Morning.
When Yukino Yukinoshita opened her eyes, Takumi Yuuya was already gone.
She sat up, noticing her school uniform neatly laid out beside her. After dressing, she left the guest room and made her way to the kitchen, where Yuuya was already preparing breakfast.
He glanced over at her.
"The bento I made probably isn't as delicious as yours. I hope that's okay?"
"I don't mind."
"Breakfast is an omelet and rice porridge."
"I'll go wash up first."
Yukino smiled and walked toward the bathroom. By the time she finished, Yuuya had brought the breakfast to the table. She sat down and began eating. After a bite, a smile appeared on her face.
"Your cooking's pretty good. Later, when I go to work, you could stay home and take care of the kids."
"I don't want to cook every day," Yuuya said, shaking his head.
7:30 a.m.
The car pulled up in front of Yuuya's house. He changed into his school uniform and grabbed his commuting bag. Once inside the car, he handed Yukino a folder and a card.
It was the hotel's documents and a bank card created directly by the system.
"This generates over 100 million yen in annual income. I used your birthday as the PIN," Yuuya explained.
"Whenever you need money, just tell me. I'll keep it safe for you."
Yukino replied softly, "No need. The profits are yours."
"They're ours," he corrected, smiling. Yukino returned his smile and carefully put the folder away.
Gifting the hotel would incur gift taxes, but handing over the documents and card was enough to make it official. A 4-billion-yen hotel was no longer precious to Yuuya—it symbolized his feelings and the importance he placed on her. Yukino felt genuinely happy and held his arm all the way.
When they got out of the car, she reverted to her usual composed "High-and-Mighty" demeanor. Together, they walked into Soubu High, drawing whispers from the students.
Among the crowd, Shiho Kasumigaoka watched them and, after a moment of thought, took out her phone to send Yuuya a message.
Lunchtime.
Yuuya picked up his bento and approached Umiko Miura.
"Umiko, want to eat lunch with me?"
"Sure!" Umiko's face lit up in surprise.
"Umiko Miura favor +50"
She brought her own bento and followed him out of the classroom.
Yui Yuibami saw this and pouted slightly, while Hina Ebina instinctively looked at Yui, then stepped in front of her.
"Umiko and Yuuya went off together. Should we go find Yukino next?"
"Yeah."
Yui nodded. She wasn't jealous—she just thought Yuuya was hopeless.
In the quiet hallway, Yuuya spoke.
"I was planning to spend the weekend with you, but something came up. Sorry, Umiko."
"It's fine. Your matters are important," Umiko quickly reassured him.
"I'll take you all to karaoke this afternoon."
"Will Yukino be coming too?"
"I'll ask her later."
"Actually, Yui and I want to become friends with Yukino," Umiko said.
"I know," Yuuya replied.
"Can you help us?"
Yuuya paused.
"I can help—but is there a reward?"
"Yes," Umiko said, blushing.
Yuuya took her small hand in his.
"The reward I want, is it something like this?"
"You can take whatever reward you want," Umiko said softly.
On the rooftop.
Shiho Kasumigaoka sat on the storage room's roof, waiting. A few minutes later, she heard voices from the rooftop door.
"What did you do over the weekend, Umiko?"
"Saturday I went shopping with Hina, and I stayed home the rest of the weekend."
"I should have invited you then," Yuuya said.
"It's okay. You can invite me next time when you're free."
"Next time, I'll only invite you. Just the two of us—no Hina or Yui."
"Mm."
When Shiho heard Yui's name, she froze. If she remembered correctly, the girl from Friday was named Yui. According to Yuuya, Hina and Yui were Umiko's friends.
So… Yuuya was interacting with them at the same time?
Shiho thought to herself: What a scumbag.
"Actually, Umiko and I are already in a couple-like relationship," Yuuya suddenly said.
Shiho's mouth fell open. Was he laying his cards on the table?
"Yuuya, I won't interfere with you and Yui. I'll pretend I don't know," Umiko said earnestly.
Shiho looked stunned. What was going on?
"My relationship with Umiko—I'd say we're still like a couple," Yuuya continued.
"Can… can I also be your girlfriend?"
"Even though we broke up once, you're still my girlfriend in my heart."
"Yuuya…"
Shiho went silent, feeling overwhelmed. She had to admit—it was impressive, if morally questionable, how Yuuya handled things.
"Umiko Miura favor +50""Umiko Miura favor +50""Umiko Miura favor +50"
Yuuya noticed the virtual notifications but didn't pay them much attention. He looked at Umiko with gentle eyes.
She, now restored to "girlfriend status," looked grateful.
He held her hand and slowly leaned closer. Her face turned crimson, but she didn't resist. She closed her eyes instead.
When Yuuya's lips met hers:
"Umiko Miura favor +50""Umiko Miura favor +50""Umiko Miura favor +50"
She not only gave favor points but responded shyly, clumsily, yet endearingly.
A few minutes later, Yuuya lifted his head and looked at her flushed face.
"Today I made the bento myself. Do you want to swap bentos with me?"
"Really?"
"I want to taste yours too."
"My bento might not be very good…"
"Then I'll judge after I finish eating. And if it's bad, I'll kiss you again."
"…Okay."
Umiko handed over her bento.
They exchanged bentos. Yuuya opened hers. Simple—half rice, half vegetables and a fried egg.
He didn't hesitate and tasted it carefully.
"Umiko Miura favor +50""Umiko Miura favor +50""Umiko Miura favor +50"
After finishing, he sipped his drink. Umiko was nervous. After a while, he looked at her and said:
"Not bad… but I still want to kiss you."