By Monday morning, the rain had passed, leaving the city washed clean and sharp under spring sun. Yu walked to school at Taichi's side, the girls chattering ahead of them. Normally, Taichi would have kept his distance in public, trying to play at being a "healthy boyfriend." But this time, his hand brushed Yu's once, twice—before he just quietly caught it.
Yu startled, ears pink, ready to jerk away at the thought of all the eyes around them. But then he remembered the way Taichi had curled against him yesterday, raw and unguarded, and something inside him softened.
He didn't let go.
That was all it took.
By the time they reached the school gates, the usual hum of gossip picked up, louder than ever. Sakura Sato gave a little squeal, whispering under her breath about how this really did feel like a k-drama. Fumiko Fujimori raised a brow, more discreet but secretly pleased to see Taichi not hiding Yu away this time.
Souma Satou and Yamato Yamada nearly choked on their bread rolls when they spotted the linked hands.
"No way. No way, he's actually—Taichi Arifuku, you're holding hands? In public?"
"Shut it!"
Taichi snapped, though his ears had gone red.
Yu, mortified, tried to tug his hand back, but Taichi only tightened his grip, shooting him a sideways glance that said 'don't you dare.'
And to everyone's shock—including Yu's—he didn't fight it. He just ducked his head, flustered, but stayed right there beside Taichi.
The classroom felt different too. Taichi, instead of bristling whenever someone leaned too close to Yu, now seemed steadier, more grounded. When Yamato made an offhand joke that Yu should tutor him sometime, Taichi didn't snap. He just reached over and flicked Yu's ear like it was his right, earning a squeak and a wave of laughter from their friends.
The others noticed the shift. Fumiko Fujimori leaned toward Sakura, whispering,
"It's like… he's totally mellowed out. Still a little clingy, but less dangerous."
"Mm."
Sakura agreed, eyes glittering.
"And Yu's starting to lean back into him. Look at them—it's almost sweet."
Yu caught their whispers, cheeks blazing. Taichi only smirked, leaning closer to murmur where no one else could hear.
"See? They're jealous."
Yu elbowed him hard in the ribs, but he didn't pull away.
For the first time, it didn't feel like Yu was enduring the stares or Taichi was fighting his nature—it felt like they were… settling into something. Imperfect, but theirs.
---
By midmorning, the shift in Yu and Taichi's dynamic had woven its way into every corner of the classroom.
Group Study.
During their free period, Sakura and Fumiko pulled out their notes to prep for the next quiz. Normally Yu sat between them, a safe buffer. But today, Taichi slid in beside him without asking, practically boxing him in.
"Taichi!"
Sakura hissed.
"We all need Yu's help, not just you."
Taichi leaned back, stretching lazily, one arm resting on the back of Yu's chair.
"He can help you too. I'm not stopping him."
Except he sort of was—by staying so close that Yu's shoulder brushed his every time he shifted. Yu tried to ignore it, focusing on explaining formulas to Fumiko, but his voice kept catching when Taichi's thigh pressed just a little too deliberately against his.
Across the classroom, Isuke Sasaki's pen froze in mid-stroke. His eyes flicked from Yu's flushed face to Taichi's smug ease, his jaw tightening.
—
At lunch, the rooftop, where students began to gather, was louder than usual with Souma and Yamato cracking jokes. Yu opened his bento—neatly packed from his own cooking practice—with Taichi leaning in first, stealing a pickled radish right out of his box.
"Hey—!"
Yu squeaked, snatching the chopsticks back.
"Yours tastes better."
Taichi said easily, grinning.
"I made yours the same way."
Yu pouted in protest.
The girls laughed, snapping photos for their Instagram stories, while Yu covered his face with his hands. But Isuke, a few paces away with his own lunch, didn't laugh. His gaze lingered too long, watching the way Yu ducked under Taichi's teasing, how effortlessly Arifuku invaded Yu's space like he owned it.
—
When it was time for gym class, the boys and girls were split into teams for basketball. Yu, never the most athletic, was shoved onto Taichi's side.
"You just stick close to me."
Taichi murmured, steadying Yu's wrist before the whistle blew.
"I'll handle the rest."
And he did—dominating the game, blocking shots, passing only to Yu when he could. At one point, when Yu stumbled, Taichi caught him by the waist before he hit the floor, holding him there a beat too long. The wolf-whistles from their classmates only made Yu burn brighter.
Afterward, Yu panted on the bench, sweat sticking to his bangs, while Taichi handed him a water bottle he'd opened himself.
"Drink."
Yu muttered something about not being a child, but he still drank.
From the bleachers, Isuke sat rigid, notebook closed on his lap. His dark eyes never left the two of them. He'd worried about Yu losing focus, but this was worse than he thought. It wasn't just distraction—Taichi Arifuku was wrapping himself around Yu like chains. And Yu, sweet, earnest Yu, seemed too dazzled to notice.
Isuke's grip tightened on his pencil until the wood cracked.
---
The school weeks rolled forward, one blurring into the next with the ease of spring fading toward summer. Yu had changed—his posture straighter, his voice carrying more confidence when he answered in class, and even his laugh, freer, more natural when he was with his friends.
And everywhere he went, Taichi was there. Sometimes subtle, sometimes not—an arm brushing his, a hand steadying him down the stairs, a glance that promised he was never out of reach. The others noticed, but most had grown used to it, like it was simply part of Yu's air now.
Only Isuke Sasaki kept that sharp silence, the way his eyes narrowed whenever Taichi Arifuku hovered too close, the way his pen stilled in the middle of notes when Yu smiled at Arifuku like he was the only one in the world.
But Yu hardly noticed. Because the calendar was shifting toward something else—something big enough to sweep the whole class along:
The school's first big event of the year.
Not just another quiz, not just another study group. Something grander. Something that would put Yu, Taichi, and everyone else under brighter lights than ever before—where gossip, pressure, and choices would all come to a head.
---
The notice went up on Monday morning, tacked to the bulletin board outside homeroom:
>"All first-years must submit their chosen club applications by Friday. Midterm exam dates are posted below. Please prepare accordingly."
The air in class buzzed with new energy. Some students already knew exactly what clubs they were aiming for—sports, culture, arts—while others hovered in the doorway, groaning at the choices.
Yu stood in front of the board longer than most, clutching his notebook to his chest. Clubs. Exams. Two things he had no "original Yukio Hokohayashi" script for.
He felt Taichi drift to his side, close enough that Yu could feel his warmth.
"Don't worry…"
Taichi said, almost casual.
"We'll figure it out together. I'll help you with all of it."
Yu glanced up, cheeks faintly warm. He wanted to believe that—but his mind was already spinning.
In the time since he's become Yukio, he'd learned to walk with friends, to cook edible food, to pass tests. But now? Clubs meant commitment, exposure. Exams meant proving his worth wasn't a fluke. The weight pressed in, and DK01 whispered at the back of his mind.
[This is the point where the world tests you, Host. Stability doesn't last unless you prove you can hold it.]
Yu swallowed, the chatter of classmates washing around him.
Fumiko Fujimori and Sakura Sato darted in, bubbling with energy, pointing at different posters.
"We should totally pick clubs near each other!"
Sakura grinned.
"That way we can hang out more."
"And like study together for midterms!"
Fumiko added, already serious.
"It's been a ton of help with Yu and Taichi in the group."
Taichi crossed his arms, eyes narrowing—not in jealousy this time, but in protective thought. He didn't want Yu overwhelmed. But he also didn't want Yu isolated. This balance… was harder than it looked.
---
By lunch break, Yu was already drowning in glossy pamphlets. Clubs for every kind of talent or quirk crowded the page: baseball, kendo, art, literature, even a tea ceremony circle. His eyes glazed.
"I—I don't know which one to choose…"
Yu muttered, fiddling with the edge of his chopsticks.
Sakura Sato leaned over his shoulder with a mischievous grin.
"Well, well. Yu-chan, which screams you more: sports, books, or… ohhh, look at this one!"
She pointed to a neat flyer decorated with flowers and tiny printed recipes.
Fumiko Fujimori's eyes sparkled.
"The Harmony Life Club."
Yu tilted his head.
"What's… Harmony Life?"
Sakura giggled.
"Housekeeping, cooking, sewing, etiquette… Basically, the 'perfect housewife' training club."
Yu blinked. He thought of his wobbly omelets from last month, the time he nearly set rice on fire, and the mountain of study notes Fumiko had written for him.
"…That actually sounds… useful."
The girls squealed in unison, hugging his arms.
"Kyaaa! Yu-chan is too pure! You want to learn this stuff for Taichi, don't you?"
"Eh?!"
Yu went red, flailing his chopsticks.
"N-no! I just… I need more life skills! More recipes! It's nothing like—like—!"
But across the table, Taichi's ears were bright red, and he'd frozen mid-bite of his curry.
'Future housewife… Yu, for me…?'
His heart thudded loud enough he was sure even Yamato and Souma could hear.
Yamato smirked, elbowing him.
"Oho, Taichi. Looks like you've won the jackpot."
"Shut it!"
Taichi growled, though his blush betrayed him.
Meanwhile, the girls announced they'd be joining the Fashion & Trends Circle.
"We can keep up with styles, and—bonus—we can give Yu cute outfits for his Instagram!"
Sakura chirped.
"And me?"
Taichi asked flatly, flipping through the pamphlets. Every club time clashed with Harmony Life, except…
"Basketball."
Souma leaned in.
"Guess we're in too, huh Yamato?"
Yamato grinned.
"Hell yeah. We'll keep you company, bro."
---
That evening, as the sky dimmed and the group gathered around Yu's cramped table, the conversation shifted from clubs to exams.
Textbooks spread, notes stacked, snacks at the ready.
"Let's start with history!"
Fumiko declared, already flipping open her binder.
Yu groaned but obeyed. Surrounded by the girls' steady explanations and Sakura's playful quizzing, he felt oddly secure. It was noisy, even chaotic, but he wasn't alone.
Later, when their friends packed up for the night, Yu found himself tucked against Taichi on the couch with a separate pile of math problems.
"Focus,"
Taichi said, tapping his pencil against Yu's worksheet.
"Not on the ceiling."
"But—"
"No buts. You're going to ace this. We'll do it together."
Yu pouted, but his chest warmed. Group study made him feel part of something bigger. But one-on-one with Taichi—he felt steady, like the world itself could collapse and he'd still be safe.
---
The first real crack came three nights into study prep.
Yu's head thunked against the table, cheek squished into Fumiko's notes. His pencil rolled to the floor.
"I can't… I can't do this anymore…"
"You've barely finished half the worksheet."
Taichi said, looming over him.
"Exactly!"
Yu groaned, voice muffled against the paper.
"There's too many dates, too many formulas, too many kanjis—I'm gonna fail everything and then I'll get expelled and then I'll—"
Taichi sighed, crouching beside him.
"Idiot. Sit up."
"Nooo."
Yu whined, clinging to the notes like a life raft.
Taichi tugged gently at his arm until Yu peeked up at him with bleary eyes. His scowl softened.
"Listen. You've already done better than you think. You just need to breathe."
He pressed a cup of water into Yu's hands. When Yu hesitated, Taichi tipped it against his lips until he drank, spluttering.
"See? Alive again."
Taichi teased, ruffling his hair.
"…You're annoying."
"Mm. But you like me annoying."
Yu's lips twitched despite his exhaustion. The warmth in Taichi's gaze steadied him more than the water ever could. And little by little, he managed to finish the sheet—slower than normally, maybe, but done.
---
Monday came, and with it, the first day of clubs.
Yu, still riding the high of finishing his homework, set off to find the Harmony Life Club. The map he'd scribbled on the back of his math worksheet made sense in his room, but the halls of the school turned it into a cruel joke.
"Third floor, west wing—no, east wing? Wait… this isn't even the right staircase!"
[Truly, never go into map making, Host. Want me to assist again?]
"No! I can do this… ugh, wait, what floor am I on again?"
Yu muttered, circling like a lost puppy.
By the time he found the modest sign—Harmony Life, Room 3-12—his nerves were frayed.
He slid the door open carefully.
The room smelled faintly of detergent and broth, neat rows of sewing machines and shelves of recipe books lining the walls. Inside, a handful of students chattered, all girls in neat aprons except for one boy.
Yu froze.
Isuke Sasaki looked up from where he was threading a needle, his brown hair catching the light, those piercing blue eyes sharp and curious.
For a second, Yu thought he'd wandered into a dream again. The resemblance to Icarus was too close.
"…Yu-chan."
Isuke said, voice calm but carrying easily.
"So you chose this club too."
Yu nearly dropped his bag.
"Y-you?! Here?!"
The girls giggled at his fluster, whispering behind their hands, but Isuke's expression didn't waver. He gave a small nod, like the president acknowledging a new member of his court.
"Welcome to Harmony Life."
Yu swallowed. Of all the people to end up learning 'future housewife' skills beside him, it had to be the student council president.
---
The Harmony Life Club was not for the faint of heart.
At least, that was how Yu felt after accidentally sewing the sleeve of his uniform to the table runner they were supposed to be practicing on.
"Ah—wait—!"
He tugged, panic flaring as the fabric pulled with him. The girls burst into gentle laughter, coming over with scissors.
"You're supposed to guide the cloth, not wrestle it, Yu-chan."
One of them teased.
"I was guiding it!"
Yu protested, ears pink.
On the other side of the room, Isuke Sasaki worked in near silence, his long fingers gliding with practiced ease. His stitches were precise, straight, perfect. He didn't so much as glance at the chaos unfolding beside Yu.
Yu bit his lip, determined not to fall behind. By the end of the hour, he had managed a slightly lopsided but intact dishcloth. It wasn't pretty, but it was his. And the satisfaction that warmed him made the embarrassment fade.
The girls clapped politely. Yu grinned, proud of himself.
But when he caught Isuke's eyes on him across the room, his stomach flipped. That gaze wasn't mocking. It was… studying. Measuring. As though Yu himself was a test he had yet to pass.
By dismissal, the tension lingered like a shadow on his shoulders. Yu slung his bag over his shoulder, eager to head to the gate. Taichi would be there soon, probably sweaty and loud from basketball. Yu had a water bottle and towel tucked neatly into his bag—Sakura's advice ringing in his ears:
"Just like how boyfriends have to pay for their girlfriends, girlfriends should do nice stuff for their boyfriends."
He stepped into the hall—only to find Isuke blocking his way.
"Yu-chan."
Isuke said evenly, hands in his pockets.
"Do you have a moment? I wanted to—"
But Yu's attention darted past him. Down the corridor, Taichi was coming, wiping his brow, hair damp from sweat. His teammates clapped him on the back, but his eyes found Yu instantly.
Yu's heart leapt.
"Sorry, gotta go!"
Yu squeaked, ducking around Isuke. He ran, practically shoving the towel and water bottle into Taichi's arms the second he reached him.
"Here! You must be thirsty. And, um—sweaty. So—here."
Taichi blinked, surprised. The bottle was already cool against his palm. He unscrewed it, took a long sip, then chuckled.
"Mm. Perfect. Exactly what I needed."
Yu's chest swelled with pride—until Taichi leaned down and pressed a kiss to the crown of his head.
Heat flared all the way down Yu's neck.
"Th-thank you…"
He mumbled, glowing red.
"Mm. My Yu takes such good care of me."
Taichi said, entirely too pleased with himself as he slung his bag over his other shoulder and shifted closer.
Together, they walked through the gates, Yu buzzing with happiness, babbling about learning to sew and wanting to try the cooking part of club next time. Taichi grinned, recounting how Yamato kept tripping over his own shoelaces in basketball.
Yu laughed, clutching the hem of his bag tighter. He didn't mention that Isuke Sasaki was also in his club. That was… a problem for another time.
Behind them, from the shadow of the school's entryway, Isuke stood at the doors, watching the scene unfold with unreadable eyes. His eyes followed the pair as they disappeared down the street, Yu chattering happily, Taichi leaning in close, laughing, his hand brushing against Yu's shoulder as though it belonged there.
The water bottle. The towel. The way Yu glowed at something so simple.
At first, Isuke had wondered why Yu—top of the class, precise, brilliant—would pick a club like Harmony Life. He only agreed to join to fill in the numbers, even then, he had also joined other clubs aligned with studying. It made no sense for someone like Yu to join. Not when academic societies were clamoring for members. Not when Yu's scholarship depended on his grades staying flawless.
But now, it was clear.
Yu hadn't joined for himself. He'd joined for Taichi. To sew, to cook, to clean—for him. To play the role of a housewife.
Something tightened in Isuke's chest at the thought. He didn't name it. He didn't want to.
Instead, he forced the reasoning into sharper thoughts.
Yu was getting distracted. Yu was forgetting what mattered. This "girlfriend" act, this indulgence—it was a weakness, one that could cost him everything if he slipped even once.
And with midterms approaching, the timing couldn't be worse.
If Yu failed, even a single subject… it would be up to him—Isuke Sasaki—to set things right. To remind Hokohayashi of what really mattered.
Even if that meant making sure Yu and Taichi Arifuku were no longer together.
---
The morning bell had barely faded when the loudspeakers crackled to life.
> "Reminder to all students: today is the annual medical checkup. Please report to your assigned classes after homeroom."
Yu blinked, tilting his head.
'Medical… checkup?'
In his mind, DK01 immediately stirred, voice carrying its usual dry bite.
[It's exactly what it sounds like. Every student has their height, weight, vision, and overall health examined to ensure there are no issues. A standard protocol in Japanese schools.]
Yu's eyes widened.
'Wait, what?! People are going to… measure me?'
[Correct. Physical examination. You should have known this was coming.]
'How was I supposed to know?!'
Yu hissed back internally, clutching his schoolbag tighter.
From the row in front of Yu, Fumiko Fujimori let out a dramatic groan, slumping forward on her desk.
"I knew it,"
She whined.
"I knew I shouldn't have eaten that second parfait yesterday. They're going to tell me I've gained weight, and my whole life will be over!"
Beside her, Sakura Sato clutched her cheeks with both hands.
"Don't even say that! What if I've gained, too? My mom will never let me hear the end of it."
The two girls clasped hands, trembling as if marching toward execution.
Yu watched, baffled.
'Why are they so afraid of numbers?'
[Because…]
DK01 explained patiently.
[Your host body is perceived as female. Weight and body image carry particular social anxieties. For you, however, the greater issue is…]
Yu flinched, glancing down at his own body, his throat tightening.
'…Right. I'm not supposed to be—'
But he cut the thought off, panic rising.
Taichi, oblivious to the swirl in Yu's chest, leaned across the desk with his easy grin.
"Don't worry, Yu. You'll be fine. You always look healthy to me."
The words made Yu's ears turn red.
[Careful,]
DK01 warned.
[If they discover something unusual in your physical exam, your cover may collapse. Handle this carefully.]
The classroom erupted into chatter the moment the announcement ended.
Yamato Yamada stretched his arms high above his head, his grin so wide it nearly split his face.
"Finally! This is my moment. I bet I grew at least two centimeters since last year!"
Souma Satou snorted, leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed.
"As if. I'm the one who's been drinking milk every night. Watch—I'll finally pass you."
The two of them immediately launched into a heated debate over height charts and growth spurts, complete with exaggerated hand gestures.
Yu blinked at them, then at the girls still clinging to each other as if awaiting execution. On one side: cheers of competition. On the other: whispers of dread and disaster.
'So… boys look forward to this? And girls… hate it?'
Yu thought, brow furrowing as he sank into his seat.
'Then… what about me? Where do I fall?'
The confusion itched at his chest. He was a boy. He knew that. He was also Yukio Hokohayashi here—but a girl, to everyone else. He squeezed his hands together under the desk, unsure which side he was supposed to belong to.
Taichi could see Yu still fidgeting nervously and leaned close then, his voice pitched low so only Yu could hear.
"Don't sweat it. I'll make sure you're okay."
Yu jumped a little, his heart hammering, then nodded quickly.
'R-right… okay…'
---
By mid-morning, the entire school moved like cattle being herded down corridors toward the gymnasium, where partitions had been set up for the examinations. Students buzzed nervously, some joking, some groaning.
Yu stuck close to Fumiko and Sakura, his eyes darting everywhere for an escape.
'Maybe if I fake a stomachache? Or trip on purpose?'
[They won't let you off that easily.]
DK01 cut in dryly.
[This is mandatory. No excuses.]
'You're supposed to help me, not scare me!'
Yu hissed in his mind, clutching his health form so tight it crumpled.
Sakura looped an arm through his.
"Don't worry, Yu-chan, we'll survive together!"
"Yes!"
Fumiko agreed, though her legs visibly wobbled.
"If I faint, catch me, okay?"
Meanwhile, Taichi hovered on Yu's other side like a watchdog. His dark eyes tracked every shuffle of the line, every laugh from boys in the back, every flicker of unease on Yu's face.
When Yamato and Souma started comparing hand spans and boasting about how much muscle they'd gained, Taichi muttered under his breath, "Idiots," before glancing down at Yu again.
"You really don't have to worry. It'll be quick. And I'll be right outside."
Yu gulped, torn between relief and dread. The gym doors loomed closer.
[Steady yourself.]
DK01 urged.
[If anything slips—if they notice a discrepancy—you risk everything. One misstep, and you're finished.]
Yu's stomach dropped.
'Oh no… what am I going to do?'