Why Did It Turn Out Like This…

Yuu was led by Haruno back to the entrance of the game center.

Though surprised that this seemingly aloof, cold, and perhaps slightly introverted handsome guy agreed to play with them, the five students warmly welcomed Yuu's presence and introduced themselves to him.

The half-blonde guy with a wild look, who seemed like someone who'd headbang to music, was named Yamada Daisuke. Surprisingly, he was as simple and straightforward as his name suggested.

The other three JDs (Japanese shorthand for female university students), to save words, were simply referred to as Short-Haired Girl, Long-Haired Girl, and Ponytail Girl.

Among them, Ponytail Girl was particularly interested in Yuu—whether due to his good looks or his shooting skills. Like Hachishakusama spotting a lone boy at night, her eyes sparkled as she eagerly stuck close to him, being the friendliest toward him of the group.

(Hachishakusama: Also known as the Eight-Foot Woman, a Japanese urban legend. Men enchanted by her die within days, and she has a particular fondness for young boys.)

As for the last one, the original center of the small group, the refined and elegant handsome guy, Haruno's prospective fiancé, Yuuki Kouichirou…

Maybe it was just his imagination, but Yuu kept feeling that since their meeting began, this guy paid more attention to him than to Haruno.

Even when Haruno spoke to him, Kouichirou occasionally glanced at Yuu; when their eyes met by chance, he didn't hurriedly look away but instead gave a friendly smile, nodding at him gently and amicably.

…Good grief, that was downright creepy, sending chills down his spine.

Though these university students were all easygoing and didn't act superior despite the age difference, Yuu couldn't help but want to escape and head home immediately.

Ponytail Girl was one thing—oblivious to Haruno's intrigued gaze, her death star was probably already twinkling in the sky.

Especially Kouichirou's stare, which somehow gave Yuu the eerie feeling that the one being considered for engagement wasn't Haruno but himself…

Was this development a bit off?

Maintaining his cold, flat expression, Yuu subtly shifted to Haruno's left, blocking Kouichirou's sneaky glances.

Haruno tilted her head curiously, silently asking with her eyes what was wrong with him.

Yuu pursed his lips slightly, conveying an uncomfortable, constipated feeling through his gaze.

Haruno raised an eyebrow, smiling in confusion, then turned her attention back.

Since she didn't understand what Yuu was trying to express, she pretended not to notice—probably something like that.

Yuu sighed silently, following the six students into the game center with an odd sense of unease.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

The game center on a holiday was like a world where machines and humans coexisted harmoniously, with electronic sounds and human chatter blending into a constant hum.

Perhaps because of the event, the normally fun atmosphere of gaming carried a faint whiff of competition, a drive to outdo one another.

"What should we play first? The team competition game machine is still free—how about we start there?"

"Agreed! Last time I lost to Kouichirou by accident. This time, I'll get my revenge!"

"Don't act like you know, Daisuke. An accident? You were just bad."

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean!"

"Hmm, it's a good idea, but there are seven of us, right? That machine only supports four players."

Hearing their discussion, Yuu tossed the bag of game tokens Kouichirou had given him, thought for a moment, and decided to tackle his sister's request first.

So, as they said, "Oh, right…" and fell silent at Haruno's comment, Yuu spoke in a flat tone: "There's a game I want to play first. Can I go solo?"

Everyone looked at him, as if watching a coworker suddenly stand up in the middle of a meeting and leave without caring about the mood.

"Oh, right, Tenkuji-kun wants to join the game center event, doesn't he?" Haruno clapped her hands, smiling. "How about we split into two groups? One plays the four-player game, and the other watches Tenkuji-kun break a record?"

She paused, then deliberately added: "Or how about everyone plays solo first, then we regroup for games we can play together? I don't mind either way~"

Hearing her words, the others looked at her, some amused:

"Haruno-chan, if we do that, this group outing loses its point~"

"With so many of us, moving together does take a lot of time, and standing around watching someone play is pretty boring…"

"Then let's split up? One group of four, one of three… Who's with who?"

"Of course, I'm with my 'coach'~ That leaves us one short."

"Oh, then I'll…"

In the middle of the discussion, Kouichirou suddenly said: "Then I'll join Haruno-san and them."

"…"

The atmosphere fell silent for a moment, as if everyone realized something. The glances darting between the two became loaded with meaning.

Kouichirou's expression didn't change, showing no intent to explain, his smile still friendly.

Haruno looked at him oddly but remembered she was supposed to have received instructions from her parents to build a good relationship with him.

Though feeling unenthusiastic, she still nodded with feigned excitement to welcome him.

As for Yuu…

(Damn, damn, damn, I really have no intention of stealing your prospective fiancé. Can you stop staring at me?!)

The hairs on the back of his neck stood up, screaming internally with a throbbing headache.

His indifferent eyes looked elsewhere, feeling the hot gaze from over there. The corner of Yuu's eye twitched, his fist clenching as if wanting to punch someone.

His expert-level acting skill worked hard to control his muscles, maintaining a cold expression to keep his character from collapsing instantly.

(Why? I deliberately kept my distance from Haruno-san, yet this guy keeps staring at me?)

(Even though he says 'Haruno-san,' he's smiling at me so meaningfully. Is he declaring war? Is he afraid I'll steal Haruno-san?)

(If so, can't you be a bit fiercer, a bit more cunning? Don't smile so brightly!)

(That's not how you use a peace policy, is it?)

(And Haruno-san over there, I gave you a chance. Can't you be more aggressive and stick to him?)

(Why do you look so unenthusiastic? Hurry up and realize the situation. Your prospective fiancé is eyeing your rent-a-boyfriend!!)

(Why did it turn out like this…)

"…Haaa."

Sighing inwardly in resignation, Yuu maintained his indifferent-to-everything expression, carrying the game tokens and heading toward the shooting game machine.

He needed to vent a bit, and shooting zombie heads was a good choice.

Behind him, Haruno and Kouichirou exchanged a glance, then followed.

"W-Wait for me! I want to join Tenkuji-chan too!"

Ponytail Girl, who was extremely enthusiastic about him, saw the situation and, as if resolved, chased after them.

Daisuke, Long-Haired Girl, and Short-Haired Girl, left behind, could only exchange awkward glances, at a loss for words.

"…This game can be played with three people too, right?"

"…Tch."

"Ugh, so boring."

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean!"