Damn it, what the hell!
That was the only thought in Yuu's mind right now.
Crouching in front of the doorframe, he questioned the system in disbelief:
(You dog system, come out! You said there was a world line change?)
(Explain to me, what the hell is a world line change? What does it even mean?!)
No one could understand the shock Yuu felt, unable to calm down at all upon seeing that comb.
(Why didn't the thing I gave her disappear after the mission ended?!)
It wasn't supposed to be like this.
The system had once said that after a mission was completed, memories and experiences related to it would be corrected, and items exchanged—like bracelets, rings, or the like—would vanish or revert to their original state due to the absence of their cause.
Yuu had never met Haruno, so naturally, he wouldn't have given her anything—this logical connection was easy to understand.
That's why the pen, couple's clothing, pet food, and other things Haruno had given him all disappeared after that day, leaving no trace.
Yuu thought it was like a duel card sent to another dimension, unable to be revived from the graveyard or excluded zone.
But the system hit him right back.
Caught off guard, he didn't dodge and took the blow straight to the face.
Like a kid secretly buying a forbidden novel, hiding it at home, and going out to play, only for his mom to call ten minutes later saying she'd tidy his room, Yuu inexplicably panicked.
He wasn't worried about items that disappeared reappearing.
If something that was supposed to vanish was still here, then the memories that were supposed to be erased… could they…
For some reason, Yuu shivered, a bad premonition rapidly growing in his heart.
He lowered his head, hiding his grim expression by pretending to stand while clutching his head.
Including that time with Sora, this was the second time.
(Dog system, I'll ask one more time—that comb was just coincidentally bought by Yukinoshita Haruno, it has nothing to do with you, and you didn't bug out, right?)
Clinging to his last shred of hope, under the worried gazes of others, Yuu took a deep breath, waved to signal he was fine, and waited for the system's response.
After about five seconds of silence, the system answered in its mechanical female voice:
[Confirmed]
[The item was given by the host to the target during the mission and was not removed by this system for special reasons.]
Damn it!
Perfect Acting struggled to control his facial expression, his muscles desperately holding back his lips.
Yuu barely restrained the profanities nearly spilling from his mouth, forcing a slightly awkward smile at those around him.
But speaking of which…
Why did this godlike system, capable of altering world lines, always handle things so sloppily?!
Was it trying to compete with some rotten potato server for who could screw up worse?
Or had this eyebrowless, eyeless system been planning to stab him in the back for ages and finally found its chance today?
As if hearing his question, the system spoke again: [The host need not worry. The target's mission memories and the host's romantic feelings have been confirmed erased upon completion. The reason this item didn't disappear is not due to a system error but is related to the host.]
Yuu wasn't comforted at all.
Following the Service Club members out of the clubroom, he scoffed inwardly: Heh, blaming me now?
Whether Haruno intentionally or unintentionally showed that comb in front of him—Yuu just wanted to know what explanation this dog system would give!
(System is explaining…)
"This damn…"
After the system's emotionless explanation stopped, Yuu was at a loss for words.
Because according to the system, the fundamental reason the comb remained was indeed tied to him…
Here's the gist:
After gaining the Extra Time status, whether used or not, entering the mission completion space generates the energy needed for Extra Time.
If used, it's consumed; if not, it becomes excess. As if disliking this surplus energy, the system doesn't greedily absorb it but generously gives it to the newly born Yang Crystal Light.
The so-called crystal light isn't a sentimental keepsake but a magical crystal used to manifest miracles.
Though a single crystal could only serve as decoration, with the system's energy, it's enough to perform a small miracle [allowing an item that should've vanished to remain].
Thus, the wooden comb returned to Haruno's hands.
Thus, a past that should've vanished could speak, bearing evidence of its existence.
If the Yang Crystal Light were Haruno's child, perhaps this was its final effort to save its mother before departing.
…Of course, the system wouldn't use such a humanized metaphor.
Yuu merely rephrased the system's complex explanation into something easier to grasp.
In short, if he had activated Extra Time back then, everything would've been cleanly erased upon completion, and that "child" wouldn't have had the power to do anything.
It wasn't a harmful system bug but a twist of fate—his own choices created this situation.
In other words, Yuu deserved it, reaping what he sowed.
(Go to hell with your sister, dog system! You think you can shift the blame to me like that?)
Yuu frowned in frustration:
(You gave the energy, the crystal light made the miracle. From start to finish, I was an outsider—you dug a hole in the road, I walked my path and fell because of you, yet you say it's my own doing? Have some shame.)
"…"
Of course, the dog system didn't even have a body, so naturally, it had no shame.
Completely ignoring his protests, the system stayed silent, leaving him to sulk alone.
"Yare yare daze…"
Rubbing his throbbing temples, Yuu let out a soft sigh.
What else could he do?
He couldn't hang the system up and beat it, nor could he alter world lines himself…
Accepting this reality seemed his only option.
So, soon after, Yuu adjusted his mindset, regaining his enthusiasm.
(Hmph, no need to worry too much. It's just a comb… As long as her memories don't return, it won't affect me!)
Just like himself, though he retained past memories, as long as his original feelings didn't resurface, Haruno was merely a familiar stranger to him, unable to change current reality.
(Losing my cool like that—I'm still too green, like A5 Kobe beef.)
After silently reflecting, Yuu glanced at those around him.
Thanks to Perfect Acting, no one noticed how flustered he was or how many brain cells he'd burned. They were discussing the upcoming challenge event.
"They issue challenges, and Yuu-kun takes them down one by one. This feeling…" Yuigahama clapped excitedly. "It's like a trial! Like, you know, the twelve labors of Heracles?"
"That's Heracles, the god of strength in ancient Greek mythology… And there are twelve labors." Sighing deeply, Yukino couldn't help but grumble. "Should I praise you for getting the name and legend mostly right…?"
Amid Yuigahama's awkward laughter, Hiratsuka added, "Heracross is a Pokémon, Bug and Fighting type. I love it."
"Sorry, no one cares."
"Damn it, you city kids with no childhood…"
Listening to Hiratsuka's ramblings, as they walked toward the Culinary Research Club, Yuu inexplicably felt a touch of melancholy.
A trial… Indeed, it bore some resemblance to that situation.
Both involved gaining a system skill and then showing off in front of someone—or several people.
Thinking this, Yuu unintentionally turned, catching Haruno's expression behind him through an empty classroom window.
He shouldn't have looked. The moment he did…
He locked eyes with those bright, cunning eyes, as if they'd been waiting for him.
"…"
Yuu's heart skipped a beat—a horror vibe.
Turning to find someone staring at you—what kind of horror movie scene was this?!
So creepy…
Though he tried hard to control his facial muscles to avoid showing any odd expression, Yuu's cheek twitched slightly. He paused for two or three seconds, then looked away as if nothing happened.
He didn't know what his sharp, intuitive ex-girlfriend had discovered.
Nor did he know what Haruno felt about that comb or what ideas she was plotting against him.
In this "enemy within" situation, besides cautiously gathering information, Yuu could only face all changes calmly, striving to protect his already challenging daily life.
Wait.
Why did he suddenly feel the mission's difficulty was spiking…
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
"This way!"
Opening the school map Yuu sent, Asuna led her mother toward the Culinary Research Club room.
Around them, the crowd was overwhelming, the lively atmosphere making the club building feel like a festival, just without the mouthwatering food aromas.
Instead, laughter, shouts, and chatter filled the air, creating a vibrant campus scene brimming with youthful energy.
"So, Mom? Isn't Yuu-kun amazing~"
As they walked, Asuna smiled sweetly at her mother, her steps lively, her tone full of pride.
"I recorded all your stunned expressions. His level is way beyond our school's piano teacher—he could perform at a national music hall!"
"Nonsense. Do you know what level it takes to perform at a national music hall? So clueless."
Kyouko scolded, but her words slightly shifted focus. "It's not just about mastering the piano. You need a distinguished background, music theory knowledge, and award-winning experience. Those who perform there are either young geniuses from certain families or internationally renowned pianists."
She paused, crossing her arms, teaching her daughter with a calm expression.
"Asuna, love is blind. You're hyping him up too much… Unless he pursues this path and catches up with his talent, it's not impossible."
"But he's still better than Sugou, right?" Seizing the chance, Asuna unleashed her trump card. "You made me go on a blind date with that guy, but if you keep downplaying Yuu-kun, I seriously suspect you have double standards…"
"Hm?" Kyouko's eyes widened, her gaze cold and sharp.
"…Someone with bad double standards. But my highly respected Mom isn't like that~"
Asuna suddenly softened her tone, smiling mischievously and hugging her mother's arm playfully.
She hadn't done this since graduating elementary school.
"Let go of my arm!"
Saying so with mock anger, Kyouko only resisted slightly, holding her forehead and sighing, shaking her head in surrender. "Fine, I'll admit—whether it's his stage presence, playing style, or manners during the award, Tenkuji-kun is flawless."
"As for whether he's suitable for you… I'm actually a bit worried about you, Asuna."
Before Asuna could feel pleased, her face fell. "Mom, what's that supposed to mean?!"
"Exactly what it sounds like!" Kyouko glanced at her haughtily, her tone firm. "Asuna, though you're my carefully raised daughter, your current level is still lacking to stand beside a world-class pianist. You need to work harder to build your own worth, so in the future, you can stand tall next to him!"
As she spoke, her cold, firm voice gradually softened. "What matters isn't who's higher or lower between a man and a woman, but standing at the same height, shoulder to shoulder, facing the rest of life, seeing the same view… Can you understand?"
"Ugh…"
Asuna puffed out her cheeks, speechless.
Recalling the man on stage radiating notes, playing a beautiful melody, she couldn't help but look down at herself, wondering if she was worthy of walking beside such brilliance.
But soon, Asuna smiled confidently, not a trace of sadness on her face.
Even if she couldn't stand beside him, she could stand behind him, supporting his back.
As long as they loved each other, no matter the difficulties ahead, believing in herself, believing in each other, and daring to face them—
They'd be invincible.
That was the most important thing Yuu had told her in that illusory world.
"Also, if you two are really planning to marry, I hope you can change him."
Suddenly recalling something, Kyouko's brows furrowed, her tone critical. "Whether it's childishness or a performance stunt, saying such arrogant things in front of a crowd is just asking for trouble. It's intolerably immature."
"A tall tree attracts the wind. Young geniuses who burn out are everywhere. If he's too arrogant before building a solid foundation, he'll easily drown in the crowd."
Asuna shook her head, her expression calm, without a hint of worry. "I believe in Yuu-kun. He wouldn't make such choices on a whim. He's more mature than we think, doesn't need others' input, and can take responsibility for his choices."
"You trust him that much?" Kyouko's brows furrowed deeper.
"Of course!"
Brushing the hair by her ear, Asuna slightly raised her small chin, smiling proudly.
Her far-off gaze was soft, like an autumn galaxy reflected on water.
"He's the hero who changed me. Though not omnipotent, I believe no matter how tough it gets, he can do what he says."
"…Fine, do whatever you want."
The trusting, proud look for someone left Kyouko shaking her head, unable to say more.
A daughter who's "married" is like spilled water… Not even married yet, but already taking sides.
Talking along the way, the two soon arrived at the Culinary Research Club room.
Due to Yuu's bold award speech, many curious onlookers eager for drama had gathered, crowding the narrow hallway.
Asuna stood on tiptoe, looking at the packed crowd, and said in frustration, "What now? We can't get through…"
Should she call Yuu and let him know?
Just as she thought this, a young man's loud voice came from the clubroom:
"Sorry, due to the large number of spectators, we plan to move the challenge to the central courtyard outside!"
"Please disperse for now and let us move the equipment out, or the challenge between the Culinary Research Club and the Service Club can't proceed!"