Yukinoshita Yukino's apartment had two bedrooms.
A master bedroom.
And a guest room.
Takumi Yuuya soaked in the guest room's bathtub for half an hour before finally slipping into pajamas and stepping out into the living room.
There, Yuigahama Yui sat on the sofa, sipping tea, a plate of snacks set in front of her.
"Yuuya-kun, you have to try this—can you believe Yukino-chan actually made these herself?"
"Let me see."
Yuuya sat down beside her, took her small hand, and casually lifted the half-eaten snack she was holding to his own mouth.
Yui blinked, only realizing the bite was gone once his lips closed around it. Her face flushed crimson.
"Mm, not bad. Pretty sweet. Though… I can't tell if it's the snack that's sweet, or…"
He let the words trail off.
Yui quickly turned her head toward the window, trying to hide her embarrassment.
Yuuya's gaze lingered on her pajamas.
"Yuigahama-san, let me tell you something."
"What is it?"
"These pajamas—we're wearing a matching set."
"Eh?"
She looked down at her own, then at his, eyes widening.
He smiled.
"Nice, right?"
"Wait—does that mean Yukino-chan's pajamas are also…?"
"Yep. All couple sets."
"No wonder that store clerk gave me such a weird look…"
Yui remembered the cashier's expression at checkout and wanted to melt into the floor.
Yuuya tightened his hold on her hand.
"How about a photo together?"
"M-Mm… okay."
He pulled out his phone, leaned close, and snapped a picture.
"For just a little while, being like this with you makes me happy."
"You're not… going to show that to anyone, right?"
"Of course not. The girls I know wouldn't exactly be thrilled to see it."
"Yuuya-kun… you really have that many girls around you?"
"Mm. My maid, my illustrator, Yumiko, Yukino, and now you."
"M-Me too?"
"Why not?"
He pressed a light kiss against the back of her hand.
"See? Doesn't this count?"
"But… I-I still haven't…"
"Haven't felt your heart race? Then let's test it again."
"That kind of closeness… any girl's heart would race!"
"Then I've got another way. They say if a girl likes someone, she won't reject his advances."
"W-Wait—"
Yuuya tilted her chin up and leaned in.
Yui's eyes fluttered shut instantly—
—yet the kiss never landed.
"See? You didn't resist. That's proof enough."
"…I don't know." Yui's heart was in turmoil.
But deep down, she realized—
if he had kissed her, she wouldn't have gotten angry.
She'd already braced herself.
Yuuya sighed and let go of her hand.
"Forget it. You're too kind. I won't bully you anymore tonight."
[Affection +30 from Yuigahama Yui]
"…Thank you, Yuuya-kun."
The door clicked.
Both turned—Yukinoshita Yukino stepped in, now in her pajamas.
Yui tried to pull her hand back, but Yuuya held fast.
Yukino crossed the room, sat down on the sofa, and glanced once at their joined hands.
"Yukino-chan, I—" Yui began.
"Yukino, don't you think we look like a couple?" Yuuya cut in smoothly.
[Disgust +10 from Yukinoshita Yukino]
"Yuigahama-san doesn't seem comfortable holding your hand. Please release her," Yukino said coolly.
Yuuya let go and leaned back.
"Yuigahama-san, go rest in Yukino's room for now. I need a word with her."
Yui hurried off.
The moment the door shut, Yuuya slid closer to Yukino, one arm looping around her waist, the other lifting her chin.
Her eyes fluttered closed.
He kissed her.
When they parted, her face was flushed scarlet.
"I joined the Service Club for this—for the chance to finally bring down the ice queen herself."
"You… you'd better not forget our promise…"
"Relax. Until I meet the condition, I won't cross that line."
"…Good."
"But Yukino, this deal hurts you more than me."
"What do you mean?"
A faint unease stirred in her chest.
Yuuya rose, switched off the light, and leaned in again.
Their lips met once more.
[Disgust +30 from Yukinoshita Yukino]
[Disgust +50 from Yukinoshita Yukino]
[Disgust +50 from Yukinoshita Yukino]
[Disgust +50 from Yukinoshita Yukino]
Morning came.
Freshly washed, Yuuya wandered toward the kitchen.
Yukino, cooking breakfast, stiffened as he entered, her cheeks instantly flushed.
He smirked.
"Yukino, did you sleep well?"
She turned away, silent.
"No? I slept great, though."
[Disgust +30 from Yukinoshita Yukino]
"In the end, you're just too weak."
[Disgust +30 from Yukinoshita Yukino]
"Still, I don't really blame you."
[Disgust +30 from Yukinoshita Yukino]
He stepped forward, slid his arms around her from behind.
"Don't worry. I'll take responsibility. I'll fulfill our promise. I won't make you wait long."
Her voice trembled, flustered and angry.
"I'm not waiting for you."
"Oh? Then does that mean I can push further?"
Her face burned red as she glared at him.
[Disgust +30 from Yukinoshita Yukino]
Yuuya chuckled inwardly. That disgust was mixed with shyness—proof she wasn't truly furious.
"Yukino, if you'd just give up on driving the others away, I wouldn't have to go so far."
"I'll drive them all away! Every last one!"
Her fists clenched, eyes blazing with resolve.
Last night had sealed it—this man had to take responsibility.
Yuuya studied her expression, then released her and moved toward the door.
Before stepping out, he glanced back with a faint smile.
"You chose this, Yukino. Don't regret it."
"You… you'd better not go too far. Yui's going to wake up soon."
"Doesn't bother me. I'm not afraid of being seen."
"You…"
"Get ready, Yukino. I'll hold to my word—until summer break, I won't make another move."