Though their conversation wasn't too deep, Mama Yuigahama already knew the Yukinoshita mother and daughter's goal was also Tenkuji Yuu.
As for the reason, perhaps because her daughter was in the same club as him?
Plus, Yukino was currently moving with Yuu, so they were meeting him while looking for their daughter... Very normal.
Of course, though other speculations existed in her heart, adults would choose to play dumb for now. They wouldn't say it outright without proof.
After Yuu's performance ended, the five rose from their seats, passing through the still somewhat excited and entranced audience, and headed backstage.
"Finally, it's coming..."
Yuigahama looked at the backs of the two mothers. She wiped the cold sweat from her palms. Her incisors lightly bit her lower lip, creating pink and white shades.
Her heart grew more restless, but her steps showed no hesitation, like a new soldier stepping onto the battlefield for the first time.
There was only one thing she could do: prevent chaos from breaking out prematurely and keep the situation within Yuu's predicted bounds—from the current situation, thankfully, she at least hadn't disappointed his expectations.
Though she didn't help much, her role wasn't even as good as Sora's, Yuigahama had self-awareness. She knew that with her IQ, not causing problems was a success.
At the same time, she believed Yuu could resolve all difficulties ahead; parents discovering an affair was no issue for him!
What was wrong with blind faith, what was wrong with only being a cheerleader.
This was Yuigahama's way of loving.
No matter what happened in the future, Yuigahama would stand behind Yuu and be his support.
Just as he had supported her in the past.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
The gymnasium backstage wasn't too quiet. Several people bustled in and out, some leaned against walls devouring food, others squatted on the floor adjusting equipment, working tirelessly like gears.
To avoid disturbing the hardworking staff, they dropped the idea of entering in a group to search and sent Sora ahead.
Soon after, Yuu emerged with Sora and Yukino.
Seeing the beautiful, graceful, elegant Saori, he was momentarily stunned in confusion, then showed a knowing expression and smiled politely at her.
"You must be Yukino's mother, right? Pleased to meet you. I'm Tenkuji Yuu, in the same club as her."
"Pleased to meet you. My daughter has been troubling you daily." Saori closed her fan and smiled gently. Her wrinkle-free eye corners narrowed. She looked at Yuu meaningfully, "Sorry for not informing earlier. I mainly want to use this chance to chat properly with you. I hope it's not inconvenient."
"Of course not. If it's just chatting time, I can always make room for you."
Saying that, Yuu also met eyes with Haruno beside Saori.
Yuu initially had no intention of minding it. More precisely, his mind was currently full of Yukino and Yuigahama. Besides Sora, he cared for no one.
But for some reason, perhaps a hidden instinct suddenly surfaced, or his brain temporarily lost function—in short, temporary brain paralysis—he tilted his head and said to Haruno:
"Haruno-san, long time no see. How have you been lately?"
"..." Haruno fell silent momentarily. Then, under her mother's curious turning gaze, her lip corners twitched as if spasming. She laughed softly at him again, saying in a piercing tone.
"Me? Well, aside from failing to get the man I like, I'm pretty good."
"Haruno, no need to say such things!"
Saori tapped Haruno's arm in a reprimanding tone. At the same time, she wondered—this attitude, do they have a grudge?
Even if it was an enemy who stole her little sister's boyfriend, no need to say this, right? It wasn't like Haruno.
On the other side, Yukino also quietly tugged Yuu's jacket hem, looking at him confusedly.
"It's fine, I just suddenly went stupid for a bit..."
Yuu rubbed his temples and sighed shortly as if dizzy.
Regretting now was useless. He treated it as if nothing happened and alternately looked at the two mothers before him.
"Talking here will disturb others. If you don't mind, how about I take you to my friend's stall to rest a bit and have lunch? My treat."
"We'll follow the host." Saori nodded gracefully.
As for Mama Yuigahama, she went with the flow like a carefree girl, laughing cheerfully while linking arms with her daughter, making it impossible to guess her thoughts.
With worried-faced Yukino, serious combat-ready Sora, Haruno shifting from annoyed to pensive, pretending-calm Yuigahama, and the youthful beautiful mothers, Yuu walked toward the school building.
No matter what chaos awaited ahead, at least... he couldn't let other students hear their conversation.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
In the gymnasium, people came and went. Yet Asuna still sat stunned in her seat, unaware for a long time.
Her soul seemed trapped in the past by that piano solo. Even now, she couldn't free herself, continuously searching for the key out.
Was it pleasant? Yes, pleasant.
Familiar? Yuu's playing style was very familiar, but the song was utterly foreign.
Though it was such vivid, perfect piano music, more soul-shaking than any she'd heard before, for some reason, Asuna couldn't immerse at all. In fact, the more she felt the emotions wrapped within, the worse the pain from her heart.
It was a song Yuu created for a girl.
Not created for her—from where it came, Asuna was certain. Then, she felt choked by sadness, guilt, and jealousy.
"As expected... That Kyoto trip wasn't our first meeting..."
Struggling to snap from daze, Asuna bit her lip hard. Sharp, firm light reignited in her previously scattered pupils. Her nails pressed hard into her palms as she clenched fists.
There must be something.
Something she forgot.
Something that happened.
Something related to Yuu she shouldn't forget, that did happen!
"...Wait for me. I'll remember soon. Definitely."
That unshakable voice fell softly in the air.
She wiped tears that had appeared unknowingly at her eye corners, drew a deep breath, and rose from the seat.
While dazed, those people had left. She didn't know where they went or where Yuu was.
But before calling him, Asuna wanted to walk alone around school first. After calming her current feelings, she'd meet him in her most prepared, calmest state.
Behind her, two students gathered watching a phone screen. Occasional excited shouts came from their mouths.
"You recorded it? So good to hear, seriously! First time hearing someone play piano till I almost cry..."
"First time? Weren't you at the autumn exhibition?"
"Hmm? I was absent that day..."
"Here here here. Our fan club edited that performance into the best version. Just as good as this one, equally pleasant! ...By the way, that last song, Tenkuji-san named it Haru Ame (Spring Rain). Wonder what this one's called."
"Named? Meaning both are his originals? So strong?!"
"Why surprised? Tenkiji-sama is omnipotent! Anyway, calm down. I'll play it without headphones for you..."
Then, piano melody carrying nature's revival like spring's arrival sounded. Nearby people hearing it couldn't help turning, showing enjoying expressions.
But Asuna had already walked away, leaving the gymnasium alone.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
First-years were on the first floor. With six women behind him—including the world's cutest little sister, beautiful girl, beautiful college student, and beautiful moms—Yuu drew attention all the way, heading straight to Class 1-A where Iroha and Kanade were.
En route, he opened the system panel again to confirm the status skill recently gained from Yukino.
「Earless Wall」: Select an area centered on self. Within range, all host-related conversations and actions won't attract others' attention nor be recorded in any known form.
In short, a group version of 「You Can't See Me」 that once helped him sneak into a vacation resort. Perfect for sitting, eating, chatting, and revealing his affair to mothers-in-law.
Honestly, Yuu had more than once suspected this damn system gave rewards based on situations—sneak skill when needing to find someone at a resort, targeted secrecy status when not wanting outsiders to hear talks. Service quality was outstanding, more attentive than being spoon-fed.
Yet this attentive system, step by step, pushed him into desperate struggles among various women.
(System, are you here to hurt or help me?) Yuu sighed inwardly, closing the panel.
Of course, the system fell silent like playing dead.
As if mistaking his disturbance for the upcoming talk, Yukino unconsciously leaned her shoulder on Yuu and whispered firmly:
"Don't worry, I'm here!"
If not fearing detection, she'd surely hold his hand now, wanting to calm him.
Yuu shook his head. He didn't explain, just using eyes to tell her not to worry.
Class 1-A soon arrived. Though peak lunch rush, not many queued outside the door. They quickly got their turn to enter.
"Welcome!—Wait, why is Senpai here!"
Just shouting sweetly like that, Iroha's face immediately changed. She stared with a dissatisfied expression—mocking or embarrassed. Her clear, moist pink lips pouted, indescribably cute.
"Why? Didn't you tell me to come see your business if I had time?"
Yuu crossed arms over chest. He observed her outfit condescendingly, then nodded reluctantly: "Well, decent, but maid uniform is still better."
"Clearly super fitting, you know! Perverted Senpai, maid maniac!" Iroha stood akimbo at her cinched tuxedo waist, grinning at him, but not as angry as it seemed.
"I did tell you to come, but why at the busiest time! Like this, I can't slack off chatting with Senpai as excuse, then make Senpai treat me again, right? Stupid Senpai, insensitive!"
"Hey junior, too many sneaky ideas..." Yuu stared speechlessly. He almost didn't know where to start complaining.
Due to some grand will not wanting juniors to benefit side characters, Class 1-A's original maid cafe became an opposite butler cafe. Both men and women wore handsome, form-fitting butler suits. Though fully covered, appeal rivaled maid cafes.
Like Iroha before him. Shoulder-length ash-brown hair tied in a gallant ponytail. Slender white nape, tiny clear earlobes, plus somewhat tomboy outfit, but couldn't hide her petite charming figure—though wanting to dress as handsome youth, her beautiful girl charm increased.
No wonder Iroha was at the door greeting customers. Her cool cute appearance plus mastered flirting attacks—even he might not resist and be pulled in to spend, right?
"...Senpai, can you stop staring?"
His attentive gaze lingered too long on her face. Iroha slightly puffed reddened cheeks, averting eyes awkwardly, muttering softly.
"If you accidentally fall for me, just say it frankly. I'll hesitate a bit then reject you nicely."
"...I don't need rejection. I already have a girlfriend."
Yuu turned casually, saying to Yukino left behind due to narrow door: "Yukino, right?"
"Huh? What did you say?" Yukino blinked slightly confused.
Due to the above conversation all under 「Earless Wall」 status—range limited to them two.
So neither Yuu-Iroha dialogue nor Iroha's blushing expressions made very close Yukino notice anything odd. In fact, suddenly addressed, she felt very strange.
...How to say it, many extra uses, but Yuu tried hard not to think wildly, finally using this status to develop challenging playstyles.
Yes, only for revealing secrets to mothers-in-law.
Yuu drew a deep breath. Too lazy, he directly used 「Heart Calm as Mirror and Water」 to clear all disturbing brain thoughts. Simultaneously, he retracted 「Earless Wall」 scope.
"Nothing." After saying to Yukino, he turned back to Iroha, "We're seven. Enough seats?"
"Eh? Seven?"
Iroha blinked confusedly, then poked her head out the door.
Then, she froze with mouth open, muttering slightly stunned:
"Senpai... did you bring people for a parent-teacher meeting?"