Simply by standing near the door and pointing toward the yard, Miyahito let the girl retrieve the fallen item herself.
Of course, this wasn't out of laziness or annoyance.
His approach was entirely born from his effort to put himself in her shoes.
First, he was a guy, and she was a girl.
Second, even though she mentioned it was "clothing," she didn't specify what kind. If it was something personal, it would be highly awkward for a guy to pick it up.
The silver-haired girl clearly appreciated his "consideration."
This senior is really a nice guy.
Though she wasn't sure if Aragaki Miyahito attended the same school, judging by his appearance, he was most likely a high school student just like her older brother.
So, calling him "Senpai" felt appropriate.
"Thank you, Senpai. Excuse me."
"Ah, sure."
Being suddenly called "Senpai" by a girl he barely knew made him feel a bit odd.
Hmm... a mix of slight embarrassment? Or quiet happiness? It's really complicated.
Crossing his arms and wondering if his reaction seemed a bit creepy, Miyahito looked up, his gaze complex as he watched her back.
Is she also a Toyogasaki student? No, no, if she were, she wouldn't call me Senpai.
Or maybe a middle schooler? No, no, that's even less likely.
If there had been a stunning silver-haired "special-attack" type girl in his middle school, regardless of whether he knew her or not,
How could he possibly not know about her?
"Besides, my middle school self was pretty arrogant and reckless enough." Recalling those days and the countless embarrassing "dark history" memories, Miyahito's expression immediately turned gloomy.
As his mind went numb from his own past, nearly ready to drop to his knees and scream, "Just end me!",
his peripheral vision caught the silver-haired junior searching for the item, looking hesitant about how to pick it up.
Miyahito's first instinct was: Is it out of reach? Does she need help?
But after thinking for a moment...
"Um, Kouhai-san, wait here for a bit."
Not knowing her name, he used "Kouhai-san" as a placeholder. Then, under her confused gaze, he turned and walked back inside.
When he came back out, he was carrying a clean, translucent white bag.
Waving his hand to call her over, he handed her the bag.
"Here."
"Ah, thank you, Senpai."
Recalling her earlier dilemma about how to carry it back, the silver-haired girl lowered her head, murmuring her thanks shyly.
Then, without looking up, she hurried back into the yard, continuing her slightly flustered search.
Watching her panicked movements,
Miyahito faintly saw a flashback of little Ayase, terrified of getting scolded after an accidental bedwetting incident, awkwardly trying to carry the blanket to the laundry room by herself.
Come to think of it, Ayase still thinks I never found out.
If she ever did...* Holding back a laugh, he turned back inside, *...she'd probably ignore me for years.
But that little doll really is something else.
Seriously, a kid under five trying to wash bedsheets on her own? How could anyone miss that.
Well, I guess this can count as a welcome gift.
Looking at the cheesecake he originally planned to eat for dinner, Miyahito thought for a moment, then took it out of the fridge.
After placing it inside an empty box, he muttered to himself.
Phew, finally don't have to eat cake for dinner again. Gotta eat something decent.
Carrying the wrapped cheesecake, he stepped back out just as the silver-haired girl, having retrieved her items and preparing to leave, ran into him.
Seeing him come out, the girl, clutching the bag tightly to her chest, immediately bowed.
"I'm so sorry for bothering you, Senpai."
"No, no, it's perfectly fine."
Honestly, faced with such a polite and earnest junior, Miyahito truly appreciated her attitude.
After all, looks aren't something you can control.
But how you conduct yourself is entirely up to your upbringing.
Resisting the urge to pat this polite junior's head, Miyahito offered the cake with a friendly smile.
Seeing the gesture, the girl looked up with a questioning gaze.
Miyahito explained:
"Um, consider it a welcome gift? Yeah, just a small token of thanks."
"Eh? Senpai?"
Slightly taken aback, the silver-haired girl stared at him for a few seconds before awkwardly trying to decline.
"This... I really couldn't possibly..."
"It's fine, it's just a cake I baked myself." Watching her reaction, Miyahito's smile grew increasingly "grandpa-like."
"I just moved here. Since the place next door is an apartment building, I haven't had the chance to properly greet the neighbors."
"Since we've already met, please take this homemade cake as a small getting-to-know-you gift."
"So, please just accept it openly."
Left speechless by his rapid-fire explanation, the silver-haired girl lowered her head in slight defeat.
Still, she could feel the genuine friendliness and sincerity in his words.
Besides, when her own family moved into the neighborhood, she'd seen her father do the exact same thing for their neighbors.
Because of that.
"Mhm, thank you, Senpai."
The corners of her lips curved into a happy smile. The silver-haired girl gracefully extended her hands and accepted the cake from Miyahito.
"Thank you for the gift. I hope you enjoy living here."
"Mhm, thanks for the well-wishes, Kouhai-san."
Finally giving in to impulse, Miyahito gently ruffled the girl's silver hair.
Even as she glared at him in mild annoyance, he just responded with a smile.
Finally.
"Um, may I ask your name, Senpai?"
"Oh, I'm Aragaki Miyahito. Just call me Aragaki."
"Mhm, got it. Aragaki-senpai."
Deliberately emphasizing "Aragaki-senpai," the silver-haired girl caught the fleeting moment of confusion on his face. A sly smile, marking the success of her little prank, naturally graced her features.
Before he could even process her little joke, he smiled softly.
"Aragaki-senpai, my name is Shirogane Kei. Just call me Kei."
.....
Shortly after, Shirogane Kei took her leave.
After the girl left, Miyahito headed back inside, ready to resume his unfinished work. Just as he was retying his apron...
Hm? Shirogane Kei?
Shirogane... Shirogane Miyuki... Kaguya-sama?!
So, that girl is the President's younger sister?
President Shirogane and I are neighbors?
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