"Yukinon, you seem a bit distracted. Did something happen?"
In the Service Club's classroom, Yui Yuigahama looked worriedly at Yukino Yukinoshita, who was holding a book but hadn't turned a page in a long time.
"It's nothing." Yukino, coming back to her senses, gently shook her head.
"Really? It feels like you have something on your mind today..." Yui leaned forward, looking at Yukino with deepening concern in her eyes.
"..." Yukino silently shook her head, indicating that she was fine.
Seeing Yukino obviously hiding something, Yui pursed her lips and softly said, "Yukinon, is it about that Hoshimi student again?"
"..."
"..."
The air in the Service Club seemed to freeze after the mention of "Hoshimi."
Yukino's grip on the book tightened, her face growing paler, and her fair hands turning blue-white from the pressure.
On the other side of the table, Hachiman Hikigaya appeared to be reading seriously but was actually focusing on the topic of "Hoshimi."
Kiyokawa Hoshimi, a transfer student in Class 2J, a handsome boy with white hair and red eyes, Yukino's boyfriend, who transferred to Sobu High specifically for Yukino...
Recently, news about this model couple, Kiyokawa Hoshimi and Yukino Yukinoshita, had been spreading all over the campus. Anyone who wasn't deaf had at least some idea about it.
The male students harbored a slight animosity towards Hoshimi, who had "taken" the "high flower" and "ice beauty" Yukino away. The female students had mixed feelings ranging from curiosity to disdain, and some even had an interest.
However, none of this really mattered to the three members of the Service Club.
When the news first reached Yui Yuigahama, she confirmed it with Yukino, asking if Hoshimi was really her boyfriend.
Yukino coldly replied, "No, he is my adversary. The relationship rumor is just that—a rumor. Ignore it and don't get involved."
After that, Yui tried to probe more about Hoshimi, but Yukino only said, "This is between him and me. I will handle it."
Seeing Yukino's determined attitude, Yui didn't bring up "Hoshimi" in the club again.
As for Hachiman, who was always taciturn, he never talked about it either, merely listening quietly as a club member.
Now, with Yui bringing up "Hoshimi" again, the atmosphere in the club became tense, and both she and Hachiman held their breath, waiting for Yukino's response.
"Sigh~"
Yukino sighed, breaking the tension. Yui and Hachiman started breathing again.
"Yuigahama-san, I will handle my issue with Hoshimi myself. You both should stay out of it. He is not someone to be trifled with. Naive girls like you can easily be deceived by his appearance and words."
"And Hikigaya-san..." Yukino placed her book on her lap and turned to Hachiman on the other side of the table.
"You won't be deceived, but you can't deal with him either. He is good at making bystanders side with him. Think of him as Hayato Hayama with ten times the social skills, plus masterful deception."
"Do either of you feel confident facing someone like that?"
Hachiman twitched at the thought of a Hayato Hayama with ten times the social skills, coupled with deception skills.
How did Yukinoshita get involved with such a troublesome guy?
Swallowing her spit, Yui voiced the question both she and Hachiman had.
"Yukinon, how did you get involved with him? Was he after..."
With this thought, Yui's expression changed, and she moved her chair closer to Yukino, holding her arm protectively.
"Yukinon, you mustn't let him succeed. Let Hachiman and me help you deal with him. Though I'm a bit clumsy, I promise to do whatever you say. I won't be deceived by him!"
"Sigh~" Yukino sighed again, saying weakly, "Yuigahama-san, although I don't know what you're thinking, the situation might not be as you imagine. Hoshimi didn't come for me or my family."
"The conflict between Hoshimi and me is purely..."
"Knock--knock--knock--"
A sudden knock on the door interrupted Yukino.
She frowned, looking towards the door, a wave of unease surging in her heart.
Could it be...
A certain possibility flashed through her mind, and her expression changed.
"Yukinon..."
Seeing Yukino's expression, Yui nervously looked at the door.
At that moment, the same thought crossed her mind.
On the other side of the table, Hachiman clenched his book tightly, looking at the door with the same tension as Yui.
"Knock--knock--knock--"
Perhaps due to the lack of response, the person outside knocked again.
"Come in."
Yukino, having confirmed her suspicion, responded coldly.
"Whoosh--"
The door opened, and Kiyokawa Hoshimi, with his white hair and red eyes, entered the classroom with a bright smile.
After scanning the modest club room, his gaze fixed on Yukino.
"Yukinoshita, judging by your expression, you didn't anticipate my move, did you? No way? Has the lack of gravity dulled your brain? You couldn't foresee such an obvious thing?"
Hoshimi's smiling taunt clashed with his words, instantly making the club's atmosphere hostile.
Yukino's expression turned icy as she met his gaze.
Yui, glancing between the two, firmly stood by Yukino's side, trying to pressure Hoshimi with her eyes.
The usually invisible Hachiman picked up his book, trying to diminish his presence further.
From the moment he saw Hoshimi, he knew this guy was serious trouble.
To smile brightly while provoking Yukinoshita Yukino, the 'Snow Woman,' this guy was way out of his league.
Yukinoshita, how on earth did you get involved with him?
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