Leaving the break room,
Ebina Hina's smile had returned.
Miura Yumiko sighed in relief.
At the same time, she was curious—
What exactly had Su Yu and Ebina talked about?
"Let's go, Yukino."
Su Yu reached out his hand toward Yukinoshita Yukino.
"See you tomorrow, Miura-san, Ebina-san."
Yukino said politely before taking Su Yu's hand.
The two walked out hand in hand.
Ebina Hina watched their retreating figures.
"Hina, you and Su Yu-kun…"
Miura Yumiko hesitated.
"I don't want that kind of relationship with Su Yu-kun."
"I don't want to fall in love."
Ebina stated calmly.
Miura opened her mouth but found herself at a loss for words.
Ebina smiled softly.
Misunderstanding Su Yu's words had been an act.
Expressing her true feelings—that had been real.
She knew Su Yu wasn't that kind of person.
She knew that if she ever needed help,
Su Yu would help her without hesitation.
She knew that—
Conversations like these were rare.
—
At a bookstore.
Yukinoshita Yukino picked up a copy of Yūyō's single-volume manga.
"Want me to sign it for you?"
Su Yu asked playfully.
"No need."
Yukino rejected him without hesitation.
"Why?"
Su Yu was puzzled.
"I'm not your fan."
"I don't need your autograph decorating this manga."
Yukino shot him a sideways glance.
Instantly, Su Yu understood—
Yukino was a little upset.
Or maybe… she was sulking?
He hadn't explained anything about Ebina Hina.
And earlier—
When he asked where they should go next, Yukino had remained silent for a long time.
Then, she suggested the bookstore.
After arriving, she didn't say a word to him.
She simply choseYūyō.
If he wasn't mistaken—
Yukino would soon say:
"You can decide where we go next."
"Let's go."
"You choose where we go next."
Yukino said indifferently.
Su Yu watched her back as she walked away.
That sentence's real meaning was—
"If the place we go next makes me happy, I'll forgive you."
A tsundere like Yukino wouldn't say it outright.
She knew Su Yu could guess.
And even if he couldn't,
He'd figure it out eventually.
She had just signaled: "I'm mad."
Understanding this, Su Yu quickly followed her.
He had thought of the perfect place.
—
Thirty minutes later.
At a pet store.
Yukinoshita Yukino's expression softened,
Happily holding a gentle, well-behaved kitten.
Su Yu stood beside her,
Watching quietly without disturbing her.
Yukino loved cats—
That much was beyond question.
And nothing could cheer her up faster than adorable kittens.
Bringing her here was the best choice.
Several kittens gathered around her,
Asking for treats and playing with her.
She looked completely satisfied.
Only after an hour did she seem to snap back to reality.
She looked around—
"I thought you forgot about me."
Su Yu smiled and stepped forward.
"Take a picture for me."
Yukino handed him her phone.
"Of course."
Su Yu took several photos of her.
Ten minutes later.
Yukino finally set the kittens down and stood up.
Su Yu handed her phone back with a smile.
"Feeling better, Yukino?"
"Don't think that just because you brought me here, I'm not mad anymore."
"Hmph. You're still a terrible person."
She huffed, her voice slightly resentful.
Su Yu chuckled.
"Ebina's situation is… complicated."
"Her father left their family after losing all their savings in the stock market."
"To her, he's unforgivable."
He explained simply.
"I'm not mad because of your relationship with Ebina."
"I'm mad because you kept it from me."
"Ebina is my friend too."
Yukino looked away, speaking softly.
"Alright, alright, my fault."
"Let's go. Next stop: the movies."
"Then later, let's have a candlelit dinner at a hotel."
Su Yu took her hand.
"Candlelit dinner? No need."
"Let's go to Sakura Dormitory."
"I'll make you dinner instead."
Yukino whispered.
Su Yu smiled—
He didn't object.
Because her meaning was clear:
She wasn't mad anymore.
And cooking for him was her way of making up for breakfast—
Since earlier, breakfast had been cooked by Yukino's sister, Haruno.
—
After the movie.
At the supermarket.
Yukino carefully picked out ingredients.
They returned to Sakura Dormitory together.
The sunset painted the sky.
Outside, Hiratsuka-sensei and Kawasaki Kyouka were sitting in the yard.
One was readingYūyō's single volume.
The other was sketching a drawing of Ren-chan.
As Su Yu rolled his motorcycle inside,
Hiratsuka immediately perked up.
"Here's the key."
"But first, let me see your motorcycle license."
Su Yu challenged her.
"Are you looking down on me?"
Hiratsuka glared at him.
Su Yu simply put the key away.
"Damn it! Wait right there!"
Hiratsuka stormed off to her room.
A moment later—
She returned, holding her license proudly.
And then…
She saw Su Yu had already gone upstairs.
The key was now in front of Kawasaki Kyouka.
"Sensei, Su Yu-nii said…"
"I should be the one to inspect your license."
Kawasaki said softly.
"…..."
Hiratsuka Shizuka.
—
Kitchen, Su Yu's home.
Yukino skillfully prepared ingredients.
She occasionally glanced at Su Yu—
Who was working on his manga in the living room.
His artwork was flawless.
Each panel looked meticulously crafted.
Both were focused on their own tasks, saying nothing.
Until Su Yu finished drawing.
He stood up, looked toward the kitchen, and walked in.
Yukino turned and saw him approaching.
Her face flushed slightly.
"Yukino, I'm hungry."
Su Yu hugged her gently from behind.
"Dinner will be ready soon."
She whispered.
"But before dinner…"
"I want dessert."
"Dessert? There's some in the fri— Mmph—"
Su Yu cut her off with a kiss.
Yukino finally understood.
"Dessert" wasn't about food at all.
She didn't push him away—
Instead, she responded.
Only when she remembered the stove did she softly push him back.
Su Yu released her, admiring her flushed face.
"Aren't you going to shower?"
Yukino glanced at him.
"I've decided."
"Tonight, I'll be saving water."
Su Yu said seriously.
"Saving water?"
"You—"
Yukino froze.
Then, realizing what he really meant,
Her face turned completely red.
"I'll help dry your hair afterward."
Su Yu murmured, wrapping his arms around her waist.
Yukino lowered her gaze, blushing hard.