Hoshimi glanced at Yukino out of the corner of his eye and calmly said, "It's not that I want her to come; I'm just puzzled. Given Kotoko's personality, she wouldn't miss this opportunity unless..."
"Unless what?" Yukino pressed him.
"Unless Kotoko has a bigger plan. Otherwise, she wouldn't give up this chance."
"..." Yukino sipped her miso soup, thoughtfully considering Kotoko's situation.
Based on what Kotoko had laid out earlier, Yukino might have figured out why Kotoko didn't show up.
Kotoko likely chose to avoid stirring up rumors of a love triangle by not making a move.
It was surprising; Yukino had assumed Kotoko was the type to do as she pleased, but it seemed she also considered the bigger picture.
"Yukino, do you know something?" Hoshimi asked, noticing the realization on Yukino's face.
"I don't know..." Yukino instinctively wanted to deny it but then nodded slightly, "Yes, I do know a little."
"Can you tell me?"
"No."
"...Really?"
"Yes, really."
Hoshimi didn't push further. He picked up his chopsticks and continued eating while pondering.
It was probably during the time he went to get breakfast that Yukino and Kotoko had a conversation. Otherwise, with Yukino's lack of emotional intelligence, she wouldn't have guessed Kotoko's intentions.
As for Kotoko, she might be setting up a decoy.
Kotoko's words to Yukino this morning might not be true. That little fox was much more cunning than Yukino, and she could lie so convincingly that it sounded real.
The answer Yukino now had was probably wrong. Only Kotoko knew the real situation.
Who could guess what that "Goddess of Wisdom" was really planning?
After pondering a bit, Hoshimi cheerfully stopped thinking about it. He continued eating with his right hand while his left hand stealthily reached towards Yukino's lap.
"?" Yukino glanced at the hand on her thigh, then at Hoshimi's profile.
Her face turned cold as she put down her cup and placed her left hand over Hoshimi's.
She only pressed it down without pushing it away because she knew that if she did, Hoshimi would just keep trying.
Since that was the case, she might as well let him act under her supervision—this way, she felt secure, and Hoshimi was happy. It was a win-win situation.
...
Meanwhile, in a small grove behind Sobu High's academic building, Kotoko Iwanaga was giving orders to a group of adorable little yokai in front of her.
"Blackie, head east and ask Lord Marsh if there's any strong cultivation technique. Not from onmyoji—they're a dead end. Ask if there's anything from the mainland across the sea."
"Whitey, go north and ask Snow Woman and Momiji."
"Pinkie, go south and ask the Mountain Child and Zashiki-warashi."
"The west... I'll go there myself. After all, there are only a few big yokai there."
"Alright, off you go. Hm? You don't want to? Then find some other yokai to take your place."
"Good, good, agreed. Now go quickly."
Watching the palm-sized little fox spirits depart, Kotoko massaged her temples, feeling a headache coming on.
A powerful cultivation technique—Hoshimi had really given her a tough task.
In modern times, there were no strong cultivation techniques left. The slightly better ones were family secrets of onmyoji, sorcerers, and priestesses, impossible to acquire.
Even if she could get one, she couldn't pass it on to Hoshimi. After all, she was the "Goddess of Wisdom," the "Yokai Priestess," and her role was to maintain the balance between humans and yokai. Her position was already sensitive.
If she were to leak secret techniques, it would damage her reputation and make her work more difficult in the future.
So, the only option was to ask the yokai if they had any ancient cultivation techniques passed down through generations.
There was probably something, but whether it would suit Hoshimi was uncertain.
"Ah... so troublesome..."
Kotoko couldn't help but clutch her head in frustration at the thought of sifting through various cultivation techniques in the near future.
"Maybe I should go to Hoshimi for some comfort..."
Kotoko took a step, intending to find Hoshimi and collect some of her payment in advance.
Halfway there, she suddenly changed direction and headed towards the first-year B-class classroom.
Never mind, she wouldn't go looking for Hoshimi this lunchtime.
First, there wasn't enough time to say much.
Second, she couldn't push too hard, or Hoshimi might start feeling irritated.
This competition had only just begun, so there was no need to rush.
There was plenty of time in the future to gradually set things up and secure victory.
...
The bell rang, signaling the end of the lunch break and the start of afternoon classes.
Two periods flew by quickly. Yukino and Kotoko focused on their classes, while Hoshimi spent the time in his dreams, serving as Kasumigaoka's human pillow for two periods.
After school, Hoshimi noticed that Yukino, who rarely used her phone, was typing on it.
Curious about what Yukino was doing, he quietly slipped behind her to take a peek.
"?!"
Yukino was actually sending an email!
Hoshimi squinted to read it.
Recipient: Yui Yuigahama.
Email content: "The Service Club will reopen today. Yuigahama-san, please pass this information on to Hikigaya-san."
Watching Yukino painstakingly type out each character with her single-finger typing, Hoshimi leaned down, resting his hands on her shoulders.
"The Service Club, huh? I almost forgot you had a club, Yukino."
Startled by the sudden contact, Yukino's body trembled slightly. Annoyed, she swatted Hoshimi's hand.
"Hoshimi, when did you sneak up behind me?"
"When you started typing. But let's not talk about that..." Hoshimi changed the subject, "Yukino, you're reopening the Service Club, right? I'll go with you."
Yukino raised an eyebrow, "Hoshimi, do you want to join the Service Club?"
"Why not?" Hoshimi countered.
"...You can, but..." Yukino hesitated.
It would be nice for Hoshimi to join the Service Club, but she was worried about certain issues...
The scene from the tennis court, where Hoshimi playfully ruffled Yui's hair, had stirred some unnecessary concerns in her heart.
Hoshimi asked, "But what?"
"Nothing..." Yukino shook her head.
It should be fine; that was in the past, and now is now.
With Hoshimi in the Service Club, she could keep an eye on him, so her worries were probably unfounded...
"If it's nothing, let's go."
"Yeah, let's go."
===
Enjoying the novel? If you'd like to read additional chapters, visit my Patreon page at - patreon.com/cherryblooming.
There are already more than 30 extra chapters available.