The bento Yukino Yukinoshita had prepared was delicious.
And compared to before, the ingredients seemed much more luxurious.
There were even sea cucumbers.
Yuuya knew exactly what kind of effect that would have.
After finishing his meal, he sent Yukino a quick message.
"小雪乃, let's skip class this afternoon."
Half a minute later, Yukino replied.
"Skip class? To do what?"
"What do you think? You added those ingredients yourself—don't tell me you don't know what they do."
"I… I'm just worried about your health…"
"I could control it before, but now… it's getting harder to suppress."
"So… should I request leave now?"
"No rush. Our date isn't over yet. We'll meet in front of the school building when lunch break ends."
Yuuya sent the message and looked at Megumi Katou.
Megumi set her drink down.
"If you're busy, you can go ahead with your business. Don't worry about me."
"Megumi, how much would it take for you to be my girlfriend?"
"Takumi-kun, you're really direct. Offering money to make me your girlfriend… doesn't that seem wrong?"
"I think it's perfect. Saves me time."
"But I don't like you, Takumi-kun."
"One hundred million yen. Is that acceptable?"
Yuuya named a price.
Megumi froze.
"You'd actually give one hundred million yen to an ordinary girl like me?"
"And if we had kids, I'd give you ninety-nine billion more."
"One hundred million yen… I have no reason to refuse. But I will refuse, because I don't like you."
"No one can refuse me, Megumi."
"Takumi-kun, are you threatening me?"
"The Yukinoshita family has some connections. Making your father unemployed wouldn't be that hard."
Yuuya grasped her small hand.
"Megumi Katou's Disgust Level 50"
Her expression remained neutral.
Yuuya studied her for a moment.
"Choose one hundred million yen, or I use one hundred million to deal with your family."
"Megumi Katou's Disgust Level 50"
"Takumi-kun, you're really terrible," she said seriously.
He leaned closer.
"To me, that's a compliment."
"Megumi Katou's Disgust Level 50"
"You'll never win my heart."
Megumi closed her eyes.
Yuuya wasted no time and kissed her.
"Megumi Katou's Disgust Level 50""Megumi Katou's Disgust Level 50""Megumi Katou's Disgust Level 50"
After a long moment, he looked up.
"Cash, transfer, or like with the other girl, a house of your choice?"
"I don't want your money. I just want you to leave me alone after you graduate."
"Oh? You're sure?"
"If I accepted your money, I'd never forgive myself."
"Good. You're the first girl to ever refuse money from me. I wasn't wrong—you really are special."
"As long as you promise to leave me alone after graduation, I'll agree to any condition you set."
Megumi said calmly.
Yuuya hesitated for a few seconds.
"I can agree. But if I call for a date, you must come—unless you truly have something important to do."
"Fine."
"And if you hate me, that's fine too. You can say anything—excessively even—I like hearing it."
"That's a reward for you? You should see a doctor."
"Finally, I always pay for dates. That rule stands—you can't refuse."
"Fair enough."
Megumi stared at him.
Yuuya withdrew his hand and stood.
"See you tomorrow, Megumi."
"See you tomorrow, terrible Takumi-kun."
Megumi said bluntly, without a hint of courtesy.
Teacher's office.
"Request leave? Are you sick?"
Shizuka Hiratsuka looked at Yuuya, confused.
"You could say that."
Yuuya nodded.
"What do you mean 'could say that'? If you can't give me a proper reason, I can't approve your leave."
"Do you really want to know the reason?"
"Yes. Tell me."
"Alright," Yuuya leaned close, whispering in her ear:
"Yukino added some very 'fortifying' ingredients to my bento."
"Fortifying ingredients? How does that relate to skipping class?"
"Sea cucumber."
"What?"
"Yukino added sea cucumber—and other ingredients. Should I keep going?"
"…"
Shizuka's face flushed.
She glared at him.
"Go ahead. Leave approved."
"You didn't actually need leave, but I'm worried about the quality of the student council's tables and chairs."
"Wait, I'll go with you."
"I know what you're about to say."
"Enough chatter, let's go."
"Yes, ma'am."
Yuuya followed her out of the office, a little disappointed.
He had hoped to trigger a "Disgust Level," but not a single point appeared.
Was Shizuka not eligible? Or was this simply insufficient to provoke her?
Downstairs, Yuuya saw Yukino.
Yukino looked flustered when she saw Shizuka.
"Yukino, come with me," Shizuka said.
They stepped aside, and Yukino followed her to a corner.
"I've already heard from Haruno about your situation. I know it won't affect your grades. Yuuya is rich—college or not, it won't matter. But college life can be a good memory. You should support him academically, rather than…"
"I understand, Shizuka-sensei."
"Your bento doesn't need fancy ingredients. A normal bento is fine."
"I… I understand."
"And… be safe."
"Yes."
Yukino lowered her head, her cheeks flushed bright red.
It was obvious these words embarrassed her deeply.
"Are you done talking, Shizuka-sensei?" Yuuya called.
"Yes, you may go."
Shizuka sighed.
Yuuya smiled, taking Yukino's small hand.
"Wife Yukino, let's go."
"…"
Yukino glared at him, shyly.
Shizuka watched their backs.
"After today, maybe have a few more cans of beer," she thought to herself.
Riding home, Yuuya carried Yukino on the bicycle.
All the way, Yukino's cheeks stayed red, and she kept her head down.
Yuuya hummed a tune only he knew.
At the house, they saw a business car and Yaeko Nishinomiya standing beside it.
Yuuya stopped the bicycle.
"Nishinomiya-san, you came quickly."
"I was resting at home. I got your call and came right away."
"You don't need to go to the estate every day. You can choose a reliable maid and increase her salary."
"I understand."
Yaeko nodded.
Yuuya looked at Yukino.
"I plan to have Nishinomiya-san adopt a cat. You'll choose which one. Later, you can often visit Shōko's house to play with the cat."