Chapter 52 - 52: Too despicable, Yukinoshita!

Haru stepped inside and handed her a pair of slippers. "Are we required to be there?" "Yes." "What a hassle. I have to face both Haruno and that lady? Just thinking about it gives me a headache." As he grumbled, Yukino suddenly smiled. "Oh, I almost forgot to tell you—Auntie sent me a message earlier. I was heading out at the time, and she asked me to call her back when I was free." Haru looked at her charming smile and his heart skipped a beat: "Which Auntie?" Yukino's smile turned a little playful. "What do you think?" Feigning ignorance, Haru shrugged. "Sounds like someone I don't know." "Your mother, Amamiya Tsugumi." She dropped the bomb without hesitation. Haru's expression changed instantly. "My dear and lovely Miss Yukinoshita, could I trouble you to say a few good words on my behalf? I will owe you a great favor." Yukino chuckled. "I'll think about it." And with that, she redialed the number. Haru moved closer, catching a faint whiff of her scent as he peered at her phone screen. Yukino turned her face slightly—his breath tickled her neck. The call connected quickly. Yukino made no effort to avoid him, so he could hear his mother's voice clearly. She was just exchanging pleasantries, talking about tomorrow's gathering and how much she looked forward to meeting Yukino again. That put Haru at ease. Then… His mother suddenly asked, "Haru hasn't been bullying you, has he? He's always been full of tricks since he was a kid, and you're such a well-behaved girl. If he gives you trouble, just tell me—I'll set him straight!" Haru immediately shot Yukino a pleading look: Help me! Yukino blinked innocently, her expression saying: Weren't we supposed to be competing in wit and strategy? With a sweet, gentle voice, she responded, "He does bully me." Before his mother could erupt in anger, Yukino added softly, "But it's just little things—I can handle it." Then, Haru heard his mother's voice shoot up several octaves. "Put that brat on the phone!" Haru: Too despicable!, Yukinoshita! There was no escape. Haru obediently took the call and endured a thorough lecture from his mother. Throughout, he kept his tone patient and gentle, answering every question with care. Yukino watched from the side, smiling serenely. She quite liked the way he was with his family. No matter what the situation, he was always composed and considerate. After hanging up, Haru sighed dramatically. "You really got me this time. How do you plan to make it up to me?" Yukino, of course, refused to fall for his trick. She picked up the orange cat from the sofa, stroking its fur with a satisfied look. "I'm actually looking forward to tomorrow's gathering." "No surprise there. You're the cunning mastermind behind it all!" "Is this the first time you've realized how cunning I am?" "…" That night, Haru helped Yukino with her studies in the living room. [Your 'Teaching' skill has leveled up.][Teaching Lv9: (13/100000)] Haru's thoughts wandered. If reaching Level 10 in 'Physical Fitness' had such an absurd effect, what about 'Teaching'? Would it be like something out of a martial arts novel, where knowledge could be transferred in an instant? His imagination ran wild. Glancing at the girl beside him, focused and attentive, his mind automatically supplied a voice: Your Bluetooth is connected. "You're thinking something weird again, aren't you?" Yukino, as if equipped with an automatic detection system, immediately sensed his odd gaze. "If I say no, will you believe me?" "No." "Then I won't say anything." "…You're an idiot." "Now that's just hurtful." "Idiot." She insulted him again, completely unfazed. Haru thought to himself: There will be plenty of time to get back at you later. Once their study session ended, Haru stood up to grab his clothes for a shower. Just as he was leaving, Yukino spoke up. "I've put together a shooting plan. Want to take a look?" "Sure, I'll check it after my shower." "The document is quite long. Should I send it to your phone?" "Yeah, go ahead. My phone is in the living room—just unlock it yourself. The password is 0721." With that, Haru headed to the bathroom. He had no concerns about Yukino handling his phone. If nothing else, he knew her well enough—she was too well-mannered to snoop. And, true to his expectations, Yukino simply unlocked his phone, sent the document, and set it down without touching anything else. This kind of trust had existed between them for years. Lying on the sofa, one hand petting the cat, Yukino felt warmth bloom in her chest. By the time Haru finished his shower and walked back out, he was met with a mesmerizing sight. Yukino was curled up on the sofa, holding the orange cat in her arms. The television volume was turned low, and her eyes were gently closed as if she were dozing. Her loose, pale nightdress draped over her slender frame, concealing her curves, yet under the soft glow of the ceiling light, she exuded an elegant charm. Her long hair fanned out over the cushions, and her entire posture was one of utter relaxation. Her bare legs, free from the usual thigh-high stockings, were smooth and delicate, her feet resting lightly against the couch. Her dainty toes curled slightly, leading up to her shapely calves and the soft curve of her thighs. Perhaps sensing his presence, she slowly opened her eyes. Their gazes locked. She instantly noticed the way his eyes traced over her, his stare deliberate yet restrained. A faint blush crept onto her cheeks. Shifting slightly, she hugged the cat closer, placing her feet on the floor as if regaining composure. Tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, she met his gaze. "What are you looking at?" "You." Yukino had expected that. "And?" "You're beautiful." "Thank you. I know that already." She accepted the compliment without hesitation. Or at least, she tried to—her reddening face betrayed her. She could usually meet his gaze without issue, but tonight, she found it difficult. Her heart was racing. Fortunately, Haru didn't press the matter and instead invited her to a game. Only as she reached for the controller did she realize—his gaze had finally left her. And yet, the image of his piercing stare lingered in her mind. It was… the kind of look someone has when they want to devour something. Her heart pounded erratically. The more she recalled it, the more convinced she became. Then— "Sorry." Snapped back to reality, Yukino looked at the screen. Her cute little squirrel character had once again been picked up and used as Haru's personal shield. "…Is this a challenge?" She narrowed her eyes. "Then I accept." And just like that, their battle resumed. Yet that night, as she lay in bed, she found herself unable to sleep. That look in his eyes— Was it the same admiration as before? Or… something else?