Very lively sounds came from outside the window.
There was the characteristic melody of folk dancing, and the cheerful laughter of people. The smell of charcoal from the bonfire seemed carried by the cool night breeze into the Service Club room, warmed by the heater.
The lamp light chased away the chill of the night, and soft classical music flowed from the wireless speaker in the corner wall.
Like a family gathering, the four in the Service Club sat around the long table, eating takeout, chatting about unimportant small things.
In this warm atmosphere, everyone unconsciously relaxed body and mind, naturally smiling at each other, not even noticing the night growing late.
Only after dirty plates and glasses scattered, and the outside window no longer so lively, did they start clearing empty bowls and utensils. All trash bagged and placed outside, tidying the Service Club back to original, spotless.
When work nearly done, they exchanged glances, atmosphere inexplicably silent.
"...Alright, let's start the club meeting."
Without much hesitation, Yuu stood, breaking the half-frozen mood. He walked to the whiteboard before his two girlfriends and one sister, turning to face them.
"Two points to discuss today. First: Kasumigaoka-senpai. Second: Yuuki Asuna... Any opinions?"
Though his writing posture upright, the whiteboard marker's sound still grating, making one frown.
Yuu quickly wrote the two names on the board, ensuring both girls dropped smiles, frowned, looking serious.
Of course no opinions.
After all, the so-called club meeting was actually Yuu's confession time. The only one with opinions would be himself.
Though very unwilling to hear, as long as related to him and allowing better understanding, the two seated girls were willing to listen carefully.
Sora playing phone in the corner had no intent to interrupt. Eyes on screen, but ears missing no word from there.
"First—Kasumigaoka-senpai..."
Tracked by him at the station in July, disappeared after avoiding, carefully evaded on stairs, found third-year booth pamphlet in small forest, suddenly appeared in virtual research club, acting strange...
No worry of others hearing—this time Yuu explained in great detail, detailing every discovery, feelings then—all laid out to them.
Even Yukino, knowing ninety percent, listened attentively, occasionally showing unbelievable surprise—though far calmer than Yuigahama, prone to overreact and exclaim randomly.
"Didn't expect involvement with Kasumigaoka-senpai..."
After finishing one part, Yuigahama said with some emotion.
"Yeah—don't know why either. I haven't even spoken a word to her." Yuu spread hands innocently, immediately declaring innocence. "Now or before—never even seen her directly. Basically a stranger... No idea her motive."
Yukino's lie detector nodded responsibly, showing Yuu not lying.
"Well—then when Senpai returns to school, let's ask together."
Yuigahama quickly relieved, no longer dwelling, even expanding thoughts: "Think positive—maybe Senpai's a future time traveler, deliberately blacking out the club building to save you from coming danger! Reason for leaving without word maybe like Yuu-kun—silenced by mysterious entity?"
Yukino held forehead, unable to resist sarcasm: "Yui—that's not thinking positive? Clearly guessing most unlikely... In reality—how could such absurdity happen..."
She seemed to recall something. The more she spoke, less confident. Unconsciously bit lip, directing pleading gaze to Yuu.
"...Though can't guarantee—think it won't be that serious. For now—consider her a perverted stalker."
As one directly experiencing supernatural, Yuu cleared throat twice awkwardly, then sincerely promised: "Anyway—my attitude to Senpai won't change. If no more to know—naturally won't approach again."
Facing his pure sincerity, Yuigahama surprised momentarily, then suddenly pretended fear, pulling shoulders, hugging Yukino's arm tightly.
"Discarded after value squeezed dry?! Yuu-kun's cruel..."
"Yeah, yeah—I'm cruel. Only passionate to you two—okay." Yuu answered annoyed, but Yuigahama seemed more scared, hiding whole head in Yukino's chest.
"Yukino—see—he's not just cruel—but teasing me!"
Gently patting her head, Yukino asked confused: "Teasing? Didn't hear?"
"Means passionate only to us! Men's passion—refers to that..."
Yuigahama lifted head, whispering softly in Yukino's pink ear, rubbing cheek, honestly conveying feelings:
"Looks flat—but actually very soft—and fragrant."
"...Thanks for the compliment."
Yukino's mouth corner twitched slightly. She looked down glaring at Yuigahama leaning on her chest. Face flushed—angry or embarrassed. Quickly back to flat expression, pushing her aside disgustedly.
"Tenkiji-kun—ignore her—continue."
As if too lazy for Yuigahama, Yukino averted gaze to him.
Yuu nodded: "Kasumigaoka-senpai issue roughly that. Next—Yuuki-san."
Or—this is what he should say.
"Didn't I say before—Haruno first, Masuzu third, Yukino fourth?"
"Who second—I think no need to specify."
Yukino & Yui: "😐"
Both silently stared. Eyes complicated—no more room for joking.
Yuu tested system forbidden limits, finally composing words, slowly explaining: "Maybe from school start to autumn exhibition. Less than a month—mostly met in game... On Kyoto return trip—didn't she voluntarily find me saying strange things? Should be influenced by lost past memories. Today's Sobu visit maybe also to find me—proof when we fought in arena..."
He spoke not too fast—but organized, concise, calm attitude like narrating others' affairs. In minutes—all disclosable info done—leaving two faces yet to recover from shock.
Sighing softly, Yuu lifted eyes, carefully observing both reactions.
"That's all—no one else. No need worry sudden ex-girlfriend memory recovery seeking me—besides Yukino—only dated three—and you know who. That simple."
Saying this—he raised both hands—ready for punishment pose: "Though uncontrollable circumstances—overall my caused problem—willing accept punishment from girlfriends."
Both girlfriends exchanged glances—as if unsure what to say.
Yuu understood inwardly—most women would feel very uncomfortable hearing boyfriend discuss exes. Overly caring ones easily sad—start suspecting if he wants to rekindle old flames.
Though reason clear—no comparing or regret—never underestimate girl's mind sensitivity.
So—admit fault early to silence—let slowly subside from speechlessness—good for both sides.
"...Though mentally prepared—but actually hearing Yuu-kun dated Yuuki-san—still a bit shocked."
Soon—Yuigahama suddenly bitter laughed. Fingers gently twisting two dango on head—voice softer at night.
"Though she remembers nothing—but since Kyoto—Yuuki-san realized something wrong—tried hard to 'find you again'? ...Seems—your relationship then really good."
"...That's also past." Slowly lowering hands—Yuu said flatly.
Seeing him thus—Yukino suddenly said: "Though past—though all happened erased from this world... to you with memories—that's everything truly existed—right? Not ignorable important experience with casual words—right?"
"Ah? That..." Yuu surprised. Thought Yukino would ask why so popular—immediately about to explain.
But in her blue-green eyes—sparkling serious gaze silenced him.
"Even now—even me—will you also just say 'just past' in future?"
"..."
Of course not.
But if Yuu answered so—would contradict his earlier indifference.
Because Yukino not special. Before her—three girls did similar—and loved by him almost same way.
Honestly saying what he'd do in past—he'd do now—too hurtful. But lying—Yukino would know immediately.
Service Club shrouded in silence again.
No one spoke—just silently staring—trying convey hearts from eyes to depths.
Unknown how long passed—this time Yuigahama broke silence.
With usual cheerful tone—she directly interrupted the two wordlessly staring.
"Fine—fine. Anyway Yuuki-san not here—issue ends here! Better think what we can do now~"
"What can do now?" Slowly retracting gaze—Yukino rubbed stinging eyes from glaring—asking confused at Yuigahama seemingly truly uncaring about his and Asuna's past.
"Now—we can only throw trash—then go home safely. Where else you wanna go?"
"Tch—Tch—Tch!" Yuigahama half-closed eyes—wagging finger with 'I'm world's greatest' expression—saying dramatically: "Yukino—you still don't get. Isn't outside bonfire already out?"
"Indeed out..." No hope for what she'd say—Yukino narrowed eyes despairingly.
As expected—Yuigahama suddenly clenched fist—exclaiming enthusiastically: "But fire in our hearts not out! We can bonfire dance anytime—and cuddle with Yuu-kun anytime. That's a girl in love. Right—Yuu-kun?"
"Of course!" Receiving redirected gaze—Yuu immediately supported: "Then—let's dance here to satisfaction before going home. Music on phone—and bonfire simulate with video or GIF."
"..."
Yukino looked back and forth several times—finally dropping head surrendering—scratching wrinkled forehead—sighing softly.
"Up to you."
Thus—both quickly prepared small bonfire party needs.
First—most important bonfire—handled by Yuu's phone as main site. Even activated airplane mode—preventing bonfire extinguishing or external interference.
Next—music—handled by Yuigahama's phone. Source from YouTube—set to loop repeatedly.
As for stage to place bonfire—Yuu pulled table from back storage. Initially wanted more for luxury—but coldly glared by Yukino—warning not to trouble the one cleaning after.
Thus—one classroom table placed in Service Club center. On it—one phone—with bright burning bonfire image inside. Faintly still heard outside bustle.
Whatever. Though simple—at least some atmosphere—and dancing around it good enough.
Thus—all ready under Sora's strange gaze.
"Such a fuss..." She pursed lips—looking down continuing phone.
For some reason—Sora not rushing home to rest. Rather found it interesting to stay observing their interactions.
Far better than cold empty home without trace human warmth when brother absent.
Though used to it—she'd never like that feeling.
"Hmm... Originally planned partner-swapping folk dance—but with just three—seems quick boring if keep swapping."
Yuigahama pondered seconds—suddenly clapping—proposing: "Decided—temporary plan change!"
"Yukino dance with me first. After we finish—Yuu-kun dance with both of us at once. That way—everyone enjoys!"
Saying this—she showed bright smile like 'how—I'm smart right'.
Yuu hadn't thought hard—reflexively asked: "You two dance first? Then during that time—what do I do?"
"Dance with air." Yuigahama said naturally.
Yuu: "..."