Yuu 491-495 (Patreon)

Title: Everyone Present Here Is My Girlfriend

For some reason—perhaps he’d come to understand a few things, or perhaps he’d crossed some kind of hurdle.

In the dark corner behind the stairs, Yuu’s mood was exceptionally good. He couldn’t even stop himself from lifting the corners of his lips in delight. Fortunately, it was a secluded spot. Otherwise, with that handsome smile on his attractive face, walking down the street might lure a few lost girls or lonely women.

Tokyo’s handsome men were truly terrifying.

He knew this. So outside, he’d only offer a thin, polite smile in return—to avoid his charm unintentionally growing stronger, affecting others, and racking up unnecessary love debts.

But right now, Yuu had no intention of holding back. The reason was simple.

“Is something funny?” A cold question rang in his ear.

“Can’t you see this is a helpless, bitter smile?” Even as his girlfriend expressionlessly kicked his shin in front, Yuu kept smiling. He spun a story in a calm tone: “My mood is heavy right now. I don’t know how to explain this to Yui. Please understand me a little.”

“Understand? I really underestimated your thick face.”

Yukino narrowed her eyes. She smiled softly. Suddenly, she yanked his collar. She stared straight into his eyes from very close range.

In Yuu’s vision, only a pair of eyes cold as a frozen pond remained. Her gaze completely dominated, allowing no distraction.

“Tenkuji-kun, someone as gentle, friendly, and kind-hearted as me also has a few unforgivable things.”

Yukino spoke softly. Her tone warm and polite. But her eyes were terrifyingly serious.

“Though we’re not married yet, I feel I’d make a good wife. I’d protect my husband’s dignity outside and settle things slowly at home.”

“Even if he cheated right in front of me, considering others are watching, I wouldn’t do anything to embarrass him… So, do you know what I mean?”

As if stared down by a real Yuki-onna, Yuu didn’t dare act up. He nodded with a grave expression.

“I know. Accepting Haruno’s bracelet is clearly betrayal in front of you and Yui… If I had to compare, it’s like openly taking a bribe from an enemy company in front of a senior who values you.”

Matching his expression, he sighed full of regret.

“I didn’t ask for a comparison.” After a cold stare, Yukino released his collar. Her softened voice carried a sigh.

“I know you only did it out of softness, but have you ever thought—”

Her sentence was cut off by an annoying voice from the side, on par with Yuu.

“Alright, alright, Yukino-chan. Why so serious~”

Like sticky gum, Haruno lazily rested her chin on Yuu’s shoulder. Half her body skillfully leaned in. An indifferent smile etched on her face.

“We all know Yuu-chan’s feelings for me are gone. The ones he truly loves are just you two. It won’t waver easily just because I gave him a bracelet… Right, he just felt sorry for this Onee-san~”

Finishing, as if holding back an unstoppable smile, she buried her face in Yuu’s neck. Then she started fake-crying.

“Sniff sniff sniff, come to think of it, I’m still heartbroken… Pff, pff hehehe… Cough, sniff sniff sniff—My heart hurts so much, so sad~”

“Nee-san…” Yukino frowned. She coldly stared at their near-fused position. Then she slowly shifted her calm gaze to Yuu’s face.

It felt more like a threat than a warning.

Sensing deadly danger, Yuu instantly slipped free. He escaped Haruno’s soft body.

“You know, what I said earlier about cheating with three women was just to lighten the mood. I didn’t really mean it.”

To prove his innocence, Yuu brushed hair off his shoulder. He stood beside Yukino with an honest expression. He openly held her soft, boneless little hand in front of her sister.

Yukino struggled awkwardly for a bit. She quickly gave up. She let him perform this ownership-proving act. She raised her brows again at her sister.

Their gazes clashed in the air. Snap. As if invisible electric sparks exploded.

“Tch.”

Seeing the standard couple stance, Haruno—forced to stand straight—unhesitatingly clicked her tongue. She rotated her slightly stiff shoulders. She said somewhat uninterestedly: “Give it up, Yukino-chan. No matter how much you provoke, I won’t get anxious like before.”

“Provoke? I think you’re misunderstanding, Nee-san.”

Yukino maintained elder-respectful politeness. She showed an elegant smile. She said lightly:

“I have no intention of blaming Tenkuji-kun’s choice. Because if it were me, I wouldn’t want to let an adult cry so badly in front of me, even forcing her abroad for healing… Such fragile mentality—even if the other side wanted to attack my boyfriend, I wouldn’t feel the need to provoke her.”

Haruno frowned. Her face slowly darkened. She showed a dangerous smile like a hidden knife behind laughter.

“Naive Yukino-chan, do you think seeing me cry means you got my trump card?”

Yukino said indifferently: “Anyway, no recording, so not a trump card.”

“Ahem ahem, just like you wetting the bed as a kid. Things that can only be said mean nothing.” Haruno nodded as if understanding. She smiled. She looked at Yuu: “By the way, you still remember, right? The little secret about Yukino-chan I told you back then~”

“You!” Her beautiful eyes suddenly widened. Yukino turned her increasingly red face. She anxiously and embarrassedly stared at Yuu. She unconsciously squeezed the fingers gripping his palm. She forced out word by word:

“What did she tell you!?”

Yuu blinked innocently. He turned and blamed Haruno with his gaze.

Haruno stuck out her tongue. Before she could speak, Yukino twisted Yuu’s head back.

“Now, I’m asking you.”

Those bright dark-blue eyes held no light at all. Just like Haruno earlier—deep, coldly frozen, unpredictable.

“Depending on the situation, I’ll erase your memory in a rather extreme way.”

“Like what?” Yuu unconsciously swallowed.

“…” As if not expecting him to dare ask again, Yukino couldn’t help freezing briefly.

Right in that short freeze, Yuu decisively changed topics: “Compared to these small things, aren’t you curious? My past with Haruno, and what happened with the lost memories and feelings.”

Hearing this, Yukino’s eyes sharpened instantly. Her expression returned to normal. She frowned thoughtfully.

“Too many strange things. On the contrary, I don’t know where to start asking…”

“Because of God, some things I can’t say. We can only rely on Haruno to tell from the beginning.” Without past stiffness, Yuu and Haruno’s speaking tones naturally became casual.

“I’ll add as much as possible. You can ask me anything too. What I can’t say, I’ll replace with This is forbidden as the answer.”

Haruno folded her arms. She raised her brows in surprise: “I can say, but you can’t? God’s so biased?”

“Who knows?” Yuu shrugged. “He’s a bastard. He’s been targeting me since the day I met you.”

“Agreed. Daring to toy with my memories. I won’t be satisfied until landing a few solid punches!”

Knowing that even just words, she couldn’t do anything against a being that could alter the world, Haruno cursed twice. Then she switched to asking: “Fine to tell. Coincidentally, I want Yukino-chan to know her big sister isn’t hallucinating. She won’t obsess over someone like a crazy woman after just two or three meetings…”

Yukino lightly sneered. She pinched Yuu’s hand hard, as if sulking.

“…But Yuu-chan, are you sure you don’t want Yui-chan to join and listen?”

Yuu secretly scratched Yukino’s soft, smooth palm. He looked at Haruno surprised: “Yui? Why suddenly mention her…”

Haruno smiled mysteriously. She was as calm as someone who’d mastered all info. She said meaningfully: “You think I know nothing after doing so much behind you? You must understand what I’m saying.”

Yuu’s eye corner twitched slightly. He was somewhat at a loss for words: “…It’s late. Can we stop playing riddles?”

“Who made you pretend to be dumb first?”

Haruno opened her arms in despair. Then she smiled slyly. She directly exposed his secret.

“Yuigahama is your current target, right?”

“That’s why you made her your girlfriend and repeated the things we experienced.”

“…”

After that sentence, the air among the three froze again.

As expected, Haruno saw shocked expressions on both faces. They looked so confused they couldn’t speak.

One couldn’t believe she’d uncovered the truth long ago. The other… shocked by the secret of cheating with two women?

Haruno sighed inwardly. She felt no joy in revealing the truth as imagined before.

Having info advantage did make her feel proud and satisfied like a winner—But Yukino was still her sister. That stupid, pure little sister, easily fooled with a few words.

Now seeing her sister show an expression like being deceived by a trash man, though she didn’t regret speaking the truth, she felt a bit sorry.

What could she do. Who made Yuu have Yuigahama as target yet still date Yukino?

She was just letting Yukino see reality’s cruelty earlier. The fault was entirely on him and that God!

“…Nee-san, sorry to interrupt while you seem to understand everything and sigh deeply over it.”

Beyond Haruno’s expectations.

After a series of expression changes, Yukino suddenly bowed her head as if surrendering. Her tone calm and regretful. Her shoulders trembled slightly. On her snow-white side face, faint tense lines showed.

It felt like holding back laughter, and also maintaining calm to not burst out laughing—Wait, aren’t both almost the same?

Haruno slowly stopped her expression. She felt an inexplicable bad premonition in her heart.

“It’s not actually what you think.” Saying it seriously, Yukino raised her head. She looked at her sister ahead.

The corners of her lips twitched like a spasm. In the end, she couldn’t hold back.

“Pff, too overconfident…”

As she laughed, she quickly buried her head in Yuu’s shoulder. She gripped his sleeve tightly. After several breaths, she raised her beautiful, calm face again.

Ignoring Haruno’s completely darkened expression, Yukino continued calmly: “Tenkuji-kun’s current target is me, not Yuigahama-san.”

“Before we two became like this, Yuigahama-san was already dating him… Though she knows what I know too, in this unreasonable task, she might only be considered an outsider.”

Yukino sighed. She showed little expression on her face. But the mockery and joy in her tone were clear, impossible to hide.

“Sorry, you misunderstood.”

Haruno: “…”

[Today’s Battle—Victory: Yukino.]

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

“…Let’s discuss serious matters. It’s late.”

After long silence, Haruno closed her eyes and rubbed her temples. She wasn’t angry, nor embarrassed. She just showed a mature adult attitude. She returned the topic to track with an emotionless voice.

“First tell me the things between you all. Then I’ll tell you about my past with Yuu-chan and how I lost my memories.”

“After everything’s gathered, ask Yuu-chan questions one by one… Like that. Any objections?”

Yuu and Yukino exchanged looks. They shook heads in agreement, showing no objections.

Yuu added: “Change places first. Not comfortable talking here… I remember a coffee shop nearby. Call Yui too. Share info together.”

With Haruno—who wouldn’t have her heart shattered by the System, who’d recovered past memories, and who could say things he couldn’t—he could finally betray the System and escape the mysterious role.

Indeed, after revealing everything, explanations would pile like a mountain. He might be looked down on for past experiences. Even hated, creating distance. Side effects countless.

But better than hiding all important people in darkness, bearing heavy burdens alone for unclear tasks, only bitterly smiling with cool lines, and maybe telling the truth only at the story’s end.

That’s what a hero would do.

In his life, Yuu was never a hero. So he chose to let Yukino and Yui know about the task. He chose to entrust his weaknesses to others.

Because he understood: rather than hidden, they wanted to face it together with him. If trusting each other, they must cooperate, say what needs saying, then discuss solutions.

The ones who taught him this were Yukino and Yuigahama.

If not for his mental growth, he wouldn’t discuss the past with Haruno so casually either.

Thinking this, Yuu couldn’t help smiling. He took his phone from his pocket.

“I’ll call her. Hope she’s nearby…”

He pressed two buttons casually. Outgoing call. Busy tone in his ear.

Soon after, from the other side of the stairs, a light, familiar ringtone sounded.

Then came anxious chatter deliberately suppressed by two people.

“D-Danger. I forgot to silence it! M-Masuzu, what now!”

“Yui, you… Haaah. Silencing your phone while stalking and eavesdropping isn’t basic knowledge? Remembering this only after hiding so long. I don’t know what to say to you…”

“Who knows basic stalking and eavesdropping knowledge! Forget that—should I hang up? Or answer and say we’re somewhere else…”

“Oh God, why did I consider someone this stupid my best friend… Tch. Your voice is too loud. They definitely heard. Hurry and come surrender.”

Masuzu walked from the other stair side, with guilt-ridden Yuigahama. She calmly waved at them. She spoke with a sweet smile:

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. We’ve been eavesdropping since the line Sorry, Haruno-san… Now there are people more important than you, so forgive me for not reviving old love. About five minutes before that, we were on the second-floor terrace of the coffee shop across, reading your lips with binoculars. Now, due to a small mistake, we’ve decided to come out and confess our crimes to you.”

“Sorry for violating your privacy.”

She said it clearly, fluently, and calmly. At the same time, she bowed respectfully. Only her attitude was perfectly proper.

(Alright, after apologizing, you can’t blame me anymore)—As she straightened, her smile seemed to say this. Masuzu showed no shame or awkwardness like the short ponytail girl beside her. It oddly annoyed people.

“Masuzu, that’s not confessing, that’s clearly summarizing the crime process… Sorry, I shouldn’t have joined the eavesdropping.”

After softly grumbling, Yuigahama also bowed her head and apologized sincerely.

Her secretly lifted gaze kept observing the Yukinoshita sisters and Yuu. She seemed to want to say something but didn’t know what.

“Don’t mind it. Who made us talk in a public place like this.” Yuu pocketed his phone. He said casually: “If not focused on what’s in front, I wouldn’t let you eavesdrop so long without noticing you… You win this time. Nothing to blame.”

“Good…” Saying it as if relieved, Yuigahama suddenly stepped forward. She carefully walked toward him.

Then she hesitantly reached out. She grasped his empty palm. Like a little girl afraid her candy would be taken, she gripped tighter.

She didn’t speak. Yuu didn’t speak either. He just gripped back firmly, in the same position as holding Yukino.

Then without waiting for others to react, he just walked toward the coffee shop, hand-in-hand with two beautiful girls. Three walked together.

“Let’s go. I remember that coffee shop seems to have private rooms…”

“We’ll hold our first Couple Meeting there.”

No one knew how much relief and memories that sentence contained.

Silence followed their footsteps, continuing behind—Except the private whispers of the other two.

Haruno: “Tch tch, he really dares do it. Just thinking about it embarrasses me for Yukino-chan. Poor thing.”

Masuzu: “Yeah. This is a crowded amusement park. Are guys cheating with two women this arrogant now? Truly him, acting without caring about others’ views at all.”

From the left, Yukino spoke calmly.

“…I said, Tenkuji-kun Darling.”

Yuu looked at her confused: “What is it?”

Taking a deep breath to hide her embarrassment, Yukino said coldly: “If you don’t let go of my hand right now, from now on, you won’t even touch a single finger of mine!”

“That cruel!?”

From the right, Yuigahama also dry-smiled with a red face.

“Ahaha, being stared at by so many people with weird looks is really embarrassing…”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

In short, after a small commotion, the five finally entered the coffee shop’s private room. They also ordered several delicious afternoon tea sets as dinner.

After the waiter closed the door and left, Yuu sat in the main seat facing the door. He folded his hands over his knees, propping his chin. He seriously observed the four girls… women closely related to him.

Yukinoshita Haruno, first girlfriend. Memories recovered.

Natsukawa Masuzu, third girlfriend. Memories not recovered. Acting influenced by Haruno’s provocation and lingering feelings.

Yuigahama Yui, real girlfriend unrelated to the task. Most important pillar for him besides Sora.

Yukinoshita Yukino, fourth girlfriend. Currently dating. Also the one who knows most about task info.

(In less than half a year, I’ve gotten involved with this many girls… If Asuna burst through the door now, it’d be complete.)

Unfortunately, such an emergency was too ridiculous. Basically impossible.

Retracting his expressionless gaze, Yuu closed his eyes. He sighed lightly, then spoke calmly.

“Before discussing serious matters, allow me to say one thing you all vaguely realize.”

“That is, everyone present here, past or present, is my girlfriend.”

When this fact was spoken.

His heart felt no exploding pressure.

(...Passed the check?)

(How does this System judge? Why was it okay to say this time?)

(Because of Haruno?)

He asked inwardly. Unfortunately, the trash System suddenly went offline. No intent to answer. It stayed silent.

And the women beside him had no plans to give him leisure to think carefully.

“You said everyone present here… all are your girlfriends?”

As soon as that came out, Yukino slowly shifted her gaze. She looked at brightly smiling Masuzu across the seats. She frowned as if somewhat unwilling to accept.

Meanwhile, Masuzu seemed in a good mood.

“True. Maybe I dated him after Haruno-san. Too bad, I have no memories from then either~”

Saying it, her gaze passed Yuigahama and fixed on his arm. She revealed intent to hug if nothing blocked.

But she quickly retracted her gaze. Masuzu blinked. She smiled friendly at Yukino as if doing a favor: “Yukinoshita-san, you can surely guess, right?”

“If this has become some pattern, later, you’ll forget everything about him too. Not even a trace left… Right, just like me and Haruno-san.”

Yukino: “…”

-

Title: The Oath of Snow Yet to Fall

About half an hour later.

The waiter cleared the messy cups and plates. Only five drink cups remained on the table. In the private room, silence was the main theme of the night.

“…After that comb suddenly vanished, I regained the lost memories—but only the memories.”

Haruno sipped her cappuccino. She looked down, meeting her reflection, and said flatly: “The whole world changed into a new appearance. As if someone had altered the script with a few brushstrokes. Though investigated, there were flaws everywhere, but strangely no one noticed anything wrong.”

“As for the trigger for memory recovery, I don’t know either. I guess it’s because I kept thinking about Yuu-chan even after losing my memories.”

After she finished, Yuu added: “Because God erased the fact that you and I knew each other. Without cause, there’d be no effect… or the effect manifests differently. Erase if erasable. Force it to make sense if not. He altered the world crudely like that.”

“Then why did the comb remain?” Masuzu asked, brows furrowed. She seemed to dig through her mind: “My feelings now are like Haruno-san’s before, but I haven’t found any sudden foreign object near me…”

“…This is forbidden.” Yuu pressed his lips. He couldn’t mention changes from extra time. He could only say helplessly: “Maybe a result of various coincidences combining. I can’t confirm the memory recovery reason either. After all, I didn’t do anything to affect Haruno.”

“Don’t be sad. There’ll be a chance.”

Haruno gently patted Masuzu’s shoulder. Like an understanding big sister, she comforted sincerely: “Maybe one day you’ll suddenly remember? Even if not, it’s fine. Onee-san can introduce you to a rich guy with good character. Guaranteed your dad will be satisfied!”

“Thanks, no need.”

While halting her thoughts, Masuzu smiled at her. She said calmly and casually: “At least I know—precisely because I loved Tenkiji-kun so much before losing memories, after losing them I was sad enough to lose my sense of taste… Conversely, Haruno-san seemed very relaxed.”

She winked at Haruno as if impressed: “Besides bothering others like a crazy woman daily, you lived quite well without him.”

Haruno narrowed her eyes slightly.

“…Bold words from a lowlife pathological stalker. I’m just more mature than you. Unlike you, doing disgusting things in your room every day.”

Masuzu casually flipped her shoulder hair.

“Disgusting or not depends on perspective. Anyway, after I recover my memories, please apologize for that stalker comment, former love hallucination patient.”

“Fine. Then should I do anything to prevent you from recovering?”

“Do it if you can. I won’t let what’s mine stay away too long.”

“Heh…”

“Hmph…”

Words clashed. Invisible sparks flew.

On the other side, Yuigahama seemed used to this atmosphere. She ignored them. She puffed her cheeks, frowning her small face. She struggled to piece together the cause and effect in her mind.

“So, Yuu-kun first dated Haruno-san as a rental boyfriend. After various events, he left her alone at the hotel and went. Then completed God’s task. The world changed. Not just erasing your mutual acquaintance process, but altering everyone’s memories except Yuu-kun’s, and taking Yuu-kun’s feelings for Haruno-san to ease the next task…”

After muttering confirmation, she looked up at Yuu: “What you wanted to tell us in the club room back then, but didn’t know how, was this, right?”

“Yes. I was under an outrageously strict silence order.” Yuu glanced at Masuzu still arguing with Haruno. He secretly admired her courage: “Even now, I can’t detail my dating with Natsukawa-san… Or rather, can’t reveal info related to that world line.”

“Wo-World line? The scale suddenly feels huge and complicated…” Yuigahama pressed her temples. She showed a troubled expression.

After confirming unraveling every detail and principle was impossible with her intelligence, she shifted to what she could think of. She asked frankly: “So, Masuzu was your next target after breaking up with Haruno-san?”

“No breakup!” Mid-debate, Haruno interjected seriously: “Though the dating fact was erased, Yuu-chan and I never discussed breaking up.”

“Mmh mmh!” Yuigahama nodded hard, showing she heard. Her expression unchanged. She continued asking Yuu: “First Haruno-san, then Masuzu, and finally Yukinon?”

“…” Yuu pulled his lip corners with a complicated expression. He didn’t answer immediately.

“Eh? Not?” Yuigahama tilted her head slightly.

Yuu covered his face. He sighed: “…Natsukawa-san was the third.”

“Who was the second?”

Haruno and Masuzu spoke simultaneously, ahead of Yuigahama. They stared sharply at his face.

Yuu had no intent to hide. As he was about to say, he unconsciously frowned slightly. He said somewhat unhappily:

“This is forbidden… Seems if the person isn’t in front of me, I can’t say anything related to her. Even elimination method is useless.”

This was experience gained betting on an exploding heart.

Honestly, he was used to that pain. If not for time rewinding and forcing speech being useless, this System would’ve lost ways to threaten him.

Most importantly, luckily only the heart was destroyed, not the balls… Otherwise, no getting used to it. He’d have psychological trauma, never daring to violate System limits again in life.

“Tch, besides this troublesome pervert, there’s a third… No, fourth party?”

Haruno didn’t know what pain Yuu just endured. While thinking with chin on hand, she also blamed him with her gaze.

Though forced by God, Yuu switching three girlfriends in half a year was undeniable. Who knows if during this period someone did things she hadn’t yet…

Thinking this, constant anxiety floated in her heart. Her gaze toward his body gradually turned dangerous.

“Tenkiji-kun, among your four ex-girlfriends, who was closest to you? How far did the farthest go?”

Masuzu thought the same question, less worried. She directly asked what was on her mind: “I haven’t gone to the hospital for a special check, so I don’t know if I’m still a virgin… If I am, is there a chance God can even repair the hymen?”

“Masuzu, be a bit more polite…” Yuigahama bitter-smiled with a red face. When looking at Yuu, she couldn’t help tensing. She waited seriously for his answer.

Stared by the three women, Yuu calmly sighed first.

“Please don’t underestimate my integrity, okay? Knowing you’d lose memories, how could I do something irresponsible like that?”

Then, he puffed his chest confidently and said arrogantly:

“Rest assured, I’m still a virgin!”

The three: “…”

Air awkwardly silent for seconds.

Each expression was fascinating. Haruno coughed embarrassedly. Then she turned and asked Yukino: “Yukino-chan, aren’t you the lie detector? Is Yuu-chan lying… Yukino-chan?”

“…What is it?”

Yukino froze long, as if just snapping from worried thoughts. She reacted to the current situation.

“Not important, why ask this…” She took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled. Those calm dark-blue eyes stared at Yuu. The confused color hardened back to firm light.

“Tenkiji-kun, repeat what you just said.”

Yuu looked seriously: “Though I’ve dated three girls, it doesn’t change that I’m still a virgin.”

“No lie.” After glancing at them, Yukino continued asking: “Besides that, how far?”

Unconsciously, Yuu hesitated to speak.

“…You sure you want to ask that deeply?”

“…”

Yukino gently bit her lip. Regret flashed in her eyes. Her fist on her knee clenched unconsciously. She seemed somewhat confused.

But before she could change her question, Haruno on the other side suddenly raised both hands. She excitedly like an elementary student rushing to answer:

“Me, me, me! Let me say! As detailed as possible. His kissing skills are amazing! Back then he even said it was his first kiss. Who’d believe…”

Masuzu also thoughtfully touched her lips. She murmured loud enough for all: “I see… If I really dated him, kissing would be as natural as breathing, right? Just don’t know if it went further…”

As if competitive desire arose, Yuigahama puffed her cheeks. She grumbled somewhat unhappily: “I’ve kissed him too! And it’s the unforgettable kind. Even if further is fine, as long as Yuu-kun takes responsibility…”

The atmosphere chaos-ed over kissing.

“Enough.”

And before that, a clear, cold voice suddenly suppressed all others.

As if the private room air instantly froze, everyone unconsciously silenced and stopped. They simultaneously looked to the cold aura source.

“I don’t want to hear you sharing kissing experiences, nor know what animal Tenkiji-kun is. If you want to discuss, do it at home. Don’t pollute my ears here.”

Pressing her brows, Yukino lowered her gaze. She didn’t look at anyone, as if thinking hard.

Her jet-black side hair hid her expression. Only a voice like ice peak breaking deadly silence. Clear and coldly piercing the ground.

“So, shut up for a bit!”

It was rough speech full of negative emotion, nearly impossible for past her to say.

Unbearable irritation spilled from shattered ice.

…Just, not everyone was shocked by this sudden emotional explosion.

“Yukino-chan, don’t just get angry. How about being honest?”

Her joking expression slowly vanished. Haruno stared with equally cold eyes. She smiled mockingly. Her tone full of sarcasm:

“Feeling disappointed? Jealous? Can’t accept? Betrayed?”

“I understand. Because I felt the same. Just hid it better than you.”

Seeing her side face shadowed by hand and hair, her cold laugh deepened. Malicious curve appeared at lip corners.

Haruno suddenly lowered her voice, as if deliberately provoking. She said word by word:

“You’re his fourth girlfriend. And before this, though unintentional, he’s done many things with us that he hasn’t with you.”

“If the facts that happened didn’t vanish, and he didn’t lose feelings then, one day when you kiss, he…”

“Enough.” Yuu frowned and knocked the table. Just as he was about to stop Haruno—whose intent was unknown and words growing excessive.

Yukino suddenly stood. She coldly stared at him. She scanned the private room again.

Her pink lips tightly closed. Her gaze sharp enough to sting, like a wild cat baring claws and fur standing.

She said nothing more. She just silently took her bag. She turned and walked to the door.

“Yukinon!”

Realizing she seemed to have erred, Yuigahama immediately stood. She hurriedly packed with guilty face to chase.

“Yuigahama-san…” Yukino stopped at the door. She seemed to take a soft breath. She spoke stably: “Sorry, can I go home first?”

“Eh?” Yuigahama slowly halted. She worriedly stared at her slim back. She still wanted to say: “But…”

“Don’t worry about me.” Cutting without turning, Yukino emotionlessly ordered: “You there, I give you three more seconds.”

“Ready, my girlfriend.”

Yuu had prepared since the other got angry and stood. He put on his jacket. He rose from the sofa.

“It’s fine, I’m with you.” After gently comforting Yuigahama, he stroked the ponytail girl’s hair. He followed Yukino’s steps out of the private room.

During this, he not only didn’t glance at Haruno and Masuzu at all, he even held Yukino’s hand in front of them, and kicked the private room door closed.

“…”

After both left, the private room fell into heavier silence than before. No one spoke for a while.

Or didn’t know what to say.

“…Haaah.”

After some time, Masuzu suddenly sighed. She glanced at Haruno.

“Haruno-san, why provoke her for no reason? Wasn’t it clear he’d side with which between us two pitiful ex-girlfriends and the current girlfriend? Plus she’s your little sister. Isn’t that too cruel?”

“Naive child, shut up. Don’t question adult decisions.”

Her expression calm again, Haruno downed her cappuccino. She casually smacked her lips: “Precisely because she’s my sister, she’ll listen to some things I say. Otherwise, she’d just think alone and get more confused.”

Masuzu raised brows somewhat surprised: “So, you deliberately played the villain earlier?”

“Not entirely.”

A calm thin smile returned to her face. Haruno looked at the coffee stain in her cup. She spoke softly thoughtfully: “Masuzu, I’m different from you. I clearly remember the beautiful dating memories, the feeling of loving him, all this without lack…”

“Even after knowing why he did it, my heart still feels uncomfortable, very wanting to destroy their relationship, and find a chance to take Yuu-chan back.”

“Wow, so you had such dangerous ideas.”

Masuzu couldn’t help clicking her tongue. She shrugged surprised: “Though there’s reason, your little sister stealing your boyfriend is fact. Not only not obediently calling her sister-in-law, she even gains advantage and acts rude to her big sister here… Tch tch, no wonder you provoked like that. All for revenge.”

“Don’t judge my noble stomach with your petty heart.”

Rolling eyes at her, Haruno set down the coffee cup. She took her bag beside: “My current emotions, Yukino-chan surely feels heavier. Revenge is useless… Honestly, she can still stay this calm, and accept facts unbelievable to normal people calmly. I’m already very surprised.”

“So, you’re willing to be hated by your sister and her boyfriend, becoming the villain to force her face reality?”

Masuzu stopped her silly reaction. She looked up at her. Her gaze somewhat complicated: “This lioness education method, I don’t know if to call you cruel or gentle.”

“Neither cruel nor gentle. This is big sister.”

Haruno shrugged. She turned to Yuigahama: “Yui-chan.”

“Yes!” Still somewhat confused what to do. Hearing someone suddenly call her name, Yuigahama unconsciously shouted. She asked somewhat nervously: “W-What is it?”

“Your reaction is calmer than I imagined.”

“Ah?”

Seeing her show a stunned expression, as if thinking Me? Calm? Now?, Haruno couldn’t help laughing. But her eyes stared seriously.

“Not now, but earlier. When we discussed the past, I thought you’d be hit hard.”

“Uh, that…”

Yuigahama scratched her cheek. She seemed somewhat embarrassed, as if not knowing what to say. But her gaze didn’t waver at all. Instead, she looked at Haruno naturally.

“I’m still hit hard. After all, the guy I’ve liked all this time, turns out dated several times, kissed several times with others, exchanged love words with people I know several times—Impossible not to care after suddenly realizing this fact, right?”

“Especially now he’s my boyfriend. Many things to worry about. Various insecurities will keep emerging.”

It was probably feelings similar to Yukino’s.

Haruno judged so. But the next moment, she saw a thin smile bloom on Yuigahama’s face.

“But, maybe the happy feelings are more?”

“Happy?!” Both stared surprised. Masuzu even unconsciously asked: “This can be happy too? Yui, don’t tell me you have NTR fetish…”

“Of course not!”

Yuigahama hurriedly denied loudly. But thinking of her efforts to make her friend and boyfriend date, she strangely felt guilty. She averted her gaze. She shouted to cover: “Feeling happy isn’t natural? Being able to know what worries Yuu, what confused him all this time, and know more about him, get involved in his life…”

“Though not all good things, at least better than knowing nothing, going home worrying alone, right?!”

“…”

The rude gazes turned to approval. Both saw the ponytail girl slowly calm. They seemed to slightly understand her feelings.

After pausing, Yuigahama took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled.

For some reason, her gaze toward them both contained a bit of pity.

“After all, you two don’t know at all, right?”

“What?”

Haruno and Masuzu surprised simultaneously.

Sighing, Yuigahama put on her jacket. She took her things.

As she walked out of the private room, she said softly: “Yukinon and I both saw him struggling, sad, lonely, forcing himself, and fragile.”

“I only know now—Dating is a kind of torture for Yuu-kun.”

Task start and end are blows to Yuu.

Ordered by God to date someone, even if he truly falls for them in the future, intimately interacts, can they just blame Yuu as playboy or womanizer?

He’s the one who feels the pain of feelings and memories revoked most!

So, at least as Yuu’s official girlfriend, rather than jealousy, envy, loss, or even starting to plan taking him back alone…

Yuigahama chose to ignore that past. She only focused on his present self. She only thought about him.

“Then I’ll go find Yuu-kun and the others. You two enjoy.”

After saying it lightly, Yuigahama also left the door.

Leaving only two women staring at each other in the quiet private room. Their expressions complicated. They didn’t know what to say.

“Forget it, let’s go too?”

“Agreed.”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Night, decorative lights on.

Warm light flowed from one end of the amusement park to the other. Medieval-style buildings colored with different festive atmosphere.

Crowd neither too many nor too few. Enough to enjoy cheerful mood, but not overly noisy.

Walking on the brick path, Yuu—holding the girl’s small hand—somehow became the one leading. He slowly brought her toward the very distant amusement park gate.

“Yukino, did you know I’ve only loved you for three days?”

As Yukino’s beautiful face somewhat sank in thought, as if searching which sentence to use as opener, Yuu suddenly spoke. His tone light like joking.

Her still pure but dimmer gaze lifted slightly. Yukino answered casually:

“Which three days?”

“Yesterday, today, tomorrow.”

“…The day after?”

“Tomorrow I’ll say this line again.”

Her expression unchanged, Yukino sighed long. She seemed to know he’d say that.

“If your mouth can only say cheap love words like this, my advice is to shut up.”

Yuu did close his mouth, but his fingers grew restless—He gently played with her fingertips and palm lines. The force so soft it seemed naughty.

“Ngh…”

Yukino’s ears unconsciously tinted pink. Pleasant electric current flowed from nerve ends to heart depths, warming her whole body uncontrollably.

Relying on deep breaths to calm throbbing embarrassment, Yukino bit her lower lip. She pinched his arm with nails in retaliation, but couldn’t use much strength.

“Enough, don’t think you can trick me like this. And please see the situation, we’re still on the main road!”

“I know. Just want to ask if you’re not angry anymore?”

Yuu raised his other hand. While flexing five nimble fingers, he said seriously: “If not subsided, I can keep helping massage other acupoints to improve your mood. Rest assured, it won’t exceed arm limits.”

“Thanks for your kindness, but no need. My emotions are very stable.”

After saying helplessly, Yukino shifted her gaze far away. She silently stared at the nighttime amusement park.

Among dim tall buildings, beautiful warm lamp lights formed an exit path. Three couples like them slowly walked hand-in-hand toward the gate ahead, not counting further visitors.

Unconsciously, Yukino thought—

(If Christmas comes, if it snows, a scene like this might be more beautiful.)

(And then, can I still come with him, and be one of these visitor couples?)

(No, even more serious…)

(Then, will I still remember him?)

Yukino bit her lip again. Her breath began hardening into ice from her heart.

“Tenkiji-kun, there are some things I want to ask you.”

She suddenly spoke.

Both didn’t look at each other, just letting voices enter each other’s ears.

“Ask.”

“For every task, will you fall in love with your target?”

“Unfortunately, yes.”

“Will your target fall in love with you?”

“Only then can the task complete.”

“And after, their memories taken, your feelings pulled back?”

“Only then can I date the next target.”

“The fourth too?”

“If no surprises.”

“Tch, no worse feeling play than this…”

“Ha, I wish this was just a game. Too bad it’s not.”

“So, is it still in time if I break up with you now?”

“Hmm… Too late. But still time to start hating me from now.”

“…”

Slowly halting steps, Yukino looked up, staring at the bitter smile on Yuu’s face.

Her palm suddenly tightened.

She lowered her head and hugged his arm. With slight tremor, a weak voice muffled through his clothes.

“Long too late…”

“Yes, true.”

Lowering helpless and gentle gaze, Yuu softly stroked her smooth black hair. As if through his palm’s warmth, giving security to this wavering, anxious little cat.

After a while, Yukino spoke again. Her hoarse voice firm and calm.

“Rest assured, I’ll definitely complete your request to the end.”

“Yes, I’m counting on you.”

“But, remember well…”

As if rinsing in her mouth, the soft sweet voice murmured lowly. Yukino suddenly tiptoed. She closed her eyes and neared his ear.

Her lead-powder-like black hair cascaded in the night. As if the whole world at this moment blew a cool gentle breeze because of her.

Softly entering his ear.

“…”

Yuu couldn’t help widening eyes. He stood stunned in place.

After finishing, her feet touched ground again. Yukino lightly sighed. Her small face glowed. She returned to her former elegant and firm appearance.

“Can you do it? Swear to me.”

Brushing long hair off her shoulder, her lip corners smiled. Those dark-blue eyes stared sharply.

Yuu hesitated briefly. Finally, he frowned as if in difficulty.

“This one, I can only say I can’t… I swear I can’t do it!”

“…”

Yukino stared silently. As if waiting for him to change his mind, but found no release of his difficult expression.

So as if defeated, she helplessly sighed.

“The one lying blatantly in front of me like this, besides Nee-san, you’re the first… And you deliberately lie knowing I’ll expose it. Do you think this will touch me more?”

“No, I just thought…” Yuu shook their joined hands. He couldn’t help chuckling softly: “If future me doesn’t do this, doesn’t that mean I didn’t break the oath? After all, God doesn’t know what I think when swearing.”

“Even swearing you find loopholes. You really… Please use this little cleverness for serious things, okay?”

Yukino supported her forehead and heavily sighed. Then she stepped forward, continuing the path they should take.

Yuu followed beside her as usual. He talked harmless small things. Then struggled to survive facing deadly questions.

Like “Though not to the last step, did you do something with them?”, or “You knew my big sister only a few days, already planned hotel? If the task time didn’t end then, you definitely…”. Even questions like “Yuigahama-san won’t lose memories, have you planned something with her?”.

Yuu could only strive to prove his noble character and unshakable integrity. He prayed that time wouldn’t come too soon amid Yukino’s mockery and threat-veiled gentleness.

As for what Yukino whispered to him?

It was just a simple promise.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

“If one day I forget you, say this to that me—Before proposing breakup, you and I are still dating.”

-

Title: Even Though It’s a First Love That Will Vanish

Today, both Sora’s lunch and dinner were meals Yuu had prepared in the morning, ready to be reheated anytime.

Though still tastier than delivery, how to put it…

The care and love poured into them had been scorched by the microwave’s electromagnetic waves. They lacked the usual flavor.

Precisely because of that, to compensate for this love and deliciousness, after Yuu returned at night, his little sister arbitrarily stayed in his room and refused to leave.

Sora wore thin pajamas, lying on the double bed. She held a game console, rolling back and forth. She paid no mind to the white cotton panties peeking from under her nightgown. She messed up her big brother’s bed like a fish in water.

“So, what did you do on your date with Ponytail today?”

As if she’d already guessed the truth, Sora asked casually. Her eyes stayed fixed on the console screen.

Yuu at the desk didn’t turn around. He was busy handling business emails in his inbox. His fingers tapped the keyboard. At the same time, he spared a bit of his mind to answer her question.

“Not with Yui, but with Yukino.”

“Yukino?” Her fingers quickly pressed the game pause button. Sora frowned and thought: “Yukinoshita Yukino… Is that the flat-chested black-haired cat lover?”

“Don’t directly mention people’s character attributes.”

“You think the same but blame me.” After grumbling silently, Sora asked confused: “But why her? Are you two-timing? Does Ponytail know about this?”

Yuu’s keyboard tapping paused briefly. A complicated sigh sounded.

“My little sister, why do I feel you’re not surprised at all? In your heart, is your big brother really a bastard who treats cheating like daily meals?”

“I’m surprised, but not too surprised.” Sora sniffed twice with her small nose. Then she resumed the paused game and said casually: “I don’t care how naughty you are outside; in the end, you have to come home… Of course, you can’t do it secretly without my permission!”

Yuu sneered. He pretended not to hear the plan mentioned later. He said as if surrendering: “Yes, I’m two-timing. Yui not only knows, she even actively supports our relationship.”

“Seriously? Does she have mental issues?” Sora couldn’t help drawing a cold breath as her expression of shock.

“Hey, hey, hey, use politer words.” Yuu was somewhat unhappy: “If not for love, who’d want to share her boyfriend with another girl? Do you think how much resolve Yui made to accept this situation?”

He recalled the scene when Yuigahama caught up after they left the coffee shop.

Though she only said one line following the mood, she thought she’d made Yukino angry enough to leave. She immediately bowed in apology with guilt and sincerity, making Yukino panic and confused about where to start comforting.

After enough small talk, they finally blamed Haruno and Masuzu, relieving her guilt: In the end, the three left the amusement park together. They took a group photo in front of the Christmas tree at the gate, then went to a nearby restaurant for dinner, before finally heading home under Yuu’s escort.

As for task and past-related matters, Yuigahama didn’t ask much. She just encouraged with a smile like this—

“Two people who truly love each other and date sincerely—no obstacle can defeat them! Especially us three. Let’s fight together! I’ll stay by your side!”

Simply happy they were dating sincerely. Simply wanting to face the future together and endure anything—Compared to him who accepted Haruno’s bracelet out of pity, Yuigahama’s resolve was clearly stronger and firmer.

If it’s said that the wounded become strong, how much pain did she endure to carve the current Yuigahama?

Thinking this, affection and guilt filled Yuu’s chest. His conviction to give her happiness grew stronger.

Yet even so, Yukino’s figure couldn’t be erased. Every expression, every smile, every scene of her black hair fluttering in the cold wind—all clearly floated in his mind.

Though somewhat helpless, even starting to feel disgusted with himself, Yuu couldn’t help smiling.

(So this is what it feels like to love two girls at once.)

The waves in his heart from missing both—somewhat sweet, somewhat troublesome, but no bitter regret at all.

(Forget it, bastard it is!)

He couldn’t let go of either. So, at least before the task ends, he’d throw away his integrity and date properly, so this life with two girlfriends leaves no regrets!

After concluding today’s dating feelings, Yuu made that decision.

“I’m not the one being cheated on, how would I know how much resolve she made? Anyway, the womanizer is clearly you—how can you say this so naturally!”

Behind him, Sora rarely defended Yuigahama. She threw the console and accused angrily: “You bastard Yuu! Already having a cute little sister, big-breasted girlfriends still not enough. Are you planning to add all the girls who came to our house that day to your harem? Oh right, there’s also Yukinoshita’s big sister and that silver-haired kiss maniac—Liked by so many girls, do you think you’re a light novel protagonist!”

“Just two, just two, no more.” Responding casually, Yuu resumed typing: “Next time I’ll bring them home to play. Mahjong or games, whatever. After hanging out long, you’ll definitely accept them.”

“Not the time to talk about that! You’re committing bigamy. Dumb Ponytail is understandable. How can that smart-looking flat-chested black-haired girl agree to let you two-time?!”

“Because I asked her to.” Skipping the process, Yuu stated the result naturally.

“You asked and she agreed?!”

In disbelief, Sora jumped to the bed’s edge. She asked somewhat tensely: “Is high school dating this free now? Then if I tell them I want to marry Yuu later…”

Yuu said helplessly: “Living together might be fine, but cousinmarriage—no one would accept it.”

Sora gritted her teeth angrily. She pounced on the computer chair back and hugged his head: “We’re not blood siblings! You’re allowed bigamy, I’m not allowed to… Cough cough, love a cousin I’ve lived with since childhood?”

(Is this girl planning to say a censored word?)

Yuu rolled his eyes. He let her rub her chin on his head. He comforted as usual: “Alright, alright, future matters later. Anyway, now, even with two girlfriends, he won’t forget to come home and take care of you.”

“If it wasn’t Yuu, I’d definitely kick the crotch of anyone saying this!”

After saying it viciously, Sora released her arms as if wanting to strangle him. She huffed and returned to the bed. She messed up the blanket as if venting anger.

“Back then Yuu wasn’t like this. As expected, girls outside… they’re all bad!”

“No, the womanizer reason is myself.” While scanning email contents, Yuu said casually: “Your big brother is actually very greedy. Unless truly impossible, I won’t let go of anything I want, even knowing others will blame me… Just sometimes disturbed by rational thoughts, so I always can’t make firm choices.”

“…” Sora suddenly stopped moving. After silent seconds, she spoke softly.

“Like back then when you wanted to work independently but didn’t want other relatives raising me?”

Recalling the past, Yuu also smiled: “Yeah, it was really tough then. Every day enthusiastic relatives came to persuade kindly, asking me not to drag you into suffering and such.”

“They’re idiots.” Sora buried her face in the blanket. She grumbled softly.

“Adults letting a child work to support family are the idiots. Reality isn’t a light novel. Your big brother can’t make money writing novels either. Anyone with conscience couldn’t stay silent.”

Yuu shrugged. His tone casual: “Luckily, choices that seemed wrong then all became right results until now… So they’re idiots, and I’m the winner.”

“Right!” Curled on the bed, Sora laughed happily like a cat: “Hehe, I love this shameless confidence of Yuu’s!”

“Where am I shameless…” Yuu sneered.

He suddenly stopped his fingers. He opened the desk drawer. The beaded bracelet stored in a transparent box was clearly visible.

Under the desk lamp light, the colorful and beautifully made bracelet seemed to emit neon memory glow. But closer look, it was just an ordinary accessory worth no more than a few hundred yen.

Yuu sighed softly. He closed the drawer, calming his mind.

Whether two-timing, sincerely falling for Yukino, or temporarily accepting Haruno’s necklace as a delay tactic…

His future self would surely agree with all choices he made now, right?

(Can’t agree… Ahaha it’s fine. Who made me want to do it?)

Yuu rotated his shoulders. He stretched his fingers. His eyes full of spirit.

Since he didn’t want to give up, just like back then working to support his sister, he just needed to bravely face it and keep moving!

As long as not alone, no need to fear anything.

“Oh yeah, Yuu.”

“What?”

“Your school cultural festival is soon, right?”

“Next week. Didn’t you say you wanted me to take you? Why, don’t want to anymore?”

“No, I’ll definitely go.”

Sora rolled. She took her phone beside the bed. She opened the notes app. She typed characters quickly.

Yukinoshita Yukino, Yuigahama Yui…

Yukinoshita’s big sister, the silver-haired kiss maniac…

Underclassman, Isshiki Iroha…

—Six, probably no more, right?

A pondering expression crossed her face. She continued casually: “I hope I don’t meet your other lovers at school then, fighting to be my sister-in-law.”

“Heh, you’re overthinking.” Yuu coldly sneered. He said proudly: “I’m popular at school, doesn’t mean I’m an integrity-lacking hormone emitter… That day you’ll see how cold your friendly big brother is to others!”

Sora cutely rolled her eyes: “Then I’ll hope without hoping.”

“You hope or not!”

“I hope, but not fully.”

In the room, the siblings’ conversation returned to peace.

Night grew later. Stars and moon hidden. Cold wind cooled the balcony glass.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

“…”

Yukino shifted her gaze from the neon-glittering street view. She turned from the window. The warm red tea cup in her hand had somehow turned cold.

She slowly walked to the single sofa. Her dark-blue eyes seemed to still reflect night colors. Not as firm as morning.

“Dating for a purpose, if pouring sincere feelings during, then at a critical moment, memories will vanish… In the end, I’ll suffer the same fate as Nee-san and Natsukawa-san.”

How many times now, such sighs escaped her mouth and vanished into calm air.

She folded her knees and curled into the soft sofa. Though the heater was on, her white smooth toes twitched twice as if fearing cold. Her incisors always biting her lip nearly left marks.

Her black hair draped to her waist, messily pressed behind.

Yukino only looked up, staring blankly at the neon light. As if wanting to find a calming answer from the dazzling glow.

But time passed. Only lonely echoes swung in her heart.

“So, is this my end?”

“If I complete his request, memories from past to now will vanish, and I’ll be considered a hindrance for approaching the next target…”

“Then one day, will I also cry and make a difficult decision like that, forcing him to beg me to stay?”

“Something like that… never.”

As if scared, the black-haired girl slowly raised her shoulders. She buried her face in her knees. Her slim small body trembled slightly.

This was the first time Yukino hated her overly fast mind.

Hated herself for seeing clearly. Hated herself for thinking of the worst end before it happened.

It wasn’t foresight, just an excuse the coward found to retreat.

“Why must something unreasonable like this happen… Why did I fall for him before knowing this…”

Empty voices kept questioning herself. Pulled by confusion until her whole heart fell into a bottomless abyss. She couldn’t see any light.

“Who can tell me what to do…”

Like a kitten buried in snow. She curled shivering from cold, too lonely to even cry for help.

This was a fragile, helpless, and foolishly real Yukinoshita Yukino she never wanted others to see.

In the coffee shop private room, the reason she angrily left wasn’t just her sister’s and Masuzu’s deliberate provocation.

It was also thinking of her future, thinking of the future Service Club.

She loses memories during this period. She also loses feelings during this period.

⊰✧⊱

When they both hand-in-hand entered the club room, Yukino only looked up. She greeted Yuigahama first, then stared at him flatly.

“Good afternoon, Tenkuji-kun.”

And in her eyes flashed longing, but no attachment at all. She only smiled naturally, and answered like this.

“Good afternoon, Yukinoshita.”

⊰✧⊱

“…”

The usual scene, but starting today caused piercing heart pain.

That firm strong resolve, after leaving his side, became more fragile than snowflakes.

Thus, how much time had passed.

Leaving the sofa, Yukino placed the empty tea cup in the sink. After a quick rinse, she directly entered the bathroom.

After soaking for an hour, she dried her hair while walking to the desk. She took her phone and turned on the screen.

One unread message at the top of the notification bar, with a familiar name.

Yuu: {Suddenly thought of you for no reason, I don’t understand at all. In the end I only thought of one possibility: Yukino, are you secretly thinking of me?}

“Hmph…”

The first smile after returning home naturally appeared at her lip corners.

“That idiot, changes so fast.”

Yukino couldn’t help laughing and sighing. She pulled the chair and sat. She typed characters in reply.

She once thought whether to start holding back her feelings now, to not love him more, so her mood wouldn’t grow heavier over time, until that most feared moment arrived.

Yes, let the request stay a request, love stay love.

No problem being called escaping. Even her perfect strong sister cried so sadly, so it’s natural for her to retreat a bit, right?

…However, what she couldn’t do in the past, she still couldn’t do now.

She could only helplessly realize one fact—Yukinoshita Yukino happy from one message would only love Yuu more from now on.

“His own fault, who made me fall for a troublesome guy?”

She shook her head as if mocking herself. As if surrendering to further struggle, her mood instead lightened.

She pressed send message, and returned to the home screen.

Seeing the group photo set as wallpaper, Yukino propped her cheek with one hand, ignoring side hair touching her lip corner.

She stared long. Unconsciously, her eyes softened, her smile softened. She poked the youth’s naughty face with her finger, and softly said to him:

“Tenkiji-kun, until the last day, I might still love you.”

“So before that, you must be happier than anyone, must be cheerier than before.”

“Because the one with you is me.”

“Even though this is first love, but, I’ll fight.”

“I must save him.”

Even if a cliff ahead, even if fear of the future.

Even so, Yukino still had resolve.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Yukino: {Don’t be narcissistic, you just love me too much, loving until thinking of me day and night.}

Yuu: {Alright, I love you that much, then what about you?}

Yukino: {Going to sleep, good night.}

Yuu: {Running with sleep excuse?! What time is it now!}

Yukino: {You’re too annoying. Please be serious when texting, don’t always bother me with excessive love words.}

Yuu: {Tch, Yukino is really strict.}

Yuu: {Then good night.}

Yukino: {Good night.}

Yukino: {...Maybe it’s the feeling of wanting to be the first to say good morning to you every day.}

Yuu: {???}

Yukino: {Just answering the previous question. Done, I’m really going to sleep.}

Yuu: {Wait, a literature girl confesses this elegantly too?! Don’t sudden attack like this! I feel my face blushing even through screen!}

Yuu: {Hello? Yukino, there?}

Yuu: {Then the first thing after waking is sending good morning to you? Or calling?}

Yuu: {Darling, answer!}

Yuu: {Tch, daring to tease then run, unsportsmanlike…}

-

Title: Kasumigaoka Utaha’s Shock

Perhaps tonight, they had all changed because of what was called the truth.

Having passed the solitude borne alone, Yuu resolved to step forward together with them.

Facing a future destined to vanish, Yukino vowed to save the helpless him.

With feelings as her final stake, Haruno gained the courage to feel at ease.

Lacking only the final key of memory, Masuzu wrote down in her book the things that absolutely must not be forgotten, and strove to search for all the illogical fragments of her experience.

Life has no fixed path. Everyone is stepping forward in their own way.

They wrack their brains to think and choose, hoping to find a way to get closer to their goals. Though this process may hurt others, they can only say sorry—after all, if they don’t seize happiness first, all these efforts would be meaningless.

The strong desires rising from the depths of their hearts, the overflowing feelings catalyzed, become motivation for them to keep pursuing in this already distorted reality.

Even Asuna, who has not yet entered this situation, looks forward to meeting someone at the cultural festival. She wants to resolve the confusion and palpitations long nested in her heart through him. She wants to understand why that man unconsciously attracts her.

Fates once entangled, even if time is rewound, cause and effect altered, will still entangle again at the intersection in the future.

Thus, in the World of Nothing.

Gloomy ruins blanket the ground. The old LCD screen is still conspicuously embedded in the soil.

Its surface shows no damage, but now, the screen looks somewhat worn.

Scorching sun.

Battering wind and rain.

Summer night heat waves.

At some point, the orbs of light in the sky had united, abandoning the foolish act of fighting and vying for territory. They simultaneously launched a full assault toward the main culprit. They continuously generated derivative phenomena from their characteristics, trying to destroy the LCD screen that seemed to control this world.

Though compared to a gang-up, their actions resembled more a child’s helpless venting of anger at an adult—after all, the orbs of light symbolizing hope and gentleness themselves contained no attacking nature.

Even if they could influence this world’s reality by developing strange phenomena, to cause damage to someone with their own abilities…

Unfortunately, it might take tens or hundreds of years?

Moreover, as the personification of the system and temporary overseer of this ruin world, the LCD was impossible to affect by strange phenomena from these external visitors. Even if they amplified aggressiveness and continuously blasted wind and rain for thousands or tens of thousands of years, it wouldn’t cause the slightest physical damage.

So the screen just sat silently in the ground, until at some point, the black screen suddenly lit up. Messy snow flickered rapidly, and finally stopped in a room with lights off.

【WARNING: Target’s mentality has changed. Estimated time—Task can only be completed at earliest in 583 days.】

【WARNING: System energy will not last until the final day. Initiating response procedure selection—Selection complete, initiating phenomenon change.】

The screen shifted. From a beautiful sleeping girl’s face, to a messy study dimly lit by yellow lamp light.

Seeming to have just finished one section of work, the black-haired girl in the study lifted her hands from the keyboard. She stretched her back hard until her face flushed, clearly revealing a mature and beautiful figure.

“Hmnnh aaaahhh… Observations during this period were quite useful, at least I thought of some good ideas…”

Muttering lazily, she yawned at the ceiling. She rubbed her watery eyes, and lowered her gaze back to the desk.

Then, the black leather notebook sealed deep in the bookshelf and which she dared not touch out of caution, suddenly appeared on her keyboard, radiating a very strong presence.

“…”

As if time in the study had frozen, she sat motionless in her chair, not even daring to blink. She stared at the black leather notebook with a shocked and fearful expression.

About two or three minutes later, after confirming this black leather notebook had no intent to harm her beyond its overly scary appearance method, the beautiful long-black-haired big-breasted girl slowly relaxed her body. She took several deep breaths while clutching her chest.

“Have to get used to it, have to get used to it. This world isn’t as scientific as I imagined… If I don’t get used to it, before I can write a timeless masterpiece, I’ll definitely die of fright from it…”

Comforting herself like that, she carefully pinched one corner of the black leather notebook. However, she wasn’t driven by curiosity to open it immediately.

Instead, like holding a dead cockroach, she straightened her arm and brought it to the window, then opened the window.

Cool wind blew against her face. She closed her eyes, clenched her teeth. Suddenly she gathered all her body’s strength, and threw it hard toward the vast night sky’s end!

“Supernatural thing that keeps bothering me every day, I don’t need you. Go far away as you please!”

Utaha gritted her teeth and shouted softly, afraid of waking her parents.

“Occasionally using weird appearance methods like this to scare me. If I weren’t braver than average, this wouldn’t be solvable with just a few drops leaking!”

Complaining annoyedly, Utaha still stood at the window with eyes closed. She exhaled strongly, adjusting her mentality.

After her pounding heart calmed, only then did she open her eyes and turn around. She supported her large chest with both hands, and helplessly sneered.

As expected, the notebook still lay quietly on the keyboard. No sound of an object falling outside the window.

“Horror stories look interesting when read, but when it happens to myself, that bone-piercing fear far exceeds the proverb of liking dragons but fearing real ones…”

She said feelingly. She slowly walked back to the desk. Her fingers gently touched the uniquely textured black leather cover. Her expression gradually became serious, as if pondering something.

“Sealed but not appearing directly, instead suddenly appearing before me now… Is there something it wants to tell me? Or wants me to do something? Or perhaps it’s time for it to truly function?”

As a novel writer, rich imagination and broad expansion ability are instinct. Just seeing the cover, almost instantly seven or eight possibilities behind it appeared in her mind, and each could be written into an interesting story.

Utaha couldn’t help smiling satisfied—Unfortunately, she was a pure romance genre writer, uninterested in supernatural horror. Though it could be popular, she didn’t want to spend time writing it.

But after brief hesitation, she sat back in the chair. She combed all her long hair behind. She opened the first page of the notebook with a serious and careful expression.

“I’ve struggled. Since this thing insists on appearing before me, even if I keep sealing it because I don’t want to face danger, who knows if this escape act will bring greater danger… So, no choice!”

Originally just explaining to the air to build courage, but as she spoke, the girl’s tone gradually became fanatical and cool-posing.

“Yes, what must be done isn’t being a coward, but understanding it, and living alongside it!”

“Make it my own special tool, eliminate the danger inside, then use it to seek breakthrough possibilities—Hah, hah, maybe I can become a superhuman!”

She laughed softly and wildly. Her eyes shone scarily. Her movements suddenly changed, like a writer writing passionately, she boldly and relievedly opened the inner pages of the notebook.

No matter where it came from, what its purpose, and why it had to appear before her.

Though the content resembled a stalker’s observation diary, only recording an underclassman’s activities, and things like world line changes similar to anime settings.

But at least, Utaha couldn’t deny its gum-like magical ability, and its records of various pasts were so real it was hard to doubt.

It was like a door. Once she resolved to push it open, the normal world would distance from her, and her life would drastically change from then.

Other things unimportant. At least after fully using this notebook for herself, she could pretend to be a fortune-teller before that underclassman. She could reveal all his past, making him shocked at being completely seen through by her—

If that twist-filled love story really happened.

If this world really had been altered three times by an unspeakable existence, with no one knowing except her.

Hiding her emotional expression, Utaha’s gaze became serious. She thought inwardly:

“…Better stay away from him as much as possible.”

Though interested, she didn’t want to risk her life—People like that novel protagonist, just approaching could involve danger.

As a novel writer, no one understood this better than her!

Seeking novel inspiration was secondary. Most important was ensuring safety in abnormal situations, not turning from gossip watcher to gossip object.

After thinking many unclear things, only then did Utaha focus her eyes on the first line of the inner page.

The content had changed, no longer the past records she saw then—Hmm, normal operation, nothing to be shocked about.

After sufficient mental preparation, even if this time it was written for her in Mayan script, Utaha didn’t feel she’d find it strange. At most she’d grumble two sentences.

Remaining calm, she slowly read downward following the opening.

“…”

She was silent. As time passed, her eyes gradually widened. Her small lips also slowly opened into an O. Her expression clearly shocked, eyes full of confusion.

Let alone strange, Utaha now was so shocked she didn’t know what to say.

“No way, this must be a joke…”

On the white paper, indeed written a full page of content that could be called a joke, using neat printed letters.

【The past is set, the future has its destiny.】

【He is the existence observing the past, unable to see the future’s form.】

【And in the fog, the end is merely a cliff of nothing, ultimately shattering to pieces.】

【Kasumigaoka Utaha, the stalking at the station has bound your fates, inseparable.】

【You who have tasted its sweet fruit, must pay the cause and effect of destiny, altering the future path for him.】

【At the same time, this is also a choice you will absolutely not regret in the future.】

【Come, please start writing—The first chapter of the perfect ending.】

【《Part One》.】

【Six days from now, at Sobu High’s Cultural Festival, He will pierce Tenkuji Yuu’s heart.】

【Failure to change will make your future fall into the abyss as well.】

【Note: Strictly forbidden to reveal the Fate Notebook and Future Path to anyone. Violation will bear the trial of death reincarnation. Please be careful.】

Tonight.

In Utaha’s study, as if even breathing sounds were choked.

Total silence.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

The next morning.

As soon as Yuu entered the school gate, he could clearly feel the atmosphere change.

From the students’ expressions, and the noisy shoe locker area, it was easy to see that Sobu High, which always prioritized studying, had now become increasingly lively and bustling.

Cultural Festival preparations had entered the final stage.

Everywhere, various decorations filled the corridors. Each classroom showed unique decorations or initial stall forms. Even many had changed clothes since early morning. They took photos and joked in front of class, blowing cheerful spirit for this Cultural Festival.

For example, Class 2-J. Since the theme was fashion show, stage and screens gathered at the class back. Some lighting equipment was already installed above. Some took advantage of the teacher not arriving to pose and walk under spotlights, making others laugh uproariously.

Example, Class 2-F. Since the theme was drama, the student playing the protagonist had just put down his bag, already enthusiastically wearing a deer antler mask. He practiced dialogue with the villain actor, enjoying classmates’ gazes and applause around.

From one end of this corridor to the other, all were images of youth that happen only once in a lifetime.

Yuu in their midst couldn’t help feeling a bit touched—Perhaps due to education system differences, in his previous life he never experienced such a lively school festival. During middle school, focused on part-time work, he never really noticed the smiles and hopes on their faces.

And now, he looked up and scanned those people’s expressions. He looked out the corridor toward the enthusiastic shouting sounds. He pondered, and realized he was now one of them too.

He thought he disliked crowds.

But what he truly hated was just the solitude of being outside the situation.

“Yuu-kun, I’m going to the toilet first!” After saying that, Yuigahama rushed to the toilet, as if her butt was on fire.

“Hmm? Oh, be careful.” Yuu snapped back. He found her hurried back somewhat strange. Improper thoughts like “did she leak or need to pee urgently” crossed his mind. He quickly shrugged, and casually continued walking to class.

While passing the stairs, he happened to see a beautiful long-black-haired girl stepping down.

Black stockings filled with long plump legs. Both in body plumpness and temperament, she was very different from the long-black-haired beauty he liked.

(Kasumigaoka-senpai?)

Information about the other flashed in his mind. Yuu had no intent to look longer. He casually shifted his gaze.

But before that, he saw the other suddenly freeze on the stairs. She tensed her body like in high alert, staring at his reaction.

“?”

Before he could feel confused, like a startled deer fleeing, Utaha gripped the stair railing, turned and quickly walked up the stairs, and rapidly disappeared.

Yuu couldn’t help frowning. He stared at the fleeing black-stockinged legs, and the skirt underside scenery flashing intermittently.

“What’s wrong? Do I look that scary?”

-

Title: I Love You, I Loved You Long Before You Loved Me

If not for Utaha’s sudden appearance, Yuu might have long forgotten the little interlude during summer vacation, and how he first met her.

On July 24, after reaching a rental boyfriend agreement with Haruno, to test the new skill he obtained—Perfect Lullaby (One-Time Use)—he played piano on the street near Shibuya Station, attracting nearly the entire crowd there.

After finishing, Yuu was sure he’d slipped away unnoticed before everyone snapped out of the music. But on the way home, he realized a big-breasted beautiful girl was secretly following him, and he had no idea what she planned.

To avoid trouble, Yuu quickly dodged into an alley and even left a note warning her not to bother him again.

After that, he never saw the quiet, long-legged, black-stockinged big-breasted beauty again. The strange incident ended perfectly there—or so he thought before school started.

Who could’ve guessed the stalker was Sobu High’s popular goddess, the third-year beauty prima donna nicknamed the Literary Witch, Kasumigaoka Utaha—a title that sounded overly pretentious, far less fitting than her other two: Ice Queen and Silver-Haired Angel.

Thankfully, she seemed to have no intent to continue the harassment, and Yuu had no plans to ask why she stalked him.

Though they met by chance in the school environment after term began and recognized each other almost instantly, they didn’t introduce themselves—just passed like strangers, as if nothing happened.

So Yuu closed the case then and nearly forgot it completely, until now when it suddenly came back.

After all, no matter how beautiful, if someone wasn’t important to him, he usually wouldn’t waste brain cells remembering them.

Thus, what puzzled Yuu wasn’t that the black-haired girl showed she knew him.

But why a girl he thought he’d have no further connection with looked shocked upon seeing him, her face stiff, and awkwardly avoided him—like seeing an ex-boyfriend dumped for cheating.

Thinking this, Yuu couldn’t help stopping and looking up toward the third floor with some annoyance.

(Honestly, I clearly did nothing to you, and I don’t want more trouble with beautiful girls—what’s with that expression full of backstory?!)

If Yukino and Yui saw this, they’d immediately open a Service Club trial…

“Forget it, as long as she doesn’t approach me again.”

Hesitating two or three seconds, Yuu gave up going upstairs to ask and continued toward Class F ahead.

Though trouble would come find him someday, he didn’t want to seek it first—or rather, Yuu currently had no spare time to think about other women.

He had two girlfriends and wanted to be fair to both, but there seemed no chance… After all, he wasn’t in Yukino’s class, and there was distance between F and J.

Shaking his head, his thoughts briefly flew to something else he suddenly recalled.

“Compared to that, not just me—the system has changed a lot too…”

He narrowed his eyes slightly, thoughtfully rubbing his chin: “The old system felt full of bugs, and its mechanics seemed very crude… Hmm, all thanks to energy from completed tasks? Absorbing my essence, slowly growing, then turning to torment me…”

Meaning the system was actually his unfilial child?

Born to trap its father?

…Jokes aside, the system’s growth was actually very evident.

It had nothing to do with voice activation or voice actor changes, but in overall function evolution, the system had walked alongside him and now become far more mature.

For example, the current system wouldn’t kindly give perfect-level rewards on first meeting.

For example, one-time skills and statuses. Since the third task until now—he didn’t know how long—he hadn’t gotten any. Besides basic cash rewards, he received low-level permanent physical enhancements or skills, or physical items like JOJO comics. No more worrying about wisely using expiring skills.

For example, reward criteria. Before, as long as he pleased a girl’s heart, he’d get skills and statuses—generous like a nouveau riche. The current system was stingy. Unless he truly touched the target’s heart, it only gave insignificant cash.

Changes had good and bad, but it showed this bastard system wasn’t a fixed program.

It evolved with time and completed tasks—becoming smarter, more reasonable—and more inhumane.

Additionally, Yuu recalled one thing.

“The one-time Perfect Lullaby’s effect isn’t stronger than my current Proficient Piano Skill combined with Emotional Transfer status…”

Similarly, though both perfect-level, his current acting far surpassed the past.

Meaning skill and status combinations could elevate power to another level. Even perfect-level could be strengthened in its own way.

Though he’d discovered similar before, bringing it up now made him wonder if he had other combinable skills and statuses—creating combos stronger than Word Bullets, or making proficient skills surpass perfect.

Until the class bell rang, Yuigahama rushed back just before Hiratsuka pushed open the door.

“Phew… Almost…” Passing Yuu’s desk, Hiratsuka sighed softly, still looking startled.

Yuu glanced at her, his gaze quickly sweeping top to bottom, then stopping on her face as if nothing happened.

Very considerately, he asked nothing.

But Yuigahama seemed to read his action’s meaning. Her face flushed, and she pouted. Her soft, cold, still-wet fingers teasingly pressed his neck.

“Tenkuji-kun, your stare is very rude.”

Completely unfazed by the cold touch, Yuu innocently blinked: “What’s wrong with me? I just wanted to admire my cute girlfriend—is that illegal?”

“Hmph, don’t think sweet words alone can coax me~” Hiratsuka snorted hard, but the silly grin on her face couldn’t be contained.

But before more talk, Hiratsuka at the front tapped the attendance book twice loudly, her tone fierce and scary.

“Anyone not back in seat, still flirting—return immediately! I give three seconds. Anyone still standing after, come front and sing the school song for all!”

Others not seated quickened steps. Yuigahama, after a brief greeting, fled to Yumiko.

Seeing she’d separated several couples—though temporarily—the single aging female teacher finally smiled and nodded satisfied.

“Alright, let’s start class meeting. Today we discuss Cultural Festival announcements this week. Class rep, come distribute forms…”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Time passed quickly.

In a blink, the lunch break bell rang. In the winter campus cold air, bustling spread again.

Since she’d eat lunch with Yumiko and friends, Yuigahama said from first break she wouldn’t go to the Service Club today.

Yuu wasn’t sure if intentional.

But as he prepared to leave class with his lunch, she suddenly stopped him. As if entrusting a great responsibility, she firmly placed both hands on his shoulders.

“Yuu-kun, the club room is a sacred place.”

“…Hmm, so?”

“Even as a couple, there are things you can and cannot do depending on the situation.”

“Are you treating me like a three-year-old…”

“So Yuu-kun must restrain himself. Don’t, just because your affection is rising, do anything improper to Yukinon who won’t fight back!”

“No, I think she definitely would fight back…”

Yuigahama’s eyes widened in shock: “You really plan to attack her?!”

“Your reaction is so classic I don’t know what to comment…”

Yuu sighed speechlessly. He removed the white soft hands from his shoulders and pinched them twice as reward: “Relax, we’re in Platonic love. Neither side will turn beast just from being alone… At least I won’t.”

Feeling a slight tingle from his pinch, Yuigahama covered her hand with flushed face but still stared dissatisfied.

“Then Yukinon definitely won’t either, okay? What girl is more aggressive than the guy?”

(Thanks for asking—I have one right in front of me.)

“Why defend her? I’m your boyfriend… Whatever, I’m just going for lunch.” Not voicing his inner words, Yuu held his forehead like dizzy. He waved his lunchbox at her as signal and prepared to turn.

“Right…” Facing his back, Yuigahama twirled her ponytail, looking down and muttering softly, “Everyone says high school boys are like animals, and after getting a girlfriend fully enter mating season… So Yuu-kun, if you really can’t hold back, remember to tell me.”

“N-no, I’m not the one starting! Look, Yukinon definitely hates that. For me, if it’s Yuu-kun it’s fine. I said last time, I’m mentally prepared… Actually, I just don’t want to be overtaken by Yukinon…”

She seemed confused by the end, unsure what she said. Her voice grew softer, nearly a whisper. Her whole body radiated heat.

Yuu turned. Yuigahama unconsciously looked away, not daring to meet his eyes, only panicking: “I-I said nothing!”

Then she firmly turned and ran back to her group’s seats with a beautifully embarrassed red face.

Seconds later, angry voices: “Hey, Tenkiji, what did you do to Yui?!”

“Right! The Yuu x Iroha ship I supported has sunk. Can you restrain yourself a bit!”

“Idiot Hina, you’re the one who should restrain!”

Yuu chuckled softly. Ignoring them, he walked out alone.

Heading to the special building, seeing students passing around, his peaceful feeling suddenly rippled thinly, for some reason.

And the more he walked, the deeper the ripples, stirring his heart and creating a strange unease in his chest.

Why?

Isolating his awareness from the crowd, he tried finding the answer himself.

The winter campus as usual—ordinary yet carrying youthful spirit, shaking gloomy dry branches as if about to ignite but not.

The people’s bustle as usual—noisy yet harmoniously blending into the background, thinly flowing in solitary ears.

Him walking the small path as usual—just carrying lunch, going to the quiet Service Club to steal a moment, eat while teasing his beautiful sweet female classmate. Truly comfortable and fun.

If nothing changed, where did this unclear anticipation and joy in his heart come from?

Yuu climbed the stairs; surroundings silent like another world.

Each footstep clear, along with clearly pulsing heartbeat, filling eardrums, accompanying him upward.

The closer to the Service Club, the more he realized something wrong with himself.

Why?

Unable to find the answer all the way, he slowly opened the club door confused.

Very strange—no sliding door sound.

In glass-clear cold air, Yukino sat calmly by the window, like a crystal-carved statue.

Her black hair softly draped her back, glistening in winter sunlight. The red hair tie added a touch of mischief.

And she lifted her head, looking at Yuu at the door.

Without surprise, her beautiful cold face showed only a calm gentle smile, like melting snow. Her voice light yet soft and flat.

“You’re here.”

Just her presence there dominated all his visual and auditory information.

Slowly snapping from daze, Yuu suddenly understood.

Anticipating meeting his girlfriend… This feeling.

He was her boyfriend.

Yukino was Yuu’s girlfriend.

Just this fact bloomed his heart, satisfaction flowing from its depths.

Though the cause was her request, both knew the feelings exchanged on the Ferris wheel held no lies.

Very real feelings born from something fake.

“Pfftt… Cough, hmm, phew…”

His cheeks twitched; Yuu tried closing his mouth corners, but the brilliant smile escaped. Deep breaths couldn’t restore calm. He just stared smiling, unsure why himself.

“Tenkiji-kun?”

Yukino saw him standing at the door grinning idiotically. After slight confusion, she quickly showed a reluctant smile. She put down her book and stood.

“I know my beauty drives you crazy, but besides being stunned, can you close the door? Cold wind’s coming in.”

As if a switch flipped, Yuu stopped smiling and sneered mockingly.

“What stunned—I just suddenly gained enlightenment and realized something very important.”

Saying so, he kicked the door shut.

“What? Proof for Goldbach’s Conjecture?” Yukino said casually. She walked to the hot water kettle, took a tea tin from the cabinet, and paper cups.

“I could be that grand, but wait a few years. Not yet.”

Mimicking her narcissism, Yuu shrugged indifferently. Walking to the long table, he said casually:

“My time loving you might be earlier than that request.”

Yukino’s movement froze.

About five or six seconds later, she resumed taking the cup and pouring hot water as if nothing happened.

“Really? I didn’t feel it at all.”

She faced away from Yuu, so he couldn’t see her expression, and her voice showed no oddity.

But seemingly burned by rising white steam, the white skin between her hair flushed slightly, and her hair tips swayed restlessly.

Pausing, Yukino suddenly spoke lower: “Uhm, I-I also…”

She stopped midway. Following words wouldn’t come. Her hands even trembled nearly dropping the paper cup.

If she turned front, Yuu would surely see her beautiful face full of shy courage?

“No need to force yourself.”

Pulling a chair and sitting, Yuu smiled, trying to ease her tension: “You’re not like flirty me, all day only sweet-talking to tease girls like this. Right?”

“That has nothing to do with you. Not daring to face one’s feelings is a sign of weak character.”

Shaking her head stubbornly, Yukino slightly tilted back, as if deep breathing.

“…”

Yuu watched her back, instead slowing his own breath, quietly waiting for her next move.

No one spoke. Silence where a pin drop could be heard spread, as if even heartbeats would be pulled into the air for display.

After placing the prepared tea cup on the cabinet, Yukino suddenly turned. She let her black hair casually fall beside her face, gaze locked firmly on the person behind.

Those dark-blue eyes slightly watery, light floating within, calmly containing the world he was in.

“Tenkiji-kun, I love you.”

Her cheeks flushed. Tone light yet sincere and pure.

“Maybe long before you loved me, I already loved you.”

She had to confess love again firmly, officially voicing her feelings—at least, Yukino thought so.

And now, she had done it.

After slight surprise, Yuu also showed a calm smile, as if lifting a heavy burden.

“Though known long ago… but only after saying love does it truly feel like lovers.”

“This is called programming. No, perhaps more accurately a ritual?”

Yukino sighed softly, muttering while bringing two brewed red tea cups.

Receiving like an imperial decree, Yuu raised hands and bowed respectfully: “Haaah! Thank you for the grace from my beloved Girlfriend!”

“Pretentious!”

Yukino sharply glared, turning her head disgusted, but her mouth corners stayed up, smiling relieved.

“…You’re welcome, my Boyfriend.”