Chapters 3 through 12 of "Kuroyuki" detail the burgeoning, albeit unconventional, relationship between Shirai Raito and Kuroyuki Misaki, set against the backdrop of school life and a local festival. Raito, a classmate of Misaki, is a somewhat aloof and disliked student, contrasting sharply with Misaki, the school's most popular and beautiful girl. Despite numerous confessions, Misaki consistently rejects all advances, stating she has no intention of dating anyone. Raito, observing this, believes her words should be taken at face value, a sentiment not shared by her admirers.
The narrative shifts to Raito's home life, introducing his younger sister, Kokoro, who is doted on by him. Their outing to a town festival becomes the catalyst for Raito and Misaki's interaction. At the festival, Misaki is cornered by two lecherous college students. Raito, despite his usual reticence, intervenes to protect her, using the pretense of them being a couple on a date. Misaki, caught off guard but quick-witted, plays along, much to the chagrin of the college students and the surprise of onlookers. Kokoro, witnessing this, mistakenly believes Raito and Misaki are actually dating, a misunderstanding that Misaki, to Raito's surprise, exacerbates by confirming their "relationship" to Kokoro.
This fabricated relationship quickly escalates. The next day at school, the news of Raito and Misaki being a couple has spread like wildfire, causing uproar among both male and female students. Misaki, usually composed, becomes flustered and defends Raito to his classmates, who are critical of him due to his poor social standing. She asserts that Raito is kind and that she chose him, a statement that stuns everyone. Later, on the rooftop, Misaki confesses to Raito that she fears getting close to people because her sister experienced immense grief after her husband's sudden death, making her afraid of losing loved ones. She admits she fears hurting Raito in the future and asks him to never confess his feelings to her, even if they continue their charade. Raito, though initially taken aback by her fear and the implications for their "relationship," agrees to her terms.
Their fabricated relationship continues, leading to a lunch date where Misaki prepares a bento for Raito as both an apology and a thank you. During their meal, Misaki reveals her deep-seated fear of falling in love due to her sister's past trauma, explaining her reluctance to get too close to Raito. She asks him to promise not to confess his feelings, even if their fake relationship progresses to dating, as she believes she will eventually hurt him. Raito, while acknowledging her fears, agrees to her request. The chapters conclude with Raito learning that Misaki has not told her childhood friend, Suzumine Hyoka, about their fake relationship, fearing Hyoka's disapproval. This leaves Raito with a sense of unease about the potential complications this secrecy might bring.
