Silence… utter silence…
Everyone stared at Yūshirō Shihōin, who had just plastered their class beauty's face with bubblegum, unsure of what to say. Some even considered stepping up, righteously defending her honor—but then thought better of it. After all, the one who bullied the class flower was no ordinary guy, but a young lord.
"What are you all looking at? Did I do something wrong? "
Yūshirō asked, tilting his head in genuine confusion as the whole class's eyes fell on him.
"N-no, nothing at all! "
"It's just that Lord Yūshirō is way too handsome! "
"Ah… indeed! "
Everyone quickly ducked their heads, afraid to say more.
"It's true, I am a bit more handsome than the rest of you. But don't feel inferior—being uglier than me is nothing to be ashamed of. After all, there simply doesn't exist anyone more handsome than me in this world."
Yūshirō declared with pride. He wasn't boasting, at least not in his mind. He was simply stating a fact. Some people were born dazzling, their very existence teaching the world what the word "handsome" meant—while saving everyone else's aesthetic sense in the process.
"Cough, cough…"
"Everyone, let's focus on the lesson. I know Lord Yūshirō is indeed very handsome, but you can admire him in your free time. For now, please pay attention to the teacher."
The instructor—once a battle-hardened Shinigami from the Gotei 13—sighed inwardly. Even with his battlefield experience, these young noble heirs gave him constant headaches. He had to tread carefully, adopting a soft approach; offending the wrong spoiled noble could spell disaster for him.
"Listen to the teacher, everyone. Keep your heads turned forward and study properly! One day, the task of protecting peace across the three realms will rest on your shoulders."
Yūshirō tossed the words out casually, then grabbed a pillow, plopped it onto his desk, and promptly dozed off.
"As expected of the Shihōin heir—not only powerful, but also so mindful of his duty! "
The noble youths nodded in secret approval. That little speech of his had struck them as profound "chicken soup for the soul."
"Yes! Lord Yūshirō is absolutely right. Truly worthy of the Shihōin name! Since he's spoken, let us continue the lecture."
"Now, where were we… ah, right, Kidō."
"Kidō is the collective term for our Shinigami arts. It is divided into three major branches…"
The teacher adjusted his glasses and resumed reading from the textbook.
Halfway through the lecture, the upper noble girl who had excused herself earlier finally returned. Her name was Saeki Yumiko. Her eyes were faintly red, as though she had been crying.
"Saeki, you're back? Are you alright? "
The teacher greeted her kindly.
"Yes. Thank you for your concern, Teacher."
Yumiko smiled gently and sat down—right beside the still-sleeping Yūshirō.
And then… she froze.
She had deliberately reddened her eyes to look as though she had been weeping, hoping to tug at Yūshirō's heartstrings. But to her dismay, he was sound asleep—completely ignoring her chance to show off her fragile, delicate side. How outrageous!
"Yumiko, what's wrong with your eyes? Were you crying? "
The boy in front of her, a lower noble's heir, turned and asked kindly.
"Thank you, but it's nothing."
Yumiko offered a "gentle" and polite smile. She knew his family background—hardly worth her time, incapable of benefiting her clan in the slightest. He simply wasn't worth her interest.
"Yūshirō… you're so mean, making me cry like this~"
She nudged him softly, cheeks tinged red, whispering coquettishly.
"Ah…"
Hōshō Aya, sitting nearby, tensed. She hated seeing Yumiko disturb Yūshirō's rest. But since this was still during class, she could only grit her teeth and endure—for now. Still, she knew Yumiko was bound to end up crying again soon enough.
"Yūshirō… Yūshirō!! "
Yumiko called his name again and again until finally she succeeded in rousing him.
"…What do you want? "
Yūshirō muttered irritably, hugging his pillow, his large sleep mask covering half his face.
"Yūshirō, look at my eyes…"
She pointed at her reddened corners, wearing her best pitiful expression.
"…You've got pinkeye or something? "
His voice was flat.
"In that case, stay away from me. And stop disturbing my nap. Even if you wake me, I can't cure your disease. I suggest you head over to Shin'ō Medical Hall in the Sixth District—go get yourself treated."
With that, Yūshirō stood up and shifted to sit beside Aya instead, effectively putting distance between himself and Yumiko.
"Little Aya, protect my nap from all disturbances—no matter what form they take! "
He instructed seriously before closing his eyes again.
"Yes, sir! "
Aya nodded at once, her gaze turning sharp as she began guarding his peace—especially from Yumiko.
…
At last, the day's classes ended.
"Come on, Aya, let's go! "
The moment the bell rang, Yūshirō was already striding toward the exit.
"Yes, Lord Yūshirō! "
Aya followed close behind, dutiful as always.
"Tch… acting so high and mighty. She's just a servant. If only I could be Yūshirō's attendant instead—even as a servant, I wouldn't mind. Staying close to him would be worth it…"
Yumiko bit her lip, her heart aching with envy, but she kept her voice low, unwilling to let others overhear and use her words against her.
"Aya, we'll begin special training when we get back."
"You didn't really learn much from today's class, did you? "
Yūshirō asked as he walked ahead, hands clasped behind his head.
"Special training?! Is Lord Yūshirō going to personally instruct me?"
Aya's eyes widened with excitement.
"Who else? My sister's too busy, and Urahara hasn't shown up since I got back. Looks like I'm the only one who can train you. What's wrong? Not happy about it? "
Yūshirō turned his head slightly to look at her as he walked.
"N-no! I'm deeply grateful for your guidance! "
Aya shook her head quickly, bowing deeply.
"Don't keep calling me 'Lord Yūshirō' every other sentence. Just call me Yūshirō."
He reached out and ruffled her hair.
"U-understood, Lord Yūshirō—ah… understood, Yūshirō! "
Aya's cheeks flushed red as she corrected herself under his watchful, mask-hidden eyes.