"Man! I worked my tail off! This is more than enough pocket money for the school trip!"
As the sun dipped toward the horizon, Yugo made his way back to Luminous Academy, laughing cheerfully while jingling a heavy bag of coins.
While his father was paying for the trip itself, Yugo knew he'd need extra cash for souvenirs, meals out, and various other expenses. He had spent the last few days grinding through requests and clashing with Magic Armor Beasts. Now, with the trip just around the corner, he had finally reached his goal.
"Since it’s a joint trip with the Elementary Division, Fee will be there too. As his big brother, I’ve got to treat him! And I should probably get something for the old man as a thank-you, right? I’ll have to ask Fee what would make him happy."
Yugo was practically skipping, his heart racing with anticipation, when he saw a familiar group approaching. He stopped in his tracks. They noticed him as well, and he waved as they hurried over to meet him.
"Yo! Melt, were you guys all out shopping together?"
"Yeah, something like that! Are you just getting back from a request, Yugo?"
"You bet! Looks like we’re both all set for the trip!"
Yugo chatted with Melt and the others. One look at the mountain of bags they were carrying made it clear they had been preparing thoroughly.
"So, what’s in the bags? Do girls really need this much gear?"
Though it was a long trip, Yugo was genuinely curious if they needed that many supplies. The girls' expressions soured instantly.
"Hmph! Who do you think we spent all day agonizing over?!"
"Huh?"
"A girl has a lot on her mind," another added. "Far more than you could imagine."
"Wait, what? What do you mean?"
"Good grief. I wish you’d understand a girl’s heart just a little better...!"
"Seriously, what?!"
"Melt-dono and the others were buying swimsuits for the school trip today! They were racking their brains trying to decide which one would catch Yugo-dono’s eye. You should be excited—and that goes for my swimsuit, too!"
"Wha—?!"
"...Sakura-chan, I don't think you were supposed to say that."
"Seriously! Our plan to surprise Yugo at the beach is totally ruined now!!"
Yugo was utterly bewildered. He understood he was being scolded, but he had no idea why. (Though his final exclamation was for a very different reason.)
While the others rounded on Sakura for the spoiler, Yui stepped out from the group and spoke up.
"I can’t wait for the trip, Yugo-san! Raiha-san put a lot of effort into her swimsuit too, so please tell your brother to look forward to it!"
"Yu-Yui-san?! What are you saying?! Th-that’s not it! I didn’t put any special effort in, and there’s no need to tell Ryuga-san anyth—ow! I bit my tongue!"
"Whoa, calm down, Raiha! You’re starting to spark! Your eyes are changing, too!"
"By the way, I also put a lot of heart into choosing my swimsuit! I’m going to captivate Fee!"
"Don't do that! You’re still a kid. Stick to being pure, righteous, and beautiful, like a princess!"
Yugo looked back and forth between the teary-eyed Raiha and the grinning Yui. He looked up at the sky and tried to force the conversation to a close.
"Look, I don't really get how girls' feelings or preparations work, but... I’m looking forward to the trip!!"
He gave them a strained smile. It was a desperate attempt to end the chaos, but the girls just let out a collective sigh.
"And there it is. The Eldest Son of the Dense Brothers..."
"I know he’s a good guy, but really..."
"What? Why are you guys reacting like that? Did I mess up my response?!"
Yugo had just said exactly what they had imagined he would when they labeled him part of the Dense Brothers earlier that day. They looked at him with pity.
Bewildered and confused, Yugo trudged back toward the academy while the girls offered him various comforting words.