"Only one?" Shizuka Hiratsuka asked as she took the talisman.
Shiro Sakamaki rolled his eyes. "You think drawing a talisman is easy? This took a lot of effort!"
Ignoring him, Hiratsuka slipped the charm into her pocket without changing expression, waved her hand dismissively, and lit another cigarette.
Unexpectedly, Shiro reached over, plucked the cigarette from her lips, took a puff, and then stubbed it out.
"This stuff tastes terrible. You really shouldn't smoke—it's bad for you."
A faint blush crept across Hiratsuka's face. He just smoked my cigarette… does that count as an indirect kiss?
But looking at Shiro's completely nonchalant face, it was clear he hadn't noticed—or pretended not to. She wasn't about to bring it up and embarrass both of them.
"Alright, alright, stop meddling in my business. Go to class."
"Can I leave, then?"
"Go, go," she said with a look of exasperation.
After Shiro left, she collapsed onto her desk, her body trembling slightly.
Suddenly, bang!—the door burst open again.
She shot upright, still slightly flushed.
"Teacher Hiratsuka, remember—no more smoking!" Shiro called out, then slammed the door shut again before she could even react.
Hiratsuka froze mid-outburst, her anger caught in her throat.
Meanwhile, Shiro strolled down the corridor with a satisfied smirk. Cute and flustered—that quiet side of her is rare. Usually, she's all business, but when she's flustered, she's kind of adorable.
He had baited her on purpose, just to see her reaction. That "indirect kiss" had definitely not been accidental.
That afternoon, after class ended, Shiro gave Haruno Yukinoshita a call. Apparently, she was off on a fishing trip in Spanish waters with some classmates. He reminded her to stay safe.
"By the way," he added, "there was an incident last night in Tokyo's wealthy district. A lot of people died."
"I'm not sure who exactly, but maybe ask your aunt to watch the market closely. This might be a… chance."
Haruno understood what he meant without needing more detail.
"I'll let my mom know, darling. Do you miss me?"
"Of course. Once you arrive, send me your location. I'll come find you."
"Eh? Don't you have class?" she asked instinctively, then caught herself. Stupid question. Since when does he ever care about class?
"Alright," she chuckled. "I'll send you my location when I get there."
The two chatted for a while longer before Haruno finally, albeit reluctantly, hung up.
Behind Shiro, Yukino Yukinoshita had been eavesdropping the whole time. She looked at him like he'd just corrupted her sister. How did that dignified, composed woman turn into such a lovestruck fool? It's gotta be his fault!
"What, curious about my conversation with your sister?" Shiro said. "No need to eavesdrop, you can just ask."
"Scumbag."
"Thanks for the compliment."
Their banter had become part of their routine. Yukino was gradually getting used to talking with him—even if it usually devolved into teasing.
"You… What you said earlier—about people dying. Was that true?"
"Huh? Oh, that. Let me think… hmm… I forgot."
Yukino narrowed her eyes. "Do I look like an idiot to you?"
Shiro looked her over and said with a straight face, "Nope, you don't look like one."
Just as Yukino prepared to smugly respond, he added, "You are one."
"You—!"
She glared at him, chest rising and falling—though unfortunately, there wasn't much to rise.
Shiro waved it off casually. "It's better you don't get involved. Just be a good student." And with that, he walked off before she could reply.
"…Mysterious jerk," Yukino muttered under her breath.
After school, Shiro skipped club activities and informed the Light Music Club members that he had family matters to attend to. Although Ritsu Tainaka grumbled, everyone else understood.
He headed straight for the Sawamura residence. Eriri was still in a rough state emotionally, and he wanted to be there for her.
As expected, when he arrived, Eriri hadn't left her room. Misaki was nowhere to be seen.
After asking Kanna Kamui, he learned Misaki had gone to class that morning. She'd looked tired, but otherwise okay.
Inside Eriri's room, she was still curled up in her pajamas, clearly having cried. Her golden hair was messy and her eyes were swollen.
Shiro didn't say anything. He silently walked over, picked her up princess-style, and held her gently by the window. Neither of them spoke.
Kanna, understanding the moment, quietly watched TV in the living room without disturbing them.
Eriri clung to Shiro's shirt tightly, her body trembling slightly.
He stroked her head softly and said, "It's okay now. Everything's going to be alright."
"No matter what happens, I'll protect you. Got it?"
"Mm…" Eriri murmured, burying her face in his chest, unwilling to say more.
Shiro already knew what had happened from Sayuri. It had shaken Eriri badly, and there wasn't much he could do now but stay by her side.
Still, one thought lingered: I need to help her get stronger.
After all, I can't always arrive on time.
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