Some people kiss to release desire. Some people kiss to prove love.
There are also those who kiss simply to calm themselves.
An old man from Egypt once said that everyone tries to overcome anxiety and fear, striving to live with a peaceful heart.
Whether it's chasing fame and fortune, dominating others, or gaining money and love—even the touch of lips—it's all just a reason to find calm.
Masuzu must be the same, right?
Not because she truly fell in love with Yuu in such a short time, but because that kiss could give her a sense of safety. So gradually, she grew accustomed to it, craved it greedily, and tried to slowly soothe herself through the process.
The more fear she felt inside, the more aggressive she became—a trait tied to her strong exterior but fragile interior.
And for Yuu, a kiss was a way to convey feelings to each other.
Through such close contact, they could understand each other's emotions. In their intertwined breaths, they could grasp the strength and fragility of the other.
Others might not think this deeply, but Yuu could feel how much anxiety was buried in the heart of the girl before him.
(Afraid of having nothing, so before she lets go, she doesn't want anyone else to steal what's hers?)
Unconsciously, this thought arose in Yuu's mind.
(When she was little, were her toys often taken by others, huh...)
After parting with Masuzu, Yuu returned to the Service Club unscathed.
When he met his lunchbox again, Yuu had naturally undergone an upgrade.
The girl near the window slightly lifted her eyes. Her gaze swept over his calm, composed face, then turned away, uninterested.
She ate her lunch slowly. Each time she opened and closed her mouth, it was like a painting—shining from the most beautiful angle under autumn light.
Yuu only looked a few times before being instantly caught by her sharp perception.
When their eyes met, Yukino frowned slightly, asking silently.
Yuu shook his head, signaling the other not to pay attention.
"If there's something you want to say, just say it."
The cold, crystal-clear voice rang out.
Pushing her hair from her forehead behind her ear, Yukino set down her slightly damp chopsticks. Her eyes stared straight at him, giving no chance to escape.
"Your hesitant, nervous attitude is very annoying... Is this about the mission?"
Yuu hesitated briefly, then chose to answer honestly.
"No. I was just thinking that the way you eat is very beautiful."
"..."
As if struck by an invisible blow, Yukino sat frozen in place, silent for a moment.
Seeing this, Yuu added, "I'm serious. I'm not boasting."
"...I understand. Shut your mouth and eat properly."
Yukino quickly recovered. She raised her hand and pressed her temple, sighing as if it ached. "For the record, there's no point in complimenting me. I've heard such praise since childhood, and men's compliments are so abundant they make me sick... I think you should understand."
"..."
The other end of the table responded with silence.
The sounds of chopsticks and swallowing were barely audible, as if Yuu were enjoying a Western meal with knife and fork. It was hard to imagine a man could eat a lunchbox so gracefully and calmly.
"Why aren't you speaking?"
After Yukino asked unconsciously, she already knew what he'd answer.
"You told me to shut my mouth and eat." Yuu rolled his eyes, his voice slightly muffled as he chewed.
Yukino sneered. "You'll do whatever I say? Oh, since when did Tenkuji become so obedient? That's very reassuring."
Yuu replied casually, "Since you, as president, started caring about me, a club member, I don't intend to argue with you anymore—that's not obedience. It's called respect."
"Or don't you understand the meaning of respect? Do you need Yuu-Sensei to explain the meaning of respect?"
He was always good to those who were good to him. Yuu had always been like that.
Though Yukino had many issues, a difficult personality, and a flat chest—her words and actions so far marked her as a truly good person who saw everyone equally and was highly responsible.
At least when she could speak well, there was no need to deliberately oppose her.
It wasn't that Yuu wanted to become Yukino's dog from now on. He simply respected her a little because she genuinely cared about him.
If something annoyed him, he'd say it directly, like now.
"Respect...?"
Yukino stared at him in surprise, as if seeing him with new eyes.
Her jet-black hair, like lead powder, swayed in the cool breeze from outside the window. Slowly, she lifted the corner of her lips, showing a relieved smile.
"Congratulations. You've finally realized it, Tenkuji... Isn't it delightful to return to being an upright ape?"
(So I wasn't even on par with an upright ape before?)
Having finished most of his lunch, Yuu weakly replied, "Yes, it excites me greatly."
Yukino picked up her chopsticks again, took some rice, and slowly, gracefully put it into her mouth.
"Fine. Today, I'll let you look your fill. As long as your gaze isn't too perverted and doesn't disturb me while I eat."
This time, it was Yuu's turn to open his eyes wide in shock. "Since when have you been so generous?"
Yukino shrugged resignedly, seemingly imitating his gesture on purpose.
"What can I do? I am the club president. To prevent club members from harassing women under the guise of a mission, I can only sacrifice my beauty."
Whether because she was still innocent, or simply didn't think of other things, when Yukino said that sentence, her tone didn't make anyone think dirty thoughts. She remained noble and graceful, like a saint.
Yuu didn't want to say anything dirty to her either. He only spoke with an amused tone:
"So our club president is just like a sculpture in an art room. Seems like next time before entering the club, I should bring a sketchbook."
"..." Instantly, Yukino froze her expression, glaring sharply. Her voice, like spring water just melted, was cold and clear. "Better shut up and eat your lunch."
The corner of Yuu's lips lifted slightly. "Or should I make you my side dish?"
The girl in front of him might not know that "side dish" had another meaning. Otherwise, she'd definitely get angry and scold him on the spot—this revealed just how perverted Masuzu's mind really was.
Yukino said irritably, "I know I'm too beautiful to eat, but when we're alone, please control yourself. It makes me feel unsafe."
Quickly, she placed a harassment alarm on the table.
Yuu pretended not to see it, continuing to eat.
"Don't worry. Though you're very sweet and your legs are nice, I'm not interested in runways at all. I won't attack you."
"..."
Outside, autumn rain fell. Inside, winter snow seemed to drift. The room temperature dropped drastically.
If she had a gun in her hand, Yukino would surely shove the barrel into his mouth and force him to confess his sins for insulting her in eighteen languages.
Unfortunately, she didn't.
So she could only imagine the little panda-shaped rice in her lunchbox was him—and viciously bite into it.
Its bottom was destroyed.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
While arguing and eating, time passed quickly. Afternoon classes would soon begin.
As they both tidied the club room, locked the door, and walked toward their classrooms in silence, Yukino suddenly spoke.
"Tenkuji-kun, may I ask one thing?"
"Please," Yuu answered casually.
Yukino paused briefly.
"When you met my older sister at the last autumn fair... was it truly the first time you'd ever met her?"