Chapter 23 – First Encounter with Yui Yuigahama
Saeko Busujima glanced briefly at Yui Yuigahama, then turned her gaze back to Yukinoshita Akira.
The corner of her lips lifted ever so slightly. She had noticed something—Akira seemed... interested in that pink-haired girl.
It wasn't due to any obvious signs. It was a woman's intuition—subtle, instinctive.
"Well then, now that the katana has been delivered, I'll take my leave," Saeko said calmly.
"Alright," Akira replied without much emotion.
"Yukinoshita-san, if you ever develop an interest in Kendo, the club will always welcome you."
"If that time comes, I'll consider it," Akira answered without hesitation.
"I understand." Saeko gave a polite bow and quietly exited the classroom.
At Sōbu High, when it came to popularity, Saeko Busujima stood above the rest.
Whether it was appearance, personality, posture, or skill—she was in a league of her own. A goddess among mortals.
Even Yukino Yukinoshita, often called the untouchable beauty of Sōbu High, could only stand second to her.
Yukino had elegance and undeniable charm, but her cold demeanor, sharp tongue, and cynical nature kept most people at a distance.
There was always a sense... that something was missing inside her.
For most boys in school, things like personality or strength weren't what mattered most. After all, girls like Yukino and Saeko felt like unreachable beings—idols to be admired from afar.
In the end, what drew attention was outer beauty, graceful presence, and an ideal figure.
On facial beauty alone, Saeko and Yukino were evenly matched. In terms of aura, both carried their own magnetic appeal. But physically—Saeko held a clear advantage.
"Yukinoshita-kun, you know Busujima-senpai? That's so cool!" Yui Yuigahama said, her eyes sparkling in admiration.
"We're not exactly close. We just met yesterday," Akira replied flatly.
"Wait, what? You just met yesterday, and she came all the way to your classroom today… with a katana?" Yui looked at the weapon in his hand, clearly confused.
"It was a result of yesterday's duel. Consider it a trophy," he said casually.
"A trophy… from a duel?" Yui repeated.
"Yeah."
"Hold on… are you saying you defeated the Kendo Club President—Busujima-senpai?"
"I did. Just yesterday afternoon."
"Ehh…!"
Yui's eyes widened in pure shock.
She had once tried attending a Kendo practice out of curiosity but lasted only a single day. The training was far too intense.
"I'll be going now, Yuigahama-san."
"Eh? Oh... okay."
Akira turned and walked away, leaving Yui standing in dazed silence.
He did find her somewhat endearing—after all, who wouldn't like a sweet, slightly clumsy girl? But now wasn't the time to deepen that connection.
First, there were still eyes watching. Talking more could easily fuel rumors and misunderstandings. He wouldn't mind, but for Yui, that might become a burden.
Second, he knew Yui would eventually return to the Service Club. When that happened, there would be more chances—more natural moments.
Among the trio from My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU, Yukinoshita Akira's favorite wasn't the always-correct Yukino, nor the self-sacrificing Hachiman.
It was Yui Yuigahama, the sensitive, honest girl who stayed true to her feelings.
SNAFU wouldn't be what it was without her.
Without Yui, Hachiman and Yukino might never have ended up together.
At least in Season One, their clashing ideals and stubbornness caused constant friction. Yui stood in the middle—anchoring the group, softening the edges.
But in the end, Hachiman and Yukino found each other.
And Yui... the kind girl who gave up everything, could only shed tears quietly behind them.
If anyone embodied the real youth from that story—it was Yui.
Because, for most people, youth isn't filled with golden memories, but with regrets we never say out loud.
"Hey, Yui. Why are you zoning out? He's already gone," said a blonde girl who walked over and gently tapped Yui on the shoulder.
"Eh? What is it, Yumiko?" Yui blinked, snapping back to reality.
"What do you mean 'what is it'? The guy's long gone—can't even see his shadow anymore—and you're still staring. Don't tell me… you fell for him?"
"D-Don't say weird things, Yumiko!" Yui blurted, her cheeks instantly turning red.
At her age, even mentioning topics like that was enough to make her flustered.
"Oh please, your face says everything. But if you do like him, just go for it. You're cute, Yui. You've got guys lining up for you."
"Stop it, Yumiko! I told you—I don't like Yukinoshita-kun!"
"Then why were you spacing out like that?"
"I was just… surprised."
"Surprised?"
"Yeah. He said he beat Busujima-senpai. The Kendo Club President."
"Oh, that? He's not lying."
Yumiko didn't look shocked at all—she'd already known.
After all, the school forums had been buzzing about it since yesterday.
As one of the popular kids in class, Yumiko was always in the loop. Even if she didn't exactly like Yukino, she held no grudge against Yukinoshita Akira.
"How can you be sure he's not lying, Yumiko?"
"See for yourself. It's all over the forums."
Yumiko handed over her phone. On the screen was a video of the match between Akira and Saeko, recorded in the Kendo Club's training hall.
They clashed using shinai—bamboo swords. The final strike… left the entire audience speechless.
In Japan, the spirit of bushidō carried deep meaning. True Kendo practitioners were always respected.
"Amazing… Yukinoshita-kun is seriously incredible," Yui whispered, eyes still fixed on the screen.
"Right? He defeated Busujima-senpai. That's no small feat."
Even Yumiko felt a strange sense of awe toward Saeko. She was untouchable—whether it was in elegance, strength, or academics.
She was the very image of a modern Yamato Nadeshiko.
And it wasn't just Yui and Yumiko.
The entire class was starting to talk.
Yesterday's viral video on the school forum—today's shocking scene where Saeko came looking for Akira right in front of everyone—
No doubt about it, Sōbu High's forum was about to explode again.
Meanwhile, Yukinoshita Akira had already left the school building.
All the gossip and speculation about him and Saeko? He didn't care in the slightest.
As he reached the front gate, his eyes landed on a familiar vehicle.
It was a car from the Yukinoshita family.
And seated inside… was a woman.
A woman who radiated grace and power.
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