Not only jumping from kissing to naked intimacy, Yukino even did things she had never imagined in her seventeen years of life—things far more inappropriate for minors than she had expected.
Yukino thought she would be afraid to face it for a while and embarrassed for some time.
Fortunately, Yuu's still-annoying attitude and his ordinary-to-irritating expression quickly calmed her restless mood. Instead, Yukino slowly forgot the sensual scene where she had just wrestled with him. She began reflecting on various chaotic things.
For example, how the pleasure felt like reaching the cloud peak—if not with hands and lips…
For example, someone's Excalibur—though not hot like embers as written in erotic novels—at least far larger than drawn in textbooks—and indeed strong…
For example, bedroom affairs weren't just normal union between man and woman. According to him, just with both legs—there were over ten ways to please a man…
She who was once called the Encyclopedia—her knowledge in this was nearly zero. Yukino could only dazedly follow everything Yuu wanted—and even briefly lost consciousness. She lay panting on the sofa for a long time—like a broken doll.
Forget a girl's pride—at that moment—she even lost her human dignity.
"Embarrassing…"
Biting her teeth slightly, Yukino whispered with slight hatred—turning her back to Yuu—and wiping her hot cheek with the back of her hand.
She noted this debt—and sooner or later would collect it back.
After all—in Yukino's dictionary—there was never the word "being below" or "willing to submit."
…But not now.
Holding her skirt hem, she sat on the opposite unstained sofa. Yukino tidied her still-damp long hair—and looked out the darkening window.
She murmured: "It's night already…"
"The broth will be ready in half an hour. Just wait." Yuu interrupted at the right time. At the same time—he placed an aromatherapy spray on the table—and stretched his face to the sofa to sniff twice.
(Good—the smell is almost gone…)
Yuu couldn't help breathing a sigh of relief.
He knew his girlfriend loved cleanliness—so while she showered—he worked hard cleaning the remnants on the sofa and carpet without leaving traces—so no strange smell after drying.
Honestly—this was also his fault for having too much energy.
What else—magazine stacked for a week without cleaning—then filled with his girlfriend's cold innocent feet with a very sensual dazed expression. Once the trigger pulled—the American-made Smith & Wesson M1917 could turn into a heavy Browning M2HB machine gun.
So—the crater he left—of course he had to clean himself.
"Or are you hungry already?" Yuu lifted his head—and gazed at Yukino opposite. "No problem if we start now—though the taste can't reach perfect level—but it's hot pot—so no need to be too particular."
"No need—take it slow."
Yukino stroked her stomach. She didn't feel too hungry to wait this half hour.
After all—she didn't really exercise. Yuu doing everything was hard to say—but she who only moved her legs—actually didn't expend too much energy—besides lingering vibrations and still-weak body.
Yukino lightly sighed. She suddenly beckoned her boyfriend: "Finished cleaning? Come here."
"What is it?"
Yuu immediately stood—and walked around the table—eager like a dog.
After receiving kindness—mouth feels sweet. Especially after using someone's beautiful legs—he must show proper attitude—he didn't think licking his girlfriend after intimacy was embarrassing.
Yukino elegantly rolled her eyes at him deliberately making a fawning expression. She sat sideways on the sofa—and patted the spot behind her.
"Sit here—and hug me."
Yuu observed her up and down several times—and immediately nodded understanding—then started moving.
He also sat sideways on the sofa—leaning on the armrest—and hugged the soft slim girl's body into his embrace without resistance—with both hands hugging her very pleasant waist.
"Like this?"
"Hmm." Softly humming from her nose, Yukino slightly twisted her body to adjust the most comfortable position—as if making him a big pillow. She casually curled in his very warm embrace.
After settling—like a pampered kitten, Yukino rubbed the back of her head on his chest. Her palm covered his hand placed on her stomach—and she slowly closed her eyes.
"Before eating—spend time like this."
"Okay."
Yuu said softly like sighing—and she answered softly—lip corners smiling thinly.
He tightly hugged his smooth cute girlfriend. Chin on her chest rested on her forehead. He occasionally lovingly stroked her fragrant hair.
The living room sank into momentary silence.
Then—Yuu also closed his eyes. He imagined all their meeting scenes from past to now—and arranged them into a song he casually hummed.
"♪~~"
Simple melody—notes without accompaniment—with full warm cheerful feeling—accompanying the hugging pair.
Unlimited happiness spread like that—intertwined at heart tips with synchronized breaths—sticking to touching skin.
As if could fall asleep anytime—Yukino slightly nodded. But her lip corners naturally curved. Her beautiful face radiated happiness and peace light.
Yuu hummed—occasionally turning to admire her face.
The gentle elegant ice girl—when truly happy from heart's depths—her smile seemed to brighten the entire sky for her.
He couldn't bear seeing this beautiful fresh-melted snow smile disappear. So—he hummed the little song as if never ending—letting time slow for her. Indescribable happiness nearly overflowed from the melody.
Didn't know how long passed.
If not seeing the wall clock—only the thicker night darkness outside the window could show time kept passing.
"Truly magical… Though we only did something more intimate than kissing—I feel much closer to you—no longer so distant."
Under long curly eyelashes—azure eyes slowly opened—clear like lake water.
Turning—after glancing at him—Yukino looped her arms around his neck—and continued lying in a different position.
"Was it distant before?"
Asking casually—Yuu directly hugged the girl to his lap. He lowered his head—and kissed her forehead.
Yukino slowly tightened her arms. Her fragrant breaths beside his neck: "Yes—very distant—so I always feared losing you anytime."
"Time like this will sooner or later disappear. Happiness like this will sooner or later be forgotten… Though I only wanted to complete your request—but unconsciously I became more dissatisfied. Fear of losing made me hesitate to let you go…"
Her tone very flat—as if only stating her thoughts—without regret or loss.
Even so—Yuu still hugged her tightly—wanting his current heartbeat to clearly transmit.
But—feeling guilty—he couldn't say a word.
So—only the girl's soft melodious voice became the main melody in the silent air.
"I know you'll think—because I love you so much—sooner or later I'll remember like Nee-san—so no need to make it like life-death parting… But what I fear—is exactly that."
"I don't want to love you alone. I also don't want to request sharing a boyfriend with Yui who knows nothing about the next reset. And I don't want to take initiative to find you—only to hear you say Sorry—I no longer love you… Rather than that—better not remember anything—and not loving you would be happier."
Yukino released her arms—and held his cheeks.
Her eyes slightly wet. She smiled helplessly: "But I think as long as you're still by my side—I'll love you again—no matter how many times."
"Tenkuji-kun—I'm more fragile and useless than you imagine. Once I think of that tragic future—I start avoiding facing it."
Though she had declared sincere love multiple times—though she didn't mind sharing boyfriend with Yuigahama—though her mother no longer opposed their relationship—though her intent to complete his request never wavered—though she truly thought no boyfriend more ideal than Yuu…
Just because she dared not let go—fate stopped—and no longer stepped forward to a new timeline.
Meaning—Yukino was the one who should make the choice.
"Sorry—as long as I still love you—your request can never be completed."
Yukino gazed at his eyes. No longer her usual cold—calm—or confident attitude. Only subtle fragile vagueness—as if could disappear anytime—accompanied by an almost-crying smile.
"After all—it's natural if I think—how can someone who will sooner or later leave me be my ideal boyfriend."
"Yukino…"
Until now—Yuu truly understood her feelings.
Though he had guessed—but seeing the girl before him showing honest emotions—complicated—painful—unwilling—helpless feelings still pierced his unprepared heart—like sharp nails.
Yukino didn't cry—but showed sadness deeper than heavy rain.
All because of him—and caused by Yuu.
Yuu bit his lips tightly. He didn't want her to see his regret and guilt. He could only draw deep breaths—and try hard to make his voice come out stably from his throat.
"But—you confidently said you'd end everything today…"
Yukino never lied. And her confidence and firmness then—didn't feel like joking at all.
So—did she really find a way to overcome that conflicting mentality?
"Speaking of which—this is also thanks to them."
Lowering her head again—Yukino rubbed her cheek on his chest. She suddenly changed the topic—and said casually.
"If not for Hayama-kun's actions—maybe I'd keep fearing the future where I only have feelings but no memories—and dare not take any steps."
"…Yes—he won't give up no matter what. I was touched by that spirit several times." Yuu startled as if confused. He couldn't help bitter smile.
With lip corners slightly curved—Yukino continued in a reminiscing tone: "If not for Yuuki-san—maybe I'd keep letting more unknown things appear. All because wanting to be with you—and letting your clearly caring actions—but forcing not to care for my sake."
Yuu said slightly hesitant: "Not forcing not to care… Asuna even avoided me. I couldn't possibly corner her to the wall—and force her to be honest—and release me."
Yukino shook her head: "She transferred schools for you—but showed that reaction—doesn't that mean there's a deeper reason behind it? That's what I want to know—and it's also a problem that can't be solved without active change."
"Need to know? That's her business…"
"I want to know everything related to you."
"…I understand."
Hearing her soft but firm voice—Yuu sighed resignedly.
Yukino chuckled. She sniffed the aroma on his chest. Her breaths hummed satisfied.
"Then—if not for Nee-san coming with Mother—maybe I also couldn't make the decision—and directly step this far."
"Does it relate to all of them?" Yuu scratched his chin confused. He turned—and she held his fingers. She stroked the rough hard knuckles—and finally they held hands.
"The reason is very simple—I don't want to lose to her. Lose to Yukinoshita Haruno—who knows that past is fake—and only she has the memories. Yet she still rose against in this suffering—and unhesitatingly did many tricks—even badmouthing her little sister—to get you."
Her gaze slightly shifted far. Yukino murmured to herself: "Things she can do—I'll do better than her… So—I want to tell Nee-san—even if I forget Tenkuji-kun—and Tenkuji-kun no longer loves me—we can still get back together as quickly as possible—and won't end in the same situation as her."
"…Just hearing this sentence—people who don't know would think you really hate your big sister."
Yuu smiled helplessly. He seemed to have read her mind: "But actually—you did that—forcing me to rediscover the past—and take responsibility—just so she won't keep grieving."
"Correct your speech. I just don't want—in the happy beautiful future—to be wary every day of a thief cat lurking behind—and that thief cat is even my own big sister."
Yukino said slightly awkwardly. But slowly—her lip corners lowered again. Her low voice carried slight relief.
"Maybe… like you said."
"She is the Nee-san I love most—and also the rival I've always tried to surpass since childhood… Though I must make her cry hard from heartbreak—I don't want to see her give up the entire present and future—for that unfixable past."
Yukino gazed at Yuu. Her gaze changed from paper-fragile to knife-sharp. She said word by word—as if wanting to carve it in his deepest heart: "So—I want to meet you in the future—if I don't even have this conviction—how can I defeat Big Sister—and make her surrender in shame?"
Yuu silent several moments—then suddenly spoke: "That sentence—Asuna also said it once… She almost succeeded."
If at that time—Asuna regained her memories—and truly said "I told you—I'd come to you…"
Could Yuu still be like now—only thinking of the girlfriend in his embrace—and spend Christmas Eve with her without wavering?
Yuu couldn't guarantee.
After all—he had wavered countless times for that ex-girlfriend.
"I see…" Yukino lowered her gaze. She nodded slowly pondering. "Then—if she really remembers the past—maybe she'll be harder to face than Nee-san."
Proof was herself.
"You mean…"
*Bip bip bip—!*
Yuu still wanted to say something—but suddenly heard the timer sound from the kitchen. He placed his little girlfriend on the sofa—and walked to the kitchen.
"The broth is ready. Let's talk while eating. I'm also a bit hungry."
"Hmm—I'll help."
Sighing soundlessly. Yukino took the hair tie on the table—and tied her hair into a ponytail for easy movement. She followed behind him to the kitchen.
Both cooperated placing the induction cooker—iron pot with hot broth—various fresh meats—and vegetables on the table. They also took bowls and chopsticks—and served two bowls of white rice. Only then they sat side by side—and joined hands before the abundant hot pot dish.
""Itadakimasu.""