With this chapter, I'm finally debt-free...
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Yuigahama Yui was flustered and shy at first, but as soon as she heard those gentle words, her expression softened into pure surprise.
Yukinoshita Yukino bit her lower lip unconsciously.
(What a serious Yuigahama...)
She remembered yesterday when she and Sanshokuin helped guide her through baking cookies. Yui hadn't looked nearly that happy.
But now...
That baka man again. Hozuki Nozomi.
Yesterday, he hugged another girl.
Today, he was gently coaxing Yui.
What's the big idea? Why does he say those things so casually?
As they walked toward the cooking room, Hozuki Nozomi purposely slowed his pace and leaned in, his lips nearly brushing Yukinoshita Yukino's ear.
"After you finish helping Yui with her request, don't forget about my lap pillow, ne? If you try to dodge it again... I will chase you down tonight to claim it. Got it?"
"B-Baka...!" Yukinoshita Yukino turned crimson, shooting him a fierce glare. But her voice was soft—almost reluctant.
"Wakatta... I'm not someone who breaks their promises."
"Sou ka? That's weird, because I clearly remember someone messaging me yesterday saying the lap pillow was canceled."
Yukinoshita's words froze in her throat. Her face flushed even redder as she stared daggers at him, lips trembling.
But Nozomi only grinned, cheeky as ever, and winked at her.
"after all, I only want your lap pillow, Yukino-chan."
Unable to take more of his teasing, she sped up, walking ahead of him with her ears bright red. She didn't want to give him another chance to whisper nonsense into her ear.
(Hmph. And I had just criticized Yuigahama for being so easily swayed... Yet here I am, no better.)
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In the cooking room, a flurry of movement and the warm smell of sugar filled the air.
After a while, Yuigahama's batch of cookies emerged from the oven... a little overdone. The edges were slightly burnt, and the shape was far from perfect.
She glanced over at Nozomi's tray—neatly baked, golden brown cookies that looked like they belonged in a magazine.
The gap in their skill was obvious.
Yui drooped like a wilted flower.
Even Suou Yuki's cookies came out with a perfect, dazzling finish. They sparkled like they had been kissed by the gods.
"…Gomen ne, Nozomi-kun. I guess I really suck at baking. I can't even make something as simple as cookies."
She lowered her head, voice trembling with disappointment.
But Nozomi simply smiled, picked up one of her slightly burnt cookies, and popped it in his mouth.
"Hmm... it's crispy on the outside, but still has a nice taste. See? Totally edible."
He gave her a thumbs-up.
"You were just nervous, Yui. That's why you misjudged the baking time. It happens to everyone. But you still gave it your best shot, and that counts the most."
He grinned warmly.
"Besides, cooking isn't the only thing that defines a girl's worth. You made these for me despite knowing your own limits—and I really appreciate that. That alone makes them delicious."
"I accept all of these cookies with honor! I even skipped lunch just in case—so I'm eating everything!"
Yui's eyes welled up.
"Uu... Nozomi-kun... Thank you!!"
He had seen right through her efforts and accepted them without hesitation. Her heart felt warm.
"Oi, oi, what about us, Yuigahama-san?! We helped too!"
"Ah—yes, yes! Thank you so much, Yukinoshita-san, Sanshokuin-san, Suou-san! I'm super grateful for all of your guidance!"
She bowed deeply to all of them.
Then, she gave Hozuki Nozomi one last happy glance before dashing off like a schoolgirl in a shoujo manga.
Nozomi turned to Yukinoshita Yukino and winked.
"Knee pillow."
Yukino's face twitched. The moment of truth had arrived.
She tried to act cool, but the blush on her face betrayed her.
Still, a promise was a promise.
Making up her mind, she casually excused herself to the bathroom.
Hozuki Nozomi followed shortly after, making up a similar excuse.
From the corner of the room, Sumireko and Suou Yuki exchanged glances.
"The President… is so dishonest!"
"Un. She always acts cold and serious, but now she's sneaking off with Nozomi-kun like it's a secret date. So unfair!"
They both nodded in agreement.