After parting ways with Shiraishi Asuka, Shikime Natsu didn't rush back to the dormitory.
Instead, he walked aimlessly through Keyaki Mall, pondering where to spend the remaining time.
Just then, a vibrant voice rang out from behind him.
"Shiki-kouhai!"
The voice was crisp and melodious, carrying a unique sense of vitality.
Shikime Natsu stopped and turned around.
Coming into view was a girl with dazzling long orange hair.
It was Asahina Nazuna from Class 2-A.
Unlike her usual appearance in a school uniform, today Asahina Nazuna had changed into a rather stylish casual outfit.
Her upper body was clad in a loose, off-white knit sweater with a somewhat unique neckline design that slightly revealed her exquisite collarbone and fair shoulders. Her lower body was paired with an orange pleated mini-skirt, perfectly showcasing her long, straight, beautiful legs. On her feet, she wore a pair of thick-soled loafers.
"Asahina-senpai?"
Shikime Natsu looked at the girl walking towards him with some surprise, a look of unexpectedness appearing on his face.
"What a coincidence to meet Asahina-senpai here."
"Yeah, it really is a coincidence!"
Asahina Nazuna walked quickly up to Shikime Natsu, her face brimming with a happy smile, her large eyes curving into crescents.
"Actually, when I saw your back just now, I thought I was seeing things. After all, Shiki-kouhai is usually such a busy person who is elusive like a dragon. I didn't expect you to be wandering around here alone."
"What busy person? I'm just an ordinary student."
Shikime Natsu smiled, his gaze naturally sweeping over Asahina Nazuna's outfit for the day, offering a moderate compliment.
"Senpai's outfit today suits you very well. It's very energetic."
"Hehe, of course."
Asahina Nazuna raised her chin proudly, then seemed to remember something.
"By the way, Shiki-kouhai, are you ready for the duel with Miyabi?"
"Right now, the entire second year—no, the entire school is paying attention to the duel between you and Miyabi."
"That guy Miyabi has been talking big, you know. He said he would definitely beat you to a pulp, claiming he could win even without going all out."
Speaking of this, Asahina Nazuna sighed, seeming to have a headache over her childhood friend's arrogant behavior.
"Although I think Miyabi is indeed too confident sometimes, since he dares to say that, he must have made foolproof preparations. Shiki-kouhai, you absolutely must not let your guard down."
"Don't worry, I'm already prepared."
Shikime Natsu maintained that calm smile, his eyes showing not a trace of panic.
"I'm flattered that Nagumo-senpai values me so much. However, wanting to beat me to a pulp... I'm afraid it won't be that easy."
Seeing Shikime Natsu's confident appearance, Asahina Nazuna blinked, then revealed an interested expression.
"It seems Shiki-kouhai is very confident."
"Of course. Which side will Asahina-senpai support this time?"
Shikime Natsu looked at her, asking back half-jokingly.
"Hmm..."
Asahina Nazuna thought for a second, then answered without hesitation.
"Of course I support you, Shiki-kouhai!"
"? That decisive?"
"Naturally!"
Asahina Nazuna clenched her fist, speaking with a face full of righteousness.
"That guy Miyabi has really been too full of himself lately. He always puts on a high-and-mighty attitude that's annoying just to look at. If Shiki-kouhai can win against him, it would be just right to dampen his spirit and make him wake up a bit."
"Then, thank you very much for your support, Asahina-senpai."
Shikime Natsu let out a light chuckle.
"By the way, this is for you."
As she spoke, Asahina Nazuna opened the small bag with cute ornaments she carried with her and rummaged around inside for a while.
Then, she took out something resembling an amulet and handed it to Shikime Natsu.
This amulet... looked... slightly special.
The fabric was ordinary cotton, the stitching looked a bit crooked, and even the thread ends at the seal were exposed a little on the outside.
Embroidered on it with somewhat clumsy craftsmanship were the words "Certain Victory." It didn't look like something bought, but rather like... handmade.
"This is..."
Shikime Natsu received this slightly crude amulet with some surprise.
"This is a study charm I personally made for Shiki-kouhai!"
Asahina Nazuna puffed out her chest, a trace of shyness on her face.
"Although it looks a little... well, plain, I heard that as long as you wear it with sincerity, it might increase your study efficiency and help you in exams like divine assistance!"
Listening to Asahina Nazuna's words full of metaphysical color, and looking at her earnest expression, it was obvious that this senpai actually believed in such things deep down.
This kind of gap moe made her seem somewhat cute.
Shikime Natsu didn't show any disdain because of the amulet's crudeness. On the contrary, he nodded solemnly and put the amulet into his pocket.
"Thank you, Senpai. I will cherish it."
"Mhm-hmm, this is actually the first time I've given a study charm to anyone."
Seeing Shikime Natsu accept it, Asahina Nazuna appeared very happy, and her tone became lighter.
"You have to take good care of it! This is also a thank-you gift for Shiki-kouhai helping me treat my foot injury last time."
"That time was just a small effort."
Shikime Natsu responded.
"Alright, the gift is delivered, and the support is expressed."
Asahina Nazuna clapped her hands and asked again.
"Where does Shiki-kouhai plan to go next?"
"I plan to just wander around casually and kill some time."
Shikime Natsu shrugged, then asked in return.
"What about Asahina-senpai? Being here alone, are you waiting for someone?"
"Sigh, don't mention it."
At the mention of this, Asahina Nazuna's originally smiling face instantly collapsed, and she twitched her lips in depression.
"I originally made an appointment with Moeka to go shopping, but she just messaged me saying something urgent came up suddenly and stood me up directly!"
"She said something like 'I'll definitely make it up next time.' It really pisses me off; I had already changed my clothes and come out!"
"That really is regrettable."
"Yeah, it's a rare weekend; I can't just go back dejectedly like this."
Asahina Nazuna kicked at a non-existent pebble by her foot with some unwillingness.
"In that case..."
Shikime Natsu looked at the slightly puffing Asahina Nazuna and issued an invitation.
"Then, does Asahina-senpai intend to wander around casually with me? It just so happens I don't have any specific destination either. Perhaps it will be more interesting with two people."
"?"
Hearing Shikime Natsu's invitation, Asahina Nazuna's eyes instantly lit up, revealing a look of great interest.
"Is it really okay?"
"Of course, as long as Senpai doesn't mind me."
"Then it's settled!"
Asahina Nazuna immediately nodded and agreed, the previous gloom swept away completely.
Then, as if discovering some new continent, she leaned in close to Shikime Natsu and teased with a playful look.
"But speaking of which, did Shiki-kouhai really not have an appointment to go shopping with other girls today?"
"To actually choose to accompany an old senpai like me?"
"Asahina-senpai is only one year older than me."
Shikime Natsu smiled helplessly and corrected her.
"Why do you feel you are an old senpai? In my eyes, Senpai is full of youthful vitality. I can't see where you are old at all."
"Hehe, even if it's just one year older, I still have the demeanor of an older sister!"
Asahina Nazuna raised her chin proudly, wearing an expression that said, "Hurry up and call me big sister."
Looking at the girl before him, Shikime Natsu really found it hard to associate Asahina Nazuna with a "mature and steady senpai."
Rather, compared to Asahina Nazuna, he, who always maintained calm and reason, appeared more mature.
People who didn't know them seeing them walking together would probably assume Shikime Natsu was the senpai taking care of someone, while Asahina Nazuna was the willful kouhai who needed looking after.
"Hey, Shiki-kouhai."
Asahina Nazuna sharply noticed Shikime Natsu's subtle little gaze and immediately narrowed her eyes in alertness.
"Your look is very rude, you know!"
"You must be thinking about something quite rude! Like 'this senpai looks so childish' or 'she doesn't look like a senpai at all', right?"
"No, absolutely not."
Shikime Natsu immediately denied it flatly, an innocent smile hanging on his face.
"I was just thinking that Senpai's personality is actually quite good. It's very relaxing to get along with."
"Liar! Your eyes clearly betrayed you!"
Asahina Nazuna didn't believe his nonsense at all and snorted, pretending to be angry.
"There definitely was!"
"Since you secretly ridiculed me in your heart, you have to pay the price!"
She rolled her eyes, pointing in a direction not far away.
"Decided! To punish Shiki-kouhai for his rude thoughts just now, take me to the arcade to catch dolls."
"Catch dolls?"
"That's right! I saw it when I passed by just now. That newly released cat plushie is super cute! But I can't catch it myself. I heard Shiki-kouhai is an expert; can I count on you?"
"Of course."
Shikime Natsu agreed with a smile.
Asahina Nazuna led Shikime Natsu to the crane game area of the arcade.
A staff member who was originally patrolling suddenly changed his expression.
He stared fixedly at Shikime Natsu's face, his expression instantly becoming unusually grave.
"That... that legendary 'Crane Game Killer' has actually come again?!"
The staff member exclaimed inwardly.
His gaze then swept over Asahina Nazuna beside Shikime Natsu.
"And there seems to be a different girl by his side again..."
"Does having good crane game skills really bring such high popularity? Damn normie!"
The staff member fell into a state of envy, jealousy, and hate.
Asahina Nazuna was completely unaware of the staff member's look of facing a formidable enemy. She excitedly shuttled between the rows of crane machines, sizing up the plushies inside.
"Wah! It's this one!"
She pointed at the small cat plushie with big eyes, turning her head to say to Shikime Natsu, stars twinkling in her eyes.
"Shiki-kouhai, I want this one!"
"No problem, leave it to me."
Shikime Natsu nodded confidently and walked up to the crane machine.
Meanwhile, in a corner behind the counter, two staff members were conducting a covert and tense exchange.
"Hey, has the claw strength of that machine been adjusted?"
The staff member with the grave expression from earlier lowered his voice and asked urgently.
"Don't worry."
The other staff member patted his chest in guarantee, a sinister smile appearing on his face.
"I've already adjusted the claw strength to the loosest setting, and I also set a probability lock. Unless a certain number of attempts is reached, it absolutely won't pick anything up!"
"Wait and see, this time we definitely won't let him succeed in one go! I bet my dignity as a crane game staff member on it!"
However, just as they were solemnly raising this flag...
Shikime Natsu had already inserted the coin and was skillfully manipulating the joystick.
His movements were smooth and flowing, without any superfluous hesitation.
Adjust position, predict the landing point, press the button.
The claw, which the staff had placed high hopes on and claimed had the "lowest grip strength," descended slowly. It hooked onto the center of gravity of the cat plushie with incomparable precision, even utilizing the gap in the plushie's tag.
Immediately after, the claw rose steadily.
Although it shook slightly when it reached the highest point, it did not let go. Instead, it carried the plushie directly to the exit.
Thud!
The sound of the plushie falling was crisp and pleasing to the ear.
"Done."
Shikime Natsu bent down, took the plushie out from the exit, and handed it to Asahina Nazuna beside him.
"?!"
The two staff members in the corner were dumbfounded seeing this scene. Their eyes nearly popped out, and their jaws dropped to the floor.
"This... how is this possible?!"
"I clearly adjusted the probability to the lowest! This isn't scientific!"
"Wah! So amazing!"
Asahina Nazuna accepted the plushie in surprise, hugging it in her arms and nuzzling it, unable to put it down.
"I spent a whole 1000 points trying to catch this doll before and didn't succeed!"
"And you caught it in one go! Thank you so much!"
"It was just a small effort. I'm glad Senpai likes it."
Shikime Natsu smiled faintly.
Just as the atmosphere between the two was harmonious because of catching the doll, an untimely voice suddenly cut in.
"Hmph."
With a cold snort, Nagumo Miyabi walked over with a second-year senior girl who looked somewhat familiar.
When he saw Shikime Natsu and Asahina Nazuna talking and laughing, and specifically the plushie Shikime Natsu had caught for her in Asahina Nazuna's arms, Nagumo Miyabi's originally somewhat calm face instantly turned gloomy.
He directly ignored the senior girl beside him and strode up to Shikime Natsu, his gaze full of hostility and provocation.
"Shiki-kouhai, you really have enough free time. If that's the case, I advise Shiki-kouhai to leave this school as soon as possible. This place isn't suitable for a guy like you who spends his days in leisure."
"Miyabi!"
Hearing these words filled with aggression, Asahina Nazuna frowned and couldn't help but speak up in defense.
"That's too much."
Seeing his childhood friend actually defending Shikime Natsu immediately, the anger in Nagumo Miyabi's heart burned even hotter.
He turned his head, staring coldly at Shikime Natsu.
"There are only two days left, Shiki-kouhai. Do you not intend to struggle anymore and plan to give up directly?"
"Ever since we made the bet, I've heard that you just hang out with different girls every day and haven't reviewed at all."
Speaking of this, he looked at Asahina Nazuna, a tone of 'hating iron for not becoming steel' in his voice.
"Nazuna, you've heard it too, right? This guy hasn't studied at all. Every day he just mixes with other girls, wasting time."
"Don't stay with this kind of person who abandons himself to depravity; it will influence you."
"Although we are all in Class A, you must remember, there is still a gap between us and him."
A look of arrogance appeared on Nagumo Miyabi's face.
"A guy like him who only relies on talent to get by will soon fall out of Class A. It's not impossible for him to even be expelled."
Facing this string of ridicule and belittlement from Nagumo Miyabi, Shikime Natsu's mood wasn't affected.
He didn't even furrow his brows; instead, he maintained that light and breezy smile.
"Nagumo-senpai has said so much..."
Shikime Natsu spoke leisurely.
"Could it be that you are afraid of being defeated by me? So you rushed here to find a bit of psychological comfort by belittling me?"
Nagumo Miyabi scoffed coldly, as if he had heard a joke.
"How is that possible? Simply nonsense!"
"I absolutely will not lose to a guy like you! You just wait to make a fool of yourself in public on that day!"
"Is that so? Then I look forward to Nagumo-senpai's performance."
Shikime Natsu shrugged, then took out the crude study charm Asahina Nazuna had just given him from his pocket and shook it in his hand.
"Speaking of which, I have to thank Asahina-senpai."
"With this study charm Senpai personally gave me, I can perform beyond my level in the upcoming exam."
"Wh... What?!"
Nagumo Miyabi's gaze landed on the study charm in Shikime Natsu's hand, and his originally gloomy face instantly filled with disbelief and shock.
That was... a handmade amulet?
Asahina Nazuna actually made a study charm for Shikime Natsu with her own hands?!
One had to know, even he, the childhood friend who grew up with her, had never received a study charm handmade by Asahina Nazuna!
A strong surge of jealousy and anger instantly welled up in his heart, burning Nagumo Miyabi's reason to the point of snapping.
"Good! Good! Good!"
He said "good" three times in a row, each one carrying gnashing anger.
"I didn't expect it to be so lively early in the morning."
At this moment, a voice carrying a slight touch of composure rang out.
It was a tall girl, her height exceeding one hundred and seventy centimeters.
____
👻🔥Walnut-chan ;)🔥👻
🔥 New history: Group chat of the Dead
✅ Jump 40 chapters ahead of the public release!
✅ Get access to special perks and news!
Help smash these goals:
🎯 100 Powerstones = +1 Bonus Chapter (for everyone)
🚀 140 MEMBERS = +5 extra chapters (for all stories)!
👻 P - Walnut-chan