Besides the aforementioned reasons, the most important one was that they had interfered in the secret she shared with Yuu—her fake relationship with him.
If they didn't know, Masuzu could proudly walk into the Service Club as his girlfriend and make Yuigahama give up. It was all Yuu's fault for trying to act cool!
Although, when she thought back on it, he had looked incredibly cool at that moment—cooler than anyone else in the world.
"...Natsukawa-san, can I help you?"
Yukino set down her book and looked up at Masuzu, who had been standing beside her lost in thought for no apparent reason. She felt slightly weary.
Masuzu snapped back to reality and smiled casually. "I just wanted to ask you about the kendo club's visit to Yuu yesterday."
"Ask me?" Yukino's slender, elegant eyebrows furrowed. "Didn't he tell you?"
"He gave me a general idea."
"What would you like to know?"
"Will the Service Club go together this afternoon?"
"Together?" After a brief pause, Yukino immediately understood—Masuzu was asking whether they'd be interfering.
Recalling the scene where girls tested each other only to confirm if the boy they liked was being pursued by someone else, then manipulated one another, the corner of her lips couldn't suppress a cold smile. Her gaze toward Masuzu shifted slightly.
"It seems you've truly changed a lot because of that person."
"What do you mean?" This time, Masuzu frowned, but she didn't immediately grasp Yukino's meaning.
Yukino shook her head. Her expression returned to indifference, her voice clear and melodious. "They came through the Service Club, so even though it concerns Tenkuji-kun, as president, I'll go to check and ensure everything runs smoothly."
"As for Yuigahama-san, whether she comes or not is her choice—you can ask her directly."
(Does it even need asking? As long as Yuu's involved, it'd be strange if Dango-chan didn't show up.)
Internally scoffing, yet on the surface, Masuzu wore a polite smile and responded with the same graceful demeanor as a noblewoman.
"I understand. Sorry to have bothered you."
"Not at all."
The conversation ended there.
Yukino picked up her book again, disappointed by the fact that yet another girl had joined the secretive circle of love-struck girls.
Masuzu returned to her seat, annoyed that the Service Club would interfere after school later.
In short, neither of them was in a particularly good mood.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Usually, after Yuu arrived at class, he'd meet the Galaxy Beauty who had finished morning practice, then greet Dango-girl, who was almost late.
Besides these two, several other classmates who were familiar with him would also say hello. Though not the center of attention, no one dared treat Yuu as an outcast.
On the contrary, he was nearly worshipped like an idol.
He was skilled at everything, easygoing, and extremely handsome. Having such a perfect presence—except for already having a girlfriend—in the same class made Yuu proud just thinking about it. So how could classmates possibly hate someone so flawless?
Alright, enough self-praise.
Today was no different. After reading a novel briefly, Totsuka, wearing his sports jacket, entered the classroom and walked toward his seat as usual.
"Yuu, good morning!"
"Good morning, Totsuka."
His fair, handsome face was dotted with fine sweat, cheeks flushed healthily red. Eagerly, Totsuka leaned both hands on the desk and cheerfully said, "Listen, listen! Everyone's training spirit has been super high lately! Even though I still can't be too strict, I feel more and more like a real captain! At this rate, we might get a better ranking at the prefectural tournament than expected!"
The tennis club competition was held later than the kendo club's. While the kendo club was preparing for nationals, they were just gearing up for the prefectural tournament... Fortunately, this wouldn't interfere with cultural festival participation.
"Really? That's great then."
Yuu gave a faint smile and encouraged him, "Then don't slack off—start training wholeheartedly from now on, and focus during matches! Once you master topspin serves, I'll teach you how to hit tornado drive shots. I guarantee you'll become the pillar… eh, the pillar of Sobu High's tennis club."
"Yes, Sensei!" Totsuka clenched his fist, his small face serious as he nodded vigorously. "I definitely won't disappoint you—please look forward to my performance!"
After saying that, as if suddenly feeling a bit shy, he scratched his blushing cheek and giggled.
It might sound embarrassing, but when Yuu saw that smile… surprisingly…
He actually felt comforted by a fellow man—and thought even the Mona Lisa's smile couldn't compare.
Apparently, after spending so much time with girls, he needed a handsome guy to rebalance his mental state?
Perhaps this was what yin-yang balance meant.
Of course, there was no romantic flutter. Totsuka was one of his rare male friends, and no matter how handsome he was, it wouldn't affect Yuu's sexual orientation.
But Totsuka's smile really was different from Masuzu's slightly melancholic one earlier. Totsuka's smile didn't weigh heavily on his heart—it was truly precious.
"By the way, Yuu."
That soft, clear voice pulled him back to reality. Yuu looked at the silver-haired youth before him.
"Did you hear about the kendo club? Their vice-captain got injured and suspended, so some members said they want to ask you to join as an outside member..."
"I've heard. I plan to resolve this issue this afternoon."
"Really?" Totsuka blinked in surprise. "What will you do? Accept them?"
"That's the plan—as long as they don't make me feel disrespected."
Yuu shrugged, his attitude appearing relaxed.
Totsuka, however, looked worried. "Is that okay? If you agree to be an outside member for the kendo club, other clubs might start—"
"Don't worry." Yuu understood his concern, but cut him off with a smile. "Only clubs capable of qualifying for nationals, whose captains can fight me, would interest me enough to join. If I state that clearly, no one lacking self-awareness will dare come bother me."
"Ah, isn't that... a little arrogant?" After carefully asking, Totsuka couldn't help but give a wry smile. "No, I almost forgot… During the autumn festival, what you said was far more arrogant than this."
"Exactly."
Yuu stretched his arms, leaning back in his chair. Casually, he said, "Right now, the only club meeting those criteria is our school's strongest—kendo. Not everyone can ask me to be their tool."
"Mm-hmm, that's definitely Yuu."
Totsuka admired and envied Yuu's confidence and cool attitude, further solidifying his determination to become a true man just like him.