A Decision in the Kitchen
In Su Yu's kitchen, Yukinoshita Yukino was carefully preparing the ingredients while Su Yu was busy cooking dinner.
"Su Yu-kun, do you think Sensei is going to try and stop us from being together?"
"Yeah."
"Sensei is right. We are wrong."
"I know."
"What are you planning to do? Convince her?"
"The decision isn't in her hands. It's in ours. As long as you and Yui are willing, then no matter how much Sensei argues, it won't change anything."
Yukino paused, slightly taken aback.
She understood Sensei's nature well—Hiratsuka would never force them into anything.
She might try to convince them, but she wouldn't go as far as reporting them to their families or interfering directly.
"Given Yui's personality, Sensei knows she can't change her mind. But you are different—you're more rational. That's why Sensei is leaving the decision to you," Su Yu explained without looking up.
"She's making me decide?" Yukino murmured, suddenly understanding why Su Yu had brought this up.
"I don't want you to face this decision alone," Su Yu said, finally looking at her.
"Sensei wouldn't do something like that," Yukino said after a brief silence.
"I know. But you already considered giving me up to Yui once before," Su Yu reminded her.
"I... I only thought that at the time..." Yukino's gaze wavered.
Su Yu remained silent, simply watching her.
After a moment, Yukino lowered her head, realizing that he was right—this hesitation was her own issue.
"Little Yukino, what exactly are we now? Friends? Or a couple?" Su Yu asked.
"I... I don't know," Yukino whispered.
"Then let me tell you."
He took a step forward and gently pulled her into his arms.
"Yukinoshita Yukino, you are my girlfriend. At least for today, that won't change. At least for tonight, that won't change. Understood?"
"Su Yu-kun... you're too cunning," Yukino murmured, realizing his intentions.
"A one-day girlfriend is for moments like this. If a situation like this happens twice a week, then I'll push it to weeks. If it happens seven times in a week, then I'll push it to years." Su Yu smirked.
"And then you'll demand that I be your girlfriend for a few years, then keep pushing it to a few centuries, right?" Yukino shot him a glare.
Su Yu just smiled and nodded.
Yukino slowly lowered her head, leaning against his chest.
"...I agreed with what Yui said."
"Little Yukino... do you really mean that?"
Su Yu lowered his gaze, meeting hers.
"If I don't agree... If I leave you... My mother will arrange a marriage for me. If that happens, I'd resent it even more. Given the options, I'd rather choose you.
"Even though you're a little terrible, at least I don't hate you," Yukino admitted softly.
"You and Yui always come up with excuses. You both like me, but instead of admitting it, you make up reasons to justify it." Su Yu chuckled.
"...What did you just say?" Yukino narrowed her eyes.
"Nothing. I just said, Little Yukino is adorable."
Yukino glared at him, but Su Yu held her tighter.
"Accepting Yui is already the biggest compromise I can make," Yukino said firmly.
"Well... the future is unpredictable." Su Yu glanced out the window.
At those words, Yukino stomped down hard on his foot.
Su Yu immediately let go, pretending to be in pain.
"I'm taking a shower. You finish cooking."
With a huff, Yukino left the kitchen.
Su Yu watched her go, knowing that she was only momentarily annoyed.
"Yui's room has sleepwear and extra clothes," he called out.
A Quiet Dinner
By the time they sat down for dinner, Yukino had changed into pajamas.
The sleepwear was a little too big, but Su Yu chose not to mention it—bringing it up would only provoke her further.
They ate in silence, finishing their meal without any conversation.
When they were done, Yukino started cleaning the dishes, and Su Yu joined her, helping her wash.
After they left the kitchen, there was a knock on the door.
Yukino glanced at Su Yu.
Understanding the situation, Su Yu went to answer it.
Meanwhile, Yukino prepared tea, setting the teapot and cups on the table before taking a seat on the sofa.
Su Yu opened the door.
Standing outside was—Hiratsuka Shizuka.
"Please, come in," Su Yu stepped aside.
Hiratsuka changed into indoor slippers and walked into the living room.
Su Yu followed behind her, sitting between her and Yukino.
He calmly poured three cups of tea.
"Yukinoshita, do you understand—"
"Sensei, do you think I should step aside? Or should I get rid of Yui?" Yukino interrupted.
Hiratsuka froze.
She had planned to ask Yukino this exact question, expecting her to struggle with the answer.
But instead—
Yukino had thrown the question right back at her.
Hiratsuka turned her gaze toward Su Yu, who was calmly sipping tea.
"Sensei, have some tea," Su Yu said casually, as if he had nothing to do with this.
"Su Yu-kun, you are extremely clever," Hiratsuka remarked, her tone icy.
"Thank you for the compliment," Su Yu smiled.
"Let me ask you—who do you love more? Yukino, or Yui?" Hiratsuka questioned.
"Sensei, they hold the exact same place in my heart. There is no 'more' or 'less.'"
"You're saying this in front of Yukino. Do you realize how that sounds?" Hiratsuka challenged.
Su Yu paused, then turned to Yukino and extended his hand.
Without hesitation, Yukino took it, her eyes locking onto Hiratsuka.
"This is our answer."
Hiratsuka stared at them.
For a moment, her expression was difficult to read.
"...Yukinoshita, I thought you'd be more rational."
"Sensei, I am rational. I know that you're a good teacher. You care about all of us, which is why you're here, trying to convince us," Yukino said calmly.
"Then why—"
"Sensei, you and I are in the same situation."
"...What do you mean?"
"If I don't choose Su Yu, I will be forced into an arranged marriage by my family," Yukino admitted.
Hiratsuka fell silent.
Now, she understood Yukino's position.
"Even though this man isn't perfect, this is my own choice, and I won't regret it."
"Sensei, if you ever fall in love with someone, you'll understand my feelings."
"I don't have the courage that you do, but Su Yu gave me the strength to take my first step."
Hiratsuka stared at her for a long time.
Finally—
She sighed deeply.
"Yukinoshita, I understand your reasoning now."
Then, she turned to Su Yu.
"Su Yu-kun, if you ever hurt Yukino or Yui, I'll beat you senseless—especially your face."