Jhin's love story, pieced together like a patchwork of plotlines from various tales, clearly failed to satisfy Kasumigaoka Utaha. Since what he said didn't feel authentic at all, she had to think of another way.
Conveniently, she had recently become friends with Sakaki Yumiko through a romance mystery novel. Asking the female lead directly was a solid option. Plus, as fellow girls, the answer would surely carry that feminine sensibility and nuance, unlike Jhin-san's vague ramblings.
Break time in the classroom was hardly the right setting, so Kasumigaoka Utaha opened [momotalk].
Kasumigaoka Utaha: "Miss Sakaki, do you have time after school today?"
Sakaki Yumiko: "Nothing special planned, so yeah. Found another romance mystery novel?"
Kasumigaoka Utaha: "Not that. I want to ask about your relationship with Jhin-san."
Sakaki Yumiko: "You really love romance topics, huh? Even real-life ones. Not actually writing a romance novel like Jhin-san said, are you?"
Kasumigaoka Utaha: "No way. Just curious since I have no dating experience."
Sakaki Yumiko: "See you after school then."
Kasumigaoka Utaha: "Sure."
Having successfully scheduled with Sakaki Yumiko, Kasumigaoka Utaha felt a bit smug. Her gaze subtly flicked toward Jhin, who was propping his chin on his hand, lost in thought.
If you won't spill, I have my own ways!
...
"Kasumigaoka-san, please sit." Sakaki Yumiko gestured for Kasumigaoka Utaha to take a seat while placing a freshly brewed cup of green tea in front of her.
"Thanks." Kasumigaoka Utaha took a sip of the green tea. She hadn't expected Sakaki Yumiko to brew it without asking—though she didn't dislike green tea, she preferred the rich flavor of black tea a bit more.
An ice beauty who's not great at socializing... would she really take the initiative to offer to be Jhin-san's big sister?
No, no, I can't jump to conclusions. People aren't always what they seem. Miss Sakaki might be the cold-on-the-outside, warm-on-the-inside type.
Seeing her pull out the romance mystery novel they'd discussed last time, Kasumigaoka Utaha quickly reminded her of the main purpose: "Ahem, Miss Sakaki, could you tell me about your relationship with Jhin-san?"
"Ah, sorry. I got too caught up thinking about the next plot twist..." A faint blush crossed Sakaki Yumiko's fair cheeks as she quickly closed the newly opened book and set it aside.
"We can discuss plot guesses after your love story."
"Sure. From the beginning, or just the highlights?"
"From the beginning. What Jhin-san said today didn't feel like a real story..." Kasumigaoka Utaha added hastily, "I'm not doubting your relationship, just..."
"I get it, Kasumigaoka-san. What he said is true, but it sounds too unbelievable to others." Sakaki Yumiko smiled faintly, reminiscing as she recounted how she and Jhin met.
Kasumigaoka Utaha listened intently at first. Just as Jhin had said, they met in the classroom at dusk after school. But the story after that was hard to accept.
"Miss Sakaki, sorry to interrupt!" Kasumigaoka Utaha raised her right palm, rubbing her temples with her left hand, her mind reeling. "Your first meeting... you attacked Jhin-san with a craft knife?"
Sakaki Yumiko nodded and countered, "Kasumigaoka-san, imagine: an all-girls school suddenly gets a mysterious transfer student. Wouldn't you worry about your safety and chastity?"
"Ah, yeah... go on." Kasumigaoka Utaha could understand the mindset, but pulling a knife to hospitalize Jhin-san was extreme—she couldn't condone it.
Jhin-san emerging unscathed from that attack and even turning Miss Sakaki into his girlfriend? That's more outlandish than a light novel plot.
Afterward, Sakaki Yumiko described how they gradually cleared up the misunderstanding, and he helped resolve her issues with the Touhin Electric Railway Group.
Kasumigaoka Utaha listened for a while, confirming it matched Jhin-san's account—no standard confession scene. She couldn't help but feel a headache.
Seeing Kasumigaoka Utaha's troubled look, Sakaki Yumiko asked what she imagined love to be like: "Kasumigaoka-san, what do you think love is?"
Kasumigaoka Utaha cradled her teacup, her wine-red eyes fixed on the liquid, as if watching her burning inspiration for a real romance story get doused by cold tea.
After a long pause, she spoke slowly: "I think love is when two people are drawn together by a special connection and reason, realize their feelings, and end up together."
"Sounds just like a romance novel plot."
Pointed out like that, Kasumigaoka Utaha realized her fantasies were stuck in novel tropes. She gave a self-deprecating smile: "Yeah, that's how it is without experience."
"Everyone has their ideals about love, but it's just fantasy." Sakaki Yumiko hadn't imagined being in an N-day relationship, let alone as part of a harem. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Reality lacks those dramatic triggers. Love doesn't need rational reasons—just a bit of chance and fondness to bring people together."
When did she develop feelings for Jhin? Sakaki Yumiko couldn't pinpoint it. As an observer, her attitude shifted from hostility to treating him like a normal classmate, watching him change the girls at school, then save her.
Did they confess? No.
But she still remembered by the lake during sketching: Jhin standing beside her, saying, "You've become quite charming, Miss Sakaki."
Was he talking about the painting, her, or both?
The answer didn't matter—what mattered were the words.
No vows or sweet talk, just simple praise. It was enough for Sakaki Yumiko to recognize her feelings. She undoubtedly liked this man who saved her and took on her life's burdens.
Kato Megumi calmly finished her green tea. Her view of Jhin shifted from harem-building scumbag to impressively capable harem-building scumbag. She chimed in: "I think Miss Sakaki's right."
"Kato-san!?"
"Huh, when did you get here?"
"Miss Sakaki, that's harsh. You invited me in to borrow that mystery novel." Kato Megumi said it flatly, no trace of hurt in her tone or eyes. She was used to it.
___
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