As long as she could stay by Yukima Azuma's side,
Nothing else mattered.
Or rather
If she couldn't be with Yukima Azuma,
She would rather abandon all of her principles.
When Yukima Azuma heard the choked-up voice of Yukino
He was momentarily stunned.
It felt as though Yukino's thoughts were slowly drifting away from who she truly was.
His grip on her hand unconsciously tightened.
A conflict stirred within Yukima Azuma's heart.
Truthfully, when it came to Yukino, he had always felt a sense of hesitation.
He wanted to spend his future with all of the girls.
And Yukinosomeone with such a strong sense of integritywould undoubtedly be the greatest obstacle he had to overcome.
If he couldn't get past this barrier smoothly, there was a high chance it would lead to a bad end.
Yet now, it seemed as though Yukino was changing on her own.
And that, in turn, made Yukima Azuma feel a pang of sorrow.
Because she was Yukinoshita Yukino, after all.
How could she say something like, "As long as I can be with Yukima Azuma, nothing else matters"?
Clearly, this was a situation in his favor.
And yet, it made him feel pain.
It sounded irrationallike the kind of false suffering someone would pretend to have for no reason.
But at this moment, that was precisely how Yukima Azuma felt.
Sensing his internal struggle
Yukino anxiously tightened her grip on his hand, intertwining their fingers.
She looked at him with worry, trying to understand what was wrong.
Under Yukino's unwavering gaze
Yukima Azuma suddenly felt a little more at ease.
"Yukino, you mustn't say things like that."
He spoke seriously.
Hearing this, Yukino blinked in confusion.
Seeing her worried yet slightly bewildered expression
Yukima Azuma reached out and gently lifted her face.
"No matter what happens in the future, I will never leave you, Yukino."
"So you don't have to worry about that. I will always and forever be with you."
Yukino leaned into his palm.
With a faint sigh, she murmured:
"Only children and liars say the word 'forever.'"
Suddenly, she felt as if she had become the older one between them.
Looking at the boy before her, she thought
He really was a bit childish.
The future was still long ahead.
Only a year had passed, yet so much had already happened.
What about ten years from now?
Let alone something as abstract as "forever."
But hearing him say these words
She couldn't deny the warmth spreading through her heart.
"So, Yukino doesn't believe me?"
(ЇЇ;)
Yukima Azuma put on a pitiful expression.
Yukino felt her heart melt.
( )
How could she possibly say no?
She quickly shook her head.
Seeing this, Yukima Azuma smiled.
"Whether you truly believe it or not, once you've agreed, you have to keep it in your heart."
"Because you're an honest girland someone like that would never tell a lie!"
Hearing those words, Yukino was slightly stunned.
The very principles she had always upheld
Now spoken aloud by Yukima Azuma in such a way
Gave her an indescribable feeling.
Especially when, just moments ago, she had been willing to cast them aside for him.
Realizing the hint of confusion in Yukino's eyes
Yukima Azuma seized the moment and continued speaking:
"That's why, Yukino, you don't have to worry about anything."
"Just keep being yourself. It's okay to change a little because you like me."
"But you must never continuously compromise or abandon yourself just because you're afraid of losing me."
"Those are two completely different things."
Yukima Azuma knew that by saying these words
The once smooth road to his harem would undoubtedly gain another obstacle.
But he would rather rack his brain in the future figuring out how to appease an angry Yukino
Than let her abandon her own principles because of him.
Yukino remained silent for a long while.
The emotions in her eyes shifted continuously.
And in the endthey settled into a deep, unwavering love.
"Mm, I understand. Consider it a promise to Azuma."
They exchanged smiles.
Though somewhat unspoken
Both understood the meaning and emotions behind each other's words.
Lying down together,
Yukino stared at the ceiling before slowly closing her eyes.
Suddenly, she felt at complete ease.
And as her emotions gradually calmed
The exhaustion she had been holding back for so long finally hit her.
"oh and, do you know how your sister has been doing lately?"
Yukima Azuma, unaware that Yukino was already drifting off, asked in a quiet voice.
Hearing this, Yukinohalf-asleepreplied without thinking:
"My sister she's been part of the search team for the past few days."
"Among us, she's the only one old enough and has a rescue certification."
"Since arriving in Hawaii she's been going out to sea with the search teams every day."
"After the weather cleared she even joined the rescue helicopters"
^— .-^ -
Her voice grew softer and softer
Until it finally faded completely.
Yukima Azuma glanced at Yukino, now fast asleep, his expression turning unreadable.
When it came to Yukinoshita Haruno,
He suddenly wasn't sure what to do anymore.
In the past, after being deceived by Haruno
He could completely ignore whatever she did.
But now, somehow things didn't seem so simple anymore.
As he pondered over Haruno's situation
Drowsiness crept in, pulling him into deep sleep.
...
The Next Day.
Yukima Azuma returned to greet his classmates at Shuchiin Academy.
Though they weren't particularly close to him
Seeing that he was safe and sound, everyone was genuinely happy.
After a brief exchange with Hiratsuka Shizuka
Yukima Azuma quickly distanced himself from the group.
He had no intention of returning with the Shuchiin crowd.
Since all the girls from his house had come here, naturally, he would be leaving with them.
Hiratsuka Shizuka seemed to completely understand.
She also readily approved his leave request.
And so, Yukima Azuma and the girls set off on their journey back to Tokyo The land of cherry blossoms, Japan.
After all, this trip had only lasted a little over a week.
According to the original schedule, when the school trip ended and they returned, it would have been around this time anyway.
However
The moment he stepped into the Yukima household,
Yukima Azuma suddenly felt as if he had been away for a lifetime.
After returning home and seeing everyone gathered together
He suggested:
"Since everyone's already here, why don't we stay a little longer?"
"Christmas is in two days. Why not celebrate it together here?"
Even though Kasumigaoka Utaha, Sora Ginko, and the other girls had taken leave just to come here
They had already taken time off, so staying an extra day or two wouldn't make much of a difference.
Hearing this, the girls all nodded in agreement.
And just like that, the once-quiet Yukima household
Suddenly became lively and bustling.
Everyone joined in to decorate for Christmas.
That afternoon.
Yukima Azuma and Kato Megumi went out to buy ingredients.
Traditionally, Christmas called for turkey.
But he decided to skip it.
That dish
Even with a level eight cooking skill
He still doubted he could make it taste good!
So instead, he opted to break tradition and prepare a grand feast based on the girls' preferences.
Stepping outside and strolling down the winter streets,
Kato Megumi let out a soft breath.
Watching the thin white mist gather in the air, she mused:
"It's already winter A whole year has passed just like that."
( .)
But Yukima Azuma didn't feel anything particularly special.
Even though so much had happened this year
The future was still long.
"It's only been one year. We still have plenty of 'one years' ahead."
Hearing that, Kato Megumi smiled and nodded.
Unconsciously, she found herself reminiscing about last winter.
Back then, she and Yukima Azuma had just drifted apart.
Although they had known each other since middle school, they weren't particularly close at the time.
She had always looked forward to meeting him again in high school, maybe even being placed in the same class.
But looking back, that period of anticipation was just a small part of her winter.
Most of the time, she had probably been preoccupied with thinking about Ginza's shops, delicious food, or destinations for a winter trip.
And yet
In just one short year.
Her mind had become filled with the boy beside her.
Whenever she walked through the city and saw something, she would unconsciously wonder
Would this suit him?
Whenever she read travel guides
She would suddenly imagine herself exploring different places with him.
The once-fuzzy visions of the future
Had suddenly been colored with reality.
Because
In every plan she envisioned, his presence was always there.
However, after indulging in her thoughts for a while
Kato Megumi suddenly turned to look at Yukima Azuma, her gaze carrying a hint of reproach.
"Azuma-san, I have a somewhat curious question."
()
Hearing that, Yukima Azuma had yet to realize the severity of the situation.
He casually responded:
"Umu? What question?"
( -)?
Kato Megumi tilted her head slightly, a meaningful smile forming on her lips.
"May I ask what exactly is the relationship between Azuma-san and Yukino-san's older sister?"
( )
Yukima Azuma's entire body froze.
( ®® )
Then, he unconsciously let out a small cough.
"Ahem, well"
"No lying." Kato Megumi's voice was light and casual.
"But if you dare lie, even Saint-Megumi will get really mad."
( `)
Her words sounded playful
But in Yukima Azuma's ears, they carried a not-so-subtle weight.
He quietly lowered his head.
It's over
How did this suddenly turn into a 'Shurafield'?!
Megumi: (` ) ( l|l) :Azuma
Chapter 254: Stay Away from Azuma! You Thieving Cat!
After a moment of hesitation.
Yukima Azuma selected a few things about himself and Haruno to share with Kato Megumi.
Even though it was a trimmed-down version, the important details remained intact.
After listening, Kato Megumi's expression was somewhat indescribable.
"So, Haruno-san is such a troublesome person?"
( — )
The girl muttered softly.
Hearing that, Yukima Azuma could only give a wry smile.
After a brief sigh, Kato Megumi looked back at him.
"What about Azuma-san? What are you thinking right now?"
According to Yukima Azuma, Yukinoshita Haruno was a "dark past."
But despite everything that had happened.
At this moment, even Kato Megumi could see it clearly.
It was a very deep emotion.
Yukima Azuma could only shake his head helplessly after hearing this.
"I don't know either."
"( — — )
When it came to Yukinoshita Haruno, he himself was uncertain about his feelings now.
"Then just let things take their course," Kato Megumi said before adding a reminder: "But, Azuma-san, make sure to pay attention to Yukino-san's feelings."
After speaking.
Kato Megumi muttered to herself: "Honestly, why do I even have to worry about a playboy like Azuma-san?"
()
Hearing that, Yukima Azuma could only smile helplessly.
He reached out and took Kato Megumi's hand.
Their fingers naturally intertwined, as if it was second nature.
Handholding: ( `)
Today, the Ginza shopping district was filled with a festive Christmas atmosphere.
Right at the entrance stood a giant Christmas tree, decorated with countless glowing baubles and gift boxes.
It seemed to be part of a promotional event.
Shopping up to a certain amount would allow customers to pick a gift from the tree.
Inside were daily necessities and electronic gadgets.
A way to encourage spending.
Yukima Azuma and Kato Megumi stopped by a supermarket first to buy some seasonal ingredients.
After leaving the supermarket, they continued strolling through various stores.
"How about this?"
Yukima Azuma picked up a long Santa hat and smiled as he asked.
"It looks kind of silly. Azuma-san should just wear it yourself."
Kato Megumi answered seriously, but the moment she finished speaking, she couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle.
"Then Megumi should wear this instead."
Yukima Azuma placed the Santa hat on his own head and casually picked up another item.
It was a headband with reindeer antlers.
It looked extremely cute.
Kato Megumi took it and adjusted her hair slightly.
Then, she put the headband on.
( )
The adorable reindeer antlers on her head suited her perfectly.
"Megumi-chan kawaii!"
)
Yukima Azuma gave a thumbs-up.
Just as the two were engrossed in their little cosplay session
"Azuma-sensei!"
A voice called out.
Yukima Azuma turned toward the source of the voice.
It was a small girl.
A familiar face.
"Ayano-chan, hello."
Yukima Azuma greeted Sadatou Ayano, who had just run up to him.
Since the end of the Queen's tournament, this was the first time he had seen the young girl again.
But he had occasionally heard Hinatsuru Ai mention her.
After their trip, Hinatsuru Ai and the three young girls, including Sadatou Ayano, had become close friends.
"Azuma-sensei, Merry Christmas!"
()
Clearly, Sadatou Ayano was delighted to see Yukima Azuma.
"Umu umu, Merry Christmas."
As they talked, Yukima Azuma gently patted the obedient little girl's head.
Being patted, Sadatou Ayano looked both shy and incredibly happy.
"Azuma-san"
(_)
Kato Megumi's voice came from beside him, soft yet carrying a strange feeling.
At this moment, Sadatou Ayano finally noticed the beautiful onee-san standing beside Yukima Azuma.
"Ah! Hello, onee-san! May I ask are you Azuma-sensei's girlfriend?"
"I'm so sorry, I didn't notice just now."
A huge exclamation mark seemed to appear above Sadatou Ayano's head.
Why didn't I realize this onee-san's presence at all earlier?
Kato Megumi, who naturally had a faint presence, had her melancholic gaze instantly clear up the moment she heard the word "girlfriend."
Umu, opportunities like this don't come often.
"Then stay away from Azuma-san right now! You thieving cat!"
( )
In a light, casual tone, Kato Megumi spoke sharp words.
