The conversation with Hiratsuka lasted about ten minutes. Soon after, they both left the small room in the guidance counseling office.
Yuu closed the door.
"The school's side will be handled by me. As for whether you'll surprise the clubs or collude with them about the event's flow beforehand… that's up to you."
Turning around, Hiratsuka slapped his back hard, laughing carefree. "Man, having a low-maintenance student like you is such a treat! My workload's way lighter—happiness! Pure happiness!"
"…Just talk, please, no touching."
Yuu's lips twitched slightly. Honestly, even he felt a bit of pain from her slap's force. If it hit someone else, it could cause internal injuries, right?
(Why hasn't this woman been reported for physically disciplining students?)
(Could it be because of her beauty and figure? The trend of young people becoming dom-sub these days is really concerning…)
"No worries, no worries~ I'm great at reading people, and I can see through your thick skin!"
"You're fine, but I'm the one with the problem…"
"Then don't sweat the small stuff. Get to class already!"
With both hands in the pockets of her white blazer, Hiratsuka ignored his expression, striding off casually and gracefully.
After a few steps, she suddenly spoke again. "Oh, right, Tenkuji. Since you agreed to join the Service Club to help me, leave the minor issues and final procedures to me… As for you, just do what you want!"
Yuu froze for a moment, staring at her back. "How did you…"
Hiratsuka waved her hand. "Isn't it obvious? You're not the type to show off, so suddenly proposing a plan like this means you've got your own agenda. Why else would you bother? But I'm too lazy to ask. A win-win for teacher and student, a chemical reaction that lets everyone grow—that's the stage I want to see!"
By the end, the middle-aged single woman somehow got fired up, her tone like a kid wanting to be a beacon of light.
Yuu clutched his forehead, unable to hold back a sigh. "Sensei, your chuunibyou is flaring up again."
Hiratsuka immediately grumbled, "Talk too much! This is an adult's secret to staying youthful, you stinky brat!"
"…Still."
Lowering his eyelids, Yuu smiled calmly, matching her pace.
"Even if you didn't say it, I'd do it… my way."
Indeed, completing Hiratsuka's task—[making the Service Club participate in the Autumn Club Festival]—was a piece of cake. Even if he slacked off from start to finish and let Yukino handle it alone, it'd be fine.
But for his own goals, and a momentary whim, Yuu chose to step up and become an idol… no, to deliberately complicate things and create a ton of problems for himself.
It could be called unwise, immature even.
The future Yuu would probably complain a lot about his past self, right?
Yet the current Yuu relished the pride and satisfaction of using his abilities to do what others couldn't—that's how it should be.
Such a simple reason was enough to drive all his actions.
Besides, Yuu also had to prove to Yuuki Kyouko that he was capable of taking good care of her daughter.
"So, on that day, how many clubs can I kick out of their dojos… I'm really curious."
He flicked the freshly photocopied club list in his hand.
His eyes gazed into the distance, where a long contrail stretched across the sky, as if trying to fill the clear heavens with its thin form.
Yuu smiled, heading toward his classroom.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
The school day ended without incident.
When the dismissal bell rang, Yuu packed his bag, greeted Totsuka, and turned to leave the classroom.
Not long after, Yuigahama caught up, gently patting his shoulder and complaining, "Yuu-kun, I thought you'd wait for me!"
Yuu tilted his head, puzzled. "Why would I wait for you?"
"…Huh? Aren't we clubmates?!"
With round, bright eyes like a puppy's, Yuigahama stared at him in disbelief. "Not even saying hi—how can someone be as cruel as you!"
"There are people like that," Yuu shot back, displeased. "I don't mind you saying that, but don't leave Yukinoshita off the list… That woman's definitely crueler than me."
Yuigahama still pouted, her cheeks puffed out, as if ready to pounce and bite him. "Yukinoshita-san is Yukinoshita-san, Yuu-kun is Yuu-kun—they're not the same!"
"Unfortunately, we're all carbon-based creatures."
"What's unfortunate about that?! Besides, I'm talking about you—why drag Yukinoshita-san into it?!"
"Such a hassle… Am I that special to you?"
"Of course!"
The moment the words slipped out, Yuigahama realized her mistake, covering her mouth with her small hands, her face flushing red.
"I-I mean… well, I don't know Yukinoshita-san that well, and Yuu-kun, you're…"
"Enough." Stepping into the corridor toward the special building, Yuu cut off her defense, changing the topic as if nothing happened. "By the way, chasing after me so openly—aren't you afraid your friends will talk?"
Yuigahama's voice softened, losing its earlier confidence. She lowered her head, her small lips pursing as she said, "I-I told them I joined a fun new club… If they ask, I'll just say you're a clubmate. It shouldn't be a problem."
"I see." Yuu nodded, saying nothing more, focusing on walking.
"…"
He didn't speak, and the bun-haired girl quietly glanced at his calm face.
For Yuigahama, an awkward feeling warmed her face and stirred her entire body.
The breeze in the corridor was cool but couldn't calm the pounding excitement that had just surged. Inevitably, she still liked the guy beside her.
After over three years of unrequited feelings, she didn't know how cool the breeze or how cold the water needed to be to extinguish this flame.
But if she stayed by his side, this feeling would only burn brighter, wouldn't it?
Though troublesome, because she felt so happy right now, she didn't want to give up.
"Hey, Yuu-kun."
After a brief silence, Yuigahama took the initiative to speak, her clear, bright eyes reflecting his image.
"What's up?"
Walking forward, Yuu answered without turning.
"I…" Yuigahama paused, her brows slightly furrowing, forcing a smile. "…I've been wanting to ask since yesterday. Why go with such a reckless plan?"
"Aren't you afraid the clubs you challenge will hate you for being too arrogant or target you at school?"
"Your question's just like Hiratsuka-sensei's."
Yuu finally looked at her, surprised, then touched his chin, his lips curling into an intrigued smile.
"Well, about a ruined reputation, I've thought about it too."
"A tall tree catches the wind. If you want to do something attention-grabbing, you have to consider the consequences of standing out—will you be lifted to the top of the pyramid or trampled by everyone?"