In the resplendent private elevator, Aoyama Nanami looked around with a hint of unease.
Compared to the ordinary elevator in the apartment, this elevator used exclusively in Hoshimi's home was much more spacious. The main color scheme was opulent gold, giving the sensation of being in a five-star hotel elevator.
Another major difference was that this private elevator had no surveillance cameras...
"..." Nanami pressed her lips together, furtively glancing at Hoshimi from the corner of her eye.
She couldn't quite figure out Hoshimi's intentions—why did he suddenly choose to use the private elevator today?
He had always used the ordinary elevator before...
"Sniff~ sniff~"
As she pondered, Nanami caught a whiff of the scent on Hoshimi.
"??"
The scent has changed?
Nanami was puzzled. She slightly wrinkled her nose, trying to identify the new scent on Hoshimi.
It was true—the scent on Hoshimi had indeed changed...
Previously, Hoshimi's scent had been a fruity aroma, giving a feeling of being in an orchard.
But now, it was entirely different, a floral scent she had never smelled before, and it was quite strong...
What did Hoshimi do during the day? Why did his scent change so drastically?
Nanami was filled with questions as she observed Hoshimi carefully.
Suddenly, Nanami's gaze froze on Hoshimi's shoulder...
There was a single strand of black, long hair—clearly belonging to a girl.
Nanami's expression went blank as she averted her gaze.
A girl, so that's it—Hoshimi must have gone on a date with a female classmate today.
No, it might be more than just a classmate; it could be a girlfriend.
For a strand of hair to be left on Hoshimi's shoulder, it must mean the girl had rested her head on him.
Such intimate behavior is typically something only couples would do.
So Hoshimi has a girlfriend...
Nanami's expression grew dim.
Of course, someone as handsome, kind, and well-off as Hoshimi would attract girls. It's no surprise he's already in a relationship...
Well, it's fine. Hoshimi won't be so lonely anymore; having someone by his side is good...
"Ding--"
The elevator arrived at the first floor. After Hoshimi took a few steps out, he noticed Nanami was still standing there with her head lowered.
He turned to her and called out, "Nanami?"
Nanami, jolted from her thoughts, looked up at Hoshimi with a forced smile and said, "Hoshimi-kun, sorry, I was daydreaming."
"Hm? What were you thinking about?" Hoshimi tilted his head slightly, observing Nanami with interest.
"Um... nothing much..." Nanami's gaze shifted, and she pointed to the elevator door, "Hoshimi-kun, the elevator door is closing. Let's hurry out."
"Alright, let's go." Hoshimi naturally took a step back and pulled Nanami's arm to lead her out of the elevator.
"Click---"
With the elevator doors closing, Hoshimi let go of Nanami and asked again, "Nanami, what were you thinking just now?"
"Um..." Nanami fidgeted with her fingers, her voice barely audible, "I was thinking about school..."
"School?" Hoshimi's face lit up with realization, "Is it the mid-term exams? It's about that time, when are your exams?"
"Next Wednesday." Nanami sighed with relief and followed up on the topic Hoshimi had brought up, asking, "Hoshimi-kun, when are your exams?"
"I heard it's the week after next, but I don't know the exact date." Hoshimi started walking, "Let's chat while we walk."
"Okay..." Nanami kept pace with Hoshimi, hesitating for a moment before falling half a step behind, looking almost like a follower.
"Hm?" Hoshimi glanced back at Nanami, puzzled, "Nanami, am I walking too fast?"
Hoshimi stepped back to walk alongside Nanami.
"No... no, it's just... my own issue..." Nanami's eyes darted around as she mumbled an explanation.
"Alright, I'll slow down. We can talk more this way." Hoshimi smiled and seamlessly continued the previous topic, "By the way, Nanami, how are your grades in cultural subjects?"
"Average..."
"Hmm? I thought you'd be a top student. Is it because your part-time job is affecting your study time?"
"Yeah..."
"I see..." Hoshimi leaned closer, jokingly whispering in Nanami's ear, "Nanami, how about coming to my house as a maid? The hours are flexible, the pay is good, and you can study during your free time~"
Feeling the warm breath against her ear, Nanami's earlobes reddened. She looked down, struggling to suppress her embarrassment, and responded, "Hoshimi-kun, please don't joke around..."
"Hehe~" Hoshimi chuckled and decisively changed the topic, "Nanami, how's your voice acting course going?"
"It's okay..."
"Really? Tell me about voice acting—anything is fine, techniques or industry gossip. I'm curious about what happens behind the scenes."
"Um..." Nanami thought for a moment and began sharing some industry gossip she had occasionally heard.
"Hoshimi-kun, the voice acting industry is tough. I heard many newcomers have to rely on part-time jobs to make a living, just like that senior who voiced in..."
Once Nanami started talking about the industry she aspired to join, she became animated, speaking continuously.
Hoshimi listened attentively, occasionally responding to show he was still engaged and teasing her now and then to keep the conversation lively.
After they exited the apartment, Hoshimi glanced at the high-rise building behind them.
Why did he suddenly use the private elevator today?
The reason was simple: taking the ordinary elevator had a low, but a chance of running into Yukino. Having spent the day with Yukino, it was clear what would happen if she saw him leaving with another girl.
He didn't want to waste his efforts of these past few days, so taking a longer route and using the private elevator was the best choice to eliminate any risk!
...
On the bustling, brightly lit commercial street, Hoshimi suddenly stopped.
"Hoshimi-kun, what's wrong?" Nanami asked, following his lead.
"I'm hungry. Let's go; I'll treat you to a meal." Hoshimi, thinking on impulse, grabbed Nanami's hand and started searching for a restaurant.
"Eh? Hoshimi-kun, I'm not hungry..." Nanami, being pulled along, felt anxious about the possibility of being taken to a fancy restaurant or a high-end hotel.
If that were the case, she would need to spend a lot of money on gifts to reciprocate...
"Ramen? How about this place?"
"Eh..."
Seeing the plain ramen shop, Nanami hesitated for a moment but allowed Hoshimi to lead her inside.
If it's just a regular ramen shop... it should be fine...
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