The Betrayal of Yukinoshita Haruno

"That one?"

Led by Kouichirou, everyone walked to the punching machine. It was a device where, after inserting a coin, a punching bag would appear, and after hitting it, a score would display on the screen, showing how strong your punch was.

Of course, its accuracy and professional punch strength measurement couldn't compare, but it was enough to vent emotions and look cool.

The highest score was supposedly 1,000, and the record high score on the screen was 985. It wasn't clear how strong that score was, but it was definitely worth a try.

At least, Daisuke thought so.

"Awesome! Then let's have the three guys compete in strength!"

The half-blonde guy rubbed his hands, flashing a grin like a rock gorilla.

"When it comes to strength, I won't lose to anyone!"

"Huh? Tenkuji-chan's the one who…"

Ponytail Girl, having witnessed Yuu's legendary winning streak, immediately showed a disapproving expression and started talking him up.

Yuu didn't listen closely, instead glancing at Haruno.

"Sounds good~ Seems fun!"

"Well, after playing so many games, my body's warmed up enough…"

Kouichirou rolled up his sleeves, revealing clearly defined, sturdy arm muscles that didn't match his soft, refined appearance.

As he spoke, he smiled and called out to Yuu: "Tenkuji-kun, what do you say?"

"This is the last match—give me a chance to turn things around?"

Yuu frowned, pausing for a moment.

Haruno looked at him with a smile, quietly observing his reaction.

Yuu decided to shake his head, but as his head turned halfway, Kouichirou, as if anticipating the move, spoke again:

"How about this? If I beat you, Haruno-san will continue hanging out with us, and I'll call a taxi to send you home safely."

"If you beat me, I can guarantee you the latest product developed by 'RECT'—a virtual reality gaming helmet. It's a rare item set to release in the second semester, and right now, there's no proper way to buy it."

Yuu: "…"

This was utterly ridiculous…

Why did he suddenly want to compete with him?

Why use Haruno as a bet?

And why…

Too many questions swirled in his mind. Yuu shifted his gaze back to Haruno, whose cheerful smile showed no trace of surprise.

Of course.

What mattered wasn't what Kouichirou thought, but what Haruno thought.

"Can I refuse?"

Yuu asked bluntly, his tone slightly heavy, his expression clearly displeased.

He'd helped Haruno from start to finish, watching her chat happily with Kouichirou along the way, and he'd felt it wasn't a waste of time, even a bit relieved…

And the result?

Haruno stabbed him in the back—truly inhumane.

"Of course you can. But for the last 'trial,' I can only declare you a failure."

Contrary to her expression, Haruno spoke cheerfully, her sharp lips curving upward, her eyes glinting with an unreadable shimmer.

Then, she lowered her voice:

"And as a rent-a-boyfriend, facing a 'situation' like this, what you should do… I shouldn't need to tell you, right?"

"He doesn't want to go with him, so I'm begging you, my dear boyfriend~"

Her soft, melodious yet cunning laugh carried the scent of opium poppies.

A spark of anger flared in his heart, but soon, Yuu calmed down, looking at her thoughtfully.

"…I understand."

Suddenly smiling, Yuu mirrored Haruno—there was no trace of warmth in his eyes.

"Though I don't know what your plan is, for the sake of those thirty thousand yen, I'll play along with your act to the end today."

"Miss Girlfriend."

He said it with an intimate tone.

Yuu realized he really couldn't bring himself to like Haruno.

Of course, even though he agreed to go along with her, it didn't mean he felt no resentment or reluctance at being forced.

At this moment…

"Sorry, can I make a quick call? You guys go ahead and play—I'll go last."

"Sure." Kouichirou gave him an odd look, then quietly glanced at Haruno, whose expression wasn't exactly bright.

Finding no issue, he let Daisuke put on the gloves, insert a coin, and start the game.

Yuu walked to a distance where Haruno couldn't hear, turned his back to them, took out his phone, and made a call.

The busy tone lasted only two or three seconds before a cold, slightly anxious, and displeased voice came through the receiver:

{I'm playing a game. Hurry up and say what's up.}

"Sora, want a virtual reality helmet?" Yuu smiled naturally.

{Virtual reality helmet?} Sora paused, then raised her voice. {You mean the one officially releasing in the second semester, the one that finally lets you play holographic virtual games?!}

"Exactly."

{It's the first civilian virtual reality device. What gamer wouldn't want it…} After speaking with a hint of excitement, Sora seemed to realize something and hesitated. {But Yuu, why are you…}

As if even the corners of his eyes were smiling, Yuu said cheerfully:

"Don't worry about the details. If I bring home a virtual reality helmet for you today, what's my reward?"

{R-Reward?} Sora fell silent for a moment, seemingly a bit shy, her soft, adorable voice like a kitten scratching at his ear.

{…I'll give you one kiss, how's that? Hmm, that's the most you'll get.}

Yuu immediately frowned.

"Huh? Just that? How about you do the housework for a week?"

'…'

It was like the silence before a storm.

A gloomy anger was brewing, and even from a distance, Yuu could feel the piercing murderous intent.

He quickly laughed it off:

"Hahaha, just kidding. If nothing goes wrong, I'll bring home the potato chips and the helmet for you. Wait patiently."

{…Fine, too lazy to get mad at you.} Sora snorted softly. {Someone like you, Yuu, will never get a girlfriend!}

"Perfect, I think so too." Yuu nodded seriously.

As he was about to hang up, he heard Sora say casually:

{Yuu, you're really not doing anything dangerous, right?}

"Huh? Why are you asking that again?"

{Because I'm worried about you?}

"Yeah, yeah~ Relax, both my kidneys are intact, and not a single part of my body is missing."

{Your butt?}

"?"

{Cough cough cough… Never mind, just come home soon!}

"Kasugano Sora—! You wait, if I don't get your browsing history today, I'll—"

*Beep, beep, beep—*

Holding the phone with only a busy tone, Yuu's chest heaved. After taking a deep breath, he faced the wall, sneering with gritted teeth.

Though this was a familiar conversation, why did his emotions feel more intense than before?

(I'm sure this has something to do with that person who's been scheming against me.)

Yuu slowly turned, his heart turbulent but his expression quickly returning to a blank, cold stare directed at the people in the game center.

In the bottom left of his vision, on the system panel, a row of skill rewards glowed faintly.

For Haruno, Yuu wasn't enthusiastic. No matter how much he helped her, he'd feel reluctant and unwilling.

But for anything related to Sora, no matter how big or small, Yuu always—

Gave it his all.

A true siscon should be like that.

"Right, this is all for Sora."

"Absolutely not because I'm upset and want to vent."

With a faint, barely noticeable smile, Yuu pocketed his phone and slowly walked back.

Coincidentally, there was something he wanted to try.