For Yukinoshita Yukino, what she was experiencing now was something novel—something both unfamiliar and electric.

Nozomi's mischievous, forward nature was like a breeze that carried warmth and chaos in equal measure. His flirtatious antics, brazen confidence, and gentle yet teasing touches—it was all so unlike the calm, structured world Yukino was used to. But rather than push him away, she found herself basking in the unfamiliarity, the thrill. She wasn't like Suō Yuki or Sanshokuin Sumireko, bold and unashamed in showing affection. Yukino, proud and composed, could only respond in kind to Nozomi's initiative, her restraint serving as a quiet invitation.

She half-heartedly objected, her words weak and unconvincing, letting her actions tell the truth. She had come to accept, even expect, the way he took the lead.

But still—this was school.

What if someone saw them?

Yukinoshita Yukino's mind raced with the image of scandalous whispers flitting through the hallways like sakura petals on a spring wind. The Yukinoshita family's second daughter caught in a passionate embrace? She would never hear the end of it. And while she prided herself on ignoring idle gossip, deep down, she hated being at the center of rumors.

Yet that fear mixed with something else.

The joy of being loved.

The nervous flutter of being discovered.

It all surged through her body, making her legs weak and her thoughts fuzzy. Her delicate frame trembled as Nozomi's warm hands slid into her uniform with practiced ease, his touch brushing against her thigh.

Yukino knew he liked her legs.

She had caught him stealing glances before, and he even had the audacity to request a knee pillow once, of all things! And now his palm, large and warm, rested on her leg again, like it belonged there.

The sensation was foreign, yet not unpleasant. Her heart raced.

After a long, breathless moment, Nozomi reluctantly pulled away, his lips parting from her cherry-pink ones. Yukino leaned against him, panting softly, her cheeks glowing like a peach blossom under the spring sun. Her breath was ragged, her emotions in disarray, and yet her heart... felt full.

To Nozomi, she looked like a goddess fallen to Earth—elegant, delicate, and just a little dazed.

He couldn't help but smile.

She was cute in every sense of the word. Not just her looks or figure. Even her earlier attempt to scold him—so empty of real threat—was adorable.

Yukino finally regained enough composure to glance at his hand and mutter, "Are you satisfied now? Then remove your claws already."

Nozomi scratched his head with a sheepish grin and began to help tidy her disheveled uniform. He re-tied the bow on her chest like he'd done it a hundred times before.

That was what made her suspicious.

Yukino narrowed her eyes. Just who taught him how to do this so skillfully? The way he undid her uniform earlier was so natural, it bypassed her defenses entirely.

Before she could question it further, Nozomi gently pulled her back into his arms and let her settle onto his lap. Yukino's blush deepened. Her heart pounded like a taiko drum. She didn't even resist.

"There's still time before class, Yukino. Let me hug you just a bit longer," he whispered.

His voice was soft, and his hands didn't move further, simply resting around her waist, holding her like something precious. Though embarrassed, Yukino didn't protest. After all, things had already gone this far.

Letting him hold her didn't seem like a big deal now.

"Nozomi," she began, trying to steer the conversation elsewhere, "why did you suddenly think of buying a drink today? I thought you didn't like vending machine drinks."

"Nope. I was actually surprised to see you here. You rarely drink anything other than that fancy black tea you brew yourself," he replied, cocking his head.

Yukino turned her face slightly, trying to hide her blush. "I just… wanted to try it. I've seen you drink Max Coffee so often… it made me curious."

She hesitated before adding, "Also, I've been feeling a little tired lately. Tutoring Yuigahama takes a lot more energy than I expected."

Nozomi chuckled. "Is she that difficult to teach?"

"She tries," Yukino sighed, "but when I'm not watching her like a hawk, her mind wanders off somewhere ridiculous."

"Classic Yui," Nozomi grinned. "But hey, she has made things more lively for you, hasn't she?"

Yukino gave him a sideways glance but said nothing.

Sumireko and Yukino were both the quiet, bookish type. When they spent time together, they could sit in silence for hours reading their own books.

Yuki Suo had recently joined the student council, pouring her energy into school politics with the goal of becoming the next student council president. As a result, she was always busy—rushing from one meeting to the next with that serious spark in her eyes.

But Yui… she brought color to the club. Like a bright sunflower forcing its way into a monochrome field.

When Nozomi mentioned it, Yukinoshita Yukino couldn't help but let out a small sigh.

"I'm not really good at dealing with noisy people."

"Pfft," Nozomi chuckled. "If Yui knew you said that, she'd cry a whole river."

Yukino's icy composure cracked, and she looked up sharply. "So you're not allowed to tell her!"

"Of course not," Nozomi replied with a mischievous grin. "This is a secret between you and me. I'll protect it with my life!"

As he spoke, he leaned in slightly, resting his chin on her slender shoulder. Then, with a light and teasing motion, he brushed a kiss against her cheek.

"Besides turning my face into a slobbery mess, is there anything else you're good at?" Yukino grumbled and wiped her cheek with an exaggerated frown.

Nozomi's eyes twinkled. "Are you sure you want to know what else I can do?"

Her expression immediately shifted. She tensed, shrinking her shoulders and turning away. "I don't want to know. Don't tell me!"

He chuckled but didn't press the joke further. His voice turned serious.

"It's almost the end of the month… When that time comes, Yukino, will you let me go a bit further?"

Her heart gave a startled flutter.

He had already hugged her. Kissed her. Touched her in ways that made her heart race and her thoughts swirl.

And now he wanted to go even further.

That would mean—

Her face turned bright red, the blush climbing all the way to her ears.

"I… I don't know. Don't ask me questions like that."

Nozomi tilted his head, smiling knowingly. He could practically see the steam coming off her head.

"Alright then, Yukino. Just don't run away. When the time comes, face me properly, okay?"

Changing the subject smoothly, he added, "By the way, if I go visit your house… what kind of gift should I bring for Mrs. Yukinoshita?"

Yukino blinked, caught off guard. The heat on her cheeks remained, but now her expression twisted awkwardly.

It was a little embarrassing.

She didn't actually know what her own mother liked.

"Yukino? What does your mother like? Say something."

She puffed out her cheeks slightly in frustration. "Ask my sister. I don't know."

Nozomi raised an eyebrow. "Hmm… that sounds like there's a bit of a gap in your mother-daughter relationship."

Yukino let out a breath and gazed off into the distance.

"In my memory… my mother has always been strong. Stronger than my sister. She always smiles politely, but her presence is… overwhelming. No one in the family—not even Father—dares oppose her."

Nozomi rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his usual teasing expression softening.

"I see… Then I think I know what kind of gift to bring."

Yukino tilted her head, curious. "What do you have in mind?"

"A protective charm. A talisman."

She looked surprised. "A talisman? Why that?"

"Because your mother seems so strong… maybe too strong. I think it's because she doesn't feel safe. If she wasn't strong, she wouldn't be able to carry the weight of the Yukinoshita name."

Yukino subconsciously nodded, but her heart grew heavy.

Her sister had said something similar before.

Their father's affair…

The quiet sobs Yukino once overheard coming from behind a closed door…

Her mother had never shown weakness in front of anyone. Always elegant. Always dignified. Always composed.

Maybe… she had to be.

And Yukino had never tried to understand her.

Never really tried to see past the strength.

That distance between them—it was Yukino's fault too, wasn't it?

And now…

Now she felt like she was still just a child.

A little girl who didn't understand anything at all.

A little embarrassed… and quietly, deeply conflicted.