Yuu thought, what truly matters most to him?
First, of course, his little sister. He still remembered, if not for Sora giving him reason to move forward, he who suddenly crossed over as a child, with no attachment to this world, might've casually sacrificed his life in that accident?
Next, himself, never to be underestimated.
He wanted to be like a story protagonist. Never let anyone see his fragile side, never cry before others. Always resolute and strong facing all hardships.
Others' feelings unimportant to him. Yuu only wanted to appear a true man before sister, other important people—respected or not, no matter. Main thing, no underestimation.
Very important.
After, perhaps girlfriend?
Sometimes, even more important than himself.
Haruno from first task, Asuna second, Masuzu third... This so-called love truly has magic. Could make him willingly abandon long-held principles. No matter hurt, give everything no regret.
Why so many infatuated with love.
Because like him, give thrice get return, just minority—only with return, called sincere feelings.
If not ask System retract those feelings, after three tasks, Yuu might have nothing left give?
Precisely thus, fourth task, facing Yuigahama kept giving, kept initiating, even respond "so what?" to odd future affair claim, Yuu no longer ignore.
Told self, must return this sincerity.
Yuigahama no ordinary. Girl still loved without System—important existence accumulates, feelings memories never fade.
For this, Yuu must first frankly share difficulties. Slowly turn friendship love, hope walk future task done, date without worries.
Before loving, just entrustment, fulfillment, kind repayment—as saying: "Thanks liking me long, I see, efforts finally paid."
Precisely knew this attitude only hurt Yuigahama, for important person, Yuu said soon love her. Placed girlfriend position, thought boyfriend perspective, valued feelings more.
Unless choose mutual destruction System, stake all important normal love—else, Yuu sure did best. Truly no one better.
Experienced so much. Didn't despair, didn't instant irresponsible jerk. Within ability limits, strove, thought, gave end anyone not puppet complex mind could smile.
Though often made Yuigahama cry, Yuu felt sad guilty, never thought actions wrong—chose least damage path, said followers hurt. Did best possible, what more?
Use System hypnotize harem lead accept affairs? Or ignore System, disregard ex-girlfriends, current target, focus date marry Yuigahama?
Or for high morality, outright reject Yuigahama kindness, ignore initiative, use full power despair her, forever strangers?
Right, perhaps most correct action!
Forget Yuigahama. Date Yukino, complete Ideal Boyfriend task. Repeat prior four operations, settle last girlfriend, free System control. Date anyone want. Even pursue disappointed Yuigahama, no issue. If really can't, spend life with Sora... Many choices.
Such him, no hesitant light novel protagonist, nor jerk toys others' feelings.
Yet, not Tenkuji Yuu thought himself.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Sky brightened. Birds chirped outside window. Faint vehicle wheels splashing rain sound.
"Rain..."
After waking, Yuu didn't open eyes. Lay bed, pressed face top with arm, weak sighed.
Rarely, today very long dream. Also self-talked dream times—though no issues solved, at least some comfort.
"Yuu, you're best~"
Flat laughed self-comfort, but corner eye tears couldn't hold... Wide yawned.
Late November, one week to Sobu High Cultural Fest.
Three days to Yuigahama's said threesome date.
Recalling Yukino's shocked "Me problem or you hearing news" expression, Yuu couldn't help smile. Happily rolled off bed.
Unaccustomed always gloomy face, hated gloomy self. So, low mood, tried think fun things cheer.
Like, sister next room maxed heater again, shed unneeded clothes, left thin dress not called naked sleep.
Like, Yukino still confused handle their trio relationship, worried send morning greeting text?
Like, after Dango mom closed door, ask Dango about him, even teach secret husband-taming techniques.
Like, park stray cat horde cleaned by Yukinon again, forced join new Beast Round Table Knights...
Thinking random things, morning routine passed, except no morning run in rain.
Yuu bid farewell re-sleeping sister. Took umbrella, walked school road.
City behind rain curtain quieter imagined.
Residential traffic light. Misty drizzle, asphalt road no puddles splash by car wheels. Pedestrians walked silent fast or slow, none spoke anyone.
World under umbrella seemed noisier.
Listened rain sounds, saw rain scenery, felt cold raindrops blown slant wind, Yuu suddenly recalled. Pulled phone, called someone.
"Morning, Yukinoshita."
"Morning... What's up?"
First time Yuu called, said morning this time. No wonder Yukino's tone doubtful.
"Nothing." Yuu smiled: "Just say, today windy rainy. Bring umbrella. Also, protect hair socks. Careful not splash walking."
"...That's all?"
"That's all. Safe road."
As complaining trouble-seeking, Yukino resigned sighed: "Alright, thanks remind."
"Welcome. Should do."
"..." Yukino paused, soft gentle replied: "You too, safe road."
[Ding!]
[Congrats Host gained reward: Free Surf (Status)]
Ended call, Yuu rolled eyes: "Called Ability, know? Damn System."
Sudden action reason, besides truly remind Yukino umbrella, also tested sudden idea.
If thought desired reward, System really fulfill?
Fact proved, yes, very generous.
Before call, thought rain-related reward, usable daily life. Result, System not only gave, but not useless like water gun, cannon, or rain prayer. Useful Pokemon-copied ability.
「Free Surf: Speed doubles rainy weather.」
Not morning speed, pile driver machine speed.
Yuu tried close umbrella no one around, nearly crashed pole unable control—So fast, too fast!
System broken everywhere, except never stingy rewards.
Sighed, Yuu ignored issue. Got countless rewards. Course not too excited sad just helper ability.
Most important, after Yukino call, can't forget Yuigahama. Else unfair—thought arose, Yuu acted.
"Hello? Yui, still lazy bed?"
"Hahahaha! Dare talk, don't know who often late junior high..."
Even no reward, still joyful chatting.