Yukino's words were sharp and rciless, leaving the young man with dyed blond hair and an earring montarily stunned.
His two friends imdiately burst into laughter. "Told you, Ishiyama! You were dreaming if you thought you had a chance. She's got a boyfriend, man. Now look at you—completely humiliated."
Ishiyama's pride took a hit. Seeing Yukino's cold expression as she moved to leave, he quickly stepped in front of her, blocking her path.
Her voice dropped even further into an icy chill. "If you don't move, you're going to have a problem."
Ishiyama forced a casual laugh, trying to ignore the jeers of his friends. "What kind of problem? You gonna hit ? Just so you know, I don't go easy on girls. If you throw a punch, I'll hit back."
Yukino's patience had worn thin. She lifted a hand—but just as quickly, she lowered it again.
Because she saw sothing.
A figure was approaching rapidly from behind the young man.
"People who think they're clever usually don't realize how foolish they actually are," Yukino murmured, shaking her head.
"What the hell are you talking about?" Ishiyama frowned. He didn't quite understand her words, but one thing was clear—this unbelievably beautiful girl was insulting him.
Just as he reached out to grab her wrist, he felt a sudden weight on his shoulder.
Soone had just placed a hand on him.
Instinctively, the young man turned his head—only to co face to face with Haru.
"What do you want?"
"I want to f**k you up."
Haru said it in Chinese.
Before the words even settled in the air, Haru gripped the fabric of the guy's shirt and yanked him backward. A massive force spread instantly—his supposedly high-quality designer T-shirt tore apart, and in the next second, his entire body was lifted off the ground.
With a loud thud, he crashed onto the pavent, rolling twice before coming to a stop.
The whole scene had that exaggerated, poetic feel—like an old man getting bullied by village kids and casually yeeting one two miles away.
Haru glanced at Yukino , silently checking if she was alright. She shook her head, signaling she was fine.
From the ground, the blond youth groaned. Maybe it was because his friends were around, or maybe it was just sheer wounded pride, but he turned his anger into determination, spitting out, "I'll f**king kill you both!"
"You should probably try standing up first."
Haru took a step forward and drove a kick straight into the guy's stomach. He imdiately crumpled, clutching his abdon in pain, unable to get up again.
Then, Haru turned his gaze toward the two guys standing dumbstruck in the background. "If either of you wants to fight, now's your chance."
The two n in button-ups frantically shook their heads.
They weren't idiots. Haru's display of strength just now was downright terrifying—way beyond anything an untrained guy like them could handle.
Seeing that they had so common sense, Haru reached out and took Yukino's hand.
As they walked past the groaning blond, Haru chuckled. "Wanna give him a kick too?"
Yukino blinked, surprisingly tempted.
Haru coughed. "Never mind, never mind. Big Boss Yukino, kicking him would just dirty your shoes. If my mom found out, she'd totally bla for corrupting you."
Yukino's lips curled up slightly. She looked like she wanted to laugh but let him pull her along.
Truthfully, she wasn't the type to hold back if needed.
Haru grabbed her half-finished bottle of water, and together, they left the baseball center.
"Leaving already?"
There was amusent in Yukino's eyes.
Not curiosity—more like approval.
Haru grinned. "If we don't make a run for it now, what if he calls for backup?"
"You're lying, Haru."
Her smile deepened. It reminded her of when they were kids, filling her with a familiar sense of security.
"Alright, alright, fine. I'll tell the truth." Haru raised his hands in surrender. "Your mood's already ruined, so I figured you wouldn't be interested in playing anymore. Since we still have ti, how about I take you shopping?"
"This ti, you're being honest."
The streets were bustling with life that night, but since Yukino wasn't fond of crowds, Haru led her toward quieter shops.
She actually seed to be in the mood for browsing—while checking out shoes, she even picked out a couple of outfits for him.
Yukino had always had great taste. Plus, Haru's tall, well-built fra—maintained through years of training—made sure that every outfit looked good on him. Even the store clerk's complints sounded genuine.
Holding several shopping bags, Haru peeked inside one of them, looking thoughtful.
Yukino, who had just finished trying on shoes, noticed and walked over in mild confusion. "What are you looking at?"
"Seems like you forgot to buy sothing."
"What?"
"Stockings."
Lowering his voice, Haru smirked. "Didn't I, uh, rip the last two pairs you bought…?"
Before he could finish, Yukino's face turned bright red. She covered his mouth with her hand, glaring at him fiercely.
"No more ripping them next ti!"
Blushing furiously, she shot him one last warning glare before heading off to pick out new stockings.
—
That night, after an evening filled with food and shopping, Yukino took a quick shower—as expected from soone who couldn't stand feeling unclean.
When she walked into the living room, Haru was drying her hair. But then, she saw him sneaking into their room, clutching a notebook with a suspiciously secretive expression.
Her curiosity was imdiately piqued.
She had a feeling he was putting on an act.
But she still wanted to find out what he was up to.
So, when Haru ca back out, Yukino was already waiting by the door.
"What were you up to just now?"
"Oh, that? Just my diary."
"You… write a diary?"
"Wanna see? It's in the left drawer of the desk. You can read it if you want—we're that close, after all."
With that, Haru wandered off to play with their cat.
Yukino hesitated.
That 'he's totally acting' feeling was getting stronger.
But—
He did say "diary." And if her boyfriend had a diary and even invited her to read it…
There was no way she could resist.
Following her instincts, she stepped into the bedroom, pulled open the drawer, and sure enough, there it was—a black notebook.
She flipped it open.
The first line made her face heat up instantly.
[June 25: Yukino's legs are amazing.]
[June 27: Yukino's legs are amazing.]
[June 30: No, I must stay strong. From today onward, I'll resist temptation!]
[July 1: Yukino's legs are the best in the world.]
Wearing her nightgown, Yukino's chest rose and fell steadily. Even without makeup, her beauty was undeniable—but now, a delicate blush covered her cheeks.
Still, more than embarrassnt, she felt… irritation.
She suddenly recalled Haru's past words—"Normal people don't write diaries."
Looking at this, he was definitely not normal.
She had a gut feeling.
Turning around, she looked toward the door—
And sure enough, there he was.
Haru leaned against the doorfra, an orange cat in his arms, grinning like a man whose plan had worked perfectly.
"Finished reading?"
Expressionless, Yukino closed the notebook and slid it back into the drawer.
"Yes."
"And?"
"It matches your perverted nature perfectly."
"I prefer to think of it as an appreciation for beauty."
She raised an eyebrow, half-smiling. "Are you… complinting ?"
"What else? You, my dear Yukino, are the definition of beauty. Is there a single girl in the world whose legs are better than yours?" Haru declared righteously.
Yukino sighed, pressing a hand to her forehead. "So you're trying to joke your way out of my questioning, huh?"
"Questioning? Am I on trial?" Haru set the cat down and walked toward her.
The cat owed softly before scampering off into the living room.
Haru wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. The scent of her freshly washed hair filled his senses.
Yukino didn't resist, resting her head against his chest.
Then, she asked, "What exactly happened with Kasumigaoka?"
Haru didn't hide anything.
Even Utaha's confession—he told her everything.
Yukino, who had been with him for over ten years, was the last person he'd ever want to deceive.
"…She actually confessed?"
Yukino wasn't angry.
She wasn't jealous, either.
She was surprised.
After a few seconds, she murmured, "I see. She's more perceptive than I thought. She must've realized she couldn't win against and decided to at least tell you how she felt."
Haru breathed in her gentle fragrance, remaining silent.
"She's no longer insecure."
Yukino's voice was soft.
Haru smiled. "You've been analyzing this all along?"
"Observing," she corrected. "And drawing conclusions."
Yukino corrected him.
Then, as if talking to herself, she slowly continued, "She used to be insecure, but now she has co to terms with herself and has conveyed her feelings to you. There's no reason for her to be insecure anymore."
Haru recalled a line from The Long Season: "Look ahead, don't look back."
Yukino was taken aback, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "That's true. She must have already made up her mind."
Almost instinctively, she thought of what Utaha had said earlier:
"If I really fall, then that's my own doing."
Determination, courage… and stubbornness.
Yukino closed her eyes, her emotions growing complicated.
Such an honest upperclassman—ironically, it made it difficult for her to strike with the blade she had long been sharpening.
Once again, she found herself troubled by her own kindness.
Haru was right. I always hide my gentle side, but sotis, I just can't help letting it show.
She opened her eyes, her cheeks flushed, and lifted her chin slightly. "What are you waiting for?"
Haru responded with a straight face, "I'm waiting for you to put on stockings and charge up my combo ter."
Yukino: "..."
Overco with embarrassnt and frustration, she turned around, wrapped her arms around Haru's neck, and fiercely kissed him.
Another forceful ambush kiss!
Battle-Mode Yukino.
Then, she retreated at lightning speed.
While the two of them were enjoying a sweet Tanabata together, Utaha lay in bed, staring into space.
One mont, she was wondering what Haru was doing right now. The next, she was thinking about how to promote her new book—if the marketing wasn't strong enough, wouldn't all her hard work go to waste?
After a while, her gaze dropped to her own long, pale, and slender legs.
She had observed Haru carefully in the photography club.
Others might not have noticed, but she had seen it countless tis—he had a particular fondness for girls with beautiful legs.
Like Yukino's.
"My legs aren't bad either."
She picked up her phone and snapped a picture of her snow-white legs under her nightgown.
Just one photo, nothing more.
Then, she sat there, holding her phone, lost in thought.
anwhile
Kato gumi held her phone, searching for videos and news related to "Hooded Hero."
The more she read, the more convinced she beca that Haru wanted to be a hero of justice. Otherwise, why would he go out of his way to help others without expecting anything in return?
With the current online buzz and even the police speaking highly of him, she was certain that if Haru chose to reveal his identity, he could easily beco famous. The school would benefit too, attracting attention and opportunities.
Funding for the photography club? That wouldn't even be a concern anymore. In fact, as long as Haru asked, the school would likely grant any reasonable request.
"What's he doing on Tanabata, I wonder?"
Kato gumi glanced at the video playing on her screen, then turned her head.
Beside her sat a swirling-patterned mask—one she had bought on her way ho today.
Thanks to Haru, these masks, along with hooded sweatshirts, were selling like hotcakes.
After Tanabata, Haru's life returned to its usual rhythm.
Club activities, sparring with the karate club, grinding for experience at ho, teaming up with Yukino for online gas, and occasionally participating in photography shoots—everything was back to normal.
One notable change, however, was that Kasumigaoka Utaha seed to be working even harder than before.
Almost like one of those obsessive characters from TV dramas.
And yet, no matter how relentless she was, she excelled in every aspect—so much so that even Yukino couldn't find any faults.
Ti passed, and soon, sumr break began.
Yukino had decided that for the first three days of vacation, she wouldn't contact anyone from the photography club. After all, it was a rare break, and everyone deserved to relax.
She herself had no problem diving straight into work, but under Haru's insistence, she ended up spending the first three days having fun with him instead.
They visited the zoo, amusent park, and even a haunted house—hitting up every fun spot they could think of.
That afternoon, Yukino lounged on the sofa, lazily stroking a cat while scrolling through research materials on her phone.
Haru erged from the kitchen, carrying a plate of freshly sliced apples. "Back to work already?"
"I took three days off. It's ti to get serious again."
She sounded calm and composed.
"Want to feed you?"
Haru picked up a piece of apple with a toothpick.
Yukino shot him a knowing look and smiled. "I can eat by mys—mmph."
Before she could finish, Haru stuffed the apple into her mouth.
Chewing on the crisp, sweet fruit, she glanced at him with rare annoyance in her gaze.
Haru, pretending not to notice, casually asked, "Isn't the next scene supposed to be fild in a classroom?"
"Yeah, we need extras. I'm trying to figure that out." Yukino nodded.
"Leave it to . I'll handle the location too."
An idea imdiately ford in Haru's mind.
Seeing the curiosity and excitent in Yukino's eyes, he pulled out his phone and called Furukawa and the others.
"What? You want us to be extras? And you're providing food, snacks, and drinks? No problem, we're in!"
After hanging up, he contacted a few more classmates.
Since he had helped a lot of them with their studies before, and now he was offering free food and drinks, it only took ten minutes to gather all the extras they needed.
"Impressed?"
Haru grinned, expecting praise.
Yukino, sincere as ever, nodded. "Very impressive."
Her eyes sparkled with anticipation. "As for the filming location, are you planning to ask the principal?"
"Yep."
Hearing this, Yukino relaxed.
Given how much the principal admired Haru, borrowing a classroom for a short film shoot wouldn't be an issue at all.
And sure enough, when Haru reached out, the principal readily agreed.
Before hanging up, though, the old man added, "If you're free during the break, co have a go at on the chessboard."
Naturally, Haru agreed.
A casual beatdown? Once in a while, that could be fun.
"By the way, do you have soone in mind for the teacher role in the script?"
Since Yukino seed so invested, Haru decided to discuss it further.
"You're thinking of recomnding Hiratsuka-sensei, aren't you?"
Yukino guessed his thoughts instantly, pausing in her petting of the cat.
"Yeah, she's a good person. If we ask, she'll definitely agree."
"Let's not. She's too close to my sister. If she gets involved, and my sister catches wind of it, she'll probably show up and interfere with the shoot."
"…Good point."
Thinking of Haruno's unpredictable and mischievous nature, Haru felt a headache coming on.
After pondering for a mont but failing to think of a better candidate, he asked, "Then who do you have in mind?"
"I can do it myself." Yukino had clearly already made up her mind.
"You? Hold on…"
Haru's imagination kicked into overdrive.
Yukino in a professional suit, her waist swaying slightly as she walked…
Damn.
That was an experience he hadn't unlocked yet.
And one he absolutely needed to.
Lost in thought, he didn't notice Yukino's curious gaze.
Then, shaking off his daydreams, he boldly asked, "You'd make a great teacher, no doubt. But do you have the outfit ready?"
"I prepared it already."
"Oh? Then how about trying it on for ? I'm a professional, you know. I might even have so pointers for you."
"You want to see? Well, I don't mind."
Yukino glanced at him, seemingly a little puzzled, but eventually put the cat down and walked to her room.
Under Haru's expectant gaze, she returned two minutes later.
And he froze.
Because Yukino wasn't wearing the sleek, alluring business suit he had imagined.
Not even a skirt suit.
She had put on a proper, formal, and downright conservative won's business suit.
A pantsuit, no less.
Seeing his dumbfounded expression, Yukino chuckled. "Disappointed because I didn't wear a skirt?"
She had already guessed what he was thinking when she went to change.
And now, seeing his reaction, she couldn't help but laugh.
"…A little bit, yeah."
Haru admitted honestly, before suddenly standing up.
His gaze trailed down from her tailored suit pants to the way her fitted blazer emphasized her slender waist.
Higher up, past her modest chest, to her graceful, swan-like neck.
"…What are you thinking?"
Yukino's expression turned wary. His gaze was setting off alarm bells.
Haru studied her for another mont before sighing dramatically.
"Damn it. You're even cooler than ."
I knew it.
Yukino resisted the urge to scold him.
But then, Haru stepped closer and wrapped an arm around her waist.
Her cheeks ward slightly, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she asked, sowhat awkwardly, "What?"
Haru smirked.
"Bro."
"…Bro?"
Yukino gave him a strange look, recalling that he had called her that before.
This ti, however, he held her close and added,
"Bro, you sll amazing."
"…???"
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