Chapter 190 - 190 – Utaha: Covered by Veil

Words : 1235 Updated : Oct 14th, 2025

Shizuka was surprisingly generous with dinner that evening. After Haru and the others signaled her to order the food herself, she confidently went ahead and ordered several expensive dishes, topping it off with a bottle of sake and a round of drinks. Yukino had originally planned to advise her against drinking too much alcohol, but then she felt a tug on her hand under the table. When she turned, she saw Utaha giving her a knowing look and mouthing silently: It's Christmas. At first, Yukino didn't quite understand, but once all the dishes were served and Shizuka hadn't even touched the food, choosing instead to sip the sake first—she finally realized. Was the holiday bringing out emotions in a single woman of her age? Yukino had heard rumors about Hiratsuka-sensei's failed matchmaking sessions before. Still, since it was her personal life and Yukino had little interest in idle gossip, she had never bothered to verify it. But now, watching her drink with distant eyes, clearly lost in thought, it became clear she had something on her mind. Then a soft voice whispered beside her—Utaha, of course:"Sensei's probably just… craving a man." Yukino: "..." If you could phrase that in a slightly more elegant way, I'd really appreciate it. She pushed Utaha away lightly and decided not to bring up the negative effects of alcohol again. Given her age and the fact that she was still single, and with Christmas—a holiday overflowing with couples—being what it was, Yukino thought it would be better not to spoil the mood further. She also recalled that Shizuka had mentioned she came on this trip with some female coworkers, which meant this might very well be a "Single Ladies' Christmas Getaway." But if a group of older, single women started drinking together on Christmas… Yukino could already imagine the headaches that would follow. Her lips curled slightly, and when she looked at Hiratsuka again, her expression had softened. Being with us younger ones, she probably won't feel too down about not being married yet. She nudged Haru with her elbow and gave a subtle nod toward Shizuka, who was quietly drinking. Haru caught on immediately, raising his glass with a smile."Sensei, how about a game to liven things up?" "A game?" Shizuka, who had been feeling a little out of place, perked up at the invitation. "Since we've got drinks and food," Haru said, pointing at the table, "this is the perfect time for a round of Truth or Dare." She quickly waved her hands. "No, no, that's not my kind of game." I already took a dare yesterday. And again today. If I do this a third time and something ridiculous happens, how am I supposed to recover? "Aww, that's too bad," Haru replied with exaggerated disappointment. But just like that, the gloomy atmosphere around her lifted. The conversation turned to lighter topics, with Utaha chiming in with perfect timing, and Yukino and Megumi occasionally joining in. Bit by bit, the mood became warm and enjoyable. While eating, Haru gave Yukino a smug look, silently asking, How did I do? Yukino returned a faint smile: Not bad at all. At the very least, the atmosphere had become one she could enjoy. After dinner, the group strolled the nearby streets for a bit, enjoying the night scenery, before returning to their rooms around eight in the evening. Back in the girls' room, Yukino had just sat down when Megumi spoke up. "Amamiya-kun said we should go to bed early tonight… or we'll be tired for the trip back tomorrow." Utaha, who had just pulled out her underwear and was about to head for a bath, stopped mid-motion when she heard that. With a chuckle, she said, "That's such a poor excuse to dodge suspicion." "Truly a poor one," Yukino agreed. If a guy tells the girl he likes to go to bed early on Christmas night, he's either an idiot—or he's planning something. All three girls clearly understood what was implied. "So, are we expecting Santa Claus tonight?" Utaha asked with a mischievous glint in her eyes. Yukino hesitated. "Knowing him, I wouldn't be surprised if he actually packed a Santa costume in advance." Megumi's eyes brightened slightly. "Can you be sure?" "No" Yukino replied. "It's not like I'm going to check his suitcase." Utaha seemed intrigued. Forgetting about the bath, she sat down with interest. "Now that you mention it, I recall his suitcase wasn't very big… But if it's just a costume and a few props, it could definitely fit." Yukino gave her a wary look. "Don't tell me you're thinking of sneaking into his room to check his luggage?" "Why not?" Utaha smiled sweetly. Megumi interjected coolly, "If you really do that, Utaha-senpai, the gift will lose its surprise and mystery." Yukino nodded approvingly. "I've never cared for these kinds of holidays, but Megumi's right." With the two suddenly united in stance, Utaha chuckled awkwardly. "Talk is cheap. Do I need to remind you what you bought earlier today—alone—at the mall? That men's wallet?" Yukino responded lightly, "It's true I'm not into holidays, but Haru and I have exchanged gifts every year for a while now. Understand, Senpai?" Utaha's smile froze. Haru and I. Every year. Gift exchange. Every word was a critical hit. And Yukino had delivered it with such calm detachment, as if it were no big deal—precisely what made it hurt more. Utaha's chest rose and fell as she stood silently, her beautiful face sinking. "Thanks for your honesty. Now I finally understand what Hiratsuka-sensei meant when she said Yukino is the most 'brilliant' student. Even she can be childish enough to show off." Yukino's lips curled. "Are you mad, Senpai?" Utaha let out a cold laugh but gave no answer. Yukino's smile deepened, and she even tilted her head as if summarizing: "Looks like I got under your skin." "Yukinoshita!" Utaha snapped. Megumi silently sat off to the side, thinking: I didn't even try to stir the pot this time, and they're already at each other's throats. What would happen if I did poke the fire? She quickly discarded the idea. The outcome's already decided. Either Yukinoshita subdues Senpai, or she deals a blow strong enough to break her defenses. Still, Senpai's jealous face is kind of fun to watch… Too bad I can't take a picture right now. Megumi glanced at her bag, where her own prepared gift lay hidden. After a short silence, Utaha stood with a darkened expression, towering over Yukino, who was casually reading. "Care to join me for a bath?" "No," Yukino replied bluntly. "I need to discuss something important," Utaha said flatly. Yukino closed her book, raised her eyes with a calm yet dangerous glint. "You're not trying to show off your body to me again while we're in the bath, are you?" Utaha subtly straightened her back and replied softly, "Do I need to show off?" That confirmed for Yukino that Utaha did, in fact, have something serious to talk about. She got up and began gathering her underwear. Megumi looked at her phone screen, muttering to herself:Once again… I've been left out.

Chapter 190 - 190 – Utaha: Covered by Veil

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