Doubts intertwined in Kotoko's mind.
Moments later, she smiled mischievously and pinched the soft flesh at Hoshimi's waist.
This Service Club sure is interesting. Not a single person here is simple. Hoshimi is a master at playing layers, and even Yukinoshita has unknowingly grown into a multi-layered individual.
As for that girl, Yuigahama Yui, she's no innocent little girl either. Her ability to change faces and her cunning far exceed the norm.
As for that "transparent" Hikigaya, he can keep pretending to be invisible if he wants. No one will care either way.
"Hoshimi-senpai~~" Kotoko playfully pinched the soft flesh at Hoshimi's waist.
"Mm-hmm?"
"This club is really fun~"
"... I think so too."
"What a shame there's no new task today. It could have been even more fun."
Hoshimi shook his head without responding. He raised his right hand, placed it on Kotoko's thigh, and started tapping Morse code with his finger while saying, "Kotoko, I'm feeling a bit sleepy."
"Sleepy?" Kotoko responded casually while her focus shifted to deciphering the Morse code Hoshimi tapped on her leg.
She translated the code bit by bit.
"Kotoko, I'm going to start practicing breathing techniques."
Breathing techniques?
Kotoko was a bit confused. Where did Hoshimi get breathing techniques from? Could they be reliable?
She covered Hoshimi's hand and tapped back in Morse code.
"Where did you get it from? Is it reliable?"
"Very reliable. As for the source, I'll tell you later."
"Alright."
Kotoko didn't ask further. She opened her arms and smiled sweetly, saying, "Come, Hoshimi, rest in my arms."
Hoshimi looked at Kotoko's flat chest and, with a subtle expression, said, "Kotoko, just let me rest on your shoulder."
"Hmph~" Sensing the implication in Hoshimi's words, Kotoko pouted and poked his side in dissatisfaction.
Hoshimi chuckled and ruffled Kotoko's little head in return.
He then leaned back on the sofa, closed his eyes, and began practicing the breathing techniques.
He didn't choose to rest on Kotoko's shoulder—she was too short, and it would be uncomfortable.
Seeing Hoshimi occupied with his own matters, Kotoko stopped bothering him. Imitating Yukinoshita, she grabbed a book from the shelf and immersed herself in reading.
With no one speaking, the Service Club fell into silence.
When Yuigahama returned from her daydreaming, she quietly joined in on the reading as well.
As she read, Yuigahama suddenly remembered how many questions she couldn't answer during the last exam.
"…"
For a moment, a wave of sadness welled up in Yuigahama's heart...
...
At 5:30 PM, the Service Club's activities for the day concluded.
After gathering their things, the group left the club together.
"Hoshimi, wait a moment, I need to talk to you."
At the club's entrance, Kotoko suddenly grabbed the corner of Hoshimi's shirt.
Hoshimi stopped and turned to her, "Mm-hmm? What is it?"
Kotoko didn't reply right away. Instead, she glanced at the other three.
Hikigaya and Yuigahama immediately understood and quietly walked off, leaving space for Kotoko and Hoshimi.
Yukinoshita, however, remained standing in place with a cold expression, clearly not intending to let Kotoko and Hoshimi be alone.
Kotoko glanced at Yukinoshita but didn't mind. She turned to Hoshimi and said, "Hoshimi, I'm going to take some time off to deal with something."
"Hmm?" Hoshimi's expression grew serious. He looked at Kotoko and asked, "Is it about 'that'? How long will it take? Is it dangerous?"
Kotoko's eyes curved as she smiled brightly, answering, "Yes, it's about 'that.' It should take three to five days at the shortest, or a week at most. As for danger..."
She put her hands on her hips and confidently puffed out her flat chest. "Hoshimi, I'm the 'Goddess of Wisdom' and 'Yokai Priestess.' I have plenty of protection around me, so you don't need to worry about my safety at all."
Hoshimi said nothing. He simply reached out and ruffled Kotoko's fluffy hair.
"Hehe~" Kotoko giggled and rubbed her head against Hoshimi's hand.
Then, she opened her arms and sweetly said, "Hoshimi~ Hug me~"
Hoshimi leaned down and, like lifting a child, picked Kotoko up. Supporting her by the waist, he made sure she sat comfortably in his arms.
"Hehe~" Kotoko nuzzled Hoshimi's face and, at the same time, shot a provocative glance at Yukinoshita.
"..." Yukinoshita remained cold and looked out at the dusk-lit hallway, completely ignoring Kotoko's provocation.
"Hoshimi~ Let's go~" Kotoko shifted her focus back to Hoshimi.
"Mm." Hoshimi responded, carrying Kotoko as he walked forward and called out to Yukinoshita, "Yukino, let's go."
Yukinoshita ignored Kotoko and walked beside Hoshimi, matching his pace.
As the golden evening light filtered through the hallway windows, the three of them appeared like a family...
If not for their different hair colors and Yukinoshita's stern expression, which completely ruined the "family" harmony...
...
At the school gate, the five members of the Service Club exchanged their usual farewells before parting ways.
"Goodbye, Yukinoshita-senpai, Yuigahama-san, Hikigaya-san~" Kotoko said as she bid farewell to the others.
Then, she looked at Hoshimi, who was still carrying her. She lowered her head, rested her forehead against his, and sweetly said, "Hoshimi~ I'll be back soon~ Don't forget to wait for me~"
"Mm, stay safe. By the way..." Hoshimi's tone shifted as he continued, "Kotoko, remember to go to bed on time every night. I'll think about you from 3 AM to 7 AM. If anything comes up, send me an email, and I won't think about you anymore."
"Mm-hmm~" Knowing the true meaning behind Hoshimi's words, Kotoko's smile became even more enchanting. She cupped Hoshimi's face and, right in front of everyone, gave him a deep, three-minute-long kiss.
Perfect! Hoshimi cares about her too. This made all her efforts to transfer to Hoshimi's school totally worth it.
From the side, Hikigaya watched Hoshimi and Kotoko kissing passionately in the twilight, silently grumbling to himself.
That first-year sure has guts. This is right at the school gate! Students from Sobu High pass by here all the time!
==
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