Then, as expected, Masuzu chased after him.
"Are you sure you want to refuse? Everyone will know you're a little bastard who can be hired by anyone?"
Yuu didn't turn around. "Idiot, do you even know what a rental boyfriend is? Besides, if you say that, aren't you afraid your reputation will be ruined when news spreads about you wanting a fake boyfriend to deceive others—and also being a JoJo fan?"
"Being a JoJo fan isn't embarrassing. I just never showed it to anyone—that's a noble quality, shining and invincible like a diamond!" Masuzu proudly puffed out her chest, then quickened her pace to walk beside him, smiling calmly.
"Besides, even if you did spread it, who would believe you? I have undeniable proof. If we both tell our sides, don't you think it's obvious who people would believe?"
"Then, want to try?"
Yuu stopped, tilted his head, and smiled at her.
The moment she saw that smile, Masuzu froze. Her smile stiffened on her face, her pupils shrank uncontrollably, and a cold chill crept up from the depths of her heart.
In those clear black-and-white eyes, there was no emotion—only darkness and utter emptiness, completely lifeless.
Yuu slightly narrowed his eyes and smiled. "Isn't it more interesting to see who can drive the other out of this school, rather than pretend to date, Masuzu?"
"..."
Masuzu couldn't help but lock eyes with him.
Unlike the fear she felt when facing her father, this was a tremor as if she were standing before a black hole—something that could suck her in and swallow her at any moment.
Though his voice was soft, an unnatural coldness crept up from the soles of her feet, as if her entire body had been frozen. She felt no desire to resist.
Masuzu unconsciously swallowed, a voice echoing in her mind: Why am I only realizing this now?
The man before her truly was different from other guys his age. He wouldn't be swayed just because she was beautiful. He could ignore her threats—and even threaten her back.
She hadn't just conspired with a tiger; she might end up being eaten by it herself. Clearly, Masuzu had been too confident and chosen the wrong person to ask for help.
"This world isn't that simple and gentle, where you can get everything you want." Yuu said, turning his head without looking at her expression, then continuing to walk away. "Whether you stray too far or cling too tightly to being 'right,' you'll face things you can't handle—things that will only hurt you in the end."
"Only when you find your own way to survive on a path full of scars can you truly be called an adult, Natsukawa-san."
Watching Yuu leave behind those words, growing farther away,
Masuzu stood in place, slowly lowering her head, silent for a moment.
"...Heh, don't act all wise over there."
The voice that slipped through her clenched teeth was filled with mockery, self-derision, and fragility.
"If you have a better way, tell me now? Rent yourself out as my rental boyfriend? Sorry, but my allowance isn't enough for that."
"Unlike you, the mature one, someone like me can only think of boring, cruel ideas like threats and manipulation."
"How ridiculous..."
Her words mixed with the rustling wind among the leaves, barely audible even to herself.
Refusing to dwell in sorrow, Masuzu took a deep breath, concealing the faint expression on her face. Her expression returned to calm, and she had no intention of chasing him further.
Failure was failure. She didn't mind continuing to pursue him, but she didn't want to waste time on something useless. Rather than wasting time, it was better to think about how to deal with the fallout if news about her asking Yuu to be her fake boyfriend ever leaked.
Yet, as she lowered her head in thought, a voice she thought had long faded suddenly rang out right in front of her.
"That's why you're still far from mature."
She looked up in shock. The man stood in a spot bathed in afternoon sunlight, gazing toward her.
"You've already come this far. Why not try asking for help honestly? Isn't the risk of threatening someone much higher than just asking?"
"Ask for help?" Her blue eyes were like a cold pond. Masuzu sneered, sounding almost desperate. "I already did that at first. Do you forget how firmly you rejected me? Should I count how many goldfish you keep in your head?"
"With that tone and hypocritical attitude, anyone with a shred of pride wouldn't agree." Yuu rolled his eyes, speaking irritably. "I'm not asking you to become some naive, innocent girl, and I don't expect you to be humble—but just speaking nicely shouldn't be that hard, right? Or were you born with crooked eyes and mouth, needing me to fix them for you?"
"Before lecturing others, I suggest you gain some self-awareness." Masuzu scoffed, lowering her eyes in thought, her expression gradually turning serious.
Suddenly, she crossed her hands in front of her stomach and gave a slight bow toward Yuu.
"I need a fake boyfriend to solve my problem. Please help me, Tenkuji-kun."
Her silver hair fell, hiding her expression. Her tone wasn't particularly sincere, nor did it carry much emotional fluctuation.
This was likely just a trial. She didn't place much hope on it, nor did she expect a good outcome.
But for Yuu, it was enough—even a lie could be one that made people feel comfortable.
"Why didn't you say it like this earlier? I'm not a demon."
Yuu smiled, his cheeks lit by the warm afternoon sun, all coldness gone.
"Helping a friend in need is only natural for us."
"Natsukawa-san, welcome to the Service Club."
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
In the special building, inside a classroom with no nameplate.
"Yuu-kun is taking so long... Yukino-chan, what do you think Natsukawa-san wanted to talk to him about?"
Sitting behind the long bench, Yuigahama kept glancing at her phone, then at the door, her legs swinging unconsciously. She looked restless.
Yukino, by the window, flipped a page of her book, speaking calmly without looking up. "If you're so curious, why don't you just go after them and see?"
"I-I can't!" Yuigahama quickly waved both hands, lips slightly pursed, her voice growing quieter. "That's their private matter—how could I chase after them and eavesdrop? Besides, Yuu-kun told me to wait for him at the club first..."
"I said go after them to ask, ask what you're curious about—not eavesdrop..." Yukino's cheek twitched slightly. She massaged her temple and sighed deeply in resignation. "If you can't do that, then just follow his words and wait obediently. When he arrives, just make him confess honestly, right?"
"Confess honestly..." Yuigahama lowered her head, her index fingers poking each other sadly. "I'm not anyone special to Yuu-kun. If he doesn't want to talk, there's nothing I can do..."