The reason why Sakurasou is called Sakurasou is simple—because of the sakura trees surrounding it. In spring, the cherry blossoms bloom in full force, and now, the road is painted with soft pink petals fluttering in the breeze, like the backdrop of a slice-of-life anime.
Hozuki Nozomi and Yukinoshita Yukino walked quietly along the beautiful road, hand in hand, like two characters in a shoujo manga.
Suddenly, a small white beret was swept up by the wind and landed right on Nozomi's head.
"Whose hat is this?" Yukinoshita raised an eyebrow, her tone cool but curious.
"Ah! Sorry, that's mine!"A girl in a red coat and white skirt hurried over, slightly out of breath.
Nozomi narrowed his eyes, studying her for a moment. "Kato Megumi?"
The girl blinked in surprise. "Eh? Do I know you?"
Nozomi smiled smoothly, playing it off like a practiced flirt. "We were classmates in kindergarten. You probably don't remember me."
(Bro be cappin, how the heck do you remember your kindergarten mates)
"Kindergarten?" Yukinoshita's soft fingers pinched his waist suddenly, hard.
Nozomi winced but kept his cool.
Kato Megumi tilted her head, looking at the two of them, then smiled politely. "That so? Then may I know your name again?"
"Hozuki Nozomi. Nice to meet you."
Yukinoshita Yukino sighed and gave a quick nod. "Yukinoshita Yukino, first year at Sobu High." Even though she was clearly irritated by Nozomi's casual flirting, her manners never faltered.
Kato Megumi gave a short bow. "Kato Megumi, also a first-year. I'm at Fuzhizaki Academy. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu."
She glanced up at the hat still sitting on Nozomi's head.
"Um... my hat..."
"Ah, here you go," Nozomi said, taking it off gently and handing it back. "Careful next time, ne? The wind's strong today."
"Thank you very much," she replied.
"Well then, see you later, Kato-san."Nozomi quickly dragged Yukinoshita away before she could pinch him again.
Kato Megumi watched them go, a small amused smile playing on her lips.
Kindergarten classmates, huh? What a smooth lie.
Still, it was kind of nice.
She was used to people not noticing her. She wasn't like Sakurajima Mai, who faded into the background due to supernatural reasons. Kato Megumi simply had a natural lack of presence—almost like a background character.
A heroine from another story, "How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend"—Saint Megumi, they called her.
Hozuki Nozomi had once considered scouting her, too. She was that type.
But for now—
"Yukinoshita-san, you almost broke my poor waist! I might never walk again..."
"Serves you right!" she huffed, letting go of the flesh she'd been twisting.
Her cheeks puffed in frustration, and she yanked her hand back. "Let go of my hand, you shameless oni!"
But Nozomi suddenly turned serious.
"I can't. Something felt off just now. I need to protect you."
"Hah?" Her brows furrowed. "Really?"
"Really really. Cross my heart."
She looked uneasy. "Did the... strange thing go away?"
"Scared it off," he said with a straight face.
"Then you can let go now, right?"
Nozomi grinned. Then suddenly, without warning, he glanced around and, seeing no one, pulled her into a hug.
"Kya—! W-What are you doing?!"
Her face exploded into crimson, and she struggled hard.
"Don't move. I'm protecting you," he whispered against her ear.
Her body stiffened.
"Y-You're a pervert!"
Her chest heaved in anger, but she stopped resisting.
"Let me go or I'll call the police and say you molested me!"
"Then promise me you won't exclude me from club activities anymore."
"T-That was Yui's idea, not mine!"
"You still went along with it. Do you know how I felt? Being kicked out like that..."
"Yuigahama-san said to keep it secret from you..." Yukinoshita mumbled, lowering her head.
"So it's true, huh? You were hiding something from me."
She glared up at him. "Then what about you? You've hidden things from me too!"
"Name one."
"I—!" She bit her lip, her voice faltering.
Yukino bit her lower lip, her face flushed with shame. Her voice faltered, unsure. Deep down, she realized—he hadn't hidden anything from her. Even though Hozuki Nozomi had the reputation of a flirt, he had never once pretended to be someone he wasn't.
Whether it was Ogiwara Sayu, Shiina Mahiru, or even Sanshokuin Sumireko... they were the ones who chose to be around him. Voluntarily. Hozuki Nozomi just accepted it all with that annoying smirk of his.
He didn't press further, and instead, his voice softened as he asked, "Was it the club president who wanted me out of the club?"
"N-No... I didn't want you to leave..."
"Then, from now on... I'll stick with you. I promise. Okay?"
She tried to keep her expression neutral, but her slightly trembling voice betrayed her. The momentary hesitation, the subtle drop in her eyes—it was clear. Yukino had already compromised. Maybe not out loud, but her heart was starting to yield.
Hozuki Nozomi gently squeezed her slender waist, pulling her closer before finally letting go.
"Don't go back on your word, Yukino. You're the one who dragged me into that club. So take responsibility, ne~"
Yukino turned her head away, lips pressed into a line. She said nothing, but the heat in her cheeks spoke volumes.
She didn't even know anymore... what exactly was this guy to her?
"Okay, I'll walk you home," Nozomi said casually.
"Mm."
After clearing the air, their steps became lighter. Yukino quietly glanced down at their joined hands, feeling the warmth between their fingers. She blushed again, but couldn't bring herself to ask him to let go.
He had hugged her. He held her hand. Again and again.
He must... like her.
He cared too much about what she thought. Always chasing her approval, always watching her reactions. Unlike her older sister, she was awkward and slow. Not good at showing feelings. But even still... he never gave up.
She was the one who pushed him away earlier. Because of Yuigahama's odd request. Because she got jealous.
Before she knew it, they arrived at the station platform.
Hozuki Nozomi let go of her hand and waited silently for the train. The warm touch faded.
But Yukino stood firm, turned toward him, and bowed her head slightly.
"...Sorry."
"Eh?"
"I won't exclude you again, I promise. This time... it was my fault as club president. As an apology, I'll grant you one request. Just one."
His eyes lit up like a child on New Year's.
"For real!?"
"Un. But it can't be anything impossible. Or anything pervy. You know the rules."
She gave him a warning glare, sharp like a katana's edge.
Nozomi pouted dramatically. So much for kissing her. He had hoped for something more daring, but knowing Yukino... that was too much, too soon.
So, he cleared his throat and smirked.
"Then... a knee pillow."
"Knee... pillow?"
"Yeah. I want Yukino's knee pillow."
He didn't call her 'President' anymore. Didn't even call her 'Yukinoshita.' Just... 'Yukino.'
Her cheeks turned crimson. She looked into his face, serious but still filled with teasing.
After a moment, she nodded.
"Okay."
His smile was so bright it made her look away.
"Tomorrow then? Is tomorrow okay?"
His voice was gentle, but his eyes burned like fire.
Yukino's heart thumped hard. She looked at her feet, then nodded once again.
"Okay..."
He had thought it out. A hug was too easy. He could've done that anytime. A kiss was too bold. She'd never agree. But a knee pillow? A knee pillow was perfect. A chance to rest his head on her soft thighs openly. And once he had that...
Well—who knew what came next?
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