At Yui Yuigahama's current level of cooking skills, she could at best handle some basic food preparation.
Su Yu watched her cutting potatoes, worried she might slice her own fingers.
Fortunately, she wasn't that clumsy.
After about ten minutes, Yui finished cutting the necessary ingredients.
If it were Yukino Yukinoshita, she would probably only need three minutes.
Once she was done, she looked up at Su Yu.
"All set. You can go read now. Leave the rest to me."
Su Yu patted her head.
"Okay." Yui smiled sweetly and left the kitchen.
Su Yu glanced at the unevenly cut potatoes on the table. Luckily, they were making curry today, so the irregular sizes wouldn't be a problem.
He began preparing dinner with practiced ease.
From time to time, Yui peeked at Su Yu while pretending to read her book.
Monday through Friday, she studied at Su Yu's place, receiving his tutoring.
On weekends, she practiced cooking at home, giving Su Yu time to be with Yukino.
"Even though five days seems like a lot, most of that time is spent at school. So, Yukino shouldn't mind, right?"
Yui thought to herself.
This was part of her plan.
Su Yu didn't know.
Yukino didn't know.
Her friends certainly didn't know.
Yui had no intention of telling anyone about their relationship, especially not her mother.
If her mom found out, she would definitely be furious.
Yui had never seen her mother angry before, nor could she imagine such a scene.
"Yui, you're zoning out again."
Su Yu's voice called from the kitchen.
Yui snapped out of her thoughts and gave an embarrassed smile before refocusing on her book.
Her plan would remain a secret.
After Dinner
Su Yu cleaned up the dishes while Yui headed to the bathroom.
By the time he finished washing up and reviewing his notes for ten minutes, Yui finally emerged.
Her pajamas seemed a bit too snug, making Su Yu wonder if the buttons would pop off.
Yui sat beside him, her freshly bathed scent lingering in the air.
Su Yu glanced at the completely defenseless and undeniably cute girl next to him and reached out his hand—
Flick!
He lightly flicked her forehead.
"Su Yu-kun…"
Yui pouted.
"Tomorrow afternoon, we're going shopping for your clothes. Not just pajamas—other outfits too."
Su Yu looked at her seriously.
"Other clothes? I… I got it."
Yui blinked in surprise before blushing.
"If you pass your next test, I'll let you sleep in my room at night."
Su Yu thought for a moment before offering a reward.
"Really?" Yui's eyes lit up.
"Yeah. But if you fail, you're only allowed to hug me for a week—no kissing."
"I… I'll do my best!" Yui clenched her tiny fists.
Su Yu nodded and started tutoring her for the night.
Yui listened attentively, occasionally asking questions when she didn't understand something.
Time ticked by.
It wasn't until 10 PM that their study session ended.
"Su Yu-kun, I'll clean up. You should keep working on Yuru Camp."
Yui spoke softly.
"Alright, rest early."
Su Yu stood up, ready to leave the living room.
After taking a few steps, he suddenly remembered something and turned around.
Yui was also looking at him, but when she saw him turn back, she quickly lowered her head.
"Come get your reward."
Su Yu opened his arms.
Yui's face brightened with joy as she got up and hugged him tightly.
A few minutes later, she reluctantly let go.
Su Yu saw the look on her face and gently kissed her forehead before heading back to his room.
Yui froze for a few seconds before breaking into a sweet smile.
6 AM—What Does It Look Like?
Answer: The sky is just beginning to brighten.
Su Yu woke up early, changed his shoes, and headed downstairs.
Just as he reached the first floor, Shizuka Hiratsuka's door opened.
She was dressed in running gear.
"Shizuka-sensei, at your age, you don't need exercise. Just getting enough rest is fine," Su Yu remarked.
"Hmph. I was in a sports club back in college. Don't underestimate me."
Shizuka snorted and walked out of Sakurasou.
Su Yu followed at a steady pace.
The first day of running was mainly for adjusting to the routine, so there was no need to go too far.
The key to exercise was consistency, not occasional bursts of effort—that would be pointless self-deception.
Following the residential area's roads, they reached a fork.
Three paths led to different places.
Shizuka hesitated for a moment before choosing the one ahead—toward the park.
Su Yu checked the time.
They had been running for a little over twenty minutes, meaning a round trip to the park and back would take about an hour.
Not a bad route for training.
An hour of exercise was a bit short for him, but since he didn't want it to interfere with his work, he could only make do.
He also needed to speed up his progress on Yuru Camp.
With those thoughts, Su Yu continued running forward.
Upon reaching the park, he spotted Shizuka sitting on a bench, resting.
She had been running a bit fast, almost as if trying to compete with him.
Too bad—Su Yu had no such intention.
He walked to a vending machine, bought two drinks, and handed one to Shizuka.
"Thanks."
Shizuka took it without hesitation.
Su Yu sat beside her, gazing at the quiet park as he opened his drink.
"When I was in high school, I was kind of like a boy. I learned kendo and joined the kendo club—it felt exciting. In college, I remained strong-willed, so no guy ever dared to pursue me."
"I was supposed to join the police force and become an outstanding officer."
"But just before graduation, my mother fell seriously ill. Her final words to me were to become a gentle person and find someone I love."
"So I became a teacher. I met Haruno Yukinoshita. I changed her, and she changed me."
"To be honest, I've never met anyone who made my heart race. Su Yu-kun, do you think there's something wrong with me?"
Shizuka spoke at length before finally asking her question.
Su Yu pondered for a moment, gazing forward.
"Your mother probably forgot to say one thing."
"What is it?"
"Find someone you love—but that person must love you back."
"A mutual love?"
"Yeah. Only someone like that is truly suitable for you."
Shizuka's expression grew complicated.
Finding such a person wasn't easy.