At Yuuya's house.
Yukino Yukinoshita set down her commuter bag.
Yuuya smiled at her.
"Looks like you really thought I couldn't control myself, huh?"
"I… I didn't," Yukino said, turning her head guiltily.
Yuuya stepped in front of her and embraced her.
"Yukino, you're adorably dense."
"You're so smart, so clever… and my lies were that clumsy… and you actually fell for them?"
"Or… maybe you knew, and you pretended not to know, just to let me tease you?"
Yukino's face turned bright red.
"I… I've read a lot of books, but your constitution is unusual, so…"
"I see… my bad," he said.
"Ms. Nishinomiya is still waiting. Shall we head out?"
"No rush. Let me tease you a bit first."
With that, Yuuya kissed her.
Even without a "goodwill level" boost, he genuinely enjoyed teasing her.
Yukino felt Yuuya's hands wandering where they shouldn't, and though embarrassed, she still responded.
Getting in the car.
Yukino's cheeks still carried a rosy blush.
Yaeko Nishinomiya glanced at her silently.
The car started moving.
A few minutes later, they arrived at a nearby pet store.
Yukino and Yuuya entered the shop.
While picking out cats, Yukino suddenly had a thought.
"You asked Ms. Nishinomiya to adopt a cat so that when I visit to see it, I'd get to talk more with Shōko, right?"
"You're smart, Yukino," Yuuya said.
"You could have just said it."
"No need. You understand my intentions perfectly without me saying it," he smiled.
Yukino turned her attention to the cats.
"Is Shōko's condition treatable with surgery?"
"If it were, Ms. Nishinomiya would have arranged it at a hospital already."
"Congenital hearing issue?"
"Seems so."
"So… you have a way to help?"
"Why would you think that?"
"You can make potions, so surely you could make something even more amazing."
"Will take some time," Yuuya answered.
"Meow," a soft voice sounded.
Yukino looked down at a cage.
A tabby cat was staring at her.
"What's the story with this cat?" she asked the store clerk.
"A girl brought it in. She didn't want it anymore, so left it at the store. The owner noticed the cat has a hearing issue and gets picked on by other cats, so he arranged a separate cage for it," the clerk explained.
Yukino and Yuuya exchanged a glance.
Yukino crouched down.
"If you want me to take you home, make a sound."
"Meow."
The tabby's voice was soft.
"That's the one," Yukino said, standing up.
At Kishou School.
Shōko Nishinomiya noticed Yaeko entering the classroom and paused.
Yaeko signed quickly:
"He's waiting for you downstairs."
Shōko walked out, peering down the hall.
She saw Yukino and Yuuya sitting on a bench, looking confused.
Shouldn't they be at school at this hour?
Curious, Shōko went downstairs to meet them.
Yukino signed to her:
"We took the afternoon off to visit a pet store. We found a cat we want you to adopt."
Shōko noticed the cage beside them.
She crouched and examined the tabby.
Their eyes met.
The tabby meowed.
Shōko smiled at it, then nodded at Yukino.
Yukino continued signing:
"This cat has the same hearing problem as you. Its master is skilled—can prepare potions. Might be able to help both you and the cat."
Shōko froze, recalling the subtle improvements in her hearing over the past few days.
Yuuya had told the truth.
Lost in thought, a hand gently patted her head.
Shōko looked up at Yuuya, blushing.
He withdrew his hand and lightly kissed her forehead.
She instinctively glanced at Yukino, who smiled softly—clearly not upset.
Shōko signed quickly:
"I won't interfere with your relationship."
Yukino shook her head.
"I've accepted your presence. I know exactly how terrible he can be."
Shōko opened her mouth to speak.
Yukino smiled gently.
"Can you take me to your home? I'll visit often to see the cat and help with tutoring. Once you're fully recovered, you can transfer directly to Soubu High."
"Thank you," Shōko bowed deeply.
At the Nishinomiya residence.
Yuuya started installing the cat tree and bedding.
The two girls helped.
The tabby cat, once released, didn't run away.
It adjusted to the new environment, eating its food diligently.
Yukino gently petted it.
It didn't resist.
Even after finishing its food, it stayed put, letting Yukino's hand linger.
Yuuya observed the tabby and thought it reminded him of Shōko.
He reached out and gently stroked Shōko's hair.
Shōko blushed, lowering her head.
Yukino glanced at the two of them, then at the obedient tabby.
Yaeko didn't interfere, quietly observing the trio.
In Shōko's room.
Yukino reviewed Shōko's notes and asked questions.
Shōko answered confidently.
Yukino's expression showed mild surprise.
"What's wrong? Shōko, you're smart?" Yuuya asked.
"She should be able to keep up," Yukino said, signing to Shōko.
Seeing this, Yuuya left the room, heading to the living area to check on the tabby.
It sat quietly in its bed and meowed at him.
"Meow."
Yuuya patted its head and then went to sit beside Yaeko on the sofa.
"Get it a pet tracker."
"Yes," she agreed.
"I might have a way to address Shōko's hearing, but it'll take some time."
"With your help, we're not in a hurry," Yaeko said.
"Won't be long," Yuuya promised.
"Thank you, Master Yuuya," Yaeko said sincerely.
They stayed at the Nishinomiya house until three in the afternoon.
Yuuya and Yukino finally left, with Yaeko driving them home.
Once Yuuya stepped out, he watched the car leave.
"Koyukino."
"Hm?"
"I bought several sets of maid outfits. Want to try one?"
"Wh-what are you thinking?"
"Nothing… I just want to see you dressed as a maid. It'll make me happier."
"Hmph… terrible guy," Yukino said, cheeks red, turning away.
A few minutes later, in Yuuya's bedroom.
Yukino had changed into a maid outfit, glaring at him.
"Master Yuuya, you're terrible."