Chapter 22: Jumping Genius
Haru didn't hesitate to accept Yukino's suggestion.
After all, he was already planning to test himself.
More importantly, he gained experience points in the process.
[You are taking off. (Jumping) +80 XP.]
[You are taking off. (Jumping) +75 XP.]
Alright, looks like we're taking flight now.
Normally, when he worked out or sparred—like today's match with the senior—his jumps would trigger experience notifications labeled as [You are training.]
But now, with his focus solely on jumping, the notification had changed to [You are taking off.]
Could it be that when my jumping skill reaches max level, I'll actually be able to take off by stepping on thin air?
This wasn't just wild imagination.
What Haru was demonstrating now—like the "dragonfly skimming water" trick—might look like a fancy circus act, but it was far from simple.
He'd seen similar stunts online before. At the time, they had seemed like something only the extraordinary could pull off.
Though he couldn't confirm if true flight was in his future, his current [Jumping] stats hinted that something as fantastical as double-jumping in mid-air might be within reach someday.
Since Yukino was watching, Haru kept his demonstrations brief. After a few impressive displays, he grabbed a cloth and started mopping the water off the floor.
Meanwhile, Yukino held the orange chubby cat in her arms again, gently stroking its head. "It seems your training really is effective."
Without looking up, Haru responded, "Of course. There are only two things in this world that will never betray you."
"Oh? And what are they?"
"Books and exercise. Knowledge and physical fitness—they're the only things that show clear, tangible results."
"Indeed," Yukino agreed softly.
After Haru finished mopping the floor, he headed for the shower. After an intense afternoon sparring, he was drenched in sweat.
Yukino lounged in the living room, idly stroking the orange cat. After a moment, she gently lifted the cat's front paws and held it up to her face, murmuring, "His physical fitness has already surpassed ordinary people. It seems I have yet another reason to push myself. Don't you think so?"
"Meow?"
When Haru emerged from the bathroom, Yukino looked up and said, "I checked your fridge just now. There's plenty of ingredients. Shall I teach you how to cook dinner?"
"Sure, it's more efficient to learn by doing." Yu agreed.
"Then go dry your hair first."
Yukino stood and tied on an apron, glancing toward the buzzing sound of the hair dryer.
A thought crossed her mind: Do I look a bit like a housewife right now?
But then her train of thought drifted further. With his physique, if we do end up together one day, will I even be able to keep up…?
The idea gave her a slight headache.
Her observations from this afternoon and just now confirmed it: whether it was core strength or other aspects of his physical ability, Haru was exceptional. He wasn't just strong—he was top-tier.
And that was the problem.
As for whether they would truly end up together one day? Yukino didn't shy away from the thought.
After all, we are a good match, she reasoned.
In the kitchen, the two began working seamlessly together, their movements oddly harmonious—like a newlywed couple preparing their first meal. The chubby cat sprawled lazily by the doorway, oblivious to their quiet chemistry.
Over dinner, Haru shared his thoughts. "I'm not going to run laps after school anymore. I plan to spend that time sparring instead."
Yukino chuckled. "I imagine Senior Oyama feels the same. He seemed to enjoy sparring with you today."
"He's actually very skilled among people his age," Haru noted.
"But his stamina doesn't compare to yours."
"Of course not. I've never stopped training. If I weren't worried about annoying you, I'd drag you out for a run every morning."
"Why would I be annoyed?" Yukino asked, puzzled.
Haru calmly emphasized, "Morning. Early."
She blinked, then smirked with a dangerous glint in her eye. "Unlike other girls, I don't mind being seen without makeup."
"True, you're beautiful even without it," Haru replied, his survival instincts kicking in.
Yukino didn't let him off that easily. "I thought you would be bold enough to say it. You hope to see me defenseless when I get up, and maybe even see me expose myself."
Haru kept a straight face. "Stop having indecent thoughts. How many times have I told you—no being lewd around me."
Then he stood to get more rice, just in time avoiding her murderous glare.
By 8 p.m., it was Yukino's turn to shower.
Haru imagined she'd emerge in a modest, fully covered pajama set. Instead, she walked out wearing a light summer nightgown.
The fabric was thin, airy, and its hem fell just past her knees, revealing her slender, creamy calves. Even with the modest length, Haru couldn't hide his surprise.
Noticing, Yukino scoffed, "You're not even trying to hide your perverted thoughts, are you?"
"I just looked for a second. That's perverted now?" Haru countered.
Yukino ignored him, drying her long hair by the mirror.
Haru walked over and offered, "Need help drying your hair?"
"Mm."
Her soft response carried a gentle ripple, like a stone skipping across a calm lake.
Afterward, Yukino went to play with the cat again.
But the cat, overwhelmed by her post-shower scent, darted away to hide near Haru's feet.
Feigning indifference, Yukino sat primly on the sofa, legs together.
Haru picked up the cat. "Want me to bring it over?"
"Sure," Yukino replied with a faint smile.
Under her expectant gaze, Haru approached, only to casually set the cat on the floor by her feet.
"...?"
Then he plopped down beside her, declaring, "Old rules still apply. I'll be the one testing out the legendary lap pillow."
Yukino glared at him, debating whether to scold him and risk his smugness—or stay silent and feel annoyed.
In the end, she sighed and moved her hand off her lap. "You're getting dumber by the day."
Haru, satisfied, rested his head on her soft lap.
Even through the thin nightgown, her skin felt smooth and warm. Looking up, he could see her flushed cheeks, still tinged with the heat of her shower.
Everything about the moment was perfect.
Her delicate face, lips slightly parted, exhaled a soft, sweet breath. Occasionally, her tongue peeked out, its fine texture reminiscent of flower petals.
Haru shifted slightly, his hair brushing against her thighs.
"Don't move," Yukino glared, her face reddening further.
"Can I make a request?" Haru asked, his voice tinged with anticipation.
Yukino hesitated, her eyes glistening faintly. "What is it?"
"Earlier, you inspected my body. Can I return the favor?"
Her expression darkened with embarrassment and anger, but she didn't refuse outright.
Seeing her hesitation, Haru's boldness surged.
Sitting up, he gently grasped her calf.
Her breath hitched, and her lips quivered as his fingers trailed along her leg, lifting it slightly.
Her eyelashes trembled slightly and her body seemed to be tense and a little stiff.
Yukino's face turned crimson as she allowed him to explore, her body betraying her usual composure.
Haru's movements were very gentle. He held the pair of crystal-like legs, slowly lifted them up, and moved them into his arms.
Yukino's cheeks flushed, but her body turned sideways to cooperate with him.
The beautiful legs that had never been touched by anyone and were in excellent condition fell into the hands of the opposite sex for the first time.
Strictly speaking, Haru doesn't feel that he has a foot fetishist nor a leg fetishist.
"...Don't move anymore," she finally whispered, her voice trembling.
"Alright," Haru agreed, his tone unusually gentle.
He smiled faintly. "As I thought, these really are legs worth admiring for a lifetime."
Yukino glared at him, her eyes shimmering with a mix of frustration and something softer.
In that moment, Haru felt that all his ambitions and goals paled in comparison to the beauty before him.
She's perfect, he thought, completely captivated.
And Yukino, gazing at him with a blend of exasperation and affection, realized that she might never win against him—not when he looked at her like this.
Although I already knew that this guy was coveting my legs, I still felt upset when he really held them in his hands and his fingers moved around greedily.
Yukino, who prided herself on being calm and steady, had her defenses breached.
Because she knows that many things have only two endings: 0 times and countless times.
I've set the precedent today. If he wants to play with my legs next time, I probably won't be able to firmly refuse him.
I really can't do anything about you.