Surprisingly, Yukinoshita Yukino didn't register any disgust points after hearing Takumi Yuuya's words.
Takumi was a little taken aback.
After thinking it through, he realized why—
Little Yukino probably thought he was joking.
He didn't immediately explain, instead leading them into the villa.
The style of the villa was similar to the Yukinoshita family home, just a bit more spacious.
Downstairs, aside from the kitchen, there were eight rooms. Upstairs, six more rooms and a study.
Takumi brought them to the second floor and let them choose their own rooms.
He went down to the first floor and opened the back door.
Through the hallway, he could see another building.
An indoor swimming pool, an entertainment room, a gym, and a home theater.
On the other side, there was a large outdoor tennis court.
Takumi was pleased with everything the estate had to offer.
"Master Takumi, all the swimsuits have been delivered to the changing room," Yaeko Nishinomiya's voice called from behind.
"Thanks for your help, Miss Nishinomiya," he replied.
"It's my duty," she said.
"Have Shōko wait for me later."
"Yes."
"Prepare the barbecue ingredients before it gets dark."
Takumi returned upstairs.
They had all picked their rooms.
"The barbecue will start after sunset. Until then, I want to take you to the indoor entertainment room, then to the home theater for a movie," Takumi said.
The trio of Yui, Yumiko, and Hina looked excited.
Yukino didn't object.
They went downstairs and saw Shōko Nishinomiya waiting for them.
She hesitated slightly upon seeing them.
Takumi walked up and took Shōko's small hand.
Yukino froze. So did the others.
"Don't just stand there, let's go," Takumi reminded.
Yukino watched him walk ahead, confused.
Could this girl from Kishō Academy really be Takumi's girlfriend?
Inside the entertainment room.
There were billiard tables, ping-pong tables, and a karaoke room.
Takumi picked up a ping-pong paddle.
The familiar feeling returned.
He scanned the girls and landed his gaze on Yukino.
"Little Yukino, you first."
"Ping-pong isn't about strength. You have no advantage," she said.
"If you lose, you come to my room tonight."
"And if you lose?"
"I'll go to your room."
"If you lose, don't disturb me."
Yukino picked up the paddle.
Though Takumi had the home advantage, she was supremely confident.
Ping-pong wasn't just about power—it was about technique.
She saw him toss the ball toward her. Without hesitation, she returned it.
Then…
She entered a losing streak.
Every trick she tried, Takumi countered and returned.
After five consecutive losses, Yukino put down her paddle.
Takumi smiled.
"You have no advantage at all," he said, mimicking her tone.
"Disgust from Yukinoshita Yukino +30"
"Don't come to bother me if you lose," he continued, still mimicking her.
"Disgust from Yukinoshita Yukino +30"
"Remember to come to my room, Little Yukino."
"Disgust from Yukinoshita Yukino +30"
Takumi hid his smile and looked at Miura Yumiko.
"Yumiko, your turn."
"Takumi-kun… if I lose…"
"Tomorrow, I'll choose your swimsuit for you."
"Okay… fine," Yumiko said, cheeks reddening.
Three minutes later, she predictably lost.
"Next, Yui."
"Takumi-kun, I admit defeat."
"Then you owe me a favor."
"O-okay…"
"Hina?"
"I concede."
Takumi nodded and handed the paddle to Shōko Nishinomiya, letting her stand where he had been.
He moved to the other side.
Shōko couldn't hear his previous conversations, but she knew how to play ping-pong.
Facing her, Takumi used no techniques at all. He even lost twice.
Yukino watched this and noticed Shōko's warm smile.
Later, during the movie.
Takumi's left-hand side: Yukino. Right-hand side: Shōko.
Yukino had chosen the film.
Shōko focused intently, reading subtitles to follow the plot.
"What exactly is your relationship?" Yukino whispered in Takumi's ear.
"I told you—Shōko is my girlfriend. You just don't believe it," he shrugged.
"Why did she become your girlfriend?"
"When I went to pick up my little maid, I saw her chatting with someone else. Her smile was warm, so I went over and struck up a conversation."
"And then?"
"After learning about her situation, I told her that if she didn't become my girlfriend, I'd chase her every day. She agreed, and after acquiring this estate, I made Miss Nishinomiya the house manager."
Takumi summarized casually.
Yukino listened.
"You're absolutely terrible," she muttered.
"If I hadn't made her my girlfriend, she would have chosen… not to be a burden to the family," Takumi said.
"And her father?"
"I don't know. She's a nurse, supporting Shōko and her younger daughter at a boarding school with her salary," he said, shaking his head.
Yukino went silent.
Takumi glanced at her.
"Shōko is probably the easiest to get along with, as long as Little Yukino is okay with it."
"I'm not her sister," Yukino said, looking at Shōko.
Night fell.
They sat in the yard.
Yukino and Yumiko handled the barbecue.
Yui tried to join, but Hina stopped her, pressing a hand to her shoulder.
If Yui cooked, the flavors might turn out… odd.
Yumiko glanced at Yukino.
"I always thought you were cold and distant, Yukinoshita-san—like the high-and-mighty 'Takane no Hana.'"
"If, Miura-san, you have any requests, you can always come to the Service Club," Yukino said.
"Thank you, Yukinoshita-san."
"You're welcome. That's the purpose of the Service Club," Yukino replied.
"Yukinoshita-san and Yui get along well. Next time, how about karaoke?"
"Sure," Yukino hesitated, then agreed.
Takumi was slightly surprised she said yes.
While he was pondering this, Shōko tapped his shoulder.
He turned to see her feeding him the barbecue, wrapped in vegetables—just as he had eaten earlier.
He looked at Shōko, gestured to the wrapped meat, then to his mouth.
Shōko understood, blushing, and fed him.
Yukino watched them.
Seeing Shōko's actions, she felt a twinge of sympathy.
And, quietly, she thought:
All the other girls could be pushed away—but she couldn't.