The feigned calm expression softened, and Yukino blinked in surprise.
Realizing what had confused her, Yuu covered his face with one hand, sighed, and explained, "If you liked me, you wouldn't ask in such a way… And if you didn't like me, you wouldn't even bother asking."
Yukino stared at him. After a moment of being stunned, she smiled with closed lips, feeling helpless but also acknowledging his point.
"Being analyzed so thoroughly like this feels as annoying as dealing with that person."
"So, Haru… your older sister asked you to ask?" Yuu frowned slightly.
Without Masuzu's influence, had Haruno, who should have given up at Shimogamo Shrine, started pursuing him again?
Regardless of whether she had her memories or not, her feelings were so strong and persistent…
Meanwhile, Yuu, whose feelings had been stripped away, only found it troublesome.
(Hey, is it really just troublesome?)
Though he thought so, a voice suddenly emerged in his heart.
Yuu unconsciously questioned himself—was there really not even a hint of happiness, relief, or gratitude that he hadn't been completely abandoned by his past?
If Haruno regained her memories due to this persistence, even though Yuu had lost his feelings for her, could he truly remain indifferent and refuse to return to her?
At that moment, how would he face the system's tasks?
How would he face the girl who wanted to settle down with him after all the tasks were complete?
—Confused, he didn't understand.
Even his enhanced brain couldn't find a clear path through this tangle.
Everything he had left behind would never return to how it was—only because he made that resolve could Yuu confidently face the next task.
Only with that could he carve a path he was meant to walk through the pitch-black desert.
If that premise was gone, all the fragility and deep pain, all the sacrifices he wanted to leave behind in the end, would become an empty joke…
Why should he feel happy that they were regaining their memories?
"Even though she told me not to say, I don't want to lie for her sake… I should've said it from the start."
Sighing as if regretful, Yukino looked at him. Her voice suddenly stopped, her brows furrowed, and she raised her hand.
"Why are you spacing out? Didn't you say you were doing much better?"
"…Ah."
The cool touch on the back of his hand snapped Yuu out of his chaotic thoughts. He saw the beautiful girl in front of him with faint concern in her eyes.
He instinctively grasped her wrist, and after realizing how slender and soft it was, he carefully loosened his grip but didn't let go immediately.
He just stood there quietly, letting the slowly melting warmth cool his overheated brain.
"You…"
Yukino's elbow moved slightly. She bit her lip, wanting to say something, but as their eyes met, it was as if a soft spot in her heart was struck hard, and her struggle quickly subsided.
After hesitating for a moment, she sighed as if giving up, her expression softening helplessly.
"…I'll give you ten more seconds, or I'll consider using a slap to snap you out of it."
Luckily, this area was usually deserted. If anyone saw this scene, Yukino might reflexively use a slap or aikido to clear up the misunderstanding while dealing with this disrespectful club member.
Physically perfect, kind-hearted, gentle, and charming—truly worthy of being me. Something her sister could never match—Yukino, feeling a bit awkward, distracted herself by praising herself inwardly.
As for what Yuu was thinking or why he suddenly did this, Yukino had no intention of asking, as he surely wouldn't answer honestly due to pride.
Pointless things, Yukino usually didn't bother with.
In the quiet corridor, the afternoon shadows grew calm.
The delicate girl gently touched her cheek, while the tall young man slightly bowed his head, slowly closing his eyes as if falling asleep.
"…Sorry."
Less than ten seconds later, Yuu opened his eyes, released Yukino's wrist, and exhaled all the air from his lungs.
His calm, deep black eyes looked at her steadily again.
"I remembered something from the past and got lost in thought."
"You're the one who should apologize. The president's concern isn't for you to act spoiled."
The wrist he had held still felt warm, but there was no pain or red marks left.
Yukino deliberately ignored it, naturally placing her hand at her side, turning her face coldly and firmly, then stepping toward the stairs.
"You owe me one… Class is about to start, hurry back."
"Yes, honorable President."
Deliberately using respectful language, Yuu smiled again, his tone barely changing. "About that question earlier… Please tell your sister I don't have a specific type. If I had to say, I prefer little sisters right now."
He wasn't lying.
Precisely because of that, Yukino couldn't help but give him a strange look, wanting to say something but stopping herself.
Which little sister, and like in what sense—asking would be pointless; it was probably just a flippant response.
So, Yukino chose to ignore it.
"I'll pass it along as is. But that person might just be interested in you like a toy, so don't get your hopes up."
"Yes, President."
"…Be more serious."
"Yes, President."
Too lazy to deal with his cheeky attitude, Yukino turned her face coldly and headed straight down the stairs.
Because she deliberately lingered, the leisurely walk back turned rushed. They could only quicken their pace, leaving the quiet special building for the bustling main school building.
Together, with a newly gained friend.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
"That guy, he really came to a secluded place like this to go on a date with a girl…"
Through the window, Utaha watched the two figures leaving the special building. Her gaze followed the young man's steps, and she muttered to herself.
Yuu, as if sensing something, suddenly looked up toward her.
But before that happened, Utaha had already turned and left her spot.
"Why, why does that book only write about my past with him…"