"Oh, I see. And here I was hoping to taste your cooking again sometime," Miura Yumiko said, her tone laced with mild disappointment.
Hayama didn't seem to notice, his gaze fixed on the blazing sports field outside. "It's scorching today. Soccer practice later is going to be brutal."
Shirase followed his line of sight. "So… how would you describe weather like this without actually saying 'it's hot'?"
Yumiko blinked. "Huh? Where did that come from?"
What kind of random topic switch was that?
When she turned to Hayama for support, she found him thoughtfully rubbing his chin, deep in contemplation.
Hayato, what's wrong with you? You were never like this before!
Completely ignoring Yumiko's look, Hayama mused seriously, "If we can't say it directly, do we start by describing the environment?"
"Exactly," Shirase replied, nodding approvingly.
"Then… standing outside, right in front of an air conditioner's exhaust vent on a summer day, sweat dripping down your back?"
"What kind of idiot would stand in front of an AC exhaust in summer?"
"It's hypothetical! But you can practically feel the heat when you picture it, right?"
Hayama chuckled. "So what's your example then?"
Shirase replied matter-of-factly, "Going alone into a restroom in midsummer, no breeze at all."
Hayama made a face. "Why does that sound disgusting instead of hot?"
"Well, it does perfectly capture how unbearable it feels, doesn't it?"
Hayama sighed in defeat. "True. It's disturbingly vivid."
Trailing behind the two, Yumiko stared at them in exasperation. Hayato, you've seriously changed. You never used to entertain dumb conversations like this!
When the three finally went their separate ways, Yumiko seized her chance. "Hayato, don't you think you've changed a lot lately?"
He smiled easily. "Have I? If I have, it's probably for the better, right?"
Yumiko hesitated, glancing in the direction Shirase had gone. "I mean… aren't you paying a bit too much attention to Shirase-kun these days?"
"Because he's incredible—both academically and on the field. It's natural to admire that and want to catch up."
Yumiko huffed. "With how often you talk about him, I'm starting to think you'll end up marrying him at this rate."
"…Now that's a stretch."
...
After school, Nakano Nino came looking for Shirase—something she rarely did first.
Clearly, after what happened yesterday, even this usually proud girl couldn't hold back anymore.
"I heard the rumors about you and Yukinoshita," she said, her cheeks faintly pink as they walked side by side under the lingering stares of classmates.
"It'd be weird if you hadn't heard," Shirase replied calmly.
Nino puffed her cheeks slightly. "I thought you'd at least explain yourself to me."
"Explaining means I've got something to hide. I'd rather not." He tilted his head, smiling at her. "Besides, you're smart enough to tell rumor from reality."
Nino turned away, flustered but proud. "Obviously. I'm not stupid—why would I care about baseless gossip?"
"Impressive."
"Can you sound sincere for once when you compliment me? That tone's awful."
"Perfunctory? I was being perfectly sincere." Shirase glanced at the students streaming out of the gate. "Anyway, I've got soccer practice. You should go home first."
"Ichika's working late today," Nino said abruptly.
Shirase immediately caught her meaning. "So you're planning to keep me company? What about dinner for your sisters?"
"Dinner's still a while away. No rush."
Noticing the lingering stares, she stepped a little closer to him, frowning. "Why are they all staring at you?"
"Probably envy."
"Envy? Of what?" she asked, looking up at him shyly.
"Of how perfect we look together," he replied smoothly.
Nino smiled, clearly pleased—until his next comment.
"Actually, I once thought maybe I should find a girlfriend who doesn't get jealous."
She shot him a sharp look. "A girl who doesn't get jealous? You think that even exists?"
"Who knows?" Shirase said innocently, fully aware of the danger.
Nino's half-smile turned dangerous. "So, have you found one yet?"
"Nope." He sighed dramatically. "You know how picky I am. Finding a girl prettier than you, with longer legs and a bigger chest—it's impossible."
"Shut up!"
Her face turned scarlet—half mortified, half delighted.
Then she suddenly remembered their kiss the night before… and the hand that had quite boldly found its way to her backside.
If he was that daring then, he's definitely got dirty thoughts about my chest too, doesn't he?
Her blush deepened. She glanced down, biting her lip.
"I'm guessing you're having impure thoughts," Shirase said, deadpan.
"I am not!" Nino retorted instantly—but inside, she couldn't deny that knowing he was attracted to her made her secretly proud.
Well, it's not my fault my figure's perfect.
As they passed the Service Club room, Nino noticed Shirase glance at it. "You're not planning to go in, are you?"
"No, not today," he said. "Just remembered that our stubborn genius girl looked exhausted this morning. I might've played a part in that."
"Your fault?" Nino frowned.
"I'm catching up to her academically, and exams are coming. Probably stressing her out."
Realization dawned. "Yeah, that sounds like her. She'd totally overwork herself just because she feels pressured."
As Shirase turned to leave for practice, Nino tugged lightly at his sleeve.
He looked back.
"Come with me a minute."
"You've got business with Yukinoshita?" he asked, teasing.
"What business could I possibly have with her? I'm not even interested in talking to her," Nino huffed. "Ichika just asked me to keep an eye on her whenever I have time."
Her irritation flared. "Honestly, if Ichika's so interested in Yukinoshita, she should do it herself! Why make me do it? Wouldn't it make more sense to send someone like Yotsuba instead?"
Shirase chuckled. "If Ichika gave that job to Yotsuba, the mission would fail before it even started."
Nino paused—then burst out laughing. "You're right. Yotsuba would probably blow her cover in the first five minutes."
---
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