Yuu let go of her hand and said, "I'm heading home."
"Okay, thanks for walking me home," Asuna replied with a smile. She glanced left and right, then suddenly stood on her tiptoes, shyly closing her eyes.
Yuu understood. His left hand gently rested on her back, drawing her face closer, savoring the soft lips he'd been imagining all day. With a hint of lipstick, her lips tasted slightly different than usual, urging him to nibble and linger deeper, like playing with jelly. A faint, flirty sound of moisture echoed between their lips and teeth.
"Mmm… hmm, hiss, ha… mmm…"
Their kiss didn't last long, but it felt like their hearts were filled to the brim, their bodies warm. The cool night breeze finally slipped between them.
Panting with her lips slightly parted, eyes full of longing, Asuna gazed at him, his breathing equally unsteady, and gave a soft, dazed smile.
"See you tomorrow?"
"See you tomorrow."
Yuu blinked, his eyes clear as he released her warm, soft body.
[Ding!]
[Congratulations, Host has received a reward: Execution of Justice (Status)]
(…What kind of reward is this?)
Asking the system inwardly, Yuu turned to leave. But after a few steps, an unpleasant voice came from the end of the alley.
"Asuna-san? What a coincidence, are you out here to greet me?"
Opening the system panel, Yuu stopped in his tracks.
Sugou approached with a fruit gift box in hand, passing Yuu without a glance and greeting Asuna enthusiastically.
"Sugou-san…"
Asuna froze for a moment, instinctively wanting to tidy her slightly disheveled appearance. But recalling how the man ignored Yuu and directly addressed her, a wave of displeasure surged. Casually, she clasped her hands behind her back, not bothering to cover up, and responded coldly yet politely:
"You're mistaken. I had no idea you were coming. I was just out on a date with my boyfriend, and now I'm about to head inside."
"…Heh, is that so." Sugou's face twitched slightly, his response lacking clear emotion.
His narrow, cold eyes swept over Asuna's flushed, beautiful face and her moist, ripe red lips. Then he glanced at Yuu, who made no effort to hide the evidence. Sugou's fist clenched slightly at his side, and he forced a stiff smile.
"You two are really enjoying your youth."
"…And?"
Sensing ill intent, Asuna furrowed her brows, a vague wariness flickering in her eyes.
Sugou spread his hands, regaining control of his expression within seconds, and said with a wry smile, "Asuna-san, no need to be so hostile, right? After all, I'm your foster brother. Even Mrs. Yuuki doesn't oppose your relationship. I'm not foolish enough to meddle between you two."
His words made Yuu and Asuna exchange surprised glances.
Sugou shook his head helplessly and sighed.
"Ha, what a huge misunderstanding…"
His middle finger touched the center of his glasses frame as he spoke frankly, "I do like you, Asuna-san, perhaps even a few years before little Tenkuji over there. The marriage proposal was also my idea to Mrs. Yuuki…"
"Unfortunately, I've always been busy with work, unable to build a good relationship with you. Only now did I think to start over, but I'm already too far behind this young man."
"You could call it karma, or maybe I was too arrogant… After all, Asuna-san, attending an all-girls academy, the only unfamiliar man you knew well was me, which unconsciously gave me the smug notion that being close gave me an advantage. I forgot to give you what a girl your age dreams of."
"I deeply realize my mistake. I'm truly sorry, Asuna-san."
With Sugou's gentle tone and sincere smile, Asuna's cold expression gradually softened, her guarded, hostile stance relaxing as if convinced that the young man before her wasn't an enemy but merely a foster brother she wasn't too familiar with.
"You're exaggerating…" Asuna replied politely.
Yuu, standing beside her, couldn't help but scoff inwardly. Asuna might not have noticed, but to him, Sugou's acting was far worse than Gian's singing.
Behind that fake mask, his deep malice was painfully obvious, like a fly's compound eyes magnified before a trypophobe, nauseating at a glance.
No matter how friendly his tone, Yuu could precisely analyze the words he truly wanted to say—
"You newbie upstart, if I hadn't been careless and let you get ahead, how could you have swayed this innocent young lady?"
Yes, this Sugou…
Not only was he implying to Yuu that Asuna was practically his, but he was also showing disdain for Yuu as a newcomer.
"Heh heh heh."
Yuu cracked his neck, quietly opening the system panel. It had been a long time since he felt this itch to punch someone, wanting to land a few fiery blows on his face.
On the other side, Sugou continued his heartfelt performance for Asuna.
"Now, seeing you two growing closer and inseparable, I know I've missed my best chance. I have no choice but to give up honestly…"
He sighed, forcing a slightly sad smile. "I sincerely wish you both well, hoping you can enjoy your happiness during these high school years."
"Ah, thank you…" Though slightly confused, Asuna bowed and thanked him.
Then, unconsciously, she glanced at Yuu.
"!"
Seeing his mocking expression, as if watching a clown's performance, she seemed to realize something. Her eyes cleared instantly, and she re-examined Sugou. After a moment's thought, the warmth in her gaze cooled again.
Unaware of the shift in Asuna's eyes, Sugou paused, then suddenly placed his hand on his chest, speaking to her earnestly and seriously:
"However, Asuna-san, while I can let go of my obsession with pursuing you, I don't think I can so easily let go of my feelings for you."
"So from now on, I'll protect you as your foster brother—"
"No need for the trouble!"
Before he could finish, two voices rang out in unison, shattering the serene beauty of the sunset, making Sugou's pupils shrink as he gaped like a fish stranded on land.
"W-What do you mean…"
Asuna stood beside Yuu, gripping his hand tightly, staring sharply at the young man before her. Her clear, icy voice was as sharp as a blade, as if ready to cut through all malice.
"It means that now and in the future, I'll be fully protected by him. Sugou-san, you can find a better girl, no problem!"