"Sensei, why are you wearing…"
"I borrowed them from Ayane. Got to protect my eyesight, you know? The towel's from my workout earlier, and while I was exercising, I happened to play a board game by myself at the same time."
Before Serika could even finish her question, I laid out every excuse in one breath, then grabbed her hand and pulled her into the room.
That's called prediction.
I led her to the bedside. "Serika, come sit. Let's have a heart-to-heart."
"What's with that weird way of talking!"
Serika pouted, holding up a thermal bag. "Here, I used the kitchen to make some ramen… it's not like I was worried you'd stay up too late and get hungry or anything, I just made too much by accident! But if you say it tastes bad, I'll kill you!"
I took the bag and set it aside, then spread my arms. "I'm so touched, Serika. Can I give you a hug?"
"Die, you pervert! Do you just love harassing people or something? I'm not hugging you!"
Even as she shouted, her cat ears twitched happily.
"So, Serika, was there something else you wanted to talk about?"
"...Yeah."
Her eyes wandered toward the corner, to Hoshino's shotgun.
"Hoshino's such an idiot."
When I said that, Serika blinked. "Huh? Uh, yeah, I guess she is."
Teasing the little cat was just too much fun.
Serika sighed. "Why doesn't Hoshino-senpai just tell us what's bothering her?"
"Maybe she thinks even if she told you about her doubts toward me, you'd still believe in me anyway." I took Serika's slender hand and looked deeply into her eyes. "Wouldn't you, Serika?"
Her eyes went wide. Her face turned bright red, as if her whole head were about to steam, her cat ears flicking wildly.
"Y-you-you-you... you…"
She couldn't form a full sentence, only gave a weak tug at her hand, not even trying to break free. It stayed firmly in my grasp.
Utterly delightful.
Seeing this proud, fiery little girl go all shy and flustered, it was hard not to feel triumphant.
…But what if it were Hoshino instead?
That thought appeared suddenly, then spread through my mind like wildfire.
If it were Hoshino... the one who can't stand me, the one who hides her pride under that calm face...
How much pleasure would that bring me?
Even as I held Serika's hand, my thoughts were entirely elsewhere.
A little scummy, maybe, but not a big deal.
Anyway, Serika finally managed to collect herself, whispering softly, "Mm…"
"What was that?" I teased.
"Ugh, you're so annoying! Of course I'd believe you!"
As she spoke, her lips curled into a smile. "When I was at my lowest, you rushed in without thinking about your own safety. Twice, you saved me from the bad guys, my foolish prince… how could I not believe you?"
That gentle tone... so unlike the usual Serika.
"Heh… Didn't Hoshino say that was all part of my scheme with the Helmet Gang?"
"I told you, she's an idiot."
Ha! Hoshino, if you could see your junior fawning over me like this, what would you think?
I couldn't hold back anymore. I wrapped Serika in my arms, ready to engage in some completely normal teacher-student bonding activities.
But then...
Knock, knock, knock.
Nonomi's voice drifted in from outside. "Sensei∼ Can I borrow you for a moment~?"
Were they all taking turns or something?!
Serika froze instantly. "N-Nonomi-senpai's here? No way, she can't see us like this! I need to hide!"
She started toward the bathroom.
That would've been amusing, but I caught her arm and pointed upward instead.
"The ceiling beam's pretty spacious, isn't it?"
Serika hesitated for a second, then sprang up, pushed off the wall, and in one swift motion, perched herself on the beam.
Looking up, I could still see her two cat ears poking out.
I didn't dwell on it. I opened the door, putting on my best surprised face for Nonomi, who stood smiling sweetly outside.
"You came at the perfect time! I was just wearing Ayane's glasses to protect my eyesight, using this towel to wipe sweat while playing a solo board game and, uh, preparing some ramen for later!"
"Pfft∼ Sensei, what are you even talking about~? ☆"
Nonomi giggled, her laughter light and musical.
After a while, she calmed down and asked, "Sensei, is it okay if I come in?"
"Of course, please do."
I ushered her warmly into the room, adding in a serious tone, "You know, a man and a woman alone in a room like this... it could cause misunderstandings."
"Oh… should we talk somewhere else then?"
I shook my head. "No, what I mean is, if someone else comes later, you can hide in the closet."
Nonomi blinked in confusion. "Why the closet?"
"Because it's nice and roomy, obviously."
To prove my point, I opened the closet. There really weren't many clothes inside.
"Oh my, so few?" Nonomi was genuinely surprised, then smiled mischievously. "Sensei∼ when all this is over, let's go shopping together, just the two of us~"
"Oh? Just the two of us?" I feigned surprise. "Wouldn't that be a date?"
Nonomi sat on the edge of the bed, smiling playfully. "Well∼ if you want to think of it that way, I don't mind~"
Then her gaze landed on the shotgun, her expression softening.
"Hoshino-senpai really hasn't changed at all, has she?"
Finally, something different.
That made sense though. After all, Nonomi probably knew Hoshino better than anyone else in the Foreclosure Task Force.
"What do you mean by that?" I asked.
"Hmm…" Nonomi thought for a moment. "Like I told you before, Hoshino-senpai used to be the type who rushed ahead fearlessly, as if something invisible were chasing her.
"I thought she'd moved past that. But today, I realized she's still the same, she's just learned to hide everything inside.
"That's probably why she acted so recklessly."
Nonomi sighed, then smiled again. "Anyway∼ enough of that heavy stuff. It's time for our little secret moment together, Sensei~"
That sounded… way too suggestive!
Nonomi lifted her skirt slightly, revealing soft, pale thighs. "Please~"
Without hesitation, I lay down, resting my head on her lap.
"By the way, Sensei, while we're at it, want to watch the morning drama that's been trending lately?"
"Sure~"
She pulled out her pink phone, decorated with anime keychains, and started scrolling through her apps.
Then, more knocking.
"Sensei, it's Onikata Kayoko."
Nonomi looked at me. "Ah? So… should I hide in the closet now?"
"Yes, please."
"Alright∼ You watch it yourself for now, I'll go rest in here~ ☆"
Handing me her phone, Nonomi tiptoed into the closet.