Author's notes

Hi readers, welcome to my fanfiction about FGO and Blue Archive crossover!Side storiesare my side projects that focus on daily is exclusive, new content separate from the main story yet canon in this fanfiction.This side story spoils 'A Visitor from Beyond' arc. This side story takes place after Hyakkaryouran Chapter 1 (The main story has yet to catch up to that) and Game Development Department and The Hero party (Another side story)

I can't be writing the main story solely all the time, that thing was really exhausting. It requires too much brain power. So, let's relax in side stories together!

ENJOY!

Fate/Grand Order: Where All Miracles Begin, SCHALE

Side Story: Love Unlocked, The Treasurer's Priceless Treasure (1/9)

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It's 2 p.m.

The sun hung high in the sky, its golden rays pouring through the vast glass windows of the Seminar office. Outside, the sprawling Millennium campus buzzed with activity—robots scurried across walkways delivering packages, drones zipped through the air conducting inspections, and students shuffled between labs, classrooms, and clubrooms, their chatter blending with the hum of futuristic machinery. Inside, the perfectly calibrated air conditioning hummed softly, creating an oasis of coolness amidst the afternoon heat.

I rested my chin on my folded arms atop my desk, staring blankly at the glowing holo-screen in front of me. A part of me knew I should be working—there were budgets to approve, petitions to review, and the occasional case of missing equipment to solve. But none of it held my attention.

"I'm bored..." I muttered to myself, letting out a long sigh.

Oh, right. My name isHayase Yuuka, treasurer of Millennium Academy's prestigious Student Council, also known as the Seminar. A job that requires precision, discipline, and more patience than you'd expect when dealing with some of Millennium's more... eccentric clubs. In a school as advanced as this one, there's always some kind of groundbreaking invention or outlandish project in the works, and naturally, that means a constant flow of requests for funding and support.

Thanks to Millennium's advanced systems and automation, most of my work is streamlined. Machines help process the endless paperwork, and our neural-linked accounting software makes managing finances a breeze. But today? Today, I had nothing pressing to do.

And I hated it.

I'm bored.

Why?

Hewasn't around again.

Lately, SCHALE had been busier than ever. There was always something going on—a request here, a consultation there, and an endless stream of students clamoring for his attention. Yet, despite all that works— All SCHALE duty sessions were booked.

The SCHALE duties that I used to help with regularly... they had now become increasingly rare for me to join.

"I'm sorry, Yuuka... There's already a student booked for that day."

Already booked?!Since when did SCHALE duty become some sort of exclusive club?! Voluntary work was supposed to be low-demand, right?Wrong. Apparently, these days, working with Sensei was the hottest ticket in town.

Haaaaaaaa...I sighed again, louder this time.

Back when Sensei first arrived, I was there almost every day helping him settle in. Back then, it felt like I was his go-to person for everything—handling finances, managing tasks, even making sure he didn't overspend on snacks and toys. Those were the good days. But now? I was lucky to get even half a day a week with him.

Sure, my position as treasurer guaranteed me some face time with him, since someone had to make sure his finances didn't spiral out of control. But even that wasn't enough. Half a day a week wasn't enough!

"( – – )

I sighed for what felt like the hundredth time that afternoon.

Why couldn't he just save a day for me? Just one day.

"What's wrong, Yuuka-chan?"

The familiar voice made me pause mid-click. I glanced up to see my friend, her calm and knowing smile meeting my gaze. She stood gracefully by my desk, her amethyst eyes sparkling like they always did—as if she could see through every layer of my thoughts. Honestly, that smile sometimes sent chills down my spine.

"It's nothing—"

"I'm just... bored."

"Oh?" Her smile deepened slightly, and I immediately regretted giving her that little crack to peek through.

Ah, right. I should probably introduce Noa, the Seminar's secretary and my closest friend. Despite her gentle demeanor, she's annoyingly perceptive. She has this uncanny ability to read me like an open book, even when I don't say a word. It's not fair, honestly—I couldn't even begin to guess what she's thinking half the time. Her expressions are like a perfect poker face, and I've known her forhow many years now?Let's just say long enough that I should've figured her out by now.

Noa tilted her head thoughtfully, her silver hair catching the sunlight streaming in through the windows. "You've been staring out of the window for almost twenty minutes now. Are you sure it's nothing?"

I sighed. There was no hiding anything from her.

"Fine..." I relented, sitting up straighter. "I guess I'm just... frustrated."

"Frustrated about what?" she asked, her tone as calm and curious as ever.

"Sensei..." I admitted. "Lately, he's been so busy that I barely see him. Even SCHALE duties are fully booked these days, and it feels like I'm competing with half of Kivotos just to get a moment of his time."

Noa's eyes widened slightly in acknowledgment before she placed a hand on her chin, her smile never fading. "Why not just go visit him?"

"Huh?" I blinked, caught off guard.

"You know where he is, don't you?" she said, tilting her head. "If you're so worried about how busy he is, why not drop by? You could help him out or at least see how he's doing."

Well... visit him?

I hesitated. "I've never visited him outside of SCHALE duties. Not without scheduling it beforehand, anyway. There's only been a handful of times we've met outside of work..." I trailed off, glancing at my Momotalk. "Besides, he hasn't even read my messages yet."

"And?" Noa countered. "If he's busy, you can politely excuse yourself and leave. But if he's not too busy, you can lend him a hand. Either way, wouldn't it be better than just sitting here being bored?"

I frowned, thinking it over.

"It's not like he'd scold you for visiting," she added, her voice softening. "At worst, he'll thank you and kindly decline. At best, you'll get to spend time with him or at least see how he's holding up. Doesn't that sound worth it?"

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"You make it sound so simple." I muttered under my breath.

"Itissimple." Noa replied, her serene smile never faltering. "You've never done this before, right? So why not try?"

"..." I tapped the desk lightly with my finger, weighing my options. Finally, with a sigh, I stood up.

"Fine, I'll go."

Noa clapped her hands together lightly, clearly pleased. "Good luck, Yuuka-chan. And don't overthink it."

"Overthink it? Me?" I muttered under my breath, grabbing my bag.

As I made my way to the door, I glanced back at her. She gave me a little wave, her smile as unreadable as ever.

"Noa— You're way too smug about this, you know."

"Fufu..."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't suppress the tiny smile tugging at the corner of my lips. The man had always visited me first, whenever he came here, he would drop by at the Seminar all the time.

To think that today would be my first time visiting him without notice first.

With a deep breath, I stepped out into the bustling Millennium campus, ready to do something completely out of character for me.

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Almost one hour passed by.

I stood just outside the sliding door of the SCHALE office, staring at it as if it were some kind of daunting fortress. Through the narrow opening, I could see the top of Sensei's head barely visible above the monitors, his focus entirely on the work in front of him. He didn't even notice me standing there.

I clutched the neatly wrapped box of snacks tighter in my hands, the weight of my own overthinking pressing down on me.This is silly,I told myself. This is just Sensei's office. I've been here hundreds of times before. And yet, my feet wouldn't move.

The truth was, this time was different. This wasn't about work or an official duty. This wasn't a scheduled visit to discuss budgets or lecture him on his out-of-control spending habits. No, today was different.

Today, I came here for no particular reason—armed only with a box of snacks as an excuse.

I replayed the scene I'd rehearsed in my head for the twentieth time.

"Hey, Yuuka, you visited me?"

"Ugh—well, it's not like I miss you or anything—"I'd say, trying to sound casual."I just happened to get these snacks you said you wanted to try. So, I thought I'd drop by. That's all."

"Oh wow, thank you. Come on in, I need your help!"

Yes, that was the plan. If he didn't need me, I could just leave the snacks and save face.

Snacks? Check. Hair? Check. Outfit? Check.I took a deep breath to steady myself.

Finally, I stepped forward, and the door slid open with a soft hiss.

"Sensei!"

Hearing my voice, sensei lifted his head from his computer, and the sight of his warm, familiar smile instantly made my heart flutter.

"Yuuka!" he greeted.

I couldn't help but smile back as I stepped inside. "Sensei, can I have a moment of your time?"

But before I could take another step, a voice rang out from the other side of the room.

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"No, Sensei is busy working with me."

I froze in place, my smile faltering as I turned toward the voice.

A girl emerged from behind one of the monitors, her navy-blue hair cascading down to her neck. Her elf-like ear lured ones' eyes to her white nape. Her pale blue eyes carried a sharpness that matched her tone. She wore a confident, no-nonsense expression that sent an unspoken challenge my way.

"Sinceweare very busy—" she continued, her tone laced with superiority, "—please quickly state your business."

It took me a moment to process her presence—Oki Aoi.Of course, it had to be her.

My chest tightened with a mix of irritation and frustration. I clenched my teeth, forcing myself to remain composed. Of all people,shehad to be here. The chief of the General Student Council's Finance Office, Oki Aoi, my greatest rival.

She and I were too similar, and that was the problem. Navy-blue hair, blue eyes, strict and hardworking personalities, and both of us in charge of budget management. If I were the treasurer of Millennium Academy's Student Council, she was the treasurer of General Student Council, the overall manager of Kivotos. In this regard, she was even superior than me...

Moreover, lately, she had been assisting Sensei in SCHALE's Financial Statement with General Student Council. It used to be my job— she took it away from me!

It was as if... fate had created a mirror to test my patience.

I sighed inwardly, biting back my irritation. Of course, today of all days, she had to be here. Just my luck.

In an instant, the SCHALE office felt colder than usual—not from the air conditioning but from the frost hanging in the air between me and her.

"Good afternoon, Aoi-san." I greeted, my lips curling into a polite smile. "I never expected the busy finance chief to be here today."

Oki Aoi, with her perfectly composed demeanor, looked up from her seat beside Sensei.

"Good afternoon, Yuuka-san." she said, her tone polite but edged. "As you know, SCHALE is an authorized club established directly by the General Student Council President. It's only natural for the General Student Council and SCHALE to maintain a good working relationship."

"I see, then you must be helping him with the budget, right?"

"Indeed, and what brings you here, Yuuka-san?"

I turned to Sensei, holding up the box of snacks. "I brought these for Sensei," I said, feeling triumphant. Sensei smiled warmly at me.

"Thanks, Yuuka." he said, his tone as casual and comforting as ever.

"Sensei, are you really that busy?" I asked him, a note of concern creeping into my voice.

"A bit." he admitted, scratching the back of his head. "But we're trying our best here. It should be fine."

Noticing a keyword in his sentence, I immediately stepped forward.

"Do you need my help?"

Nonetheless, before Sensei could answer, Aoi's voice cut in, colder than the air-conditioning.

"Wasn't there an unspoken rule—" she said, staring directly at me, "that no student is allowed to steal SCHALE duties from the one assigned for the day?"

Σ(ロ) Sensei's head jerked slightly as he turned his gaze between the two of us. "Eh... Aoi? Yuuka?"

Her sharp words didn't end there. "These documents..." she continued. "—are highly authorized materials meant only for SCHALE and the General Student Council. Normal students should refrain from probing into them."

I smirked, meeting her icy gaze head-on. "I apologize, Aoi-san," I said, my tone dripping with mock sweetness. "But Sensei trusts me enough to let me handle these 'highly authorized' documents all the time. I've seen it all."

Her sharp stare quickly shifted to Sensei, who looked like he was sweating bullets.

Not wasting any attack chance, I pressed on, unwilling to back down. "This is a special occurrence..."

"The current student on duty... only has about an hour left before they can go home. As a fellow treasurer and Sensei's student, I simply offered my assistance to make sure everything gets done on time." I paused, letting my words linger. "After all, unlike the high and mighty General Student Council, normal students like us don't have the luxury of unlimited resources."

"Yuuka..." Sensei muttered, his tone almost pleading.

"It's fine, Sensei." Aoi interjected, smiling at him in a way that sent shivers down my spine. "We'll finish everything in time, won't we?"

Sensei nodded nervously, clearly caught between us.

"Okay, then, go for it." I said, shrugging, then leaned slightly toward Sensei. "Just so you know, Sensei, looking at the work you have left, it's probably going to take more than a few hours. I'll be sitting over there. When Miss Finance Chief leaves, just call me, okay?"

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Sensei gulped audibly.

"Yuuka-san, why are you going this far?" Aoi spoke as her sharp gaze narrowed at me.

"To help Sensei, of course." I replied simply. "I can't let my job get taken away from me."

"Your job?" She repeated. "Hayase Yuuka, you've been handling nearly all of SCHALE's duties since the beginning. Don't you think it's odd for one student to shoulder so much?"

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"That's enough." Declaring with a firm voice, Sensei suddenly stood up. His blue eyes glanced at both of us with his hands raised slightly, like a man trying to keep two storm fronts from colliding. "There's too much work to finish on time, so let's have Yuuka help. Aoi, you okay with that?"

Aoi folded her arms, her sharp eyes glinting.

Sensei sighed, his gaze wandered between us and a large pile of documents.

"Yuuka, in the worst case, you could stay until late right?"

"Of course, yes." I answered happily with a winning smile. Still, I didn't miss the opportunity to glance at the loser's face.Look who's the winner here?

Nodded to my response, the man's attention returned to the finance chief.

"Aoi, then—"

"I'll stay." she declared.

"—!" Sensei and I both turned to her in surprised. No— to corrected that, it was only Sensei that was surprised, But I— was shocked, in a negative way too.

Aoi smiled sweetly at Sensei. "I'd be more than happy to work overtime with you, Sensei." Then she turned her icy gaze on me, her message crystal clear:Think again...

Electric sparks flew between us as we glared at each other.

In the end, we all ended up working together—Sensei in the middle, Aoi to his right, and me to his left. The work was finished early, but neither of us was willing to leave first.

Later that night, Sensei treated us both to dinner, but even then, we stayed.

It wasn't until much later, when Sensei physically pushed both of us out the door, that we finally headed home—at the same time.

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A few days had passed since that awkward standoff with Oki Aoi, the chief of the General Student Council's Finance Office. And finally, here I was, sitting in my usual position in the SCHALE office.

Finally,today is my day!

It felt like a reward hard-earned—the booking I'd secured two weeks in advance. That was just how competitive it'd become to workfor—no,withSensei.

The day was as beautiful as I hoped. The weather was bright, with warm rays filtering through the large windows behind him. And Sensei—he looked perfect today.

I glanced up from my papers to steal a look at him. His blue eyes were fixed on the monitor, the glow of the screen reflecting faintly in their depths. The sunlight highlights his profile—his sharp nose, the gentle curve of his jawline, his clear skin. The day before had me frustrated a little. Back then, I was forced to sit on his left side. On the other hand, his right side was especially captivating; without his bangs obscuring it, his eye seemed to gleam with quiet determination.

I lost track of time as I sit there, watching him. Who knew how long I'd been staring?

"Yuuka?"

His voice pulled me back into reality. My heart skipped as I realized he'd turned to look at me.

"Y-Yes?"

"What's wrong? Is there something on my face?"

"N-No! No, not at all!" I stuttered, quickly returning my gaze to the papers on my desk.

Why did he always catch me off guard like this? I hoped my face doesn't look as red as it feels.

But... do other students felt the same way?

As that thought creeped into my mind, I started glancing around the room, letting my eyes wandered across the now-familiar space. It was not just his presence that feels different lately—it was also his office.

Ever since the "Crimson Sky Incident," there'd been a noticeable increase in...stuff.Things I know weren't here before. Strange things. Luxurious things.Territorial things.

How did I notice? It was obvious. Not only had his bills gone up—I managed those, after all—but they were practically cluttering the room.

The evidence?

A ridiculously luxurious tea set.

Newly upgraded PCs,Plural.

A sleek road bicycle propped against the wall.

Various plush dolls occupying chairs and shelves.

Musical instruments— why is there a guitar case on the couch?

And that was just the start. These items weren't just unnecessary; they felt suspicious, like someone was trying to make a statement.

The tea set, for instance—it was straight out of a royal palace. And why did it only havetwocups? The fridge was always stocked with high-quality tea leaves, snacks, and desserts that even Millennium's high-end cafes would envy.

Then there were the PCs. I approved the budget for those, but he'd definitely gone overboard. Their specs were far too overkill for his daily work. And didn't even get me started— he didn't only upgrade just one— butall. They were too many! Too many that I had a doubt if this were an office or his dream gaming setup. Wait— why was there a gaming controller next to anair purifier?

When I confronted him about it, he just scratched his head and said—

"Well... it's just my hobbies."

Hobbies? Sensei, are you sure these are your hobbies and not your students'?

Still, it was not like I could stop him. At best, I could nag about his spending habits—like hismecha model collectionor hisgacha pulls.And let's not forget the Rabbit Squad's meal expenses. Imagine feeding four students three meals a day.

It was frustrating, but... that was who he was. Generous to a fault, always putting others first. Maybe that was what made him so loved by the students.

Still, I was determined not to dwell on those thought today.

Today was my day, my time to spend with him. I would not worry about all that and just quietly spend a quality time here.

As I settled back into my seat, dreaming of leisurely hours ahead, a sweet voice rang out, cutting through my thoughts.

"Sensei, here is your latte and some snacks."

"Ah—Toki, thank you. They look delicious."

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What?

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!"

I slammed my hands on the desk as my voice echoed across the room. My eyes locked onto the unexpected sight before me.

Standing there was a blonde girl in a pristine maid uniform, balancing a silver tray. She exuded calm professionalism, her stoic face betraying no emotion. On the tray was an assortment of snacks—bread, bagels, croissants, biscuits—all perfectly arranged. There were also two steaming cups of coffee, both adorned with intricate latte art: one of his face and one of hers... complete with a heart symbol between them. A heart,A heart.

What. Is. This.

"I'm his personal maid and bodyguard," she began, her tone flat yet somehow managing to sound smug. "And as the best agent, I'm currently trying to win over his hea—"

Before she could finish, Sensei quickly clapped his hand over her mouth. "Hahaha... Yuuka, it's nothing. Toki is, um, afrequent visitorto SCHALE."

"That's wrong, Sensei. I live he—"

He cut her off again, this time with a tighter grip and an obvious bead of sweat trickling down his temple. "Don't mind her... Haha... hahaha..." he said, his laugh sounding more nervous and fake than ever.

My eyes narrowed. This couldn't be more suspicious.

"Sensei..." I said coldly, narrowing my eyes as I looked between the two of them. "Wasn'tIthe only one scheduled for SCHALE duty today?"

The girl—Asuma Toki—stood there like an unshakable statue. I recognized her immediately. Blonde hair tied neatly in a bun, blue eyes, and that impeccable maid uniform. Asuma Toki, codename 04, a member of C , the intelligence organization of our school. She was also Rio's personal bodyguard. But why was there a C member here? Didn't she receive direct orders from the Seminar?

Wait, I realized something— I'd heard the rumors, of course. The mysterious girl seen walking in and out of SCHALE, sometimes in a bunny costume—sometimes not. Now it all made sense. It must be her!

I turned back to Sensei, who was now avoiding eye contact. "Sensei— what is this all about?"

"Ah, well..." he started, scratching the back of his head.

"For my mission." Toki spoke up, her voice as monotone as ever. "I am required to stay by Sensei's side at all times until he admi—"

"Ah! Actually, we have a mission this afternoon!" Sensei quickly interrupted, his eyes wide with alarm.

I crossed my arms and sighed. I could tell he was dodging the question, but I let it slide. Even though President Rio hadn't returned to the head position, Noa was the one who temporarily managed C missions. And my job? It was to deal with their mess afterward— whether be the payments or damage bills.

Nonetheless, I was fine—Yes, truly fine... perhaps. Toki, despite her stoic expression, was a stubborn girl. It was true that I didn't expect to see her here but I could ignore her. It wasn't like she was her rival right? Wasn't she just an emotionless girl who want to perform her maid and agent duty?

Unlike those hobby stuff's owners... this harmless girl was good to go.

"How's the coffee, Sensei?"

"It's amazing as usual."

"Please praise me, quickly."

"Truly, no one can make a latte quite like you, Toki. I will choose yours over any café."

"Peace Peace ︎ ( - )︎ "

(_") I groaned internally as I tried to focus on my work.It's fine. It's just coffee.Sure, the latte art of their faces wasquestionable, but maybe it was just for artistic practice. I convinced myself that I was overthinking it.

But then I glanced up again.Hold on... why do they look so close?

They weren't doing anything inappropriate, but the air around them felt... off. Like they were in their own little world. The way Toki, who was always so emotionless, seemed to have a faint sparkle in her eyes as she looked at him...

No. No way. Impossible.

A girl like Toki, an unshakable and stoic agent, falling for Sensei? It was absurd. I shook my head and forced myself to focus on the paperwork in front of me.It's just your imagination, Yuuka. Stop overthinking.

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Hours passed, and now it was almost the end of my shift at SCHALE. Sensei and Toki had left for their mission a few hours earlier, leaving me alone in the office.

This wasn't unusual. There were plenty of days where Sensei left the on-duty student to handle more urgent matters elsewhere. I was used to the quiet by now.

I'd already finished all my assigned paperwork, and the office was so still I could hear the faint hum of the air conditioner. My eyes wandered around the room, landing on Sensei's desk. It was slightly messy, papers scattered haphazardly.

"Typical..." I muttered under my breath.

If Toki was heading straight home after the mission and Sensei was likely moving on to his next task, no one would bother tidying up the desk. Letting out a sigh, I decided to take matters into my own hands. At the very least, I could organize the documents for him.

As I stacked the papers neatly, my eyes drifted to the corner of the desk where an old locker stood. A wave of familiarity washed over me. Ah, that locker...

It was where Sensei stored letters. I didn't know where he got those from, but they one day appeared. Back in his early months here, there were so many that they couldn't fit into the drawers upstairs. I remembered being the one who suggested he store them here instead. They were here even before the Eden Treaty ratification.

Curiosity tugged at me. I paused, my hands resting on the desk.

Those letters— were they from his students? Why would they write him a letter when they could send him a message? Or... He was given them on a special occasion? V-V-Va— Valentine?! Did I miss something?!

With everything happening in Kivotos, he was too popular among the students—

With his personalities, I knew he treated every student very nicely.

But what were their relationships?

I stared at the locker. The weight of the decision loomed over me like an ominous cloud. Just as I thought I could simply walk away, two very distinct voices popped into my head. A small internal war breaking out in my mind.

Angel Yuuka:Stop right there! What are you thinking? That's his personal space. You'd be invading his privacy.

Devil Yuuka:Oh, please. He never said these were off-limits. Did you see a lock? No? Then it's fair game.

Angel Yuuka:Fair game? FAIR GAME?! This is the trust Sensei has placed in you, Yuuka. Are you really going to betray that trust?

Devil Yuuka:Trust? Oh, come on. He trusts her enough to keep these letters here in the first place. If anything, this is a testament to that trust!

I groaned quietly, torn between the two voices in my head.

Angel Yuuka:Just walk away. You don't need to know everything about him. Respect it!

Devil Yuuka:Don't act like you're not curious! You've been working with him for so long, yet there's so much he keeps hidden. Don't you want to know what kind of students he worked with behind your back? Look, just today you knew Toki was his personal maid. Then what about those random stuff's owners?!

Angel Yuuka:Curiosity is not an excuse to snoop! You're better than this, Yuuka!

Devil Yuuka:Oh, please. Look at that pile of letters. These aren't just letters—they're stories. Stories about him— for him, the people he cares about, the life from different perspective, from different students, from different schools! Don't you want to understand him better? Who knows maybe he acts cool in Trinity but doing shameless stuff in Gehenna!

I clutched my head, trying to block out their arguments.

Angel Yuuka:You're his secretary, not his spy. Leave it alone!

Devil Yuuka:You're his secretary! It's your duty to know everything about him. How else can you support him properly?

Angel Yuuka:That's a ridiculous excuse!

Devil Yuuka:Oh, come on. What's the harm in reading one letter? Just one! You're not going to blab about it to anyone. You'll keep it to yourself. It's harmless!

I hesitated, my hand started trembling.

Angel Yuuka:No, Yuuka. Resist the temptation. You don't need to know everything. Trust him to share what he wants to share.

Devil Yuuka:Resist the temptation? That's rich. If you walk away now, you'll regret it forever. Do you really want to sit here wondering what's inside?

Angel Yuuka:Think about how he'd feel if he knew you peeked. Wouldn't he be disappointed?(ó﹏ò。)

Devil Yuuka:Think about how much closer you'd feel to him if you understood more about him. You can even take advantages of them and get closer to him!( ノಠ益ಠ)ノ彡

"Enough!" I muttered aloud, earning a startled glance from no one but myself.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself.

"Just one." I whispered, trying to convince myself as much as the voices in my head.

Angel Yuuka:Yuuka, no—( ̣̣̥̣̣̥ )

Devil Yuuka:Yuuka, yes—!(ง ͠ó_ó)ง!

With one final, guilty gulp, I opened the locker. The pile of letters greeted me like a treasure chest brimming with secrets. I reached for the first one, my hand trembling as if I were about to open Pandora's box.

"Just one..." I repeated to remind myself, unfolding the paper and bracing myself for what lay within.

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Dear Ma-chan,

Hiya, Ma-chan! It's Okki, your number one supporter from afar! First off, I hope this letter finds you healthy and successful in whatever heroic mission you're off doing. Life here has been the same—crazy, chaotic, and full of energy! Don't worry about us too much, okay?

Oh, but Ma-chan, let me tell you about the madness in the recreation room! You wouldn't believe it, but the Girls' Frontline Valkyries practically invaded the entire space! I could barely squeeze in to play my usual games. And guess what? Jeanne-san handed me a letter the other day, but that's not the crazy part. Before she left, Alter-san dumped an ENTIRE DRAFT on me and told me to finish it before she got back! Ma-chan, whyyyyy?! I can't do it anymore! Only those who've abandoned their sanity can finish a manga this cursed!

Anyway, stay safe, Ma-chan! Everyone misses you, and we're all rooting for you! (Especially me! Can't wait to show you our fanfics I finished! Let's read them together under the kotatsu!)

P.S. Please don't let Alter-san know I called her "cursed." I value my life, you know!

Yours truly,

Okki~

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I blinked, utterly confused. The letter made absolutely no sense. Okki? Ma-chan? Hyakkiyako Academy, maybe? But the recreation room? Valkyrie police officers hogging it for games? And—manga?Sensei helped with a manga club before? And what was the last part?

I shook my head, placing the letter back with a sigh. No answers, only more questions.

Angel Yuuka:Well, that was strange and pointless. Let's stop here. Clearly, this isn't meant for you.

Devil Yuuka:Pointless? Are you kidding? This is getting interesting! You can't stop now. There's an entire mountain of letters here!

Angel Yuuka:Interesting? It's private. You've already read one; let's leave the rest alone.

Devil Yuuka:One? Just one? You call yourself Sensei's secretary, and you're going to stop at ONE? What if the next letter has actual answers?

I hesitated, biting my lip as I stared at the pile.

"Fine!" I muttered, giving in to the devil. Carefully, I reached for another letter.

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Master!

I miss you soooo much! How could you leave me here all alone?! It's unbearable ՞(ᗒᗣᗕ;)՞! I hope you're eating well, resting enough, and staying safe. You better be taking care of yourself, or else...!

Ever since you left, everything feels emptier. Who's going to pat my head? Who's going to listen to me complain? And—

Huyan Zhou Master, Huyan Zhou Master, Huyan Zhou Mas—

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I stopped reading.

I stared at the letter, then at the pile of letters still left unread.What...what am I even looking at?

"What kind of students did Sensei even work with?!" I muttered to myself, my voice trembling between disbelief and exasperation. I hadn't even made it through two letters, and my brain was already fried.

For a moment, I hesitated. Surely, I should stop now. But then—

"Just one more." I whispered to myself, ignoring the angel and devil this time. Without waiting for their input, I grabbed the next letter.

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Dear Ritsuka,

I hope this letter finds you well and in good health. As always, I trust you are succeeding in your duties, though I must remind you—please refrain from overworking yourself.I will get worried if something happens to you. Chaldea without its Master has been a little chaotic too. Everyone seems to miss your presence. Even I must admit that the days feel longer without you here.

Once you've finished your business there, let's go on a picnic in Avalon. It would be lovely to enjoy the serene fields together, perhaps with some of the food I've been practicing to make.

As I'm writing this, the others around me are drafting their own letters to you. Tonelico and Morgan seem particularly immersed, which, given they are essentially the same person, makes sense. However, the tomboy version of me—I cannot even begin to describe the bizarre energy she is exuding. She's cycling through so many different facial expressions that I don't dare ask what she's writing. Knowing her, it could be anything.

Please take care of yourself, Ritsuka. And, before you forget, make sure to read that girl's letter too. As AAA, I must support my other self as well after all. Miss you~

With love and care,

Artoria Avalon

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I leaned back in my chair, utterly bewildered.Ritsuka? Chaldea? Artoria Avalon? And wait, who were Tonelico and Morgan? And a tomboy version of her? Same people with different name? What did she mean 'my other self'?

I was then I realized... these letters—these weren't from students, they were from his "Servants". I remembered the flashes of his past I had glimpsed during the Crimson Sky incident: battles, otherworldly beings, and him standing at the center of it all. Although he had never told me a full story saying it was too long even for each event, I still understood a part of it from our casual conversation.

And now, these letters painted a picture of bonds far deeper than simple loyalty. Respect, admiration...and in some cases, something more.

From the recollection of his past I watched, he was surely surrounded by many people. They followed and respected him— like how us students viewed him.

I stared at the letter, my fingers tightening slightly on the paper.

From this one, this 'Artoria Avalon', she seemed very close... Although the letter was neatly written, she could feel the girlfriend vibe from it. And now that I thought about it— the first two letters were also the same but with different vibes.

What was his relationship with these people?

Angel Yuuka:Enough. You've learned plenty. Put the letters back. These are from his past—there's no reason to pry further.

Devil Yuuka:Oh, please. You're already this far in. Think about how much closer you'd feel to him if you understood more about his past. He might even appreciate that you care enough to learn about his story!

Angel Yuuka:He would just tell you if you asked!

Devil Yuuka:Oh, come on! These letters are practically begging to be read. Don't you want to understand why these people—Servants—loved and respected him so much? Do you think he have time to tell you all he went through? He can't even lock a day for you!

Their bickering buzzed in my mind like an annoying fly.

"Ahhhh— Just one more!" I whispered, silencing both voices. My curiosity burned hotter than my guilt. I reached for the fourth letter, my fingers trembling slightly as I unfolded it.

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Hahaha, Ritsuka, thanks to you going away for yet another ordeal, I can finally take a break! Waaaaa~~~, what a good day without material farming... I wish days like this could go on forever. Just kidding! Well, mostly. Some of it is true.

What I really mean is, it's better if you're here, but don't you dare overwork me again! You need to return quickly, though—Baobhan Sith is driving me insane! She's been annoyed all day, and honestly, I'm reaching my limit trying to handle her frustration. YOU ARE HER EMOTIONAL SANDBAG, RITSUKA. PLEASE COME BACK AND FIX THIS.

And Melusine... oh boy, let's not even get started on her. She's going through all five stages of grief simultaneously, and I'm pretty sure she's moments away from wreaking havoc. Oh, and Bageko wasn't feeling well, either. Poor thing looks completely lost without a Master to serve.

You know who else misses you? Artoria Avalon (you know, "AAA"). She's acting calm as she writes her letter, but don't let her fool you. Just yesterday, she and Morgan absolutely stomped Merlin! And they're still hunting for another version of him. I'm pretty sure the female Merlin is hiding somewhere, praying for her life. Can't say I blame her.

Also, Oberon is just lazing around all day without you. Seriously, you need to come back and pick him up. I'm not babysitting him anymore.

P.S. Chaldea is absolute chaos without you. Da Vinci had to declare your room a planetary-level off-limits zone because so many Servants have been going there for "heart relief." Do you know how much fur, feathers, and random fluff I had to found up after your beloved Servants snuck in to sleep on your bed?!

P.P.S. I miss you too. (But not your farming quests.) Come back soon, or I might start causing chaos myself! And it wasn't like I snuck on year bed! I just happened to see it, don't get the wrong idea!

Artoria Caster, Your beloved (overworked) Arts Support.

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I stared at the letter, my mouth agape. My heart and mind were at war.

Another Artoria?I thought, blinking in disbelief.Why did this one also feel as if it was a corgi girlfriend sending her boyfriend a letter?! She is different person from the previous one right?... But what are their relationship to him?!

And just what is going on in this... Chaldea? They sound like they're having fights, tantrums, and rivalries—just like students here in Kivotos. And his bedroom is a war zone?

My cheeks burned as my brain latched onto the implication. Wait—many Servants are sneaking into his bed?! This can't be real. And who were those names mentioned? Why did they all seem... attracted to him?! And what was this sheer amount of girls?!

I quickly folded the letter and placed it on the growing stack. My hands unconsciously moved to more letters, almost on autopilot.

I skimmed through letter after letter, each one brimming with affection, longing, and sometimes teasing. But what shook me the most was the sheervolume.

Artoria Pendragon (Saber), Artoria Pendragon (Lancer), Artoria Pendragon Alter (Saber), Artoria Pendragon Alter (Lancer)—how many Artorias were there?!

The more letters I read, the clearer it became. These weren't just professional relationships or simple admiration. These Servants—many of them—held deep feelings for Sensei.

What else I found? Here are some examples,summarized.

"You let go of my hand. You stayed out of my sight. My voice can't reach you anymore... Master, I don't want to lose anyone else. When you return, you better make up for all of my feelings. Or else, I'll pull a nasty prank on you."

"Master, I miss you! If you come back, I'll make sure to reach you first before anyone else. That will be Okita-san's Great Victory!"

"My emperor, Yuyu is ready to serve you when you return ! Please stay healthy and safe. You're always in my thoughts... (but don't overwork yourself!~~ )."

However, these were nothing— Nothing compared to these two.

"To my beloved husband, Ritsuka. I miss you terribly. Chaldea feels incomplete without your presence, and every day apart feels like an eternity.I've been preparing something special for your return—a secluded retreat just for the two of us. A quiet, perfect honeymoon where no one can interrupt us."

"Goshujin-sama~! Ahhh , my dearest Master, how are you surviving without your one and only Fox Wife by your side? My fox instincts are tingling, telling me you've been attracting stray foxes again! Are you trying to collect every color of fox? I swear, I even dreamed about you surrounded by silver, pink, black, and red foxes! But don't forget—my love for you is atMAX ! I can't wait for you to come back so we can spendall day andall nighttogether. We'll cuddleunder the moonlight,bathe in the sunshine, and live as the perfect married couple ! Remember, Goshujin-sama, I am yourOne and OnlyFox Wife, and no one can—"

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Angel Yuuka:You see?! This is why you shouldn't have opened them! You've uncovered something you weren't meant to know!

Devil Yuuka:Oh, please. You're acting like she didn't already suspect it. Sensei is popular here in Kivotos too, isn't he?

Angel Yuuka:That's different! These aren't students—they're his Servants. And some of these letters practically scream romance!

Devil Yuuka:Which means our dear Yuuka just got a front-row seat to understanding how incredible Sensei is! Maybe now she'll appreciate him even more.

Angel Yuuka:Appreciate? Look! Her soul has left her body already! She is too shock to even cry!

Devil Yuuka:Well...

Yes, the angel me was right. Now, I felt as if a part of me had died. Was this what a heartbreak feels like?

Angel Yuuka:This is... a lot to take in

Devil Yuuka:I'm... I'm sorry for you, for me, for us...

My mind raced as I recalled snippets from other letters I'd skimmed earlier:

"Don't come back just yet! The girls—they are crazy! Take refuge there!"

"Master, please hurry back! The female Servants can't be controlled anymore!"

"Master! Chaldea is on the verge of chaos without you! For humanity's sake, return soon!"

I didn't want to read them anymore. In fact, I haven't even gone through half of the pile.

I couldn't Sensei... married? Were his Servants madly in love with him? And if this was his past, what about now, here in Kivotos? What about the students? What about me?

What was I to him? What was he to me?

Angel Yuuka:Oh no...

I was at lost. My feelings— what were these feelings? I felt so conflict.

Why did my chest hurt so much? It was... suffocating. It was way worse than seeing him with Aoi or Toki. I thought knowing many students like him was frustrating enough, this one— this was on another level.

And from now, what should I do? Should I ask him? Will he tell me honesty?

Devil Yuuka:Wait—this doesn't add up.

"..." Thankfully, my devil side's words reached me. My mind which was about to turn blank was pulled back.

Angel Yuuka:What do you mean?

Devil Yuuka:Think about it. If Sensei were truly married, why are there so many love letters filled with rivalry and competition?

I blinked, surprised by her point.

Devil Yuuka:Exactly. If he's married, then what about all the others? Wouldn't that mean he's... cheating? Cheating with that many women?— That doesn't seem like Sensei at all. He is definitely not the type to choose two people out of hundreds.

Angel Yuuka:True... he doesn't seem like the type to betray someone's trust.

Devil Yuuka:Yes, that's the keyword. He is the type who either not choose or choose all.

"..."

Angel Yuuka:...

Devil Yuuka:So there are only two possibilities. One, he already has a harem or 'will' have a harem. Or two...

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He doesn't belong to anyone yet.

The realization hit me like a bolt of lightning.Sensei doesn't belong to anyone yet...

Yes, this was surely the Sensei I knew. He certainly doesn't have anyone yet. That explained the rivalries in Chaldea and Kivotos perfectly. Based on my knowledge of his personality, if he were to date someone— he would not keep it a secret. To respect his partner, Sensei would say the truth!

But before I could feel relief, Devil Yuuka leaned closer with a smirk.

Devil Yuuka:So now the real question is—what do YOU want, Yuuka?

I froze.

"What do I want?"I whispered to myself.

Devil Yuuka:Exactly. Now that you know all this, what's your next move?

My thoughts swirled in chaos. WhatdidI want? My heart ached at the idea of being just another name in a pile of letters, another girl vying for his attention. But could I even dare to want more than that?

With too many emotions and questions swirling in my mind, I decided I couldn't face him just yet. I needed time to sort this out.

Before planning for the future, I urgently need to fully understand myself— the girl named Hayase Yuuka.

In the end, I carefully returned the letters to the locker, closed it, and stood up. Without waiting for Sensei to return, I left the office.

There was always someone who could help me out back at home.

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I stood in front of a modern wooden door, the faint glow of the hallway light reflecting off its polished surface. My hand hesitated, hovering just above it before I finally knocked. The sound was firm but not too loud—three knocks, just enough to signal I was there without intruding too much.

After a moment, I opened the door, familiar with the invitation to come in whenever I needed to.

This was it—the place I always turned to when I couldn't sort out my feelings. If I couldn't consult my teacher, there was only one person I trusted with matters like these.

My safe zone.

"Ara, Yuuka-chan." The host greeted me softly, her voice calm and welcoming as always. She was seated at her desk, jotting something down in her notebook. A black cat plushie rested in her lap, her hand absently stroking its soft fur as she turned to look at me.

Her amethyst eyes sparkled under the warm desk lamp light, and her signature faint smile tugged at her lips. "What brings you here tonight?"

"Noa..." I muttered. My voice felt smaller than I wanted it to.

Noa tilted her head slightly, observing me closely. "What's with that expression?" Then, with a knowing look, she asked in a teasing tone. "Can't sleep? Want to talk?"

"Ahh! It's not like I can't sleep on my own. I just... I just have a lot of things on my mind, okay?"

Noa chuckled softly, setting her pen down. "So?"

I hesitated for a moment before finally giving in. "Can you hear me out?"

"Fufu... of course, Yuuka-chan."

Seeing her small chuckle made my brows furrowed. I didn't even know what kind of expression I had on my face, but it must've been a mess because she seemed so amused by it. As I sat down on the floor in my usual spot, I started speaking.

"I'll get straight to the point, but..."

"But?"

"Don't laugh, okay?"

Noa blinked in surprise, in took her a few more seconds to respond. "Fufu, sure sure."

"Ahhh— Mou! Noa you laughed already!" I quickly reacted, I meant— I hadn't even told her anything and yet she chuckled already! What made it so funny?

"Ara ara, I'm sorry, Yuuka-chan. You're just so cute today that I could barely not adore you."

"Noa!" Why was my friend like this... Still, I have to thank her at least that I could feel the tension in my heart disappeared. Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out... I calmed my chaotic self down and arrange the thoughts in my head.

"I've been frustrated lately," I admitted, hugging my knees. "SCHALE duties have become so hard to get because so many students are taking an interest in Sensei. It feels like I barely get any time with him anymore. And then, on top of that..."

I trailed off, glancing at her carefully.

Noa's expression didn't change much. She blinked slowly, her smile still calm and composed. It was like she already knew everything I was going to say.

"And?" she prompted gently.

I hesitated, then sighed. "And I thought... I figured out that his 'servants' also like him too."

For a brief moment, Noa's smile grew just a fraction wider, like she was amused by my revelation. "I see..." she murmured, as if she'd been expecting this.

I swore, sometimes, I really didn't understand her at all.

Noa didn't respond to that. Instead, she leaned forward slightly, resting her chin on her hand. Our gaze locked, I had been trying to escape that amethyst eyes of her but just for this moment, I couldn't bend an eyelid away. With her piercing yet soft gaze, she asked me with the most expected unexpected question ever.

"Yuuka-chan, do you like Sensei?"

My heart stopped.

"What?" I stammered, caught completely off guard.

Noa tilted her head, her expression unchanged. "Do you like him?"

"I—I don't know." I stuttered. My voice felt small, unsteady. "I... I haven't really thought about it like that..."

That was a lie. This was the question that had been living in my head rent-free for months. It was just today that I realized I need to take it seriously. I couldn't delay investigating this feeling any longer.

I could even face her directly, was it because she sat on the high ground? I could see her eyes narrowed slightly as her smile grew wider. It was as if she was saying 'How cute'!

"Really, Yuuka-chan? But that's fine... let's think about it together."

"..."

"So, let's start— Yuuka-chan, how do you feel when Sensei is around?"

I hesitated. "I... I feel happy, I guess. Comfortable. Like... like I can trust him with anything."

She nodded. "And how do you feel when he's not around?"

I paused, realizing how much that question stung. "It feels... empty, boring— and, well yeah." I admitted quietly. "Like something is missing."

Sometimes, I found it hard to describe in words. Thinking back to when I had to spend my day in the Seminar office compared to SCHALE, I felt very unmotivated— no energy at all. His face would pop up in my head...? I probably thought how better it would have been if I was working with him.

Unable to face my friend, I could only look at the floor.

"And how do you feel—" Noa said, her gaze sharpening slightly, "when you see other students around him?"

BANG!

Her question hit me like a bolt of lightning. Her question hit straight to the core.

In an instant, pictures of him surrounded by many students appeared in my head— Aoi, Toki, Abydos girls, even the C members... Not only were they smiling and laughing, they also had skinships. Imagining he patting other students frustrated me— I want it too. Some were even worse, I had once seen Asuna threw her entire body on him—

I unwittingly clenched my fists. "Annoyed," I muttered. "Frustrated. Like they're taking something that's supposed to be mine..."

That weren't all... Sad? Betrayed? Disappoint?

Noa leaned back slightly, her smile softening. "That's jealousy, Yuuka-chan." she said simply. "You're jealous of him."

"Jealous?" I repeated, stunned.

"And jealousy usually means one thing."

"..."

"You like him."

Noa's words hit again, as though another lightning bolt struck down my already trembling heart. My thoughts spiraled uncontrollably.

I like Sensei? No, that can't be... Can it? But... everything she said makes sense. Every time I think about him, every time I see him, every time I miss him when he's not there...

Noa's voice brought me back to reality.

"Sensei is an exceptional man, Yuuka-chan." she said gently. "It's only natural that so many students are interested in him—or even attracted to him. He's kind, dependable, and strong. His qualities draw people to him. That's why he's loved by everyone."

She smiled warmly at me. "And by you, too."

I stared at her, her words echoing in my mind. My thoughts shifted to memories of Sensei—his warmth, his kindness, the way he made everyone feel safe, the way he inspired trust and admiration. But was it because he was the only human male in Kivotos? No—surely not. I experienced them myself.

Was I attracted for his look? It was undeniable that he was handsome with those blue eyes so deep that ones wanted to reveal explore their depths. But it didn't feel right, It must be his personality.

Working with him in the office was very comfortable, he cared for my health, complimented me with sweet words, reprimanded me when I was wrong, made up with me when we argued, and always checked on my well-being. He was very considerate. He always lent me his laps or shoulders whenever I needed rest too. Ritsuka Sensei... he was very warm and soft.

In contrast, during crisis, he was firm and resolute. He did not fear or yield, he protected us. Despite his authority, he didn't command us—heledus to a better outcome, even if he had to put his life on the line...

Hold on— when I thought about it, didn't he any woman's ideal type?

But then another thought crossed my mind.

"What if..." I started hesitantly. "What if these feelings aren't love? What if it's just... students wanting to be his favorite? Wanting to be acknowledged by him?"

Hearing my question, Noa chuckled softly. "That's a good question, Yuuka-chan." she said. "But I don't think that's the case. Sensei is only a few years older than us. The age gap isn't big enough for it to be just a teacher-student dynamic. I think most girls see him as a love interest."

I sat there in silence, my thoughts swirling in a chaotic mess.So... I like him—no, I love him? Not as a teacher, but as a man?

The realization hit me like a tidal wave. My chest felt tight, my cheeks warm. This wasn't the kind of thing I could easily admit, even to myself. I glanced at Noa, who was sitting calmly across from me, her soft, knowing smile never wavering. She didn't press me for anything, just gave me the time I needed to sort out my thoughts.

Then, out of nowhere, a strange thought crossed my mind.

My eyes darted up to her. "Noa—" I began, then hesitated. "What about you? Do you also like—"

I stopped mid-sentence, my words freezing on my tongue.Yes, the question I wanted to asked— I wanted to know if she liked Sensei too.

Today, I came here to consult her since I needed someone to talk my heart out. However, she understood everything so clearly, she could put into words the emotions that I struggled with. In addition, from what she'd said earlier, Sensei had so many good qualities.Was there any chance that Noa, my closest friend, had also fallen for him?

"Yuuka-chan?" Noa blinked at me, tilting her head slightly in curiosity.

"N-No! Never mind! It's nothing!" I blurted out, waving my hands frantically.

It wasn't possible. Noa was my closest friend. Even if I couldn't always read her expressions, I knew her better than anyone. She'd been teasing me and cheering me on this whole time. She never did SCHALE duties unless we went together, and I'd never seen her react to Sensei the way I did.

Just collect yourself, Yuuka. What a silly girl you are.

"I'm sorry, Noa," I said quickly, trying to brush it off. "Well, yes, please continue."

"Continue?" Noa tilted her head again, her amethyst eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Yes." I replied, nodding, unable to meet her eyes. I instantly knew what that face meant.

"So..."

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"—you admit that you like Sensei?"

"Noa!"

She teased, her smile growing wider. Ahh! I knew it!

"Yuuka-chan~ tell me, did you admit it?"

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"Ahhh!Yes!I like him!" I cried out, my voice loud enough to echo faintly in the quiet room. My face felt like it was on fire, the heat spreading from my cheeks down to my neck. Did the air-conditioning stop working? Where did it feel so hot?!

Hearing my flustered confession, Noa chuckled lightly, her eyes filled with a proud, almost motherly warmth. "Yuuka-chan, you're so cute."

"Mouu! Noa! I admitted it already, but what should I do next?!"

Her smile softened as she leaned forward slightly. "Yuuka-chan, what do you truly want?"

I froze at her question. The room fell silent again, and I found myself lost in thought.

What did I want?

In my mind, I pictured a world where I could work with him every day, staying by his side through thick and thin. I wanted to continue nagging him about his expenses, scolding him for his ridiculous purchases, and watching his bashful smiles in response. The hand that always patted my head so gently—I wanted to hold it. I wanted him to prioritize me above anyone else. His brilliant blue eyes, so full of warmth and strength—I wanted them to look at me, not as a student, but as someone he loved.

The vision was so vivid that it made my heart ache.

"I-I— I want to date him..." I finally said it, with the smallest voice ever.

Noa's smile grew even warmer, and there was a sparkle in her eyes that made me feel both embarrassed and encouraged.

"Then, Yuuka-chan—" She said "Let's make it happen."

My eyes widened. "Really? You'll help me?"

"Fufu, of course." Noa replied with a small laugh. "What are friends for?"

I stared at her in amazement. "Thank you, Noa! Thank you so much!"

She picked up her notebook, her fingers flipping it open to a fresh page. With a softclick,her pen was ready.

"Then let's get started," she said, her voice calm and confident.

I clenched my fists, a surge of determination flooding my chest.

I declared.

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"I'll win over his heart!"

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END.

Author's notes

How was it?! Did anyone make the correct guess? And this side story's heroine is—Hayase Yuuka! After overshadowed by Noa for an entire arc, it finally her time to shine! We'll see how our calculator waifu capture the rizzler's heart!

This is probably the longest chapter ever... Just the prologue and it was already 10k words. The other chapters won't be this long, I promise. The number of total chapters are estimated to be around 5. I have planned this one for so long and have drawn illustrations at different times, so there were a lot of style inconsistency here and there (Some arts were even drawn before the one-shot). So yeah, I admit I'm too lazy to resketch them... please bear with it.

Anyway, it has been a while since I returned to 1st person narrative! Oh god, this was a very good challenge to write from a Tsundere POV. It was even harder than Toki since Toki doesn't know what love is. But Yuuka, Holy 100 kg, she knows what it is but she's too tsundere to accept it. So, when I write her narration, her character needs to have conflicted feeling (and that's the hardest part! Imagine making readers not confused while the person of the POV herself is confused ('')︵ ). It's hard until she talks to Noa then it gets easier...

After this chapter release, I'll be back writing next chapter again after 2-3 days. So unfortunately, you'll need to wait a little longer than usual. That's it! Stay tuned for next chapter! 3333