"As expected of Dongda University, the learning atmosphere here is impressive," Shirakawa Natsu murmured, watching a familiar figure appear at the classroom door.
Kimura Momo stood there with her handout, long white hair pulled into a neat ponytail that gave her an air of elegance and authority. She taught classical literature, and somehow seemed as though she had stepped straight out of one of the ornate novels she lectured on.
From the moment she reached the podium, all eyes that had been wandering around the room snapped toward her.
Shirakawa Natsu remained vigilant, of course. He wasn't like the other students, easily dazzled. Yet even he had to admit: her lectures were clear, precise, and somehow infused with a certain otherworldly grace. Even without taking notes, just watching her could leave one captivated rather than exhausted.
Cut it out, Shirakawa Natsu thought, snorting softly. She's truly intimidating.
At the end of one class, instead of leaving immediately, Kimura Momo approached him with a soft smile. "Since you and I became neighbors, we haven't really had a chance to meet. I have some free time today and know a place that serves excellent roasted bird. Would you like to go?"
Shirakawa Natsu narrowed his eyes slightly. Was she planning to get him drunk again?
Before he could respond, Nao Jingomiya's eyes sparkled beside him. She clenched her fists, her voice playful and dramatic: "Can I go too? I haven't had roasted bird in forever! Juicy meat, delicious dipping sauces, sizzling hot~"
Shirakawa Natsu finally allowed himself a small smile. Kimura Momo was his mentor; he couldn't avoid her forever. Meeting her in public was harmless, and he could watch her intentions carefully. Surely she wasn't swayed by Nao Jingomiya's antics.
"Alright," he said, finally giving in.
"Yay~" Nao Jingomiya practically bounced in place. "Roasted bird, roasted bird~"
Kimura Momo inclined her head slightly. "Then we'll see you tonight, Shirakawa Natsu." With that, she turned and left.
Immediately, Shirakawa Natsu was bombarded with questions from other students about his relationship with Teacher Momo, but he ignored them all.
By the next class, only about half the students remained. Shirakawa Natsu called Yazhikui, asking her to accompany him to the dinner appointment. With her there, he felt far safer from any unwanted advances from Kimura Momo.
As they walked, Nao Jingomiya immediately launched into her roasting-bird expertise: how to eat it, which dipping sauces to use, which barbecue chefs were the most skilled, and even the three traditional methods of enjoying Yanguo roast duck.
Shirakawa Natsu realized she wasn't just babbling—her knowledge was clear, logical, and remarkably authentic. He raised his eyebrows in surprise. "You've been to all these places? How do you even know all this?"
Nao Jingomiya froze for a moment, then stuck her tongue out teasingly. "Of course I have! Natsu wants to know, right? Where do we start~? Let's talk about French fries first."
Shirakawa Natsu blinked. French fries? What did French fries have to do with roasted bird?
At that moment, Kimura Momo finished packing her lecture notes and left the podium.
Shirakawa Natsu waved his hand. "We'll continue later. Class is over—let's go."
"Yeah, class is over!" Nao Jingomiya said with a wide grin. "I really hit it off with you, Natsu."
Shirakawa Natsu was speechless. It wasn't a matter of 'hitting it off'—Nao could literally talk for an hour straight without pause.
"Can you wait a moment?" A cheerful male voice called from behind them. It was Uesugi Shika, smiling warmly as he approached.