Shiro Sakamaki squatted down, silently gathering the scattered controllers and game cases.
It had become second nature for him to act as the "clean-up crew" after Misaki Kamiigusa's energetic visits.
That night, naturally, Misaki stayed over—having "earned" her spot with sheer chaos and charm.
---
Lunchtime the next day — Shuchiin Academy Staff Office
Shizuka Hiratsuka, wearing her usual white lab coat, exhaled a puff of cigarette smoke with an irritated sigh.
The office door opened with a click.
Shiro stepped inside. "Teacher Hiratsuka, is Kanna's enrollment all sorted?"
"It's done." Her response was short as she flicked her cigarette into the tray and slid a folder across the desk.
Shiro picked it up and skimmed through the paperwork. "Everything's in order. Thanks a lot, really. I owe you one."
Hiratsuka raised an eyebrow. "Oh? You actually admit you owe someone?"
"I'm not that shameless. I appreciate the help."
A faint smile tugged at her lips as she leaned back in her chair. "Well, it wasn't too hard… just a bit of a pain."
Shiro blinked. "Something happen?"
"There's been a little… situation lately. The Supernatural Bureau's tightened its checks. Took more time than expected."
Shiro nodded, choosing not to pry. He knew better than to ask about internal affairs, especially when the words "Supernatural Bureau" were involved.
Hiratsuka didn't elaborate either. After some idle small talk—including how Yukinoshita Haruno was doing—she waved him off.
---
Later that afternoon — after club hours
The Light Music Club was over for the day. Shiro walked out of the room alongside Yukino.
These days, he often stopped by the clubroom after class to sip tea, snack on sweets, or casually play the saxophone. Sometimes he worked on his writing there, too.
"See you tomorrow, Yukino-chan."
Yukino hesitated slightly before replying, "Mm, see you."
They didn't talk much, but the chilly distance between them had thawed ever so slightly.
---
Evening — Toyosaki Academy
After parting with Yukino, Shiro headed straight for Toyosaki Academy. As planned, he was meeting Megumi Kato tonight.
She was already waiting near the school gates, dressed in Toyosaki's signature blue blazer uniform, accented with a red ribbon at the collar.
Her skirt stopped just above her knees, revealing a bit of pale skin—then further down, the classic male fantasy: black stockings.
Still, Shiro personally preferred her in the white-and-red ensemble with a beret. It suited her aura better.
It had only been a few days since they last saw each other, but Kato's hair had grown a little, softening her face.
She seemed subtly changed, a little brighter—more noticeable.
Even some passing students turned their heads as they walked by.
Several Toyosaki boys whispered to one another, clearly impressed by the girl they'd somehow overlooked until now.
Then Shiro appeared.
With his height and the Shuchiin Academy uniform on him, he might as well have walked out of a different league.
Any thoughts of approaching Megumi vanished for the onlookers.
"Good afternoon, Kato-chan."
"It's already evening, Shiro-kun," she laughed, brushing a loose strand behind her ear.
The chemistry between them made it obvious they were close.
The would-be suitors faded back, grumbling something about Shuchiin guys "poaching their girls."
"You've changed lately, Kato-chan."
"Don't like it?"
Shiro gently patted her head. Kato didn't flinch or dodge—just smiled.
"I like it a lot. Didn't you notice all the stares?"
"Eh? Really?" She blinked, clearly unaware of her new presence. She was so used to fading into the background that attention didn't register yet.
She'd always had charm—it was just that today, people finally noticed it.
Maybe because she was smiling more. Maybe because Shiro was beside her.
"You're amazing, Kato-chan. Be more confident in that."
"Okay," she nodded. "So, what's the plan?"
"Dinner and coffee. That sound good?"
"Perfect."
They caught a ride into Yokohama, heading for the Hojo Building, where Shiro had reserved a table at a cozy restaurant.
"So we're having food from Shiro-kun's hometown tonight?"
"Yeah," he smiled. "Been a while since I've had it. Got a little nostalgic."
"Hmm… then I'm looking forward to it."
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