The very moment she received news from Takanashi Rikka, a worried Yukinoshita Yukino immediately dialed Minamoto Senya's number.
But the call didn't go through. Maybe he was somewhere with no signal, or perhaps he was already speaking to someone else.
So she settled for second best—opening her browser. Using the keywords Rikka had told her, she quickly found the reports on the attempted poisoning incident on a Fukuoka train.
And now, she had been sitting there, staring intently at her phone screen for more than ten minutes.
Her expression was still focused, as though she were contemplating something deeply important.
In truth, the online news outlets had already reported the event in great detail, covering everything from beginning to end. Their wording was more or less the same.
Aside from emphasizing just how dangerous the failed attack had been, they all poured praise on the courageous young man who had stepped forward to prevent a tragedy.
Senya had always been impressive, and he had always been someone willing to help others. Yukino had known that since they were children.
That part wasn't what she cared about. What set her at ease was hearing from Rikka that he hadn't suffered a single injury during the incident.
So right now, what Yukino truly cared about was something else entirely.
Her phone screen was showing a photograph.
A girl with long black hair, striking features, and a cold, beautiful expression was pressed tightly against Senya's side inside the train. Her brows furrowed, glaring straight at the camera in clear displeasure at being photographed.
Japan had laws forbidding the distribution of minors' personal photos without the consent of the individual or their guardian.
But laws like that—well, everyone knew how it really worked. Big, reputable companies might obey them.
Shady minor outlets and opportunistic accounts, however? They didn't care. All they cared about was what generated clicks.
[Genius Youth! The Gyokuryūki Champion's Girlfriend?!]
[Fukuoka's Savior—Secret Romance Exposed!]
[Piano Prodigy and Young Author: A Story That Must Be Told…]
With Senya's growing reputation, further amplified by Fukuoka's official commendation, gossip like this exploded.
The moment Yukino searched the keywords, countless such articles sprang up, impossible to avoid.
She drew in a quiet breath, forcing herself to remain calm as she scrolled further. There wasn't just one photo from that night.
The girl's profile in one shot.
The girl clutching Senya's sleeve in another.
The girl removing her own mask and tenderly placing it on his face in yet another.
Like a picture book, the candid shots captured the sequence of moments one by one. Yukinoshita Yukino could almost relive the entire scene through them.
Of course, she knew the girl—Tōma Kazusa, the piano prodigy whose unmatched talent left her peers far behind.
Her own sister had once been effortlessly defeated by Kazusa at a piano competition.
But none of that mattered now.
What Yukino cared about was this: before leaving for the tournament in Fukuoka, Senya had clearly told the group chat that there was no need for any of them to come cheer him on in person.
He had said it was enough that they carried the thought in their hearts, that he'd win the championship and celebrate with them when he came back.
And yet, in reality, not one of them had gone with him—except Kazusa.
And worse, in the candid snapshots taken by strangers, the two of them appeared so close, so… intimate.
But most important of all—
Senya, don't you have a cleanliness obsession?
He'd had it since childhood. He always carried tissues with him whenever he went out. Even sitting on an outdoor bench, he would carefully wipe it down first.
And now, this girl had taken off her own mask and put it directly on his face… and he hadn't reacted at all?
He had just… accepted it?
Had his deeply ingrained obsession suddenly vanished overnight? Or was there another reason?
Perhaps because they already shared a deeper intimacy in private, so something like sharing a mask was nothing in comparison…
Yukino locked her phone and sat back down at her desk.
Her hand held a pen over her math problems, but the tip hovered in place, unmoving for a long time.
Her famously calm, unshakable composure—something she prided herself on, something that rarely wavered no matter the situation—was now thoroughly disturbed by those few photographs.
"Congratulations to Senya for once again winning the Gyokuryūki championship!"
"And congrats to Saeko and Utaha for graduating middle school and passing the entrance exams for Sōbu High!"
"Cheers~!!"
On the afternoon of March 22nd, Senya returned home from Fukuoka.
Just as he had planned before leaving, he invited his friends over to hold a celebration.
Junko-mama, knowing that her presence as an adult might keep the atmosphere too stiff, deliberately went out with little Chiyo so the kids could enjoy themselves freely.
This time, it wasn't just the familiar faces.
Kazusa, who had previously declined several of Senya's invitations to gatherings like this, had come along with Kudō Miyoko.
And even Yukinoshita Haruno, Yukino's older sister, had shown up without a hint of restraint.
The house was packed and lively.
Rather than focusing on Senya's repeated victory at the Gyokuryūki, what drew everyone's curiosity was still the incident on the train.
And of course, the candid photos that had spread wildly online—especially those of Senya and Kazusa—had caught the attention of everyone here as well.
So, even without meaning to, Kazusa became the second protagonist of the party.
"Kazusa-chan, you must have been terrified at the time, right? I mean, it was such a dangerous situation."
"Ah… um, rather than terrified, I think I'd say I was at a complete loss. At first, I didn't even understand what was happening."
"Senya didn't explain to you immediately?"
"He told me afterward that he wasn't sure either, so he just told me to stay put while he went to check things himself."
"I see. Could you tell me more about what it was like at the time?"
Haruno leaned in with a charming smile, the first to crowd close to Kazusa, showing her usual disarming enthusiasm.
Some things her quiet little sister would never take the initiative on, so of course Haruno took it upon herself.
After all, Yukino had been the one who stood at the starting line first, yet for some reason, after all these years, she still hadn't reached the finish. Worse, unexpected rivals had appeared out of nowhere, and some of them were threatening to overtake her.
Haruno truly felt she was worrying herself sick over her little sister's affairs.
But Haruno wasn't the only one paying close attention.
Miyoko, though she didn't sense any malice from Haruno, could clearly see that Kazusa was uncomfortable being cornered like that. Her responses were awkward, strained.
So Miyoko smoothly slipped into the seat between them, casually cutting off Haruno's line of fire.
But soon enough, Kasukigaoka Utaha came forward on her own.
Her heart simmered with jealousy, but she wore her best mask of composure.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Kasukigaoka Utaha."
"Ah… hello, I'm Tōma Kazusa."
"Tōma-san, your hair is gorgeous. I'm jealous."
"Uh… yours is too…"
Kazusa's reserved personality made her completely hopeless in social settings—the total opposite of her brilliance with the piano.
That was why she had declined Senya's previous invitations to gatherings or shrine visits.
It wasn't that she didn't want to go. She was afraid she'd perform badly in front of others and leave Senya with a poor impression.
Still, meeting Utaha for the first time, even though Utaha felt the same twinge of envy and irritation Yukino did thanks to those circulating photos and tabloid rumors pairing Kazusa and Senya, she wasn't so stupid as to openly show it.
First, Utaha knew perfectly well that she didn't have the position yet to act that way. Second, she wasn't an idiot. She might not like dealing with people, but that didn't mean she didn't understand how to.
She already didn't get along with that blonde idiot or Yukino. The last thing she needed was to create yet another enemy out of thin air.
They were all black-haired girls, after all—so why not at least try to get along?
Of course, from not far away, Eiri saw Utaha's act and muttered with disdain,
"Seriously? She even softened her voice? I've never heard her talk in that kind of sweet tone before…"
Yukino heard her friend's comment but said nothing.
Meanwhile, Rikka and Saeko joined in on the chatter, and Eiri quickly switched to a cheerful smile to greet them.
As the girls mingled, Yukino's eyes drifted to the living room.
Senya wasn't there.
In fact, he hadn't gone far—he was in the yard with Tōma Touka.
The highlight of today's party was the outdoor barbecue, and the ingredients had been prepared in abundance.
Right now, he was helping Touka carry the grill out from the storage shed and set up the area.
"Tōka, I'll handle all this. You've been cutting meat and vegetables all morning—take a break."
Senya stepped closer, his hands brushing against her delicate fingers almost casually as he took the folding chairs from her.
Touka froze briefly but didn't show much outward reaction. Still, as Senya turned away, she instinctively glanced toward the house.
Fortunately, from this angle, no one inside could see.
Senya smirked inwardly. After all this gradual progress, Touka had already grown used to his seemingly casual touches. She let them pass with a quiet "do as you like, if it makes you happy" attitude.
This was good. It meant it was time for him to find a chance to take another step forward.
Come to think of it, hadn't she mentioned before wanting to go swimming with Haruno?
The weather was getting hotter. Maybe he could suggest a trip to the pool or the beach sometime soon.
With their bodies submerged in water, hidden from sight—surely that would present plenty of opportunities for "accidents."
Touka felt a flicker of nervousness and shy guilt.
She was already used to little moments like Senya brushing her hand, grazing her back in the kitchen while claiming to grab something, or wrapping an arm around her waist during a game of "Eagle and Chicks" when he used her as the "mother hen" to play with Rikka.
Moments like these had become their norm…
Although she hated to admit it, she had already grown used to it.
Not only had she adapted, but—though she refused to say it out loud—there was a faint, secret part of her that actually began to look forward to these kinds of things happening.
Which was ridiculous. Especially since she had read his diary and knew full well that Senya was already involved with Saeko…
No, no! What am I thinking about right now!? That's not what I should be focusing on!
Takanashi Toka snapped herself back to reality, remembering the more important matter she had been meaning to bring up. Seizing the rare opportunity of being alone together with him, she stepped forward, looked at Minamoto Senya seriously, and said the words she had been holding in for some time:
"Senya, if something like this ever happens again when you're out… please, tell us right away. Dad, Mom, Rikka and I—we all worry about you."
During the incident in Fukuoka, Senya hadn't told his family anything until after it was over. From his point of view, since he hadn't been hurt, there was no reason to trouble them with unnecessary worry.
But from Toka's perspective, it was completely different. She, Rikka, and their parents… no matter what, they never wanted him to hide something so dangerous from them again.
"Alright. I understand. If anything like that ever happens again, I won't hide it from you, Toka."
Senya's reply was quick. Too quick. And a little sly.
Because Toka had spoken of family—yet in his answer, he emphasized only her. The implication was obvious.
Toka's heart fluttered wildly again.
Was it her imagination, or had Senya's "approach" toward her grown more direct ever since she had discovered his diary?
Maybe it wasn't just her imagination. After all, that very night, after reading his diary, she had taken the initiative herself—closing the distance between them and offering him a lap pillow to ease his fatigue.
So maybe Senya was simply responding to the change in her… matching her step for step.
Toka didn't know where things would go if this continued. What kind of future this dangerous balance might lead to.
But now, pretending to be unaware of Senya's burning feelings was something she could no longer do.
Even if she couldn't give him a proper answer yet, at the very least, she couldn't allow herself to become the source of his sleepless nights, of his burdens and frustrations.
In short—
Seeing how Senya seemed brighter, healthier, more spirited compared to just a short while ago… that alone was enough.
If those small daily touches—those fleeting moments of physical closeness—could give him the strength to keep moving forward, then her small sacrifices had meaning.
And really, what did it matter? For her, it wasn't a sacrifice at all.
"…You don't need to answer so seriously. Just—just as long as you know, it's fine."
"Mm."
Senya answered with a smile.
Toka helped him fasten the poles, and Senya raised the parasol into place. Together, they lit the charcoal in the grill and got everything prepared for the barbecue.
"Alright, that should do it. These new folding chairs haven't been used yet—Toka, come try one out, see if it's comfortable."
"Chairs are chairs. What's there to try out? They're all the—ah!"
Grumbling softly, Toka sat down without a second thought. But the mesh seat of the chair hadn't been fixed properly, and the moment she leaned back, she lost balance and nearly toppled.
"Careful!"
In a flash, Senya caught her. One arm around her back, the other under her knees, lifting her firmly and securely into his arms.
"Looks like I didn't assemble it properly. Sorry, Toka. Are you okay?"
Even after the danger had passed, Senya didn't let go.
His face was full of concern, eyes brimming with sincere apology. It was an act so complete that he could have walked straight onto a stage and passed as a professional theater actor.
Toka's cheeks burned.
Being held so tightly against him, their bodies pressed together… her chest squished flat against him like a mochi. Looking into his concerned eyes at such close range, she was momentarily dazed—almost convinced it really had just been an accident.
Until she felt a very specific, very wrong pressure against her backside.
Her face flared scarlet instantly.
This little devil—he had definitely done it on purpose!
Why… why did the phrase "absence makes the heart grow fonder" suddenly pop into her head?
After just a few days apart, Senya seemed more brazen, more unrestrained with her than before.
Not only now. She thought back to when he had just returned home earlier today.
He had walked in, and the very first thing he did was hug their mother tightly. Then he hugged Rikka.
That alone was unusual—Senya had never been the type to embrace his family so openly. Even Rikka had remarked, "You're acting weird today."
Senya had only smiled and said, "Well… after everything, I realized I have to treasure every single day."
Their mother had immediately scolded him for tempting fate with such ominous words.
But then… he had hugged her, too.
And in that moment, with their mother and sister right there—one smiling warmly, the other cheerful and oblivious—Senya had held Toka close, pressing her firmly against him.
On the surface, his hand rested harmlessly against her back. But only she could feel his hot breath at her ear, the faint, greedy inhalation of her scent.
The heavy sound of his breathing brushed against her earlobe again and again, making her body tremble uncontrollably each time. Her legs tightened instinctively, pressing together.
When he finally released her, satisfied, he walked off with the others into the living room, chatting and laughing as if nothing had happened.
Toka, on the other hand, had fled to the bathroom, only to find—to her horror—that the faint yellow fabric of her underwear now bore a small, humiliating trace.
Not obvious, but enough.
And now… that same familiar sensation was happening again.
"I'm fine…"
"Really? You called out just now—are you sure you didn't hurt yourself? Don't hide it from me, Toka."
"I was just startled from falling, that's all. I said I'm fine! Put me down already!"
How long are you planning to hold me like this!?
And your hands too… don't think I don't notice you moving them around just because you're doing it slowly!
"Ah, sorry, sorry. You're so light I forgot I was even holding you."
Toka kicked her legs gently, swaying in his arms—an unintentional display of girlish cuteness that clashed with her usual older-sisterly aura.
She was both the sultry, caring elder type and the innocent little sister type all in one. A double-role heroine. Overpowered.
"…That was unnecessary to say."
But why… why does hearing it make me so happy?
Finally, Senya let her down. Toka's feet touched the ground again, relief washing over her. She glanced nervously toward the living room window.
Thank goodness no one saw that. Especially not Saeko. She'd never be able to explain it away.
Because no matter how you looked at it, what just happened didn't resemble the behavior of an "older sister" and "younger brother" at all.
And as for Haruno… Toka couldn't shake the feeling that her sharp-eyed friend had already sensed something long ago, just waiting for evidence to confirm it.
Turning back, she saw Senya crouched by the folding chair again, fixing the seat.
"There. I must've forgotten to secure the cushion properly. It should be fine now."
He sat down to demonstrate—solid, no problems at all.
As if she'd believe that! This careful, detail-obsessed boy doesn't make mistakes like that. You did it on purpose, didn't you?
Toka huffed inwardly, though her face remained calm. She turned instead.
"I'll get the ingredients ready—and call everyone outside."
"Okay. I'll wait here."
With quick, light steps, Toka returned to the living room.
She announced that the barbecue was ready to begin, then slipped away quietly into the bathroom.
It happened again.
Just like the time she had read Senya's diary—the entry about how he had secretly gone to the bathroom at night because of her. Back then, she had been embarrassed, yes, but she couldn't help imagining his awkward expression… and had even found herself smiling fondly.
But she had never imagined she herself would end up in the same humiliating situation.
They were both trapped by something beyond their control.
The difference was—Senya's episodes happened unconsciously, in his sleep.
Hers… were happening while she was fully awake. Rational. Aware.
And yet… she couldn't stop it.
Ugh…
I'm such a terrible woman…
Covering her face, a muffled, shameful whimper slipped from her lips.
But there was no time. Everyone was waiting. She couldn't return upstairs to change clothes—that would look too suspicious. She had no choice but to endure it.
"Shhhkk—rrrip."
Her trembling hand tugged at the toilet paper roll, tearing off another length.
The roll grew shorter again.
…
…
Want to unlock up to 60+ early-access chapters and exclusive novels? Join my Patreon today and dive deeper into the adventure!
patreon.com/sabu19