Breakfast that morning was wrapped in an odd atmosphere.
Utaha and Shizuka's behavior was a little too obvious, and Haru naturally noticed, but he had no reason to bring it up.
Yukino, though full of questions in her mind, saw that both Shizuka and Utaha looked sleep-deprived. She decided it wasn't worth asking.
Whether it was because they had kicked off the covers or some other reason, she knew that pressing the issue would only embarrass them.
If it had just been Utaha, it would have been fine... Yukino didn't mind teasing her.
But with Shizuka, an adult, present, she felt it was inappropriate to probe.
Her quarrels with Utaha were usually personal matters they resolved privately. Now, with Shizuka around and everyone just out of bed, Yukino decided it was better not to make the older woman feel awkward.
Besides, Shizuka's outwardly carefree demeanor hid a sensitive heart. Yukino remembered seeing her react badly to the word "blind date," instantly looking glum.
As these thoughts passed through her mind, Yukino realized something surprising: she had unconsciously started considering her senior's feelings more carefully.
It was a strange feeling... she and Utaha were friends, even "teammates." They had gone through so much together: missions, exhausting events, cosplay… Yukino had even earned the nickname "Miss Meow," while Utaha became "Bunny Senpai."
Yet this friendship was complicated, layered with so many factors that she couldn't quite describe it.
Yukino's eyes wandered to Haru, who was eating breakfast. Naturally, she thought, it was all that flirtatious man's doing.
After breakfast, Shizuka left quickly. Despite looking tired, she managed to maintain her usual composure while saying goodbye to Haru and Yukino.
Only Yukino could tell the difference... Haru was already worrying about how to handle upcoming situations, while Utaha was thinking: "Sensei really should find a boyfriend soon. She's been holding in her emotions for over twenty years!"
She remembered the strange feeling of hearing such a heartfelt song in the middle of the night... it had been shocking, to say the least. Thankfully, Shizuka hadn't noticed she was awake.
Utaha shook off the thought quickly, deciding not to dwell on it. Otherwise, she wouldn't get through the day normally.
_ _ _ _
On the surface, Haru's day went as usual. After school, he visited the karate club as promised to Utaha.
"Yo, Amamiya, you actually have time to come by?" the club members greeted him enthusiastically.
He had a reputation for sharing his skills generously and helping the club win the youth championship, so everyone liked him.
"I've been practicing some new grappling techniques," Haru said, casually starting a conversation. "Interested?"
"Grappling? You learned that?"
"It's practical self-defense. Worth learning, right?"
Naturally, everyone wanted to see. Haru began teaching them.
Soon, Utaha appeared, pretending to drop by. Under the curious gazes of the club members, the popular girl quietly observed.
Time passed day by day and by March, Utaha had learned two effective techniques. Confident, she thought she could face Yukino without worry.
After club activities ended that day, she visited Haru's home, planning to test her skills.
Yukino opened the door and led her to the living room. Surprisingly, she just returned to the sofa and sat down without speaking much.
Haru, meanwhile, was lying comfortably on the sofa. He greeted Utaha casually and waved at Yukino.
"Shall we continue?" he said.
"Continue what?" Utaha asked.
Yukino sighed, then reached out her delicate hand and pressed gently against Haru's temples.
"Are you giving him a massage?" Utaha finally realized.
"Yeah. I was reviewing the massage techniques we discussed before. Haru wanted to see if I had mastered them, so I'm demonstrating," Yukino explained calmly.
Utaha, unamused, commented: "Are you sure you're not just enjoying a free massage from a girl?"
"Like I said, he wouldn't admit it," Yukino replied, continuing her work.
Haru smirked and said, "Stop pressing my head all the time. You should move to my back and shoulders... they need it most."
Yukino ignored him. Just as she was about to get up, Utaha smiled mischievously: "Do you want me to take over?"
"You?"
Yukino raised an eyebrow. She caught the faintly mischievous smile on Utaha's face.
"That works too," Haru said casually.
Curious, Yukino stood up.
Utaha moved to the spot Yukino had just vacated... but instead of sitting, she slipped off her slippers. Her black-stockinged foot lifted and she placed it on the sofa beside Haru.
Haru, lying comfortably on the sofa, looked up in mild surprise. "What are you doing?"
"You said you wanted a massage. Turn over and lie face down," Utaha said, her grin growing wider.
Haru rolled onto his stomach as instructed.
In the next moment, Utaha rested her foot lightly on his back. Yukino's eyes widened at the sudden move.
Utaha, smiling, asked teasingly, "How's that for a massage?"
Haru, calm as ever, replied, "Could you use both feet and press a little harder?"
Utaha froze for a second, instinctively glancing at Yukino. Yukino shook her head with a cool, detached expression... she had never done anything like this and had no idea what Haru was thinking.
Biting her lip, Utaha realized her little prank wasn't quite having the effect she'd hoped for. Still, she pressed a little firmer and teased, "Does being stepped on like this… actually feel good? If so, you're full of surprises."
"Why would that be surprising?" Haru said, his head swiveling slightly.
"Don't you think being stepped on is kind of… unusual?" Utaha asked, finally voicing her curiosity.
Haru tilted his head and grinned. "What's wrong with this? I wish you and Yukino would put on stockings and step on me together."
Yukino's face showed no approval. "I refuse," she said plainly.
Haru made a mock disappointed face. "That's a pity. I've thought before that it would be great if Miss Meow and Bunny Senpai wore stockings and gave me a foot massage."
"Why didn't I know you had such a fetish before?" Yukino said, her tone tinged with disbelief.
"Habits are developed day by day." Haru shrugged.
Utaha looked down at her feet and decided to be ruthless: "If I step on your face with my foot, would you still enjoy it?"
~~~~~~~~~~
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