"So, you're really happy about winning the match, huh?"
Just then, Isshiki Iroha's sour voice suddenly reached Sato's ears. With her arms folded across her chest, the girl looked at him with a face full of resentment.
I confessed to you and you rejected me, but beating a little kid in a duel makes you this happy?!
Is there seriously something wrong with you?!
No! Ha! Ra! Sa! To!
Isshiki Iroha was so angry that even her breathing became uneven. She glared fiercely at Sato, her fair, delicate hands clenching and unclenching as she struggled to suppress the urge to grab him by the neck.
Who said I was happy because I won the match?
Sato grumbled inwardly. Could winning a match possibly compare to getting a kiss from an adorable little girl?
"So does that mean big sister is uncle's girlfriend now?"
Suddenly, Sakurada Nene cut in, asking excitedly.
Hey, hey!
Calling one of us "uncle" and the other "big sister," isn't that relationship way too confusing?!
Yuuki Asuna glanced at Sato. He met her eyes for a moment before looking away.
Why are you looking at me?
Seeing his reaction, the corners of Yuuki Asuna's lips curved into a faint smile.
With a warm smile on her face, she winked gently at Sakurada Nene before saying softly,
"I never agreed to anything like that."
Huh?!
Sakurada Nene and Isshiki Iroha both cried out inwardly in surprise.
Yuuki Asuna, however, remained perfectly composed, her eyes as calm and undisturbed as an ancient well.
There was no need to rush something like this.
Isshiki Iroha and Yuuki Asuna's gazes met by chance, and for a brief instant, it felt as though an invisible spark flashed between them.
At that moment, Yoshinaga Midori clapped her hands and said, "All right, everyone, back to your seats. It's time to continue class."
The children gathered around Sato immediately scattered.
Isshiki Iroha and Yuuki Asuna also returned to the tables they were each in charge of.
Sato let out a sigh of relief, though he also felt a bit of a headache coming on.
...
Working at the kindergarten was simple, but it certainly wasn't easy.
Most of the day was spent taking care of the children. Learning came only after they had finished playing.
At noon, everyone had lunch together at the kindergarten.
Teachers and students ate the same food, and today's lunch was curry.
After lunch came a short nap time.
It didn't last very long.
Once nap time was over, the children played while getting ready to go home. Some parents who lived nearby came to pick up their children, while others were taken home by the kindergarten bus.
By the time everything was finished, it was already three in the afternoon.
Futaba Kindergarten Office.
Takakura Bunta wrote comments on each of their social practice reports, signed and stamped them, then placed the reports into envelopes and sealed them.
Only teachers were allowed to read the reports.
Handing an envelope to Sato, Takakura Bunta forced out a smile that looked intimidating but was actually friendly.
"You all did very well, so there's nothing to worry about."
"Thank you. Then we'll be heading off."
"Mm. If you have time, you're always welcome to come visit. Everyone at the kindergarten really likes you."
"Sure. If we get the chance, we'll come again."
...
The group left Futaba Kindergarten. Looking up at the clear, boundless sky, they all let out quiet sighs of relief.
Their social practice was finally over.
It wasn't exactly early, but it wasn't late either. There wasn't enough time to make any real plans, and going somewhere else to have fun would leave them with too little time.
Sato looked at the girls and asked,
"So, where should we go now?"
Perhaps worried that someone would suggest taking the train home, Isshiki Iroha's eyes flickered as she quickly spoke up.
"How about we walk back instead?"
"Walk back?"
Sato glanced at her, then estimated the distance.
It really wasn't that far. Walking was perfectly doable.
Still, he decided to ask the other two first.
Looking at Yuuki Asuna and Nishimiya Shouko, he asked,
"What do you two think?"
"I think it's a good idea."
"Me too."
"All right. Let me check the map."
Sato took out his phone and looked at the map. After memorizing the route, he looked at the girls.
"Let's go."
The streets in spring were filled with brilliant, beautiful cherry blossoms. Some bloomed in full along the roadside, while others stretched out from behind courtyard walls, making it feel as though they were walking through a painting.
Simply strolling among them was enough to lift anyone's spirits.
And if there happened to be a beautiful girl by your side, it would be even...
Ah, I have three beside me.
Happiness level: MAX!
...
The group chatted as they headed toward Tamayama Town. Sato browsed the messages in the Light Music Club group chat, occasionally chiming into the conversation around him.
Everyone was busy with their extracurricular practice assignments.
Ritsu seemed to be working as a salesperson...
Mio was helping out at a musical instrument shop...
The rich young lady was working as a cashier at a fast-food restaurant...
Yui was helping at a confectionery...
He clicked his tongue.
Sato couldn't help thinking that with Yui helping there, she'd probably end up eating more than she sold.
"Senpai, what are you looking at?"
Seeing Sato suddenly smile, Yuuki Asuna tilted her head slightly and asked with a puzzled expression.
"Nothing. I was just checking what everyone else in the Light Music Club is doing."
Putting away his phone, Sato suddenly turned to Nishimiya Shouko.
"By the way, how has Yuzuru been these past few days?"
"She's been staying at home."
Then Shouko looked at him curiously.
"What exactly did you say to her that night?"
"I talked some sense into her. I happen to be free tomorrow, so have her come to my place for tutoring."
"Okay!"
The three continued chatting as they walked, and before long they had gone from Futaba Town to Tamayama Town.
As the unfamiliar scenery gradually disappeared, the familiar buildings around them became more and more numerous.
Isshiki Iroha soon split off from the group since her home was in another direction.
The remaining three, Sato, Nishimiya Shouko, and Yuuki Asuna, continued toward Aoyama Apartments.
When they reached a relatively secluded area and passed by a narrow alley, Sato suddenly heard some noises coming from inside.
He stopped in his tracks, frowned slightly, and looked into the alley.