Chapter 55 - 55: The Greek Goddess of Black Stockings

Are you kidding me? They're dating?! Utaha was stunned by Haru's words. At first, she was shocked, then disbelief set in. Or maybe—deep down—she was still clinging to a sliver of hope. What she didn't realize was that Yukino and Katou Megumi had noticed every subtle change in her expression. The two girls who had tried to flirt with Haru awkwardly returned to their seats, clearly embarrassed by his rejection. Utaha opened her mouth, wanting to voice the question burning in her heart. But as the words reached her lips, she lost the courage to say them. What if it's true? That thought alone made her lower her gaze, a dull ache settling in her chest. Just then, Hashimoto, who was holding the audio equipment, exclaimed in surprise, "President, are you really dating Yukinoshita-san?" "Yeah, she's my girlfriend now." Haru knew several girls were watching him closely, but this was already a done deal. He and Yukino liked each other, so there was no reason to hide it. "Congrats, congrats! Wonder how many girls at school are going to be heartbroken over this," Hashimoto teased with a grin. Utaha kept her head down, her long hair shielding her face. She had only just set out on her path, finally taking her writing seriously. She had even used him as inspiration for her protagonist—it had all seemed to be going so well. And now, just like that, she was already out of the picture? It hurt. She wanted to vent, but she didn't know how. All she could do was swallow that bitter feeling and bury it deep inside. Because, in the end, she had never once confessed her feelings to Haru. Unspoken love is worthless. It can't be measured or weighed, and in the grand scheme of romance, it's the most cost-efficient—yet least rewarding—form of love. Because sometimes, it can cost a person their entire life. Utaha's mood visibly darkened after the shock. It wasn't until they arrived at the park for filming that she finally slapped her cheeks, forcing herself to put on a composed front. Haru, handling the camera, captured the moment. Everyone could see that Utaha wasn't quite herself, and that very emotion—the sorrow needed for the heroine's role—was perfectly conveyed on screen. Her performance exceeded expectations, purely because it was real. Even Yukino understood that. After a while, she took the initiative to call for a break. Haru didn't go over to talk to Utaha. No matter the reason, he knew it wasn't his place to comfort her right now. Just then, his phone rang—it was his lawyer. Seizing the excuse, he stepped away from the group and walked toward the other side of the park. "Boss, I've got news on that fugitive you asked me to find," the lawyer said. "Tsk, this guy's record is thick. Last year, he brutally assaulted a married couple—left them permanently disabled. They're in wheelchairs now…" "He's currently in Shinjuku, but he's a slippery one. Might relocate in a couple of days." "Thanks. Send me his exact address when you get it." "No problem. I don't know why you're after this guy, but if you plan on confronting him, I'd suggest waiting two more days." "Why?" "He's incredibly paranoid. My detective says he changes locations every week. The only reason he's back in Shinjuku is that he's got connections with the local gangs. When he moves again, that's when his guard will be at its lowest." "Got it." This was good news. Against a ruthless fugitive like this, Haru didn't need to hold back anymore. He could use a little more intensity. And criminals like this? They probably had quite a bit of experience to offer. As he mulled over his plans for the night, he reached for a nearby faucet to wash his face. "Hey, that one's broken. Use the other one," a young man in workout clothes informed him. "Thanks." Haru nodded in gratitude and splashed some water on his face. The temperature was rising, and as the cameraman, he had to keep his hands steady—making him one of the most physically strained members of the shoot. Just then, a faint fragrance drifted his way. Turning his head, he saw Katou Megumi standing beside him, holding a handkerchief. Thanks to his auto-targeting ability, her naturally faint presence no longer slipped past him. "You here to wash your face too?" he asked, stepping aside. "I'm just washing my handkerchief." She spoke softly as she moved to the faucet he had just used. The sound of running water filled the air as she calmly rinsed the fabric. Then, in a casual tone, she asked, "Did you and Yukinoshita-san start dating yesterday?" "Yeah." Haru didn't hesitate to admit it. Megumi nodded, then smoothly changed the topic. "Senpai seems really affected by it. Yukinoshita-san is talking to her now." "She's the director of this shoot. It makes sense for her to handle it." Haru's tone was steady, unaffected. Megumi hummed in agreement. "By the way, Yukinoshita-san brought cookies for everyone earlier. She said you made them. Apparently, there were too many, so she decided to share." "Hah, I was wondering where all the cookies I made this morning disappeared to…" "Did you learn to bake just for this?" "Something like that. I just want to pick up new skills—who knows, they might come in handy after graduation." Haru glanced at the quiet girl beside him, slightly puzzled. "You seem unusually chatty today." Megumi smiled faintly. "I'm just a little curious." "Curious about me?" "And about Yukinoshita-san." Yuu smirked. "Sounds like you're evaluating the leadership of your club president and vice president?" Megumi tilted her head slightly. The contrast between her usual expressionlessness and this rare display of amusement made her seem oddly adorable. "That's an interesting way to put it." "Did I guess wrong?" She shook her head. "No. I just want to understand you both better." Her attitude was sincere. Haru didn't overthink it and chuckled. "In that case, maybe I should discuss it with Yukino in advance and start charging by the hour. That way, we could make some extra cash." "Knew you had a sly side, Amamiya-kun." "It's called being resourceful." The two chatted for a bit before Haru eventually left. Kato Megumi watched his retreating figure and murmured to herself, "Senpai, you're rushing things too much." Meanwhile. Utaha sat alone under a tree, her heart heavy with emotions. Just then, a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts. "You're not doing so well again." Startled, she quickly looked up to see Yukino approaching her with her usual composed demeanor. "I know my mood isn't great, but today's shoot went fine, didn't it? Both you and Amamiya-kun just said that I got everything right on the first take," Utaha replied. Perhaps it was the frustration she felt or the fact that she was facing a romantic rival, but her tone was less than friendly. Yukino, however, remained calm. "Yes, you performed well today. But if this continues, are you sure you can keep it up?" Utaha bit her lip and fell silent. Of course, she couldn't. Seeing her lack of response, Yukino suddenly spoke again—her words completely unexpected. "Haru and I made our relationship official yesterday." Utaha froze. She felt a sharp pang in her chest, followed by a wave of irritation. "…Are you here to show off?" she asked coldly. Yukino responded in an indifferent tone. "I wouldn't do something so pointless." Utaha clenched her fists. "Then what do you want to say?" "I'm just reminding you—as a senior, you should get yourself together. Don't let your juniors outshine you." With that, Yukino turned and walked away. Utaha closed her eyes in frustration. She wanted to appear more composed in front of Haru—she really did. But before Yukino disappeared completely, she left one last remark in the air. "I've waited for him for over ten years. Why would you think we're the same?" Utaha's eyes snapped open. Yet all she could see was Yukino's retreating figure. For a moment, she wondered if she had imagined those words. Despite the tension, the shoot continued smoothly. Even though Utaha wasn't in the best condition, she gritted her teeth and kept pushing forward. Perhaps she didn't even realize it herself, but the determination she displayed at that moment was nothing short of remarkable. Even with her emotions in turmoil, she maintained the poise of an experienced senior, following Yukino's direction throughout the shoot. Watching from the sidelines, Yui couldn't help but admire her. Kasumigaoka-senpai really is impressive. By the time they wrapped up in the evening, Yukino deliberately stopped Utaha just as she was about to leave. Under Utaha's slightly uneasy gaze, she asked, "Have you decided to write a novel?" Hearing that, Utaha felt a little more confident. "I've already written the opening. I want to write a bit more before showing it to Amamiya-kun." Yukino seemed genuinely interested. "If you don't mind, I can help." Utaha hesitated for a second but eventually nodded. "Then I'll be in your care." After parting ways, Haru walked beside Yukino and casually asked about the conversation. "You're really interested in her novel, or is there another reason?" "Of course, it's out of interest," Yukino answered. "…And that's the only reason?" Haru knew her too well—her response was undoubtedly the truth, but probably not the whole truth. Yukino suddenly stopped walking and met his gaze. "You seem more concerned about her than I expected." "What? I was asking about you." Haru sighed, feeling a little helpless. "why are you trying to change the subject like this?" Yukino continued walking ahead, changing the topic without hesitation. "Let's go to my place first—I need to pick up some clothes. I'll be staying at your place for a while." She said it with complete composure, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. And to be fair, even before they started dating, she would occasionally stay over. After all, they had known each other for years. Haru, on the other hand, saw this as an opportunity. He raised a hand like a student in class. "Can I make a request?" Yukino paused briefly before resuming her pace. "…What request?" "Let's go buy some stockings together." "I knew it… Not happening." She rejected him instantly. Haru sighed in disappointment. But that night, when Yukino emerged from the bathroom after her shower, Haru found himself completely stunned. She wore a white nightdress—and paired it with black stockings. "Are you satisfied now?" she asked calmly. Her voice was steady, but the slight tremble of her eyelashes, the delicate pink flush on her fair skin, and the subtle haze in her eyes betrayed her inner shyness. Haru stared at her long, slender legs wrapped in those stockings and murmured in awe, "So you already had them? Yukino… you must be the Greek goddess of black stockings." "…Another ridiculous remark." Yukino rolled her eyes and walked past him, picking up the orange cat curled on the couch. A few seconds passed, and she noticed that he was still sitting there, admiring her legs. Blushing slightly, she finally broke the silence. "…Aren't you going to take a shower?" "I will. Later." Haru gestured toward his laptop on the coffee table. He had been checking out news about a new game. Yukino simply nodded, then turned slightly to the side. She gracefully crossed one leg over the other, resting them on the sofa. Haru's gaze involuntarily followed the movement. A teasing smirk appeared on Yukino's lips. "Is that all?" It was unclear whether she was mocking his lack of self-control or calling him out for pretending to be composed. Haru narrowed his eyes and shot back, "Just you wait—once I'm back from my shower, you're in for it." With that, he grabbed his clothes and rushed off to the bathroom. Of course, his so-called "punishment" was just an excuse to play with her legs. He knew that Yukino wasn't ready to take that final step yet. But he also knew that aside from that, she was fine with everything else. Nike once said: Just do it. Monday Morning. Haru arrived at school feeling refreshed. Just thinking about how Yukino had stormed off to brush her teeth in embarrassment last night made him smile. "Morning, Amamiya! You look like you're in a great mood today. Something good happen?" His friends Furukawa and the others had also arrived. They immediately noticed his unusually cheerful expression. Haru suddenly turned serious. "Are you sure you want to hear it?" These two were still single and desperate for love. "…Why are you making this so dramatic?" Furukawa and his friend exchanged wary glances. Haru took a deep breath and solemnly announced: "I have a girlfriend now." "…" A long silence. Then— "YOU TRAITOR! You've abandoned us! We were supposed to suffer singlehood together!" Furukawa howled in despair. After school, Haru headed to the karate club as usual but unexpectedly spotted someone unusual near the entrance. It was Kato Megumi. She wasn't waiting for him—she was heading toward the dojo herself. Curious, Haru caught up with her. "Why aren't you at your own club?" Kato Megumi blinked. "Oh? Amamiya-kun, you haven't arrived yet?" She pointed toward the dojo. "There's a crowd gathering over there. Some of our classmates mentioned it, so I got curious and came to check it out." Haru followed her gaze and, sure enough, a sizable crowd had gathered. The two squeezed their way inside—just in time to see one of the karate club members being defeated. Not just any member, either—it was a second-year student known for being quite skilled. Nearby, Hiratsuka-sensei noticed Haru's arrival and immediately walked over.