was trying to achieve.

That’s why, before the mission ended, he wanted to be able to fall in love with Masuzu.

Just like before, after the mission ended, he would let the system take that feeling, and step into the fourth ending.

“...Well, there shouldn’t be any problem.”

Various expressions of the silver-haired girl he’d seen today flashed through his mind. Yuu couldn’t help but smile, his murmur slightly self-mocking.

“After all, I’m just a pure-hearted boy who easily falls for girls.”

Otherwise, how could he have fallen for two people within fifty days?

Especially, if he didn’t have financial issues and wasn’t disturbed by the system, he’d probably already have fallen for Yuigahama...

Yuu shook his head, stopping his wandering thoughts.

“Just like before, let everything flow naturally.”

No need to overthink. Just do what needs to be done.

Speaking of which...

“Family problems again... Yare yare da ze.”

The unbeatable background music appeared at the perfect moment, but Yuu immediately turned it off.

Remembering Natsukawa Mana and the man they mentioned, Yuu couldn’t help but sigh, feeling weary.

“If I’m not careful, will I have to go to Sweden to pick up Masuzu?”

That distance wasn’t the same as from Tokyo to Karuizawa, or from school to a cram class.

He couldn’t leave his little sister at home and go overseas to find another woman—no matter who he might fall for in the future, Sora would always be his most important support. She was his foundation.

So, he had to prevent it before it happened.

“The system’s power should be used like this.”

He turned on his laptop. The screen reflected his wicked smile.

His fingers rapidly tapped the keyboard. Messy windows popped up, overlapping each other. Scrambled codes appeared, along with several secret transactions unknown to anyone.

With the wealth provided by the system and Expert-Level Network Technology, if Yuu took things seriously, there was almost nothing he couldn’t do through the vast, versatile network.

For example, obtaining internal data on the Natsukawa and Yukinoshita families, and planning solutions—the latter to prevent the fourth and fifth missions related to the second Yukinoshita sister, so he prepared in advance.

For example, discovering high-risk, high-reward investment methods, writing scripts to quickly grow capital through short-term trading, establishing a network technology company, competing with others for projects from large corporations, and building connections.

Things like these—Yuu quietly worked hard for his future.

Though it would take a lot of time, he never wanted to experience stories like ”you two aren’t equal, you have better options” which could only be resolved by searching for his wife from afar.

The crisp sound of keyboard tapping suddenly stopped. It seemed he’d hit a problem. Yuu spoke with a serious face:

“System, has my physical enhancement reached the hair follicles too? If the price of strength is going bald, I’d rather live as a NEET for the rest of my life!”

System: “...”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

The next morning, Monday.

Autumn rain blanketed Sobu High like mist. Late September was about to enter October, the weather cooling, cool dew occasionally dripping from yellowing leaves.

During homeroom, Class 2-F’s homeroom teacher, Hiratsuka, stood in front of the podium. On the blackboard behind her, two large words were written:

Autumn Picnic

“Ehem! I’m sure you all know—after midterm exams and before the school festival, we get a chance to go on a trip.”

“Ooh—!”

Cheers immediately erupted. Hiratsuka couldn’t suppress her warm smile.

“Unfortunately, we’ll be camping at the nearest resort, not Hokkaido with its beautiful maple leaves.”

“Oh...”

The visible disappointment made Hiratsuka’s smile grow even wider.

“But luckily, the free time during this picnic is very generous. You can play from morning to night, no need to listen to boring tour guide explanations. You can freely walk in nature, do whatever you want!”

“Ooh—!”

Everyone beneath the podium grew excited again. Several couples exchanged loving glances. Hiratsuka nodded in satisfaction, announcing happily:

“And the best part is—this picnic won’t let you choose your own teams. Teams will be determined by lottery, and you must continuously report member counts so no one gets separated!”

“...Hah???!!!”

The entire class fell silent for a moment, then cries of disbelief and lamentations filled the room.

“That’s too weird!”

“No freedom in the picnic!”

“Even if we have to listen to a guide, let us choose our own teams!”

“Right, right! What’s the point of being on a team with strangers?!”

Facing the noisy protests below, Hiratsuka wasn’t panicked at all. She crossed her arms and spoke casually: “Hey hey hey~ You’re all classmates. Where are these strangers? With the school festival coming up, you should use this chance to build class unity.”

“What unity, gu—“

A boy with double drill blonde hair stood up to argue, but immediately sat back down after Hiratsuka gave him a sharp glare. He couldn’t say anything, looking sad like an emperor penguin whose head had been hit.

Hiratsuka sneered, sweeping her gaze across the class. Her aura was fierce like a lion, staring at the restless students with bloodthirsty hunger.

“Don’t think I don’t know what you’re thinking...”

“You want to date your friends and partners, using the school’s given time to ‘understand nature’ by making out in the forest, right?”

“That’s fine. As long as you can prove your bond is strong enough to overcome luck, I won’t say much. I won’t be jealous. I’ll even give my most sincere blessing!”

The soft voice, filled with resentment and sorrow, silenced all students. They dared not speak, afraid of being dragged forward and punished.

After saying that, Hiratsuka glanced at Yuu, who was lazily propping his cheek, seemingly uninterested in the picnic. She dropped her sad expression and sighed.

“Though our school doesn’t ban dating, for the school’s reputation, please act like students when you’re out there. Don’t do reckless things that make society complain—especially not in front of middle-aged single women. Beyond that, I won’t interfere too much. Don’t worry.”

Relieved sighs echoed here and there. Under Hiratsuka’s rough yet gentle tyranny, the students gave up fighting for their rights and returned to anticipating the picnic excitement.

Meanwhile, Yuu’s eyebrows slightly lifted. He sat up a little straighter, staring at the female teacher on the podium.

(Is she giving me a hint?)

Hiratsuka didn’t look at him again. She pulled a lottery tube from beneath and slammed it loudly onto the podium.

“Alright! Student number one, come forward and draw your lot. After drawing, write your group code on the board. Hurry!”

On the teacher’s command, everyone stepped forward one by one to draw lots.

As numbers on the board increased, the room grew noisier and more chaotic. Occasional cheers and complaints echoed, along with unmistakable groans.

The rule was one group of three. For Yuu, the best group would be with Totsuka and Yuigahama.

Unfortunately, their bond apparently couldn’t overcome the sleeping slave of fate. Totsuka quickly got a group missing only one member, giving him a bitterly disappointed smile.

Yuu got Group F, which was still empty. He waited for his other team members to write their student numbers on the board.

The final result—

“This is good or bad...”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

The remaining homeroom time was for group members to communicate.

Yuu looked at the two girls in front of him, unconsciously rubbing his brow, his expression slightly odd.

He missed Totsuka, but didn’t miss Yuigahama, his best friend.

The girl with dango-style hair looked extremely happy, as if she’d drawn the most ideal lot. Her face was filled with joy and hope.

As for the other group member...

He first examined her from head to toe with a testing gaze, then pursed his lips and said disinterestedly: “Nice to meet you~” before returning to her seat to chat with her friends.

Yuigahama didn’t go with her. She smiled brightly, clenching her small fists in front of her chest, faintly resembling invisible tails creating a whirlwind behind her.

“I can’t believe I’m in the same group as Yuu and Yumiko! This might be my luckiest moment this year!”

Right.

Group F for this picnic consisted of himself, Yuigahama Yui, and Yuigahama’s friend nicknamed the “Fire Queen” of Class F—Miura Yumiko.

For some reason, Yuu didn’t feel joyful at all, so he also didn’t place any hopes on this picnic.

“Well, I don’t know her well. Shouldn’t be a problem...”

After long thought, he stayed relaxed and talked about the picnic with Yuigahama.

His phone suddenly vibrated.

Masuzu: {I can feel it—you’re sniffing Dango-chan’s scent, aren’t you?!}

Yuu: {...Are you the female version of DIO, a perverted girl?}

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Lunch break.

Unexpectedly, Masuzu didn’t invite him to eat lunch together.

When Yuu went to Class J, the Class J students said Masuzu had left class earlier and no one knew where she went.

In that case, Yuu went straight to the Service Club, enjoying the long-missed lunchtime surrounded by the scent of girls and calming tea.

“I’ve already called the police.”

The clear, transparent girl’s voice came before he even entered.

Yuu’s steps paused slightly. Then he closed the door and walked to his usual seat.

“I just walked in carrying my lunch and you called the police? If I brought a rope, would you bite your tongue off and die on the spot?”

“Go ahead.” The girl near the window closed her book and stood, walking to the cabinet with the hot water kettle and tea set. “I won’t be scared anymore by Tenkuji’s verbal threats that are only good at talking... So save your bad actions. They’ll only make you look cheaper.”

The swan-like neck of the slender girl lifted proudly.

Meanwhile, Yuu adopted a mocking tone, speaking sarcastically: “Is that so? You look cuter when you won’t back down, Madam President.”

Yukino made a cup of tea for herself, not bothering to look at Yuu. She said calmly, “Of course I’m cute. I don’t need you to tell me that.”

“Hmph...”

Yuu couldn’t suppress his smile, watching the calm world outside the window with falling autumn rain.

Yukino’s lips, pressed against the rim of her cup, also lifted slightly—though barely noticeable.

They didn’t look at each other, only a newly found agreement floating between them, carried on the shared aroma of tea.

But not even a few seconds passed...

“Excuse me, I’ve lost a Sea King. Can the Service Club help me find him?”

“A Sea King?”

Yukino set down her teacup, sneering as she glanced at Yuu, whose face looked speechless.

Without saying anything more to him, she said calmly toward the door: “The door isn’t locked. Come in... Your lost item is here, Natsukawa-san.”

Masuzu opened the classroom door, flicking her shimmering silver hair and giving her a faint smile.

“Yuu isn’t an item, Yukinoshita-san.”

Yukino nodded in strong agreement: “He’s indeed not an item.”

“Oh, our heroes share the same opinion.”

The two gem-like beautiful girls smiled at each other, finally finding agreement on one issue.

The only one hurt was Yuu, sitting at the end of the table. He picked up his chopsticks and silently opened his lunchbox.

-

Title: Even Vengeance Feels Like Love

“If it’s something you can’t discuss here, I suggest you leave.”

After the pleasantries, Yukino opened her lunchbox and looked at them both attentively. “Before that, let me ask one more thing... Your mission is going very smoothly, isn’t it?”

“Yes, indeed. As expected from members led by President Yukinoshita.” Masuzu praised insincerely, then looked at Yuu and said cheerfully, “Since I started dating him, no shameless people have come to confess to me anymore. He’s also quietly resolved many of my problems... Coming to the Service Club was the best decision I’ve ever made in my life!”

“You’re exaggerating, Natsukawa-san.” Yukino didn’t look pleased at all. Instead, she rubbed her temple as if it ached and sighed. “I don’t intend to take all the credit for the mission’s success. I only care because it’s my duty as president... So, have you considered when you’ll end this fake relationship? The timing of your breakup is also important, and we should plan its resolution.”

“End it?” Masuzu blinked, as if she’d never considered the issue, her expression slightly confused.

Yukino frowned slightly, looking at her in confusion. “You haven’t thought about how to conclude it? You can’t just wait for everyone to slowly forget, can you?”

“...Of course, I’ll think it over carefully.”

Coming to her senses, Masuzu smiled casually and replied calmly. “Thank you for the reminder, Yukinoshita-san. But we’ve only just started dating. It might take a few months for this issue to fully spread. It’s probably too early to think about breaking up now... For now, we’ll improvise.”

Yukino tapped her fingers on the table, glancing at Yuu watching from the side as if pondering something, but then gave up and shrugged.

“If you both agree, fine. After all, the Service Club has never taken on a mission like this before, and I’m not sure what advice would benefit you... But please, don’t involve others.”

After saying this, her gaze turned slightly sharp, implying a warning.

“Others? ...Ah, do you mean Dango-chan?”

Masuzu realized and immediately shook her head while laughing. “Are there rumors about her? That has nothing to do with me. If she hadn’t approached us that day, school rumors might still be about Yukinoshita and Tenkuji dating, or Natsukawa and Yukinoshita becoming love rivals... I don’t intend to involve anyone besides Yuu.”

“...”

Yukino’s expression shifted slightly, and she fell silent for a moment.

Since Yuu had reminded her that day, she’d paid slight attention to her surroundings and discovered that there truly were many people discussing rumors about her and that man—even major news like the U.S. presidential election and shifts in international situations were overshadowed by their rumors. Nothing was more annoying and disruptive than this.

And from this perspective, external rumors indeed had nothing to do with the people involved. Rather, she had been reckless.

Without detailed understanding, Yukino had warned Masuzu based on vague rumors. One could say she’d unintentionally become just like those foolish classmates.

“...I apologize for the misunderstanding. I was just slightly concerned about Yuigahama-san. I didn’t mean to accuse you.” Realizing her mistake, Yukino immediately apologized, looking at Masuzu honestly.

“But I won’t take back that statement.”

“Ms. Natsukawa’s friend, from the Service Club president’s standpoint, I hope you can properly understand the nature of this mission, including Tenkuji’s rights—no matter how terrible he is, he is a club member recognized by the school and all members.”

“If he gets involved in trouble because of you, as his superior and leader, unless he quits the club on the spot, I’ll likely have to resolve the issue.”

“To prevent that, please seriously consider this fake relationship—both privately and publicly...”

She began lecturing her with a firm attitude.

Masuzu’s eyebrows twitched slightly, her expression stiffening. She glanced secretly at Yuu and mouthed silently:

<This woman is meddling too much, right?>

Yuu put down his chopsticks, carefully observing her soft, pink lips, trying to decipher the words she wanted to convey.

<Can you see my underwear?>

“...”

Masuzu sighed inwardly. Too lazy to be a well-behaved student, she immediately stopped Yukino’s long lecture with her hand.

“Yes, yes, yes, I understand. You don’t need to worry, Madam President~ So, may I take this perverted man who’s peeking at my thighs and thinking dirty thoughts?”

Yukino covered her mouth, instinctively placing her hand on her skirt, then stared at Yuu with a look of disgust.

“Please, it’d be better if he never came back.”

“It depends on his own will.” Masuzu smiled casually. “After all, he’s a well-behaved student who changes after being lectured~”

Yukino: “...”

She felt there was sarcasm behind her words. Was it just her imagination?

Masuzu turned her gaze to Yuu.

“Yuu, want to come with me for a moment? ...You can leave your lunch here. I have business later, so you can return to eat afterward.”

Obediently, Yuu placed his lunchbox—already one-third eaten while watching the drama—and followed Masuzu to the corridor outside the Service Club.

Autumn wind blew the girl’s skirt, revealing her firm, milk-white thighs.

Even now, Yuu was still pondering one question:

(Back then, was she wearing it or not?)
(If she was wearing it, but her skirt lifted that high, I didn’t see any straps or fabric that should’ve been there.)
(If she wasn’t wearing it, but from my observation of Masuzu these past few days, I don’t think she’s a pervert who likes to flash—she’s just a regular pervert who enjoys JOJO jokes.)
(Schrödinger’s underwear, huh...)

“Just now I was joking. I didn’t expect, when we’re alone, you’d show your perverted side.”

Turning to face him, Masuzu touched her skirt with her small hand, sighing resignedly. “Do you want to see it?”

“Not really.” Yuu answered honestly. “I’m just curious.”

“...Curious whether I’m wearing it or not?” Masuzu was surprised, quickly realizing it.

Yuu nodded, speaking seriously: “Don’t worry. It’s basic human curiosity, not because I desire your body.”

Being curious about this wasn’t perverted.

It was a research-driven question about an unknown area—just like everyone is curious about how to prove that all non-trivial zeros of the Dirichlet L-function lie on the line Re(s)=1/2 in the complex plane, yet they wouldn’t stick out their tongue to lick the beautiful series formula.

Unfortunately, human understanding differed. Masuzu only felt this man was getting worse and worse—yesterday he kissed her, today he wanted to see her underwear.

Tomorrow? Would he even want to lick it?

Her pale face unconsciously reddened slightly. Masuzu took a deep breath, temporarily suppressing the strange thoughts in her mind. She crossed her arms at her waist, speaking with resigned annoyance: “Nonsense stories and idle talk—we’ll discuss after school. I have important business, which is why I came to the Service Club to find you.”

“What important business?” Yuu frowned slightly.

“Didn’t your homeroom teacher call you to talk?” Seeing his clueless expression, Masuzu was instead confused. “Last night, my father sent the CCTV footage of our kiss in front of the apartment to the school. Though expulsion isn’t on the table, a verbal warning and apology letter are guaranteed. It’s truly annoying... Haven’t you received any notice?”

Yuu nodded, slightly thoughtful.

He recalled Hiratsuka’s meaningful gaze she’d given him during morning homeroom.

So that was the meaning...

He shifted his slightly serious gaze toward Masuzu. “So, the changed group rules for this picnic—are they because of us?”

Masuzu looked confused instead.

“Hah? Changed group rules? Was there something like that?”

“...”

Alright, the breakup of couples was Hiratsuka’s unilateral decision, unrelated to them.

“Why would your father do something like tattling? Doesn’t he have work?”

Yuu shifted to asking this question.

“How would I know? Though he doesn’t care about family at all, he still has time for things like this.”

Masuzu clicked her tongue loudly, not hiding her disgust. “Mana and that bald bodyguard must’ve told him everything. He probably wants me to behave, using this as a warning. To him, it’s just a phone call—he can easily bother me. How convenient.”

Her mocking tone made the cool air in the corridor turn cold. The girl unconsciously bit her lip, her hands nervously clenching.

Yuu thought for a moment, comforting her calmly: “But judging by the outcome, what he did is just futile... As long as we restrain ourselves slightly outside school and don’t give outsiders reasons to exaggerate the issue, inside school we can still do as we please. Basically, we don’t need to worry about school punishment.”

After all, that was Sobu High’s ethos—as long as grades weren’t affected, dating was student freedom.

Besides, as the all-rounder genius who stood out in front of everyone at the Autumn Club Fair with two awards, unless there was truly no other choice, upper management definitely wouldn’t let him feel uncomfortable and consider transferring schools.

As Masuzu said, this was just a warning—no real danger, but deeply annoying.

Yuu himself didn’t care much, but Masuzu looked deeply disgusted, as if she’d just vomited after being forced to eat a kilogram of dog food.

“I understand. If he truly wanted me back, he wouldn’t use such childish methods. He’d attack my apartment directly... From the current situation, for now, it’s still safe.”

But Masuzu didn’t know how long this sense of safety would last...

She bit her lip hard, suppressing the anxiety in her heart with pain. Masuzu calmed her heavy breathing, speaking in a low voice:

“For now, we must be more careful. Once he’s busy with overseas business, he won’t have time to deal with me.”

As she said this, she seemed like a Persian cat crouching, walking cautiously even though the tiger was curled in the corner of the cage.

Her previous arrogance and pride were gone. She no longer dared to be selfish.

“Alright, I’ll listen to you.”

Yuu looked at her serious expression, hiding his thoughts, not speaking much.

He only smiled reassuringly, raising his hand to stroke her shimmering silver hair. “Don’t worry too much. As your partner in crime, if something happens, I’ll bear it... You just need to continue your lie.”

Masuzu lifted her eyes. Her blue eyes sparkled, and there was a smile in them.

“You have a high sense of sacrifice?”

“I’m a good person.”

“Do you act like this toward everyone?”

“I only act like this toward my girlfriend—whether real or fake.”

Pulling his hand, Masuzu suddenly leaned against Yuu’s chest, gently rubbing against him. “Good... I don’t want to leave this school now.”

Yuu pressed his chin into her hair, speaking softly. “If you ever want to go, remember to tell me.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m your partner in crime—the fake boyfriend ready to live and die with you.”

“Hah?”

Masuzu sneered cynically, but couldn’t resist inhaling the warmth of his chest. Her arms unconsciously wrapped around his back.

“If you have such determination, how about coming with me to Sweden and saying that classic line?”

“What classic line?”

Yuu froze, recalling the words he’d once said in front of the amusement park.

<I will take your daughter>

In front of Mrs. Yukinoshita.

“...From fake boyfriend directly to fake husband?”

Masuzu shook her head, also smiling bitterly.

“That’s too exaggerated a joke. Pretend I never said it.”

Seemingly fully recharged, she immediately released her embrace and stepped back a few steps nimbly.

After tidying her slightly disheveled hair, the girl lifted her beautiful chin. Her attitude returned to its usual relaxed, arrogant form.

“Alright, important business is done, face-rubbing is enough. Now it’s time to settle a few debts!”

The fragility and anxiety she’d shown earlier felt like a lie. Masuzu smiled happily at him.

Still remembering the warmth he’d felt during their embrace, Yuu asked casually, “Debts? What debts?”

“Don’t pretend you don’t know. Let me tally your crimes!”

In a JOJO pose like Jonathan Joestar, Masuzu pulled out the now-familiar black notebook from her pocket, quickly opened it, and read aloud with feeling.

“September XX, Yuu’s farewell voice was too cold...”

“September XX, Yuu has a junior who’s close with him...”

“September XX, Yuu teased me by massaging my shoulders and saw me in a bad state...”

“September XX, Yuu’s hand massage felt too good. I felt comfortable, but my heart was annoyed...”

“September XX, Yuu forced me to eat, his movements were very rough...”

As her melodious voice continued, Yuu’s cheeks twitched more and more.

After Masuzu read each entry, she pulled a pen from behind her skirt and began adding new content.

“September XX, when I was called by Sensei to be scolded, Yuu was having lunch with the beautiful club president. He greedily inhaled her scent and used it as a side dish...”

“Enough!”

Yuu massaged his temple with one hand, the other making a ‘stop’ gesture. Defeated, he spoke resignedly:

“Just say what you want... In exchange, how about we burn that notebook?”

“No way~ It’s a record of beautiful memories between you and me! I’ll never burn it, even if I die!”

Hiding the notebook behind her back, Masuzu stuck out her tongue playfully, showing a victorious smile.

Yuu rolled his eyes. “What’s beautiful about it? It’s full of grudges.”

“Even grudges take the form of love. Isn’t that romantic?” Masuzu smiled and made a vomiting gesture. “Those sweet words are disgusting~”

“You’re the one who said it...”

“As for what a couple alone in a quiet corridor should do... I guess I don’t need to say it, right, cruel Yuu?”

With flushed cheeks, her soft, moist lips lifting, Masuzu stepped closer again.

Yuu unconsciously leaned against the wall. From the corner of his eye, he saw her pale, slender arms beside his head. A fresh, summer-like scent reached his nose.

“Could it be... what I’m thinking?”

“Exactly what you’re thinking.”

“So, which part of JOJO is this?”

“Still part one—take this!”

His nose was touched by her shimmering silver hair.

In this autumn, Yuu tasted the flavor of summer.

-

Title: The Theory of Calmness

Some people kiss to release desire. Some people kiss to prove love.

There are also those who kiss simply to calm themselves.

An old man from Egypt once said that everyone tries to overcome anxiety and fear, striving to live with a peaceful heart.

Whether it’s chasing fame and fortune, dominating others, or gaining money and love—even the touch of lips—it’s all just a reason to find calm.

Masuzu must be the same, right?

Not because she truly fell in love with Yuu in such a short time, but because that kiss could give her a sense of safety. So gradually, she grew accustomed to it, craved it greedily, and tried to slowly soothe herself through the process.

The more fear she felt inside, the more aggressive she became—a trait tied to her strong exterior but fragile interior.

And for Yuu, a kiss was a way to convey feelings to each other.

Through such close contact, they could understand each other’s emotions. In their intertwined breaths, they could grasp the strength and fragility of the other.

Others might not think this deeply, but Yuu could feel how much anxiety was buried in the heart of the girl before him.

(Afraid of having nothing, so before she lets go, she doesn’t want anyone else to steal what’s hers?)

Unconsciously, this thought arose in Yuu’s mind.

(When she was little, were her toys often taken by others, huh...)

After parting with Masuzu, Yuu returned to the Service Club unscathed.

When he met his lunchbox again, Yuu had naturally undergone an upgrade.

The girl near the window slightly lifted her eyes. Her gaze swept over his calm, composed face, then turned away, uninterested.

She ate her lunch slowly. Each time she opened and closed her mouth, it was like a painting—shining from the most beautiful angle under autumn light.

Yuu only looked a few times before being instantly caught by her sharp perception.

<What is it?>

When their eyes met, Yukino frowned slightly, asking silently.

<Nothing. Please continue.>

Yuu shook his head, signaling the other not to pay attention.

“If there’s something you want to say, just say it.”

The cold, crystal-clear voice rang out.

Pushing her hair from her forehead behind her ear, Yukino set down her slightly damp chopsticks. Her eyes stared straight at him, giving no chance to escape.

“Your hesitant, nervous attitude is very annoying... Is this about the mission?”

Yuu hesitated briefly, then chose to answer honestly.

“No. I was just thinking that the way you eat is very beautiful.”

“...”

As if struck by an invisible blow, Yukino sat frozen in place, silent for a moment.

Seeing this, Yuu added, “I’m serious. I’m not boasting.”

“...I understand. Shut your mouth and eat properly.”

Yukino quickly recovered. She raised her hand and pressed her temple, sighing as if it ached. “For the record, there’s no point in complimenting me. I’ve heard such praise since childhood, and men’s compliments are so abundant they make me sick... I think you should understand.”

“...”

The other end of the table responded with silence.

The sounds of chopsticks and swallowing were barely audible, as if Yuu were enjoying a Western meal with knife and fork. It was hard to imagine a man could eat a lunchbox so gracefully and calmly.

“Why aren’t you speaking?”

After Yukino asked unconsciously, she already knew what he’d answer.

“You told me to shut my mouth and eat.” Yuu rolled his eyes, his voice slightly muffled as he chewed.

Yukino sneered. “You’ll do whatever I say? Oh, since when did Tenkuji become so obedient? That’s very reassuring.”

Yuu replied casually, “Since you, as president, started caring about me, a club member, I don’t intend to argue with you anymore—that’s not obedience. It’s called respect.”

“Or don’t you understand the meaning of respect? Do you need Yuu-Sensei to explain the meaning of respect?”

He was always good to those who were good to him. Yuu had always been like that.

Though Yukino had many issues, a difficult personality, and a flat chest—her words and actions so far marked her as a truly good person who saw everyone equally and was highly responsible.

At least when she could speak well, there was no need to deliberately oppose her.

It wasn’t that Yuu wanted to become Yukino’s dog from now on. He simply respected her a little because she genuinely cared about him.

If something annoyed him, he’d say it directly, like now.

“Respect...?”

Yukino stared at him in surprise, as if seeing him with new eyes.

Her jet-black hair, like lead powder, swayed in the cool breeze from outside the window. Slowly, she lifted the corner of her lips, showing a relieved smile.

“Congratulations. You’ve finally realized it, Tenkuji... Isn’t it delightful to return to being an upright ape?”

(So I wasn’t even on par with an upright ape before?)

Having finished most of his lunch, Yuu weakly replied, “Yes, it excites me greatly.”

Yukino picked up her chopsticks again, took some rice, and slowly, gracefully put it into her mouth.

“Fine. Today, I’ll let you look your fill. As long as your gaze isn’t too perverted and doesn’t disturb me while I eat.”

This time, it was Yuu’s turn to open his eyes wide in shock. “Since when have you been so generous?”

Yukino shrugged resignedly, seemingly imitating his gesture on purpose.

“What can I do? I am the club president. To prevent club members from harassing women under the guise of a mission, I can only sacrifice my beauty.”

Whether because she was still innocent, or simply didn’t think of other things, when Yukino said that sentence, her tone didn’t make anyone think dirty thoughts. She remained noble and graceful, like a saint.

Yuu didn’t want to say anything dirty to her either. He only spoke with an amused tone:

“So our club president is just like a sculpture in an art room. Seems like next time before entering the club, I should bring a sketchbook.”

“...” Instantly, Yukino froze her expression, glaring sharply. Her voice, like spring water just melted, was cold and clear. “Better shut up and eat your lunch.”

The corner of Yuu’s lips lifted slightly. “Or should I make you my side dish?”

The girl in front of him might not know that “side dish” had another meaning. Otherwise, she’d definitely get angry and scold him on the spot—this revealed just how perverted Masuzu’s mind really was.

Yukino said irritably, “I know I’m too beautiful to eat, but when we’re alone, please control yourself. It makes me feel unsafe.”

Quickly, she placed a harassment alarm on the table.

Yuu pretended not to see it, continuing to eat.

“Don’t worry. Though you’re very sweet and your legs are nice, I’m not interested in runways at all. I won’t attack you.”

“...”

Outside, autumn rain fell. Inside, winter snow seemed to drift. The room temperature dropped drastically.

If she had a gun in her hand, Yukino would surely shove the barrel into his mouth and force him to confess his sins for insulting her in eighteen languages.

Unfortunately, she didn’t.

So she could only imagine the little panda-shaped rice in her lunchbox was him—and viciously bite into it.

Its bottom was destroyed.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

While arguing and eating, time passed quickly. Afternoon classes would soon begin.

As they both tidied the club room, locked the door, and walked toward their classrooms in silence, Yukino suddenly spoke.

“Tenkuji-kun, may I ask one thing?”

“Please,” Yuu answered casually.

Yukino paused briefly.

“When you met my older sister at the last autumn fair... was it truly the first time you’d ever met her?”

-

Title: Readers, Souls Who Read, All Who Read Are the Best!

Undoubtedly, this was the truth. This was fact.

“I understand. Thank you for your answer.” Yukino brushed her long hair from her shoulder, turned, and walked toward Class J. “I’ll head to class first. See you after school.”

“I’m not sure I’ll go to the clubroom.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful.”

“Can your happiness be slightly less obvious, Madam President?”

“Sorry, it can’t.”

Yukino showed a faint smile, a hint of mischief behind her calmness.

Maybe that was what made Yukino cute?

Yuu shook his head and walked toward Class B, pondering the earlier topic.

“There’s a new situation with Haruno again...”

Was it like what Father Pucci said—that the gravity of human encounters is like gravity itself? Even if the world lines were reset, the intertwined destinies wouldn’t vanish?

“...No, this has nothing to do with fate. The system’s just messed up in handling things. Anyway, it’s the system’s fault.”

System: “?”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

After school, Yuu was called by Hiratsuka.

Seeing Yuu’s completely unsurprised expression, Hiratsuka sighed while holding her head.

“I really want to shove your head up your own ass...”

“Please don’t say such horrifying things to a student during your first meeting with them?”

Hiratsuka didn’t just say it—she clenched her fist, looking like she wanted to act immediately.

“It seems you don’t understand.”

“Understand what?”

“Don’t you understand the pain of watching a video of your own student kissing a girl, shown alongside other teachers at a faculty meeting?”

Yuu’s expression shifted slightly. He fell silent, then sincerely apologized: “...How should I put it—I’m sorry for troubling you.”

Hiratsuka burst into laughter.

The laughter had no emotion—only described as cruel.

“The accumulated murder intent back then was nearly enough to use Shinra Tensei and make all the teachers and students feel my pain.”

“Or at the very least, enough to use Ensa Kokuryuha on you—Hey, wanna try it now?”

Anyone who could say such a thing must have a broken brain or be insane. Yuu decided to pretend he didn’t hear it and resolve all conflicts with love and peace.

“Next time, I’ll treat you to ramen until you’re full.”

“How did you know I like ramen... Never mind, it’s not important.”

Sighing deeply, Hiratsuka dropped her terrifying expression and poked his chest in annoyance. “Anyway, lately you need to restrain yourself more!”

“Making out with your little girlfriend is your own business, but you should watch out for the eyes around you. And, quickly resolve that girl’s family issues...”

After saying that, Hiratsuka couldn’t help but click her tongue. “Honestly, this is the first time I’ve met a parent who tattles to school with CCTV footage—and coincidentally, the other party has connections with the board chairman. If it weren’t for your achievements at the fair, the school wouldn’t have let this go so easily, leaving our homeroom teacher to handle it alone.”

“I understand, I understand. I’ll follow all superior instructions.” Yuu obediently nodded repeatedly.

Hiratsuka clicked her lips in disgust. “You sly kid... Anyway, I don’t have the ability to deal with you anymore. Handle yourself. If it’s not a big issue, I’ll protect you—on the condition that your midterm exam scores don’t drop, okay?”

Yuu, of course, had no objection. He then asked, “What if I get first place school-wide? Is there a reward?”

Surprised, Hiratsuka blurted without thinking: “First place? You want to beat that Yukinoshita?”

An image of Yukino’s long, slender legs suddenly flashed in his mind. Yuu quickly shook his head to dispel the perverted thought, staring at the middle-aged female teacher speechlessly.

“Sensei, watch your words. If Yukinoshita hears that, she’ll get angry.”

“Ahem ahem... Slip of the tongue, slip of the tongue.” Coughing twice with a red face, Hiratsuka quickly moved past the topic, returning to seriousness. “For the first-place reward, the school will give it to you. Of course, I don’t have one. I can’t treat you to ramen, can I? But giving you a few ramen discount coupons is fine.”

“Then no need. I was just joking.” Yuu said. “I’ll try my best to get the highest possible score. You don’t need to worry about that—I’m a genius, after all.”

“Oh, very confident.” Hiratsuka raised an eyebrow with a smile, crossing her long-pants-clad legs. She observed his expression from head to toe. “After being in the Service Club for almost a month, you’ve changed quite a bit because of Yukinoshita.”

“Do you mean my thick skin?” Yuu opened his eyes wide, as if finally discovering the source of an urban legend. He realized, “No wonder I’ve felt my skin getting thicker lately—it was all because of her?”

Hiratsuka burst into uncontrollable laughter, laughing until she bent over.

“At first, I thought you two would be sworn enemies. I never expected you’d get along too!”

“We both have emotional intelligence, so of course we won’t deliberately pick fights. At most, we might argue once or twice when we’re bored.”

“And for someone with such a strange personality...” A smile tugged at Yuu’s lips. “I’ve been used to dealing with her since before summer break.”

“Used to?” Hiratsuka stared at him, as if pondering something, but didn’t intend to ask. She leaned back in her chair, smirking.

“After all, letting you join the Service Club was one of my smartest decisions.”

Yuu gave her good advice: “Sensei, your face is almost as thick as Yukinoshita’s.”

“Don’t talk nonsense. This is called confidence. Look at Yukinoshita—she says she’s cute every day. That’s already narcissism, something we can’t compare to...”

Before Hiratsuka could finish, a very familiar, melodious voice came from the side.

“Sensei, were you looking for me?”

“Yes!” Hiratsuka froze, slowly turning her head like a robot.

Only when she saw Yukino’s slightly tilted head and pure, confused expression did she finally feel relieved, as if she’d just survived a disaster.

Before Hiratsuka could respond, Yuu on the other side raised his hand like a good student and loudly declared:

“Reporting, President—we were talking bad things about you!”

Hiratsuka: “???”

Yukino: “...”

As if helpless against him, the girl gave him a sharp glare, then walked past them both, carrying several documents, and left the teacher’s office.

Before leaving, her annoyed sigh could still be heard:

“Poor me... Am I the only intelligent person left in the Service Club...”

Hiratsuka and Yuu looked at each other. After a moment, they suddenly spoke in unison:

“You heard that, right? She said you’re stupid!”

They quickly remembered there was a fourth person in the Service Club. They nodded in unison again, smiling with mutual understanding.

“I get it. Turns out she was talking about Yuigahama!”

The two intelligent people high-fived, and the teacher’s office was filled with a joyful atmosphere.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

A few days later, on a weekend before the midterm exams.

To help his friend study, Yuu came to a family restaurant in town—Wagnaria.

Rumor had it the main store was in Hokkaido. Now it had opened a branch in Tokyo and gained some fame. The most-liked Google review read, “The taste of danger is addictive,” and many people visited on both weekdays and weekends.

Masuzu didn’t come.

When she heard a guy was involved, she immediately gave up on going. She was probably relaxing at home watching JOJO—this made Yuu feel grateful.

Because the people he invited weren’t just Totsuka, but also Yuigahama...

If Masuzu came, Yuigahama probably couldn’t focus on studying, turning it into a chaotic waste of study time.

How could love matters compare to the greatness of studying?

Readers, souls who read, all who read are the best!

We must study in silence and surprise everyone!

“Yuu, sorry—there’s an unexpected family matter today. I probably can’t study with you all...”

“It’s fine. Family comes first... If you need it, my notes are always available for you.”

Study session hadn’t even started, yet one person was already absent.

After briefly chatting warmly with Totsuka, Yuu put down his phone. He looked at the dango-haired girl in front of him, who looked slightly nervous yet excited, and fell silent for a moment.

Alright, choose.

Should he honestly call his girlfriend to dispel suspicion, risking chaos?

Or should he firmly refuse and spend the entire day studying alone with Yuigahama at the family restaurant?

-

Title: Study Session with Yuigahama Yui (Part 1)

“It’s fine. Totsuka’s grades don’t need to be worried about, so I can focus entirely on you.”

In the end, considering his purpose for coming, Yuu decided not to inform his fake girlfriend and study with Yuigahama instead.

It didn’t matter if he got caught later—his goal had already been achieved. No matter how much Masuzu sulked, it wouldn’t matter. To help his friend improve her steadily declining grades, Yuu was ready.

Besides, there was no way he was that unlucky—running into Masuzu here and having her misunderstand that he was secretly dating Yuigahama, right?

In this world, there weren’t that many dramatic events. This wasn’t a light novel.

“So, it’s just you and me?” Yuigahama asked hesitantly. After seeing him nod, she clenched her fist and quietly cheered, “Yay!”

Yuu looked at her. “Totsuka has something at home—why are you so happy?”

“Ah... well...” Yuigahama quickly hid her fist behind her back, her gaze shifting shyly. Her cheeks turned red. “I was just reminded of the past. It’s been so long since we studied together... Ehehe, I got a little too excited.”

“I’ll tell you upfront—I don’t need to study at all, so I can spend most of my time tutoring you...” Yuu pushed up his non-existent glasses, his expression serious, cold light gleaming in his eyes. “That means the intensity of my teaching will be about ten times stricter than in middle school... Get ready, you dumb dango.”

“So scary!” Yuigahama instinctively raised her shoulders, but the silly, cheerful smile quickly returned to her face. She looked up at him, her tone bright.

“But bring it on! No matter how tough the tutoring gets, I’ll endure it!”

“Good. I hope you don’t forget this determination of yours.” Yuu nodded, then turned and walked into the family restaurant.

About seventy percent of the seats were occupied—still plenty of space. They were quickly led by a short-statured waitress with a surprisingly large chest to a corner of the room. They ordered an all-you-can-eat fried snack set and drinks, and planned to order pasta or another main dish for lunch.

After spotting the waitress—looking like an elementary schooler, maybe middle school—who was hopping around like a hamster with her hair in a ponytail, Yuu couldn’t help but exchange glances with Yuigahama. Both of their expressions looked strange.

“...Are they hiring child laborers here too?”

“Not just that, look, Yuu.” Yuigahama pointed toward another waitress walking between tables. She leaned in close, her fresh scent filling the air, and whispered nervously, “That waitress—she has a katana at her waist... It looks like a real sword.”

“There’s no way she’d carry a real sword around. It’s probably some kind of cosplay?” Yuu guessed.

At that moment, they heard a loud crashing sound from the kitchen.

They turned and saw someone flying in a parabolic arc, spinning mid-air before crashing behind the counter. The wall even seemed to tremble from the impact.

Shortly after, the hamster-like waitress who had served them frantically dragged the person from behind into the staff break room. Apologies and a scolding could be faintly heard.

Yuu and Yuigahama exchanged glances again.

Most of the restaurant’s customers didn’t show any surprise. Some even seemed to think today was as lively as usual, and felt reassured by it.

“...So this is what the reviews meant—‘the addictive taste of danger’?”

Yuigahama murmured softly, looking around with bright, puppy-like eyes.

“Who knows. Ignore them. Let’s start studying.” Yuu shrugged, redirecting her attention from unimportant matters, and pulled out study materials from his bag.

Yuigahama immediately focused. She also took out her stationery and notebook, adjusted her dango-style hair, and prepared to give it her all.

This was a rare chance to continue their relationship... no, to reunite... no, not even that—this was a chance to revive the study sessions of the past!

Even though he stood at a level she could only dream of, what Yuigahama had to do had never changed—work hard so she wouldn’t disappoint him, so he’d see her seriously.

“Let’s start with Japanese. Since back then, your kanji writing has always been weak. I’ve prepared a small quiz to test you...”

Mid-sentence, Yuu noticed the cream-colored notebook on the table and froze.

“...The graduation gift from me—you still kept it.”

“Of course! And I’ve been using it well!” Yuigahama opened the inside pages—three-quarters filled with notes, her tone slightly proud. “See? I’m serious, right?”

Yuu glanced at her.

“It took two years to fill one notebook, and you call that serious?”

“...”

Yuigahama’s expression instantly stiffened. Then she pouted, placing the notebook beside her. Her cheeks puffed up as she flipped open her textbook, as if refusing to talk.

Yuu smiled. “Then let me rephrase it... The fact that you couldn’t bear to finish this notebook in two years makes me very happy. It shows how much you value it.”

Yuigahama had initially wanted to sulk for a few seconds, but after he said that, a strange joy welled up in her heart—like tasting the sweetest honey in spring, like sucking on a strawberry ice cream in summer.

Unable to hold back her laughter, Yuigahama joined in with his.

“You’ve always been good at making girls happy, Yuu. I still remember your famous quotes, you know? For example...”

She cleared her throat, mimicking his expression from back then, speaking with deep feeling: “Do you want to live an ordinary life in the crowd, aimless, just becoming background noise... or do you want to be a brilliant firework, even if only for a moment, falling to the cold ground someday, but still telling others that you once shone brighter than anyone else?—something like that.”

After finishing, she suppressed her laughter and stared at the man in front of her, but didn’t get the reaction she expected.

“If you read a lot, you can even recite a few motivational quotes. That has nothing to do with whether it makes girls happy or not.”

Yuu waved his hand casually. Even though his past had been brought up, he didn’t feel embarrassed at all—it was too childish compared to the system, so it didn’t affect him.

He tapped the small quiz paper on the table, adopting a teacher’s posture, his tone growing firm: “Since you’ve memorized useless things like that, your brain can’t hold any real academic knowledge...”

“That’s not useless!” Yuigahama interrupted, sounding very serious.

“...What?”

Yuigahama stared straight at Yuu, not backing down. Her soft yet steel-bright gaze was filled with feelings the girl refused to let go of.

“Everything you’ve ever given me since then has been the most precious treasure to me, the brightest star... Even Yuu isn’t allowed to call it useless!”

The first page of the cream-colored notebook lay open, and a sentence in the corner caught his attention:

Some carry burdens for thirty years. Some are trapped in cages. Some walk alone in darkness for a very long time. Fortunately, there’s always a star lighting the way in this world—so even if the path is thorny, it’s not in vain.

Though two years had passed, though world lines had changed... the traces left from that moment remained unchanged.

Since then, the girl’s feelings had never changed.

“...”

Yuu fell silent for a moment.

He lifted his gaze, looking into Yuigahama’s clear, bright pupils.

At her sweet face—more mature now, yet still retaining its childish charm.

At this dango girl, whose love the system couldn’t take away, Yuu unconsciously grew confused.

“Uh... I didn’t mean to scold you. Don’t make such a serious face...”

Coming back to his senses at her careful voice, Yuu temporarily set aside unimportant thoughts and smiled resignedly at her.

“I came here to tutor you, not to listen to your love confession, you dumb Yui.”

Yuigahama’s cheeks turned red. She quickly waved her hands. “I wasn’t confessing! Even if it sounded like it, it wasn’t at all! I won’t give you a chance to reject me a second time... Wait, did you just call me stupid?”

Realizing it, she pouted again and glared at him angrily.

But by then, Yuu had already lowered his head, preparing for today’s study session.