After winter passed, the nights began to gradually shorten. A week ago, it was still dark at this time when we got up, but now it's already bright.

On this slightly cool and faintly bright morning, I walked side by side with Uesugi Yui on the streets and alleys filled with Kyoto's ancient charm.

Typically, most Japanese middle school students take the bus or the JR (Japan Railway) to school, which of course has its own joy. On the other hand, a small percentage of students who live near the school can choose to walk, enjoying the benefit of being able to sleep in a bit longer.

It can be seen that sleeping is something that both boys and girls like.

But getting back to the point, going to school with a girl of the same age is a first-time experience for me.

Certainly, in the experience of "Ziongzong," this doesn't count for much, as his life is surrounded by various girls. Compared to hardships, he experiences more joy.

For someone like me who hasn't experienced much of school life, it all feels quite incredible.

But back to the topic at hand, I originally thought that Uesugi Yui was just an ordinary sister and an ordinary middle school girl. But after reading "Ziongzong's" memories and spending time with her, I realized that Uesugi Yui was not simple.

To be honest, her sensitivity and insight into surrounding events make me quite troubled.

Her concern for her family is naturally kind, but I'm used to acting alone and having more people around only means more burdens.

How can I communicate with her in a way that makes her understand my intentions without hurting her?

This is a puzzle for my emotional intelligence.

"What's wrong, Ziongzong? Why are you so quiet today?"

As we walked, Uesugi Yui suddenly asked me this.

Quiet?

The "Ziongzong" personality that I've established shouldn't be the talkative type.

Moreover, between being taciturn and loquacious, girls should lean towards the former, right?

Or has the trend of the times changed?

"Well, Yui-chan, I don't usually talk much, do I?"

"True, you don't talk much, but you're not usually this silent either. Don't you think it's boring for us to go to school together as two mutes?"

I see, she finds it boring.

Indeed, if a guy is too quiet, not only will he not have much luck with girls, but even guys won't appreciate him.

"Then... I have a question, Yui-chan, why did you come so early today?"

"Hehe~ There are some things in the club that I need to hand over today, so I came early to not miss class."

"What about you, Ziongzong? Don't you usually go for a morning run? Aren't you running today?"

"It doesn't matter if I go for a run after I arrive at school."

During the conversation, I instinctively sensed a threat, because although Uesugi Yui was talking to me, she didn't seem to care about the content of the conversation. In other words, this conversation could be a prelude to something else.

"By the way, Ziongzong..."

Sure enough, after the topic of running was over, Uesugi Yui suddenly switched to another topic.

"Hmm?"

I cautiously started to respond.

"I really think that since the training camp, you've become different."

That statement really startled me. I was just commending her sharpness a moment ago, and now she's holding a knife to my throat.

It's not that I can't let her know my true identity, but right now, I can't let her know.

Furthermore, even if I were to talk about creating personalities, no one would believe it anyway.

"Why do you say that? What's different?"

"It's hard to say specifically, but you give off a different vibe."

Uesugi Yui tilted her head, her finger resting on her chin, giving a vague answer.

In other words, she's just a little bit puzzled, without any conclusive conclusions.

If that's the case, it makes things easier.

"Well, is it a change for the better or for the worse?"

"Whether it's better or worse... it's hard to say. After all, it's just a vague feeling... I'm sorry for saying these meaningless things. Just forget I said anything, okay?"

As we reached the school gate, Uesugi Yui playfully stuck out her tongue at me and ran towards the building where the club meets.Luckily, it was just a false alarm.

Has the impression of me changed...? I am not "Ziongzong," so naturally there will be some differences. The problem is whether it was right or wrong for me to take over the personality of "Ziongzong"...

It's impossible to judge now. Right or wrong can only be regretted later.

There was nothing to do since I arrived at school early. After running three kilometers around the playground, I had some free time.

There was no one in the classroom, so I kept walking and ended up at the library.

The library should have some interesting information, I think.

Speaking of which, in "Ziongzong's" memories, it seems that something interesting was discovered in the library.

What could be discovered if I dig deeper into that matter?

I'm gradually becoming more curious.

I wonder if the library is open so early in the morning.

I waved my hand experimentally at the automatic door, and it opened with a swipe. The cold air from inside the library slowly flowed out, making me shiver involuntarily.

The library staff must have a hard time to come in so early.

As I was thinking about this, a girl walked past me carrying a stack of books... She was the same girl I saw last night... Kurashige Yui?

It was too dark last night to notice, but now I realize that Kurashige Yui is a beautiful girl, especially with her long black hair that looks soft and smooth, making me have the impulse to touch and smell it just by looking at it.

Of course, I only want to do that, but if I actually do it, then I would be a pervert.

"Good morning, Kurashige Yui."

Before I could speak, Kurashige Yui didn't notice my presence. After hearing my voice, she turned her head and upon seeing me, she paused for a moment. Then, she became flustered and didn't know what to do, accidentally dropping the stack of books in her hands.

I thought she would rush to pick up the books, but unexpectedly, she didn't care about the books and instead bowed to me.

"Ah, g-good, good morning, Sugi-sempai!"

Her face turned red, the books scattered on the ground, and her hair got messy due to the excessive bowing. This clumsy appearance was really amusing. I couldn't help but want to laugh, but I restrained myself because I didn't want her to become even more flustered.

"Is it your turn to work today? Or does the library staff have to come this early every day?"

As I said that, I bent down to help her pick up the books.

"Yes, it's my turn to work the early shift today."

Kurashige Yui said that and also crouched down to help me pick up the books.

According to theory, in situations like this, guys always have a chance to accidentally touch a girl's hand, right?

I firmly believe that those guys who touch a girl's hand in this kind of situation are doing it on purpose.

So, should I touch or not?

I really enjoy those scenes where both of us blush and apologize to each other, but since she's already so shy, it would be unfair to make her even more uncomfortable.

So in the end, I didn't touch Kurashige Yui's hand.

I even actively avoided her hand a few times.

I wonder if I'll regret it the next time I think about it, hahaha.

"Thank you, Sugi-sempai."

"It's nothing, just a small matter."

"No, what I meant was not just..."

Kurashige Yui paused halfway through her sentence, lowered her head, and hesitated whether to continue or not.

Is she not just thanking me for helping with the books?

In my known memories, I haven't had much interaction with Kurashige Yui, so I wonder what she wants to thank me for?

"Let's sit down and talk, shall we?"

I gestured to the nearby table, thinking that it would be more relaxing for her to sit down and chat instead of standing up.

Combining "Ziongzong's" memories and my two encounters with her, I already knew that Kurashige Yui is a simple and obedient girl. She is not good at interacting with strangers (me) or the opposite sex, in short, she is introverted and shy.

Girls like Kurashige Yui are an endangered species in this era, so they need to be protected well.As we sat down at the table, finally the conversation could begin. Little did I know at that moment, this dialogue would pull me into the whirlpool of two families.