After School
Kawasaki Saki packed up her commuter bag. Before leaving the classroom, she cast a glance at Takumi Yuuya.
Yuuya smiled at her and gave a small nod in return.
Today was Saki's first day attending her new cram school.
After she left, Hayama Hayato walked over.
"Takumi-kun, I've already arranged it. We're meeting at a karaoke place just outside the school."
"Thanks, Hayama-kun."
Yuuya grabbed his commuter bag and followed Hayama out of the classroom.
At the shoe lockers, they changed into their outside shoes.
Leaving the school building, Yuuya headed for the bike rack and unlocked his bicycle.
"Takumi-sama really is modest," Hayama remarked with a laugh when he saw it.
"Shame I'm not old enough yet. Otherwise, I'd drive to school instead," Yuuya joked.
(Though next year, he'd be able to get his license. Still, driving to school wasn't exactly necessary.)
"Even so, for someone our age to already have their own company… that's incredible," Hayama said, genuine admiration on his face.
Yuuya only shrugged. "If you've got money, you can do whatever you want."
He didn't think it was that amazing. With the system backing him, starting a company had been almost redundant. If not for wanting to get closer to Yukinoshita Haruno, he never would have bothered.
And really, running a game company wasn't difficult. With the Yukinoshita family's connections and a solid product that had already succeeded in his original world, there was no way it would flop here.
The profits were practically guaranteed.
Sharing those profits with Yukinoshita Yukino wasn't just about helping her—it was a way to deepen their bond, earn the approval of the Yukinoshita matriarch, and raise his standing in Yukino's eyes.
Besides, once he beat Yukino in their little "competition" and became her boyfriend, lowering her "disgust levels" would become child's play.
Karaoke
A few minutes after they settled into a private booth at the karaoke place, three girls walked in.
The first had long blonde hair and light makeup—Miura Yumiko, easily one of the prettiest girls in school, second only to Yukinoshita Yukino herself.
Next was Yuigahama Yui, her pink hair tied up in a dumpling bun. She looked a bit nervous as she came in, but her figure alone placed her firmly in the school's top tier.
Last was Ebina Hina, mid-length black hair and glasses, giving off the air of a quiet girl… though in reality, she was by far the strangest of the three.
The girls slid onto the sofa across from them.
Hayama gave a brief round of introductions.
Ebina adjusted her glasses knowingly; she could tell the invitation hadn't really been meant for her.
Yuigahama, meanwhile, avoided even looking directly at Yuuya. Yumiko had dragged her along, and she'd assumed she was Yuuya's "target," which left her flustered.
In truth, Yumiko was the real target. Oblivious, she cheerfully scrolled through the song list, delighted to pick something she knew Hayama liked.
Only afterward did she glance at Yuuya."Takumi-kun, what do you want to sing?"
"Sorry, I'm not very familiar with songs around here. I'll just listen to you all."
Yuuya's eyes lingered on Yumiko.
She didn't press further, instead choosing songs for herself and her two friends before handing the mic to Hayama.
Hayama stood and sang confidently. Yumiko's gaze never left him.
When the song ended, she clapped first and loudest, her eyes practically shining.
Hayama gave her a faint smile, then passed her the mic.
She took it eagerly, pouring emotion into her singing.
But Hayama wasn't listening. He leaned over to Yuuya instead."When we walk home later, I'll give you an opening to talk with Yumiko. I'll step back so you can get closer."
Yuuya sipped his drink. "She knows what songs you like. Her eyes haven't left you once. Isn't it obvious Yumiko's feelings are for you, not me?"
Hayama paused before quietly replying, "I've already told Yumiko I'm not looking for romance right now. She said we could just be friends. That's all we've ever been. But… I'll make things clear with her."
"So Yumiko's been your 'shield'—a decoy girlfriend to keep other girls away."
Hayama stayed silent.
"Since you're planning to drop the shield, then do it properly. Don't leave her holding onto false hope."
"…I…"
"Tell her you've had someone you like all along. Someone you think you're not good enough for."
Hayama's head snapped up. "How do you know that?"
"I know a lot of things. The question is—do you want me mentioning your 'shield' in front of Haruno-san, or do you want to tell Yumiko the truth yourself?"
Hayama didn't hesitate. "I'll tell her the truth."
Yuuya gave a satisfied nod.
After the Songs
An hour later, they left the karaoke shop.
Yumiko waved goodbye to her two friends, then turned expectantly toward Hayama.
He knew exactly what she wanted."Yumiko, let me walk you home."
Her face lit up. "Mm."
She moved to his side, while Yuuya walked a few paces behind, pushing his bike.
Yumiko looked like she wanted to say something, but with Yuuya there, she held her tongue.
Hayama broke the silence."Yumiko, remember when you said being just friends was enough?"
"…Yes."
"You meant we could start as friends and eventually become a couple, didn't you?"
"…Mm."
"Back then, the reason I didn't reject you was because, honestly, you're respected among the girls. If we were close, no one else would dare confess to me."
"…I knew that."
"So you knew I was using you?"
"I didn't mind. If everyone believed we were dating, that was enough for me."
Yumiko stopped walking, turning to face him. Her words carried her true feelings.
Hayama bowed his head. "I'm sorry, Yumiko."
"It's fine. I know you don't want romance right now. I'll wait. I'll even go to the same university as you. And if you still don't want to date, I'll keep being your shield."
"…Yumiko, I've liked someone else for a long time. Someone I'm not worthy of."
"…What?" Her face went pale.
"She's not a student here. She's older. She's… perfect."
"How long?"
"Since a long time ago."
"…I see."
Yumiko's eyes glistened, but she bit back the tears and turned her face away."I understand. But even so, I'll keep being your shield. I—"
"Yumiko…"
"That's enough, Hayama." Yuuya's voice cut cleanly between them. "Let me take Miura-san home from here."