Yuu wondered if this was because the world's timeline had been reset.
The accumulated feelings couldn't be erased, but the memories of having a girlfriend were gone. From there, an increasingly intense emotion, like aged wine, and an urge no longer restrained, emerged.
Thus, after three years of knowing each other, Yuigahama, for the first time, asked to come to his house.
Though she didn't remember, all the emotions suppressed by Masuzu at the time, once they erupted without hesitation, might make her more proactive than before and attack him more aggressively, right?
Yuu analyzed Yuigahama's psychological state very rationally, like a psychologist diagnosing a patient in front of him.
Emotionally, Yuu felt a slight resentment toward himself, along with a faint sense of relief in his heart. Seeing Yuigahama's shy yet candid eyes, his emotions became complicated.
Unlike his former girlfriends.
Yuigahama, who had liked him since three years ago, her feelings wouldn't be erased by the system. She wouldn't say, "It was nice meeting you," nor would she… make him wait to say goodbye.
Among the emotions Yuu sacrificed, Yuigahama's feelings never wavered. They only settled, quietly settling.
Though he didn't know how the system fixed her memories, there was no doubt that as long as those feelings didn't vanish, they were something worth cherishing.
Yuu took a soft breath.
The cold air pierced his lungs, dispelling the oppression, and he felt a bit more relaxed.
When losing something, he shouldn't forget the things he still had—yes, he never forgot them.
It's just that sometimes, he was too focused on the goal ahead, neglecting other things.
"Girlfriend… Huh."
Yuu smiled at Yuigahama. "Indeed, as someone who's been single for seventeen years, I don't need to worry about bringing a girl home causing misunderstandings."
That was a very deliberate way of speaking…
Yuigahama was slightly confused but didn't dwell on the issue.
"So, is it okay?" Her eyes sparkled like stars. She clenched her small fists, excited and hopeful.
"Unfortunately, I don't have a girlfriend, but I do have a little sister." He changed the topic. Yuu shrugged. "She might not let you in. The moment she sees you, she might chase you out."
"So Sora-chan is that clingy to her big brother… But it's fine, I'll try to get along with her!"
As if to prove herself, Yuigahama raised her head and puffed out her chest. She slapped her chest firmly and said resolutely:
"Don't underestimate me. I'm great with the neighbor's kids… Cough! Cough, cough!"
"Indeed, not many big sisters can choke themselves out. What a dummy."
Yuu looked at her helplessly and amusedly. He stood in place, not stepping forward to help her catch her breath. He only turned and walked toward home after she calmed down, her face flushed red.
"If you want to come, come. I happen to have bought some good black tea… But be prepared to enter hell."
"Aren't you exaggerating a bit?" Yuigahama hurriedly caught up, unable to resist grumbling. "Who compares their house and little sister to hell…"
"Indeed. As long as Sora's in a good mood today, it might not reach hell-level for you."
Though his face seemed joking, Yuu gave the impression he was making a terrifying statement.
"Fair warning. Whether it's a girlfriend or a friend, I'll always side with my little sister. So as long as she's not too rude, I won't defend you."
"Maybe this is what they call a siscon… With that attitude, no wonder Yuu-kun's always single."
Mocking herself to ease the tension, Yuigahama took a deep breath. She looked hesitant but had no real intention of backing down. Instead, a blazing fighting spirit ignited in her eyes.
"Don't worry. This is just about getting along with my future sister-in-law early (whisper)… Becoming friends with my best friend's little sister! A small issue like this won't be hard for Yuigahama Yui!"
(Oohh, I'm going to charge forward!)
She looked far from calm. Her fiery enthusiasm to win over the little sister was so intense that even a pile of tied-up Boruto: Naruto Next Generations manga by a utility pole corner almost caught fire without a flame.
Yuu shook his head, letting her prepare as if facing a great enemy. He stepped forward, walking slowly toward home.
Come to think of it, in Part 5 of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, the policeman friend Abbacchio once said, right?
Once someone only chases results, they tend to take shortcuts.
In the process of taking shortcuts, they often lose the truth, and the motivation to do things gradually fades.
So, the most important thing is the will to pursue the truth. That way, one won't forget their original goal and can persist until the final moments.
…But besides that, what else did he want to gain?
Something unrelated to the system's tasks, which always vanished and were forgotten, something that would never disappear…
Indeed, it was by his side.
"Should… I make some changes too?"
After glancing at Yuigahama's profile, Yuu slowly sank into his thoughts.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Tenkuji Residence.
Eager to call her brother and ask about his estimated return time, after confirming multiple times, Sora now sat at the entrance, waiting for the perfect moment. She wanted her brother, who'd been in Kyoto for four days and three nights, to see her the moment he got home.
"After not seeing me for so long, Yuu must feel lonely…"
Holding this thought and the bunny plushie against her warm chest, Sora couldn't help but giggle softly. She swung her small white legs, staring at the door with a face full of anticipation, ignoring her silver hair spilling onto the wooden floor.
What expression should she use to say, "Welcome home"?
She shouldn't be too smug. Maybe being casual would be better? With a scornful, disgusted look… No! Yuu wouldn't like that!
Or should she surprise him so much he'd cry from being touched, like with her homemade food… It's too late to prepare now, right? And it might give Yuu food poisoning. PASS.
If she wanted to surprise him, it was quite simple.
Sora looked down at the thin dress she was wearing. With the air conditioning on inside, even though she only wore a dress and a set of underwear, she didn't feel cold.
Then, her pink fingertips gently hooked the shoulder strap, revealing her white shoulders and collarbone, along with the soft curves that weren't too prominent. Though her upper body wasn't particularly full, this seductive posture, paired with her innocent and delicate figure, was enough to make certain people with specific XP systems stand at attention instantly.
No doubt, her brother was definitely one of those people with such a specific XP system!
"Hmm, even though Yuu might tell me to put my clothes back on with a flat face… It's worth a try!"