Masuzu looked up, meeting his deep eyes with a small smile, warmth from his heartbeat spreading through her entire body.
Unconsciously—or rather, she never even considered hiding it from Yuu—she admitted with a bitter smile, "Got me, huh... I told someone else you're a pedophile."
"To Tachibana?" She expected Yuu to be angry, but he merely raised an eyebrow and said helplessly, "Seems you're in cahoots with Isshiki. Having fun making jokes like this, but playing with someone's innocence isn't exactly admirable."
"Yeah, I've reflected on it." Masuzu buried her face into his arm and rubbed it twice listlessly.
Before their private conversation could continue, Yuigahama, standing near the kendo club door, said, "If everything's settled, shall we head home? Our bags are still at the Service Club."
After saying that, she walked out first, followed by Yukino and Iroha.
Yuu and Masuzu exchanged glances, saying nothing more. As they prepared to follow, they felt the hems of their clothes being tugged.
Walking out of the dojo together with them, Kanade looked up at Yuu. Under Masuzu's strangely tense gaze, she asked seriously,
"Is the mapo tofu you make tasty?"
Yuu: "Huh?"
Masuzu: "That's what you wanted to ask?!"
Without a hint of humor, Kanade continued earnestly, "If it is, I'd like you to teach me how to make mapo tofu."
Yuu's expression turned odd. "...Eh, what if it's not good?"
As if she'd never considered this question, Kanade showed a slightly confused look. After thinking for a moment, she replied hesitantly:
"Then... try to improve?"
"..."
After a brief silence, two sighs—unsure how to respond—escaped simultaneously.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
After school, Yuu went home with Masuzu—or rather, escorted her home.
"I feel like, in front of that girl, being cunning is unforgivable."
Masuzu sighed with slight disbelief.
Hand in hand, their shoulders occasionally brushed. Though the late October temperature was already cold enough to require a jacket, Masuzu didn't feel any chill.
Was it because her physical condition had unknowingly improved, or because he was by her side?
She was too lazy to ponder that question now. She just wanted to enjoy it—just wanted to feel happy.
Yuu thought for a moment and said, "It's not that extreme. But I can understand why she's called an angel and adored by most first-years."
Masuzu whispered, "Perhaps those with the dirtiest hearts feel this sensation most deeply."
Yuu glanced at her. After a pause, he spoke hesitantly.
"At first, I wanted to say something comforting, but then I realized... I can't utter such obvious lies."
Masuzu's eyebrows twitched twice.
"Then don't say anything. Comfort me with your body!"
She puffed her cheeks cutely, leaning her shoulder against Yuu's in playful annoyance.
The words were loud enough that passing pedestrians gave them strange looks.
But neither cared. Their eyes were only on each other.
On the way to the station, there was a busy plaza near the shopping district—a favorite dating spot for many couples, especially after school. Everywhere, one could see student couples ignoring teacher rules, wandering around and teasing each other.
As an apology for her earlier slip-up, Yuu bought a cherry-flavored crepe from a street vendor. They shared it—he took a few bites, then let her finish the rest.
"What a shame it's just cherry sauce. I thought I could show you my rero technique."
Masuzu regretfully bit into the warm, crispy crepe. The sweetness made her squint, and she nodded in agreement. "But it's pretty good."
"Glad it tastes good. Next time, let's get two different flavors." Yuu didn't care about hygiene—he immediately took a bite right where she had eaten.
Blinking her bright blue eyes, Masuzu smiled happily. "Hmph~ suggesting such a standard romantic move means you really want to flaunt our affection in public, huh? You're amazing, Yuu."
"What are you talking about? The couple next to us is doing the same thing."
Yuu rolled his eyes, not understanding her exaggerated attitude.
Hearing that, Masuzu finally shifted her gaze and looked around at the people nearby.
Indeed, there were many couples in the plaza sharing crepes—you bite, I bite. The bolder ones even kissed directly, then blushed and quickly fled from mocking stares.
Reflexively, Masuzu felt nauseous, and her skin prickled.
She desperately wanted to run over and make a grotesque face, hurling every insult she knew to humiliate these disgusting lovey-dovey fools and gain satisfaction from it.
The existence known as Natsukawa Masuzu deeply despised everything about love—heterosexual couples should stay out of sight. If you want to fool around, do it in your own bedroom. Why deliberately come out and pollute others' eyes?
...That's what she used to think.
Slowly, she lowered her head and looked at their tightly clasped hands, unwilling to let go.
She also looked at the cherry crepe they were sharing, held in their other hands.
Undeniably, to outside observers, they were no different from any other couple—publicly displaying affection.
Like in a dream, Masuzu murmured:
"So I've become the person I hate most..."
But why, when it happened to her, did it feel so good—and why did she want it to last forever?
The question flashed through her mind, and Masuzu forced herself not to think further.
Because the moment she found the answer, the pillars she had trusted and relied upon would completely collapse.
(Please, just a little longer.)
(Give me a few more months, or even a year...)
(By then, perhaps even someone as hopeless as me can climb out of the abyss of hatred and start believing in things that seem beautiful.)
She tightly gripped the warmth in her hand.
Like a little girl who loved to dream, Masuzu hoped.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
After escorting his girlfriend home, Yuu returned to his house before the sun fully set.
The moment he entered, even before removing his shoes, he was blocked by his sister at the doorway. He saw her arms folded across her modest chest as she coldly declared:
"Confession reduces punishment; denial increases it!"