The Heroines All Regretted It

"Are you being serious?"

Kaguya returned to her usual demeanor, though still tinged with coldness.

She couldn't make sense of what Yoru was saying.

Chika, who had reached out again to grab Kaguya's hand, paused and withdrew it mid-air.

"The school trip incident. Vice President Shinomiya, have you forgotten already?"

Yoru rose slowly and looked straight at her.

His height was unmatched among his peers, except for a few basketball athletes.

Kaguya had a petite build, about the same as Eriri.

Yoru looked down from above. Although Kaguya had to slightly tilt her head up, her presence didn't lose out in the slightest.

The air was thick with tension, like a battlefield ready to ignite.

From not far away, Ishigami stood up, watching warily.

"The spring trip incident, that was your doing, wasn't it?"

"The one who stole Kasumigaoka Utaha's stockings and panties—wasn't it you?!"

Kaguya fired back.

All the evidence pointed to Yoru.

"Kaguya-chan, Kitakami-kun, stop arguing!"

Chika quickly tried to intervene.

"Want to talk somewhere else?"

Yoru glanced at Chika and then spoke to Kaguya.

Kaguya's gaze remained calm. She didn't respond.

"Then forget it. In time, the truth will come out. I've already caught the culprit."

Yoru let out a short laugh.

"Huh? Really?"

It was something Chika had been consciously avoiding.

The idea that her friend was a thief who stole another girl's underwear and stockings... As a girl herself, it left a bad taste in her heart.

She usually tried not to think about it.

"It's definitely true."

Yoru nodded firmly, eyes constantly watching Kaguya's reaction.

"Then let's go somewhere else to talk..."

Kaguya's expression didn't change one bit.

She left those words and walked out the door.

"Don't follow us, Fujiwara-san."

Yoru felt that this topic wasn't something Chika needed to hear.

Kaguya gently pushed the door open and walked out gracefully. Yoru followed, eyes fixed on her back.

'A conglomerate heiress...'

'A top-tier one at that. Her arrogance is terrifying.'

Yoru thought to himself.

Kaguya didn't say where she was headed. She led Yoru all the way outside the student council building before stopping.

Probably didn't want Shirogane to see them arguing coldly.

Whether Shirogane might misunderstand or overthink? That was unknown.

"Go on."

Kaguya turned around. Her small frame looked fragile.

But don't be fooled. As the archery club's ace, her arm strength was something else.

"I said, I've caught the real culprit. Back then, when you and Kasumigaoka Utaha forced me out of school, wasn't it because of your own incompetence?"

Yoru's eyes gleamed with cold amusement and irritation.

This is a heiress of a top conglomerate? What did that have to do with him?

"You haven't cleared it up yet. Second, I can't be sure your claim isn't fabricated..."

Kaguya remained calm. The facts hadn't been clarified, so why should she believe him without proof?

"I don't expect you to believe me. I just want to ask—if the truth comes out and you realize your mistake, will you apologize and compensate me?"

Yoru asked calmly.

Of course, he couldn't force Kaguya to do anything.

Hiratsuka's warning was no joke.

He knew just how terrifying her family really was.

"Was the culprit male or female? Aside from stealing Kasumigaoka Utaha's underwear and stockings, did they do anything else?"

Kaguya didn't answer Yoru directly but asked a question in return.

Back then, the biggest reason she chose to help Utaha... was worry. For herself.

"A girl. She hated Kasumigaoka Utaha and wanted revenge."

Yoru replied hesitantly.

"A girl?"

Kaguya exhaled slightly, but her suspicion remained.

She gave Yoru one last glance and walked away without saying a word.

The matter wasn't settled yet.

"I need to speed up opening the golden chest."

Yoru stared at her small figure.

---

Student Council Room

Shirogane returned from the restroom and saw Kaguya's elaborate lunch. He scratched the back of his head and asked, "Secretary Fujiwara, where's Shinomiya?"

"Kaguya-chan and Kitakami-kun went out to talk..."

Chika sat on the couch, hand under her chin, sighing.

"Huh? Kaguya and Kitakami went out?"

Shirogane had no idea what was going on and looked conflicted.

A while later...

Kaguya returned and sat in front of her lunch.

But she didn't eat—she picked up her phone.

"Shinomiya..."

"She usually rarely uses her smartphone... didn't even know how to before..."

Shirogane felt a spark of joy and started to call out, but held back.

"I'll go look for Kitakami-kun."

Chika stood and walked out quickly.

"Shinomiya... who are you texting?"

Shirogane pretended to admire the view, but was actually sneaking glances at her actions.

She really was replying to messages.

But not the kind Shirogane was thinking.

She was texting Hayasaka.

"Why are Kitakami-kun and Shinomiya-chan like this now..."

"This sucks. I wish I could ease things between them."

Chika caught up with Yoru, lost in thought.

"Kitakami-kun, were you serious just now?"

Chika asked.

"Yeah. Why would I joke about that?"

Yoru smiled helplessly. He hadn't gone far.

"That's great! Congrats... but you and Kaguya-chan..."

She started with a smile, then looked down slightly.

"You know how Shinomiya Kaguya treated me back then?"

Yoru stepped closer, his face souring.

"I... I don't know... How did she treat you?"

Chika tensed up.

"You guys are from elite families. I'm just a regular person—barely middle class."

"I never dared to ask for anything. As for how she treated me... ask her."

Yoru shook his head lightly.

"Kaguya-chan's personality..."

Usually cheerful and carefree, Chika now wore a rare, mature expression.

She'd become friends with Kaguya back in middle school, so she knew her well.

Even now, though Kaguya had become a bit more open...

Getting her to apologize was nearly impossible.

That's the twisted, complicated, and sickening nature of upper-class society.

Take America, for example—when it does something wrong, does it ever publicly apologize to a small nation?

What about pride?

At most, they'd send a servant to give a half-assed apology and some money.

And "some money" usually meant a lot.

But Yoru didn't seem to want that kind of apology.

...

"Moeha, isn't that your sister?"

"And who's that guy she's talking to?"

With sharp eyes, Kei spotted Chika and Yoru from a distance and pointed them out to Moeha.

The two sisters had nothing better to do during lunch and decided to drop by the high school division.

As middle school students, it was easy to slip through.

"No idea. I don't recognize him."

Moeha stopped in her tracks, curious.

"Should we go over?"

Kei glanced at her.

"Let's go."

Moeha nodded and sped up.

Chika was deeply engrossed in conversation, only noticing the two girls once they were right in front of her.

"Huh?"

"Let's leave it here, Fujiwara-san."

Yoru glanced back quickly and spoke flatly.

"Moeha, Kei-chan? What are you two doing here?"

Chika had finished saying everything she wanted to say.

"I was just bored, so I came to see you..."

Moeha tugged on Kei's hand and smiled.

"Good afternoon, Fujiwara-senpai."

Kei greeted her politely.

"See you."

Yoru said goodbye and turned to leave.

But out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a beautiful girl with silver hair not far away, and came to a stop.

"Isn't that...?"

He looked carefully at the girl.

"Wha... woah...!"

It was only then that Moeha got a clear look at Yoru's face and let out a surprised gasp.

What a handsome upperclassman!

Are people this good-looking even real?

"Your reaction is too much..."

Kei looked slightly embarrassed and nudged Moeha gently, though she wasn't handling it much better herself.

Compared to her annoying older brother who never stops lecturing her, this guy was a thousand times more attractive.

"This is my younger sister, Fujiwara Moeha."

"And this is the student council president's little sister, Shirogane Kei."

Chika introduced them to Yoru.

"Shirogane... Miyuki's little sister?"

Yoru widened his eyes slightly and stared at Kei.

'W-why is he looking at me?'

Kei was startled and nodded shyly.

"Nice to see you again, Shirogane."

Yoru adjusted his expression.

"A-again...? We've met before?"

Kei's cool expression froze.

"The bicycle accident? You don't remember me?"

Yoru continued talking to himself.

Next to him, the Fujiwara sisters exchanged glances, each looking at the other in confusion.

When did this happen?

Kei gently shook her head while trying to recall.

If she had seen someone this handsome before, there's no way she would have forgotten.

"Last semester's final exams? You forgot?"

"I didn't look like this at the time," Yoru added.

"Oh! You're him?!"

Kei's sharp mind processed the clue and she let out a soft gasp.

"So, you're Shirogane's sister," Yoru said casually, waved to Chika, and left.

Kei remained frozen in shock, staring as Yoru walked away.

"Who is he, sis?"

"And Kei... don't be so stunned, okay?"

Naturally, the most curious one was Moeha.

Yoru not only knew her sister but had apparently met Kei before too.

"He's a friend of mine—Kitakami-kun. That Kitakami."

Chika explained.

"Kitakami...?"

Moeha struggled to recall.

"Yeah, but he wasn't really the culprit."

Chika continued.

According to Yoru, the misunderstanding would be cleared up soon. Then people would stop reacting to him like Moeha just did.

…

After Yoru left, he didn't linger and went straight back to class.

As he passed Eriri's seat, he slowed down and happened to catch sight of her troubled face, resting her chin on one hand.

He gave her a faint smile, which to Eriri looked like a devil's greeting.

She gritted her teeth and turned her head away.

Her lips tightly pressed together, she had made up her mind to confront Tomoya and explain everything.

Yoru had just returned to class when the afternoon lessons started.

Two easy periods.

As soon as school ended, Yoru packed up and quickly left.

But Eriri moved even faster, heading downstairs to wait.

"Hurry up, or I'll drag you there myself..."

At the first-floor shoe lockers, Yoru caught up to Eriri.

With no one around, he whispered quickly.

"Got it, you disgusting pervy foot-fetish creep, I'll stomp you to death!"

Eriri spat angrily.

Yoru changed his shoes and ignored her, muttering, "It's been a while since I went to the Service Club."

"Hmph."

Even though she was incredibly anxious and helpless inside, Eriri hid it well and followed behind.

Outside, on the path out of Shuchiin Academy—

Eriri waited a bit, then quickly spotted Tomoya in the crowd.

"Aki..."

She mumbled his name and hopped forward.

But it seemed like Tomoya had no intention of leaving school. He was walking toward the library.

Eriri decisively followed, her steps nervous and unsteady.

"Aki..."

As they neared the library, Eriri softly called out to her childhood friend.

"Eriri?!"

Tomoya thought he was hearing things. He turned around after a moment, surprised behind his black-rimmed glasses.

Eriri always avoided him at school, even refused to speak to him.

Something must be up if she was calling out to him like this today.

"Can you come with me for a moment?"

Eriri glanced around—no one nearby.

Still, she couldn't help but feel nervous and afraid.

"There's no one around, Eriri. If you've got something to say, just say it."

Tomoya looked in the direction of the library.

That creepy stalker had started following Utaha again.

Utaha had asked for his help, so lately he'd been accompanying her every day.

"Come with me first. I need to talk."

Eriri stamped her foot anxiously.

Tomoya thought she was just being her usual self, afraid of being seen with him in public.

He had no idea how serious this was.

Of course, if he had known what Eriri—his adorable childhood friend—was about to tell him…

"Just tell me here, Eriri. I've got stuff to do."

Tomoya smiled apologetically, though a part of him felt Eriri deserved a little frustration.

She ignored him when he talked to her, but now she expected him to just go along with whatever she wanted?

If it's really important, she could say it right here.

Most of all, Utaha was waiting for him.

Her safety was way more important than whatever Eriri had to say.

"What do you need to tell me?"

Eriri froze for a second and quickly retorted.

It had taken her a long time to build up the courage to come here.

She hoped Tomoya would understand and help her.

Could she really say it here?

Would a CEO discuss a business deal in a bathroom or on a subway in plain view?

Anyone could walk by at any moment.

"It's... it's..."

Tomoya adjusted his glasses.

"It's about Kasumigaoka Utaha?!"

The moment Eriri saw his reaction, she guessed it immediately.

Tomoya was a terrible liar.

"Eri—"

Before he could finish, Eriri turned and left.

That step she'd finally taken forward was pulled right back.

Too late for regrets now.

Acting dumb and cheap comes with consequences.

Tears slowly welled up in her eyes...

Knock knock knock...

Yoru knocked on the Service Club door.

"Come in."

Yukino responded.

"I'm coming in."

Yoru pushed open the door and stepped inside.

"Oh, it's you? Long time no see."

Yukino gave him a second glance before greeting and looking away.

"Good afternoon, Kitakami-kun."

Yui said without surprise.

"Did something happen with the Service Club?"

Yoru sat in his usual seat.

"Not really. How's your review going?"

Yukino replied.

Slimmed down body aside, has your academic performance improved?

"I've been reviewing hard all summer. Apart from dieting, I've been studying nonstop."

"I think I've basically mastered everything."

Yoru replied with a smile.

"Then let me quiz you."

Yukino closed the book in her hands.

Yoru gave a light nod.

…

…

"Not bad. You're not lying, you're making good progress."

"This semester, if you keep this up, you might make a big leap in the end-of-month exams."

Yukino said.

After all, Yoru had been reviewing last semester's material, just building his foundation.

Only now was he standing at the same starting line as everyone else.

Top students didn't need to wait for the teacher—they could skip ahead and even pass third-year-level problems.

"Wahaha—"

Suddenly, a fat guy with a headband appeared outside the clubroom door.

He was around 180 to 200 pounds, Yoru estimated.

With a weird laugh, he strode into the room.

"So... how's my... novel?"

Zaimokuza immediately became nervous the moment he entered.

Yoru looked at Yukino in surprise. Getting no answer, he turned to Yuigahama for help.

"It's a request for the Service Club."

"He writes light novels and wants us to evaluate his work."

Yuigahama pointed at a stack of white papers on the table.

"I see. But does Yukinoshita-san usually read light novels?"

Yoru asked curiously.

Hearing this, Zaimokuza turned and started sizing up Yoru.

"Are you ready?"

"I'm about to begin."

Yukino took a sip of water and said calmly.

"Yeah, I'm ready. Always ready."

It was obvious Zaimokuza was both nervous and excited.

"It's boring. Really boring. Not a single emotional reaction while reading."

"To put it simply, there's no desire to keep reading."

Without warning, Yukino began a cold critique.

"Ahh... no way... my dream of winning the light novel grand prize!"

Zaimokuza reacted dramatically, clutching his chest like he'd been stabbed.

Yukino remained silent, staring at him.

Slapping his thigh hard, Zaimokuza leaned on the table with both hands and took a deep breath. "Keep going. I'm ready. Tell me where it's bad, where it's boring."

"The plot is dull, the writing unrefined, and the grammar problematic."

"Even though I haven't read many shonen light novels, I can still spot many flaws."

Yukino picked up the stack of printed papers and handed them to Yoru.

"This is the light novel he wrote?"

"To make money?"

Yoru personally preferred manga and anime. He had read a few light novels, but not many.

"So, what do you think, brother?!"

Zaimokuza comforted himself and placed his hopes on Yoru.

Of course, he knew Yoru—the famous guy from Shuchiin.

Looking at Yoru, he even felt a sudden urge to lose weight.

"It's a little... strange..."

Yoru frowned slightly and glanced at Zaimokuza.

"Alright, I get it now!"

Zaimokuza didn't want to hear more criticism. The review so far was already enough.

He gave Yoru a small bow and left the clubroom looking defeated.

"Ever since I started coming here, the club's been pretty relaxing when I'm around."

Yoru looked toward Yukino.

"Alright then, let's get started with the tutoring."

"By the way, that thing you had to deal with—is it done?"

Yukino stood up from her chair.

"It's... taken care of."

"Well... not completely..."

Yoru's eyes held a faint smile, but after hesitating, he didn't say more.

He'd already caught the culprit himself.

Forget it. Once the whole truth came out, Yukino and Yuigahama would know soon enough.

"Kitakami-kun, are you really dating Aoyama Nanami?"

Finally, Yuigahama's overflowing curiosity burst out.

"Ah... that thing... no."

"We're just close friends. We live in the same apartment complex, that's all."

Yoru turned to look at Yuigahama, a strange look flashing across his face.

Whenever he saw her, he couldn't stop thinking about her mom.

Yuigahama Yae.

"Really? But everyone's saying how handsome you are. A lot of girls are talking about it."

Yuigahama grinned.

"I know. But honestly, do you girls really think that kind of behavior is attractive and charming?"

After the impulse faded, Yoru felt a bit embarrassed even just thinking about it when lying in bed that night.

It was really awkward.

"What kind of behavior...?"

Yuigahama paused her phone, puzzled.

"You mean me?!"

Yoru pointed at himself.

"Huh?"

Yuigahama finally caught on, glanced at Yukino, and looked back.

"They meant you look good. You look better now that you've slimmed down..."

"And that kind of thing, well, some people do find it romantic and attractive..."

Yuigahama wasn't one of them. Everyone had different ways of thinking.

She didn't like standing out.

"I only look a little better..."

Yoru said shyly for some reason.

"The peeping tom's even learned humility now..."

Yukino said flatly out of nowhere.

"Ahaha, is that so?"

Yoru found it a little odd but flashed a bright smile at her.

The usually cold-hearted "Ice Queen" Yukino turned her head aside.

"Class time."

Yoru sat up straight, but his mind wandered to Mai.

Her condition should be almost cured by now.

What an amazing ability.

To disappear from others' worlds completely.

Even small objects carried on her would vanish along with her.

If he wanted to make Shinomiya Kaguya suffer—or even destroy the Shinomiya family—it would all depend on Mai.

As he thought of Kaguya, her cute, cool face floated in Yoru's mind.

A nameless fury surged up in him.

Just like with Eriri.

Heh...

'If only Sakurajima-senpai were my servant and obeyed my every command...'

'Perfect for murder and arson, she could silently take someone out with just a little poison...'

Yoru shook his head, throwing away such idle thoughts.

Having Mai investigate Kaguya and collect dirt on the shinomiya conglomerate to leak anonymously and teach her a lesson—that was fine.

But expecting her to commit murder, arson, or secretly take photos?

Forget it.

Yoru didn't even need to think about it to know—Mai wasn't his pet. What could he possibly have that would make her addicted to him?

Time slipped by quietly.

Half an hour later, the one-hour club activity came to an end.

After tidying up, Yoru left ahead of the others and returned a call to his mom, Megumi.

It connected immediately.

"Mom, what's up?"

"I'm going to a friend's place for dinner. Want to come with me?"

His mom replied.

"Wait… it's not that friend who had me deliver flowers last time, is it?"

Yoru looked around at the scenery of Shuchiin Academy and began pacing.

"Yes, it is. You coming?"

Megumi asked.

'Damn it, Mom and Eiriri's mom, Sawamura Sayuri, are that close?'

'If they find out about me and Eiriri...'

'Should I go or not?'

Yoru weighed the pros and cons.

In the end, he decided to go.

Why not!

Might as well eavesdrop on Eiriri's thoughts.

See what was really going on in her mind.

"I'll drive over and pick you up at your apartment in a bit."

Megumi said cheerfully.

"See you."

Yoru hung up and let out a long sigh.

He left Shuchiin and headed home by car.

Not far from home, he happened to run into Nanami, who had just come back from shopping.

"Yoru... you, uh, listen, I can explain..."

"I didn't go out much, really. I was just resting at home, only went out to buy a few things."

Nanami looked terrified and embarrassed when she saw Yoru. Her back was stiff and she instinctively took two steps back.

All because Yoru had tugged her ear earlier—and gently rubbed it...

"Am I really that scary?"

Yoru approached her, chuckling helplessly.

"A... a little."

Nanami touched her ear, flustered.

Then the two walked back to the apartment side by side.

'Yoru said I can tell him if anything comes up...'

'Should I tell him my ears are super sensitive?'

'If he pulls on them again, what then? It's okay at home, but still...'

Nanami's eyes wandered as she muttered in her head.

'Yoru's such a nice guy. If he knew, he probably wouldn't tease me again, right?'

'Should I tell him or not?'

Her expression showed mild conflict.

The thought felt weird.

Telling a boy about her sensitive weak spot...

Though, she didn't exactly dislike Yoru.

A few minutes later, they returned to the apartment.

"See you later, Nanami."

Yoru parted ways with her at the stairwell landing.

"Yeah, yeah."

Nanami nodded twice.

Back at home.

Nanami's tense back muscles finally relaxed.

Elsewhere—

Yoru sat on the small couch in the living room, holding San-san in his arms as she came to greet him.

"Let's take a look..."

"Yukinoshita-san said pet tags are for preventing them from getting lost and usually have the owner's name engraved."

Yoru reached for the tag on San-san's furry neck and looked it over again.

The details were so worn out they were almost unreadable.

Just a few Arabic numerals remained. Yoru guessed it was probably her former owner's phone number.

"There's also a kanji character for 'Three.'"

He thought about Tokisaki Kurumi—whom he'd met today through Ichinose Honami.

She also went by San-san.

Could it really be that much of a coincidence?

Gently holding both of San-san's little paws, Yoru lifted her up and nuzzled her round little head.

"Meow meow..."

San-san didn't mind the affection. She meowed twice and swept her tail gently.

The next second, his phone rang.

His mom sent a message: I'd be there in ten minutes.

Yoru widened his eyes and stared into San-san's amber eyes to tease her before reluctantly putting her down.

He picked out a casual outfit and took a quick shower.

When he stepped out, his mom's car had just pulled up outside the apartment building.

"Seatbelt on."

Megumi reminded him.

"Got it."

Yoru chose to sit in the back for comfort.

It was an Alphard...

A family van, but apparently on the mainland, the mid-tier model sold at a crazy markup.

"Mom, how did you meet Aunt Sawamura?"

Yoru asked curiously on the way.

"She likes flowers, and I run a flower shop. We met at a flower expo. We had a great chat, exchanged contact info, and gradually became close. It wasn't until a year later that I found out Sayuri was a diplomat's wife."

"Unbelievable."

Megumi smiled as she recalled.

"Kindred spirits, huh? Sayuri... lilies..."

Yoru's expression twisted subtly.

Mom, if you knew your son was close with Aunt Sayuri's daughter Eiriri...

Would you be shocked?

Just this morning, Eiriri even took the initiative.

'If I show up now, will Eiriri freak out?'

Yoru thought of that silly golden retriever girl, and a mysterious smile tugged at his lips.

At school, everyone thought that little golden retriever was elegant and untouchable...

...

Meanwhile—

Sayuri Sawamura had already prepared a feast, rinsing fruit.

Eiriri had just returned with takeout and looked confused as she asked her mom,

"Mom, didn't you say Dad wasn't coming home today?"

"You made all this food, and you even ordered more?"

Water splashed from the faucet.

"A guest is coming. I told you a few days ago, remember?"

Sayuri answered without even looking up.

"Huh? Really?"

Eiriri blinked in surprise.

"Remember that boy who delivered flowers last time?"

Sayuri drained a plate of strawberries and set it on the table.

"You... Mom..."

"You mean... he's coming?!"

Eiriri's eyes widened like saucers. She was on the verge of breaking down.

"Yup. With his mom. She's my friend. You should get ready too, clean yourself up."

Sayuri started washing a watermelon and didn't notice her adorable daughter freaking out.