A Well-Planned Date
Proper preparation before a date is essential.
That's why Su Yu had specifically chosen this cinema.
The movie playing today was a love story—one that focused entirely on the beauty of romance, without any unnecessary drama.
Of course, the storytelling was quite subtle.
For instance, when the male lead hugged the female lead, the movie described their inner thoughts instead of using excessive dialogue.
Throughout the film, the characters never said, "I love you."
Instead, they used, "I like you."
For high school students, this choice of words was much more fitting.
After all, the word "love" carried far greater weight than simple affection.
When the couple was about to kiss, both the male and female lead were visibly nervous.
But, unlike them, the real couples around Su Yu were much more direct.
Su Yu glanced at the nearby couples, then turned to Yukinoshita Yukino.
Feeling his gaze, Yukino's cheeks flushed slightly.
The atmosphere was just right…
Her heart began to race, and she suddenly found herself unsure of where to place her hands.
Su Yu leaned in slightly, his breath brushing against her skin.
She could feel his warmth.
Then, his large hand gently held hers, as if trying to calm her down.
"Little Yukino, is this okay?"
His voice was soft, his face just inches away.
Yukino felt torn, countless thoughts flashing through her mind.
In the end—
She gave a small nod.
Su Yu kissed her gently on the cheek.
Yukino's expression froze in surprise.
Su Yu pulled away slightly and, upon seeing her reaction, immediately understood what she was thinking.
"Little Yukino, I'm not the type to push my luck. This is enough for now."
Hearing that, Yukino's face turned even redder, and she quickly turned away.
Su Yu continued to hold her hand, but there was one thing he left unsaid…
A Change of Scenery
By the time the movie ended, it was already past 4 PM.
Before the film started, Yukino had asked her driver to take her plushies back home.
Now, she and Su Yu walked to the station, took the train, and headed to a supermarket near Sakura Dormitory.
Yukino picked out the ingredients for dinner, while Su Yu handled the payment.
As they stepped out of the supermarket, bags in hand, Su Yu glanced at Yukino.
"Little Yukino, once we get married, we probably won't have time to go grocery shopping together like this anymore."
"I won't be working all the time. Occasionally, I'll—" Yukino started, then suddenly realized what she had just said.
Her face instantly heated up.
"I-I haven't even decided to marry you yet!"
"I think it's only a matter of time," Su Yu said, smiling at her confidently.
"Then what about Yuigahama-san?" Yukino couldn't help but ask.
The moment the words left her mouth, she regretted it.
This was a complicated issue.
Surely, Su Yu wouldn't—
"Yui already found a solution," Su Yu said seriously.
"...What?" Yukino looked at him in disbelief.
"She came up with a plan. And honestly, I think it's somewhat feasible."
"Wh-What plan?" Yukino asked cautiously, her gaze locked onto his.
Su Yu leaned in close and whispered softly in her ear.
After hearing it, Yukino completely froze.
This…
The idea was possible, but for Yui, it would mean convincing her family and waiting a long time.
Thinking about that, Yukino's feelings became complicated.
"Little Yukino, there's a way to make it up to Yui—as long as you agree," Su Yu added in a low voice.
"What way?" Yukino asked, puzzled.
"If Yui's cooking skills meet your standards, we could hire her as a maid or a housekeeper. That way—"
"Su Yu-kun! That is absolutely impossible! No matter how close I am with Yui, that will never happen!" Yukino's face turned bright red.
Su Yu blinked.
His expression turned odd.
He hadn't been thinking anything weird… but judging by her reaction, Yukino definitely had misunderstood something.
"Little Yukino… did you misunderstand me just now?"
"I-I did not!"
Realizing she had overreacted, Yukino quickly turned away.
"...Wait, were you thinking that I meant you and Yui would—"
"Shut up!" Yukino yelled, embarrassed and angry.
Su Yu laughed heartily, fully aware that Yukino had completely misinterpreted his words.
Seeing his smug expression, Yukino stomped on his foot.
Su Yu pretended to be in pain, his laughter subsiding.
With a haughty huff, Yukino marched ahead, leaving Su Yu to catch up.
Back at Sakura Dormitory
In the courtyard of Sakura Dormitory, Hiratsuka Shizuka was tutoring Kawasaki Saki, while Kawasaki Keika was quietly reading.
The sound of the front door opening drew their attention.
All three looked up.
Su Yu and Yukino stepped inside, each carrying two bags of groceries.
Kawasaki Saki stood up and glanced at Su Yu.
"This is your dinner. Little Yukino and I will be cooking our own meal, so don't worry about us," Su Yu said as he handed the ingredients to Saki.
"Got it," Saki replied, eyeing the two of them but choosing not to ask anything.
Meanwhile, Keika blinked curiously, observing Yukino—thinking she looked just as pretty as Yuigahama-oneechan.
"Yukinoshita, after dinner, do you have some time? I'd like to talk to you," Hiratsuka suddenly spoke up.
"I… I have time," Yukino hesitated before answering.
"Sensei, can't you just talk in front of me?" Su Yu asked as he watched Saki walk inside.
"You're sure you want me to say it here?" Hiratsuka gave him a flat look.
"Of course. Because whatever you want to talk about involves both me and Yukino." Su Yu stood his ground, looking her in the eye.
"What I want to talk about… is you two," Hiratsuka said meaningfully.
Hearing this, Yukino lowered her head.
Su Yu, however, remained completely unshaken.
If he couldn't even pass Sensei's test, then how could he possibly ensure their happiness?
"Sensei, I'll prepare some tea. I look forward to your visit," Su Yu said seriously.
"If your answer doesn't satisfy me, you might end up in the hospital tomorrow," Hiratsuka warned.
"Don't worry—I won't let you pay my medical bills."
"You better not," she replied.
With a chuckle, Su Yu turned and headed upstairs.
Yukino hesitated, then followed after him.
As Hiratsuka watched them go, she let out a deep sigh.
She had a feeling that these three had made some kind of agreement—one that required someone to make a major sacrifice in order to achieve a fragile version of happiness.
"Sensei, isn't Su Yu's girlfriend Yuigahama-oneechan?" Keika suddenly asked.
"You'll understand one day," Hiratsuka replied, not giving her a direct answer.
Kawasaki Saki, who had been silent, quietly returned to her seat.
Hiratsuka glanced at her, recalling Kawasaki's family situation, and felt a little worried.
"Kawasaki, if you ever need help, don't go to Su Yu—come to me."
"Sensei, I'm not like them. I'm not interested in romance, so you don't need to worry," Kawasaki replied flatly, eyes still on her book.
Her relationship with Su Yu would never be romantic.
She would never fall for him.
At most, they had a transactional relationship—one where neither of them owed the other anything.