Dong Yeyue Wipes Away Sweat

So you’re the ones Uncle Fujimiya introduced?

Harada-sensei was a young man with a cold expression. He looked only about ten years older than us, yet his presence made it impossible to underestimate him.

He seemed to be the head of a dojo, with several middle-aged sword instructors under him.

Normally, someone this young becoming a head would mean inheriting the position due to the previous one stepping down, often leading to a lack of respect.

But judging by him, he clearly had everyone’s recognition.

[I already understand your situation.]

He turned and led us into a smaller training room. Inside were several wooden and bamboo swords.

And—

A katana was prominently enshrined, its appearance ordinary at first glance.

Yet somehow, it gave off an overwhelming presence.

[That’s a demon blade.]

Noticing my gaze, Harada-sensei spoke.

[Eh—]

[Of course, that’s just a legend. In reality, it’s no different from an ordinary sword—just a bit sharper.]

He said calmly, then looked at Ichijou, who was curiously glancing around.

[Go change your clothes.]

[Okay.]

The rest probably had nothing to do with me.

Honestly, I couldn’t understand their training at all.

[Not bad.]

Harada-sensei crossed swords with Ichijou, seemingly testing his strength.

[Your physical foundation is good.]

He praised lightly.

[But to defeat a seasoned expert in a short time, talent alone isn’t enough. You need consistent practice.]

[When are you usually free?]

[Well—]

Ichijou hesitated.

[Only weekends… is that okay?]

After all, he didn’t have much free time.

After club activities, he rushed home to cook for Uenozuki.

Later, he brought dinner to me after my late shift—and accompanied me on the way home.

[Can you squeeze out more time?]

Harada frowned.

[Uh—]

Ichijou looked troubled.

At that moment, it was time for me—the considerate one—to step in.

[He can just skip club activities.]

[Eh—]

[The club’s popularity doesn’t really depend on us reading excerpts anymore.]

More importantly, those activities were honestly quite boring.

So this was a convenient excuse.

[We’ll leave the sales to Xiao Xun and the others. I’ll accompany Ichijou.]

[That way, even if we’re blamed, we’ll take it together.]

After all, this is our shared problem.

I smiled at him.

[Dong—]

Ichijou fell silent for a moment, then finally relaxed.

[Okay.]

You two… are you a couple?

Harada looked at us curiously.

Um—

Ichijou hesitated.

Yes, we are. Uncle Fujimiya probably mentioned it, right?

I answered for him.

Mm—

He withdrew his strange gaze.

Sorry, Ichijou. For now, this is the only way.

Footsteps approached from behind.

At that moment, Harada’s cold expression softened into a warm smile.

The person who arrived was an indescribably beautiful woman.

If there was anyone comparable, it would be Dong Yeyue.

More than that, she gave off a calming aura—

Like a gentle breeze that made one forget their worries.

She wore shrine maiden clothing.

A miko.

Harada called softly, smiling.

Oh, do we have guests?

She bowed properly toward us.

Hello, I’m Nishidera Karin. Nice to meet you.

She seemed like a very gentle person.

So I returned the bow.

I’m Dong Yeyue.

I’m Ichijou Rikou.

By the time we left, it was already late.

Ichijou, are you heading back to cook for Xiaoyue?

My steps quickened slightly, matching his pace.

Yeah, I shouldn’t keep her waiting.

You really care about the people around you, Ichijou.

That’s nice… Xiaoyue is lucky to be cared for by you.

I said it casually, with a hint of envy.

But I’m also someone you care about—so I didn’t feel bad at all.

I even laughed softly.

Dong, how about you come to my place for dinner?

He suggested.

Hmm—are you ready to tell Xiaoyue you won’t take responsibility for me anymore?

Heh, that kind of invitation makes people imagine things.

It might even cause unnecessary misunderstandings.

I teased him with a quiet laugh.

Ichijou, you can do anything you want with this “fake” me—

As long as it doesn’t affect our plan.

Mm.

Then… let’s part here.

Just like before, I watched him disappear into the distance.

I pressed my hand against my chest.

This body really likes him.

So much that it even affects my emotions—

Just seeing him makes me happy.

It’s like how a girl in love should be.

But… I’m someone already destined to rot, aren’t I?

Talking about experiencing youth—it’s almost laughable.

After all, I’m just a fake playing Dong Yeyue.

I narrowed my eyes and turned away.

I want to help you, Dong.

His voice echoed in my ears.

You’ve already helped me a lot, Ichijou.

So until everything is resolved…

I’ll accept your kindness—and respond to it.

The rest… can be left to the real Dong Yeyue.

Dong, you’re not going to club activities?

Tianshan Xun asked in confusion.

I clasped my hands apologetically.

Yes, so I’ll leave it to you—please explain it to the president.

Alright, I’ll try to convince her.

Also, Ichijou won’t be going either—so I’m counting on you.

Eh? He’s not going either? And how do you know?

She looked at me knowingly.

Hehe… looks like you’re not giving up either, Xiaoyue.

What are you planning?

She asked curiously.

That’s a secret.

I smiled, as if hiding something.

Somehow, it felt a little exciting.

Ichijou waited for me on the way home, and we went to the dojo together.

We talked along the way—

It was fun.

It felt like we had regained that time walking home together.

Even my decaying heart squeezed out a bit of happiness.

Have a seat.

Just like before, Nishidera Karin was gentle.

It was clear from how she treated us.

You should have some tea—it’s quite nice.

She was good at making tea.

Even better than Nishimura Noriyuki—

It had a comforting warmth.

Thank you.

Oh, just call me Karin-nee.

She smiled gently.

Okay, Karin-nee.

This was the first time I met someone who made both body and mind feel at ease.

Even I felt a bit drawn to her.

Hehe, is it good?

Yes, it’s very good.

Seeing her smile, I smiled as well.

He’s your classmate, right?

Mm—

Like a caring older sister, she leaned closer and spoke softly.

Sorry to ask, but… you’re not just classmates, are you?

Yes, we’re dating.

I see.

She looked interested.

Then tell me—how far has your relationship gone?

A strange question.

But for someone like me, acting, it wasn’t difficult to answer.

We’re… quite close.

I smiled faintly.

We’re secretly dating.

People at school don’t know—that’s why Sora-senpai misunderstood.

I adjusted my words slightly.

I see…

She sipped her tea calmly, her gentle demeanor soothing those around her.

Xiaoyue, are you okay with this?

Yes, Karin-nee.

If you don’t know why you’re living—

She suddenly said something that startled me.

Then try to feel the things around you. You might discover something meaningful.

Ah—

Don’t be alarmed. I’m just someone who can read a bit of your heart.

She smiled gently.

You really like Rikou, don’t you? I can tell.

That happiness—it’s written all over your face.

I couldn’t deny it.

This body truly liked Ichijou.

The “couple” part—that’s a lie, right? You still keep some distance.

It’s okay. If you have feelings, accept them. You might find a reason to live.

She spoke gently.

But—

Karin-nee, my situation is complicated, so—

I smiled, though there was no real joy in it.

“Complicated” is something you impose on yourself. If you’re willing, nothing is complicated.

Still, I can’t guide you. I just hope you’ll understand someday.

She left me with those words.

But… you can get a little closer.

What’s wrong, Dong?

Ichijou looked at me in confusion on the way home.

I turned to face him.

He still had that gentle expression—

But after long training, there was sweat on his face.

So—

I reached out and wiped it away.

—

He froze.

You worked hard, Ichijou.

I smiled softly.

No matter how you look at it…

It was like wiping sweat off your boyfriend’s face.

Thinking that—

I couldn’t help it.

I lowered my head.

Hehe…

—

He still looked confused.

I’ll be counting on you tonight too, Ichijou.

I will, Dong.

Honestly… you should question my requests a bit more.

At this rate, this body will like you even more.

Though… I have no intention of refusing.