"Although we only talked about Yukinoshita-san—like how she is at school, and whether she has a partner or not... but when she mentioned the Service Club, I felt she was subtly mocking you. Seems she's quite interested in you."
Masuzu stared at him, with a suspicious look as if their own pig had gone to someone else's vegetable garden.
"Yuu's cursed charm—can it even captivate older sisters?"
"...I am very attractive, but I'm absolutely not cursed, okay?"
Yuu scratched his head, putting on a face as if falsely accused. He said resignedly, "Of course I know Yukinoshita Haruno. I've also chatted with her a few times."
Masuzu raised an eyebrow, watching him begin to explain with interest.
"She came to the Service Club on exhibition day and joined us for the challenge... From my observation, she's someone who deeply cares about interesting things. It's not strange that she'd be curious about me. First, she mistakenly thought Yukinoshita Yukino and I were dating. Second, my performance at the exhibition was very prominent. All these are factors that attracted her—nothing to do with 'captivating' or anything like that."
Yuu shrugged. Though not careless, he explained the relationship to her in an orderly manner.
Masuzu slowly nodded, as if thinking, then asked, "Do you know her well?"
"Fairly well. After all, she followed us from start to finish on exhibition day and helped the Service Club a lot."
Yuu didn't like lying, but when he didn't need to say the truth, no one could tell if he was lying.
"I see." Seeming no longer concerned with the matter, Masuzu didn't ask further. Her fingers gently twisted the silver hair falling on her chest. "Well, I just hope you won't be tempted by older sisters. I don't want to be a fake girlfriend who has to compete with various women. We're not competing for the Aja Stone."
"I wouldn't become a perfect being even if I got it."
"Because you'd need the stone mask too."
After parting with JOJO references like matching codes, Masuzu prepared to enter her apartment, and Yuu also turned to go home.
"Yuu..."
A small call, as if accidentally slipping out, suddenly came from behind.
Yuu didn't miss her voice. He stopped and turned. "What is it?"
"I..." Masuzu hesitated, her eyes trembling as if struggling with something. The real emotions behind her mask faintly showed.
"...I just wanted to say—remember to prepare for tomorrow's picnic. And don't let me see you and that little dango girl getting cozy at some scenic spot, or my jealous girlfriend's fire will burn down the entire forest."
Hearing Masuzu's deliberate words, as if hiding something, Yuu couldn't help but roll his eyes. "I already said we're in a trio group. Your worry is way too excessive."
"So if it's just the two of you, you'd do it?" Masuzu instantly caught the key point, walking toward him with a cold gaze. "So I've caught you—turns out you're a man who can't stay calm..."
Yuu watched her walk forward, muttering to herself, then Masuzu firmly grabbed his face, stood on tiptoe, and kissed him.
Seemingly, this was what Masuzu wanted to do all along—the previous actions were just a slightly awkward prelude.
When they parted, her beautiful, blushing face had melted into a lovely, satisfied smile.
"This is a mark. If these lips are touched by anyone besides me, you'll turn into a monster like Okuyasu Nijimura's father... growing fleshy tumors like DIO's."
Yuu was startled, then pursed his lips. "...Nothing changed."
"..." Masuzu hit his chest, stepping back in annoyance. "Go away. I don't want to see you again."
"Fine, fine." Yuu turned away indifferently, but was suddenly pulled back by his sleeve. Masuzu whispered with a worried tone:
"The deadline is only until midnight tonight. Don't... never mind, it's fine. See you tomorrow."
She paused. At the end of her sentence, there was a hint of self-mockery and loneliness.
Realizing her behavior was too fragile—like a child unwilling to part from parents at the school gate—Masuzu sighed, put on an annoyed expression, and released his sleeve.
But before she turned, a shadow suddenly covered her head. As her arm was pulled, there was familiar warmth on her lips. Her chaotic feelings found a place to rest.
"Fake girlfriend—shouldn't you act more real than a real girlfriend?"
His jacket covered their heads. Yuu bent down, extremely close, looking into her wide, surprised blue eyes. His voice held a slight smile.
"Whether it's 'rubbing practice' or a farewell kiss, you must go deeper than real couples... So, I allow you to be clingy with me. Don't be too shy. Be bold."
"...You don't need to go this far."
Masuzu's slightly trembling breath brushed his lips and face, like cool wind blowing from winter to spring.
She stared without moving, afraid that if she moved too much, the hard-to-light fire would go out again.
Yuu pulled the jacket covering the security camera, casually stepping back.
"Is it too late to say that now? I really enjoy kissing beautiful girls. And when I think I can do more in the future, I almost become a pervert like Kira Yoshikage."
As he said it, his eyes showed hope. His tongue gently licked his lips—he didn't hide his LSP nature.
Masuzu, of course, knew Yuu was deliberately using this method to make her feel better. If Yuu truly wanted to do something, he could've groped her during the kiss or rub. But he always maintained proper distance like a true gentleman, never taking the chance to squeeze her chest or butt.
On the contrary, Masuzu herself increasingly looked like an unsatisfied perverted woman, having already secretly squeezed her firm chest and butt several times.
So she couldn't help but say that to him, right?
"If you give me so much freedom, I'll become naughtier."
"Let me see how naughty you can get."
"Like secretly going to your house to wake me up."
"...Not that. My little sister will most likely kill you."
"...That scary? Now I'm even more curious."
As if nothing had happened before, they chatted casually. This time, they truly said goodbye, no longer reluctant to part, and turned in opposite directions.
In the elevator, Masuzu tightly held her clothes over her chest, lowering her head.
On the darkened street, Yuu lifted his head, comfortably stretching his body.
[Ding!]
[Congratulations, Host, You've Obtained Status: You're Watching Me, Right?]
[Enter thoughts about someone into your phone, then press the photo button. You'll get an image of that person's current surroundings and their relatively accurate location.]
"...Something seemingly useless has appeared."
Out of experimental spirit, Yuu pulled out his phone. He looked left and right, entered the park beside the road, and searched for a quiet spot. He closed his eyes, thought for a moment, then pressed the photo button.
CLICK!
The shutter sound echoed. He opened his eyes. The first photo, of course, was of his sister.
Sora looked just awakened, walking out of her room. Her small hand was in her messy hair. Her eyes were drowsy, with a slight blush from not being fully awake.
"It's already afternoon, lazy cat." Yuu smiled resignedly, deleted the photo so no one else could see it, then closed his eyes again.
CLICK!
A photo of Masuzu lazily lying on the sofa appeared.
CLICK!
A scene of Yukino and Yuigahama walking home side by side—a peaceful, warm moment.
CLICK!
A scene of Asuna holding a rapier, fencing with a student from Kuroyuri Women's Academy appeared.
CLICK!
A scene of Haruno removing all her clothes, preparing to enter the bathtub...
"???"
Though only her back was visible, and nothing could be seen, Yuu still held his breath, then reflexively deleted the photo.
(This girl—does she have a habit of bathing in the afternoon?)
(Or was it just coincidence? She suddenly wanted to bathe and was captured by my 'mental photography ability'?)
Looking at his phone, Yuu's expression was strange. He didn't regret deleting the photo at all.
After all, from now on, as long as he knew a girl's bathing time, he could use this ability to take countless similar photos—and he wouldn't need to sacrifice a camera each time, like that old man.
"I take back my previous words. This ability is useful... it just tests one's humanity."
Yuu sighed resignedly, immediately putting his phone away, pretending nothing happened, and continuing his journey home.
Anyway, for him, if he wanted to see a girl's body, he could just ask honestly. No need to resort to lowly methods like sneaky photos to satisfy his desires.
Once someone has confidence and self-respect, their boundaries rise too. They won't stoop to despicable acts.
Pleasure is fleeting, but character is a lifelong label.
Yuu only thought—this ability could at most be used to find people.
If so, in the future, he wouldn't have to fear his 'girlfriend' suddenly disappearing and needing to call to ask her location!
"...System, are you trying to remind me of something?"
System: [This reward was given randomly, Host can rest assured.]
"I won't be at ease."
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
The next day, early morning.
The sky was clear and refreshing, pure white clouds covering half the sky. The air felt cool and invigorating—a perfect day that made one want to say, "It's time for a walk~"
In front of Sobu High's gate, second-year students lined up, guided by teachers into buses. The noisy atmosphere shifted from outside to inside.
"Hey, it's not me driving today, so I should be allowed to drink, right? I brought snacks to go with it."
"Sensei, calm down. Even if it's a school picnic, it can't be that free!"
"Hahaha, I'm just joking~ Why so serious? Do I have a reckless image in your eyes?"
"..."
"...Don't just stay silent. I'll get sad, you know? I'll really get sad, you know?"
"Sensei, that's why you're still single."
"If you want to die, just say so, Tenkuji."
Today, Class 2-F's atmosphere was livelier and noisier than usual, thanks to Hiratsuka sacrificing her image.
Because he'd angered Hiratsuka before seat selection, Yuu lost his right to choose a seat. He was forced to sit in the very front row—right beside Hiratsuka.
It was as if he existed in two different worlds from the other students. Their happiness and sadness no longer concerned him. It was one of the most hated seats for students on field trips.
But for Yuu, this was actually better than sitting next to the driver—only a pity he couldn't sit with Totsuka.
He didn't hate this fierce teacher. Her scent and softness weren't hateable either. Only her personality...
"Drink!"
"...Even though it's non-alcoholic, is it really okay for you to act like this, Sensei?"
"What's wrong with treating students to drinks?" Shoving an aluminum can into Yuu's arms, Hiratsuka boldly pulled the tab and tilted her head back, drinking it all.
"—Phew! Refreshing! Suffering through working on a holiday can only be solved with this!"
Though it was just a non-alcoholic drink, she drank it like expensive daiginjo sake.
Watching the bold martial arts teacher wordlessly, Yuu also pulled his tab, sipping slightly. "This is counted as a trip using school funds, right? Why is there only suffering and no joy?"
"Joy is for you students. We teachers have nothing." Swinging her half-empty can, Hiratsuka sighed. "I have to handle the next travel plan, always watch your whereabouts, and confirm various things with the driver and site manager. Where do we teachers have time to enjoy ourselves? Better to lie at home watching TV and eating instant noodles."
"Then you've really worked hard." Yuu replied casually, ignoring Hiratsuka's face full of complaints. He turned to the window, watching the scenery slowly shift.
A bag of squid slices was offered to him.
"If you think I've worked hard, eat with me. If you're bored, let's chat. This is a rare chance for me to relax in the car."
"You're really..." Life was tough. Yuu sighed.
He tore open the squid slice package, placing it between their thighs, then chewed and spoke unclearly:
"Sensei, Yuigahama's grades improved rapidly, and I also got first place school-wide this time. Will you get a reward from the school?"
"Hmm? Should be." Hiratsuka sipped her drink, saying uncertainly, "Performance bonus might increase slightly, but not much... Why, do you want a share? Aren't my ramen discount coupons appealing?"
"..." Yuu tugged the corner of his mouth, not answering.
Hiratsuka didn't care either. After chewing a few squid slices, she quickly changed the topic: "By the way, Tenkuji."
"Today clearly won't rain, yet you still brought an umbrella and raincoat. Aren't you being too cautious?"
Yuu looked at the compact umbrella and new raincoat by his bag's side, suddenly smiling meaningfully.
"Who said it won't rain?"