After changing into casual clothes at ho, Ichin and Utaha got ready to head out.
Although it wasn't dinner ti yet, they planned to stroll around and relax for a bit before their reservation.
However, just as they stepped outside, Ichin's phone rang—it was Shinoda Haji.
Finding out that Ichin and Utaha were still at the doorstep, Haji quickly told them to wait there before hanging up.
Soon after, she arrived along with Iijima Yun, who hadn't gone ho yet.
"Here you go, Ichin-kun!"
With that, Haji handed over a beautifully wrapped package of chocolates, enclosed in a delicate transparent bag.
"These are chocolates Yun and I made for you today. Since the others aren't around, the two of us made them on everyone's behalf. It's a little gift from all of us!"
Ichin hadn't expected them to prepare chocolates for him, and he smiled in surprise.
"Wow, thanks! This is a really pleasant surprise."
"Hehe, as long as you like it! We'll be off now. It's Valentine's Day—have fun with Utaha~"
With cheerful smiles, Haji and Yun waved and walked away.
Looking at the chocolates in Ichin's hands, Utaha smiled and nudged his shoulder.
"Chocolates from the entire studio, huh? Seems like your popularity with the ladies is even better than I thought, Ichin."
"They're obligation chocolates, what are you even thinking?"
Ichin playfully flicked her forehead, then opened the bag, took out a piece, and popped it into her mouth.
He followed by grabbing one for himself.
"Mmm, they know my taste—none of that bitter stuff."
After neatly tying the bag back up, Ichin returned inside to store the chocolates safely. Only then did he finally lock the door and head out with Utaha.
This being their first Valentine's Day together, Ichin had gone all out.
The restaurant he reserved was one of Tokyo's finest—perfect ambiance, romantic candlelight, and exceptional food.
As soft violin music played in the background, the two enjoyed a flawless candlelit dinner.
---
8 PM — outside the restaurant.
Arm in arm with Ichin, Utaha looked completely unbothered by the evening chill.
A radiant smile lit up her face.
"Ichin, what's next? Hotel?"
Scratching the back of his head, Ichin replied,
"I know it's kind of a buzzkill to say this, but… we still have school tomorrow.
And honestly, I think ho feels more like our place than so hotel."
"Then... let's go ho?"
Utaha leaned in and whispered into Ichin's ear,
"I just rembered—I bought a new outfit in secret, sothing you've never seen before. Since it's a special day, I'll show it to you when we get back."
"…"
Ichin paused for just a mont—then without hesitation, raised his hand and flagged down an approaching taxi.
Tonight was destined to be… intense.
---
Tuesday, 8:00 AM
Ichin and Utaha arrived at school and happened to see Shizuka Hiratsuka entering the gates—on foot, no car today.
At that mont, she clearly hadn't recovered from her hangover.
Yawning constantly, she was rubbing her temples with a pained expression.
Ichin and Utaha exchanged a glance before walking over to Shizuka Hiratsuka.
"Good morning, Hiratsuka-sensei."
Hearing the voice behind her, Hiratsuka turned to look at the two of them and replied,
"Oh, good morning."
Utaha examined her face up close and frowned slightly.
"Hiratsuka-sensei, did you all drink a lot last night?"
"Ah, it wasn't that much," she replied, a little vaguely.
After thinking for a mont, Hiratsuka added,
"I knew I had classes this morning, so I held back quite a bit while drinking.
But the other three? They're probably still out cold right now. Especially Sonoko—she probably won't be up until this afternoon."
Even though they didn't witness it firsthand, judging by Hiratsuka's current state and what she said about Machida Sonoko, it was obvious to Ichin and Utaha that her idea of "not much" was… extrely questionable.
On the contrary, they definitely did drink a lot.
Seeing Hiratsuka still clearly not fully awake, Ichin said with a helpless tone,
"Whatever the case, alcohol's not sothing you should overdo. It's better to drink less. Sensei, you should grab so hangover tea or sothing during your break."
"Don't worry, don't worry. I've got experience,"
Hiratsuka said casually, waving her hand dismissively. She then walked into the school building alongside Ichin and Utaha.
---
It was the day after Valentine's Day. Clearly, a lot had happened between students after school the day before—things that weren't publicly known.
It was obvious from the sight of new couples walking together through the campus, boys and girls now paired up.
Seeing that, Hiratsuka clicked her tongue in irritation.
"Tch. Kids these days…"
Honestly, her reaction was kind of amusing.
But neither Ichin nor Utaha dared say that out loud—if they did, she'd definitely blow up at them.
---
After classes in the afternoon, Ichin and Utaha headed ho, with Eriri and Yukino coming along as well.
While walking, Ichin remarked,
"From yesterday till now, it's been nearly two days. I wonder how everyone spent Valentine's."
Besides a few who just went out casually, Ichin was particularly curious about Toyama Rin, who had gone out with Kō Yagami.
Their relationship—as "close female friends"—was often a favorite gossip topic for Ichin and Utaha during their late-night chats under the covers.
Next to him, Utaha nodded in agreent.
"We should definitely find out more when we get back.
Eriri, when did your parents co ho last night?"
"Co ho? As if."
Eriri replied bluntly, "They didn't even bother making dinner. If I hadn't called them, they wouldn't have even told they weren't coming back!"
Oof, now that felt real.
While Sayuri Sawamura was indeed a loving mother, on Valentine's Day… it was clear who had the priority.
No doubt Spencer had prepared sothing elaborate for the occasion—so much so that Sayuri probably didn't even have ti to check on her daughter.
Seeing Eriri's puffed-up, annoyed face, Ichin chuckled and turned to Yukino.
"Did your sister call you today? We saw Hiratsuka-sensei this morning—she said they drank quite a bit last night."
At the ntion of her sister, Yukino's composed expression visibly cracked.
"She hasn't called today, but last night she wouldn't stop blowing up my phone—after she got drunk.
I have no idea how she managed to find my number in that state. I couldn't even understand what she was saying—it was so noisy on her end.
Especially Hiratsuka-sensei—her voice was really loud."
That chaotic, huh?
But judging from how calm Hiratsuka looked this morning…
Could it be she got so drunk she forgot everything?
//END
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