Summer's weight pressed heavy on the air, but Yu found himself smiling more often than sighing.
At lunch, Taichi fanned him with both hands when Yu complained about the heat, grumbling.
"You're too precious to melt."
Yu flushed crimson, clutching his bento close.
On the walk home, Taichi carried not only Yu's bag but also two shopping bags with thread and yarn Yu had bought for new projects.
"You spoil me."
Yu whispered, embarrassed by the stares of classmates who passed by.
Taichi tilted his head with a grin.
"Nah. This is me getting spoiled—'cause you're letting me do it."
That night, Yu caught himself humming while sewing, DK01 in his mind dryly noting.
[Your attachment is intensifying. Excellent. The Beast's affection gauge will definitely be swelling once you give those gifts.]
Yu puffed his cheeks.
'I'm not giving him gifts just for the gauge to fill. I really… like him.'
DK01 fell silent.
---
The warmth cracked a few days later.
Yu was called into the faculty office unexpectedly. When he stepped in, Isuke Sasaki was already seated beside a teacher, posture immaculate, smile just this side of polite.
"Ah, Hokohayashi."
The teacher began, folding his hands.
"A matter's been brought to our attention… your scholarship status. It's tied, as you know, to your academic rank."
Yu stiffened.
"Yes, sir. I—I've kept my grades up."
"That's not in question."
The teacher glanced at Isuke.
"…But the student council president has raised concerns. That… perhaps certain distractions could risk your focus."
Yu's heart thudded. He turned sharply toward Isuke. The boy's sky blue eyes, always glittering with control, softened into mock-concern.
"Yu…"
Isuke said smoothly,
"It's only because I care about the school's reputation—and yours. You deserve first place, always. But if you… divide your attention too much, someone less worthy could drag you down."
Yu's hands curled tight at his sides.
"Are you… saying Taichi is 'someone less worthy'? Just some 'distraction'?"
Isuke's smile sharpened.
"If he causes your scholarship to slip, it's more than distraction. It's danger."
The words hit like a blade—soft enough for the teacher not to notice the venom, but direct enough that Yu felt the chill.
He left the office pale, clutching his bag like a shield, so tightly his knuckles whitened.
Outside, Taichi was waiting, leaning against the wall as usual. One look at Yu's trembling fingers, and Taichi's straightened immediately, grin gone.
"Yu? What happened in there? You look like you saw a ghost."
Yu forced a smile that didn't reach his eyes. Not wanting to stay near the office, he started walking down the hall towards class. Taichi followed close behind, worried and feeling like something was off.
"…Nothing. Just… scholarship stuff. I—I'm fine."
Yu stammered, eyes darting away.
But inside, the tension had shifted. Isuke was done playing subtle.
"It was nothing serious. You don't have to worry—"
"Stop."
Taichi's tone wasn't sharp, but it cut through Yu's excuses all the same. When Yu blinked up at him, startled, Taichi reached out and gently took his wrist, stopping Yu from walking any further away. His big hand completely wrapped around it, grounding him.
"Yu…"
Taichi said steadily.
"We promised, right? No hiding. Communication is key."
His brows furrowed in quiet worry.
"If you're in trouble—even if it's small—I want to know. I can't help you if you don't trust me with it. And I want to help you."
Yu's throat tightened. He shook his head, trying to smile, but it wavered.
"…I don't want you to worry. I don't want to cause trouble for you."
"You're not trouble."
Taichi's grip softened, his voice dropping warm and low.
"You're everything I want to protect. And no matter what, all I want is to see you happy."
The words pierced straight through Yu's fragile walls. He blinked fast, vision swimming, before the dam broke.
"T-Taichi…"
His voice cracked.
"It's Isuke. He—he told the teacher… he said you're a distraction. That if I lose focus, I'll lose my scholarship. And that it would be your fault."
For a moment, silence stretched between them.
Then Taichi's eyes went ice-cold. His jaw clenched, shoulders stiffening, every muscle coiling with rage.
"He said that?"
Yu nodded, trembling, clutching at Taichi's uniform sleeve.
"I'm sorry, I didn't want to say anything—"
"Don't apologize."
Taichi bent down, cupping Yu's cheek with one large, steady hand. His gaze softened instantly, heat and anger melting when he saw Yu's tears.
"You did the right thing telling me. I'd never forgive myself if you kept this bottled up alone."
"Taichi…"
Taichi leaned his forehead gently against Yu's.
"Let me handle this. You don't need to carry it by yourself."
Yu swallowed hard, but for the first time since leaving that office, the cold in his chest began to ease. He nodded faintly.
"…I trust you."
Taichi smiled, fierce and tender all at once.
"Good. Because I'll never let anyone threaten what we have."
Taichi didn't let go of Yu's hand after that. He kept hold of him as he walked him back down the hall, shoulders squared, eyes hard. Yu trailed beside him nervously, sensing the storm brewing under Taichi's skin.
"Taichi… where are we—?"
"To end this."
Taichi said flatly.
And just as if fate itself had been listening, Isuke Sasaki stepped out of the faculty room, holding a stack of papers. He looked composed as ever, the picture of the school prince. But when his gaze slid over and met Yu's, lingering too long, Taichi snapped.
He strode forward, yanking Yu gently behind him.
"Arifukua."
Isuke said smoothly, voice calm like he had nothing to hide.
"Shouldn't you be in class?"
"Cut the act."
Taichi's voice was low, dangerous. His usual blunt tone stripped raw with fury.
"You think you can corner Yu, threaten him, and I won't find out? You think I forgot what happened on the stairs?"
Isuke's mask slipped just slightly. His eyes narrowed.
"…That was an accident."
"Like hell it was."
Taichi stepped closer, fists tight at his sides.
"You laid hands on him, and he got hurt. And now you dare go after his scholarship? You're supposed to be student council president, not some obsessed creep."
Yu gasped softly.
"Taichi—"
But Taichi was beyond stopping.
"You're jealous. Admit it."
His voice cracked like thunder through the empty hall.
"You can't stand that Yu chose me. That no matter how many girls chase you, the only one you can't get is him. So you try to take what matters most to him—his grades, his scholarship, his peace. Pathetic."
For once, Isuke's composure shattered. His jaw tightened, his eyes flashing with heat.
"…You think you can protect him from everything? You can't. You'll drag him down sooner or later. That's what I'm trying to prevent."
"Prevent?"
Taichi snarled, stepping so close their foreheads almost clashed.
"You mean control."
The tension was razor-sharp, seconds away from fists flying.
Yu, shaking, stepped between them, pressing both palms against Taichi's chest.
"Stop! Please!"
His voice wavered, but his eyes were steady.
"Taichi, you promised me—no violence."
Taichi froze. His fists unclenched immediately at Yu's touch, but the fury still burned in his gaze as he glared over Yu's shoulder at Isuke.
"You come near him again,"
Taichi said in a low growl,
"and I swear, title or no title, I'll end you."
Isuke said nothing, but his silence wasn't defeat—it was simmering calculation. His eyes slid to Yu, and for the briefest second, something almost vulnerable flickered there before hardening again.
Yu clung to Taichi's sleeve, trembling.
"Let's go."
Taichi finally pulled back, wrapping an arm protectively around Yu as they walked away. But the hall still buzzed with the echo of that confrontation—like the whole school had shifted.
And in Isuke's clenched jaw and narrowed eyes, a vow formed.
'This isn't over. Once summer vacation is done, I'll make sure Yu sees Arifukua for what he really is…'
---
The first day of summer vacation's early lights filters into Yu's small apartment kitchen, catching on the steam rising from the miso soup and the glossy sheen of fresh rice in the cooker. Yu, already dressed in his casual summer shorts, tank top and apron, carefully arranges the breakfast on two plates: tamagoyaki cut into neat rolls, grilled salmon, and fresh fruit sliced into tiny star shapes.
"Perfect."
He whispers to himself, adjusting one last strawberry until the plate looks just right.
A shuffle of footsteps behind him makes him freeze. He turns, and there's Taichi—hair sticking up in wild tufts, eyes half-lidded, shirt hanging loose and wrinkled like he just rolled out of bed.
"Taichi!"
Yu exclaims, flustered.
"At least wash your face first before coming to the table—"
Before he can finish, Taichi leans forward, wrapping his arms around Yu's waist from behind. He buries his face into Yu's shoulder and murmurs in a voice still heavy with sleep,
"Smells so good… Yu always makes the best breakfast…"
Yu stiffens instantly, face heating to crimson.
"Y-you can't just…! What if I drop the plates!?"
Taichi only hums, pressing closer, his chin settling lazily on Yu's shoulder.
"Then I'll eat it off the floor. Don't care, as long as it's yours."
Yu sputters, swatting at his arm with the spatula.
"That's gross! Stop saying things like that!"
But even as he scolds him, Yu doesn't pull away. His hands tremble only slightly as he sets the plates down, cheeks puffed with shy embarrassment.
Taichi finally lifts his head, blinking fully awake now. He catches sight of the bright little fruit stars and grins.
"You even made the fruit cute? For me?"
Yu crosses his arms, trying to look stern but failing as his ears burn pink.
"…Don't make it sound weird. Just eat before it gets cold."
Taichi chuckles, sliding into his seat. But as Yu places the plate before him, Taichi gently tugs on his wrist, making Yu stumble a little closer.
"Thanks, my princess."
He says softly, looking up at him with that warm, disarming smile.
Yu's breath hitches, heart skipping—but he only huffs and turns away quickly, muttering.
"Eat already…"
---
Later, the mall was buzzing with the lazy hum of summer vacation—students in casual clothes, families drifting between air-conditioned shops, the occasional burst of music from a store speaker.
Yu clutches Taichi's sleeve lightly as their group drifts together toward the fashion wing. Fumiko Fujimori and Sakura Sato are already chattering about new summer outfits, their energy pulling Souma Satou and Yamato Yamada reluctantly along.
"Come on, Yu-chan!"
Sakura beams, tugging Yu forward.
"We have to see you try something new today!"
"Ehh? Me? But I'm not here to—"
Yu begins, only to be swept into a boutique before he can protest.
The girls disappear into racks of dresses, thrusting hangers into Yu's arms with merciless enthusiasm. Taichi watches from the doorway, carrying several of Yu's shopping bags without complaint. His eyes never leave Yu.
Minutes later, Yu emerges from the changing room—hesitant, cheeks pink. He's wearing a simple sundress, soft yellow with a ribbon tied at the waist. The hem flutters around his thighs, showing more leg than his school uniform ever did.
"Ahhh! Yu-chan, you're adorable!"
Fumiko squeals, clasping her hands together.
"Doesn't she look so summery?"
Sakura grins, circling him.
Souma and Yamato awkwardly avert their eyes, shifting the girl's bags in their arms.
"We'll just… look at shoes."
Yamato mutters, dragging Souma away.
Taichi, though, goes still. His grip on the shopping bags tightens, knuckles paling. His eyes trace Yu from head to toe in stunned silence, then snap up when Yu fidgets and looks at him for reassurance.
"…Too much?"
Yu asks softly.
Taichi blinks, then blurts out.
"No! You're… you're perfect."
The girls exchange mischievous grins.
Yu covers his flushed cheeks with his hands, groaning.
"Don't say it like that!"
But Taichi only smiles, stepping forward to pluck the price tag off the ribbon.
"We're buying it."
Yu sputters.
"Wha—!? But—!"
"No buts."
Taichi shifts the bags in his arms and gestures toward the counter.
"I'll carry everything. Just wear it for the rest of the day, okay?"
Yu glances at the group, but Fumiko and Sakura are nodding vigorously, egging him on. He finally relents, cheeks aflame.
And so the date continues—Yu walking shyly beside Taichi in the new sundress, Taichi carrying Yu's bags without a single complaint, his free hand occasionally brushing against Yu's until Yu finally holds it.
Then the group spills into the private karaoke room, arms full of drinks and snacks. Neon lights flicker lazily on the ceiling, and the big screen flashes waiting lyrics.
"Alright, alright!"
Sakura claps her hands.
"Yu-chan, you're going first!"
"Ehh? Me again? But every time—"
Yu protests weakly, only to be shoved forward by Fumiko, who grins like a mischievous manager.
Taichi lounges on the couch with crossed arms, his expression betraying a mix of smugness and pride.
"You're the star. Just get used to it, princess."
Yu pouts but takes the mic. When the music starts, though, his voice slips into the room like a spell—clear, sweet, and steady. The chatter dies instantly. Fumiko sways dramatically, Sakura squeals, and even Souma and Yamato cheer him on, somehow getting idol glow sticks and waving them around.
By the time Yu finishes, the room bursts into applause.
"Encore! Encore!"
Fumiko chants.
"Yeah, sing another one!"
Sakura insists.
Yu flails with both hands.
"No, no, I—!"
But Taichi is already queuing up another song.
"C'mon. One more. For me."
Yu's heart stutters. Under the neon glow, he nods, voice melodious but smiles genuinely as he sings again.
When it's Taichi's turn, his deep voice rumbles through a pop ballad. His voice is not soft like Yu's, but Yu claps the loudest, giggling when he sees Taichi's ears turning red. Taichi grins, unbothered by the teasing, because Yu's laughter is brighter than the lights.
The night stretches with snacks, duets, Sakura dramatically hogging the mic, Yamato and Souma refusing to sing at first but getting dragged in anyway, and Fumiko recording everything like a proud stage mom.
By the end, Yu is glowing with sweat and smiles. Taichi takes his hand when the group stumbles outside into the cooler night air.
"Good job, baby."
He murmurs, thumb brushing Yu's knuckles.
Yu blushes, squeezing his hand back.
On the walk home, the group starts tossing around ideas.
"Summer's just starting—we have to hit the festival this year!"
Sakura announces.
"Yes! Yukata, fireworks, shaved ice—Yu-chan, you'll look so cute!"
Fumiko adds.
Yu tilts his head.
"Festival?"
Inside his mind, DK01's cool monotone cuts in.
[A Japanese summer festival is a traditional event featuring night stalls, seasonal games, local foods, and communal gatherings. Fireworks displays are common. Typical attire includes yukata—lightweight kimono worn in the summer season. Compared to demon realm customs, it is both primitive and charming.]
Yu frowns internally.
'Why do you always sound like a walking encyclopedia…?'
"Yu-chan?"
Sakura leans closer.
"You've never been?"
He shakes his head shyly.
"Not… in a while but it sounds… fun."
Taichi squeezes his hand again.
"Then we're going. No excuses."
The girls cheer, Yamato groans about crowds, and Souma sighs but secretly smiles. The night ends with laughter and bickering, but Yu only remembers the warmth of Taichi's hand and the new excitement fluttering in his chest for something he's never experienced.
---
As the summer days pass, Yu starts experimenting with plating his meals even cuter. Breakfast isn't just eggs and toast anymore—it's scrambled eggs shaped like suns, toast stamped with little bear faces, and fruit slices cut into bunnies and stars.
"Baby… you don't gotta make my food smile at me."
Taichi mutters one morning, blinking down at a rice ball shaped like a cat paw.
"But it's cute!"
Yu insists, puffing his cheeks.
"Doesn't it make you happy?"
Taichi bites into the paw-shaped onigiri and grins.
"…Yeah. Guess it does."
Yu beams like he's just scored a victory.
Afternoons sometimes devolve into kitchen chaos. Yu tries to make animal-shaped pancakes, only for half of them to burn or collapse into strange blobs. Taichi insists they still taste good and eats them all anyway.
"See?"
He says, mouth full.
"Best pancakes I've ever had."
Yu huffs.
"Liar. You can't even tell if that was supposed to be a rabbit or a dog."
Taichi shrugs, ruffling Yu's hair.
"Doesn't matter. You made it, so it's perfect."
Yu's ears turn red.
"…You're unfair."
---
One blazing afternoon, Taichi drags Yu to the outdoor courts. Yu sits on the bleachers, legs tucked primly beneath him, a parasol in hand that Sakura forced on him for sun protection.
Taichi takes to the court with his usual energy—sprinting, jumping, dunking with sweat glistening on his skin. Yu doesn't understand a thing about rules or scores, but every time Taichi makes a basket, Yu claps and calls out.
"Yay! Good job, Taichi!"
The other players groan.
"Man, he's so whipped. He's playing like a beast just to impress his girlfriend."
Yu tilts his head.
"Did Taichi score a goal again? He looks amazing!"
Taichi smirks and wipes his forehead with his shirt, sneaking glances at Yu after every shot, only to play harder when Yu's cheering makes his chest feel like it might burst.
When practice ends, Taichi trots over, panting. Yu hands him a towel and water bottle, perfectly timed like always.
"You were amazing!"
Yu says, eyes bright.
Taichi laughs, ruffling his hair again, though softer this time.
"…Couldn't have done it without my cheerleader."
By the time the sun sets, they're walking home, Yu's parasol now folded, Taichi carrying both their bags with one hand while their other hands are laced together. The day feels simple, unremarkable even—yet Yu finds himself smiling the whole way.
Inside his head, DK01 stirs.
[You appear satisfied with these inefficient activities, Host. But don't forget, your priority should also be maintaining your grades. Even on summer vacation, you should study and not waste so much time on fooling around.]
Yu scowls inwardly.
'Shut up, DK01. Being with Taichi is efficient. It makes me happy.'
DK01 doesn't argue back.