Yukino's answer honestly gave Ichin a scare at first—but after thinking about it, he figured she probably said it just to fend off confessions and stop more people from bothering her.
Yeah… that must be it.
Even though that was the logical explanation, somewhere in the back of Ichin's mind, a different possibility kept quietly surfacing.
After a while, the three split up and headed to their respective classrooms.
Since Utaha and Yukino's buildings were in the same direction, the two walked together.
Glancing at Yukino beside her, Utaha let out a soft laugh. "Didn't expect you to say something like that."
"It's the most direct and effective way to keep others from bothering me. Otherwise, more will definitely come."
"That's true."
Utaha nodded. "But… Ichin doesn't seem to have noticed anything."
"Very normal."
Yukino replied calmly and didn't continue, but Utaha knew very well what she left unsaid.
Soon, they arrived at Yukino's classroom. Before she stepped in, Utaha grabbed her hand and leaned close to whisper in her ear:
"This year… did you prepare chocolate?"
Yukino hesitated for a moment, then nodded. It was in her bag right now, wrapped very securely.
"I see." Utaha raised her hand and gently patted Yukino's head, smiling. "I prepared some too. Let's see later whose turns out better. Alright, go on in—class starts in three minutes and I have to run."
As Utaha hurried off, Yukino stood there, more confused than ever about what Utaha was trying to do.
Was this really okay?
Yet even with her tangled emotions and nervous anticipation, she didn't try to stop any of it.
---
Meanwhile, after arriving in his classroom, Ichin immediately received the customary group chocolate gift from the girls in his class. Every boy got one—it was a yearly tradition.
After thanking them with a smile, he found a seat and took out his textbooks. But before he could settle in, several guys crowded around.
"Ichin, I heard Yukinoshita has someone she likes?!"
"For real? Not even a hint before this!"
Seeing their curious expressions, Ichin blinked in surprise. "The news spread that fast? It's only been like… five or six minutes, and you all know already?"
All the boys nodded in unison.
"No choice, it is Valentine's Day. The campus forums and all the student chat groups are way more active today. Someone took a photo and uploaded it to the forum in real time. Shame it got deleted within two minutes. But too late—the story was already out."
"So is it true? Yukinoshita really has someone she likes?"
"Who is it? As her older brother, you must know, right?"
"Or was she just saying that to get rid of the guy?"
"Well~~~"
Ichin rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I honestly don't know the details, but… it's probably… true?"
"NOOOOOOO!!!!"
All the boys let out synchronized wails of despair, their expressions collapsing into pure disappointment.
Looking at these guys, Ichin said irritably, "What are you screaming for? Anyone who doesn't know better would think you actually had a chance."
"No helping it! These past two years, none of the new freshmen girls are that pretty. Aside from your woman, Yukinoshita is basically the undisputed beauty champion of the entire first and second year—no one else even comes close."
"And now even the department's goddess already has someone she likes… A lot of guys just had their dreams crushed!"
Ichin could only shake his head speechlessly. When the class bell rang, he opened his textbook.
Time for class.
---
At noon, after lunch, Ichin headed to the library with his laptop.
He had his second afternoon class later, so he planned to spend the free time researching materials and looking into some coding issues related to Tales of Berseria.
Utaha and Yukino had two afternoon classes, so after resting a bit, they headed to their respective classrooms.
After reviewing the set of map designs Kou had sent him and pointing out areas that needed adjustment, Ichin stretched and opened the campus forum.
As expected—just like his classmates said—the forum was insanely lively today because of Valentine's Day. Everywhere were posts about confessions—some successful, some tragic.
Resting his chin on one hand, Ichin scrolled through them with interest.
"Hmm~~ confessions, huh."
Reading them reminded him of how he first met Utaha.
If they hadn't started out as neighbors, their relationship might have developed very differently. He probably still would've been drawn to her… but getting together might have taken much longer.
"But really, what's the point in overthinking? Things are great now, aren't they?"
When he stumbled upon a thread titled "Top Couples of Todai," and saw a photo of him and Utaha holding hands—ranked first, no less—he chuckled and closed the browser.
Fun to read, but he had work to do. Couldn't just keep scrolling.
So he continued working quietly in the library.
---
After afternoon classes, the three left campus together and headed to the company.
And thanks to Yukino's announcement earlier that morning, she indeed did not get confessed to again for the rest of the day.
"I just didn't expect the news to spread so fast. My whole class knew already." Sitting in the back seat of Ichin's car, Yukino looked helpless. "Everyone kept asking what was going on."
Next to her, Utaha narrowed her eyes with a bright smile. "Well of course they're curious. Aside from teachers, you hardly ever talk to any boys. Suddenly saying you have someone you like—obviously everyone will be shocked. Ah, although… it's not no one. Ichin counts."
Ichin, driving in front, rolled his eyes and didn't bother responding.
"Anyway, let's change the subject. Did either of you contact Haruno-nee? Let's not be late again."
Utaha checked her phone. "I messaged her, but she hasn't read it yet… probably in a meeting. She said she had several meetings today. But for something like going to a hot spring, Haruno-san definitely won't miss it."
Yukino nodded. "Yes, she should get off work on time."
…Why did that line sound like raising a huge flag?
Once they arrived at the company, Ichin left Utaha and Yukino to amuse themselves while he went to the Tales of Berseria dev team.
"Umiko, how's everything going?"
"Very smoothly."
Umiko leaned back in her chair and handed him a controller. "Try it."
On the screen, a boss battle was just about to begin.
---
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