The next morning, Makoto and Mayu, who lived in the same apartment building, ran into each other at the door.
"Good morning, Fushimi-kun."
Mayu's cheeks were slightly flushed, but she still greeted him softly.
"Good morning, Matsukaze-sensei," Makoto replied with a smile.
It was obvious that last night's events were still affecting her—she looked a little shy.
Given how long this "shyness buff" had lasted, it suggested that Mayu probably had trouble falling asleep last night, and might have ended up becoming a "piano player in the canyon." (*)
In gaming terms, a canyon pianist smashes their keyboard and flames people. But Mayu's version was...
On the way to school, Makoto noticed that Mayu stole glances at him several times, looking hesitant.
So he asked, "What is it?"
Mayu blinked: "I just feel like… something about you seems different."
"Different?"
"Mm… I can't quite put my finger on it. Maybe… a very familiar feeling?"
After saying this, Mayu realized how strange it sounded.
Her face turned red as she waved her hands quickly: "Maybe it's just my imagination. Please don't mind it."
"It's fine. That kind of comment is basically a compliment—I'm happy to hear it," Makoto said with a grin.
He knew full well this was the effect of [Mayu's Halo].
Upon arriving at school, the two parted ways, and Makoto headed into his classroom.
"Morning, Fushimi-kun."
A few classmates who had talked to him before greeted him, and he returned their greetings one by one.
Then he noticed a male student in front of him slouched over his desk, seemingly dozing off. His body stayed still, but his arms were constantly moving.
Changing his angle, Makoto saw that the guy was watching short videos on his phone, which had a box of milk with a straw stuck in it sitting next to it.
That student must've sensed someone watching him. He looked left and right, then turned his head—only to meet Makoto's gaze directly.
He immediately gave an awkward smile.
Makoto smiled too and lowered his voice: "Bringing milk to class is against the rules, but don't worry—no one's going to find out."
"Thanks," the student quickly said.
Then, as if remembering something, he pulled out another carton of milk from his drawer and whispered, "Want one?"
"No thanks. I already had my fill last night."
"???"
As for what happened last night, Makoto could only think: Glorious!
And just thinking about it brought vivid images to his mind: Mayu holding up her sleepwear with her arms, her cheeks flushed, watery eyes staring at him, shy yet alluring.
To put it in plain terms: What a dreamboat of a moment!
After the first two morning classes, Makoto noticed that Itsuki occasionally glanced his way.
Of course, he didn't mind.
It was easy to guess—she was probably still curious about Ichika's secret.
They weren't close yet, so even if she wanted to ask, she was probably too embarrassed to bring it up.
Hayato came over during the break between classes.
Makoto assumed he was sent by Yumiko and the others to invite him again, but Hayato's first words were, "Fushimi, interested in joining the soccer club?"
"Sorry, I'm planning to start a club of my own," Makoto declined.
Hayato wasn't surprised and casually asked, "What kind of club?"
"What do you think about a film club?"
"Sounds good, but the school already has one."
"Then I'll start a new film club."
"Huh?"
Faced with Hayato's confused look, Makoto laughed: "Just kidding. The club name I have in mind is a bit odd, so I'll keep it to myself for now."
Sensing the mood, Hayato didn't press the issue. As he turned to leave, he suddenly paused and hesitated: "If you're ever short on people, just let me know."
"You'll help me make up the numbers?" Makoto asked.
"If it helps you out, I don't mind."
"Then I'll thank you in advance."
After their conversation, Hayato returned to Yumiko's side, scratching his head in confusion.
"That was weird."
"What was it?" Yumiko asked, curious.
Hayato thought for two seconds, then shook his head with a smile:
"It's nothing. I just feel like Fushimi is easier to talk to than before. I couldn't help it—when he said he wanted to start a club, I offered to help without thinking."
Yumiko shot him a sideways glance: "You're not secretly crushing on him, are you?"
Hayato gave a helpless smile. "Don't say weird things like that."
Makoto withdrew his gaze from the two and thought to himself: This halo really is working wonders.
Even though the fw system's excuse of "getting lost" was kind of abstract, the rewards were definitely worth the effort.
He turned his head and caught Itsuki sneaking glances at him again.
She was caught off guard for the second time, and their eyes met. Her face turned awkward.
But then Makoto said, "Did Ichika talk about us after going home yesterday?"
She quietly exhaled in relief, and the awkwardness faded a bit.
"Yeah. Ichika said she's already decided to treat you and Yukinoshita-san to a meal.
Oh, and she also complained that Yukinoshita-san seems hard to get along with, which is giving her a bit of a headache."
As soon as the words left her mouth, she froze.
Huh?
Why did I just blurt all that out so clearly?
She looked at Makoto's face and, for some reason, felt he had a strong sense of approachability.
That inexplicable affinity made her spill everything she knew as soon as she opened her mouth.
"Yukinoshita really isn't easy to get along with, so it's understandable for her to say that," Makoto said, pretending not to notice her reaction.
Itsuki came back to her senses and asked softly, "Um, Fushimi-kun, about Ichika's secret…"
"I haven't gotten her permission yet."
"Oh."
Itsuki bit her lip.
She actually wanted to ask: How did you manage to tell me Ichika's secret right away?
In translation: I want to exchange contact info.
That strange sense of warmth Makoto gave off today was exactly what solidified her resolve to ask for his contact.
But as a girl, her natural reserve made it hard to say it outright.
She couldn't help but sigh inwardly and silently blamed herself.
Now's the time to make a move.
Makoto watched the changes in the girl's expression and raised his hand to tap his forehead, muttering to himself, "I can't believe I forgot about that."
"Eh?" Itsuki blinked in surprise.
Then she saw Makoto smile sheepishly. "I said I'd tell you as soon as I knew, but I just realized—I don't even have your contact info."
Itsuki felt a wave of joy in her chest, and the self-criticism she had just harbored disappeared entirely.
She smiled involuntarily. "You just realized that now?"
Makoto rubbed his temples.
"There's just been a lot going on lately. I clearly said I'd let you know, but I forgot the most important part. It's kind of embarrassing, thinking about it."
"It's okay. Everyone forgets things sometimes."
Itsuki smiled gently—a beautiful smile.
She smiled because Makoto's slow realization was kind of endearing, and also because he brought it up himself, making it easy for her to go along and say yes.
No wonder he became friends with Ichika so quickly—he had a really pleasant personality. And he was also ranked number one in the grade!
Admiration of a struggling student for a top student.jpg
Even though she was the fifth sister in the family, she always paid close attention to her older sisters' affairs.
That's why she often took on the role of the mother figure, trying to maintain harmony between the siblings.
She was meticulous and a little inflexible.
In her eyes, Ichika's secret must be very special and important—otherwise, Makoto wouldn't take it so seriously, insisting on getting Ichika's permission before telling her.
That only deepened her curiosity and concern. She was worried that this special secret might lead to unexpected trouble.
And just now, this little episode had easily brought the two of them closer.
Itsuki successfully got Makoto's contact information, and she was quietly happy about it.
Though she didn't really understand why she was so happy.
That afternoon, neither Yukino nor Ichika came looking for Makoto.
He originally planned to eat lunch alone in the cafeteria, but just as he stepped out of the classroom, a tall, curvy girl approached.
With every step she took, she drew the attention of surrounding students.
Of course—after all, she was Kasumigaoka Utaha, a second-year student.
A senpai, and a famously beautiful one at that, suddenly showing up in the first-year area at lunchtime with a clear purpose of looking for someone—it was impossible not to draw attention.
Makoto stopped where he stood.
The first-year boys stood at attention.
His classmates also stopped in their tracks, eyes fixed on the black-stockinged senpai as she walked closer and closer.
They couldn't help but recall the earlier scene when Yukino and Ichika had come to find him.
The boys looked at Makoto, then at Utaha, waves of envy and jealousy surging in their hearts.
At that moment, only one thought remained in their minds:
There's another boss?!
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(*) Piano player in the canyon might mean she's masturbating, in case you're wondering.
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