Even though I couldn't turn my head, the familiar voice alone was enough for me to recognize the newcomer, the one I'd been longing for… or at least, almost longing for, Yuuka.
Momoi's startled cry confirmed it. "She appears! One of the Four Seminar Overlords, the 'Cold Arithmetician' herself, the Student Council Treasurer, Yuuka!"
"Don't just make up weird titles for people!" Yuuka snapped, her tone sharp with urgency. "Momoi! Midori! Don't sit so close to Sensei! You're making him uncomfortable!"
Not that I felt uncomfortable in the slightest.
"No way! We're helping Sensei play the game!"
While Momoi protested indignantly, Midori quickly scooted away from me.
I set down the controller, stood up, and greeted the girl standing in the doorway. "Good morning, Yuuka."
It had been a while since we'd seen each other, yet Yuuka hadn't changed at all.
Her long bluish-purple hair was tied into twin tails with triangular clips on both sides, the rest flowing naturally down her back. She wore a neatly buttoned white shirt paired with a fitted black blazer and a blue tie, her half-worn blue-and-white jacket giving her both a crisp, professional look and a youthful charm.
Below, a plain black skirt and dark socks drew attention to her pale, shapely legs, slender yet full of life.
I felt a twinge of guilt for admiring her that way, though I couldn't stop myself from imagining what it might be like to actually reach out and…
Still, even if I DID ask, she'd probably scold me to death first, but maybe, after enough pleading, she'd reluctantly agree.
Because, well, it's Yuuka.
But it was better to just keep those thoughts to myself. Making her angry would be far too terrifying.
"Good morning, Sensei. Wait... what happened to you? Are you alright?"
The girl, unaware of how wildly my thoughts had been running, finally noticed the brace fixed around my neck, restricting my movement.
Her tone, calm at first and tinged with faint delight, suddenly shifted to concern.
Yuuka was worried about me! She actually cared!
Hearing that concern in her voice made me happier than I'd like to admit.
"It's nothing serious, really. I just got a minor injury by accident a while back. The doctor said it's fine just need to rest for a few days. The brace is just for safety. I already feel almost completely recovered."
Since it was Yuuka, I couldn't help but explain in far more detail than necessary.
She let out a breath of relief, then gently reminded me, "Even if you feel fine, please don't push yourself. You have to take care of your body, alright?"
I was about to promise her I would, when a foolishly cheerful voice interrupted.
"Wow, Sensei, look out! Yuuka's acting all sweet in front of you, she must be plotting something!"
Momoi was a true warrior, unafraid to face the demon lord head-on.
Yuuka took a deep breath. Her kind smile, the fists clenched at her sides, the calm yet icy tone, all radiated killing intent.
"Momoi. The club's monthly report. Hand it over. Now."
Momoi's eyes widened. "Wha—! T-That's low!"
Yuuka frowned. "Low? As a Millennium club, proving your club's worth is basic responsibility. You've been stalling for two or three months already. If you don't show results soon, I'll have to cut your budget."
Alas, the hero's lifeline rested in the demon lord's words.
At those words, Momoi paled. "Don't cut that! We'll have results soon! We've been working really hard on club activities, Sensei is here because I invited him to help!"
So your "club activity" is imprisoning me, huh?
Yuuka turned her gaze back to me. "Honestly, I haven't even asked yet. What are you doing here in the Game Development Club, Sensei?"
"At first it was youthful recklessness. Then… unavoidable circumstances. Now, I guess, it's noble sacrifice." I sighed. "In short, I accidentally accepted their request."
"I can't say I fully understand, but… what exactly was the request?"
I gave a faint smile. "Have you heard of Myth·Legend·Chronicle?"
Yuuka fell silent.
Clearly, she knew what that name implied.
First, she shot me a sympathetic look. Then, exasperated, she turned to the twins. "You two… you don't hate Sensei or anything, right?"
Momoi jumped like a startled cat, even her decorative tail straightening stiffly. "What's that supposed to mean?!"
"Exactly!" Midori chimed in, looking offended. "This whole thing was Sis's idea! I didn't even know about it, so it's got nothing to do with me!"
"Midori?!"
Momoi looked at her sister as if she'd been betrayed.
"What? It's true." Midori pouted.
"Enough."
Yuuka rubbed her temples, cutting off the argument before it could escalate. "Whatever the case, asking Sensei to 'play.' I'll generously call it that, doesn't really sound like club activity to me."
Momoi protested, "That's so mean! What do you mean, 'that kind of thing'!"
Midori added, "Yeah! Myth·Legend·Chronicle even won an award at that contest!"
When it came to defending their game, the sisters suddenly stood united.
"Wait, hold on." I raised a hand, struggling to contain my shock. "This game actually won an award?"
Were the judges blind?
Yuuka sighed and shook her head. "If first place on the annual 'Worst Game' rankings counts as an award, then yes."
Ah, the judges had excellent vision after all.
"Ugh… That's why we asked Sensei for help!" Momoi said stubbornly. "Those online reviews are full of bias! We wanted Sensei to play our game and give a fair, objective evaluation so we can make it better!"
Midori didn't speak, but her eyes mirrored her sister's determination.
Yuuka looked at the two defiant girls and sighed deeply.
"…Haa. Sensei, if this feels like too much trouble, you can back out. I won't hold it against you."
"To be honest, it is a lot of trouble."
I placed a hand on each of the sisters' heads. "But I already accepted the request. I am their Sensei, after all."
"…Alright then," Yuuka said softly. "In that case, I'll be counting on you. And you two, make sure you actually produce something I can approve of."
I could sense it faintly, Yuuka was showing her concern for these girls in her own way.
Truly, Yuuka was a kind girl.