"Sorry we’re late. Did we keep you waiting long?"
"Nah, we haven't been here that long. Don't sweat the small stuff!"
"Good morning, Brother! I'm so glad we get to go on this field trip together today."
"Good morning, Yugo-san. I’ll be in your care today."
"Yeah, morning! Look at you, giving such a polite greeting. Good girl, good girl!"
Yugo let out a boisterous laugh as he chatted with Ryuga and the others. Once the initial greetings were out of the way, he proceeded to introduce his roommates to the rest of the gang.
"Ryuga, let me introduce you. This grumpy-looking guy over here is Marcos, and the red-head in the work clothes is Anhel. They’re both buddies of mine, and they're just as reliable as Melt."
"I see. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Ryuga Renjou, and this is my younger sister, Yui. We look forward to getting to know you all."
"Hmph! Well, as I am a man of great character, I shall welcome you as Yugo’s greatest friend and rival. I expect great things from you, Ryuga!"
"I’m Anhel Amber. Just call me Ann. I’m a student in the Industrial Department, so I won’t be around as much as these guys, but... yeah, nice to meet ya."
The group exchanged handshakes as they finished their introductions. Seeing that the atmosphere was off to a good start, Yugo felt a wave of relief—until Ryuga spoke up again.
"Oh, right, Yugo. There was something I wanted to mention. I already spoke to Fee-kun about it, but I’d like to leave Yui in his care for today. I figure since you and I are teaming up, those two should stick together as much as possible."
"Fee looking after Yui-chan? Are you sure? Wouldn't it be easier for her to be with one of the girls?"
"Not necessarily. Social circles between girls can be surprisingly... messy. I don't have to worry about that with Fee-kun, and Yui’s already on board with the idea. Besides, they’re both younger siblings, so I think they'll communicate well. It seems like the perfect arrangement to me."
As Ryuga sought his approval, Yugo nodded without any real objection. If the older brother and the two kids involved were all for it, there was no reason for him to butt in. Fee was his pride and joy; he knew his brother would never do anything to make Yui sad. It seemed like a solid plan.
"Yugo-san, Fee-kun, my brother and I will be in your debt. I'm sure my brother will be quite a handful for you, Yugo-san... but please, look after him."
"Hey now. I’m the one worried about my tomboy sister causing trouble for Fee-kun, and this is the thanks I get?"
"My! Dear brother, do you really have so little faith in your darling sister? I’m simply heartbroken!"
Yui gave a cheeky, playful giggle, prompting everyone to burst into laughter. Just as Ryuga had warned, she seemed like she might be a bit of a handful despite her quiet appearance. Still, Yugo and the others offered words of encouragement to Fee.
"It’s a direct request from Ryuga, but don't feel like you have to be too stiff about it. Just focus on being friends and having a good time with Yui-chan."
"Y-Yeah. I'll do my best!"
"Man, looks like Fee’s finally reached the springtime of his youth! As his big sis, I’m gonna miss being able to tease him whenever I want."
"Ann... you’re not gonna go crazy with jealousy and try something with Yui-chan, are you? You're acting a bit like Marcos."
"Hey! What do you take me for?! I'd never do something like that!"
"Well... after seeing how you treat Fee, I basically view you as a predator who targets little boys..."
"Oh? So that’s how it is, Yugo? Fine. In that case, I’ll haul you into the depths of my alluring cleavage right now and condition your body so you can only get excited by women in sweaty overalls!"
"Stop right there! I don't need a fetish like that, and there are kids watching! Think of the bad influence!"
"Exactly! Stop trying to corrupt Yugo!"
"Ugh! You lot! You tell me not to make a spectacle of myself in front of the children, and then you pull a stunt like this? You’re being far more problematic than I ever was!"
"Fufu... Yugo-san’s friends are such entertaining people. The Sparkle of the Soul in all of you is truly lovely!"
Normally, this wasn't the kind of conversation a child should find funny, but Yui seemed to find the whole exchange hilarious. She smiled as she looked toward each of them in turn, sharing the impressions she had gathered.
"Anhel-san is a very playful person. And Marcos-san... I can feel your nobility and pride. As for the last person... I haven't heard your name yet, but could you be Melt-san? I can tell from the Radiance of the Soul that you are a charming person. I can certainly see why Yugo-san would choose you as his lover!"
"Hoho! You have quite the discerning eye! To notice my nobility at a glance... you will surely grow up to be a fine lady!"
"Kyaaa! Oh, Yui-chan, you're such a flatterer! A charming person he'd choose as a lover... oh, stop it! Hehe!"
Yugo watched his companions descend into a chorus of giggles and boasts, thinking they were a remarkably simple-minded bunch. Just as he was about to say something, two shadows began drawing near the group.