Haha, sou da na." ("Is that so?")
After hearing her explanation, Hozuki Nozomi realized he had completely misunderstood the situation. He let out a small sigh before settling down next to Sanshokuin Sumireko, placing his bento on his lap.
He opened the lid, revealing a neatly arranged al, and began eating in comfortable silence. There was no need for unnecessary conversation—just the quiet companionship of two people enjoying their lunch.
Yet, despite the lack of words, a peculiar warmth lingered in the air between them.
From ti to ti, Sumireko stole glances at him from the corner of her eye, the faint curve of a knowing smile forming on her lips. So, he really had seen through her little act, huh?
Well, she didn't dislike this kind of interaction. It was much better than dealing with those boys who constantly hovered around her, driven by nothing more than infatuation with her looks. Confessions, invitations to dates—she had heard them all before, and they were honestly exhausting.
This, though?
This wasn't so bad.
Once Nozomi finished his lunch, he stretched his arms lazily, letting the afternoon breeze wash over him. Nothing quite like eating well and then taking a short rest—this was peak comfort.
But just as he was about to close his eyes and drift off, he suddenly felt a weight on his shoulder.
A soft, delicate fragrance tickled his nose.
—Sumireko?!
She had leaned her head against him without hesitation, her silky twin-tails brushing against his arm.
Nozomi stiffened.
This girl... she was undeniably beautiful. Any guy would be flustered in this situation.
What was she thinking, leaning on him so naturally like this?
His body tensed up slightly. The sweet scent of her hair filled his senses, making it hard to focus. He wasn't sure where to place his hands—should he just let them rest on his lap? Or...?
His body acted before his brain could catch up. Instinctively, his arm moved, slipping around her waist in an attempt to adjust their posture.
"Nn...!"
A small, surprised sound escaped Sumireko's lips, a faint blush dusting her cheeks. She opened her eyes slightly, peering up at him with an amused expression.
"Ahem," Nozomi cleared his throat awkwardly, trying to think of an excuse. "Uh… my arm cramped up, and I needed Sanshokuin's waist to, uh, fix it."
"Pffft. That's the worst excuse I've ever heard." Sumireko giggled, shaking her head.
Yet, despite her teasing, she made no effort to move away. Instead, she closed her eyes again, seemingly accepting the situation.
After a brief mont, she murmured in a soft voice.
"Don't move."
Nozomi paused.
"I like this... the feeling of security."
Her words were gentle, barely above a whisper.
Then, as if sensing his hesitation, she added, "But if you try anything weird, I'll be very disappointed."
He let out a small chuckle, relaxing slightly. "Noted. I'll keep my hands where they belong."
For a while, they simply sat there, neither one speaking. The rooftop breeze swayed gently around them, carrying with it the quiet peace of the mont.
Yet, Nozomi couldn't help but shake his head. "Still… you're giving the wrong idea, Sumireko."
"Sumireko?" She repeated his words with a slight smile, her voice carrying a hint of amusent.
Nozomi blinked. Good grief—she had already fallen asleep again.
Was she careless? Or did she just trust him that much?
He sighed, letting the mont be. He wasn't about to do anything weird. He just closed his eyes and allowed himself to enjoy the feeling of the afternoon sun warming his skin.
—anwhile, behind them, hidden in the shadows of the rooftop entrance, a certain girl was watching.
Kawasaki Saki, arms crossed, was at a complete loss for words.
She had co up here first, intending to enjoy her usual mont of solitude.
Then these two showed up—occupying a whole bench, sitting down, and acting all lovey-dovey like so kind of romantic ani scene.
She was completely caught off guard.
What the hell was this?
Kawasaki sighed in frustration, looking away with a slight scowl.
Everyone in class assud that Nozomi and Shiina Mahiru were close, maybe even dating in secret. But now…
Here he was, casually having an intimate mont with Sanshokuin Sumireko of all people?!
Did he have really weird taste? Or was there sothing about this girl that no one else noticed?
Kawasaki shook her head violently, dismissing the thought.
Tch. This had nothing to do with her. It wasn't like she cared.
Whatever.
She decided to just wait for them to leave before stepping out. The last thing she wanted was to interrupt this weird rooftop tryst.
…
An hour passed.
Nozomi slowly stirred from his light nap, stretching his arms as he woke up.
Man, that was refreshing.
He had literally spent an hour with a beautiful girl leaning against him—what a surreal experience. Even now, he didn't quite understand why Sumireko was so comfortable being this close to him.
Still, he wasn't about to complain.
When Nozomi opened his eyes, he found that Sanshokuin Sumireko had woken up long ago and was watching him with her sharp yet playful gaze.
Their eyes t, and for a mont, the world seed to slow down. Nozomi, feeling a sudden impulse, spoke up.
"Sumireko, can I see you without your glasses?"
"No."
"Eh? Why not? You let hug you."
Sumireko smirked, tilting her head slightly. "Let's put it this way—I'm not ready yet. That's not a problem, is it?"
Nozomi chuckled, shaking his head. "Of course not. Take your ti."
There was no need to rush. They had plenty of ti.
"Hehe, I appreciate you respecting my whims."
With that, Sumireko leaned in and wrapped her arms around his, her warm breath tickling his skin. The way her brows relaxed and the corners of her lips lifted into a soft smile made Nozomi's chest feel strangely warm.
He let out a small laugh. "You know, I think you look pretty cute just the way you are."
"I'll take that as a complint." Sumireko smiled as she gently released his arm. "Thanks for letting use your shoulder today. But class is about to start—we should head back."
"What about the bench?"
"Leave it here for now."
As their voices faded and they left the rooftop, a silver-haired girl peeked out from behind a corner.
Kawasaki Saki let out a long sigh, feeling utterly speechless.
She had co to the rooftop for a peaceful lunch, only to be subjected to an afternoon of watching two people get lost in their own world.
…
After parting ways with Sumireko, Nozomi made his way back to his classroom. As he walked through the corridor, sothing unusual caught his eye.
A girl—no, a breathtakingly beautiful girl—was approaching him, dressed in a black bunny girl outfit.
She had long, flowing hair, an elegant face, and an air of cool confidence. Yet, beneath that composed expression, there was the slightest flicker of surprise when her gaze t his.
She ca to a stop right in front of Nozomi, resting one hand on her waist. The way her slender figure curved into a perfect S-shape under the tight bunny suit made for an incredibly striking visual.
Nozomi blinked, his eyes instinctively scanning her from head to toe.
"Have you seen enough?" she asked, a hint of annoyance in her voice.
Mai Sakurajima's lips pursed in disapproval, but despite her tone, her gaze never left his expression. It was as if she was subtly gauging his reaction.
Though she wouldn't admit it, the fact that Nozomi could see her made her feel just a little relieved.
"Not nearly enough," Nozomi replied honestly. "How could I ever get tired of looking at a beauty like my senpai? Can I keep staring? Maybe from every angle—front, back, left, right?"
Mai took two steps back, crossing her arms. "Are you so kind of pervert?"
"I could say the sa about you, walking around campus in a bunny girl costu."
Nozomi's rebuttal was swift and rciless.
Mai stiffened slightly, caught off guard by his response. However, she quickly regained her composure, raising her chin with an air of nonchalance.
"Hmph. This has nothing to do with you. I'm just running an experint."
User Comments
0 comments from readers