The top was a cream-white knitted sweater covering from waist to hips, the bottom tight jeans accentuating her long straight legs' beauty, and the finishing touch cute fluffy cat slippers.
Her long hair, always elegantly loose, was tied into a low ponytail with a simple blue hair tie. Just this hairstyle change made Yukino look much softer—like a gentle newlywed wife.
"What is it?"
Standing at the kitchen doorway, Yukino gently held her sweater hem and asked with slight worry, lowering her face and glancing up a bit.
"Hmm… How to put it…"
Snapping from that mysterious visual impact, Yuu unconsciously stroked his chin. He averted his gaze to the floor as if pondering, then said confidently:
"…You're so cute—I want to marry you."
"…Can't you compliment someone properly?" Yukino shook her head annoyed, but a small smile appeared at her lip corners. She was happy and embarrassed.
Yuu quickly turned back, not looking further at her casual clothes.
He feared his heartbeat would race beyond control—and didn't want to use the system's status to suppress this spontaneous surge of affection.
Looking far out the kitchen window—winter afternoon sunlight remained. Scattered light and entering shadows seemed to form four branching words in daylight—warning him not to act rashly.
Feeling calmer, Yuu took a blue cat-paw mug from the table and gave it to Yukino approaching with apron tied.
Steam rose from the tea-colored water surface. Sweet slightly spicy aroma entered his nose. Just smelling it warmed the whole body.
"My homemade ginger tea. Drink to ward off cold."
"I just changed—but you finished this fast…" Accepting the mug with both hands, Yukino observed confused. "Wait—you didn't make one for yourself?"
"No—I'm not afraid of cold." Yuu shrugged and turned to handle remaining ingredients.
"Just make me a cup of black tea later—the best, full of love. I won't accept less."
Her small lips emitting hot steam paused. Yukino stared through white vapor. She blinked large eyes oddly.
"Oh—isn't that what I usually make for you at the Service Club? You could ask for more."
Yuu couldn't help raising eyebrows—countering amused: "Really? Then why haven't I tasted it?"
"Yesterday's black tea had ten sugar cubes—did you notice?"
"??? Is my taste dead? Wasn't there no sugar at all…"
Seeing her reflection in the tea surface, Yukino slightly lowered eyes. She said flatly: "Indeed I didn't add any—because I know you don't like sweet."
"But I know you like me—so in every cup of black tea I make for you—I put lots of I love you."
"…"
Yuu—whose cooking skills reached perfection—nearly cut his own hand with the kitchen knife.
He slowly turned—staring at the calm beautiful girl with an indescribable choked expression—like an oxygen-deprived goldfish. He opened his mouth but couldn't speak immediately.
After a while—he sighed resignedly. His back looked sad.
"Good—you learned to tease back… I admit—you're stronger now."
"Thank you for the praise. I still need to learn much from you."
Her calm expression finally rippled slightly. She chuckled as if successful. Yukino blew the hot steam again. After the tea surface cooled a bit—she sipped to test.
Confirming her tongue wouldn't blister—she dared gulp noisily. She smiled calm and relaxed—like a cat entering a comfortable heated table.
"Hmm—delicious. Thank you."
"You're welcome. Thanks also for letting me see beautiful scenery. Very valuable."
Yuu pretended to worship her. As a result—her face flushed slightly. Yukino turned her back so he couldn't tease with his gaze. She kept drinking hot ginger tea holding the warm mug.
Her cheeks and heart felt warm. Her whole body like soaked in blissful hot water. Whether because of him or the tea… But no need to separate.
Yuu's indifferent voice suddenly sounded: "By the way—I secretly put medicine in it."
"…" Her drinking paused. Yukino didn't turn—asking unpanicked: "What medicine?"
"Hmph—a kind that makes your whole body hot—and accelerates blood flow."
Yuu smirked. He casually waited for Yukino to lose composure—put down the mug—and angrily force him to confess.
His pride wouldn't allow accepting this rare failure—after trying to tease but getting teased! Didn't matter if called vile—he must retaliate!
"…Really."
But unexpectedly—Yukino only answered flatly. She leaned on the fridge—and casually kept drinking cooling ginger tea.
Her eyes kept staring at his figure before the cutting board. As if hazy dim light floated in her eyes.
"…Um—Yukino-san?"
After long not getting desired response—Yuu couldn't help speaking again—while smoothly processing and arranging hot pot ingredients.
"What?"
"Can't you care a bit more?"
"You mean me drinking the medicine you gave? You want me embarrassed and panicked—questioning why you became like that?"
Piercing his thoughts accurately—this time Yukino-san smirked disgusted. She said calmly: "Understand—who suddenly stopped when hearing we're alone? And who always dares not look at me—averting gaze like a boy in first love?"
"…"
Yuu said nothing. Only the knife flashes suddenly sped—quickly cutting remaining ingredients as if venting anger.
Rubbing the cat paw on the mug—Yukino continued attacking: "I know you don't lie to me—that's why I'm calm… Even if you really put medicine—it must be good for my body. You said it vaguely just to scare me."
Finally—she smiled saying: "Tenkuji-kun—even best acting can't hide your hidden intentions."
Yuu couldn't help rolling eyes: "Having a girlfriend who understands me and is too smart—is this very annoying?"
Yukino countered unyielding: "Having a charming too-flirty boyfriend—that's more annoying than this."
Both stared. They initially wanted to look serious and fierce—but when eyes met—they couldn't hold bursting laughter.
"Haha…"
"Hehe…"
The man and woman's silly laughter echoed in the kitchen for about half a minute—before slowly subsiding.
Mug held before her face. Yukino sipped the cup rim.
Her pale white cheeks dyed charming red. Even ears among her hair felt hot.
She stared at Yuu cleaning the kitchen knife—as if seeing a far future—flashing in her eyes like a mirage.
[On a holiday afternoon—he smiles—saying he'll make a French dish set rivaling high Michelin stars—to reward the hardworking couple on weekdays. And she only smiles expectantly—secretly preparing the gift she'll give after dinner—thinking of the unborn child—thinking of annual honeymoon trips—thinking of rocking chairs and warm sunlight until hair turns white… Thinking of much happiness related to him—and impatiently welcoming every minute and second of the future.]
"So beautiful…"
A calm peaceful smile appeared at her lip corners. Yukino slowly closed eyes. She stored every minute and second now in her heart—not letting herself forget this unwilling—painful—anxious—fearful feeling.
After all—it was the motivation pushing her forward.
Even if the future was uncertain—she must cross this obstacle—and meet that ideal future.
"Sooner or later I'll leave—but sooner or later we'll meet again."
That whisper wrinkled the three-quarters full water surface—creating ripples like a bitter smile.
"The person who can truly believe this—is really amazing…"
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Ingredients handled and put in fridge. Soup base simmered on low on the stove.
Both had no work temporarily—moved to living room. Two freshly brewed black tea cups placed on the table. Like them sitting on the sofa—they faced each other in silence.
After long—Yuu took a deep breath. He said seriously:
"It's just past four PM now. We'll eat dinner around six. What should we do to spend this time?"
With both hands on knees—Yukino leaned her legs elegantly calm like an Ojou-sama. Her back straight—she gazed at him softly.
"Oh—isn't it obvious what to do now?"
She slightly tilted her head. Her thin soft lips slowly revealed a captivating charming smile.
"I'm even impatient. Please start—Tenkuji-kun."
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Thus that afternoon—Yuu only told Yukino stories.
Starting from first meeting Haruno in summer vacation—he tried telling things he didn't mention at the amusement park that day.
For example—his mood—excitement and anxiety when first getting the rental girlfriend mission—helplessness and annoyance when silently complaining about Haruno in his heart—and relief and joy after truly getting the money.
He could finally reduce part-time work hours—and directly provide a living environment letting his sister stay home comfortably—not waiting for him late every day—and even spend money playing games freely.
Back then—he undoubtedly thanked God very much.
And now—Yuu had thought—if he didn't fall for those girlfriends—maybe no need for so many worries and debates. He wouldn't think daily of stepping on the system—training it into a puppet. Everything would be far easier and relaxed than now.
"Then do you regret it?" Yukino listening calmly—gazed warmly—asked.
"If I regretted—I wouldn't keep making known mistakes—right?" Yuu spread arms—sighed. "Like is like. I'm not good at denying myself. Blame you all for being too charming."
"We… huh." Yukino slightly narrowed eyes.
"You asked me to talk. If angry—I won't be honest again."
Yukino showed a gentle elegant smile: "How could I. Am I the type to get jealous and angry because you praise other women?"
"I think yes."
"…Don't talk much—continue."
Another example—various small things in life—they went to various Szechuan restaurants trying spicy food on dates. Each time Haruno ate one or two bites—then Yuu would smile watching her eat until mouth red.
They also went to aquarium—ski resort—and other places for fun—hanging out and joking like normal couples. But just when Yuu thought happy times would continue—Haruno suddenly disappeared—forcing him to the amusement park for the final choice.
"From this view—you two really deserve to be sisters…" Reaching here—Yuu couldn't help sighing. "You both rely on small tricks to bring me somewhere—then with your own will—direct the task to its end… The difference is you know what you're doing—while she just wanted to seriously date me."
"What you say may be true—but saying it directly without considering my feelings—really makes me unhappy." Yukino sipped her black tea slightly. Her tone flat—but seemed to note this debt in heart. "Also—Tenkuji-kun—there's one thing very curious to me."
Yuu startled. He immediately raised hands—swore: "I guarantee—I didn't do anything beyond kissing with her! I left alone before crossing the line at the hotel. I didn't even see her coming out of the bathroom."
"I'm not talking about that… Though I'm curious too—but I trust you're not the type controlled by lust." Putting down the tea cup—Yukino gazed slightly helpless.
"Do you remember—besides the amusement park—where else we've gone?"
"Gone where?" Yuu repeated confused. He tilted head not understanding. "You mean places outside school?"
"...Of course."
"Autumn picnic and station don't count?"
"Is my way of stating wrong? Then I ask again." Yukino's brows slightly moved—as if holding rising anger. Her palms slowly clenched on knees—but tone still tried to stay calm.
"Since we started dating—besides the amusement park day—have we ever gone out together elsewhere?"
Each word in the second half nearly came through gritted teeth. This was the biggest hint she could give.
But Yuu seemed to receive no signal from her gaze and voice. He held chin—pondered a moment—then asked with furrowed brow:
"Also not including this apartment—Yui's house—and my house?"
"…"
The warmly elegantly decorated living room—suddenly sank into frozen silence.
Soon after—Yukino took a deep breath—breaking this silence.
"Tenkuji-kun—your brain is more useless than I thought. How about we cut it—and make it today's hot pot ingredient?"
She showed a bright smile looking like a spasm—and said scary things friendly: "Though after cooking—I'll flush it down the toilet immediately—but your remaining parts—I'll divide well—and store in the fridge."
The voice sounded normal—as if stating truth—but hid temperature-less killing intent.
"After all—humans can't live without a brain."
Though knowing the other was just scaring him—and had no intention of doing something that cruel—Yuu still couldn't help hugging his arms and shivering twice. The image of himself divided into five appeared in mind.
Three ex-girlfriends—two current girlfriends—enough to share… Wait—if adding Sora—must divide into six.
Four limbs plus head—and last the torso. One part per Yuu girl—unlimited girl happiness…
Yuu hurriedly expelled the bloodless but somewhat funny body-division image from mind. He cleared throat twice awkwardly.
"Ahem… Darling—if I say I was just pretending to be stupid—can you forgive me?"
"Yes. Who made me love you." Unexpectedly—Yukino nodded agreeing straightforwardly. "But you owe me again—no problem—right?"
"No problem at all. Who made me ask for trouble." Yuu spread arms. Then he said—"So—you mean our dating frequency is too low—right?"
"Is it?" This time Yukino turned her face—and started pretending stupid.
Seeing the girl put on a cold face—staring at empty space as if nothing—but occasionally glancing with eye corners.
Yuu's mouth corners twitched. Finally he sighed amused: "Fine—I think our dating frequency is too low. We haven't gone to the zoo—cat and dog exhibition—beach—and others. Very regrettable thinking about it."
"Coincidentally—I think so too."
Yukino immediately turned her head. She held back smile at lip corners. Her eyes sparkled like a child awaiting play.
"Beach is fine. Zoo has nothing interesting—but I'm quite interested in cat and dog exhibition… Don't misunderstand—not because I love cats and dogs that much—just never seen—and want to broaden knowledge."
"I know." Yuu slightly narrowed eyes—as if wanting to carve in heart her full of hope and joy on the opposite sofa. His lip corner curve became very gentle.
"Then—don't think about completing today's mission. We date everywhere during winter break."
(If the task completes—you forget me—and I no longer love you.)
(Dating—and such… won't it be impossible?)
Yukino immediately understood his meaning. Thus—she bit her lip again—and fell silent.
"…"
Both silent long across the glass coffee table. Yuu smiled thinly without speaking—while she slowly lowered head.
The just-active atmosphere slowly settled to the floor again—thick and cold like snow covering ankles.
Suddenly—Yukino spoke undeniably—like ordering: "Tenkuji-kun—come here a moment."
At the same time—she shifted closer to the corner—leaving another empty seat on the sofa.
Yuu didn't move immediately. He kept sitting in place. He asked confused: "What do you want to do?"
"Come here."
Her cold melodious voice still calm—but felt heavy strength inside: "You said you owe me multiple times before—was that just empty talk?"
"…Fine—I'll come."
With confidence he could reverse to attack—no matter what Yukino did—Yuu sighed—stood—and sat in the still-warm spot beside her.
Yukino acting willful then ordered:
"Turn your body that way—and lie on my lap."
"…What did you say?"
Shocked. Yuu stared at her beautiful face hidden behind hair shadows—suspecting mishearing.
But he saw no loss or gloom on her face. Yukino casually took out still-wrapped ear picks from the drawer under the table—then slightly smiled opening the wrap—looking quite happy.
"What are you doubting?" Realizing Yuu still silent unmoving—her wet soft lips quickly pressed into a straight line. Her hard cold gaze contained warning. "Or—is my boyfriend the type who doesn't keep promises? Can't even do small things after promising his girlfriend?"
"No—lying on your lap is a reward—not punishment. I didn't say I can't…"
Looking back and forth between her and the ear pick—Yuu opened mouth—but couldn't speak. His brain rarely chaotic unable to understand current situation: "But Yukino—don't tell me… you want to clean my ears?"
"What's wrong with that?" Yukino admitted without blushing or panting.
Yuu asked not understanding: "Now? So sudden? After I said such things?"
Yukino said indifferently: "Such things? You mean that loser-like hopeless future statement without confidence?"
"…"
Before Yuu could react—Yukino pulled his collar—and half-forced him to lie on her lap facing outward: "Idiot—I did all today's preparations just to change that you. Of course—I won't waver with one sentence."
The reason half-forced—because if Yuu truly resisted—now it would be her lying on his lap facing inward.
And he—contrary to what Yukino said—was in this unexpected surge. He let her arrange him like a doll. He just realized what she wanted to say—and tried to get up.
"Wait—Yukino…"
"Won't wait."
Cutting his movement and words harshly—Yukino held both sides of his face with both hands—and lowered head to stare at him.
Her loose black hair seemed like an endless prison—making his hands and feet unable to move at all. Her azure eyes locked his soul—making his consciousness unable to divert at all.
They were so close—as if a kiss would land the next moment.
She gently pressed her cherry-blossom colored lips. She said in a weak breath-like voice.
"I won't wait anymore—okay? Regarding you—I can't wait a second."
In his wide eyes—Yukino smiled thinly.
Beautiful like lifted snowflakes—but also sad like melting anytime.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Winter sky darkened quickly. Outside already completely gloomy—approaching night depth.
The classic living room wall clock ticked.
"Hmph hmph~ Hmph hmph hmph~ Hmph um~"
Yuu had given up resistance. He lay sideways on the aromatic soft thighs like dried fish—letting his girlfriend happily clean his ears while humming an unknown little song.
Of course—because he used Total Renewal daily—he had no nose dirt—earwax—nail dirt—or foreskin smegma—so though Yukino dug very carefully—even until her face smile gradually disappeared—and she nearly inserted the entire ear pick into his ear canal—not a single earwax flake came out.
"Too clean… Do Yui and Sora-chan usually help clean your ears?" Yukino asked with slightly pouting lips—and a bit unwilling.
"No. You're the first to attack my ears."
Yuu laughed wickedly. He said in quite light tone—as if retaliating for being toyed earlier: "But unfortunately—I have special ability to clean my body anytime. No matter how hard you dig—it's just futile effort. Surrender obediently~"
"I see." The ear pick went back into his ear. Yukino smiled darkly. "Then—how about I take out your eardrum too. It'll hurt a bit—bear with it."
"Bear with your head. Darling—I was just joking."
Though Yuu admitted he was very sensitive—valued pride—and hated losing.
However—surrendering to the girl he liked—was never a problem for him.
"Don't think sweet words can make me forgive everything."
Quoting famous-like words—Yukino also snorted—and pulled back her ear pick: "Turn your head—I'll check the other ear."
"Look—look. Anyway nothing there."
Yuu rolled eyes. After turning—what reflected in his eyes was the girl's flat stomach covered by sweater.
Instantly the rich fresh aroma entering his nose became stronger. That indifferent mentality truly vanished. He reacted with slightly stiff expression—and hurriedly moved his head.
"Um—Yukino…"
"Don't be noisy—and don't move."
Unfortunately—Yukino was trying hard to find ear dirt. She concentrated fully—and didn't want disturbance by other things.
Yuu opened mouth. He still wanted to say something—but thinking about it—did he need to remind her?
Yukino was mentally prepared to force him. That's why she invited this normal functioning enthusiastic man to her alone apartment. Maybe she even prepared safety tools beside the bed—and only waited for them to be intimate to force him full responsibility.
Though he didn't know whether to reject or accept when the time truly came—Yuu understood one thing now—
Taking advantage of Yukino was natural for him. Asking too much would ruin their chemistry.
"I understand. Thank you."
Thus Yuu once again surrendered to fighting. He even went further—reaching out—and hugging her slim attractive waist.
Then he buried his face in her warm soft stomach—and drew a deep breath—as if returning to mother's embrace.
"Ssh—huh… This aroma—I don't mind smelling until death…"
"Suddenly saying what stupid thing?" Her ear cleaning action forced to stop. Yukino frowned—and glared at him. She saw his ear-red side face—and looking very satisfied.
After several seconds—she suddenly realized because of the slowly emerging warmth in her stomach—and strange ticklish sensation.
"You—pervert—!"