Returning to School
By the time Su Yu got back to school, it was already after classes had ended.
He sent a message to Yuigahama Yui before heading to the Service Club to wait for them.
Not long after, the three girls arrived.
Yui was still carrying Su Yu's commuter bag.
"I took the day off to help Kawasaki. Her mother was hospitalized, her father disappeared, and their house was sold. She's now the second tenant of Sakurasou—responsible for cooking and cleaning."
Su Yu told Yui everything directly as soon as she arrived.
Kawasaki's situation wasn't something that could be sugarcoated.
Yui stood frozen for a few seconds.
"…Her father is really…"
She wanted to curse him but held back.
"Hiratsuka-sensei went with you?" Ebina Hina asked.
"Yeah. She not only helped but also investigated some things and even covered moving expenses."
Su Yu didn't hide anything.
"Su Yu-kun, you did the right thing. If I were in your shoes, I would have helped Kawasaki too."
Yui smiled warmly at him.
"I could've kept this from you, but by telling you, I hope you won't overthink things."
"You don't need to treat Kawasaki differently. She hates pity."
Su Yu looked at Yui seriously.
Yui nodded in understanding.
Since Su Yu was telling her everything, it was clear that he wasn't trying to hide anything about Kawasaki.
But if he was open about it…
Did that mean she could only watch if something happened between them?
Wait… Yukino will definitely be mad about this, right?
Yui suddenly found herself struggling—should she keep this from Yukino, or should she tell her?
"Stop spacing out. Sit down and focus on the lesson."
Su Yu saw her hesitation but didn't bother explaining.
Seeing that Ebina and Yumiko were already seated, Yui quickly sat down as well.
Thus, the study session began.
Tennis Club
Two hours later.
At the tennis court, Su Yu was playing against Hikigaya Hachiman.
Though Hachiman wasn't as skilled as Totsuka Saika, he had better stamina than Su Yu.
In the end, he lost in technique, but physically, he still had an advantage.
After the match, Su Yu still had some energy left, so he challenged Saika next.
Meanwhile, Hachiman walked over to a vending machine, bought three bottles of drinks, and sat down on a bench.
By the time he had finished half his drink, Su Yu had already lost to Saika.
"Su Yu-kun, let's take a break together?"
Saika smiled softly at him.
Su Yu looked at him, then nodded.
The two walked over to the bench, where Hachiman handed Su Yu a bottle.
Without hesitation, Su Yu accepted it and sat beside him.
Saika took the third bottle and smiled.
The three of them sat there, quietly drinking, while the cheers from the nearby soccer field echoed in the background.
Compared to the tennis courts, the soccer field was lively and packed.
"Su Yu-kun, your tennis skills are improving fast. Do you have any special techniques?"
Saika turned to him.
"Maybe it's just talent. I watch a lot, so I naturally pick it up."
Su Yu answered casually.
"…."
Hachiman was speechless.
"Have you ever thought about going pro?"
Saika didn't doubt his words at all.
"No. I don't have the time for that."
Su Yu shook his head.
"I actually want to compete in a tournament. There's a special high school competition, but I don't think I'm good enough yet."
Saika lowered his gaze slightly.
"Then train harder. When the time comes, have Hachiman go with you for support."
Su Yu smirked.
"Yeah! Even if he doesn't play, just having him watching me would make me feel much better."
Saika smiled.
"Hachiman, you heard him?"
Su Yu grinned knowingly.
Hachiman's face turned slightly red but said nothing.
"So, Su Yu-kun, what do you want to do in the future?"
Saika changed the topic.
"I want to make anime, draw manga, and learn whatever interests me."
"I just want to live freely. That's enough."
Su Yu thought for a moment before answering.
"…Live freely?"
Saika looked at him with admiration.
"Hachiman, your dream is to be a househusband, right?"
Su Yu turned to Hachiman with a teasing smile.
Hachiman, who was in the middle of drinking, nearly choked.
He coughed violently, looking at Su Yu in shock.
How the hell does this guy know that?! Did he talk to Komachi?!
"Wait, wait, wait… Hachiman, you want to be a househusband?"
Saika's expression turned slightly amused.
"He's just talking nonsense! I haven't even thought about my future yet!"
Hachiman hurriedly denied it.
Su Yu checked the time and stood up.
"Alright, I need to head out."
"When I have some free time, I'll invite Komachi out."
"You two should join us. If you don't come, Hachiman, I can't promise Komachi won't start liking me instead."
"I haven't met her yet, but I have a feeling she's probably adorable."
Without waiting for a response, Su Yu left the court.
"…This guy…"
Hachiman frowned, feeling oddly bothered by what Su Yu said.
"Hey, Hachiman… I think Su Yu-kun was trying to become friends with us."
Saika suddenly smiled.
"I would never be friends with a guy like him. I am the natural enemy of normies."
Hachiman muttered.
"But… you actually want to be his friend, don't you?"
"…No."
"Then why did you buy him a drink?"
Saika grinned knowingly.
"I just… didn't want to owe him anything."
Hachiman looked away.
"Then do you really think Su Yu-kun is just trying to 'blend into the tennis club'?"
Saika pointed out.
Hachiman fell silent.
The truth was, Su Yu's actions did seem like he was trying to connect with them—
And the weirdest part?
Because Su Yu understood him, Hachiman didn't even feel uncomfortable about it.
As for Saika…
Well, Saika could make friends with anyone—but his dreams of competing in tennis?
He had only shared that with them.
"…Hachiman, next time we go out, let's invite Su Yu-kun too."
Saika suggested.
"…I don't mind."
Hachiman hesitated, but eventually nodded.
"Then it's settled. I'll check Su Yu-kun's schedule."
Saika smiled.
"…Friends, huh?"
Hachiman looked at him.
For the first time, he genuinely wondered if he had just… made a friend.
Back at Sakurasou
When Su Yu got home, he found Yui playing with Keika in the courtyard.
They were building a block tower together.
"Su Yu-oniisan!"
Keika beamed at him.
"Having fun?"
Su Yu sat down beside her.
"Yeah! Yui-neesan is like a teacher. She's really kind! And also…"
Keika paused, her face turning slightly red.
"…Also what?"
Yui tilted her head.
Keika's face grew even redder, and she quickly looked down.
Su Yu instantly understood what she was thinking.