Yuu 506-510 (Patreon)

Title: Yukino-chan’s Gaze Suddenly Sharpens

“Besides, Yuu, you’re very popular, and your fan club is quite active. They basically update your information in real-time...”

Totsuka gave a wry smile, took out his phone, and opened the school forum. A thread was pinned at the top.

<Mysterious Girl Beside Tenkuji Yuu, Petite and Super Cute!>

The content inside described their meeting at the school gate that morning. Overall, it just conveyed the information that Yuu had brought his little sister to school for the Culture Festival. Even the attached photo was just a single, distantly-taken shot, nothing too excessive.

“I already have a girlfriend, yet these people are still so enthusiastic.” Yuu sighed helplessly, handed the phone back to Totsuka, and sneered, “Gossip is human nature. Luckily, it’s not too over the top, otherwise, I’d have to think of a way to teach those clueless people a lesson...”

Even if they were his fans, if they dared to cause trouble for him and Sora, Yuu wouldn’t hesitate to give them a warning.

However, since no problems had arisen yet, and there were many dissenting voices in the thread comments like, “Something like this deserves its own thread? The OP is really boring,” “Don’t want to study during the Culture Festival, but not helping the class prepare their stall either?” and “Haters who disturb an idol’s private life should save their breath,” he decided to let it go for now.

So, he just logged into his school forum account and left a message at the very bottom of the thread:

<Hello everyone, this is Tenkuji himself. My little sister is a bit shy. I hope she can enjoy this Culture Festival peacefully with all of you, so if anyone meets me on the way, please just greet me with a look~>

He’d already been this high-EQ about it; surely no one would still want to provoke him, right?

Not bothering to see what replies would appear below, after this basic public relations handling, Yuu put his phone back in his pocket. Suddenly, he flashed a teasing smile and asked Totsuka: “So, how did the rehearsal go? Your debut performance is coming up soon. I’m really looking forward to it.”

“Don’t say things like that, you’re making me nervous!” Totsuka puffed out his cheeks, his eyes moist and bright, complaining to him with flushed cheeks, “There are plenty of girls in our class who could play the female lead, why does it have to be me...”

Yuu spread his hands: “Because your physique isn’t suitable for the male lead either.”

“Then I could play a supporting role!”

“But the female lead suits you better than a supporting role.”

“Then let me work behind the scenes...” Totsuka was already whining while twisting his fingers.

“If you really didn’t want to, you should have refused earlier.”

Yuu patted his shoulder, advising him with a gentle look: “Complaining now is useless. Look on the bright side, the male lead was also replaced by a female student cross-dressing. Everyone just wants to have fun with the gender-bender concept, it’s not like they genuinely think of you as a girl.”

“Sigh, I can only think that way now.” Totsuka sighed listlessly, muttering, “If I have to be the female lead, I’d rather Yuu be the male lead...”

“After all, it’s easier to act with a friend.” Yuu didn’t misunderstand, just laughed heartily, “But sorry, I’ve long since stopped acting.”

“Talking as if you’ve ever acted before.” Totsuka also laughed, clearly not thinking his earlier words had any double meaning.

They didn’t chat for long; the clock hands slowly moved towards eight. Amidst the announcement echoing throughout the school, the students in the classrooms streamed out, enveloped in an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation, noisily heading towards the gymnasium.

“By the way, Yuu.” Standing in line in the gymnasium, following the teacher’s instructions, Totsuka suddenly remembered something, “Is the film made by the Service Club being shown in your clubroom?”

“Originally, yes. But first, having the audience trek all the way to the Special Building just to watch a film seems a bit much. Second, we also don’t want the clubroom to be crowded, leaving us without a quiet place to rest. So, we decided to screen it together with the Film Research Club’s movie in the A/V room.”

Yuu explained: “The screening schedule should be posted outside the A/V room door. Our club president will also explain the details on stage later.”

“Your club president? Ah, you mean Yukinoshita-san!” Totsuka nodded in understanding, “I remember she’s also the Chairperson of the Culture Festival Executive Committee this time. You even helped her out there before...”

“Yeah, who told me I couldn’t just leave her be.” Yuu shrugged, speaking nonchalantly.

Although he never talked about his polyamorous relationships, considering Totsuka wasn’t the type to overthink things, Yuu couldn’t be bothered to explain further.

Even if he found out, it probably wouldn’t matter. Yuu placed considerable trust in this friend, who was practically his only same-sex friend... However, whether he’d be avoided because of something like this in the future was hard to say.

About five or six minutes later, the gymnasium was filled with around eight hundred-plus students from all three grade levels.

They lined up neatly according to their classes. The noisy, bustling sound of chatter created echoes, gradually quieting down under the teachers’ control, like the intermittent buzzing of mosquitoes.

It was only when a beautiful girl with black hair, a cold expression, and a sharp gaze walked up to the podium, looking down upon the dark crowd below without showing a hint of fear, that all sounds completely froze under her gaze. The entire gymnasium became so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Yukino tapped the microphone. After confirming it was working, she coldly parted her pink lips.

“The opening ceremony for this year’s Sōbu Festival begins now.”

That melodious voice flowed like a clear spring, falling coolly into the air, making people unconsciously feel refreshed.

Then she handed the stage over to the emcees. The beautiful black-haired girl retreated to the side, calmly straightening the speech script in her hands, ignoring everyone else.

Only occasionally would she glance down at the area below the stage. Whatever she saw made her keep covering her beautiful lips with the speech script. Only from the slight twitch at the corner of her eye could one see she wasn’t as calm as she appeared.

After the national anthem and school song were sung, followed by speeches from the principal, school board, and various department heads, it was finally Yukino’s turn as the student representative.

This part was usually handled by the student council president, but since the current student council was already in its retirement period, just waiting for new members to take over, no student council members were seen in this year’s Culture Festival activities.

That’s why the one standing up there giving orders was the Executive Committee Chairperson.

This Executive Committee Chairperson spoke fluently under the gaze of nearly a thousand spectators. That crisp voice, like a cold spring, read the boring script with such calm and composure, as if she didn’t care about them at all. Yet, the students who had been sleepy-eyed seemed to be awakened by a splash of ice water, inevitably opening their eyes wide, unable to look away from her.

Yuu was one of them.

Thanks to his excellent eyesight, even though separated by hundreds of people, the girl’s appearance was still clearly captured in his eyes.

The sleek, silky, ash-black hair, the one small strand sticking up slightly on her head, and the beautiful, palm-sized face; the bright, clear eyes you could see right through, the long, curved eyelashes, the cute, petite, straight nose, and the soft, sweet cherry lips...

The slim, adorable shoulders, the slender waist that could be encompassed by one hand, the flawless straight legs, and the pure white area between the long socks and short skirt...

The simplicity of that part wasn’t a flaw, but rather highlighted more of her advantages—like the elegantly curved collarbones, the white, alluring nape of her neck, or the clear, translucent earlobes that would turn pink like cherry blossom powder when she was shy. All of these could be considered treasures for a man.

And her character... there was a lot one could say.

After all, the two of them started from disliking each other, to now loving each other, and sincerely considering each other as profoundly important lovers.

Knowing her flaws, knowing her bad points, yet still being drawn to her, unconsciously becoming a form that liked her. Like two magnets finally finding the correct poles, allowing their fingers to interlock...

What’s called falling in love with someone is always this complex and this blissful, satisfying enough to evoke a slight regret.

No matter how many times he had to experience it, no matter how many times he had to suffer, Yuu ultimately couldn’t deny—he enjoyed this feeling.

Enjoyed the feeling of having girlfriends, and never regretted the time they spent loving each other.

{I love you, Yukino.}

Yuu stood in the middle of the crowd, gazing into the distance towards the main stage, at the girl who stood apart yet seemed fragile, and loved only her.

The corner of his mouth couldn’t help but smile, his eyes shining brightly, like a child seeing the first snow of winter, staring straight at her.

“...May you all write an unforgettable chapter for each of us in this festival.”

After the speech ended, as she bowed preparing to leave the stage, Yukino seemed to sense something and turned her head, their gazes meeting.

Her turning steps halted slightly. She pouted her lips a little reproachfully, a little shyly, the charm of a shy girl escaping along with her sidelong glance, but a warm smile flowed from her slightly curved eyes.

Just a simple glance, and the thing they wanted to convey was certainly very simple—

{I love you too, Yuu.}

Amidst the enthusiastic applause, Yukino turned and left gracefully, not worried that he wouldn’t understand.

Yuu also looked away, stretching contentedly, his smile so bright that even Totsuka asked him in confusion.

No one knew, in that instant.

A pair of lovers, in front of hundreds of people, reaffirmed their feelings for each other.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

The opening ceremony over, returning to the classroom, the entire production team started working. Cheers of encouragement could be heard everywhere. Everyone carried out their respective duties, determined to put on the best debut stage performance.

Only Yuu was the exception.

Seen as a jack-of-all-trades by his classmates, he had already helped the class too much during the preparation stage, and now there was no more logistical work for him to handle. So, after getting permission to move freely from the class president, and without the slightest mental burden watching others work while he relaxed, he prepared to go to the Service Club to find Sora.

After saying goodbye to Totsuka, who was changing clothes and putting on makeup, Yuu headed towards Yuigahama’s place. But even before he could greet her, Yumiko blocked his way with a fierce expression, like a mother hen protecting her chick, her Queen of Fire aura blazing.

“You want to take her away?”

“What of it?” Yuu tilted his head, his expression calm like an old, still well.

Silently retreating ten centimeters, Yumiko continued with an annoyed face: “I suggest you drop that idea—Yui is different from you, the unemployed. She still has class work to do. Do you think the staff in our class is enough?! If you’re not working yourself, don’t drag others down. It’s troublemakers like you we’re talking about!”

“I’m not working? I’m a troublemaker?” Yuu raised his eyebrows, the corner of his mouth slowly lifting, a cold, crescent-like curve appearing, a fierce aura no less potent than Yumiko’s instantly radiating from him.

But before he could demonstrate to Yumiko what is called the Art of Language, Yuigahama quickly moved Yumiko’s body aside, bowed her head to him with her hands clasped together, apologizing earnestly:

“Yuu-kun, sorry! I really can’t leave for a while, you’ll have to go by yourself!”

“...” Yuu’s expression softened slightly. He pinched her soft cheek; it felt like pinching a freshly made daifuku. “It’s fine, I could have picked her up by myself originally. I just wanted to be with you.”

“Ehehe~” Allowing his warm, rough fingers to play on her skin, Yuigahama giggled happily, then said, “I know, I’ll come find you after I’m done here. There really is more stuff needing help at the start of the performance, but it won’t delay the time after!”

“I’m not blaming you. Wait for me to come back.” Smiling, without looking back at Yumiko, Yuu turned and left.

Faintly, he could still hear voices criticizing him.

“Yui, what’s good about a guy like that... Arrogant and selfish...”

“Eh, but Yumiko was the one who was so rude to him first... Besides, the misunderstanding about the cheating should be cleared up, why does Yumiko still hate Yuu-kun so much...”

“I just don’t like seeing him... And since being with him, Yui has been going out with us less and less...”

“Eh? Really? I hardly ever go on dates with him!”

“What?! He doesn’t even take you on dates! That disrespectful jerk who looks down on people...”

“Ugh~ Come on, let’s just get to work quickly...”

Hearing this far, Yuu couldn’t help but roll his eyes towards the corridor.

“Are most high school girls these days crazy to this extent?”

If so, then it was a good thing he fell in love with two relatively normal high school girls.

...Hmm, relatively normal.

There really was no completely normal person around him.

Passing through thousands of mountains and rivers, traversing the dense crowds, after the Culture Festival officially began, Yuu finally arrived at the Special Building, climbing the stairs towards the Service Club’s location.

However, hearing movement near the entrance, he deliberately waited for a moment. Soon after, he was lucky enough to meet Yukino, whose footsteps were as light as a cat’s.

On the stairs, their gazes met.

After a slight moment of surprise, Yukino’s expression returned to calm. She walked to his side gracefully and serenely.

“Did I come at the right time?”

“Who says we’re not in sync?” Yuu said proudly.

Making sure no one was around, Yukino gently hugged his arm, resting her face against it as if taking a break, her whole body relaxing.

“Don’t do this in front of lots of people. Be careful of those sharp-eyed Newspaper Club members.”

Yuu frowned: “Not even expressing love through glances? I’m sure they wouldn’t get it.”

Yukino pinched him in annoyance: “The foolish smile on your face was almost overflowing, do you think you hid it well?”

Yuu sneered: “You’re the same, aren’t you? Your whole face showed an expression of liking me.”

Yukino stated firmly: “It’s not the same. I only looked at you for less than two seconds!”

They continued climbing the stairs while bickering and being affectionate.

Just as they exited the stairwell, Yuu suddenly remembered something. His expression as he looked at Yukino became hesitant.

And she quickly caught this change. Her expression instantly hardened, like a lazy kitten landing firmly out of its owner’s embrace. She released his arm, folded her hands, and observed him.

Then, she asked in a cold voice:

“Is there something you want to say to me?”

He nodded.

“Don’t know where to start, afraid I’ll be unhappy?”

He nodded.

“Is it... doing that kind of thing behind my and Yui’s backs?”

He shook his head vigorously.

“Or have you evolved from two-timing to three-timing?”

Rolling his eyes, Yuu shook his head.

“Neither? Then let me think...”

Her hand touched her chin, her cute, beautiful face showing a thinking expression, then she asked hesitantly: “Does it have something to do with my older sister?”

Yuu was startled, looking her over several times with a gaze like he was seeing a mind-reading ghost.

After hesitating for a moment, he finally gave a slow nod.

Yukino’s gaze instantly sharpened.

“Could it be, she’s—“

“No, I’ve been having dreams related to her this past week.”

Not wanting Yukino to have unnecessary misunderstandings, Yuu came straight out with it:

“To be precise, I’ve been dreaming about memories from when I was dating her. The content is very clear.”

“...”

-

Title: Better to Elope

It probably started the night after the wrap party ended.

Yuu remembered clearly, even though he hadn’t realized it in the dream—it was like entering a script called memories. Every night, he became his past self, reliving the process of dating Haruno.

“I can guarantee, this is absolutely not a case of ‘thinking about something by day, dreaming about it by night’.” Under Yukino’s serious gaze, Yuu’s survival instinct was strong; he raised his hand as if taking an oath, “Dreams that are so clear, organized, and can connect from the previous episode to the next, are clearly not something an ordinary person could create!”

“...Are you trying to say you’re an extraordinary person?” Yukino glanced at him lightly.

“I’m trying to say there must be external interference, or someone is playing tricks behind the scenes.”

“Who else could do something like this...” Yukino’s words trailed off, then she realized, “That god?”

“Probably that person, though I don’t know their goal.” Yuu spread his hands, saying with an innocent face, “I never had dreams like this before. At first, I wanted to write it off as a coincidence and ignore it, but after so many times, I felt something was wrong. After all, how could I dream every day about a woman other than you two? That’s why I’m telling you this, to see if you have any good ideas.”

“Good ideas? What good ideas could I have for something like this.” Ignoring his attempt at bootlicking, with her arms folded across her chest and her fingers frequently tapping her upper arm, Yukino frowned and thought for a moment.

“...Since that time, all your feelings for her have disappeared, right?”

“Yes, not a single trace remains.” Seemingly not wanting the other party to worry too much, Yuu said firmly, “Even if the memories return, the feelings haven’t returned to me. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to date you two so naturally. So rest assured, even if I were to cheat, I’d only cheat with Yui, I wouldn’t look elsewhere!”

“...” Yukino seemed to want to say something, but after opening her mouth, she only sighed and turned her small face away.

“Does it affect your mind or body?”

“No. Although the images are very clear, it’s just a dream.” Yuu thought for a moment and answered, “It’s like watching a film full of dark history. Let alone a week, even if that person kept playing it for a year, I wouldn’t come to like Haruno again.”

“Hmm, that’s good then.”

The voice drifted slowly in the air. Yukino seemed calm, as if she didn’t care about this matter at all, and continued walking towards the Service Club.

Yuu looked at her slender, straight back. He could sense her mood was a bit off, but couldn’t pinpoint what part had displeased her.

(Sigh, it’s so hard being an honest boy. It’s even harder to calm a girl down after being honest...)

(I don’t dare ask things like ‘How do you feel now?’ or ‘Your reaction seems normal?’ which would just be asking for trouble.)

Yuu quietly followed her, catching the fresh scent emanating from the girl’s body.

Like a bee drawn to a flower, no matter what the scent was like, he unconsciously wanted to get closer, inhale it, and make it his own.

In the quiet corridor, his footsteps drew closer to hers, and in the end, he couldn’t resist reaching out his finger, his breathing slightly heavier.

“...Are you playing with my hair?”

“Sorry, I’ve gotten addicted to tying my little sister’s hair lately. Seeing such fine material, I couldn’t help myself.”

Under her cold, disgusted gaze, Yuu pinched a strand of hair, brought it close to his nose, and took a breath as if savoring it.

“Hmm~ Even though it’s all hair, why does it feel so different to the touch?”

“Because you’re a pervert.” Yukino said coldly, but she didn’t struggle at all, letting him touch that precious part of her. Only the white skin on the back of her neck flushed slightly red.

Yuu didn’t intend to go overboard either, just played with it for a bit, tied it into a small braid, then let it go—this could also be considered a small pleasure between couples.

In front of the Service Club, Yukino knocked on the door, and soon footsteps were heard inside.

“Finished?”

Sora, who opened the door, looked at the two of them, her gaze finally settling on the small braid hanging oddly over the flat-chested girl’s chest.

She couldn’t be bothered to ask further and quickly averted her eyes, “Why just you two? Where’s Dango?”

“Yui has to handle class matters. My work was finished earlier, so I only have time now.” Said Yuu.

“In about half an hour, I need to patrol each stall to ensure their activities match their applications.” Yukino glanced at her watch, “There’s still time now. Do you have plans to go somewhere? Everything should still be in the preparation stage now.”

“Watching the film you made.”

It seemed she had already considered it. Sora gave a very firm answer, then turned back into the clubroom to pack her things.

Yukino followed her inside. Seeing the bag of potato chips on the table, she initially wanted to grab a broom and cloth to clean the area Sora had dirtied, but saw her deftly take out a wet wipe and quickly clean up all the remaining traces.

It was like seeing a well-behaved younger sister. Yukino couldn’t help but nod in satisfaction.

Yuu noticed her expression and teased casually, “What, want to marry me?”

“Figured it out?” Looking up, Yukino smiled sweetly at him, but there was no laughter in her eyes.

Then Yuu’s waist was pinched by long, slender fingers and given a 360-degree twist—no matter what kind of girl, as long as she has a boyfriend, her proficiency in the ‘Waist Flesh Twist’ technique is surely maxed out.

In front of her little sister, Yuu didn’t even dare to gasp in pain. It was also impossible to tense his muscles so Yukino couldn’t pinch him; he could only endure with a twitching face, silently bearing his girlfriend’s minor anger.

“Stop flirting over there, let’s go.” Sora glanced at them flatly, walking past them expressionlessly, “Said you were going to be angry for a while this morning, and now you’ve forgiven him?”

“If I really cared about his dishonesty, I wouldn’t be dating him.” Yukino sighed helplessly, “Plus, his techniques for coaxing girls are really good... If he doesn’t make a major mistake that violates principles, it’s very hard to stay angry at him for long.”

“Indeed, otherwise how could he manage a polyamorous relationship?”

Sora sneered in Yuu’s direction, with an expression of ‘I already knew you were a scoundrel like this.’

Yuu ignored her. After locking the Service Club door, he led the two of them towards the A/V room.

The place was currently managed by students from the Broadcasting Club, and of course, there were students who recognized their faces.

Although surprised, after Yuu explained that he was just bringing his little sister and the club president to watch the film he made, the Broadcasting Club students nodded in understanding, accepted the 600 yen ticket money he insisted on paying, and casually seated them in a corner seat.

Seeing their respectful attitude, as if welcoming the boss of a spy organization, it seemed there might be people from his fan club inside too?

Since the Culture Festival had just started, only the three of them were in the A/V room. They chatted casually while waiting for the film to start.

“Roughly when will your mother arrive?”

“Not sure. Since Nee-san is bringing her, even if we’re told the time, she might just appear suddenly to surprise us.”

“Such bad taste...” Sora sneered.

Yuu shook his head resignedly: “Forget it. If asked, just admit it. Why hide if you’re going to cheat!”

“Are you giving up?” Yukino raised an eyebrow in amusement, but suddenly a thought crossed her mind, the corner of her mouth slowly fading, her expression unclear.

She wasn’t looking at Yuu, but asked the air in a casual tone: “Or, are you thinking that even if you can’t pass their challenge now, as long as everyone forgets...”

“Don’t misunderstand randomly! I never intended to use a stalling tactic.”

Without waiting for her to finish her sentence, Yuu flicked her forehead, then his hand quietly crept down, grasping her soft, small hand in the gap between the seats: “I was just thinking, can we hide it for a lifetime? Rather than panicking and finding excuses after being found out, it’s better to admit it honestly from the start. Who knows, they might forgive me for being manly.”

“...That’s impossible.” Her hand quietly resting in his grasp, Yukino leaned her shoulder against Yuu as if hiding herself, that melodious voice flowing like a clear spring from under the iceberg, passing calmly through the gaps in her hair.

“At the very least, my mother won’t allow it. She might just directly order me to break up with you.”

“Can she control it for a while, or can she control it forever?” Yuu said with a smile, patting his chest arrogantly, “Worst case, I apologize to her first, then we secretly collude, engage in a romantic relationship like a fairy tale! What’s there to be afraid of? She’s not the one who will be with me. There are plenty of ways to work around her!”

“Still a fairy tale?” Yukino laughed in disgust, but the warmth in her palm squeezed back firmly, “Stories like Romeo and Juliet are tragedies. You couldn’t possibly be that naive.”

“Of course, so there’s Plan B.”

Yuu suddenly tilted his head, his voice magnetic and soft, he whispered softly in her ear: “Tell her you’re already pregnant with my child, destined to be together forever... After receiving this bombshell, I’m sure she won’t care about the cheating problem anymore.”

“...”

Yukino’s soft body suddenly stiffened, the temperature around her slowly rose, and her breathing seemed to unconsciously become lighter.

In the A/V room, dark like a cinema, Yuu didn’t know if her face was red, if she was angry or shy.

He just smiled silently. Just as he was about to say it was just a joke, he heard Yukino sigh softly and speak in an equally faint voice:

“Bad idea. Better to threaten to elope.”

Yuu was slightly startled: “...Eh, seems like that’s not much better either.”

“Of course not. Even if it’s just a joke, my mother would quickly see through a reason like that, and in the end, it would only backfire... Unless, you really...”

Yuu blinked, unconsciously asking, “Really?”

*THWAP!*

His face was lightly slapped, like a slap given out of shyness, but it used no force at all and was easily caught in his hand.

The scent of her hair, her breath, her softness, her warmth, all were like nectar flowing from a flower, attracting a male bee like him.

Yuu was grateful that the A/V room was pitch black right now; even if there were strange movements with his pants, no one else would know.

“Lecher, pervert, walking filth...”

Cursing him a few times in a cold, low voice, Yukino withdrew her hand and sat up straight again. She seemed to take a few deep breaths before speaking again in a calm tone:

“...Since you have plans in your head, I won’t say much more. Behave well before you become hated.”

“Don’t worry, I wouldn’t dare underestimate my future mother-in-law.” Yuu also returned to the relaxed atmosphere of daily chatter, lazily leaning back in his chair.

“Oh? What about the other future mother-in-law?” Yukino showed a mischievous smile.

“Treat them equally, treat them equally...”

“Equally? Meaning, you plan to drop the same bombshell on both future mothers-in-law?”

Yukino chuckled softly; her intention to tease him seemed to have overcome her shyness. Her soft voice breathed warm air into his ear: “What an extraordinary scoundrel. If this gets out, the Yukinoshita family might hunt you to the ends of the earth.”

“That scary? Don’t tell me your family has ties to the yakuza?”

Yuu hugged his arms as if shivering, then gritted his teeth, looking like he was making a major decision: “In that case, I’ll just have to take you two and run away before I’m dumped in Tokyo Bay! I’m sure I can build a family and career in Arabia. Be ready to elope at any time, we’ll set sail tonight!”

“Fool, keep dreaming.”

Yukino shook her head helplessly, the corners of her slightly pouted lips curving upwards.

Yuu laughed heartily like a child; no one knew what was on his mind.

“The film will begin shortly. Please set your phones to silent mode, dim the screen brightness, and ensure you do not disturb others’ viewing experience...”

After chatting for a while, a reassuring announcement came from the speakers nearby.

The two of them turned their respective gazes away, fell silent, and looked at the projection screen in front of them.

Yukino rested her arm on the armrest, only her pinky finger quietly extended, gently hooking his pinky.

And she only hooked it lightly, not making any more intimate movements, but the sense of security it provided was stronger than holding hands.

The screen lit up, but the girl closed her eyes, quietly savoring this brief yet distinct moment.

A future like that... is impossible.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

The black car drove smoothly and swiftly on the road.

Haruno, sitting in the front passenger seat, glanced through the rearview mirror at the woman in a kimono in the back seat who had her eyes closed, resting.

Without any warning, she suddenly asked, “Mother, if Yukino’s boyfriend doesn’t meet your expectations, will you forcibly separate them?”

Saori opened her eyes, her gaze meeting the one in the rearview mirror: “Why, do you have some insider information?”

“More or less? After all, as her older sister, I also hope Yukino can date someone better.” Hiding a hint of unclear mockery in her words, Haruno said in a casual tone, “Hmm... Let’s say this. If Yukino’s boyfriend is a lecherous guy who, just in his second year of high school, constantly wants to have sex with Yukino, would you tell them to break up?”

Saori’s cheek twitched slightly: “...Could you speak more politely? Don’t force me to make you fix your speaking habits.”

Haruno waved her hand: “Only in private. Besides, I used quite mild words.”

“Really...” Saori rolled her eyes at her helplessly, then opened her fan and covered her chin, thinking seriously.

“Something like that should wait until after graduating from university... At the earliest, after graduating high school. Because there’s a risk of pregnancy, so if that high school boy doesn’t study hard but only wants to live in luxury with Yukino all day, I would indeed tell her to keep her distance from someone like that as much as possible.”

“After all, there’s also the possibility that the guy is only interested in Yukino’s looks and figure. People like that are completely untrustworthy; whether marrying into the Yukinoshita family or marrying our daughter, he should not enter the Yukinoshita family.”

Seemingly completely unconcerned with her answer, Haruno rested her hands behind her head and continued asking casually:

“Then what if he’s not that lecherous, but very popular at school, and at the same time maintains ambiguous relationships with several other girls?”

“You mean he has behavioral issues?”

Saori frowned, showing a slight dislike on her face, and said thoughtfully: “Yukino’s judgment couldn’t possibly be that bad. With her personality, she would definitely avoid someone like that as much as possible...”

“It’s just a hypothetical.”

“Then... wait a moment.” Before answering, Saori suddenly fell silent, then shifted a suspicious gaze to Haruno’s profile.

“Haruno, this question... Are you asking for your sister, or for yourself?”

Haruno thought for a moment, then suddenly smiled brightly.

“Both!”

-

Title: The Arrival of the (One of the) Mother-in-law(s)

Class 2-F was performing a world-famous musical—《Adler》.

On the surface, it was a musical, but due to various unmet requirements, they compromised by changing the script into a regular play and making it more lively and interesting.

After tense and enthusiastic busyness, the stage equipment was ready, all actors were on standby, everything was prepared according to yesterday’s rehearsal, ready to open to the public at any time.

“Those in charge of collecting tickets, guard the cash box carefully, don’t let even one yen go missing!”

“What about those handing out flyers? Have they left? But the flyers are still on the table!”

“Whose instant noodles are these on the table? What time is it already... Uh, Hiratsuka-sensei’s? Then pretend I said nothing...”

“Improvise! Just improvise, I want to see two handsome guys getting close on stage—Mmm! Mmm! Mmm!”

“Hina, your tasks are done. Now just watch the others from the side with a warm gaze... So get rid of that overly rotten gaze of yours!”

Amidst such noise and chaos, Yuigahama quietly sighed and put the threaded needle back into its box.

“This should hold for two days. As long as you don’t make too large movements, remember to remove it after leaving the stage...”

“I told you we should have spent more on the fabric. That stingy class president... He should be the one made to wear such easily torn clothes!” Female Student A grumbled complainingly, then twirled the long white dress on her body, unable to hold back a satisfied smile.

“Yuigahama-san, your sewing skills are really great! You can’t see any stitch marks at all.”

“My mom taught me, I’m not as good as her.” Yuigahama laughed lightly. She had often heard similar praise and was so used to it that she forgot to feel shy or proud.

Moreover, right now she had something more important to do.

Glancing around, after confirming no one else needed her help, Yuigahama bid farewell to Female Student A, handed the needle and thread box to the general logistics staff, and asked the personnel manager next to her, “Ahem, I’m almost done here, may I step out for a bit?”

“Of course, thank you for your hard work, Yuigahama-san.” Female Student B, in charge of personnel, smiled slightly, “Leave the rest to us, we’ll definitely make sure the audience is packed!”

“Okay, let’s make this the most popular program of this year’s Culture Festival!” Yuigahama pumped her fist enthusiastically, turned around, “Then I’ll be off now. If you need help, you can contact me anytime~”

“Okay... Wait, Yuigahama-san!”

Suddenly remembering something, Female Student B hurriedly called out to Yuigahama who was about to leave the classroom: “You must know, right? The others secretly arranged an improv performance for him...”

“Huh? Of course I know. After all, it was Yumiko’s suggestion, I was there too at the time...”

Remembering this, Yuigahama couldn’t help but sigh helplessly.

Whether it was because they wanted to see the acting skills of her boyfriend, whom Yumiko claimed were professional-level, or just wanted to mess with her boyfriend, Yumiko had pulled the scriptwriter and all the actors together to discuss an improv performance—only Yuu would be improvising, while they were responsible for supporting and completing the show—and begged Yuigahama to keep it a secret, to give the all-rounder guy a little surprise.

Of course, Yuigahama, like the others initially, strongly opposed such a prank-ish improv performance and had considered leaking the information...

However, Yumiko managed to convince everyone, including her, with just a few words:

“You don’t trust his ability? Even if it’s an improv performance, that guy can definitely handle it perfectly, even giving reactions beyond our expectations, right? Don’t you want to see just how far his abilities go in a situation like this? Hah, really? Is there really someone who thinks this could mess him up?”

At that time, everyone fell silent, and many even immediately switched to supporting it after hearing that, agreeing to hold an improv performance targeted at Yuu.

Yuigahama’s feelings were indescribable.

Frankly, Yumiko saying those words didn’t seem like her usual self who treated Yuu as a thorn in her side. Although it sounded just like a very obvious provocation, the unshakable belief and natural tone of agreement made one inevitably suspicious.

(Outwardly hostile to Yuu-kun for my sake, could it be that Yumiko is actually...)

(A fan of Yuu-kun?)

“Is it really okay? If Tenkuji-kun refuses to go on stage, or if he gets nervous on stage and just freezes...”

Facing Female Student B’s worried gaze, Yuigahama just smiled wryly: “It’s useless to talk about this now, they’ve already thought through the whole plan, just waiting for Yuu-kun to come watch the show... But don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on it from the side!”

Her eyes sparkled, she said with full confidence: “If Yuu-kun doesn’t want to, I’ll replace him. If he’s willing to go on stage, then there’s nothing to worry about—after all, he’s the star of our club!”

Female Student B felt relieved and smiled along: “If you have a plan, then it should be fine. Honestly, I want to see Tenkuji-kun’s performance soon...”

A mischievous smile, like a cunning merchant, immediately appeared at the corner of Yuigahama’s mouth. She rubbed her fingers together pretending to be greedy: “Hehehe, come to the A/V room during the break later! Remember to bring two hundred yen for the ticket~”

Female Student B said helplessly: “Truly Tenkuji-kun’s girlfriend, so business-savvy.”

“Flattery, flattery~”

Leaving the classroom in a cheerful mood, Yuigahama took out her phone, about to send a message asking where they were, when suddenly a call came in.

It was from her mother.

Her eyes widened slightly in surprise, and she hurriedly answered the call: “Mom, you’re already here?”

The Culture Festival just started, why is this housewife here already? How eager she is to come to the high school!

“Yes, Mom is at the school gate~” Mama Yuigahama giggled like a young girl, seeming very happy.

But Yuigahama, as her daughter, only heard a strong sense of forced youthfulness.

She looked outside the corridor. The school gate wasn’t visible from here, so she decisively walked briskly towards the stairs, speaking into the phone as she went down: “Wait a moment, I just finished, I’ll come get you and take you to find Yuu-kun.”

Mama Yuigahama said obediently: “Okay, hurry up. Lots of young studs are hitting on me, Mom can barely resist going along with them~”

Yui couldn’t help but shout: “Resist it, middle-aged woman!”

“...Huh? Dare you say that again?”

“I mean the young housewife who makes middle-aged women jealous, please don’t do anything that will cause trouble for your daughter!”

“Just kidding~ Although there really were people hitting on me, Mom turned them all down, you know~”

“So there really were... No, never mind, I’m almost there!”

By the time Yuigahama arrived at the school gate without stopping, the XX-year-old married woman who somewhat resembled her, but exuded a mature and gentle aura, turned around. She pulled her gaze back from staring into the distance at the bustling campus and showed a cheerful, active smile.

“Really need to interact more with young people besides you. Just stepping into the high school, Mom feels three or four years younger~”

Yuigahama walked over without a word: “That’s just an illusion...”

She looked around. Although there were no men flirting with her mother as claimed, many passing male high school students glanced at her mother once or twice. It was hard to say exactly where their gazes were directed.

Both mother and daughter had good figures, especially the mother. Even wearing closed winter clothes, the large waves on her chest were still unstoppable, plus her pretty, mature face and the gentle aura characteristic of a housewife, of course held great appeal for males of this age. It was natural they were interested.

“Such a shallow bunch...” Sneering in disgust, Yuigahama herded her mother towards the school building, muttering, “Guys without ill intentions like Yuu-kun are truly a minority...”

“Indeed, Yuu-kun doesn’t even dare to sneak a glance when in front of me. He even avoids me like the plague...” Mama Yuigahama sighed slightly anxiously while pressing her palm to the side of her face, “Even I can’t attract his attention... Yui, don’t tell me he’s only interested in men?”

“Impossible! He just has integrity!” Seeing her boyfriend’s sexual orientation doubted by her mother, Yuigahama immediately grew anxious to explain, “He keeps his distance from women he’s not interested in, doesn’t look at or interact with them much. Even if someone chases him, he can firmly reject them—a man like that is an ideal partner.”

“That’s true, but the points above at most only prove he’s a gentleman.” Mama Yuigahama frowned and retorted sharply, “Are you sure he can really react to women? What proof do you have?”

Yuigahama met her gaze unflinchingly: “Of course I have! When we kissed before—“

Her words halted mid-sentence due to instinctive embarrassment. Just from that pause, she realized something was wrong, couldn’t help but widen her eyes, and asked incredulously:

“Mom, don’t tell me you...”

The aggressive expression vanished from her face as fast as turning a page. Mama Yuigahama shook her head regretfully, looking very disappointed.

“Only up to kissing? Yui, you’re so useless! Known each other for years, still stuck in the same place. Mom didn’t give you a curfew, you go to and from school with him every day, yet still can’t get his weak point...”

“Mom, you tricked me!”

“What do you mean tricked you? Who told you to make me worry like this!” Facing her daughter’s angry and embarrassed gaze, Mama Yuigahama stretched out her finger annoyedly and poked her forehead.

“I kept waiting for you to bring him home to officially confirm the relationship, but days have passed, dates always end on time, visiting his house never involves staying over—you silly girl, are you dating a boyfriend or a male friend!”

“W-we only officially started dating a month ago!” Retorting in a small voice with a red face, her fingers fidgeting together, Yuigahama for some reason felt a bit less confident, “We just haven’t reached the final step. I gave hints before, and he agreed too. Why rush...”

Folding her arms under her chest to support it, Mama Yuigahama sneered: “Not rushing? Don’t you know high school couples these days sleep together after seven days of dating?”

Yuigahama was stunned: “Really?! Don’t tell me Mom knows someone who...”

Mama Yuigahama put her hands on her hips, puffing out her chest confidently.

“I don’t know, I saw it online! Data from expert analysis, you know!”

“Don’t scare me...” Yuigahama’s face was instantly covered in black lines, then she let out a long sigh as if drained of energy, turned her face away, and lazily snorted twice.

“Besides, even if it’s seven days, their relationships are like fast food. Yuu-kun and I want to head towards the future, live together until old age, so there’s no need to rush!”

Mama Yuigahama rolled her eyes: “Yeah yeah yeah, you’re building the purest love... Then, do you still want to hear the secret from me?”

“...What secret?” Yuigahama quietly returned to her mother’s side, puffing out her cheeks slightly reluctantly.

Leaning her shoulder against hers gently, Mama Yuigahama showed a mysterious smile.

“It’s a secret that, if done once, can make a man never able to leave you.”

Watching her mother’s finger make a lewd gesture in the dim place incredulously, Yuigahama muttered somewhat dazedly: “Mom, so you’re this kind of open person...”

Mama Yuigahama took a deep breath, gazing into the distance: “What can I do, for my daughter’s happiness, I’m willing to sacrifice.”

Yuigahama couldn’t help but hug her mother’s arm emotionally, rubbing her head against it a little like a puppy: “Mom, I’m sorry. Even though you’re always thinking of me, I just said so many bad things about you...”

“Silly child, it’s okay, I’m your mother.”

Stroking her daughter’s hair affectionately, Mama Yuigahama’s eyes narrowed into a smile, and the corners of her mouth couldn’t help but curve into a very pleased smile.

“Besides, doing this is clearly more exciting~”

Yui looked up confused: “Did you say something?”

“No! Come on, I’ll tell you the important premise first—“ Mama Yuigahama’s expression quickly turned serious, raising one finger, “First, it must be done in your room! I’ve already put a box of Mr. Condom in my room. Make sure you prioritize safety!”

“I know that... Wait? When did you put something like that in my room?!”

“That’s not important. Next is the second point, I’ll start from the Forty-Eight Techniques of Ōedo...”

And so, on the way to the A/V room, through her mother’s careful guidance, Yuigahama gradually stepped onto the staircase of maturity.

...Ahem, in theory.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

“Phew~ It’s been a long time since I watched a movie this funny.”

Exiting the dark A/V room, Sora wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes. Her face still held a smile she hadn’t had time to hide. She was limp from laughing. She couldn’t even walk straight, hugging Yuu’s arm.

“Originally I thought seeing my own big brother act would be very awkward, but it turned out to be twice as funny...”

The corner of Yuu’s mouth twitched slightly, his laugh a bit strained.

“Hearing your evaluation, I really don’t know whether to be happy or sad...”

“Just be happy!” Sora patted his shoulder, trying to hold back laughter, saying with a serious face, “If this gets recorded onto a BD, I’m willing to buy three copies to collect at home!”

Then, seeing his slightly helpless face, and remembering the various famous scenes from the film earlier, she couldn’t hold back a small laugh, lowering her head and giggling.

“Hehe, well then, thank you for your support...”

Being teased by his little sister for his acting, although from an actor’s perspective he should be proud, and from a big brother’s perspective he should be happy for his sister’s smile.

But from Yuu’s own perspective, a strange sense of embarrassment filled his heart, making him almost instantly make a decision—after the Culture Festival ends, he must delete all the original files!

He would use the hacker skills he possessed, at a physical level, to bury this film in everyone’s memories!

“Anyway, this is a work we made together, it’s natural it’s engaging. But I also hope the audience can understand the deeper things.”

Yukino smiled slightly with pride, her small chest unconsciously puffing out. It seemed she wanted to pass by Yuu and chat more about the film’s content with Sora.

However, her phone suddenly vibrated. She turned off the alarm she had set earlier, sighed softly with a hint of regret, and quickly returned to her strict work demeanor.

Looking at the two of them, she gently brushed aside the long hair on her shoulder, her eyes showing a bit of warmth.

“The time has come, let’s part ways here for now. I have to go to work.”

-

Title: Even a Shut-in Girl Can Bloom

Without any further ado, after saying goodbye, Yukino headed straight for the Executive Committee office alone.

Since this wasn’t a permanent farewell and they could meet again after her work was done, Yuu didn’t say much either; but judging by the last look she gave him before turning away, she seemed somewhat reluctant to just leave like that.

...If they were alone, she might have taken the initiative to do some thrill-seeking things.

(Why is my Yukino so bold? Where did the cold, pure Ice Queen go...)

Although he didn’t dislike this side of Yukino at all, Yuu still couldn’t help but sigh.

“Where should we go next?”

After watching her back recede into the distance, the siblings began discussing their next plan.

Of course, the purpose of participating in the Culture Festival was to try out the various stalls, so the only thing to worry about was where to start—Sora didn’t have any specific place she wanted to visit. After all, wherever they went, they couldn’t avoid the crowds, so she decided to just take a leisurely stroll and enter any stall that looked interesting.

Meanwhile, Yuu did have a few places he planned to visit.

The first was Class 3-A’s fortune-telling stall. He wanted to confirm whether that bait was truly thrown by Kasumigaoka Utaha; if so, what was her goal?

The second was the Game Club. Kouichirou had mentioned during a chat that he borrowed some virtual reality headsets from his underclassmen to set up a stall. He said they were holding some kind of “World’s Greatest Martial Arts Tournament”... Although it was just mentioned in passing, without asking for his help to check it out or anything, as a beta tester, after Yuu learned about this, he planned to drop by and see the commotion with his little sister.

The third was Iroha and Kanade’s class. Purely just to support the cute underclassmen. Since they were running a café, it could serve as a resting spot when Sora got tired from walking.

“The fortune-telling stall is on the third floor, the Game Club is in the Club Building, the first-year classes are on the first floor... We’re on the second floor now, we can’t smoothly visit all of them no matter where we start.”

A map of the campus appeared in his mind. Yuu frowned in confusion.

“Then let’s just start from here. It’s fine if we have to walk a bit more.” Lazily hugging his arm, clinging to him like a koala, Sora narrowed her eyes, looking at the bustling scene at the end of the corridor.

“Anyway, my body is much better now. It should be fine for running a marathon or giving birth... Although I don’t like running.”

Assuming he didn’t hear her last sentence, Yuu raised his hand and cheered with high spirits: “Alright, let’s begin! Sora’s first Culture Festival experience, Let’s Go—!”

Sora raised her hand too: “First school date with Yuu, Let’s Go—!”

However, just as they were about to step forward.

“Ah, perfect timing!”

Yuigahama’s voice stopped them. She was walking quickly, followed by a pretty young woman with a gentle aura, her face showing a peaceful, stable smile, very much giving the impression of a married woman.

“Yuu-kun, Sora-chan... Eh, where’s Yukinon?”

“She went to the Executive Committee, won’t be back for a while.”

Patting Sora’s head as she quickly hid behind him upon seeing a stranger, Yuu nodded towards Mama Yuigahama, showing a gentle, polite smile.

“Ma’am, greetings. Welcome to this year’s Sōbu Culture Festival. I hope you can enjoy a pleasant day here.”

“Too formal, isn’t it?!” Yuigahama couldn’t help but sneer.

“Yes, yes. If treated this coldly, Mom might cry, you know~” Placing a finger at the corner of her eye, Mama Yuigahama pretended to sob, looking at Yuu with wet, pleading eyes.

“At least, at least... at least call me Mama!”

“That’s too familiar?!” After sneering at the two most important people in her life consecutively, Yuigahama immediately felt mentally exhausted.

The corner of Yuu’s mouth twitched slightly, he laughed awkwardly: “Then I’ll just call you Auntie.”

Mama Yuigahama frowned, saying with a serious expression: “Then let’s take a middle ground, call me Onee-san.”

Yuu shrugged: “I don’t mind, after all you look very young, at first glance you really resemble Yui’s older sister... But this would make things awkward for Yui, right?”

Yuigahama came to her senses, hurriedly standing between her mother and boyfriend, saying angrily: “Right, right! How can someone’s boyfriend call her mother ‘Onee-san’! All the family relationships would get messed up, you know!”

“Ah, that’s true...” Mama Yuigahama sighed, lowering her brows as if giving up, and said a bit annoyed, “Fine, as long as you don’t call me an old granny, you can call me whatever.”

“Okay.”

Yuu felt relieved—dealing with such a childish-minded adult was very difficult when trying to keep distance, and he also had to be careful not to be led by the rhythm of her conversation.

After all, people like this most enjoy seeing the embarrassed reactions of young people after being teased.

“Then, Mama Yuigahama, will you be joining us?”

“If you don’t mind this old auntie, please accompany her for a walk around the school~”

Once she became serious again, Mama Yuigahama smiled gently. Her gaze fell on the silver-haired girl behind Yuu.

“Is this your little sister?”

“Yes, her name is Kasugano Sora.”

Knowing Sora was shy, Yuu only gave a brief introduction and didn’t force her to come out and greet.

Supporting her knees with her hands, Mama Yuigahama bent down, looking at Sora at eye level, smiling kindly: “Your hair is so beautiful, really cute like a doll!”

“...”

Sora reflexively lowered her head, looking at her shoes and their shadow, silent for a moment.

...She didn’t know how long it had been since she last spoke with an adult other than doctors and nurses.

Although she wanted to ignore the kindness offered by the other party, and avoid contact with strangers by using her brother as a shield, before her retreating step could fully materialize, Sora suddenly remembered the incident that morning.

She couldn’t keep hiding under Yuu’s protection, becoming a shut-in girl who belonged only to him, comfortably.

Whether it was because she was shy, afraid to touch the outside world, or scared her brother would abandon her like the other family members—if she was always this weak and useless, when her brother fell, who would become his support?

Dango? Yukinoshita? Or that unclear ex-girlfriend?

...No, only herself.

Her trembling heart slowly strengthened. Sora clenched the hem of Yuu’s clothes, then slowly released it, and step by step came out from behind him.

Taking a deep breath, she puffed out her chest, stubbornly raising her head.

Her calves trembled slightly, but she acted as if she didn’t notice. She just slowly directed her gaze straight towards the figure in front of her, clearly looking into her eyes.

As if deciding to start facing the things she had been avoiding all along.

Sora had never forgotten that feeling.

Since losing her parents at age twelve, it was Yuu who protected her from wind and rain, sacrificed his youth for her, gave her this life without complaint.

Yuu had done everything an older brother should do—strong, confident, stable, gentle, firm, never defeated by difficulties, almost omnipotent.

Like a sun that never sets, that eternal night hadn’t yet enveloped his head, it was already driven away by his light.

Every time Yuu returned from his part-time job, Sora could always see a happy, satisfied smile on her brother’s face—that almost became her reason for existence, the reason she kept living after losing all her family.

So...

Because he stood in front, Sora could now stand calmly under the sunlight.

Because he supported from behind, Sora could now be amidst the crowds as if nothing was wrong.

So now, it was her turn.

“Thank you for the compliment... I-I’m Sora, Yuu’s little sister!”

Standing in front of Yuu, Sora tried hard to keep her expression calm, and suddenly bowed formally.

It seemed a bit excessive, her silver hair fell messily over her face, looking slightly panicked.

She tightly held the skirt at her knees, grateful she didn’t bite her tongue, then slowly straightened up. She tried hard to calm her nerves, speaking stiffly as if reading from a script:

“Although I don’t know if Yuu will really marry Dango... Yui-san in the future, but, I ask for your guidance, Mama Yuigahama.”

After finishing, Sora slowly exhaled, secretly clenching her sweaty palms.

Her heart was pounding, her breath felt tight, but at a surprising speed, it quickly subsided. Then, something called courage and confidence began to emerge.

She couldn’t help but smile. While tidying her messy hair, she whispered softly in a voice no one heard:

“...I did it.”

This was the first step, the first step officially taken into the outside world.

Even though it was a very small step, inconspicuous, something anyone could do.

But from this moment on, the lazy little sister who refused to leave the house, always hiding under the blanket waiting for her brother to return, had completely disappeared from this world.

Because she decided to become Yuu’s strength.

Because she decided to become a reliable support for her brother anytime.

She would start stepping out of the house now, standing by his side to face all difficulties together with him, instead of just giving useless comfort and concern after her brother was badly hurt.

She would prove this, with all the time she had left.

Sora was absolutely not a burden to Yuu!

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

“Hm? Yuu-kun, are you crying?”

“Crying? I’m not crying! It’s just soul sweat unconsciously coming out.”

“What kind of cliché Shōwa-era excuse is that...”

“Yuu is always like that, always moved by unclear things...”

“Although I don’t know what happened, I truly feel a deep bond between you two.” Mama Yuigahama looked at the two people in front of her with a gentle gaze, suddenly reached out her hand, and gently stroked the top of Sora’s head.

Although Sora flinched slightly, she didn’t refuse.

Suppressing the urge to hug and caress the silver-haired girl in her embrace, she withdrew her hand, and couldn’t help but say emotionally: “Oh dear, I suddenly want a second child...”

Yuigahama narrowed her eyes wordlessly: “Mom, I’m already seventeen, and only now you say that...”

“Just kidding, your father might not have that much energy either.” Mama Yuigahama waved her hand casually, propping her smooth cheek with her palm, her eyes observing Sora who naturally hugged Yuu’s arm.

“Sora-chan, may I call you that?”

“Yes, it’s fine.”

Her flat response made Yuu involuntarily look up at the sky, as if wanting to declare to the whole world that his little sister had fully matured.

Luckily he still restrained himself.

“Then, Sora-chan, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you.” Mama Yuigahama put on a very serious expression, her eyes shining with strong intensity.

“Someday, if Yuu-kun and Yui get married, would you call me Mama?”

“Uh...” Sora instantly showed a strange expression.

Initially, she wanted to refuse outright, but looking at Yuu, and looking at Yuigahama whose face was red with embarrassment, she hesitated for a moment, then finally turned her face away, mumbling indistinctly:

“I’ll consider it, let’s see later...”

“Of course, I’m not forcing you.” Mama Yuigahama smiled contentedly, then turned to face her daughter, her expression instantly changing, “Then why are you still dawdling? Hurry up and set a wedding date, I’ll pay for it! Do you want to wait until I move the civil registry office right in front of you?!”

“That’s why you’re too rushed, Mom!!!” Complaining loudly because she couldn’t take it, Yuigahama puffed out her reddened cheeks, quickly walked to Yuu’s side, and forcibly grabbed his other hand.

“Yuu-kun, Sora-chan, let’s just ignore this troublesome old granny! Let’s go on our own!”

“Wait!” Mama Yuigahama hurriedly surrendered and changed the subject, easing her daughter’s embarrassment and anger with humor, “Alright, alright, I won’t bring it up again. Do you have any specific places you want to visit? I saw many interesting stalls along the way, it feels like a waste not to try them all.”

“Exactly, we also planned to visit all the stalls starting from here.”

Yuu smiled apologetically at Mama Yuigahama, holding the hands of his little sister and girlfriend, turning towards the bustling scene at the end of the corridor.

He said with high spirits: “Today, it’s my treat! Whatever you want to eat, whatever you want to play, leave it all to me!”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

The black car drove slowly onto the campus. Since the parking lot was full, the Yukinoshita mother and daughter got off at the plaza in front of the school gate.

“Find a place to rest around here yourself. I’ll call you when we’re ready to go home.” After giving instructions to the driver, Saori turned to Haruno, “Then, will you call Yukino?”

“Hehe, I want to surprise them~” Flicking away the car exhaust smell from the tip of her nose, Haruno smiled mischievously, “No need to call in a hurry. Let’s first check the places they’re supposed to be!”

“You always have such bad taste in humor...” Saori sighed helplessly. She opened her fan and fanned twice, saying casually, “Don’t go overboard with your playing. If we can’t find them, it’s fine if we just watch that film first.”

“I know, follow me.”

With a cheerful smile, Haruno led her mother towards the Special Building.

About five minutes later, they stood in the quiet, cold corridor, looking at the dark, locked classroom door, falling silent for a moment.

“Turns out no one’s in the clubroom... Damn, don’t tell me they all went on a date!”

Haruno couldn’t help but click her tongue, stomping her foot slightly in annoyance.

Saori glanced at her lightly, covering her mouth with her fan. Her elegant, graceful face showed no signs of surprise.

“The Culture Festival just started. It’s natural for Yukino to want to go on a date and be affectionate with her boyfriend right away—I’m actually surprised, how could you be so sure they’d still be in the clubroom at this time?”

“No reason, just a miscalculation by chance.” Haruno frowned and thought for a moment, considering Yuu’s patterns of action and Yukino’s behavioral logic. Suddenly an idea came to her mind, and she said with full confidence:

“After class matters are temporarily settled, they should have gone to the A/V room now, preparing to watch the film they made themselves!”

“Really?” Saori raised a suspicious eyebrow, “How can you be sure?”

“I can’t be sure, but I think he... they would do that! Anyway, let’s go and see. As Mother said earlier, if they’re not there, at least we can achieve one of our goals, no loss.”

Saying this, Haruno had already turned around and prepared to go down, heading towards the school building.

Saori shook her head behind her. The sigh behind her fan spread in the cold air.

“When you could just call Yukino, this child really...”

Then she raised her voice in annoyance:

“Haruno, walk slower! I’m wearing geta, I can’t walk fast!”

-

Title: The Mother-in-law’s Test and Worries

Although she was a married woman, Mama Yuigahama not only looked young but also had a cheerful personality like a blooming teenage girl. She didn’t put on any airs of being an adult when interacting, acting like a gentle, cheerful older sister, blending seamlessly among the three of them without any awkwardness.

Sora, who was initially a bit stiff, unconsciously let down her guard and began calmly enjoying the Culture Festival by Yuu’s side.

All the classes on the second floor were second-year classes. Except for Class J, which was separate, the stalls of six classes combined, decorating the entire corridor to resemble a festival. The crowd was packed from end to end, enthusiastic shouts and laughter almost flying out of the corridor, making the entire clear winter sky feel lively too.

Class 2-A’s stall was a shooting gallery, but due to regulations controlling dangerous objects, they weren’t even allowed to use the weakest rubber band guns, so they changed the tool for shooting bullets to...

A slingshot.

To be honest, a slingshot is more dangerous than a rubber band gun. A skilled person could even pierce the flag of the World Government!

Although grumbling inwardly, to avoid causing trouble for the other students, Yuu didn’t join in playing. He just watched the other three laugh and shoot at the objects on the shelf.

Sora was aiming for a small cat plushie. Its gray fur somewhat resembled Yukino’s, but unfortunately, it wasn’t as aloof. Even after being hit several times, it didn’t fall. Probably due to lack of strength.

Yuigahama was aiming for a pink alarm clock. However, much like her mother beside her, the rubber balls shot from the slingshot not only missed the target but rarely even reached the shelf.

Either her aim was off, or her strength was too little. One shot she released angrily with all her might almost hit a Class A student in the face and nearly got them kicked out.

“Why is it so hard...” Yuigahama’s arm was sore from pulling the slingshot. She slumped her shoulders with a frustrated face. After a hundred tries without hitting anything, she decided to give up.

After all, the prizes on the shelf weren’t that appealing either. The experience at stalls like this was just for fun; you didn’t necessarily have to hit the target!

After comforting herself, she glanced at her mother beside her—even though she hadn’t hit anything either, this housewife in her thirties was actually having fun, enjoying the sensation of randomly shooting the slingshot.

Her face showed a mischievous smile like a child’s, and she would make sounds like “Hey!” or “Ha!” along with her movements. The contrast with her age made many male students nearby turn to look... Although they might not be looking at her face, but at her full, trembling curves every time she shot.

Yuigahama sighed silently, then forced her mother to put back on the coat she had taken off for easier movement, successfully receiving many regretful and annoyed glances.

(Tch, who cares about you all!)

(On the contrary, Yuu-kun didn’t glance at my mom at all from start to finish, completely indifferent to how alluring a mature woman’s body can be. He really is the most gentlemanly man in the whole world!)

As her gaze shifted to Yuu, Yuigahama noticed Sora’s movements.

Although covered by a long-sleeved dress, it wasn’t hard to see her slender white arm slowly being pulled back. Her fingers pinched the rubber ball and the slingshot’s rubber band. The skin on the back of her hand was taut, revealing the pale blue veins underneath. Her small body was clearly using all its strength, yet remained incredibly stable.

“Don’t underestimate... a professional gamer!”

Closing her right eye tightly, Sora aimed at the cat plushie in front of her, letting out a soft exclamation.

*THWACK!*

The soft fingertip suddenly released the ball. Following the sound of rubber hitting the air, the shadow of the blue ball shot out from the slingshot. In the blink of an eye, it crossed the distance of several meters and accurately hit the cat plushie’s forehead.

The plushie wobbled, swaying left and right twice... Finally, the cat plushie fell on the shelf, lying on its back as if surrendering to her.

Sora slowly lowered the slingshot, closed her eyes, and exhaled, sneering in disgust.

“Tch, wasting so much of my energy, you still had to fall... Although without the medicine Yuu gave me, I probably couldn’t have done this.”

Her final mutter was completely drowned out by the sudden applause echoing around her.

“Huh? What’s going on?”

Snapping out of her focused state, Sora looked around in confusion. Before she could react, the upper half of her body fell into a warm, soft embrace.

She felt her head being stroked, and heard Yuigahama’s enthusiastic cheer:

“That was amazing, Sora-chan! How did you do it? Is there a trick? You’re a real sharpshooter!”

“No, it’s just like playing shooting games. As long as the physical condition is met, just practice a few times...”

Sora blinked in confusion, answering a bit dazedly, then suddenly realized something.

She hurriedly broke free from that sinful embrace, quickly hiding behind Yuu. She looked at the big-chested monster who dared to hug her with wariness and suspicion, like a startled stray cat that no longer trusted humans, her whole body bristling.

“I’m Yuu’s little sister, of course I’m amazing... But that doesn’t mean you can hug me randomly and use those indecent things to squeeze my face!”

“Eh? Is there any logical connection between those two...” Yuigahama pouted with an innocent face, her hands still in a hugging position.

Mama Yuigahama also put down the slingshot. She clapped along with the surrounding spectators who witnessed the scene of the small girl coolly shooting down the cat plushie, smiling slightly with an emotional tone: “It’s true, when you’re old, playing games like this isn’t as good as you young people. I shot more than ten times and didn’t hit a single one.”

Yuigahama turned around discontentedly: “Mom, I’m young too!”

“You’re the clumsiest one~”

Mama Yuigahama walked casually past her daughter, completely ignoring her annoyed expression. She stood in front of Yuu, looking at him with a smile. Her large, gentle eyes blinked, her tone full of a forced youthful style.

“Well, well, well, there’s something I want, can you help me shoot it down?”

Her body leaned forward slightly, the most prominent part almost touching his body.

Yuigahama slowly turned her head, looking at her mother in disbelief—how dare she act coy so openly in front of her daughter’s boyfriend! This is too shameless!

(Even if he’s your future son-in-law, you shouldn’t be that close to him! You’re not one of those broad-minded, plump aunties!)

“Of course, which one do you want?”

Before she could rush over again to stand between them, Yuu took the slingshot from Mama Yuigahama’s hand, then stood behind Yuigahama, saying with a smile: “I’ll shoot it together with Yui.”

“...Eh? M-me?”

Only after her hand was held did Yuigahama snap out of her surprise.

Smelling the scent getting closer, their skin also pressed tightly together. She couldn’t help but blush in panic, her whole body stiff, not knowing what to do. Her brain slowly boiled under the gaze of others, completely unable to calm down from this sudden change in situation.

“W-wait a second, Yuu-kun, you can shoot by yourself, why do it with me?”

Holding her soft, small hand, forcibly slipping the slingshot into her smooth, warm palm, Yuu whispered in her ear:

“Shooting alone is too boring. Since I saw you’re not skilled yet, I’ll teach you how to shoot hands-on. Is there a problem? Or do you not like it?”

“No... Not that I don’t like it...”

Even if Yuigahama were as foolish as possible, her brain as bad as possible, her instincts would prevent her from saying nonsense like, “Then why don’t you teach my mom hands-on, wouldn’t that be faster?”

Her weak voice, like a mosquito’s, slowly melted into hot breath. Yuigahama couldn’t help but relax her body, leaning back into his embrace. However, her upper body was forced upright, and she tried to keep her expression serious and dignified, so as not to become a laughingstock for the other students.

This wasn’t their first intimate contact. Just being hugged from behind like in Titanic, she wasn’t a girl who gave in so easily!

“Come on, I’m ready!”

“Good, though I don’t understand why you’re making an expression like you’re going to war.” Yuu shook his head in amusement. He picked up a rubber ball, looped it onto the rubber band, pinched her fingers, and slowly pulled it back.

“Ma’am, you haven’t said which prize you want.”

“The hair tie over there.” Mama Yuigahama pointed, and took the opportunity to complain in a volume the stall attendant couldn’t hear, “To be honest, that thing is completely impossible to shoot down. There’s nothing supporting it standing up; it’s just placed on the shelf. It feels like it’s just there to make up the numbers...”

“Normally, you wouldn’t shoot something like that either...” Sora muttered mockingly, at the same time standing behind the two of them, her eyes fixed on the small gap below them, as if preventing something from happening.

Meanwhile, Yuu, who had maintained gentlemanly distance from start to finish, of course couldn’t be bothered to pay attention to his little sister’s sharp, wary gaze. He aimed the slingshot at the hair tie protruding two centimeters on the shelf. His face showed a bit of contemplation.

“Ma’am wants the hair tie... Yui wants that pink alarm clock. Then, it requires this angle and strength...”

Hearing his mutter, Yuigahama couldn’t help but turn her head, saying in surprise: “Yuu-kun, don’t tell me you want to—“

“Remember this sensation... Although it might be useless.”

Amidst his soft laughter, the slingshot suddenly lifted slightly, then the rubber band was suddenly released. With a strange force, the shadow of the orange ball shot out.

“Missed?” An exclamation suddenly sounded.

However, the seemingly off-target rubber ball spun, hitting the shelf’s support pole, then a wooden board, a screw... After a series of miraculous bounces invisible to the eye, the rubber ball, having lost its kinetic energy, slowly stopped, rolling to the ground.

Along with the ball falling, there was also one hair tie, and one alarm clock.

Of course, many items on the shelf also became pivot points for the rubber ball. Some fell, overturned, tilted, as if a mischievous child had messed up the carefully arranged stall, looking chaotic.

Yuu didn’t care too much. After putting down the slingshot and his girlfriend’s soft hand, he turned and smiled apologetically at the stunned Class A student: “We’ll just take this hair tie and alarm clock. We bought so many balls; just taking these two shouldn’t trouble you.”

To be honest, even if he had the ability to shoot down all the items on the shelf, he didn’t want to show off coolly, ultimately ruining others’ business experience.

The Culture Festival should be fun for everyone. If it weren’t for his future mother-in-law’s request and because he was too lazy to shoot twice, Yuu wouldn’t have done such a conspicuous thing.

Even if he did it, he had to know how to restrain himself and be humble, to avoid attracting unnecessary enemies and negative feelings.

Taking the two prizes from the slightly trembling hands of the Class A student, Yuu first gave the alarm clock to Yuigahama, then handed the hair tie to Mama Yuigahama.

“Did this pass the test?”

He let out a light sigh, his smile showing a resigned expression like humoring an adult’s joke.

“Oh dear, you saw through it, huh?”

Blinking her eyes a bit mischievously, Mama Yuigahama accepted the hair tie and secretly gave him a thumbs up.

Her gentle eyes, narrowed like crescent moons, showed indescribable satisfaction and joy.

“Of course! From top to bottom, from outside to inside, aside from one shortcoming, you’ve satisfied me to the point I’m speechless.”

Yuu couldn’t help but ask: “What shortcoming?”

Mama Yuigahama puffed out her chest emphatically, saying with a reasonable tone: “Haven’t made Yui change her surname to Tenkuji yet!”

“...”

Yuu fell silent, speechless. He instinctively rubbed the bridge of his nose: “It’ll happen sooner or later, don’t be too impatient.”

“What can I do? After all, the better a man is, the easier it is for him to attract even better girls.”

Mama Yuigahama shook her head. She glanced at Yuigahama with a gentle, affectionate look, then shifted her gaze back to him.

She curved the corners of her lips with resignation. She let her voice fall softly in the air between them.

“I know better than anyone what my own daughter’s worth is... Maybe I’m worrying too much, but someday, if a girl with a higher value than her appears and is also interested in you, she—“

“In this matter, you are indeed worrying too much.”

After understanding what she wanted to say, Yuu had no intention of letting her finish.

He interrupted Mama Yuigahama’s words without permission. Under her puzzled gaze, Yuu turned around, walked towards Yuigahama, naturally took her hand, then gripped it tightly, their fingers interlocking.

Just one sentence, undeniable, pierced Mama Yuigahama’s eardrums, leaving a deep mark hard to erase—

“No matter how many high-value girls appear, Yuigahama Yui will always be of perfect value in my heart, and no one can replace her position!”

“...”

She fell silent, watching his broad, upright back and the way he stood together with her daughter.

Mama Yuigahama put the hair tie on her wrist. With her palm supporting her smooth, firm cheek, she lowered her brows, suddenly letting out a sigh full of worry.

“Oh dear, Husband...”

She muttered: “Is our daughter, who has no merits besides her breast, really worthy of such an outstanding young man...”