《Kari Shisaku ００１》


 001 He gently ruffled her hair, and as if in response, her cheeks flushed a deep shade of red.

    Isabide High School¡ªa simple, unembellished academy built from wood and stone. Its walls were adorned with murals depicting humanity¡¯s greatest triumphs: the fearless Satou Nozomi charging through the battlefield, the elves kneeling before the gates of Alaston as they signed the treaty of surrender. Each painting stood as a silent testament to the glory of the past.


    Inside the classroom, a gentle breeze slipped through the half-open window, rustling the scattered sheets of paper on the desks. The faint scent of ink and parchment lingered in the air, wrapping the room in a comforting warmth. The afternoon sun streamed in, casting golden patches of light on the wooden floor, highlighting its grain as if each line whispered its own quiet story. In this tranquil atmosphere, time itself seemed to slow.


    Tetsuya sat by the window, a thick magic notebook spread open on his desk, a feathered quill resting idly to the side. His head was lowered in concentration as he meticulously organized his notes, carefully reviewing the materials needed for their next magic lesson.


    Then, the quiet was broken by a cheerful voice.


    "Tetsuya~ Do you have time later?"


    He looked up to see Hinano standing at his desk. Small in stature, she had her hands clasped behind her back as she leaned forward slightly, her long hair swaying with the movement. Her face was lit up with a bright, sunny smile¡ªwarm and inviting.


    "I have to pick up my little sister from school today," Tetsuya replied calmly, his tone carrying a hint of apology. His gaze drifted back to his notes as he continued his work, seemingly unaware of the fleeting shadow that crossed Hinano''s expression.


    Her smile faltered for just a second before she mumbled, "Your sister¡¯s school is in the opposite direction from my house¡­ so I guess we won¡¯t be walking home together today, huh?"Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    Her eyes lowered to the quill beside his notebook, her brows knitting together slightly. The disappointment in her voice was barely concealed as her fingers twitched slightly at her sides.


    Noticing the change in her tone, Tetsuya paused, looking up again. Hinano had her head lowered, her lips slightly pursed, a faint pout forming on her face. A small pang of guilt pricked at him.


    With a sigh, he reached out and lightly ruffled her hair, his fingers brushing through the silky strands with the gentleness of petting a small animal.


    Hinano froze. Her eyes widened as she stiffened at the unexpected touch. Slowly, she lifted her head, only to meet Tetsuya¡¯s amused gaze.


    "My mom¡¯s picking her up tomorrow, so we can walk home together then." His voice was relaxed, carrying a subtle warmth as he playfully tousled her hair once more, as if to reassure her.


    It took a few seconds for Hinano to process his words¡ªalong with the fact that his hand was still on her head. Then, as realization hit, her face turned a brilliant shade of red, almost like a ripe apple.


    "W-What are you doing?! Stop messing with my hair!"


    With a startled squeak, she jumped back, clutching her head with both hands as if to shield it from further assault. Her entire face, from cheeks to ears, was flushed pink.


    Tetsuya chuckled at her reaction, his eyes glinting with playful amusement. "It¡¯s just¡­ your expression was too cute. I couldn¡¯t help myself."


    "C-Cute?! Who even says that so casually?!" Hinano stammered, flustered beyond words. She stomped her foot, frantically smoothing down her hair as she pouted, her voice filled with embarrassment. "You¡¯re so mean! That was totally uncalled for!"


    Tetsuya only laughed harder at her indignation but decided not to tease her any further. Slinging his bag over his shoulder, he waved a hand in farewell. "Alright, I¡¯m heading out. See you tomorrow."


    Hinano quickly snapped out of her daze, reaching out. "Hey! I wasn¡¯t done talking¡ª!"


    But Tetsuya had already turned away, casually waving as he walked out of the classroom without looking back.


    Left behind, Hinano could only huff in frustration, stomping her foot once more. "Ugh, seriously! So unfair!"


    Yet, as she stood there, still flustered, she absentmindedly touched her own cheek¡ªfeeling the lingering warmth.


    And despite her grumbling¡­ a small, shy smile crept onto her lips. "Honestly¡­ what am I going to do with him?"

 002 The Safest Harbor

    The sun was slowly setting beyond the horizon, dyeing the clouds in a soft orange-red hue. The warm glow of the evening light bathed the entrance of Isabide Special Academy, wrapping it in a golden embrace. The school gate, carved from ancient oak, bore intricate runes etched into its frame. Each pattern shimmered faintly with a subtle magical glow, like a pair of guardian hands silently watching over the children within.


    Beyond the gate, a cobblestone path stretched ahead, flanked by towering trees whose lush branches intertwined to form a natural canopy. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, casting dappled light upon the ground in a delicate dance of shifting shadows. The air carried the fresh scent of earth and greenery, evoking a serene sense of calm and peace.


    Isabide Special Academy was unlike any other school. It was a sanctuary for children with unique needs¡ªstudents who were allergic to magic or had other extraordinary conditions. Layers of magical barriers enveloped the entire campus, shielding it from the ambient magical energy of the outside world and providing a safe haven for its students to learn and grow.


    In the open space outside the academy, several beast-eared girls were sweeping the ground. The sunlight shimmered on their furry ears and swaying tails, adding a lively charm to the tranquil scene.


    Among them, a beast-eared girl named Doni noticed Tetsuya standing at the gate. Setting her broom down gently, she trotted toward him, her tail swishing lightly and her ears twitching in delight.


    "Tetsuya, is it your turn to pick up Miyo today?" Doni asked with a playful grin, her eyes sparkling with mischief.


    Tetsuya looked up and returned her smile with his usual easygoing expression. "That¡¯s right, Miss Meow-Meow."


    The moment she heard the nickname, Doni''s ears stood straight up, and her tail gave an involuntary twitch. She planted her hands on her hips and let out a frustrated sigh. "I''ve told you so many times¡ªdon''t call me Miss Meow-Meow!"


    "Alright, alright, Miss Doni," Tetsuya said with a chuckle, clearly amused.


    Just as Doni was about to retort, Tetsuya¡¯s gaze shifted toward the school gate, his voice laced with joy. "Miyo!"


    At the entrance, a female teacher walked out, holding the hand of a petite girl with short silver twin-tails. The girl clutched a wooden staff, its head adorned with delicate runes that gleamed faintly. She kept her head slightly lowered, a hint of shyness in her posture. However, upon hearing her brother¡¯s call, her eyes lit up, and she immediately let go of her teacher¡¯s hand, dashing toward him.


    "Onii-chan!" Her small voice overflowed with excitement.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Tetsuya crouched down with open arms, his tone gentle. "Miyo, over here!"


    Without hesitation, Miyo leaped into his embrace, her tiny hands clutching tightly onto his shirt. Tetsuya softly stroked her hair, his voice filled with warmth. "How was school today?"


    Rather than answering, Miyo simply nestled into his chest like a kitten seeking shelter, basking in the comfort of her brother''s presence.


    Doni leaned down and, with careful ease, scooped Miyo up from behind, supporting her small frame in a firm but gentle hold. Pressing her cheek against Miyo¡¯s, she nuzzled affectionately. "Little Miyo, it¡¯s only been half a day! Did you miss Onee-chan? You''re getting cuter every time I see you!"


    Miyo squirmed slightly, furrowing her tiny brows as she protested in a soft voice, "Miss Doni, p-please let me down¡­"


    Doni, however, showed no intention of complying, instead hugging her tighter and grinning like a cat that had caught its favorite toy. "Your face is so soft and smooth, I don¡¯t wanna let go!"


    Watching the scene unfold, Tetsuya chuckled and cleared his throat. "Hey, Doni, don¡¯t scare my sister."


    Miyo peeked out from Doni¡¯s embrace, her large, watery eyes turning pleadingly to her brother. She murmured, "Onii-chan¡­ don¡¯t just laugh, save me¡­"


    Seeing her distress, Tetsuya patted Doni¡¯s shoulder. "Alright, alright, let her go. If you keep this up, Miyo¡¯s going to get mad."


    "Geez, you¡¯re no fun!" Doni pouted, but despite her reluctance, she obediently set Miyo down. She gently ruffled the girl¡¯s hair before stepping back. "Alright, alright, I won¡¯t tease you anymore."


    Once her feet touched the ground again, Miyo quickly hid behind Tetsuya, clutching the hem of his shirt like a startled rabbit.


    Tetsuya glanced down at her, his voice tinged with amusement. "Doni just likes you, don¡¯t take it too seriously."


    As they made their way home, Miyo held onto Tetsuya¡¯s hand, her pace slow and slightly uneven. Occasionally, she limped.


    Noticing the difference, Tetsuya looked down in concern. "Miyo, why are you limping? Did you hurt your foot?"


    Miyo hesitated, lowering her gaze. "I bumped it while playing hide-and-seek with my friends today¡­"


    "Hide-and-seek?" Tetsuya furrowed his brows slightly, then asked curiously, "Isn¡¯t that hard for you? You can¡¯t see¡ªhow do you play?"


    Miyo lifted her head and smiled faintly. "I can¡¯t see, but I can sense the magic in people. To me, their magic feels like glowing torches of different colors. Recently, I¡¯ve been practicing focusing on them. It¡¯s actually pretty fun!"


    Hearing her explanation, Tetsuya stopped walking, crouching down to ruffle her hair. "Our little Miyo is amazing! Alright, let me carry you home today."


    "No way!" Miyo¡¯s face turned bright red as she gently pushed him away. "That¡¯s embarrassing!"


    "You¡¯ve had a long day, and your foot is hurt. No more acting tough," Tetsuya said with a smile, giving her no chance to refuse as he turned and lifted her onto his back.


    Although Miyo continued to mumble small protests, the grip of her tiny hands on his shoulders slowly relaxed. She nestled against him, her expression softening into a quiet, contented smile.


    As they walked home, the golden hues of the setting sun stretched their shadows along the cobblestone path. The gentle wind carried the rustling of leaves, whispering a lullaby of warmth and serenity.

 003 The Warmth of a Cozy Cottage, Yet a Secret Lies Within

    The rich aroma of home-cooked food filled the air¡ªa hearty blend of meat and a hint of garlic, carrying a subtle saltiness that made one''s mouth water. In the kitchen, a woman wearing a simple apron stood in front of an old stone stove. She gently lifted a spoon, scooping up a bit of steaming broth to taste.


    The wooden dining table was neatly covered with a clean cloth, and several side dishes were arranged in an orderly fashion¡ªstir-fried greens, braised meat, and a bowl of hot, steaming soup. The wood grain of the table, worn slightly rough with age, still emitted a faint fragrance, as if whispering stories of countless warm and ordinary days.


    "Mom! Uncle! We''re home!"


    A bright, youthful voice rang out along with the sound of the door opening, breaking the peaceful stillness of the kitchen. Aiko set down the spoon, patted the water stains on her apron, and walked to the entryway with a gentle smile. "Welcome home! How was school today?"


    She crouched down and pulled the children into a warm embrace, her smile radiating the kind of tenderness only a mother could give.


    However, the moment she noticed Tetsuya carrying his younger sister, Miyo, on his back, her brows knitted slightly in concern. "Oh? What''s going on? Why are you carrying her like that?"


    "Miyo twisted her ankle while playing hide-and-seek," Tetsuya explained.


    Miyo, still drowsy from the ride home, rubbed her eyes at the sound of their conversation. Stretching lazily, she mumbled, "Onii-chan, put me down already."


    Tetsuya carefully lowered her to the ground, and the little girl immediately ran into Aiko¡¯s arms, snuggling against her. "Mom~ I''m home~"


    Aiko gently stroked her daughter¡¯s head and said softly, "Good girl. Let me see your foot."


    Obediently, Miyo pulled down her sock, revealing a small scrape on her ankle and a faint bruise. Aiko frowned slightly, her heart aching at the sight. "It¡¯s not too serious, and the treatment seems fine... hmm?" She leaned in and sniffed. Suddenly, her expression changed. "What¡¯s that smell?"


    Tetsuya pointed toward the kitchen and grinned. "Probably the stove burning something."


    "Oh no!" Aiko let out a startled cry and dashed into the kitchen, hastily turning off the stove. Placing a hand over her chest, she sighed in relief before turning back to Miyo. "Sit down and rest for a bit. I¡¯ll treat your foot in a moment." Then, she turned to Tetsuya. "Go set the table, quickly."


    "Got it!" Tetsuya replied as he went to help. Halfway through, he suddenly asked, "By the way, Mom, where¡¯s Uncle Makino? I haven¡¯t seen him."


    Aiko wiped her hands and glanced out the window. "Ishin went to chop wood. He should be back soon."


    Just as she finished speaking, a loud boom sounded from outside, followed by a faint tremor that made the plates and cups on the table tremble as if they were dancing.


    "Makino Ishin!"


    Aiko¡¯s voice was as sharp as thunder as she stormed toward the door, her brows furrowed tightly, her face full of exasperation.


    Standing outside was a one-armed man¡ªMakino Ishin. He waved with a bright smile. "I¡¯m back!"


    The next second, a wooden spoon came flying at him, landing a firm hit on his head.


    "You idiot! Were you trying to scare us to death?! Can¡¯t you put things down more gently? Do you want to bring the whole house down?!"


    Ishin, clutching his head in pain, bent forward, groaning. "Owww¡­ That hurt! That really hurt!" As he rubbed his head, he noticed that some of the food had been knocked into the air from the tremor. Reacting instinctively, he reached out to catch it, but the freshly cooked dish was still scorching hot.


    "Aaaahhh! That¡¯s hot!"


    Seeing his clumsy distress, Aiko¡¯s anger softened, and her tone became gentler.


    "Fine, I¡¯ll let it slide this time."


    Ishin chuckled as he massaged his burned hand. "No big deal, no big deal. Aiko-sama is always so generous!"


    His smile widened as he looked at the children and said, "Tetsuya, Miyo, having Aiko as your mom is truly a blessing from many lifetimes."


    Hearing this, Aiko¡¯s lips curled into a smug little smile. The pride in her expression was unmistakable.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "Hmph, at least you know how to flatter me."


    Then, she glanced at Ishin¡¯s hand and added, "Wait here. I¡¯ll treat that burn."


    Ishin waved dismissively. "Nah, it¡¯s just a little burn. No big deal. I get these all the time¡ªjust part of a rough guy¡¯s daily life. It¡¯ll be fine in no time."


    Aiko shook her head and turned back to the kitchen to continue setting the table. "Ishin, help me bring some dishes over. And this time, be careful! No more disasters."


    "Roger that, Aiko-sama!"


    Ishin chuckled as he  walked away, but not before calling out, "Little Miyo, give your uncle a hug!"


    Miyo had just sat down at the dining table when she heard Ishin¡¯s voice. Turning around, she was immediately lifted into his arms. However, her excitement quickly faded as she frowned.


    "Ah! Ow, ow, ow¡­ Uncle, your beard is so prickly! Let me go!"


    Ishin burst into laughter, rubbing his rough chin. "Sorry about that, Little Miyo. I''ll make sure to shave better next time."


    She quickly pushed him away, her small face scrunching up in mild annoyance. Ishin found it amusing, and as he watched the warm atmosphere of this home, a soft smile tugged at the corners of his lips.


    "Miyo, stretch out your leg and let Mommy take a look."


    After placing the dishes on the table, Aiko sat beside Miyo, her voice gentle.


    Miyo obediently pulled up her pant leg, revealing a scraped shin. Though it wasn¡¯t a serious wound, the red marks were enough to make one feel sympathy.


    Ishin immediately put down his bowl and walked over. "Huh? Miyo, how did you get hurt?"


    Aiko didn¡¯t answer. Instead, she clasped her fingers together and began murmuring a soft incantation. "Mother of the earth, have mercy on those of this world¡ªHEALING."


    A faint golden light shimmered from Aiko¡¯s hands, slowly enveloping Miyo¡¯s injured leg. Gradually, the wound healed, and the redness and scratches disappeared as if they were never there.


    "Mommy, I want to be a healer too!" Miyo¡¯s eyes sparkled with longing as she looked up at Aiko.


    "Huh?" Aiko paused, slightly taken aback.


    "It¡¯s not something you can just decide to become," Ishin said, ruffling Miyo¡¯s hair. "Your mommy has a special gift. Not everyone can learn it."


    "No! No! I want to be just like Mommy!" Miyo protested, clinging to Aiko¡¯s arm, her voice filled with determination and a hint of childish whining.


    Aiko smiled gently and asked softly, "Even if it means being separated from Mommy, would you still want to learn?"


    Miyo immediately shook her head and hugged Aiko tightly. "No¡­ I don¡¯t want to be apart from Mommy."


    Ishin stepped closer, his hand gently patting Miyo¡¯s head as he spoke seriously. "There aren¡¯t many healers in this world. If people find out, they¡¯ll take you away and force you into the army. You¡¯re our precious little girl. We won¡¯t let you face that danger."


    Aiko stroked Miyo¡¯s head tenderly. "Be good, Miyo. Let¡¯s eat first. If the food gets cold, it won¡¯t taste as good."


    Under the warm glow of the dining room lights, the family gathered around the table. The clinking of chopsticks and bowls echoed softly, accompanied by laughter. The aroma of delicious food filled the air, making the moment feel even cozier.


    After dinner, the house was still bathed in the warm glow of the lights, the lingering scent of the meal drifting through the air. Aiko and Miyo had gone to the bathroom to bathe, leaving only Ishin and Tetsuya in the living room.


    Ishin sat leisurely on a chair, his foot gently swaying as he held a cup of hot tea in his left hand. Though his face carried traces of fatigue, his smile was one of contentment. Meanwhile, Tetsuya sat at the dining table, resting his chin on his hands, deep in thought.


    "Uncle Makino, after dinner tomorrow, do you have time to teach me how to build a small wooden house?" Tetsuya suddenly broke the silence, his voice hesitant yet filled with anticipation.


    Ishin narrowed his eyes, setting down his tea. "Oh? Why the sudden request?"


    "Because¡­ Hinano¡­" Tetsuya¡¯s voice trailed off, his gaze wavering for a moment before he took a deep breath. "I want to build a secret base for us¡­ as a birthday present for her."


    Ishin blinked, momentarily stunned, before bursting into laughter. His hearty chuckles were so strong that even his tea cup trembled slightly.


    "Hahaha! Tetsuya, you¡¯re really growing up! You even understand romance now?"


    With a playful grin, Ishin reached out and gave Tetsuya a firm pat on the back, the sound ringing through the room.


    "Ow! Ow, ow, ow! What was that for?!" Tetsuya yelped, jumping up and clutching his back.


    Ishin grinned, unrepentant. "Hahaha, don¡¯t be shy! It¡¯s encouragement! Alright, no need to wait for tomorrow. Let¡¯s go now. I¡¯ll teach you right away!"


    Before Tetsuya could even react, Ishin grabbed his arm and started pulling him toward the door.


    "Ah¡ªwait! Don¡¯t pull me like that! I¡¯m going to trip!" Tetsuya stumbled after him, his face a mix of helplessness and joy, unable to hide the excitement of being taken seriously.


    Meanwhile, in the bathroom, the wooden door closed softly, and steam filled the air. The warm yellow light reflected off the wooden walls, making the space feel especially cozy. Aiko and Miyo soaked together in the bathtub, their figures enveloped in mist, the scene radiating warmth and intimacy.


    Miyo leaned back against the tub¡¯s edge, her hands resting on the rim as she grinned proudly. "Mommy, I was amazing today! No one could find me during hide-and-seek!"


    Aiko gently scooped up a handful of water and let it trickle over Miyo¡¯s shoulder, a soft smile on her lips. "Such an amazing girl~ Do you have any special techniques you can teach Mommy?"


    Miyo lifted her chin, still brimming with confidence. "It¡¯s the ¡®torch¡¯ you taught me about! Everyone has a torch inside them. As long as I focus on those torches, I can tell where people are. Before they even get close, I¡¯m already gone!"


    Aiko listened, then gently ruffled Miyo¡¯s damp hair. "That¡¯s incredible. My little Miyo is really something. But¡­ can you promise me one thing?"


    Miyo tilted her head. "Hmm? What is it?"


    Aiko cupped Miyo¡¯s small face in her hands, her voice soft yet serious. "Don¡¯t push yourself too hard. Focusing like that takes a lot of energy. Mommy doesn¡¯t want you to get too exhausted, alright?"


    Miyo blinked, then after a few seconds, nodded firmly. "Mm! I understand! Don¡¯t worry, Mommy, I¡¯ll be careful."


    Aiko smiled and pulled Miyo into a gentle hug, planting a kiss on her forehead. "Such a good girl~ Tonight, you can stay in the bath a little longer as a reward!"


    Amid the rising steam, the mother and daughter continued their quiet conversation, the warmth of their love filling the bathroom like a comforting embrace.

 004 Do You Like Him?

    The morning sunlight streamed through the wooden-framed windows, illuminating the tiny dust particles in the air, making them shimmer like delicate crystals. The classroom appeared peaceful, yet beneath the surface, a subtle undercurrent of excitement lingered. Open textbooks and toppled notebooks lay scattered across desks, while students huddled in small groups, whispering and exchanging occasional giggles.


    A gentle tap on the desk from the teacher¡¯s knuckles silenced the murmurs. Though soft, the sound rang clear in the slightly lazy morning atmosphere, instantly restoring order to the room.


    "Good morning, everyone." The teacher¡¯s voice was as warm as always, but today, there was a hint of mystery in his tone. "Before we begin our lesson, I¡¯d like to introduce a new student."


    With a creak, the classroom door swung open, revealing a girl with neatly tied hair and delicate, thin-framed glasses. Her hair swayed slightly as she moved, each step light yet brimming with quiet confidence.


    Sunlight poured in from the doorway, casting a soft glow around her figure. For a moment, silence engulfed the classroom before hushed whispers spread like ripples on water.


    "Wow¡­ she''s gorgeous!" "Those glasses make her look like a noble lady." "She¡¯s so cute it¡¯s almost unfair!"


    The girl lowered her lashes slightly, seemingly uncomfortable with the sudden flood of attention. Her lips twitched as if attempting a smile, yet nervousness made it appear a bit stiff. She bit her lower lip gently, sneaking a quick glance around the room. Even in her shyness, a natural elegance radiated from her, making her all the more captivating.


    At the back of the classroom, Tetsuya was casually chatting with Hirohito about trivial matters, paying little mind to the arrival of the new student. However, in that moment, a strange sensation swept through the air, sending a chill down his spine. A fleeting unease tightened in his chest.


    He couldn''t help but look up toward the door¡ªand then, he froze.


    "Hina¡­no?"


    Sure enough, standing in the doorway was Hinano. She looked slightly disheveled, her hair a little messy, her expression taut with unspoken tension. But what struck him the most was her gaze¡ªcold and piercing, as if she were staring at something utterly worthless.


    She glanced at him briefly before turning away, bowing politely to the teacher. "Good morning, Sensei. Sorry, I had something urgent at home, so I was late."


    The teacher nodded without questioning further. "That¡¯s alright. Take your seat."


    Hinano walked past Tetsuya and sat down beside him. As soon as she settled in, Tetsuya flashed his usual gentle smile and greeted her in a low voice. "Morning, Hinano."


    But she didn¡¯t even look at him.


    Expressionless, she quietly pulled out her textbook, treating him as though he were invisible.


    "Huh? Did she just ignore me?" Tetsuya blinked in surprise, his brows knitting slightly as confusion filled his mind. "What happened?"


    "Hey, Tetsuya."


    Hirohito leaned in, nudging him with his elbow and smirking mischievously. "The new girl is really pretty, huh? And I think she might be hiding a pair of ¡®big¡¯ secrets."


    Tetsuya felt his face heat up at Hirohito¡¯s teasing. "What are you even talking about? A pair of ¡®big¡¯ secrets?"


    Hirohito grinned, elbowing him again. "Oh, you know exactly what I mean."


    Realization dawned on Tetsuya, and his ears turned red. He immediately looked away from Hinano, flipping through his notebook in a desperate attempt to appear unfazed. "Quit saying weird stuff!"


    Despite his protest, he couldn''t resist sneaking another glance at Hinano.


    The teacher''s clear voice rang out with an air of authority. "Students in the back, quiet down! Now, our new student, please introduce yourself."


    The murmurs in the classroom immediately died down, and all eyes turned toward the girl standing at the front.


    The girl, wearing thin-framed glasses, took a small breath before stepping forward and bowing slightly. Her voice was soft yet clear, each word carrying throughout the room. "Hello, everyone. My name is Mizuno Mone. You can call me Mone. I¡¯m happy to be your classmate. Please take care of me."Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    Her humble yet natural demeanor elicited a quiet ripple of admiration, especially among the boys. Her voice, like a gentle morning breeze, brushed through the hearts of everyone, making them unconsciously perk up their ears to listen.


    Hinano sat quietly in her seat, her gaze fixed on Mone before shifting toward Tetsuya beside her. She subtly extended her foot and tapped the leg of his desk, lowering her voice with a hint of curiosity¡ªand perhaps a little jealousy. "Hey, Tetsuya, do you like girls like Mizuno-san?"


    Tetsuya blinked in surprise, as if he hadn¡¯t expected that question from Hinano. He paused for a moment before smiling, the same gentle smile he always had. "Hmm... Of course, looks are important, but I think personality matters the most. Like you, Hinano¡ªI like you a lot."


    "Eh¡ª!?"


    Hinano froze in place, her face instantly turning as red as a ripe apple. Her eyes darted around in panic, and she quickly flipped through the book on her desk, her voice flustered. "W-What are you even saying?!"


    The teacher, standing at the front, noticed Hinano¡¯s distracted state and frowned slightly, though her voice remained gentle. "Hinano, is something wrong? You seem rather distracted today."


    At the sound of her name, Hinano jolted, as if caught in the middle of something she shouldn''t be doing. She hurriedly straightened up. "Ah¡ª! No, it''s nothing! Sorry, Sensei!"


    The teacher smiled lightly and let it slide. "Alright, then. Mone, you can take the seat next to Hinano."


    Mone nodded gently. "Understood. Thank you, Sensei."


    She walked gracefully to the empty seat beside Hinano, set down her bag, and sat down smoothly.


    Hinano couldn''t shake her sense of discomfort. She picked up her book, put it down, picked it up again¡ªno matter how she sat, she felt restless. In the end, she forced herself to act natural and mustered an awkward smile. "Hey, I''m Suzuki Hinano. Just call me Hinano. Sorry about earlier."


    Mone turned to her with a soft smile, adjusting her glasses slightly. Her voice was still as gentle as before. "It¡¯s alright, don¡¯t worry about it. I just transferred here, so I don¡¯t know many people yet, but this class seems really warm and welcoming."


    Hearing Mone say that, Hinano relaxed a little and smiled back. "Yeah... Our class is always kind of lively."


    Mone¡¯s eyes swept over the classroom before stopping at two boys¡ªone waving enthusiastically and the other holding a calligraphy brush. Tilting her head slightly, she pointed at them. "Those two, do you know them?"


    Hinano followed her gaze and nodded, trying to sound casual. "Yeah, the one with the brush is my childhood friend¡ªMakino Tetsuya. The loud one next to him is his best friend, Matsumoto Hirohito. He¡¯s kind of annoying, but... he¡¯s not a bad guy."


    Mone chuckled softly but didn¡¯t comment further. Hinano, however, felt her heart grow restless again. She stole a glance at Tetsuya, then at Mone, her emotions growing more complicated by the second.


    Just then, Mone leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a whisper as a soft breeze seemed to brush against Hinano¡¯s ear. "Hinano, are you two dating?"


    "What?!"


    Hinano froze as if struck by lightning, her hands gripping the edge of her desk in a panic, nearly knocking over her books. "N-No way! That''s impossible!"


    Mone watched her, a teasing smile playing at her lips. "Oh¡­ so that means you haven''t confessed yet?"


    "It''s not like that!" Hinano frantically waved her hands, her voice hurried. "We''re just normal friends!"


    Mone ignored her flustered denial and instead smiled even more gently. "Normal friends, huh? But I can tell¡ªyou feel something special for him."


    Hinano stiffened, her gaze flickering before she widened her eyes. "Why would you say that?"


    Mone rested her chin on her hand, her tone lighthearted, yet carrying an undeniable warmth. "Call it a girl''s intuition. The way you looked at him earlier¡­ was that really just the gaze of a normal friend?"


    Hinano lowered her head, biting her lip. Her hands pressed tightly against her knees, and she couldn''t even muster the courage to meet Mone''s eyes.


    Mone observed her with a gaze as gentle as melting spring snow, her voice carrying a note of encouragement. "Hinano, if you have feelings for him, I can help you."


    Hinano stared at her, completely stunned. "H-Help me?"


    Before she could process those words, a sudden voice shattered the delicate atmosphere.


    "Mone-san!"


    Hirohito dropped to one knee beside Mone, his eyes sparkling as if witnessing a divine miracle. "For us to be classmates¡ªthis must be fate! !"


    As soon as he finished speaking, he even reached out, seemingly intending to take Mone¡¯s hand and kiss it.


    "What do you think you''re doing?!"


    Hinano shot up from her seat, her chair screeching against the floor. Without hesitation, she delivered a powerful kick straight to Hirohito''s head.


    Bam!


    Hirohito was sent flying, crashing onto the ground with his eyes rolling back. "I¡­ I think I just saw a bright holy light¡­"


    Hinano, her cheeks burning with fury, suddenly bit down on her finger. Crimson droplets welled up instantly, dripping onto the floor and forming a faintly glowing magic circle.


    "Gravity Magic¡ªBind!"


    With a quiet incantation, an invisible force erupted from the center of the magic circle. Hirohito was instantly pinned to the floor, the sheer pressure causing even the wooden planks beneath him to sink slightly.


    Tetsuya watched the scene unfold and instinctively took a step back, cold sweat forming on his forehead. "Hinano¡­ calm down! Don''t get so worked up!"


    However, Hinano slowly turned to face him, her eyes dark and unreadable. A chilling light gleamed within them, sending a shiver down Tetsuya''s spine. He swallowed hard.


    "Just now¡­ did you see anything?" Hinano¡¯s voice was cold, each syllable laced with a bone-chilling pressure.


    "N-No! I didn''t see anything at all!" Tetsuya frantically waved his hands, but the weight of Hinano''s gaze remained as oppressive as ever. A second later, he found himself flat on the ground, seemingly crushed by an overwhelming force.


    The entire classroom watched in stunned silence as the situation escalated. It was only then that Hinano realized how out of control she had become. Her legs gave out, and with a thud, she collapsed onto the floor, clutching her head in despair.


    "Aaaah! Now I¡¯ll never get married! No one will ever want me!"


    The teacher rushed forward, trying to restore order. "Hinano, take a deep breath and calm down! Everyone, step back and give her some space!"


    Chaos erupted in the classroom. Some whispered among themselves, some stifled laughter, while others were too shocked to say a word.

 005 Unhidden Feelings and the Gradually Intertwining Fate

    The infirmary was quiet, the rustling of leaves outside the window occasionally accompanied by birdsong, creating a moment of peace. Hinano sat beside Tetsuya¡¯s bed, her hands nervously clutching the hem of her skirt, while her other hand rested awkwardly on her knee, unsure of where to place it. Lowering her head, she spoke in a voice so soft it was almost inaudible. "I¡¯m sorry¡­ I really didn¡¯t mean to¡­ Does it still hurt?"


    Tetsuya leaned against the headboard, watching Hinano fidget with an amused smile. He waved a hand gently, his voice as warm as ever. "It¡¯s fine, don¡¯t worry so much. It was just a small accident. It doesn¡¯t hurt anymore."


    Before he could finish his words, Hirohito, lying in the bed next to him, dramatically raised his hand, shouting as if desperate for attention. "Me! I¡¯m still in pain! I really thought I was going to die! Before I lost consciousness, I even saw a bright holy¡ª"


    Before Hirohito could finish, Tetsuya abruptly sat up and lunged at him, clamping a hand over his mouth while raising the other hand as if ready to smack him.


    "Mmmph¡ªMmm! Let go!" Hirohito flailed, his muffled protests barely comprehensible.


    Tetsuya turned back to Hinano with an awkward expression, trying to brush the moment aside. "Ahaha¡­ Uh, Hinano, did the teacher say anything?"


    Hinano blinked, hesitating for a moment before finally answering. "Nothing special. Just a reminder to prepare for the upcoming school-wide mock battle¡­ and not to be late."


    Just then, the infirmary door creaked open. Mone stepped in gracefully, carrying two cups of water in her hands. Tilting her head slightly, she wore a curious expression. "A school-wide mock battle? What¡¯s that?"


    "Mone!" The moment Hirohito heard her voice, he miraculously sprang up from his bed, suddenly looking as if he had never been injured.


    Hinano raised an eyebrow and muttered under her breath. "Hmph, just minutes ago, he said he was dying."


    "Wow, you sure recovered fast," Tetsuya said, his tone filled with exasperation.


    Hirohito completely ignored him, instead flashing what he thought was a charming smile at Mone. "If you¡¯d agree to go on a date with me, I¡¯d heal even faster!"


    Mone simply gave him a cold, uninterested glance before replying flatly. "Hirohito, for a patient, you seem far too energetic."


    Hirohito clutched his pillow and suddenly nodded seriously. "I only have this much energy because I saw you, Mone!"


    Hinano rolled her eyes at his dramatic statement, her brow twitching slightly in annoyance. "There you go again..."


    Mone pursed her lips, her smile carrying a hint of mischief as she turned toward Hinano. Her eyes glimmered with amusement before she casually dropped a bombshell. "A date, huh¡­ I wouldn¡¯t mind considering it. But only if Hinano and Tetsuya come along too."


    "What?!"


    Hinano and Hirohito both exclaimed at the same time, while Tetsuya, caught off guard, almost dropped his cup of water, causing ripples to dance on the surface.


    Hinano¡¯s cheeks instantly flamed red like a ripe apple as she flailed in protest. "Why do I have to go with Tetsuya?! What does this have to do with me?!"


    Mone¡¯s smile grew softer, her tone airy. "The more, the merrier."


    Hirohito immediately collapsed onto his bed, groaning dramatically. "¡­Why does that idiot Tetsuya have to be the third wheel?!"


    Hinano¡¯s embarrassment quickly morphed into anger, and she promptly landed a punch on Hirohito¡¯s shoulder. "What kind of ridiculous schemes are you cooking up now?! Just earlier, you even¡­ even tried to kiss her!"


    The moment the word "kiss" left her lips, her voice grew smaller, more hesitant, until it became a mere murmur. Her face turned an even deeper shade of red, and she bit her lip, unwilling to meet anyone¡¯s gaze.


    Hirohito rubbed his sore shoulder and muttered defensively, "It wasn¡¯t even on the lips¡­"


    "What?!"


    Hinano clenched her fists, looking ready to pummel him again, her face practically steaming.


    Sensing the impending chaos, Mone cleared her throat and interjected with a light chuckle. "Let¡¯s not dwell on that. Hinano, if this continues, Hirohito¡¯s shoulder won¡¯t survive much longer." Shifting her attention to Tetsuya, her expression turned more serious. "Earlier, you mentioned the school-wide mock battle. What exactly is that?"


    Tetsuya snapped back to reality and gathered his thoughts. "It¡¯s an annual large-scale mock battle at our school. They randomly select two students to duel, assessing their magical abilities."


    Mone nodded thoughtfully. "Oh¡­ so a lot of people must come to watch?"


    Tetsuya added, "Yeah, even nearby residents and parents attend. It¡¯s the biggest event where the school showcases its strength."


    Hirohito suddenly chimed in. "But realistically speaking, there are hundreds of students in our school. The chances of us getting picked are pretty low, right?"


    Hinano narrowed her eyes at him, her tone laced with suspicion. "So you¡¯re trying to jinx us now?"


    Hirohito shrank back slightly, putting on an innocent act. "I¡¯m just stating facts! Just an objective observation."Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    Tetsuya slung his bag over his shoulder and turned to Hinano with a smile. "It¡¯s getting late. Want to walk home together?"


    Hinano hesitated, glancing at Tetsuya before turning toward Mone, her expression unreadable. She slowly shook her head. "Not today¡­ I have something to take care of, so I¡¯ll stay behind a bit longer. You guys go ahead."


    Tetsuya blinked, a fleeting look of disappointment crossing his face, but he didn¡¯t press further. He simply nodded. "Alright. Take care."


    Unlike him, Hirohito wasn¡¯t as understanding. As Tetsuya dragged him toward the door, he let out a dramatic wail. "Noooo! Mone! Aaah!!"


    With Hirohito¡¯s cries fading into the distance, the infirmary gradually returned to silence.


    Hinano sat beside the hospital bed, gripping the hem of her clothes tightly. Her head hung low, as if a thousand words were trapped in her heart, yet she couldn''t bring herself to say a single one. Mone placed the cup of water she was holding onto the table and tilted her head slightly, her lips curling into a faint, enigmatic smile as she silently observed Hinano.


    Finally, Hinano couldn''t hold it in any longer and broke the silence, her voice laced with hesitation. "What did you mean when you said you''d ''help me'' back in the classroom?"


    Mone smiled knowingly, her gaze turning deep, as if she could see through every emotion buried in Hinano¡¯s heart. "What else could I have meant? Obviously, I was talking about you and Tetsuya."


    Hinano froze, her entire body tensing up. A flush rapidly crept from her ears down to her neck, and she stammered incoherently. "W-What¡­ You¡ªdon¡¯t say such nonsense! I never said anything like that! Besides, I just met you today!"


    Mone watched her with amusement, as if observing a flustered little kitten. Her smile softened with a hint of exasperation. "Come on, Hinano, think about it from a different perspective. Isn''t it more surprising that no one else has noticed? The way you acted in the classroom¡ªit was obvious to everyone. Do I really need to spell it out?"


    Hinano lowered her head further, nervously wringing the fabric of her skirt. Her voice grew quieter. "Was it¡­ really that obvious?"


    Mone nodded silently, her tone calm yet teasing. "Yeah, so obvious that ignoring it would be impossible."


    Hearing that, Hinano wanted nothing more than to disappear. She grabbed a pillow and pressed it firmly over her face, as if hoping to hide from reality.


    Mone sighed lightly at the reaction, her lips curling into a gentle smile. Her tone softened. "You don¡¯t have to be so nervous. I¡¯m not here to expose your secret. I just thought¡­ you and Tetsuya seem to have a great relationship, so I wanted to give you a little push."


    Hinano slowly lowered the pillow, looking at Mone with wide, uncertain eyes. "But¡­ why would you help me?"


    Mone shrugged nonchalantly, her tone casual but kind. "I just moved here, so I don¡¯t know many people yet. Your class has a nice atmosphere, and I thought I¡¯d try to fit in. Plus¡­" She paused briefly, her gaze softening. "I can tell you care about Tetsuya. If it¡¯s important to you, I don¡¯t mind helping."


    Hinano stared at her for a moment, then bit her lip, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you¡­ but can you let me think about it a little more?"


    Mone didn¡¯t push her, merely nodding with an easy smile. "Of course. These things can¡¯t be rushed. By the way, where do you live? Want to walk home together?"


    Hinano shook her head, her voice still a little downcast. "I live in the eastern district¡­"


    Mone chuckled lightly. "Oh, that¡¯s the opposite of my way. Well then, I¡¯ll head off first. See you tomorrow."


    The infirmary fell quiet once more. Hinano gathered her belongings and slowly walked out of the school gates. The setting sun bathed the sky in hues of orange and red, yet her heart felt strangely heavy.


    As she walked home, her head hung low, her mind replaying the conversation over and over. "I was supposed to walk home with Tetsuya today¡­ how did things end up like this?"


    She stopped in her tracks, murmuring softly. "I ruined it myself¡­ I really am an idiot."


    Her footsteps grew slower, her shadow stretching long under the sunset, making her appear lonelier against the worn cobblestone road. She brushed her hair behind her ear, Mone¡¯s words still lingering in her mind.


    She sighed gently and whispered to herself, "I¡¯ll think about it¡­ later."


    Yet, the melancholy on her face did not fade. The golden light of the setting sun cast a glow upon her, highlighting the complicated emotions reflected in her eyes.


    Just then, a small, childish voice called out. "Hinano-nee chan!"


    Hinano turned around at the sound of a familiar voice and saw Miyo running towards her excitedly, her small feet pounding against the ground at full speed. Behind her, Aiko followed closely, calling out, "Be careful!"


    Hinano gasped and rushed forward to catch Miyo. But in their hurried collision, both of them tumbled onto the ground, a small cloud of dust rising around them.


    Miyo, unfazed, beamed brightly and wrapped her arms around Hinano. "Hinano-nee chan, I missed you so much!"


    Aiko approached, gently brushing off the dust on Hinano¡¯s knees. Her voice carried warmth and a hint of apology. "Sorry about that. She hasn¡¯t seen you in a while and got too excited."


    Hinano smiled as she carefully plucked a stray blade of grass from Miyo¡¯s hair. "It¡¯s okay. A little fall like this is nothing."


    Miyo tilted her head up, her eyes full of anticipation. "Hinano-nee chan, when will you come play with me again?"


    Hinano hesitated, glancing at Aiko before lowering her gaze. Her voice carried a touch of uncertainty. "Um¡­ I¡¯ll see when I have time."


    Noticing Hinano¡¯s subdued expression, Aiko spoke gently. "You¡¯ve been through a lot, haven¡¯t you, Hinano?"


    Hinano blinked in surprise and looked up at Aiko, a soft warmth spreading through her chest.


    Aiko took Miyo¡¯s hand, her steps light as they walked together under the quiet evening sky. The sounds of their footsteps felt comforting, filling the silence with a sense of calm.


    "It¡¯s getting late. Let¡¯s head home," Aiko said, her tone carrying a quiet reassurance.


    Miyo nodded, her voice soft. "Okay."


    Hinano followed behind them, curiosity tugging at her thoughts. "By the way, why are you two out so late today?"


    At the question, Aiko let out a small sigh, a flicker of worry crossing her face. Her tone turned somber. "One of Miyo¡¯s classmates has been missing since yesterday¡­"


    "Wait¡­ what?" Hinano stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening in shock. "Has anyone started looking for them?"


    Aiko nodded, keeping a firm yet gentle grip on Miyo¡¯s hand. Though her voice remained steady, a slight tension lingered beneath it. "The school has already sent people out, and the parents stayed behind to help¡­ but so far, there¡¯s been no progress."


    Miyo clenched her tiny hands into fists, her head lowered, her steps slowing as an unspoken worry filled her small frame.


    Aiko noticed and stopped walking, turning to Hinano with a quiet seriousness. "You should be careful on your way home too."


    Hinano nodded firmly. "I will. Don¡¯t worry."


    Just then, Miyo tugged at Aiko¡¯s sleeve, her voice barely above a whisper. "Mama¡­"


    Aiko knelt down, wrapping her arms around Miyo, stroking her hair with a soothing touch. A reassuring smile graced her lips. "Don¡¯t be afraid, sweetie. No matter what happens, I¡¯ll protect you."


    Miyo, taking in Aiko¡¯s warmth, slowly nodded.


    Seeing her relax slightly, Aiko smiled before standing up again. Taking Miyo¡¯s hand once more, she turned to Hinano with a lighter tone. "By the way, how¡¯s school been lately?"


    Hinano, caught off guard, blinked before answering quietly. "We¡¯re all busy preparing for the upcoming mock battle. Everyone¡¯s been working really hard."


    Aiko let out a small, amused sigh. "It¡¯s that time of year again, huh? Ishin and I will bring Miyo to watch. Make sure you give it your all."


    Hinano nodded slightly. "Yeah, I will."


    As the three of them walked along the dimly lit path, the earlier tension gradually faded, replaced by lighthearted conversation. The moonlight cast a soft glow over them, adding a serene touch to their laughter and chatter.


    Yet, despite the warmth of the moment, Hinano couldn''t shake off the heaviness lingering in her heart.


    She let out a quiet sigh, murmuring to herself, "I hope they find that kid soon¡­"

 006 The Stirring of the Heart in the Bathroom: A Girl’s Secret Thoughts and Unstoppable Fantasies

    The bathroom was filled with a soft mist, the warmth of the steam gently enveloping the space. A thin layer of condensation coated the walls, and the flickering candlelight reflected on the water¡¯s surface, casting a golden shimmer that added to the hazy atmosphere.


    Hinano curled up in the bathtub, hugging her knees tightly as she rested her forehead against them. The water rippled gently, mirroring her uncertain gaze tinged with a hint of self-mockery.


    "Makino-san¡­ she''s such a kind person..." she murmured softly, her voice as delicate as mist, as if speaking to herself or letting her thoughts dissolve into the warm air.


    Images of Miyo¡¯s bright, innocent smile surfaced in her mind, the way she had eagerly tugged at her hand, inviting her to play. A small smile unconsciously formed on Hinano¡¯s lips, but it quickly faded, and she averted her gaze, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush.


    "I''ll probably see Tetsuya there too¡­" she whispered, her words accompanied by a barely audible sigh. Burying her face in her hands, she seemed to be battling an internal struggle.


    Memories from earlier in the day suddenly rushed back, making her jolt upright. She bit her lip, her face flushing even deeper. "He actually saw me¡­ like that¡­" Her voice grew quieter, but then, in a burst of frustration, she raised it, "And it had to be Tetsuya of all people!"


    Shrinking further into the bathtub, she felt utterly cornered by her own embarrassment. Restlessly, she trailed her fingers across the water¡¯s surface, trying to calm the storm of emotions inside her.


    "Ahhh¡­" she let out a small groan, pressing her burning cheeks with both hands, as if hoping to melt into the steam and rippling water.


    The candlelight reflected off her damp skin, highlighting the tiny droplets trickling down her collarbone before disappearing into the bath, sending small ripples across the water. The golden glow flickered gently along with the water¡¯s movement.


    Suddenly, Hinano took a deep breath and submerged herself fully underwater. Small waves rippled outward as her long hair floated weightlessly, swaying like strands of silk. Bubbles slowly drifted upward, catching the dim light, creating a scene as tranquil as a painting.


    As the bubbles multiplied, she finally surfaced, gasping for air. Droplets scattered around her, trickling down her flushed cheeks and settling along her collarbone, glistening like tiny pearls.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    She swept back her wet hair, exposing the delicate curve of her neck and her faintly reddened face. The candlelight caressed her damp strands, outlining her silhouette with a golden glow.


    Hinano gently lifted the ends of her hair, absentmindedly twirling them around her fingers. The gesture held an unconscious elegance unique to a young girl lost in thought, carrying both innocence and an unspoken charm.


    "Would Tetsuya think I¡¯m an improper girl¡­?" she murmured, resting her arms against the edge of the tub. The water lapped gently against the sides, responding to her faint movements.


    Her fair skin, tinged with a soft pink from the heat, glistened with moisture. Strands of hair clung to her shoulders, cascading down her back in delicate waves, illuminated by the candle¡¯s gentle light.


    "If I confess¡­ and he rejects me, would we still be able to stay friends?" she sighed, her long lashes trembling slightly as she closed her eyes, trying to suppress the emotions welling up inside her.


    "Do boys¡­ prefer girls with a bigger breasts?" she muttered in an even softer voice, placing her hands on her chest as if the thought embarrassed her too much to say out loud.


    However, in the next second, she straightened her back, clenching her fists with a sudden resolve, her eyes burning with determination. "No! Hinano, you can¡¯t just give up like this!"


    But as quickly as her resolve had come, hesitation crept in once again. Lowering her gaze, she mumbled, "But¡­ what if he actually does like me?"


    Leaning against the bathtub once more, a faint, dreamy smile played on her lips, as if she were sinking into a sweet fantasy. "If he does¡­ then I¡¯ll become his wife, cook for him, take care of our home¡­ Tetsuya works so hard, so when he comes home, I¡¯ll have a warm meal waiting for him¡­ He¡¯ll be so touched, and then¡­ he¡¯ll be really gentle with me¡­"


    Her whispered words grew softer, turning silk-like in their sweetness. Even the candlelight seemed to glow a little softer, as if it, too, had been enchanted by her romantic musings.


    But suddenly, Hinano slapped the water¡¯s surface, her face burning. "Ahhh! What am I even thinking?! This is so embarrassing!"


    She buried her face in her hands, her body swaying slightly in the water as she tried to shake off the mortifyingly sweet thoughts swirling in her mind.


    It wasn¡¯t until the bathwater started to cool that she realized she had been soaking for too long. As she tried to stand up, she found that her legs had gone weak. Panic surged in her voice as she cried out, "Mom! Help! My legs won¡¯t move!"


    Her mother burst through the door, taking one look at her predicament before breaking into laughter. "Hinano, how do you even manage to turn a simple bath into such a disaster?"


    On the way back to her room, supported by her mother, Hinano could only groan in embarrassment. "Ahhh¡­ Tetsuya can never know about this¡­ Never ever¡­"


    The moonlight gently spilled into her room, casting a serene glow. But the fluttering emotions in her heart continued to ripple on.

 007 Growth, Feelings, and Words Left Unspoken

    The night quietly enveloped the house, the only sounds accompanying it were the faint whispers of the wind and the occasional creak of the wooden floorboards, as if the house itself was breathing softly.


    "We''re home!" Aiko called out as she pushed open the door. Her voice echoed in the quiet space, but the darkness remained undisturbed¡ªno one responded.


    Miyo furrowed her brows and tugged at Aiko¡¯s hand. "Mama, why is it so quiet?"


    Aiko looked down at Miyo with a gentle smile and patted the back of her hand reassuringly. "Maybe everyone is busy with something."


    "Mama!" Miyo suddenly exclaimed, pointing toward the fireplace.


    Following the direction her daughter¡¯s pointing, Aiko spotted Ishin leaning against the hearth, arms crossed, fast asleep. A faint smile lingered on his lips, as if he were lost in a pleasant dream. The fire had long since burned down to glowing embers, casting a warm glow over his peaceful face.


    "Ishin, wake up!" Aiko stepped forward, her voice a mix of concern and mild reprimand as she nudged his shoulder.


    Ishin groggily opened his eyes, stretching lazily before letting out a long yawn. "Oh, you¡¯re back~"


    "Where¡¯s Tetsuya? I don¡¯t see him anywhere," Aiko asked, glancing around the room.


    Still yawning, Ishin gestured lazily toward the backyard. "He said he was working on a surprise. He¡¯s probably still busy out there."


    Aiko pursed her lips, concern creeping into her tone. "Still outside at this hour?" She turned toward the back door, but not before instructing, "Light the oil lamp already. It¡¯s too dark in here to see anything."


    The backyard lay bathed in moonlight, the faint glow of scattered stars flickering overhead. The night was filled with the soft hum of insects and the faint, rhythmic sound of wood being carved. Aiko stepped closer and saw Tetsuya sitting cross-legged on the ground, carefully assembling a small wooden house model. A pile of old wooden boards lay nearby, neatly cut and shaped. The framework of the miniature house was already taking form.


    "Tetsuya?" Aiko called softly, not wanting to startle him.


    Tetsuya looked up and, upon seeing Aiko, gave her a shy smile. "Mom! You¡¯re back just in time. Take a look¡ªdoesn¡¯t it look nice?"


    Aiko crouched down, examining the small wooden house closely. Though unfinished, the pieces were meticulously assembled, each plank carefully placed with precision.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "It¡¯s beautiful!" Aiko praised, then asked curiously, "But why did you suddenly decide to make this?"


    Tetsuya scratched the back of his head, lowering his gaze slightly. "It¡¯s¡­ a birthday present for Hinano. I wanted to make something special for her."


    "A birthday present?" Aiko raised a brow, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Why a wooden house?"


    Tetsuya let out a small sigh, lowering his head as if recalling something from the past. His voice softened. "When we were kids, we talked about building a secret hideout together. But it was just talk¡ªwe never actually did it. Now that we¡¯re older, I guess¡­ some things feel different."


    Aiko paused, her expression turning tender as she brushed a hand through Tetsuya¡¯s hair. She asked softly, "What feels different?"


    "Maybe... it''s because she''s a girl, and I''m a boy."


    Tetsuya lifted his head, his eyes filled with uncertainty, his voice carrying a trace of hesitation. "We used to talk about everything, but now... there are so many things I feel like I can''t ask, and I don''t even know how to bring them up..."


    Aiko listened quietly, a mix of emotions welling up inside her¡ªsympathy, warmth, and a touch of nostalgia. Gently, she patted Tetsuya''s head and spoke with soft reassurance.


    "Time never stops moving. You don¡¯t have to hold on to the way things used to be. What matters is that you still care enough to try. Feeling uneasy is natural, but Tetsuya, I think you¡¯re doing just fine. This cabin is proof of that."


    "Mom..."


    Tetsuya murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. His eyes softened, and a hint of confidence flickered within them.


    "Alright, I¡¯ll go make dinner now. Don¡¯t stay out too late, and be sure to come in and eat soon, okay?"


    Aiko patted his shoulder before standing up and heading back toward the house.


    Tetsuya watched her figure disappear into the night, a warmth spreading through his chest.


    Then¡ª


    "You know, eavesdropping isn¡¯t exactly the best habit, Uncle Makino."


    His tone carried a teasing lilt as he turned toward the doorway.


    Leaning casually against the doorframe was Ishin, smirking with a knowing glint in his eyes.


    "Haha, not bad, kid. Your senses have sharpened quite a bit."


    With a chuckle, Ishin picked up a wooden plank and idly toyed with it, as if he had just been passing by.


    Tetsuya crossed his arms, unimpressed.


    "Yeah, well, training with you is exhausting. If my senses didn¡¯t improve, I¡¯d have collapsed by now."


    Ishin let out another small laugh, but then, without warning, his expression turned serious.


    "If something happens to me one day¡­ Aiko and Miyo will be counting on you."


    The words hit Tetsuya like a sudden gust of cold wind.


    "What do you mean?" He frowned. "Why would you say that all of a sudden?"


    Ishin didn¡¯t answer right away. He simply patted Tetsuya¡¯s shoulder, his grip firm yet oddly gentle. Then, as if brushing it off, he said,


    "Nothing. I just got a little sentimental listening to your conversation earlier."


    His tone was lighthearted, but Tetsuya could sense something different in him tonight¡ªan emotion buried beneath his usual carefree demeanor, something he wasn¡¯t willing to put into words.


    Then¡ª


    "Tomorrow morning, I¡¯ll be upping the intensity of your training."


    Ishin turned toward the door, casually dropping that bombshell before strolling off.


    "Wait, what?! Why?!"


    Tetsuya nearly jumped to his feet in protest, his face full of outrage.


    But Ishin didn¡¯t look back. He simply waved a hand over his shoulder and laughed.


    "Better eat up, kid. Otherwise, you won¡¯t last tomorrow!"


    Tetsuya stood there, watching Ishin¡¯s silhouette fade into the night, an inexplicable feeling stirring in his chest.


    "...Weird."


    He muttered under his breath, shaking his head with a wry smile before returning to his work.


    Above him, the moon cast its quiet glow, enveloping him in a soft, silver light.

 008 Hmph~ Let Me See What Youre Made Of!

    The grand hall was bathed in brilliant light, illuminating every corner as if it were broad daylight. Near the stage stood an imposing stone statue¡ªa monument to Satou Kiko, the great archmage. The statue radiated a commanding presence, its gaze seemingly still watching over the hall, making it the undeniable focal point of the space.


    Students, guided by their homeroom teachers, made their way to their assigned seats. The soft clatter of chairs shifting filled the air, blending with the hushed murmurs of the gathered crowd. Under the glow of the lights, the atmosphere pulsed with a mixture of tension and excitement, as if a grand performance was about to begin.


    Tetsuya sat down beside Mone, but it was clear he couldn¡¯t sit still. He kept glancing around anxiously before suddenly straightening up.


    "Wait¡ªHinano¡¯s gone!"


    His voice was a little too loud, drawing the attention of several nearby students, who turned to look.


    "Shh! Keep your voice down!" Mone turned to him, pressing a finger to her lips in annoyance, though she kept her voice low. "She probably got separated in the crowd earlier. Hirohito and I will keep an eye out¡ªgo find her before the teachers notice she¡¯s missing!"


    Tetsuya furrowed his brows, confusion written all over his face.


    "This place is huge. Where do I even start looking?"


    Mone propped her chin on her hand, thinking for a moment before answering with complete certainty.


    "She probably got lost near the entrance. Hurry up and check before they mark her absent. That¡¯ll be a pain to deal with later."


    Tetsuya narrowed his eyes.


    "And how do you know all this?"


    Mone rolled her eyes. "Hirohito said skipping on an important day like this causes all sorts of problems. Now quit asking and just go!"


    "Ugh... fine. I¡¯m counting on you!"


    With that, Tetsuya turned and bolted from his seat.


    Outside the grand hall, the crowd was even livelier. Parents and students flooded through the entrance, their faces alight with anticipation. The entire place buzzed with energy, filled with laughter and eager chatter.


    "Mom, do you think big brother will be on stage today?"


    Miyo tugged at Aiko¡¯s hand.


    Aiko smiled gently, reaching down to stroke her daughter''s hair.


    "Hmm... I don¡¯t know. But if he does, let¡¯s cheer for him together, okay?"


    "Okay!" Miyo nodded eagerly, bobbing her head up and down like a little chick.


    Trailing behind them, Ishin leaned in with an amused smirk.


    "If Tetsuya actually ends up going against kids his age, I¡¯d love to watch. It¡¯d be way more interesting than sparring with me¡ªthose fights are so one-sided, there¡¯s no fun in it."


    Meanwhile, Tetsuya darted through the hallways, his shoes clicking against the polished floor with sharp tap tap sounds.


    Students and teachers from other classes passed him, some turning their heads in curiosity as he rushed past. But he ignored them all, his mind focused on one thing.


    Where is Hinano?


    "Hinano! Hinano!"


    Tetsuya called her name between breaths, a creeping unease rising in his chest.


    "She couldn¡¯t have just disappeared..."


    Back in the hall, cheers and applause erupted. The lottery drawing must have started. He could hear the excitement in the crowd, but he didn¡¯t spare it a second thought. He just kept running, heading straight for the entrance.


    Then¡ª


    As he rushed down an empty hallway, the faintest sound of footsteps echoed from above.


    It was quiet. Subtle.


    But Tetsuya caught it instantly.


    He halted, sharply tilting his head up, scanning for the source.


    There, standing on the upper floor, was a girl.


    She tilted her head slightly, a teasing smirk playing at her lips. Her voice, light yet laced with unmistakable challenge, rang out.


    "Hmph~ So it¡¯s you, huh? Let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve got!"


    Before she even finished speaking, the girl confidently stepped onto the railing beside her. Her movements were graceful and effortless, as if she had done this countless times before. Then, without hesitation, she leaped¡ªher figure slicing through the air like an arrow as she descended from the second floor!


    Tetsuya barely had time to react before he saw a shadow plummeting straight toward him. His eyes widened in panic.


    ¡°Hey! Be careful!¡±


    But his warning went completely ignored.


    The girl maintained her lofty, arrogant posture even mid-air, looking down at him with a smirk, her tone filled with pride and superiority.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re Makino Tetsuya?¡±


    However¡ª


    Before she could finish her introduction, her confident expression abruptly shifted to one of pure shock.


    ¡°I¡ªI am Hanazono Riri¡ªAHHHHHH!!¡±


    CRASH!


    The next moment, the two collided head-on and crashed onto the ground in a tangle of limbs, sending up a cloud of dust.


    ¡°Ugh¡­¡±


    Tetsuya groaned, kneeling on the floor with his hands planted against the ground. His head was spinning, and his entire body felt like it had been smashed apart. As he tried to regain his senses, he suddenly noticed something in his right hand¡­


    Something soft. And bouncy.


    The girl¡ªnow sprawled out on the floor¡ªhad her hair in a mess, her cheeks flushing so red they looked like they might start dripping with heat. Her large, teary eyes locked onto Tetsuya, filled with both shock and fury.


    ¡°Y-you¡­ W-where do you think your hand is touching?!¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Tetsuya blinked in confusion and glanced down¡ª


    And then¡ª


    His entire body froze.


    As soon as he realized where his right hand had landed, he let out a horrified scream.


    ¡°AAAAHHHH!! NO, NO, NO! THIS IS A MISTAKE! I SWEAR IT''S AN ACCIDENT!¡±


    ¡ªMeanwhile¡ª


    ¡°Crap, I¡¯m gonna be late!¡±


    Hinano was sprinting down the school¡¯s stone-paved corridor, gasping for breath as she clutched the bento box in her hands. Her uniform¡¯s skirt swayed with every step, and the sunlight streaming through the windows highlighted her hurried figure. Strands of her hair fluttered with the wind, accentuating the urgency in her movements.


    ¡°I had everything ready this morning, so why did I leave the bento in the classroom?! Ugh, I¡¯m such an idiot¡­¡± she muttered under her breath, her only thought being to get the lunch to Tetsuya as soon as possible.


    However¡ª


    As she rounded the hallway corner, the scene before her made her feet come to an abrupt halt.


    There, sprawled on the floor, were a boy and a girl entangled in a rather compromising position.


    The girl¡¯s face was as red as a ripe apple, her expression flustered, her hair disheveled. And the boy was kneeling over her, his right hand¡­


    ¡°W-W-WHAT?!¡±


    Hinano¡¯s eyes widened in sheer shock, her entire face turning an even deeper shade of red. She slapped both hands over her mouth, feeling her entire body burn with embarrassment¡ªeven the tips of her ears were on fire.


    Panicking, she staggered backward, pressing herself against the wall at the corner, as stiff as a statue.


    Her mind went completely blank.


    Her thoughts exploded into static.


    What¡­ what in the world is going on here?!


    ¡°Why¡­ Why are they doing something like this here of all places?! Do they have no shame at all¡­?¡±


    Hinano muttered under her breath, both hands tightly covering her mouth as if she was afraid she might accidentally scream.


    Even so, she couldn¡¯t stop herself from sneaking another glance, just to make sure she wasn¡¯t imagining things.


    And when her eyes landed on the entangled pair once more¡ª


    ¡°Uwaaaahhh!! It¡¯s real! That hand¡ªthat hand is actually touching there!¡±


    Hinano¡¯s fury nearly erupted on the spot, but just as she was about to lose it, she froze.


    She took another careful look¡ª


    The boy kneeling on top of the girl¡­


    ¡°W-wait¡­ doesn¡¯t he look just like¡­ Tetsuya?!¡±The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Her breath hitched. A whirlwind of emotions surged inside her¡ªanger, confusion, something unexplainable that tightened around her chest like a vice. Her heart pounded painfully, and even her limbs felt weak.


    ¡°¡­Maybe I¡¯m seeing things? Tetsuya isn¡¯t that kind of person¡­¡±


    Biting her lower lip, she clenched the hem of her skirt, her mind a complete mess. Thoughts spun wildly, colliding into each other like a raging storm, making it impossible to think straight.


    Was she more disappointed? Or was it¡­ something else?


    The rapid rise and fall of her chest betrayed her inner turmoil. Anyone looking at her would immediately know she was deeply shaken.


    Even as she told herself to look away, Hinano¡¯s gaze remained fixated on the two. Her hands trembled slightly as she clutched the bento box, torn between rushing over to confront them or chucking it at his head from a distance.


    Her face burned red as she gritted her teeth, clutching her skirt so tightly that the fabric wrinkled under her grip.


    ¡°This is just too much! And in a public place no less! How shameless can they be?! I have to go out there and say something!¡±


    But despite her righteous indignation, her body refused to move. Her hands continued to shake, her legs frozen in place.


    Her expression wavered, her eyes filled with hesitation¡ªlocked in a fierce internal battle with herself.


    ¡°C-calm down, Hinano!¡±


    She took a deep breath, desperately trying to convince herself.


    ¡°You¡¯re not nervous because of some weird reason¡­! You¡¯re just standing up for what¡¯s right! Yes, this is about justice!¡±


    But no matter how many times she repeated it in her head, her fingers only dug deeper into her skirt, and her heart continued to race uncontrollably.


    Finally, she took a deep, determined breath and stepped forward¡ª


    ¡°I¡­ I have to¡ª¡±


    But the second her foot left the ground, she instantly recoiled, stumbling back behind the corner as if she had touched something scorching hot.


    ¡°EEEEHHH!?¡±


    Her face burned with embarrassment, her entire brain short-circuiting.


    Gripping her skirt so tightly her knuckles turned white, she barely managed to keep herself from screaming.


    ¡°W-WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?! Why can¡¯t I move?!¡±


    She bit down on her hand, trying to steady her erratic breathing. Her legs trembled, threatening to give out at any moment.


    Still, despite everything, her curiosity won out.


    Slowly, hesitantly, she peeked around the corner again¡ª


    And the scene remained unchanged.


    The girl had her legs wrapped around the boy¡¯s waist, her hands gripping his shoulders tightly. Meanwhile, the boy¡ª


    Slapped the floor with both hands, his face twisted in pain as he groaned, ¡°Ughhh¡­¡±


    Hinano¡¯s eyes went wide, her face alternating between red and pale.


    ¡°¡­What¡­ What the hell am I looking at?!¡±


    Her mind couldn¡¯t process the situation. She clutched her head, crouching down as if she were physically in pain.


    ¡°Wait¡­ that boy¡­?¡±


    Then, realization struck like lightning.


    ¡°W-WAIT! IT REALLY IS TETSUYA?!?!¡±


    Her heart leaped into her throat, her body stiffening as she ducked back behind the corner, pressing her back against the wall like she was trying to disappear into it.


    Her ears burned. Her voice wavered with a strange mix of anger and¡­ something else.


    ¡°W-why is it Tetsuya?! Why him of all people?!¡±


    Confusion, frustration, a tangle of emotions she couldn¡¯t name twisted inside her.


    Why would he be doing something like this?!


    A million scenarios flashed through her mind, but none of them made any sense.


    Hinano took a deep breath, then another, before slapping her cheeks lightly with both hands. She clenched her fists, steeling herself.


    ¡°No! I have to find out the truth!¡±


    Determined, she took a step forward, ready to face whatever awaited her. But just as her foot touched the ground, doubt crept back in.


    ¡°¡­But if things really are the way I think they are¡­ what am I supposed to do? How do I even face him?¡±


    As she waged an internal war with herself, a familiar voice suddenly called out¡ª


    ¡°Hinano?¡±


    Her body tensed. She whipped around, her eyes widening as she saw Tetsuya standing right in front of her, panting slightly, as if he had been running all over the place.


    ¡°Tetsuya¡­¡±


    She stared at him, her mind instantly thrown into chaos. Question marks and exclamation points filled her head in a jumbled mess.


    ¡°Where were you? I¡¯ve been looking all over the hall for you!¡± Tetsuya frowned, his voice laced with frustration and relief. He stepped closer, exhaling sharply before holding out his hand. ¡°Come on, we have to go. We¡¯re running out of time!¡±


    Before she could react, he grabbed her hand, firmly pulling her along without giving her a chance to protest.


    At that moment, she felt the warmth of his palm against hers. Her heart skipped a beat.


    As she looked at his focused, slightly tense profile, she found herself unable to say anything.


    But in her mind, a storm raged on.


    The warmth of his hand. The familiarity of his voice. The way he had always been there.


    Yet¡ª


    That scene from just moments ago refused to leave her thoughts.


    ¡°That really was Tetsuya¡­ wasn¡¯t it? But¡­ at the same time, it wasn¡¯t¡­¡±


    The image replayed over and over again, so clear that she couldn¡¯t dismiss it as just her imagination.


    She bit her lip, hesitating, but then spoke in a hushed voice.


    ¡°Tetsuya¡­ just now¡­ were you alone when you came looking for me?¡±


    ¡°Of course I was. It was just me, no one else,¡± he replied almost too quickly.


    Hinano looked up at him, but for a brief second, she caught it¡ª


    A flicker of hesitation.


    A subtle avoidance of her gaze.


    He was hiding something.


    But before she could press further, he turned his head away and quickened his pace.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have time for this. We can talk later.¡±


    Hinano faltered, watching his urgency, and for a moment, the swirling unease inside her seemed to settle just a little.


    She whispered under her breath, almost as if to reassure herself, ¡°Yeah¡­ this is fine. This is¡­ good¡­¡±


    But then¡ª


    She saw it.


    A red mark on his neck.


    A glaringly obvious, swollen imprint¡ªlike someone had grabbed him, fingers pressing in hard enough to leave behind clear nail marks.


    Hinano¡¯s faint smile froze.


    A sharp, painful squeeze gripped her chest.


    It felt as though a heavy stone had dropped right onto her heart, making it hard to breathe.


    ¡°¡­Why¡­¡±


    She stopped walking.


    Her voice was so soft she barely heard it herself.


    ¡°¡­Why are you lying to me¡­?¡±


    Tetsuya noticed the sudden lack of movement and turned back, confused.


    ¡°Huh? Hinano, what are you talking about?¡± He frowned, clearly puzzled. ¡°This isn¡¯t the time for¡ª¡±


    Before he could finish, Hinano yanked her hand free from his grasp.


    "I can walk by myself!"


    Hinano''s voice was sharp and cold¡ªso unlike the usual warmth she carried.


    Tetsuya froze for a moment.


    "Huh? What''s with you all of a sudden?" He reached out again, trying to grab her hand, but¡ª


    "Don''t touch me!"


    Hinano''s voice rang through the air, louder than before, filled with anger and a deep hurt Tetsuya had never heard from her before.


    Her eyes were slightly red, her lips pressed tightly together, as if she was using all her strength to hold back her emotions¡ªto stop herself from crying.


    Tetsuya stood still, stunned, his hands frozen midair. His mind was a complete mess.


    "Why is she acting like this¡­? Did I do something wrong?"


    He wanted to say something¡ªanything¡ªbut no words came out.


    Hinano, on the other hand, looked at him with teary eyes before forcefully waving her hand, as if she never wanted to see him again.


    Then, she turned and ran.


    Tetsuya could only watch as her figure grew smaller and smaller in the distance, his chest tightening with unease.


    "What the hell¡­ is going on?"


    The words "Don''t touch me" echoed in his mind, draining all the strength from his body.


    He couldn''t even call out to her.


    The evening breeze brushed past him, carrying the distant chatter of the people around, but everything felt muted.


    His world had suddenly gone silent.


    Then¡ª


    His gaze landed on the ground.


    A bag sat there, standing out against the dim light.


    Tetsuya slowly crouched down, hesitating for a moment before picking it up.


    As soon as he loosened the knot, a faint, familiar aroma drifted into the air.


    He stiffened.


    Reaching inside, he carefully took out its contents¡ªtwo neatly stacked bento boxes.


    He opened the top one with trembling fingers.


    Inside, everything was meticulously arranged.


    Little octopus-shaped sausages lined up neatly, plump meatballs sat snugly in their paper cups, and a fresh salad rested on the side.


    But what caught his attention the most¡ª


    At the center of the rice, arranged carefully with seaweed, was a name written in hiragana.


    ¤Æ¤Ä¤ä


    Tetsuya.


    Tetsuya stared at the bento, his breath growing lighter, as if afraid he might shatter something precious.


    He took in the sight of the carefully prepared meal, and a mix of warmth and bitterness surged in his chest.


    ¡°¡­Hinano¡­¡±


    He whispered her name under his breath, so softly it barely reached his own ears.


    His hands trembled slightly as he held the box, handling it as if it were the most fragile treasure in the world.


    With his heart heavy and his mind in turmoil, he slowly began walking toward the hall.


    However¡ª


    The moment he stepped inside¡ª


    A sharp, piercing gaze locked onto him.


    An instant later, a familiar, commanding voice rang out.


    "Hey! You pervert!"


    Tetsuya flinched.


    "I''m gonna teach you a lesson later!"


    Striding toward him with unmistakable presence was Hanazono Riri .


    Head held high, hands on her hips, and each confident step echoing through the hall¡ªshe was impossible to ignore.


    "Yeah, yeah¡­"


    Tetsuya lowered his head, clearly not in the mood to deal with her. His voice lacked its usual energy.


    "Don''t worry, Hanazono-san. I keep my promises. I won¡¯t say a word."


    Riri raised a brow, scrutinizing him.


    Something was off.


    His usual sharp comebacks were missing. Instead, he looked¡­ utterly defeated.


    Her frown deepened.


    "The hell¡¯s wrong with you?" she asked, crossing her arms. "You look like you just lost your soul or something."


    Tetsuya averted his gaze, brushing her off with a dismissive, "It''s nothing. Just leave it alone."


    As if she''d ever leave it alone.


    "Tch."


    Without hesitation, Riri took a step forward¡ª


    And kicked him in the shin.


    Tetsuya staggered back a few steps, nearly losing his balance, but managed to steady himself just in time.


    "What the hell, Hanazono-san?!"


    Riri stood with her hands on her hips, stomping her foot with authority.


    "Hmph! Let¡¯s get one thing straight¡ªI am not worried about you!" She lifted her chin, her voice dripping with confidence. "But if I¡¯m going to defeat you later, I need you in top form! The way you are now just won¡¯t cut it!"


    Despite her words, a flicker of concern passed through her eyes.


    Tetsuya picked up the fallen bag and sighed, looking at Riri with a hint of self-mockery.


    "Girls really are complicated..."


    "Excuse me?!" Riri''s eyes widened, her aura growing even more menacing as she placed her hands on her hips. "Say that again, I dare you!"


    Tetsuya frantically waved his hands in surrender, but for some reason, the emotions he had been suppressing finally spilled over.


    "Actually¡­"


    He lowered his head, voice dropping to a whisper as he hesitantly recounted what had happened earlier¡ªHinano''s misunderstanding, her anger, and those piercing words: Don¡¯t touch me.


    Riri listened intently, then suddenly let out a sharp laugh. Her lips curled into a smirk, and a glint of excitement flashed in her eyes.


    Tetsuya instantly recognized that expression¡ªit was the look of someone who had just been given the perfect opportunity to shine.


    "Heh, you idiot," Riri scoffed, crossing her arms as she towered over him. "You really are hopeless."


    Tetsuya blinked, taken aback by her confidence.


    She let out a dramatic chuckle, then confidently jabbed a finger against his forehead. "I¡¯ve got everything figured out!"


    Tetsuya winced, rubbing his forehead. "Ow! And what exactly have you figured out?"


    Riri clicked her tongue and shook her head like a teacher scolding a particularly slow student.


    "When you first saw Hinano, she was sitting at the corner by the entrance, looking super uncomfortable, right?"


    "Yeah¡­ but what does that have to do with¡ª"


    "Ugh, you really don¡¯t get girls at all!" Riri cut him off, exasperated. "She was obviously nervous!"


    "Nervous?"


    "Yes, nervous! She was probably scared she¡¯d get called on for something and was too anxious to go inside! That¡¯s why she was curled up there!"


    Tetsuya frowned. "But¡­ that still doesn¡¯t explain why she pulled her hand away from me."


    Riri gave him a look of utter disbelief.


    "Oh my god, you guys are so dense." She pinched the bridge of her nose, sighing dramatically. "She pulled away because¡ªher hands were sweaty from being nervous, and she didn¡¯t want you to feel it!"


    Tetsuya¡¯s eyes widened.


    "...What?!"


    The memory of Hinano flashed through his mind, and suddenly, everything clicked into place.


    His expression lit up like a child who had just discovered a new trick.


    "That¡¯s it! That has to be it!" Tetsuya grabbed Riri¡¯s hands in excitement and started shaking them enthusiastically. "Hanazono-san, you¡¯re a genius!"


    Riri¡¯s face instantly darkened.


    "Who said you could touch me?!"


    With a murderous glare, she lifted her foot¡ª


    And stomped down on his shoe.


    "AHH! That hurts!!" Tetsuya immediately let go and raised his hands in surrender. "Okay, okay! I won¡¯t touch you again!"


    After a brief pause, a mischievous glint flickered in his eyes.


    "...How about this, Hanazono-san?" He smirked. "Let¡¯s make a bet."


    Riri raised an eyebrow. "A bet?"


    "If you win against me in the mock battle later, I¡¯ll let you do whatever you want to me for making up for the incident earlier¡ªI won¡¯t resist at all."


    Riri¡¯s lips curled into a knowing smile.


    "Oh? And what if, by some miraculous stroke of luck, you win?"


    Just as she finished speaking, she suddenly froze.


    A horrifying thought seemed to hit her.


    Her eyes widened, her arms flew up to hug herself defensively, and a deep red flush spread across her cheeks.


    "You¡­ You pervert!"


    She glared at him with absolute suspicion.


    "You¡¯re not planning to make me do something weird, are you?!"


    Tetsuya immediately panicked at her accusation, waving his hands frantically as if he were on the verge of tears.


    "W-Wait, what?! No! I swear I didn¡¯t mean it like that! Don¡¯t just say weird stuff!" He shook his head furiously. "I just thought you understand girls better than I do, so I wanted to ask for your help with the whole Hinano situation!"


    "Pervert!" Riri shouted, and before he could even attempt to defend himself, she stomped on his foot again¡ªthis time with no mercy whatsoever.


    "OWW! WHY?!" Tetsuya yelped, jumping back in pain. Realizing he had no chance of winning against her sheer force, he let out a defeated sigh and raised his hands in surrender.


    "Alright, alright! Whatever you say goes!" He exhaled heavily, then shot her a sly grin. "So¡­ does this mean we have a deal? The bet is on?"


    Riri huffed, arms crossed, looking as smug as ever.


    "Hmph! Not that it matters¡ªthere¡¯s no way a weakling like you could ever beat me!"


    "Then it¡¯s settled." Tetsuya wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, letting out a breath of relief. Still, his heart pounded with unease¡ªbecause if there was one thing he knew for sure, it was that Riri¡¯s strength was no joke.


    As the two bickered and bantered, their playful yet tense energy filled the air. Step by step, they made their way toward the center of the auditorium¡ªwhere their battle awaited.