Living Normally In An Abnormal World

Chapter 103.2: Girls’ Gathering: A Quiet Public Execution

『But just one thing. Don’t do anything barbaric.』

As always, it was the usual “public execution.” This time, it began with Yuuto intimidating someone.

“This expression of his feels new after six years together,” Yanagida-chan said.

“I agree, Yanagida-chan. It’s my first time seeing Yuu-kun like this,” another chimed in.

“Not that any of us have ever done something to warrant that expression from him,” a third added.

True enough.

Though they teased Yuuto occasionally, he had never expressed any dislike toward their actions. After all, they wouldn’t do anything unpleasant to someone they liked, nor did they have any intention of doing so. There was simply no reason for Yuuto to intimidate them.

“Yuuto-sama…”

“…How gallant,”

Maria and Hanaka, whose eyes were now sparkling, were utterly engrossed in the scene of Yuuto on the screen. The rose-colored glasses effect seemed to have worn off long ago—or so it was believed.

Even though they had Yuuto’s permission to use his name, it still felt wrong to trouble him. But that was a separate issue altogether.

“Honestly, being treated as a fiancée candidate but still not dating—it kind of leaves you in a weird spot, doesn’t it?”

The fact that they had known each other for six years and still hadn’t started dating was unfathomable to outsiders.

Their relationship, however, remained purely platonic, without any physical intimacy despite occasional acts of affection. To other men, Yuuto’s ability to maintain such a romantic yet chaste relationship made him an object of admiration.

“A-actually, is it okay for me to be here?” Rin timidly asked.

With that, the usual group had a new addition.

Kimura Rin.

Their bond had deepened since her introduction, especially during late Friday and Saturday nights when she often played games with Yuuto, sometimes even on voice chat.

Yuuto had been a fan of hers initially, but above all, her connection to Reina and Rina—whom Yuuto trusted—secured her position in the group.

But the main reason for her inclusion in the group was simple:

“It’s rare, you know? For Yuuto-kun to actively reach out to someone.”

Yuuto rarely initiated contact with women.

He valued human connections and possessed an overwhelmingly “light” nature. Once he formed a bond, breaking it caused him significant heartache.

His kindness naturally made women fall for him.

Yet here was Yuuto, seeking interaction with Rin.

They played games together online and often hung out at Yuuto’s house, gaming side by side like a close couple.

Seeing this, those around them couldn’t help but notice how attached Yuuto seemed to be to Rin.

“Ehehe, really…?” Rin blushed at her sister’s words, murmuring that she liked him even more, her cheeks reddening further.

Though Rin had set her sights on Yuuto since their first meeting, being told by others that she was well-received made her feel shy.

They never thought someone new would join their group, but a dark horse had emerged unexpectedly. Rin’s connection to Rina and Reina turned out to be a fortunate twist of fate.

“By the way, where is Yuuto-sama right now?”

“With Kinjo,” Manatsu replied to Ribbon’s inquiry.

Unlike Maria and the others, Yuuto generally spent his school life with Mutsu, avoiding small group interactions.

“Recently, it seems like his motivation has been on the rise.”

Erina, who had already heard the reason directly from Yuuto, explained further.

Indeed, Yuuto aimed to surpass Erina and Maria. But realizing that he was also someone his friends aspired to surpass reignited his drive.

『I don’t want to lose to him so easily.』

Those words marked his determination to grow.

Not that he hadn’t been motivated before, but now it was on a whole new level.

“At last, he’s got a proper friend,” someone remarked.

Setting aside the fact that he came from an elite background, this friend wasn’t someone who would suddenly kidnap him like some imperial prince. Instead, he actually worked around Yuuto’s schedule, which gave him a surprisingly high approval rating.

Even Manatsu, who worried about Yuuto having no male friends, felt relieved. Being with a single love interest all the time might stress Yuuto out, and Luna, his sole confidant for relationship advice, was a spy. Worse still, Yuuto didn’t know she was constantly tracking his location.

There were things only men could discuss, after all.

“Oh, Mana-san, I have one question,” Sanae spoke up.

“What is it, Sanae-chan?”

“Do you think Onii-san will grow his hair out again?”

“Uh… well…”

“I didn’t dislike how he looked before, but I kind of prefer his current style.”

Yuuto had originally cut his hair short to blend in and conceal his identity, even dyeing his blond hair black after a live broadcast.

But since it was no longer necessary to hide his identity, there was no need for him to keep it short.

Still, his admirers enjoyed his current look and felt conflicted.

“If you tell him, he probably won’t grow it out.”

“True! I’ll contact him now!”

Sanae acted immediately, the embodiment of decisiveness.

『Sanae-chan? What’s up all of a sudden?』
“Will you grow your hair out again, Onii-san?”
『I wasn’t planning to, but… do you prefer it longer?』
“No, I like you just the way you are now!”
『…I see. Got it.』
“Great! That’s all I needed to say!”
『Wait, what? Uh, okay…』
“By the way, Onii-san, I absolutely love that about you.”
『Haha, I like your enthusiasm too.』
“Nii-cha, we need to talk when you get home.”
『Wha—wait, why?!』
“Yuuto-sama, it’s reflection time.”
『Wait, is everyone there?!』
“Yes, we’re all listening.”
『Oh no… Shiori-san, how embarrassing…』
“We’ll be waiting, so take your time.”
『Wait, wait, no! Hold on—』