Chapter 70 - 70: Yukino Thinks You’re Pitiful

[You are training. (Steel Body) EXP +89] [You are taking off. (Jump) EXP +88] After returning home, Haru found himself with an hour to spare before dinner at the Kasumigaoka household. With nothing better to do, he decided to pass the time by jumping rope and grinding experience points. As his second skill successfully leveled up, a question nagged at him. Every time he jumped, the system displayed a message about "taking off." Was it just a figure of speech, or… could he actually take flight? A ridiculous image popped into his mind—him standing midair, step by step, defying gravity itself. "You're jump roping now?" A puzzled voice came from the gym entrance. Haru turned to see Yukino standing there, her beautiful face framed with curiosity. "Switching things up now and then keeps training from getting monotonous," he replied, pausing his workout. Before she could respond, he threw out an invitation. "Wanna join me?" "Me?" Yukino blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting to be invited to train with him. But then, she remembered her own terrible stamina... No! Terrible wasn't the right word. At the very least, after years of Haru helping her, her physical endurance was much better than before. Yet every time she imagined herself as a gallant knight—or him as a war general charging into battle—she would always fall behind far too quickly. The speed at which she was defeated was so embarrassingly fast that just thinking about it made her both frustrated and regretful. She shouldn't have such a fatal flaw. Most importantly, unless she was completely exhausted, her boyfriend wouldn't be satisfied. As Yukino's thoughts spiraled into a chaotic mess, Haru assumed she was hesitating, so he spoke up. "Worried that jumping rope isn't as effective as running? Actually, jump rope has a lot of benefits—" Before he could finish, Yukino smoothly cut in. "Improves physical fitness, strengthens cardiovascular function, burns excess fat for body shaping—these are all benefits of jumping rope." "Not bad, encyclopedia," Haru praised. Without another word, Yukino gathered her long hair and tied it into twin tails. Haru's eyes lit up. The legendary slender and delicate twin-tail beauty had appeared! Of course, only in front of his [Steel Body] could Yukino, who was well-versed in Aikido, be considered delicate. "I see something improper in your gaze," Yukino warned, sharp as ever. "I'm merely admiring how well twin tails suit you," Haru replied, dead serious. Yukino paused, then gave him an amused look. "Oh? So you like this hairstyle?" Such a question was no challenge for Haru. "I like it when you wear this hairstyle." "Even though I can tell you're not being completely honest, I'll accept the compliment for now." With that, Yukino went to change into workout clothes. She was going to train too. A while later, Utaha called, letting them know it was time to head over. Only then did the two take quick showers and change into more comfortable outfits. Yukino wore a blue striped dress with four white buttons running down from her collarbone to her waist. A black belt cinched her slender waist, as if emphasizing just how enviable her figure was. As Haru admired the sight, he felt a tinge of regret—she had switched back to her usual long, straight hair. "Had enough?" Yukino shot him a knowing, amused look. "Not even close. Absolutely not," Haru shook his head firmly. Not bothering to continue the topic, Yukino stepped forward and naturally wrapped her arm around his. Her delicate fragrance filled the air, making him feel at ease. On the way, Yukino never once asked why the Kasumigaoka family had invited Haru over, as if she wasn't even curious. But the more nonchalant she acted, the more uneasy Haru felt. Because that meant she was thinking—and she might have already figured something out. "Yukino, aren't you going to ask me why?" Finally, Haru had to bring it up himself. Yukino's lips curled into the same cryptic smile she had in the photography club. "Tell me when we get home tonight. For now, let's just enjoy dinner." That smile… Haru suddenly felt like he was in the middle of a boss fight cutscene. The pressure was real. When they arrived at the Kasumigaoka residence, the family of three came out to greet them. "Good evening, Uncle, Auntie. I'm Yukinoshita Yukino, Haru's girlfriend and also the vice president of the photography club," Yukino introduced herself with flawless etiquette. Kasumigaoka's mother looked pleasantly surprised, her eyes filled with admiration. She sincerely complimented, "I told Utaha last time that you're the most beautiful girl I've met besides her. But today, you look even more stunning than before." "Thank you," Yukino replied with a polite smile. She had heard such compliments countless times and had long since gotten used to them. After the initial greetings, the couple chatted with Haru and Yukino for a bit before Kasumigaoka's mother headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner. Kasumigaoka's father, on the other hand, turned to Haru with a sheepish smile. "About that night… I have to apologize. I'm in my fifties, and yet I somehow managed to embarrass myself like that." Feeling the dangerous aura radiating from Yukino's smile, Haru quickly waved it off. "It's all in the past, Uncle. No need to dwell on it." "True, true. But it's a shame you're not of drinking age yet. Otherwise, I'd insist on having a drink with you." "Guess you'll just have to wait a few more years, Uncle." "Haha, I'll be waiting." While the two men continued their conversation, Utaha sat nearby for a while before turning to Yukino with an invitation. "Want to come to my room?" Yukino instinctively refused. "I'm fine here." Utaha chuckled. "I've polished the opening of my new novel. Since we're here today, why don't you take a look?" "Alright." After a brief moment of thought, Yukino changed her mind. The two strikingly beautiful girls left the living room together. Utaha's bedroom was tidy and well-lit. Whether it was always this neat or had been cleaned up specifically for the occasion remained a mystery. They sat in front of the computer. Yukino, unreserved, opened the document and began reading seriously. Utaha pulled up a chair and sat beside her. After about ten minutes, Yukino suddenly turned her head, her tone cool. "The male lead's character design?" Utaha nodded slightly. "I modeled him after Amamiya-kun" "You specifically invited me to read this just to provoke me?" Yukino's expression grew colder. Utaha, however, replied softly, "I won't deny that I might have thought that way before—but not anymore." Yukino stared at her for a couple of seconds before turning back to the screen. "Then what's your reasoning now? Using my boyfriend as your protagonist's template—don't you think that's a little strange?" Utaha didn't seem flustered. Instead, she responded earnestly, "Because he's the most unforgettable Man I've ever met. No one else even comes close." Yukino let out a cold chuckle. "And you think I wouldn't be mad hearing you praise my boyfriend like that?" "Believe me or not, since I decided to move on, I haven't thought that way anymore." Utaha took a deep breath. She was feeling the pressure. Despite being a year older than Yukino, in this moment, she felt as though their roles had reversed—Yukino now seemed more like the senior. "I don't like this story," Yukino suddenly changed the topic, "but I think it might have commercial potential." Utaha blinked in surprise. "You're not bothered by it?" "You mean the previous conversation?" Yukino turned to her, crossing her long, slender legs and resting her delicate hands atop them. It was her signature posture when discussing something seriously. "I can tell you're not lying," she said coolly. "But don't you think your efforts are misplaced, Senpai?" Utaha's expression grew complicated. She replied softly, "If someone at the foot of the mountain keeps climbing, maybe they can reach the top someday." "And if you fall along the way?" Yukino finally drew her blade—her sharp gaze radiating a dangerous intensity. "Then that's my own mistake to bear." Utaha gave her answer. Yukino let out a quiet laugh. Utaha couldn't decipher the meaning behind that laughter. But one thing was clear—Yukino's overwhelming presence had softened, even if only slightly. "My stance remains unchanged. Your perseverance is admirable, Senpai, but admiration is all you'll get from me." Yukino's voice was calm yet firm. Hearing this, Utaha finally exhaled in relief. She had been worried that Yukino would make a scene today—or worse, completely destroy her in front of Haru. After all, she was the guilty party here. No matter how composed she had seemed when suggesting to Haru that he invite Yukino, deep down, she couldn't shake her anxiety. What truly surprised her, though, was Yukino's kindness. It far exceeded her expectations. She thinks I'm pitiful." Utaha bit her lip. She could see right through Yukino's thoughts. She hated being pitied—rejected it outright. Yet, at this moment, she lacked the strength to protest. A knock at the door broke the silence. Haru stepped in, carrying a plate of snacks. "What are you two talking about?" Utaha pressed her lips together, saying nothing. Yukino casually closed the document. "Just reading Senpai's novel." Haru set the snacks down beside them. "Let me take a look too." "You don't need to." Yukino shut him down immediately. Haru blinked. "So, you don't need my feedback?" "If you really want to read it, you can buy a copy when it's published," Yukino stated bluntly. Haru glanced at Utaha, whose eyes were now darting away uncomfortably. After a moment's recollection, it clicked—wasn't the male lead based on him? Sensing the awkwardness, he wisely dropped the subject. "Well, try the cookies. I had one just now, and they're pretty good." "Mm." Yukino didn't refuse, reaching for a cookie and taking a bite. Utaha suddenly spoke. "Before, Amamiya-kun helped clear up a misunderstanding with my parents. Out of guilt and embarrassment, they insisted I invite him for dinner." Yukino gave her a faint smile. "Thanks for explaining, Senpai, but if I ever want to know something, I'll just ask Haru myself." That undisputed air of a rightful girlfriend suddenly spread throughout the room. Utaha was caught completely off guard. Meanwhile, Haru focused on eating, minding his own business.