So close—her voice and gaze so soft that one wanted to sink into them, surrendering thoughts amid that warmth.
Yet when his chest tightened, Yukino suddenly dared not meet his eyes. She only bit her lip slightly and averted her gaze.
"…When did you find out?"
Unconsciously, she pulled her scarf up as a cover. The muffled question was more a way to change the topic than genuine curiosity.
After all, long before deciding to do this, she knew she couldn't hide it from him for long—the man loved by Yukinoshita Yukino wasn't a fool. On the contrary, his observation and logical reasoning far surpassed hers. He could often see small details and grasp the big picture.
Moreover, just as she understood Yuu, he understood Yukino.
Lies and thoughts meant almost nothing between them.
So something this obvious—it was impossible Yuu hadn't noticed. The difference was only a matter of time.
Even so, it was far quicker than Yukino estimated, leaving her no time to mentally prepare. It was like a boy secretly peeking at his crush's underwear, only for her to suddenly shout it out before the entire class. Embarrassment completely overwhelmed her surprise. She dared not lift her head to face his gaze.
"I started noticing during our lunchtime conversation. After finishing shopping at the supermarket and seeing Yui hadn't contacted me, I was almost certain."
Shifting the shopping bags to his other hand, Yuu stroked her petite head. Looking at her beautiful side profile trying hard to stay calm, he smiled and said:
"We're a couple, you know. You went through all that trouble just to spend Christmas Eve with me—aren't you too embarrassed?"
"…That has nothing to do with embarrassment. A girl with even a little shame wouldn't say words like that."
Sighing resignedly, Yukino brushed his hand from her head. She flatly averted her gaze: "Besides, after I'm honest with you—how will you face Sora-chan?"
"Ah…"
Yuu couldn't help but be startled. He indeed hadn't thought this through carefully.
His own girlfriend naturally knew he hated lying and was extremely honest with his little sister.
As long as Sora asked—and it wasn't something too important that truly couldn't be said—Yuu would choose to tell the truth—
Just like this morning's breakfast conversation. If Yukino had messaged earlier that she wanted to spend Christmas Eve with him, the moment he was asked where he was going and what he'd do with whom, he'd tell her directly without lying or making excuses.
First, it was habitual honesty toward his sister. Second, it was also care and respect for his girlfriend.
Even to date his girlfriend, she had to hide it. That was unavoidable outside—but at home, before his only family, Yuu didn't want Yukino to keep feeling unfairly treated.
It didn't matter if others said he worried too much. After all, all his girlfriends knew he was a troublesome and contradictory boyfriend.
…Of course, Yuu could easily imagine what would happen if Sora knew he was spending the night alone with his girlfriend.
The suffering he endured this morning might only count as an appetizer.
Though not impossible to handle, it would definitely require far more effort than now to calm his sister trying to be the third wheel.
Thinking this through, he could understand Yukino's good intentions.
She wasn't just covering her embarrassment—she also considered his personality and situation. That's why she deliberately used the lie he hated most and was worst at—to kidnap him out and spend the night without worries…
Fully realizing this, Yuu couldn't help observing the black-haired girl beside him again.
As if his gaze had temperature, behind her small white ear slowly emerged a tempting red flush. Yukino's calm controlled expression began to waver.
Before Yukino could say anything, Yuu suddenly took a deep breath. His expression changed.
"Yukino—you even thought this far for me… You're amazing!"
His eyes glistened with emotion. His voice trembled slightly from feelings. Yuu looked about to hug her on the street. He spread his arms and approached.
"Hah? What are you…"
As if a stranger rushed up and said incomprehensible things in Japanese with strangely enthusiastic attitude.
Yukino looked shocked, watching him approach affectionately.
Then she unconsciously stepped back half a step.
Feeling still unsafe, she retreated two more steps. After keeping distance, Yukino pressed her furrowed forehead. She glared angrily and said:
"Your acting is too over-the-top. I didn't do anything that amazing either. Hurry and return to normal."
"Yukino—Yukinoku." Yuu ignored her. He stepped forward, held her hand—giving no time to escape.
He kept staring into her beautiful azure eyes—as if wanting to convey all his feelings through them.
"To me—your care is greater than the apple that hit Newton's head! How can I prove my feelings to you…"
"Enough—that's it."
Resisting the urge to brush his hand away, Yukino strongly pursed her soft lips. She seemed to want to tighten her face and warn him coldly. But gazing at him—she still couldn't hold back laughter.
"I know you want to lighten the mood a bit—but forget those disgusting love lines… If it happens again—I'll seal your mouth with duct tape."
Though her smile was friendly—her tone seriously radiated danger.
"Cough cough—forget games like that."
Yuu hurriedly stopped his flirtatious act. He released her small hand and said seriously: "Compared to love words—you prefer real actions. Rest assured—I'll talk less and act more in the future."
"Good… Wait—no, it's not that I won't let you say it. Just don't make it forced and exaggerated. Be more natural… Tch—forget it!"
Not knowing what confused her, Yukino sighed resignedly after momentary annoyance.
"Since you already noticed—I'll be honest…"
"Yui indeed won't come. She handed you to me today. Whether the hot pot party or staying at my place—there'll only be us two."
Though she had calmed her emotions with a deep breath before saying it—after the words left—her face still burned red. Her whole body felt hot like falling into a furnace. Her gaze wandered everywhere from embarrassment and panic.
Her white fingers gently twisted the long hair at her chest. Yukino's pretending-to-be-calm appearance was about 3.14 times sweeter than usual.
"So that's really it, huh."
This unexpected yet reasonable fact made Yuu's mood slightly complicated. He scratched his cheek like someone confused.
"Though just a guess—but Yukino…"
He paused. Seeing her drooping eyelashes—expression like awaiting punishment—he also grew serious, asking softly:
"You deliberately did this on Christmas Eve—it's not just wanting romantic time alone with me."
Yuu wasn't a lustful high school boy. Regular dates maybe—but Yukino wouldn't bother making such a lie just to have him stay one night—and even coordinate with Yuigahama beforehand.
Something understandable with careful thought—actually left little room for guessing.
Yuu knew… Or rather—standing before him now—he could somewhat feel it.
Yukino planned to end the task today. She wanted to use this chance to fully complete his request—and then—say goodbye to her status as girlfriend.
Yuu understood her reason—but the problem was—where did Yukino get the rationale and confidence to be so certain she could complete the system's task today?
That was something Yuu couldn't think of or do—and ultimately could only choose to postpone temporarily!
Or even if Yukino failed—it wouldn't matter. After all—a pervert like him wouldn't really touch her. She had no need to fear whatever Six-Hour Sexual thing?
If so—Yuu could only give her a cold sneer—Naive. Such thinking was truly too naive.
Since gaining approval from both parents and starting happy busy days with two girlfriends—he had gradually ignored the system's existence. He focused on enjoying daily life full of flirting and intimacy with his girlfriends.
And things mutually liked by men and women—no matter how perceptive the man—he'd eventually be tempted and reach climax with a compatible partner.
Yuu was naturally no exception. He was ready to devour Yuigahama anytime—only lacking opportunity… As for Yukino—though he knew she'd forget him sooner or later—he mustn't take advantage of her.
But that resolve also unconsciously grew fragile—like Durex's thinnest new product—breaking with one toothpick poke.
If he truly spent Christmas Eve alone with Yukino—Yuu couldn't guarantee he wouldn't toss the system, tasks, ex-girlfriends, everything to the back of his mind. With boiling blood—he'd directly push down the girl making this request—and climb the stairs of adulthood like that.
Because he loved her—when rational—he wanted to use all his strength to protect her. When emotional—he wanted to use all his affection to melt her. When lustful—he wanted to use every means to possess her.
He had said it while doing the last task at the hot spring inn—while making Masuzu practice moaning—before becoming the system host—Yuu was still a man!
Clearly—our sweet little Yukino didn't realize the seriousness of this issue. She thought she had calculated everything—when actually she was just inviting the wolf into the house.
Yuu silently shook his head. He quickly thought of words to say. He prepared to tell her that the chance of completing the task and the risk of losing virginity were completely unequal.
However—before he could utter half a sentence—the girl's all-seeing gaze was already fixed on him. Her eyes like warm water slowly freezing into ice—reflecting a sky gloomier than the clouds above.
"Tenkuji-kun—I hope you don't misunderstand… I acted after knowing all the consequences."
Her melodious voice rang clear and cold. Every word wrapped in undeniable determination.
Yuu fell silent a moment. Then he deliberately countered: "Even if you might fail the task—and end up intimate with me before Yui—you don't care?"
As if already considered—her answer was also without hesitation: "How could I not care? Of course—I'll make you take responsibility for me first—then apologize to Yui… However—I won't write a detailed plan and discuss it with you."
As if thinking of something funny—her serious expression slowly eased. A slight smile appeared at her lip corners.
"Though the progress is indeed a bit fast—but whose fault is our situation so complicated? Acting according to circumstances—and handling issues flexibly—that's also what you taught me through your own actions."
Yuu stared at her in shock. The black-haired girl gently placed her hand on her chest. She softly exhaled with closed eyes—trying to normalize her increasingly rapid heartbeat.
Cold wind blew—her black hair flying wildly around her white reddish smooth cheeks. Only her slim petite body still stood straight—before Yuu without the slightest weakness.
"Since I already know how to end it—if I keep delaying—it'll only make the pain to face in the future grow larger."
Yukino lifted her eyes—and gazed at him.
Her white fingers pulled her scarf down. Her pink lips pressed into a straight line. Though slightly nervous—there was no tremor at all.
"I won't regret—and I won't fear… Because I promised—I'll save everything from you—no matter the cost."
"Most importantly—I love you, Yuu."
If not for love—how could she suppress her healthy worldview and good morals in her heart—and plan all sorts of things from tonight until tomorrow morning?
Pure responsibility alone—couldn't make her sacrifice this much…
Seeing the silent Yuu—Yukino suddenly burst out laughing. She cupped her smooth chin with her palm—and laughed calmly.
"Why—surprised? Is it because I proactively invited you to be intimate—or because I already know how to end your task? No—it should be both."
"…" Since her guess hit the mark—Yuu's expression became slightly weird.
Without waiting for his answer—the curve at the girl's lip corners seemed to add a bit of challenge.
"We've reached the point where a girl says this—won't you be so weak as to turn back and go home now? Or do you want to call Yui? If you really lack confidence—I don't mind if you do?"
The complicated thoughts in his heart hadn't settled—and now mocked like this—Yuu struggled to control the twitch at his lip corners.
"…Provocation won't work. Do I look like such a weak man?"
"Then why did you stop? The apartment's already in sight."
Suppressing the embarrassment and nervousness inside—Yukino elegantly brushed her long hair over her shoulder. She showed a refreshing cool smile.
"Or do you want me to guarantee I won't do anything lewd to you—and will maintain social distance even when alone—spending tonight with the healthy behavior high school students should have?"
"If you're that scared—better cancel this hot pot party? After all—I can't possibly drag you forcibly to my room—and force you to do something you don't want."
Seeing Yuu standing silent—her gaze seemed to mock like that.
However—deep in Yukino's eyes—hid embarrassment and anxiety. The palm holding the shopping bag strap also unconsciously gripped tightly. Her cherry-colored lips were bitten leaving shallow dents.
"…"