Yuu 601-605

Title: The Change After Meeting You, Only Matters If You’re By My Side

Because Sora held the key, she didn’t want to hand over the symbol of authority to open her older brother’s room to anyone else.

So when Asuna suggested, “Let’s try logging into the game using the three full-dive devices we have right now.” she promptly stood up, unlocked the room again, and retrieved a motorcycle helmet that looked like it hadn’t been used in ages, along with its various cables. She then watched as they began moving with keen interest.

“The NerveGear needs to be connected to the network cable and a power outlet. Yukino-san, do you know how to use this? The outlet is closer to your side—could you help?”

“I’ll give it a try... Hmm, which port do I plug this into?”

“That’s the network cable—plug it into the second port from the left. The power cable is this one... Oh, Sora-chan, can you help put this AmuSphere on Tenkuji-kun’s head? I want to see if he can log in like this...”

“I’m impressed you thought of this method... Alright. Even though I’ve never touched this machine before, I know how to operate it.”

“Oh? Sora-chan is really reliable. Let’s play games together sometime~”

“Ah, playing games is fine... Wait, don’t try to get so familiar with me!”

“Hehehe~ Caught me?”

For the time being, there was nothing Masuzu could do, so she crossed her arms and watched coldly as Asuna directed the others—unintentionally taking control of the room and easily becoming the center of attention.

After all, the idea of using game helmets as a gateway to cross the line between reality was hers. Only Asuna could gather enough helmets for everyone to use and know how to operate them. Masuzu had actually anticipated a situation like this.

If this method failed, someone else with a new idea would naturally take over and lead the effort. Those without a voice—like Masuzu herself—only needed to obey.

She didn’t feel left out or resentful. Besides, she’d already been through far more uncomfortable feelings, and she was mentally prepared to be in the minority... She just wanted to know how someone else was feeling right now.

“How are you feeling? Like you’ve been pushed aside?”

Unable to resist the urge to provoke, Masuzu quietly approached Haruno and whispered with a smile.

Though her tone was friendly and attentive, her eyes looked delighted at the thought of someone else’s misfortune. The corner of her mouth hinted at the malice of someone who would mock those who fell from a high place—even if she herself was already lying on the ground.

“Or, since you consider yourself the number one girlfriend, are you still calm in this situation, not caring at all about the danger of your position as the ‘legitimate wife’ being stolen?”

Even if only for a moment, Masuzu wanted to see this always calm and composed college student show an expression of resentment and anxiety.

“You really have too much free time...” Haruno only sighed in helplessness. She didn’t even bother to look at Masuzu. Slouching lazily against the sofa, her eyes were slightly narrowed as if she was thinking about something else—something more important.

“Do you think I’m like a character in a Chinese historical drama or a Taiga drama, using every trick to win a spot in a harem and stand above young wives like you?”

Masuzu stared at her unchanged profile and scoffed lightly. “Not that far. I just thought you’d be a little bothered.”

“Overthinking. If I had to get bothered by something like this, my brain cells would be exhausted from dealing with you all, wouldn’t they?”

Haruno rolled her eyes widely, looking disgusted. “How could someone as narrow-minded and unenlightened as you be liked by Yuu-chan? It’s truly confusing... And I take back what I said earlier about the current Yukino-chan being no match for you.”

“If you always think about things like this, at best you’ll just be a girlfriend he’ll leave sooner or later. Who’d care about you—oh, wait.”

Haruno suddenly remembered something. Her cold, impatient tone shifted in an instant. She turned her head with a smile and said to Masuzu:

“I am very bothered by the fact that you’re also written in the same notebook as me!”

Her implication was clear: You don’t even deserve to have your name on the same piece of paper as me. If you could, just leave already.

“Tch...”

(I got countered, huh.)

(This girl is really impossible to figure out.)

Masuzu clicked her tongue quietly. Yet her composure remained unshaken. As if she hadn’t heard those harsh words, she continued without hesitation: “Your passion’s been stolen by a new girlfriend who suddenly appeared. Don’t you have even the slightest desire to take back control of the situation?”

“No. Are you satisfied now?”

Too lazy to waste words on her, Haruno’s voice dropped straight to zero degrees. There was no expression on her face as she spoke casually: “The most important thing right now is for Yuu-chan to wake up. For that, I can forgive you—you who are provoking me for no reason—and even Asuna, who clearly isn’t thinking that deeply.”

She glanced at Masuzu. Her red eyes glinted with a sharp, cold light.

“I don’t know how much you’ve imagined me as some twisted person, but please remember: my goal is to be the one Yuu-chan loves the most, and to monopolize him as much as possible under that premise—I only play these little intrigue games with you occasionally. Don’t think I’m as childish as you are.”

“Got it. Is this what they call the ‘magnanimity of an adult’? I was meddling too much.”

Sensing the other person was almost seriously angry, Masuzu wisely took a step back. She ended the topic while keeping her distance.

Her withdrawn gaze landed gently on the floor. The bright silver-haired girl pursed her lips in thought.

It was a shame she hadn’t achieved her goal of provoking Haruno, but after talking so much, she hadn’t come away empty-handed—at the very least, she knew what Haruno was thinking now, and could respond better in the future.

In a situation where her position and abilities were inferior, Masuzu could only play these unnecessary mind games to ensure she didn’t lose her place in the future.

She was an insecure, troublesome girl—one who was also extremely suspicious.

...But since when had she grown used to sacrificing so many stupid things called “love” and “a place to belong”?

Since when had she become such an annoying person—like a villain?

Masuzu froze for a moment. Without realizing it, her gaze shifted to Yuu, who was sleeping soundly. There was a jumble of feelings in her heart—like when a boy accidentally pinches your skin while zipping up a jacket: annoying, and a little painful.

(It’s all because of you, Yuu...)

(Because of you, I’ve become someone I’m not... The me who fell in love with you and the real me are completely different people.)

(So hurry up and wake up.)

Masuzu prayed from the bottom of her heart.

(If you’re not by my side, then what’s the point of all these changes I’ve made?)

-

Title: Who Was Actually Left Behind?

After spending about ten minutes, Asuna finally finished setting up the machines and was ready to log into the game.

Though they tried putting the AmuSphere on Yuu’s head, risking the chance that he might automatically log into Sword Art Online while comatose—unfortunately, the green light indicating a successful connection never turned on. In the end, they could only remove the blindfold-like device from him, switch it to guest login mode, and hand it to someone else.

“There are three machines, so including me using the special unit, the three of us can log into the game at the same time.”

Since they were all using guest accounts, they could skip the time-consuming character customization step.

After explaining various things to note for the new players who had no full-dive experience, Asuna paused for a moment, then added: “If nothing happens, please log out 30 seconds after entering. And if something does happen—like the log-out button disappears, or you pass through some kind of gate and enter Yuu-kun’s dream trial and can’t get out...”

Her voice was soft and polite, but the way she led was quick, firm, and orderly—like a knight commander preparing to fight monsters.

“Please wait where you are. We’ll decide on the next steps after the others get new login devices—the situation is still unclear, so it’s safer to stay together.”

The pre-action briefing ended there. Asuna looked around and asked to confirm:

“No problems, everyone?”

“No problem.” Yukino was the first to reply. She had been one of the winners in the earlier “suit debate.” Holding the helmet-shaped NerveGear, her face showed unhesitating resolve. “If something goes wrong halfway, Sora-chan, I leave it to you to handle the aftermath.”

Using the phrase “handle the aftermath” sounded a bit grim. But to prevent them from staying unconscious with Yuu for too long, they had just discussed a plan for how those left outside should react if they failed completely.

“Leave it to me. After all, you’re all making this sacrifice for Yuu...”

Sora looked at her seriously for the first time. Though her demeanor was still distant, she unconsciously bit her lip—there was an indescribable complexity in her eyes, and she spoke with a hint of hesitation:

“But... aren’t you scared that your consciousness might never be able to come back in the end...?”

“Of course I’m scared! I can’t bear to leave my family and friends in this world. Moving to another world? Forget it.”

Haruno replied casually, adjusting the dark blue special unit that had been set to guest mode. Then, as if remembering a precious memory, she couldn’t help but smile and laugh from the bottom of her heart.

“But at the same time, when Yuu-chan traveled 131 kilometers to find me, wasn’t he also not scared of a Shinkansen accident? The risk of an accident was fifty-fifty. If he could do that for me, I can do anything for him.”

Her reason was that simple.

That overly casual, nonchalant look left Sora momentarily stunned. After that, she averted her gaze and muttered with a pout:

“Just like Yuu—he only knows how to say things that sound nice...”

“I’m different from Nee-san. Even though I can’t find a good enough reason to sacrifice my life for him, still...”

Her voice trailed off. Yukino lowered her eyes, her fingers slowly tightening around the helmet.

Feeling the warmth from the snowflake pendant on her chest, she remembered Yuu’s reckless yet loving expression when he confessed his feelings that morning.

Gradually, the last of her anxiety compressed into unshakable resolve. It gave her the courage to meet everyone’s gaze and say firmly:

“No matter how big the risk is, getting that irresponsible, flirty boyfriend of mine who disappears whenever he wants to come back and take responsibility—that’s what I need to do right now!”

After finishing, her face flushed slightly with embarrassment, and she let out a fake serious sigh.

“Honestly, making sure of your resolve now is just overkill... Besides, I already know full well Yuu’s skill at charming girls.”

Sora waved her hand in annoyance. She ignored Masuzu, who was about to speak, and urged with a pouting face: “We’re not even sure if this is the ‘gateway’ the notebook mentioned. Wouldn’t it be embarrassing if we fail? Just try it first.”

“Alright, then shall we start?”

Asuna looked at Yukinoshita’s sister, and after confirming both of them were ready, she put on the blindfold-shaped AmuSphere and gave the order:

“Ready?”

“Wait a second... Ready.”

“Oh? This is quite comfortable to wear. I’ll ask Kouichirou to send me one later.”

Asuna sighed in helplessness: “Please talk about that later... Let’s log in together after the countdown.”

“Three, two, one—LINK START!”

Along with the loud cry that rang out, the three women simultaneously spoke the keyword to launch the program.

Then the machines emitted a nearly inaudible operating sound. As the green lights flashed frantically, those sitting on the sofa gradually relaxed their bodies. Their consciousness followed the flow of data and moved to another world—one that was fake yet real.

Sora, Masuzu, and Utaha, who remained in the real world, counted the seconds in their hearts while watching the sleeping figures nervously.

Utaha even leaned down occasionally to check the notebook, making sure if its contents had changed in that moment.

But after this heavy, solemn atmosphere lasted for thirty seconds...

First, their fingertips moved slightly. Then, all three lifted their hands and removed the machines from their heads in almost synchronized movements. They only stared at each other without saying a word.

“How was it?” Masuzu broke the frozen silence first, frowning slightly.

Even though they had logged out on time, their strange expressions—and Utaha’s disappointed look as she checked the notebook—made it clear the situation was probably not very optimistic.

But maybe they had encountered an unexpected development, and since they couldn’t decide yet, they wanted to return to the real world to plan their next steps...

“It failed.”

Before Masuzu could guess more possibilities, Asuna shook her head. The obvious disappointment on her face denied any other chance.

She sighed and said, “We couldn’t even get into the game. We were in a maintenance room for thirty seconds, then forced to log out.”

Masuzu’s voice grew a little dull: “You mean... GAME OVER?”

Haruno didn’t seem too concerned. Her mind remained calm as she analyzed the current situation, and she said flatly: “This is just the beginning. If one method doesn’t work, we try the next. Let’s think if there are any other clues in the notebook we can dig up.”

“Wait.”

At that moment, Yukino suddenly spoke up: “Even though there’s no basis... but I feel like something’s wrong...”

She stared at the mechanical helmet in her hand, her brows furrowed in a look she couldn’t shake off.

“You just said there’s no basis...”

Haruno still wanted to say something to her sister, but she saw Asuna turn around in surprise—as if she had found someone who shared her thoughts. Asuna called out to Yukino: “Me too... Now that I think about it, there are a few things that are really strange!”

(Then why didn’t you say it earlier?)

Twitching the corner of her mouth slightly, Haruno slumped onto the sofa and said helplessly: “We’re listening. We’re not as familiar with these machines and games as you are.”

“Alright, first is the maintenance room.”

Asuna didn’t waste time and immediately began explaining the doubts in her mind.

“I don’t know if this is a feature added recently, but before, no matter if it was scheduled or emergency maintenance, it usually just stopped time in the game and then forced players to log out... Back then, you couldn’t even log in with an account, let alone there being something called a ‘maintenance room.’”

Yukino’s eyes widened as if she realized something, and she quickly continued: “The fact that we were forced to log out after thirty seconds is also very strange. There was clearly nothing in that room—why not just let us log out right away? Why wait those thirty seconds? It’s useless.”

A speculation suddenly popped into her mind. She swallowed instinctively. Her eyes trembled slightly, and her voice unconsciously became more cautious.

“It’s like someone already knew we had agreed to log out after thirty seconds, and deliberately designed it...”

She didn’t finish her sentence, but everyone in the room understood what she meant—everything was not a coincidence, but intentionally arranged by someone.

But such a truth was too terrifying—like being in the Amazon rainforest surrounded by venomous snakes, making people shiver.

As a result, no one spoke at that moment. They only furrowed their brows, trying hard to hold back their minds from starting to suspect everything, and stabilizing their tense spirits like a drawn bowstring.

After an unknown amount of time, Asuna let out a silent sigh, suddenly stretched her body, and gave everyone a bitter smile.

“Nothing’s certain yet—better not think too much about it... Well, to make sure everyone gets the same result, Kasumigaoka-senpai and Masuzu-san should try logging in too, right? If Sora-chan wants, you can use my special unit here.”

“No need.”

Sora shook her head. To pass the time, her fingers had already been busy braiding a small knot in Yuu’s short hair.

“My name isn’t in the notebook. This attempt will probably be useless. I’ll stay here and watch over Yuu in the real world.”

“I understand. Then the two of you...” Asuna turned her questioning gaze to the two people who hadn’t logged in yet.

Masuzu didn’t hesitate. She took the helmet from Yukino’s hand and said casually, without any burden: “Don’t give up so quickly. Maybe a miracle will happen~”

“Enough. Nothing’s changed in the notebook, so it seems there’s no hope.”

Utaha shrugged hopelessly. She took the blindfold-like device from Haruno’s hand, put it on her head a little awkwardly, then adjusted her sitting position on the sofa to get comfortable.

After all, it was just an experiment. She didn’t wait for Masuzu to finish putting on the more complicated helmet. After confirming the liquid crystal screen in front of her displayed the words “Ready to Activate.” she immediately imitated the others and shouted:

“LINK START!”

As soon as the command was spoken, a brilliant beam of light suddenly lit up in front of her eyes. From 2D to 3D, from 3D to full holographic virtual reality, it finally transformed into an overwhelming wave of colors that completely engulfed her consciousness.

Masuzu, who was left behind, was too lazy to complain. She put on the NerveGear a few seconds later and followed the cry to log into the game.

Thirty seconds later, she took off the helmet with a bored look and placed it on the table.

“What kind of boring game traps people for thirty seconds like this? If it were sold, it’d definitely get all one-star reviews... Wait? What’s wrong with all of you?”

Before she could finish speaking, she looked up—only to find that the faces of the people around her were gradually changing, showing subtle, complex expressions that were hard to understand.

Tilting her head in confusion, Masuzu followed their gazes and looked at the sofa beside her.

And after understanding the current situation in her mind, she also unconsciously opened her small pink mouth slightly and stood frozen with a shocked expression.

“This... why...”

At the same time, Asuna’s increasingly hoarse voice echoed unanswered in the completely silent living room.

“Kasumigaoka-senpai... didn’t log out?”

-

Title: Utaha’s Magical Journey

Not knowing what was happening outside, Utaha kept thinking about the notebook’s contents as she waited for that isolation-like maintenance room to appear.

According to Asuna, after the connection started, a guest account login prompt would pop up. Then her consciousness would move through a white channel like a data stream, and her vision would brighten.

Once her feet touched the ground and she could see her surroundings, it would mean she had arrived in the game’s virtual world.

But even though the situation had changed, what awaited her ahead was no longer the virtual reality game called Sword Art Online—it was a so-called “pitch-black dark room” that could make someone with claustrophobia faint on the spot.

But that didn’t matter to Utaha—after all, she’d be logging out in thirty seconds. A short, quick experience like that would basically go unnoticed if she just closed her eyes.

And for her right now, the only thing that mattered was how to continue the series of missions given by the notebook.

“We went through all that trouble to find the key, but it seems we’re not allowed to enter...”

Furrowing her brow as she thought about the problem they’d faced before logging in, Utaha paused for a moment in the data stream of light. Suddenly, a flash of insight crossed her mind. She couldn’t help but widen her eyes slightly and murmur with sudden clarity: “Or... maybe we already found the gateway—we just didn’t use the right key to open it, so we got rejected?”

It was very possible!

The idea of using full-dive devices as a gateway to cross the line between reality was highly credible. Besides, they couldn’t think of any other options to try. So why not see this through to the end—first, confirm that this is the Gateway for the trial intervention, then figure out if their way of opening it was wrong, overlooking other more important details.

The more she thought about it, the more she felt she was on the right track. The corner of Utaha’s mouth lifted. She held back her excitement after this realization and waited eagerly for her consciousness to stop in the channel, entering that empty maintenance room.

Then she’d be trapped there for thirty seconds. After being kicked back to reality, she’d immediately tell them her discovery!

“Hmph, in the end, I’m the reliable one...”

She shook her head helplessly, talking to herself in the virtual space where no one else existed—just to pass the time.

As the notebook’s keeper, Utaha was naturally more concerned about this matter than the others, and more than anyone else, she wanted to wake Yuu up soon.

The longer this problem dragged on, the stronger the bad feeling in her heart grew—it was like thinking she’d finally stepped onto the stairs to heaven, and a happy life would greet her ahead. But when she turned around, she found heaven was on the left, hell on the right, and she’d long since fallen into the swamp on the right, drifting further and further from heaven.

She wouldn’t let something like that happen! She had to avoid such a future by any means necessary!

“Tch... If this keeps up, will even I have my memories erased by some god or other?”

Even though she was in the virtual space where she couldn’t feel her body, Utaha mimed biting her thumb, thinking with a hint of annoyance.

“Then I’ll be charmed by a guy like a light novel protagonist without realizing it. Just when I’ve truly fallen in love with him, my current memories will return. But my body and mind will already be completely captivated by him, and in the end, I’ll just be like those two—fighting and jealous over one man, showing my worst self...”

A novelist’s imagination was no joke.

With just a small starting point, she could already envision the plot for the next several volumes—and all of it would be heart-wrenching. Even though the details were a bit different, she’d read enough cliché romance stories about falling in love and then realizing the other person was an enemy since she was little, so she had no interest in it at all.

Thinking that she might become the heroine in such a story, Utaha couldn’t help but shiver, rejecting and hating the idea from the bottom of her heart.

“Thank goodness this mission isn’t a dead end... Making this much progress in less than an hour should be fast enough, right?”

She was grateful, and thought optimistically: “Once I log out and give them this clue, with their smart heads, they’ll definitely find a way to solve the problem right away. Then we’ll wrap this up smoothly... Maybe we can finish before dinner!”

Being optimistic was just like that. As for being pessimistic... forget it—Utaha had no interest in ruining her own mood.

But—

“It’s been more than thirty seconds, hasn’t it? Why haven’t I reached that maintenance room yet?”

Asuna had clearly said the login time wouldn’t be too long. Could there be network latency?

Frowning slightly, Utaha set aside her other thoughts for a moment and carefully observed her current location.

It wasn’t the pitch-black maintenance room, nor was it the beautiful virtual game world. It was a white stream of light that seemed to keep flowing forward, carrying her digitized body toward an invisible distance.

Was she still in the login state? Then what was this? Don’t tell her there’s another accident...

The anxiety in her heart grew little by little. Utaha instinctively lowered her head and lifted her hands. Not only could she not see her body—even the sensation of moving felt like an illusion, like in a dream. She was just floating in the air like a ghost, and only her vision worked.

Time felt like it was passing slowly. The current situation continued without a hitch—as if, like the stream of light beneath her feet, there was no end to it, forever.

Never mind thirty seconds—Utaha felt like thirty minutes had passed, but she was still floating here, like a pig being taken to the slaughterhouse.

No matter how she reassured herself, no matter how she tried to calm down, to stay composed and analyze the current situation rationally...

In such a desperate situation, where she was isolated and couldn’t save herself, she finally started to panic.

“Don’t joke with me—am I going to be trapped here forever?!”

Where was the force log-out button?

Where was her safety protection?

How long has it been since thirty seconds passed—why haven’t the people outside realized something’s wrong?!

...Uh, wait.

Thinking of this key point, Utaha couldn’t help but purse her lips in frustration. Her eyes were filled with despair—if she could have a mirror right now and see her face, she’d bet her expression was worse than when she missed a deadline but hadn’t finished her manuscript yet.

If you can’t return, please wait where you are and wait for the others to get new login devices before making a plan.

Asuna had said something like that before leaving.

Which meant that even if she was trapped here and hadn’t woken up after thirty seconds, the people outside wouldn’t think she was in danger. Instead, they’d rekindle their hope of finding the gateway.

Forget forcing the machine off to save her—the best-case scenario was that after they got new login devices, they’d join her in floating like ghosts. At least there’d be someone by her side, so she wouldn’t go crazy from loneliness.

The worst-case scenario was that only she was experiencing this. They’d mistakenly think Utaha had entered Yuu’s trial, and carefully send her body to the hospital for maintenance infusions, hoping she’d wake up with Yuu...

In short, until Yuu woke up and they realized something was wrong, Utaha would have to keep floating in this empty, terrifying space!

But if there was no one to complete the notebook’s mission, and Yuu stayed asleep...

“Falling, falling into an abyss... Will the future never again refer to the present?!”

“What is this?!”

“I’ve finished all the previous missions—why does this have to happen to me? I protest!”

Utaha wanted to shout, but of course she couldn’t hear her own voice.

As if sensing her panic and despair, the white stream of light beneath her feet suddenly surged. A bright light suddenly lit up from the end.

Then, as if everything started to accelerate and synchronize, her surroundings suddenly blurred. The wide channel shrank into a straight line. The next moment, that distant-looking light at the end crashed into her at a shocking speed!

“Wa—!”

Before she could recover from the sudden change, Utaha only had time to close her eyes. Then, surrounded by bright light, she completely lost consciousness.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

For Yuu.

This trial world, which had initially been unfamiliar, had gradually transformed into a world he knew.

It wasn’t like playing Earth Online, nor was it a real-life version of a romance game—it was another real world. The people living here weren’t data-controlled NPCs, but ordinary humans he had to treat carefully, just like himself.

Living joys and sorrows, sometimes illogical funny dialogues, intertwined and complex emotions, and the warmth of skin that seemed to reach the heart...

Even though he knew in his heart that after the trial ended, all of this would return to the starting point, he still unconsciously poured his emotions into the things around him, cherishing every moment he experienced in this third life.

Thankfully, the Sora in this world wasn’t the younger sister he’d sworn to protect until the end of the world—for whom he’d be willing to do anything. Even though Yuu loved her very much too, the line between reality and fiction could never be erased in the end.

Yuu knew he would leave this place sooner or later.

To go back and see his real younger sister, he wouldn’t mix this world with reality. When the time came to leave, he wouldn’t have any regrets at all.

As long as there was someone waiting for him outside, he wouldn’t stop moving forward.

“But is it really only Sora waiting for me to wake up in the real world...?”

For some reason, Yuu had been thinking about questions like this more and more lately.

DING-DONG!

Inside Angel Coffee.

The air conditioner hummed quietly. Stable, peaceful cool air seeped into every corner of the café. A soothing coffee aroma floated everywhere. Elegant classical music seemed to slow down the passage of time.

Yuu pushed open the door. The clear bell sound caught the attention of several customers—like small fish in a pond startled by raindrops—but they soon turned back to their own business.

A greeting from a waiter followed.

“Welcome—ah, it’s you.”

A blonde girl leaning on a mop and idly swishing it across the floor lifted her eyes slightly. After confirming the person entering was a friend, not a customer, she lazily shook her head again and continued to wander around like a sleepwalker—under the pretense of mopping the floor.

“Close the door quickly. All the AC is leaking out.”

Yuu rolled his eyes helplessly. After closing the glass door, he complained to this junior coworker: “Are you here to work, or to enjoy free AC, Gabriel?”

“Shut up. The two aren’t mutually exclusive.” The small, cute blonde girl—who exuded a lazy aura—replied weakly, “I want to enjoy free AC and get paid while standing. Is that not allowed?”

“It is, but are you actually earning money this way?” Yuu pointed to himself, then to a table, gesturing, “One customer. Hurry up and show me to a seat.”

“You? A customer?”

Spinning around while holding the mop handle, Gabriel narrowed her eyes and gave a very annoying sneering smile: “Hiahiahia~ Don’t make me laugh to death. If you want me, this young lady, to treat you—this demon senior—like a customer, first bring a paid item worth 100,000 yen as an offering~”

Yuu was too lazy to care. He called out to the mustached man behind the counter: “Manager! Even though I’ve resigned, I still have the right to suggest salary adjustments for certain employees, right?”

“Shut upppp!”

Before Yuu could finish speaking, the blonde girl in the waiter’s uniform charged at him like a hungry tiger. Her pretty face was now twisted into a terrifying, demonic expression. She waved her hand threateningly, and the mop handle in her hand—intentionally or not—tried to stuff itself into his mouth.

“That’s my monthly gacha budget... Wait, how dare you threaten this sad, pure, kind-hearted pretty girl with money! Aren’t you scared of being cast into hell by an angel?!”

“Where’s your self-respect? It’s a miracle you can say things like that without blushing.”

Yuu tilted his head to dodge, and at the same time patted her head, mocking from above: “Also, this isn’t how a junior should act toward a senior. Don’t think you can ignore workplace rules just because you’re an international student. Even if I’ve resigned, it’s still the same. If you’re brave enough, find another job?”

“Gurununu... Damned human...” Having failed to attack, Gabriel quickly deflated like a completely burnt-out log, rolling her eyes and letting herself be held back.

“Fine, forget it. Circumstances force me. I’m too lazy to argue with you... One customer? Please follow me~”

Her voice was flat and emotionless as Gabriel White Tenma—her full name—turned around and walked toward a table. At the same time, her small hand spun the mop, and she muttered in annoyance: “Damned workplace rules, damned Japanese national customs... If this happens again, watch me blow my trumpet and turn everything back to the start...”

“Don’t just keep blaming fate and other people. If you act nicely and work seriously, I wouldn’t be this harsh on you.” Yuu sighed, found the nearest seat, and ordered without looking at the menu: “The usual.”

“Okay.” It seemed she didn’t listen at all. Gabriel prepared to leave with no expression on her face.

Yuu suddenly said: “Call me Onii-chan, and I’ll treat you to a full afternoon tea set.”

The girl immediately turned around, smiled brightly, and said in a sweet voice: “Onii-chan, is there anything else I can help you with?”

“Hah, this is the right attitude!” Yuu nodded in satisfaction, then waved his hand to shoo her away: “Put it on my bill. If it costs more than one yen, I’ll cut your salary twice over.”

Gabriel sniffed in disgust, gave him a cold, contemptuous look, and said emotionlessly: “Siscon, pedophile, epic-level pervert.”

Then she pouted, turned around, and walked toward the mustached boss behind the counter.

“Truly rude...”

Yuu shook his head, too lazy to pay attention to this junior coworker with such a unique personality.

Since Iroha had quit her job at the café to focus on student council work, the shop had once again faced a staff shortage crisis.

Gabriel had come to apply at that time. Even though she had no motivation, was not very bright, moved slowly, and wasn’t smart, the Manager still hired her as a waiter—because she was a young international student trying to support herself in a foreign country.

Back then, Yuu had come as a friend to help the Manager, and had taught her various things.

-

Title: Why Is Senpai Here!

“Here’s your usual order. And...”

Before long, the blonde girl brought a tray and placed a cup of black coffee and a plate of smoked chicken sandwich on the table in front of him.

Then she sat down across from him as naturally as could be. Her eyes lit up at the leftover red tea and cake on the tray, and she couldn’t wait to pick up a spoon.

“This is my afternoon tea set! Ahh, it’s been so long since I’ve had this~ The Manager’s homemade cake.”

Mmm~ Delicious!

Watching her casually scoop up a spoonful of cake, put it in her mouth, and chew with a happy expression while cupping her cheek, Yuu’s hand holding the coffee cup froze in mid-air. His eyes gradually narrowed into a dangerous slit.

(Damn it, my fingers are itching.)

(I want to give her a hard forehead flick until it pops.)

Even though this was a belated backstory, when training new employees, Yuu would unconsciously enter a state called “possessed by a demon.” They said his eyes would glow with inhuman red light, like a robot that had lost its mind—this was also why Gabriel called him “demon senior.”

In this mode, he showed no mercy to pretty women. As long as it was to train new juniors, whether it was legal physical punishment, polite yet cold and cruel words, or a carrot-and-stick reward-and-punishment routine... he didn’t hesitate to turn it into a whip in his hand, lashing them until they met his set standards.

Thinking back, Iroha had also gone through such a tough time...

Lost in memory, Yuu took a sip of coffee. The coldness in his eyes softened little by little, and his long memory unfolded.

Even though she seemed lazy, carefree, fond of acting cute, and unwilling to try, Iroha always hid an ambition to do her best at the things that were her responsibility—as if she didn’t want to be looked down on by others.

On top of that, she understood social etiquette and had a smart, obedient personality. She could not only gracefully ask for guidance on things she didn’t understand, but also skillfully use her greatest strength—her cuteness—to deal with customers and superiors comfortably.

So in the end, after Yuu resigned, she also successfully took the position of the shop’s best employee.

(...Ah, I really taught her well.)

Yuu couldn’t help but pat himself on the shoulder with a touching feeling: “You deserve it, Tenkuji-senpai.”

“Did you hit your head somewhere?” Gabriel grumbled as she ate her cake.

Of course, there were also many new employees who ran away because of Yuu’s training methods, or who accidentally fell in love with him during training and left sadly after their confessions were rejected...

But only this stubborn girl in front of him was an exception—staying at the shop but still not successfully trained by him.

Yuu set down his coffee cup and stared sharply at the blonde girl across from him.

“Did the Manager say you could take a break?”

“Can I skip work then?”

“If that’s the case, eat quickly. The floor isn’t finished mopping, the windows aren’t cleaned, and even the dirty dishes have to be washed by the Manager. How can you have the heart to sit here and enjoy cake so casually?”

“Because the Manager told me to rest first~ Enjoy life while you can. People like you will go bald sooner or later.” After finishing her cake, Gabriel sipped her red tea casually. Her narrowed eyes didn’t even look at him. “Since you’re a customer, don’t point fingers at how this shop’s employees take breaks. You really don’t understand social etiquette.”

Yuu frowned: “Is that so? Then you pay for this food yourself. Later I’ll talk to the Manager about the employee training issue.”

“Ah, ah~ Don’t get so angry, siscon-senpai.” Calmly, Gabriel exhaled a breath scented with red tea. Suddenly she grinned maliciously and said to him, “How about this? I’ll grant you an angel’s blessing once, and we’ll call today’s problem even. What do you say?”

“An angel’s blessing?” Yuu was startled for a moment, then picked up his phone, pretending to call the police. “Are you a religious fraud? I wonder if I’d get money if I report you...”

“Tch, suit yourself if you don’t believe me.”

Rolling her eyes at him, Gabriel picked up the empty afternoon tea tray and walked toward the counter.

“—I’ll forgive you this time. Don’t do it again.”

Hearing his voice from behind, the blonde girl paused for a moment, and seemed to let out a small laugh as she lowered her head.

“Hmph, an angel’s blessing isn’t something just anyone can get. You should appreciate it.”

Yuu suddenly realized and clapped his hands with a laugh: “I get it. You’re not a religious fraud—you’re a chuunibyou.”

Gabriel also burst out laughing: “Hahaha, you’d better go to hell soon, you damned siscon-senpai!”

The exchange between the rarely meeting senior and junior ended here. The blonde girl went back to her unmotivated work, while Yuu sat in the corner, sipping coffee and waiting for time to pass.

Until the sun set in the west, and the street outside the window was dyed golden by the twilight—like being soaked in orange juice—a girl with light brown hair walked in gracefully like a cat.

“Good afternoon, everyone~”

“Oh, Iroha-kun’s here.” The mustached Manager waved and smiled from behind the counter. “I’ve prepared four types of coffee beans for you today. Try a blend coffee.”

“Eh~ I just want to learn how to brew regular black coffee. The other seniors don’t drink anything else either. Besides, blend coffee is a more advanced technique, isn’t it...”

Iroha whined and complained, but her steps didn’t hesitate. She walked straight toward the staff break room.

Her gaze casually swept over the few customers, and as she hurried past a table, she happened to make eye contact with someone holding an empty coffee cup and smiling warmly.

“...”

“...”

As if paying respect to her, who had frozen in place with the coffee cup, Yuu raised his wrist and smiled: “Even though my coffee-making skills are better than the Manager’s, why don’t you learn from me? Or... did you want to surprise me?”

Iroha’s small mouth opened stiffly. She stared at him without moving, like a stone statue. A red tint slowly crept up her beautiful neck, and quickly spread to her soft, white cheeks.

“You... I...”

Incomplete words escaped her throat. After a moment, she bit her lip in embarrassment and anger, and slammed her hand on the table: “Why is senpai here!”

“I just suddenly wanted to drink coffee.” Yuu said calmly.

Like a little angry Shiba Inu, Iroha’s face turned bright red. She glared at him angrily: “Don’t lie! You yourself said your coffee is better—why are you drinking the Manager’s coffee for no reason!”

“Umm, please spare a little thought for my feelings...”

The mustached Manager clutched his chest, almost crying—but neither of them paid him any mind.

“Fine, I was lying.” Yuu nodded, setting down the empty coffee cup. “Because I found out through a certain way that you’d be secretly coming to learn coffee techniques from the Manager at this time, so I came early to wait for you.”

“Hah?!”

Iroha’s eyes widened in shock. Then she crossed her arms with a horrified look and spat out harsh words like a machine gun: “Eh? Why? Is senpai a stalker? To be honest, that’s disgusting... Can’t you get back on the right path and pursue Iroha-chan in a normal way? Senpai’s boundaries really update my three outlooks (life principles)—sorry, I can’t accept it!”

Completely unaffected, Yuu leaned lazily on his hand, smiling as he watched the little mess of hair on her head as she hunched over aggressively, and said softly:

“If that’s the case, would you like to go to the fireworks festival with me—this disgusting person—tomorrow night?”

“Fireworks festival? With senpai?”

Iroha looked up instinctively. Her eyes sparkled, and she said without hesitation: “I want to! I definitely want to!”

“...”

“...”

When her eyes met Yuu’s gentle, smiling gaze, the twilight of the entire city seemed to shift to little Iroha’s face.

-

Title: A Distant Shadow in the Sky, Yet Close Before My Eyes

In this trial world, the relationship between Yuu and Iroha was above that of a senior and junior, but below that of lovers.

He knew the girl had feelings for him, but she always hid them with jokes and teasing. Because he had no intention of having a girlfriend, he never responded to those feelings. He only maintained a stance of being close yet distant, treating her in his own way.

Iroha also knew that even though Yuu valued her greatly, he would not accept her confession for that reason. So she always stayed by his side as a younger classmate, never hoping he would take the initiative to do anything. She only longed for their current distance—one that felt like they could touch each other at any moment—never wanting, never daring to embrace any change.

It was like falling in love with a close friend. Every day spent with him felt sweet, but when apart, she was in such agony that she could barely breathe, knowing she couldn’t hold him.

If she hadn’t been aware of her feelings, she might have still been able to get through it by playing dumb until the end...

Unfortunately, this senpai was not only smart, but also completely unhesitating in his treatment of girls. Yuu openly showed his cruel stance: I know you like me, but I have no intention of returning those feelings. This left Iroha with no choice but to maintain the status quo, holding back the sweet, bitter, and sour love in her heart, dreaming that over time, the distance between them would shrink little by little.

As long as no rival suddenly appeared, love that grew over time would always be the best!

Even so, Iroha was still scared.

She still unconsciously slipped into a passive state.

If either of them took a step forward, this “senior who liked to tease his junior” and “junior who liked to tease her senior”—all of this might disappear forever.

Iroha didn’t want to face such a future. That was why, when Yuu had come to the café specifically to ask her to the fireworks festival the next night, she was so shocked that she couldn’t speak after fully reacting—even a little disbelieving of her own ears.

“Umm, senpai... you’re not joking, are you?”

Yuu smiled helplessly: “This isn’t the first time we’ve gone out together. Do you need to be this surprised?”

“Even though you say that... Ah, I get it!”

Iroha clapped her hands as if she’d just realized something. She felt a little relieved, but also a little disappointed: “Senpai, you already asked Kanade first, right? I know—just like before, the three of us will go somewhere... Oh my god, don’t use words that are so easy to misunderstand like that—”

Without waiting for her to finish, Yuu said calmly: “No, I didn’t ask her, and I have no intention of asking her either.”

“...Eh?”

“I plan to go with just you. Unless you really don’t want to be alone with me, then I’ll ask Tachibana or someone else if they have time...”

“W-Wait! That’s not what I meant—don’t decide on your own!”

Instinctively, she waved her hands in panic, but Iroha slowly stopped her movements. She looked at him with a hint of doubt, as if she hadn’t yet recovered from the shock—there was still a little disbelief in her eyes.

“Se-Senpai... you have to think this through carefully, right? I’ll take this as a date invitation...”

Even though her voice grew softer and more unconfident, Yuu could still hear her clearly.

He didn’t look at those fidgety eyes that were now fixed on the floor, but spoke in a casual tone as if making small talk: “Treat it that way. After all, I plan to go with just you.”

“If you’re okay with it, we’ll meet at the riverbank at half-past five tomorrow evening, then walk slowly to the shrine location.”

(I understand...)

Even a simple answer like that couldn’t be spoken by Iroha because of a strange tightness in her chest. She could only stand frozen, silent, watching his figure pick up the bill and walk toward the cash register.

She wanted to hope but was afraid to hope—slightly anxious yet full of expectation; her heart beat faster and faster, her ears felt hot as if on fire. Even though she didn’t want to lose her mind over the surprise, she couldn’t hold back the urge to daydream.

How should she describe a feeling like that? And what should she say to him to express this unexpected joy?

After paying, Yuu pushed open the door to leave.

In the end, only these words echoed along with the sharp bell and his footsteps on the twilight-shrouded street:

“Senpai, even if this is just a misunderstanding... can I hope?”

“...”

Yuu stopped walking and turned around.

His expression was very serious—unlike before. His eyes were bright and moist like the surface of the sea, clearly reflecting her figure.

Iroha couldn’t hold back anymore. Even though she might fall into deep despair because of it, she had to break free from her cocoon to transform—such firm courage was hidden within her.

Even with her back to the vast twilight in the sky, it was a beautiful and thrilling sight.

Yuu didn’t speak—he only smiled slightly, giving her the reassuring look she knew so well.

After that, he waved his hand and disappeared outside the glass door.

The gaze that followed him was soon swallowed by the last glimmer of twilight before night fell.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Upon returning home, as Yuu was about to go upstairs, he ran into Sora, who had just opened her room door.

“Welcome back.” She said softly. Her eyes behind the thin-framed glasses were as calm as water. Her pale white fingers tucked a strand of silver hair behind her ear. “Where did you go?”

“The café. Dinner will be a little late.”

“No rush—I’m not hungry.” Sora closed the door, her body unconsciously blocking the gap.

Yuu, who happened to be about to enter his room, didn’t notice her small movement—he only said casually: “Don’t eat too many chips. If you really want them, I can make you actually healthy chips. You don’t need to buy junk food outside.”

“Silly—what’s the point of chips if they’re not junk food?” Sora said matter-of-factly, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Alright, I really can’t do anything with you...” Yuu shook his head helplessly. After chatting briefly with this fake younger sister, he prepared to go back to his room.

Just before closing the door, he suddenly remembered something and said to Sora, who was about to go downstairs: “Oh right, are you really not going to the fireworks festival tomorrow? Even though I asked a girl, she should agree if you want to come along.”

Her steps didn’t stop. Sora said without turning around: “No. Going to a crowded place like that—I’m sure you want me to die.”

“If you don’t want to, then fine.” Yuu shrugged, looking indifferent.

(Typical—this isn’t the jealous younger sister I know...)

(She didn’t even react at all when she heard I asked a girl to the fireworks festival.)

(Trash system—can’t even create a character properly based on memories!)

“Then just stay home. I’ll make dinner for you before I leave. I’ll probably be back around midnight, okay?”

“Up to you.”

Throwing out the disinterested line, Sora walked down the stairs. Her long silver hair, which reached her calves, swayed behind her, emitting a soft, clear sheen.

Yuu noticed something else.

“Where’s your hair ribbon? Since when did you stop tying your hair?”

Sora usually tied her hair in twin tails, but lately she seemed to be leaving it down more and more often. The two familiar black ribbons were nowhere to be seen.

(Even in the trial space, my younger sister wants to change her appearance?)

“Only noticing now? I haven’t tied it in ages~”

Sora replied lazily. Her raised hand soon disappeared at the end of the stairs.

Listening to the girl’s light, cat-like footsteps echoing from the entrance to the living room, Yuu returned to his room with a rather strange expression, closing the door behind him.

“Ages? Since when exactly...?”

“Since April, when I started this trial?”

That confused murmur soon faded in the empty second-floor hallway.

Not long after, Sora went upstairs with empty hands. She looked at her brother’s room door with a complex gaze.

“Typical Yuu—his observation skills are still amazing... It’s just that he’s too confident in himself and not careful enough. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to hide it for so long.”

She let out a silent sigh. Her pale, slender palm touched her chin. She thought for a few seconds.

“I still have to try to reduce my presence. Otherwise, if one day he gets curious and tries to enter my room, it will be hard...”

Her steps didn’t stop. She arrived at her own room door. After confirming her brother wouldn’t come down to make dinner for the time being, she went inside.

Inside the room, the lights were off. Only the desk lamp on the study table illuminated one corner. Most of the objects were shrouded in hazy shadows like gray mist—nothing could be seen clearly.

“I wonder how long he can get through the first obstacle.”

Sora murmured to herself, pushing up her glasses with no expression. The door automatically locked as it closed.

In the darkness, a white lab coat silently draped over her shoulders. Faint neon light appeared from where her bare feet stepped, like water droplets—fantastic yet also smelling of technology.

The desk lamp beside the table stretched shadows, drawing closer and farther away. And the shadow that had been small and slender seemed to have unknowingly grown longer.

With her hands in her pockets, Sora walked toward her bed. Her cold gray eyes stared at the prominent object under the blanket—like a butcher thinking about how to cut a fat pig on the chopping block, without warmth or emotion.

“So, before the time really comes, how should I deal with this uninvited guest...?”

Feeling the eyelashes of the person under the blanket tremble, the stiff body under the covers quickly came alive, with various movements showing consciousness ready to wake up.

Sora suddenly let out a cold scoff. Her glasses reflected cold light from an unknown source. The mature face hidden under the dark shadow exuded inhuman indifference and contempt.

“Yo, finally awake?”

Then she spoke slowly to the person who instinctively sat up in bed—and after a moment of shock, shrank back to the headboard with a panicked, startled face, staring at her warily:

“Don’t be scared—I won’t do anything to you for now.”

“Hmm... Should I say it’s been a long time? Since those things happened...”

“Enough—it doesn’t matter. After all, our relationship was never that good. We might as well skip the useless greetings and get straight to the point.”

After saying this to herself, Sora slowly narrowed her eyes. Her gaze pierced through the darkness, staring sharply at the figure.

“Answer me—how did you get into this world? And what is your purpose?”

Her voice was as sharp and cold as an ice blade, coldly calling out the name of the person across from her.

“Kasumigaoka Utaha!”