I really don't want to have a girlfriend.

For some reason, Yukinoshita Haruno always felt a sense of familiarity.

The feeling of walking beside him, the feeling of chatting with him about this and that, the feeling of realizing that our paces have somehow become synchronized.

Although it wasn't our first meeting, it was the first time I'd been alone with him like this, feeling the presence of someone named 'Tenkuji Yuu' at such close range...

Things that were once unfamiliar become familiar, and things that were once familiar are about to surface without you even realizing it, like a long-lost treasure returning to your hands.

The empty space in my heart no longer seemed so hollow and cold; the tearing pain seemed to have been completely healed, and an unprecedented joy and satisfaction rose from the bottom of my heart.

Why am I reacting like this? Could it be that I've really fallen for him?

Confused and afraid, Yukino Yukinoshita calmly analyzed her own feelings—from the 'jealousy' she felt when she saw him with other girls, to the 'happiness' she felt now, which was just the feeling of being satisfied with chatting and walking with him. This was clearly the reaction of falling in love with someone.

But is this really what your first love has decided?

Yukino Yukinoshita, did she really fall for a high school boy she'd only met a few times, who seemed a bit strange to her, and who was also her sister's clubmate?

If I told my past self this, I'd probably only get a scornful response.

Just like when I suddenly told my mother that I didn't want to go on blind dates and wanted to choose my own marriage partner, there was no plausible reason. It was just because the outcome was already predetermined, so everyone accepted it as a matter of course.

"This is really... so inexplicable."

"Huh? What's so strange?"

As soon as she finished speaking, Yukinoshita Haruno's expression froze slightly.

Oops, did I accidentally blurt out my innermost thoughts?!

His vigilance has become so low; could this guy be some kind of reincarnated fox spirit, possessing an innate talent for bewitching all beings...?

She turned her gaze away from his profile and looked towards the dance hall in the center of the shrine, saying casually, "I was saying that it's really strange that girls come to worship Tamayori-hime in order to pray for beauty."

"What's the use of praying to gods? If you can't do something because you're born that way, you can make up for it by working hard. If you can't make up for it by working hard, you can develop other strengths. We don't even trust plastic surgeons, so why should we believe in gods who can do things for us without much effort?"

Towards the end, Yukinoshita's tone became slightly sarcastic.

"Don't take it so seriously. In the end, it's just about seeking psychological comfort. After praying, people will still live their lives as usual. There are only a few people who really expect miracles to happen."

Just like with ordinary friends, Tenkuji Yu's attitude towards her became more and more natural. After admiring the ancient shrine architecture, he turned and walked towards the "Giveaway Hall".

The so-called "sending place" is a place that sells various amulets and items related to shrines.

"What, are you thinking of buying amulets for your girlfriend?" Yukinoshita Haruno also came over, looking at the amulets on the table with great interest. "Or are you thinking of giving one to Yukino? Dango-chan? Shall we each give one?"

"For my sister."

Under her barrage of annoying questions, Yuu Tenkuji only gave a brief reply, choosing the one that looked the most girlish and fashionable from the five options.

He chose a small lace purse with a gold Kawai Shrine double sunflower motif on it. He picked out a sky-blue one, intending to give it to Sora as a gift, so she would know that her brother still thinks of his sister the most when he's away.

One amulet costs 1,000 yen, making it the second most expensive item sold here.

Yuu Tenkuji glanced at the items, then casually bought the most expensive one, paying with 3,000 yen.

While the shrine maiden helped him wrap the lace amulet, he himself examined the most expensive lucky charm.

It is long and narrow, made of white lace, with the double-honeymoon pattern of Kawai Shrine meticulously sewn and has a very high-quality feel; inside is an acrylic plate with the Kawai Shrine's blessing seal, which can be appreciated through the transparent lace, which is quite creative for amulets.

As the shrine maiden, who appeared to be in her thirties or forties, handed him the paper bag, she smiled and reminded him, "This can be hung on your bag to carry with you, or worn around your waist or as a lightweight necklace. Besides its function as an ornament, it also has the magical effect of bringing beauty, good luck, and blessings. It's a perfect gift for your girlfriend."

Judging from her gaze and tone of voice, she seemed to regard Yukinoshita Haruno beside her as her girlfriend.

"Thank you." Nodding perfunctorily, Tenkuji Yu was too lazy to explain. He didn't buy this amulet to give as a gift, nor did he want to pray for beauty for himself.

Where no one else could see, he quietly took out the "Amulet of Misfortune" and held it in his palm along with the Amulet of Good Fortune for ten seconds.

When I opened my palm again, the amulet itself had not changed, but the red seal engraved inside had become mottled, like faded paint, and there were even a few faint moldy marks.

"...That's really amazing."

Whether it was the domineering nature of the "Amulet of Misfortune" or the fact that this amulet actually had some ability to bring good fortune, it made Yuukokuji sigh. He then put both amulets into his pocket and looked at Yukinoshita, who had been struggling with her decision for a long time.

"It's decided, this is it!"

She picked up a black comb from the shelf, placed it beside her smooth, delicate face, and looked at Tenkuji Yu with a smile: "How about it? This 'Black Hair Guardian' suits me perfectly, doesn't it?"

It's a kind of amulet made of sacred stones. It looks like a comb, but it's actually made from Nachi stones called "spirit stones" produced in Kumano. The top is engraved with the "Futaba Himawari" shrine crest and the words "Kawaisha". The packaging box has the word "Nurugu". It is said that if you use this amulet every day to comb your hair like a comb, your hair will become shiny and flowing.

“It would suit your sister better,” Yuu Tenkuji said frankly.

Yukino Yukinoshita immediately puffed out her cheeks, twirled the pink-highlighted ends of her hair with her fingers, and grumbled in dissatisfaction, "I'm going to dye them all black when I get back, and then straighten them!"

After muttering all that to herself and paying the money, she acted as if she hadn't said anything at all. Holding the stone comb in one hand and taking a wooden comb from her inner pocket with the other, her bright and alluring eyes locked onto his expression. She deliberately lowered her voice and said:

"I'll tell you a secret, but don't tell anyone."

"What secret?"

Now that things have come to this, Tenkuji Yuu is no longer swayed by the appearance of this wooden comb; he simply tilts his head and looks at her with a puzzled expression.

"When I comb my hair with this wooden comb, I feel like crying and very sad, as if I'm cursed."

She shook the wooden comb in her hand, but instead used the stone comb in her other hand to slowly comb her hair from scalp to ends.

"No other comb has this effect... It's strange, isn't it? Every time I use that comb, I can't help but tear up. Is it my problem or the comb's problem?"

Seemingly very troubled, Yukino Yukinoshita put down the comb and sighed, then casually stuffed the spirit stone comb into her bag.

Without changing her expression, Tenkuji Yu said uninterestedly, "Maybe both of you have problems? You can ask a supernatural expert, or find a shrine maiden nearby for answers. I don't understand these supernatural things."

"How could I tell anyone else something like this? I haven't even told my mother or Yukino, I've only told you, Tenkuji, okay?" As she finished speaking, she blushed slightly and winked at him in a affected manner.

With a slight twitch at the corner of her mouth, Tenkuji Yu turned and left, saying, "If there's nothing else, let's go to the next place."

Having anticipated his reaction, Yukino Yukinoshita immediately followed and forcefully shoved the comb into his hand.

"So, could you help me comb it? Just comb it from top to bottom like I did before!"

"If I still cry, then it's probably the comb that's the problem, and I can finally relax a little... Please, just do your sister a small favor!"

Chapter 122 The Society of Mutual Affinity and the Tree of Bondage

Seemingly taking this matter very seriously, Yukinoshita Haruno raised her head and met his gaze earnestly.

The two stopped simultaneously in front of the altar, looking at each other, and the atmosphere inexplicably became tense.

"...I'm sorry, I only comb the hair of my family or girlfriend. This action has special meaning for me, please understand."

Tensei Yuu shoved the comb back into her hand and firmly but politely refused, "You can't even help with a small thing? You should try asking your sister instead. Just don't tell her the reason."

After saying that, as if he didn't intend to let her continue to pester him, he turned around and walked back the way he came.

"Is that so? Since you've put it that way..."

Realizing that it was not appropriate to continue discussing this matter, Yukino Yukinoshita could only sigh regretfully and carefully put the wooden comb back into her breast pocket.

With her back to her, Tenkuji Yu frowned slightly, revealing a thoughtful expression.

If he wasn't mistaken, there was a faint black mark on the comb that looked to be in good condition, running across the spring-themed painting.

Was it accidentally scratched, or did it actually develop a crack from the inside?

If it really is a crack, does it mean that something bad is about to happen?

You can't blame Tenkuji Yu for overthinking things; it's all because of this unreliable system on his body. It's made him a bit neurotic, constantly afraid that his ex-girlfriend's memories will suddenly resurface, grabbing his collar and demanding he take responsibility…

Even so, it's impossible for him to really rekindle their relationship!

After the world line was altered and his emotions were taken away, there is no doubt that the only person Yuu Tenkuji likes now is Masuzu Natsukawa.

Let alone Asuna Yuuki, who hasn't uttered a single word yet, he only feels like a friend to Haruno Yukinoshita at best; if he were really entangled with her like that, he could only pretend to be clueless and keep rejecting her, right?

Tenkuji Yu couldn't help but sigh softly.

"Let's take it one step at a time. Anyway, it's something that never happened to everyone else. It's just her recalling it, without any evidence, so it can't have much of an impact..."

This is also true for him.

If he hadn't let the system take away that feeling back then, and had wanted to reunite with Yukino Yukinoshita, he probably would have just been met with a confused smile from her, "Who are you?", and then kicked away without any mercy.

Despite his seemingly fragile nature, Yuu Tenkuji is actually quite vulnerable and afraid to do things that are destined to hurt him.

Unless the system can heal this wound; unless he has made up his mind to end it all.

Tenkuji Yuu sincerely hoped that Yukino Yukinoshita would not tread the path he had deliberately avoided.

……

After leaving the grounds of Kawai Shrine, we returned to the Omotesando (main approach) connected by the Momiji Bridge.

Following the lush and fiery red Tadasu Forest in front of you, and walking straight into the depths, you will see the huge torii gate of the main shrine of Shimogamo Shrine.

The setting sun was blocked by clouds, and the sky turned from gray to dark.

The tree-lined tunnel was gradually illuminated by lanterns lighting up the ground, creating a beautiful scene of orange-yellow lights that made it feel like stepping into another mysterious and quiet world.

Strolling along the lit-up cobblestone path, Tenkuji Yu couldn't help but regret not forcibly pulling Natsukawa Masuzu out of the room so she could enjoy the peaceful forest scenery with him.

So now, the one by my side is that troublesome older sister.

"Wow~ The success rate of confessing your love here would be extremely high, don't you think?"

"well enough."

"Beautiful lighting and great atmosphere, what's missing? Are you the type to confess your love by sending flowers?"

"Perhaps."

"What a pity. I think it would have been fine to just come in an ordinary way, or even not say goodbye. After all, being there for each other is the most enduring expression of love."

"That's not true."

"..."

This is what is known as salt correspondence.

Even Yukino Yukinoshita, after being treated so coldly, lost interest in continuing to talk to him and quietly shut her mouth, looking at the dense forest burning with boredom.

After crossing another stone bridge, we finally arrived at the main shrine of Shimogamo Shrine.

The towering torii gate stands prominently in front, with the "te-mizu-sha" (handwashing area) on the right, where one must wash their hands and mouth before stepping into the torii gate; on the left is a large stone made up of many small stones, called "sazare-ishi" (meaning "small stone becomes a large stone"), which is the meaning of "small stone becomes a large stone" in the Japanese national anthem "Kimigayo".

Although he knew the rules of washing hands and mouth, he didn't want to go through the trouble, so he walked straight through the torii gate. Yukino Yukinoshita followed him with light steps, also without glancing at the "handwashing room".

In a sense, both of them were equally willful, doing what they wanted to do and not being forced to do what they didn't want to do, even by the gods.