…Something's off.
Yuu bit his chopsticks, secretly glancing at the other end of the long table where Yukino was opening her lunchbox.
When he arrived, he hadn't seen her eating but reading a book, so he knew what was on her mind—he'd learned from the group chat that Yuigahama wasn't planning to come to the Service Club that day. Normally, Yukino would start eating the moment she reached the clubroom, but now she deliberately waited for him to arrive before casually pretending to begin, wanting to eat together.
In these unintentional actions, she was always so adorable it made Yuu's heart itch a little, like a cat scratching his chest.
Back to the main point.
Honestly, with the confession atmosphere earlier, Yuu almost thought this task would end here, and the system notification would appear before him the next second.
After all, they truly loved each other and had acknowledged their feelings without hiding anything—and in such situations, he usually had to prepare to say goodbye.
Start leaving the final message and enjoy the last warmth.
But after the confession, nothing happened.
The Service Club room was still filled with the warm scent of black tea, and Yukino's skin was as white and clear as ever, only tinged with a faint red mist from shyness.
The world remained colorful, and time continued flowing forward.
The fourth task wasn't complete.
(Is it because I haven't become her Ideal Boyfriend yet?)
(Or does the system not want to end it this quickly and plans to wait until our relationship deepens, then separate us for more drama?)
The last part was pure malicious speculation. Yuu estimated the reason was that this task's goal wasn't to fill anyone's void or fulfill anyone's wish but to become her Ideal Boyfriend.
As long as he hadn't reached that ideal height, the task would never end—judging from the current situation, that was likely.
This wasn't good news for Yuu.
After all, a bastard like him who two-timed, had three ex-girlfriends, one of whom was even Yukino's older sister—how could he possibly become an ideal boyfriend?
Especially with Yukino's standards, a girl who always upheld truth, it became even more impossible.
If Yuu truly wanted to become her ideal, he might have to break up with Yuigahama first, distance himself from his exes, and focus on loving Yukino until the task ended—only then would there be a chance of success.
Otherwise, the fourth task's deadlock…
At the latest, it might drag until graduation, or even after they had a few kids?
Then, while Yuu enjoyed harmonious family happiness, the task-end notification suddenly sounded; time rewound to high school without kids or wife, and he stood there, confused and utterly shattered…
(Hey, hey, hey, don't joke—what's with this third-rate novel plot?!)
Yuu secretly clenched his chopsticks, shifting his gaze from Yukino's face to avoid her seeing his inner anxiety.
Actually, Yuu had thought about the Ideal Boyfriend issue before, but he always avoided delving deep.
Because he knew he couldn't do something as simple as breaking up with Yuigahama—even if the world line reset and erased the fact, he couldn't hurt his girlfriend just to make the system let him go.
Not breaking up with Yuigahama meant the task wouldn't end; wanting to end the task meant hurting Yuigahama.
How many scars had he already left on that overly strong girl? Even so, did he have to carve one more for his own sake?
Impossible—Yuu couldn't do it.
If he had to, he'd rather spend a year and a half searching for other possibilities, creating an ending where everyone could be happy.
Though hope was slim, there was always a way out.
For them, Yuu would make himself omnipotent.
"What's wrong?"
Seeing him hang his head biting chopsticks without opening his lunchbox, Yukino turned, her beautiful graceful face showing confusion, scanning him top to bottom: "You don't seem to be waiting for me to start eating… Did you suddenly think of a difficult problem and lose your appetite?"
"…"
She was always like this, as if reading his mind—he couldn't hide anything without pretending seriously.
Yuu sighed helplessly, readjusted his expression, and reached for his lunchbox.
"Nothing, I was just waiting for you…"
"Liar!" Yukino's voice suddenly turned cold; she stared unhappily, like an angry kitten arching its back, radiating a chilling aura.
"Daring to use such an obvious lie to fool me—it seems that difficult problem is very important to you, even making you forget I hate you lying to me…"
"Fine, I confess!"
Before Yukino thought further, Yuu sat straight, slapped the table with both hands, and stared seriously.
"I was just thinking of a beautiful future where I marry you and Yui and have lots of kids!"
It wasn't a lie—he had just thought of it.
"…"
Shocked by his eyes shining with strong resolve, Yukino suddenly fell silent.
After a brief stun, she awkwardly looked away, pursed her lips, and gently combed her dangling black hair. Her cold face tinged with shy red, her voice no longer dominating:
"Y-you're thinking too far… We just started dating. Besides, I don't want kids this soon—at least after college graduation."
Stating her future plans with a flushed face, her serious expression suddenly stopped, finally realizing something wrong.
"Even if it's just fantasy, why are you so worried?"
"Because I have to control the Prime Minister and cabinet first to change the law," Yuu said naturally. "Polygamy is a barbaric civilization—I need to decriminalize it, and that's not easy."
"You…" Seeing him spout nonsense straight-faced, Yukino's brows twitched; she sweetly bit her lower lip, as if wanting to criticize his shameless fantasy.
But in the end, she only shook her head and sighed softly, retracting her gaze as if surrendering.
"Stop thinking nonsense—eat quickly."
"Yes~" Yuu seized the chance, opened his lunchbox, took his chopsticks, said "Itadakimasu" together, and prepared to eat.
"Wait."
Yukino called again, asking carefully:
"How's the black tea?"
"Oh, right." Yuu set down his chopsticks, took the cup—the black tea still steaming fragrant hot vapor.
"…Mmm, delicious."
"Really? How delicious?" Yukino narrowed her eyes mischievously.
Yuu thought seriously and sipped again: "Not inferior to what I make—the only thing surpassing me…"
Yukino raised a brow slightly, staring interestedly, waiting for what he'd fabricate next.
"…Maybe because this tea is full of love and warmth, right?"
With a satisfied sigh, Yuu exhaled and firmly gave his verdict.
"I can feel it—the girl who made this tea keeps adjusting and improving daily to let her beloved drink the most delicious black tea, finally creating this extraordinary love flavor!"
"…"
Yukino stared confused. Before reacting, her white skin began flushing from her neck.
Not looking there, Yuu raised his voice, stared at the ceiling, lifted the paper cup, and shouted passionately: "That's right—! Direct yet awkward, pure yet complex—all love flavors mixed into sweet aroma, concentrated in this small cup! This is no longer black tea—it's love liquid—"
Cold wind outside the window seemed to blow fiercely.
"Shut up, unless you want black tea through your nose."
"Okay."
Yuu obediently sat and sipped the cooling black tea.
Though he overacted earlier, it truly tasted excellent—not inferior to café-brewed.
Whether the tea quality or the brewer's skill.
"…Huh."
After deep breathing as usual to calm her shy angry emotions, Yukino suddenly beckoned him.
"Come here."
Yuu's movement stopped; his lips slowly left the cup rim, staring sharply at Yukino.
As if displeased, she said coldly, word by word:
"Miss Yukino, is it still not too late for me to apologize now?"
"I won't hit you—just come."
Yukino glared cutely; after Yuu obediently dragged his chair, lunchbox, and tea beside her, she continued: "Isn't it weird for a dating couple to eat far apart? From now on, sit beside me."
Stunned briefly, Yuu stared at her expressionless profile, suddenly showing realization, and drawled:
"Oh~ You're afraid of loneli—"
Yukino didn't wait for him to finish.
"Tenkiji-kun, your daily teasing quota is limited."
The girl sweetly tilted her head, long hair cascading forward, showing a perfect sweet smile, gazing softly and calmly.
But the cold killing intent radiating from her body dried Yuu's throat unconsciously, and his lower body felt cold—don't ask why there; ask his girlfriend equipped with special attacks.
This was Yukino's ultimatum.
Coughing twice, Yuu lifted his cup and said lovingly: "To my beautiful noble girlfriend—cheer-se."
"Just eat quietly—why so talkative?"
Yukino retracted her smile, coldly glanced, but still raised her cup and lightly clinked: "Also, it's Cheers—pronounce properly, class rank one."
"What are you saying? My first rank is your first rank—why differentiate?"
Yuu put on a blaming expression, his voice oily and disgusting.
As if unable to stand him, Yukino took a piece of tamagoyaki from her lunchbox and forcefully stuffed it into Yuu's mouth.
"Eat—don't talk."
"…" Yuu quietly chewed.
Seeing her withdraw her hand, Yukino peeked at Yuu with slight anxiety and hope, quickly understanding something.
Stopping Yuu from talking was a feint—she actually wanted to feed him her homemade lunch and now feared it tasted bad, awaiting his judgment.
Yuu couldn't help inwardly sneering disgustedly.
(Geez, so cool confessing love—why shy in moments like this?)
(Completely lacking noble lady attitude.)
(Did she eat cuteness growing up? She's way too adorable.)
"Delicious."
Not letting her wait long, after swallowing the tamagoyaki, Yuu said flatly: "Though a standard perfectly recipe-followed dish, the chef deliberately reduced sweetness, showing meticulous care… So for me, it's very delicious."
After those words, Yukino pursed her lips but couldn't stop their corners curving into a thin happy smile.
Her face flushed slightly; she secretly sighed clutching her chest, as if to herself: "…Mmm, good if delicious."
"Try mine too."
Yuu took his tamagoyaki—basically always in Japanese lunchboxes—and aimed at Yukino's sakura-soft lips, movement very natural.
"…Mine will definitely be tastier than yours."
After brief hesitation, Yukino didn't refuse; she gently tucked hair behind her ear with fingertips, revealing flawless smooth beautiful profile, and the red in her ear tips clearly visible.
Then, the girl leaned slightly, opened her mouth small, warm breath touching the tamagoyaki on chopsticks, then enveloping it with her soft moist mouth.
"Ngh…"
Sitting back, she politely covered her mouth with small hand, chewing slowly.
Just thinking her lips seemed to unintentionally touch the chopstick tip Yuu just bit, she couldn't help panicking. Yukino truly avoided Yuu's gaze, trying to suppress the burning shyness and awkwardness from chest to face, fully diverting attention to the food's taste.
(…Indirect kiss—actually no big deal.)
(Why does unhygienic saliva contact make the heart race this fast?)
"…Haaah."
Her beautiful throat moved; after swallowing, Yukino slightly closed her eyes and said calmly, mirroring Yuu earlier:
"Same—unimaginably delicious taste… Same tamagoyaki—what recipe do you use?"
"Nothing special." Admiring her pretend-calm attitude, Yuu smiled: "Next time, come to my house—I'll teach you cooking."
"…" For some reason, Yukino's face unconsciously froze slightly.
Yuu added: "Also to pet the cat at my place—Yukinon must miss you."
Her expression quickly normalized; Yukino calmly stroked her long hair and said casually: "Only a bastard uses a cat as excuse to invite a girl home, Tenkiji-kun."
"But since we're a couple, no need to worry about that…"
As if convincing herself, her voice softened, thoughts drifting far: "Besides, his little sister's home—though maybe awkward, at least I can ensure… Wait, is this really good…?"
Scenes flashed in her mind, her ears growing hotter.
All Yuu's fault—earlier saying something about many kids, reflexively making her think such things…
"Miss Yukino? Darling? Your food's getting cold."
Yuu waved before Yukino's daydreaming eyes, hiding an almost uncontainable smile, and said concernedly: "Though basically already cold, and the feelings inside won't cool—but this will soon, so snap out."
Thoughts interrupted, Yukino wrinkled her beautiful face and sharply glared: "Speak more logically—I don't understand you!"
Then, to cover her shyness, she took boiled chicken from her lunchbox and stuffed it into Yuu's mouth.
Yuu ate it, then took his teriyaki chicken ball and fed Yukino, who bit with flushed face.
Her stir-fried vegetables.
His sweet-sour pork ribs.
Her meat-potato stew.
Cold sōmen…
Thus, one bite from you, one from me—naturally became a couple feeding event.
They fed each other from their lunchboxes, not intending to eat themselves, just wanting to see the other's satisfied expression, already feeling very happy.
Time passed slowly; winter sun kept shining the Service Club.
Glass windows calmly blocked cold wind; inside, bright light shone, as if spring came early.
Perhaps fearing awkwardness, Yukino said nothing during this—she just sat very close, unconsciously leaning her shoulder softly.
Yuu followed her wish, quietly feeding each other, enjoying this sweet warm lunch time.
When they realized, Yukino's lunchbox was completely empty, while Yuu had about a quarter left.
"Full?" Yuu asked softly in Yukino's ear.
Yukino nodded, set down chopsticks, and stood; since pressed together, clothes rustled softly.
"I'll brew another cup of tea."
When Yukino returned with tea, Yuu had finished the rest and even packed his lunchbox.
Post-lunch, both held tea cups, sipping thick aromatic white steam, staring at the unmoving door side by side.
Occasionally sipping, they narrowed eyes, as if still tasting each other's familiar scent.
They didn't know what to do or say now—just daydreamed at the view ahead, with the person beside.
Just like that, somehow their hearts felt very satisfied, as if filled with invisible warmth, relaxing their whole bodies drowsily.
At some point, tea cups emptied; both paper cups placed on the table, rims touching.
Leaning on his shoulder, Yukino narrowed eyes like a kitten; her soft slim body seemed to surrender all resistance, leaning unguarded.
"Hhh…"
"Sleepy?"
"A little."
Back of her hand on Yuu's thigh, palms stacked touching, fingers warm like melting into water—yet reluctant to release before truly melting.
Ignoring hair strands at mouth corner, after a small yawn, Yukino lazily said: "How much longer until break ends?"
"Fifteen minutes." Yuu easily answered without checking time.
"So fast…" Yukino muttered slightly dissatisfied, tilted her head inhaling Yuu's neck scent, then turned as if nothing, brushing hair from mouth corner.
"Then, should we prepare to go?"
"Just a bit longer."
Yuu tightly held her fingers; voice mature and soft but childish in not wanting to leave: "I calculated—return five minutes before, perfect for the bell."
"I really can't do anything with you."
Though saying helplessly, Yukino smiled like a child getting candy, actively leaning back, expelling air that had snuck between them.
She stared at Yuu's profile. Right then, Yuu also turned and stared at her.
"…"
"…"
Their gazes met less than ten centimeters apart.
The Service Club room suddenly vanished, leaving only each other's lips reflected in their eyes.
Breaths stopped; instead, rapid heartbeats directly filled all silence, disturbing eardrums.
They stared, eyes unblinking, truly forgetting time's flow.
No need to speak.
No need for permission.
Yukino slowly closed her eyes, lifted her chin; long eyelashes trembled softly—nervous, or perhaps just hopeful.
Her slightly parted sakura lips glistened like jewels.
Not letting her wait long, Yuu lowered his head, with sacred loving feeling, gently sealing her softness.
Moist and hot.
Breaths touched.
After breathlessness, flowing warmth seemed to melt the body.
As if their mutual love feelings had to be transmitted through such contact to their hearts' depths.
Moments later, Yukino slowly squeezed Yuu's palm; her other hand tightly gripped his collar.
From initial nervous stiffness, Yukino responded awkwardly and attentively, as if not wanting to lose. Occasional breath sounds she quickly sealed back.
Gently returning her first kiss, Yuu softly stroked the slim girl's shoulder, suddenly recalling something.
(Platonic love… shouldn't it include pure sweet kisses?)
(Not French kissing—shouldn't… break the promise with Yui, right?)