As Yuu and Asuna left the experience center, nearly every customer and coach stared at them, each with a peculiar, varied expression.
It wasn't just because their sparring showcased relentless slashes and thrusts, their fluid and cool swordsmanship resembling two real swordsmen battling in the arena; it was also because, during their fight, they embraced and began whispering sweet nothings, oblivious to others, looking utterly smitten as if lost in their own world.
Those with partners would smile knowingly, but for the single folks there just to exercise, it was a brutal blow to the chest, their mouths stuffed with a ton of dog food, the air thick with a nauseating sweetness. Their experience could be called downright awful.
Moreover, their combat was too terrifying—even the coaches didn't dare approach. The girl was somewhat manageable; at most, she had high physical coordination and slightly faster speed, with a less solid foundation, so a decent coach could still handle her.
The guy, however, was far scarier. Not only were his sword movements strange and easily mastered, but his reaction speed was extraordinary. According to the head coach, the dojo's top expert, called Shihan by the others:
"His strength is no less than mine… I'd be evenly matched with him at best."
And from his clear reluctance to challenge the young man, it could be inferred that this guy could beat every coach in the dojo to a pulp in a one-on-one duel.
Even so, a handsome young man appeared out of nowhere, scoffing at superstition and arrogantly stepping forward to challenge him in front of the beautiful brown-haired girl, relying on his status as captain of a high school kendo club. His words and actions were bold and confident.
…Then he got utterly crushed.
Specifically, it was like an adult toying with a child. At first, it looked like they were seriously practicing kendo, but then the guy, as if bored, seamlessly switched to dual-wielding swords, then tossed his sword aside and fought barehanded, completely toying with the handsome youth, whose body wasn't even touched once by his opponent.
The scene was too brutal, so when the handsome youth finally couldn't bear the humiliation and ran off crying, throwing his sword aside, almost everyone stared at the guy and the beautiful brown-haired girl who could fight him evenly, their gazes a mix of condemnation and shock.
Are Japanese high school students these days all monsters?
So, before causing a bigger commotion, Asuna dragged Yuu out, feeling a mix of helplessness, amusement, and slight excitement over what had just happened.
"Jeez, being the center of attention like that makes it hard to have fun. Just two slashes would've been enough to beat him normally…"
"He asked for the challenge; what could I do?"
"I'm not saying you were wrong, but we're on a date~ It's better not to draw attention. Being stared at makes it hard to enjoy."
Playfully swinging their intertwined hands, Asuna suddenly remembered something, her face flushing a cute red as she whispered shyly, "A-And… don't hug me so openly next time. It's kind of embarrassing…"
"Why're you saying that to me?" Yuu looked innocent, explaining his blamelessness. "You're the one who ran toward me, and you hugged me from behind. I just didn't want you to get hurt, so I held you… If you're embarrassed, Asuna, you need to control your urge to jump into my arms."
Yuu spoke firmly, his tone sincere, and what he said was quite true.
However, a word of caution: if your relationship isn't truly solid, never talk like this.
You'll stay single.
"…"
Staring at him silently, confirming Yuu had no intention of retracting his words, Asuna puffed out her cheeks and huffed loudly, then suddenly hugged his arm tightly.
"Buy me a coffee!"
Facing the spoiled antics of the Yuuki family's princess, Yuu could only shrug helplessly. "Alright, alright. Look, there's a vending machine over there…"
"Yuu-kun!" The girl's tone was dangerously sharp, her gaze seeming to solidify into a rapier, piercing his thick skin.
Yuu laughed. "Just kidding. Let's sit at a café…"
"Hmph, I also want cake and tea—of course, you're paying!"
"So, coffee or tea?"
"Both, is that a problem?"
"F-Fine, the girlfriend comes first."
Hearing that term, Asuna, who had been pretending to be upset, couldn't help but giggle. Her small head rested on Yuu's shoulder, happiness overflowing on her face, like a warm sun illuminating them both in the afternoon.
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After that, they went to an arcade, a bookstore, a glasses shop, and other places.
Yuu won a large Squirtle plushie for her, and seeing her stroke its head, saying "so cute" and "so comfy to touch," he smiled meaningfully without saying anything.
Asuna bought him a pair of glasses with non-prescription lenses and thick black frames, giving him a scholarly look that conveniently toned down his handsomeness with a stiff style, making him less conspicuous.
"Hmm, now I don't have to worry about anyone stealing my boyfriend!" She held his head, looking left and right, speaking with satisfaction.
Seeing her lips so close, coated with lipstick and looking oh-so-tempting, Yuu, expressionless, really wanted to complain:
"Someone who truly wants to steal me won't be stopped by just a pair of glasses, you know?"
For example, his own sister, Yuigahama, or Haruno, who hadn't lost her memories… Wearing glasses would only add a new CG for them; how could it deduct points?
But that thought stayed in his mind—he wasn't foolish enough to say it out loud.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Time passed quickly, and soon it was time for Asuna to head home.
The dazzling sunset poured light through the gaps between buildings, falling to the ground in brilliant golden glimmers, as if autumn maple leaves had already blanketed the streets.
Approaching six in the evening, the hoarse cries of crows woke the dusk. Street vendors hawking roasted sweet potatoes called out across streets and alleys.
On the road to the upscale residential area, two shadows walked side by side, stretching long as if merging with the distant horizon, gradually blending into the soft dome of twilight.
"The Service Club… what a weird club name."
"Yeah, I have no idea what the person who named it was thinking."
"But everyone in that club is a girl…"
"I'm not."
"…Yuu-kun, please don't deliberately play dumb. I won't complain."
"Tch, fine… I know what you're worried about. But relax, I'm not interested in flat, silly girls. I won't cheat."
"I-I'm not worried about that! When it comes to trusting Yuu-kun, of course I trust you~"
"Don't lie. You clearly want me to transfer to an all-boys school right away."
"No way!"
Their peaceful, warm chatter spread softly like the hues of dusk, carrying all the way to the gate of the Yuuki family home.