I really don't want to have a girlfriend.

"On the day of the performance, she came to the Service Club to find Yukino Yukinoshita, and then joined us for the challenge activities... From what I've observed, she's someone who pays a lot of attention to interesting things, so it's not surprising that she'd be curious about me: firstly, she mistakenly thought I was dating Yukino Yukinoshita, and secondly, my performance at the performance was too outstanding. These are the reasons that piqued her interest in me, and have absolutely nothing to do with kidnapping or anything like that."

Tenkuji Yu shrugged, and although it wasn't exactly a nonchalant remark, he explained the relationship to Natsukawa Masuzu in a logical and methodical way.

She nodded slightly as if deep in thought, and asked, "You know her very well?"

"She was alright. At least she was there from beginning to end on the day of the performance and helped our service department a lot."

Tenkuji Yu doesn't like to lie, but when there's no need to tell the truth, no one can see through his lies.

"I see." Seemingly no longer concerned about the matter, Natsukawa Masuzu did not continue to ask questions, her fingers lightly twirling the silver hair hanging down her chest. "Well, I still hope you won't be seduced by the older sister. I don't want to be a fake girlfriend and have to compete with all sorts of women. It's not like I'm competing for Aja's Red Stone."

Even if you obtain me, you will not become a perfect being.

"After all, we still need the Stone Mask."

After exchanging JOJO references as a coded farewell, Natsukawa Masuzu prepared to enter the apartment, while Tenkuji Yu turned to go home.

“Ayu…”

A soft, almost unintentional call suddenly rang out behind me.

Tenkuji Yu didn't miss her voice, stopped and turned around: "What's wrong?"

“I…” Natsukawa Masaki hesitated, her eyes shimmering as if she were struggling with something, and the true emotions beneath the mask were faintly visible.

"...I just want to say, remember to prepare for tomorrow's autumn outing. Also, don't let me see you and Tuanzi-chan being all lovey-dovey in the beautiful scenic area that day, or your girlfriend's jealousy will burn the whole forest."

Listening to her deliberate explanation that seemed to be covering something up, Tenkuji Yu couldn't help but roll her eyes: "I already said it's a group activity of three people, your worries are too unnecessary."

"So you do this when the two of you are alone?" Natsukawa Masuzu immediately seized on the key point, her gaze icy as she strode towards him. "I caught you, didn't I? You're such a man, never letting your guard down for a moment..."

Tenkuji Yu watched as she walked up to him on her own, then, as if brooking no resistance, turned his face towards her and kissed him on tiptoe.

This seems to be what she really wanted to do; everything before was just a slightly awkward prelude.

When the two parted, the blush on her beautiful face had long since melted away, revealing a satisfied and serene smile.

“This is a mark. Once anyone other than me touches these lips, you will become a monster like Nijimura Okuyasu’s father… just like Dio planted a flesh bud in you.”

Tenkuji Yu was stunned, then pursed his lips: "...Nothing has changed."

“…” Natsukawa Masaki slapped his chest and stepped back in annoyance, “Go away, I don’t want to see you again.”

"Okay, okay." Tenkuji Yu turned around nonchalantly, but was grabbed by the hem of her clothes by her, who added in a low voice as if worried about something:

"The deadline is midnight tonight, so don't... never mind, it's nothing, see you tomorrow."

He paused, and at the end of his sentence, there was a hint of self-deprecation and a touch of loneliness.

Realizing that her behavior was too fragile, like a kindergarten child unwilling to part with their parents at the school gate, Natsukawa Masuzu sighed softly, a look of annoyance on her face, and loosened her grip on his clothes.

Just before I turned around, a shadow suddenly loomed over my head, and the moment my arm was grabbed, a familiar warmth touched my lips, giving my chaotic feelings a place to rest.

"A fake girlfriend, shouldn't she be more real than the real one?"

He draped his coat over their heads, bent down, and looked into her wide, surprised blue eyes at very close range, his voice slightly chuckled.

"Whether it's a little rubbing or a goodbye kiss, it has to be more profound than what real couples do... So, I allow you to be affectionate with me. Don't be too coy, just go for it."

"...You didn't have to go this far."

The slightly trembling breath, blowing on the lips and face, was like a cool breeze that had just passed through winter and was about to blow into spring.

She stared at him without moving, afraid that any sudden movement would extinguish the fire she had just managed to light.

Yuu Tenkuji tucked away the coat that was blocking the monitor's view and took a step back with a relaxed expression.

"Is it too late to say all this now? I really enjoy kissing beautiful girls. Just thinking about all the things I can do in the future almost makes me as perverted as Yoshikage Kira."

As he said this, anticipation appeared in his eyes, and he lightly licked his lips, making no attempt to hide his true nature as a pervert.

Natsukawa Masaki could tell that he was deliberately using this method to make himself feel better—if he really wanted to do something, he could get handsy with her during kissing or rubbing, but he always maintained a gentlemanly distance and didn't take the opportunity to grope her breasts or pinch her buttocks.

On the contrary, she herself was becoming more and more like a lustful woman, and she didn't even know how many times she had secretly pinched his firm chest and pert buttocks.

That's why I couldn't help but say that to him, right?

"If you give me that much freedom, I'll become more and more unreasonable."

"Let me see how far you can go."

"Something like sneaking into your house to wake you up."

"...Let's skip that one, my sister will most likely kill you."

"...That's terrifying? That makes me even more curious."

As if nothing had happened, the two exchanged a few words in a calm tone, and this time they truly said goodbye to each other without any lingering reluctance, turning around and leaving in the opposite direction.

Inside the elevator, Natsukawa Masaki clutched her clothes tightly to her chest and lowered her head.

As the street grew darker, Tenkuji Yu raised her head and stretched comfortably.

"Congratulations, host, you have acquired the status: Are you watching me?"

"Put your thoughts about someone into your phone, then press the shutter button to capture the scene around that person and get their relatively accurate location."

"...Something that looks pretty useless has appeared."

So I'm just an old thing?

Driven by a spirit of experimentation, Yuu Tenkuji took out his phone, looked around, went into the nearby park, found a secluded spot, closed his eyes and pondered for a while before pressing the shutter button.

Crack!

The shutter clicked, and he opened his eyes. The first photo that appeared was naturally of his sister.

She looked as if she had just gotten up and was walking out of her room. Her small hands were on her messy hair, and her eyes were hazy with sleepiness and a little red from not having woken up properly.

"It's already afternoon, this lazy little cat." He smiled helplessly, deleted the photo to prevent others from seeing it, and then closed his eyes again.

Crack!

Natsukawa Masaki appeared, lounging lazily on the sofa.

Crack!

Yukino Yukinoshita and Yui Yuigahama walk home side by side, creating a peaceful and heartwarming scene.

Crack!

A scene appears where Asuna Yuuki is wielding a rapier and fencing with students from the Black Lily Girls' Academy.

Crack!

A scene unfolds where Yukinoshita Haruno has taken off her clothes and is preparing to step into the bathtub...

"???"

Although it was just a back view and nothing was actually revealed, Yuu Tenkuji still couldn't help but hold her breath and then reflexively deleted the photo.

—Does this guy actually have a habit of taking a bath in the evening?

Or was it just a coincidence that she suddenly wanted to take a shower but happened to be photographed by his "mental writing" ability?

Looking at his phone, Yuu Tenkuji's expression was incredibly subtle; he didn't regret deleting the photo at all.

From now on, as long as he can keep track of the girls' bath time, he can use this ability to take countless identical photos—without having to sacrifice a camera every time he uses the ability, unlike the old man.

"I take back what I said before. This ability is useful... but it does put humanity to the test."

With a helpless sigh, Yuu Tenkuji decisively put away his phone, pretended nothing had happened, and continued walking towards home.

After all, for him, if he wanted to see a girl's body, he could have just asked openly and honestly; there was no need to satisfy his desires through such a despicable method as secretly taking photos.

Once humans have self-confidence and self-respect, their bottom line will also rise, and they will disdain to do such despicable things.

Feeling good is temporary, but character is a lifelong label.

Yuu Tenkuji thought that this ability was probably only good for finding people.

That way, you won't have to worry about your "girlfriend" suddenly disappearing and having to call to find out where she is anymore!

"...System, are you trying to remind me of something?"

System: "This reward is given randomly, please rest assured, host."

"It would be a miracle if I could feel at ease."

△

The next day, very early in the morning.

The autumn sky was clear and crisp, with pure white clouds covering half the horizon. The air was refreshingly cool, making it the perfect day to go out and have fun.

In front of the gate of Zongwu High School, second-year students lined up and, guided by their teachers, split into groups and boarded buses, bringing the lively and noisy atmosphere from outdoors into the indoors.

"Hey, I'm not driving today, so we should be able to drink, right? I brought some snacks to go with the drinks."

"Teacher, calm down. Even though it's a field trip, you can't be this free!"

"Haha, just kidding~ Why are you taking it so seriously? Do you think I'm that kind of unrestrained person?"

"..."

"...Don't stay silent. I'll be sad, okay? I'll really be sad, okay?"

"Teacher, is that why you're still single?"

"If you want to die, just say so, Sky Temple."

Today, after Hiratsuka Shizuka sacrificed her image, the atmosphere in Class 2-F became even more cheerful and restless than usual.

Because he angered Hiratsuka-sensei before choosing his seat, Tenkuji Yu was deprived of the right to choose his seat and was forced to sit in the front row, next to Hiratsuka Shizuka.

This is equivalent to being separated from the other students into two different worlds; their joys and sorrows are no longer his concern, making it one of the most disliked seats among students during outings.

But for Yuu Tenkuji, it was actually better than sitting next to the driver—it was just a little sad that he couldn't sit with Totsuka.

He didn't dislike the violent teacher; the teacher's scent and gentle demeanor made him hard to dislike, it was just that his personality was a bit...

"drink!"

"...Even though it's a non-alcoholic beverage, is it really okay for you to do this, teacher?"

"What's wrong with offering students drinks?" Hiratsuka Shizuka shoved the aluminum can into Tenkuji Yu's arms, then generously pulled the tab on the can and started chugging it down.

"--Pfft! That feels great! The pain of having to go out to work on holidays can only be solved with this!"