The difficult Monday was over, and now it was a slightly less difficult Tuesday.
Another school day had arrived.
But unlike in his past life, this time he had a quick and sharp mind, so he wasn't worried about exams.
And with so many people at school who he liked and who liked him in return, it gave him something to look forward to, unlike his previous school days.
As he thought about this idly, Sasaki patted the bed:
"I was just kidding, you're really going for it, huh? Aren't you afraid Otome and others will see?"
Rinka, like a little pangolin digging through tunnels, wiggled her body, making a face like a hamster as she peeked out from over Sasaki's shoulder.
"Gulp—"
Daily task:
Protein intake (completed)
Like a snake flicking its tongue, she moistened her lips.
Then turned over, straddling Sasaki's chest, and looked down as she tied a necktie, unconcernedly saying:
"Sister Otome is cooking downstairs, she won't come up until it's ready."
"Sister Koharu and the others seem to have no classes this morning and haven't woken up yet, Aunt Kyouka too, so don't worry."
With his hands behind his head, Sasaki looked at the fearless girl and suggested with a smile:
"So, how about we make this morning a bit more exciting?"
Rinka, although audacious, was no fool.
She knew that facing the challenge alone would likely lead to defeat, and she wouldn't risk that early in the morning.
With her sisters at home, she was just looking for a thrill, not a death wish.
She decisively shook her head, her twin ponytails swinging like a bobblehead doll as she rejected the idea with a cute voice:
"No way, no way, Sister Otome would be heartbroken if she knew."
Sitting up straight, Sasaki pulled Rinka's tender body into his embrace, gently lifting her chin and softly kissing her fragrant neck: "We're already like this, are you still worried about her getting upset?"
"It's different, even rabbits don't eat the grass by their burrows~ She told you to find someone else, not me."
"Alright then."
Unaware of her brother's wicked sense of humor.
Seeing his somewhat 'disappointed' look after her outright refusal.
Rinka, holding herself upright, whispered in his ear a promise that seemed like she'd come to see him every morning.
After a bit of affectionate teasing, they went downstairs to eat.
Breakfast was the same as always.
Prepared by Otome: rice, toast, fried chicken, grilled fish, lettuce, fruit, and more.
And of course, the fortified soup that Sasaki didn't particularly like.
There was a variety of food, but not in large quantities.
In another household, they might opt for mixed rice in the morning—simple and delicious.
But for Sasaki, while simplicity was certain, tastiness was not—he really didn't see the appeal of natto and raw eggs...
Luckily for him, Otome went out of her way to accommodate his tastes.
By changing the whole family's breakfast habits just for him, Otome's attributes as the perfect wife in Sasaki's eyes were maxed out.
Gentle, obedient, good at cooking,
knows how to accommodate others, and has a strong desire to serve~
The perfect wife.
After a quick breakfast and leaving a note for Aunt Kyouka and the others, the trio grabbed their backpacks and left the house.
Since Otome's family and Rinka's were neighbors, just separated by a wall, and their parents knew each other well,
Even though Rinka had stayed at Otome's house for a week, her parents hadn't called her back home.
As for her brother, Okino Kazuki.
Perhaps he didn't want to see Sasaki and Otome being affectionate on their way to school but, he had not appeared before the trio for a long time.
Walking along the road, they chatted about funny incidents from the previous day and plans to take the stupid Koharu for desserts that afternoon.
Sasaki walked leisurely to school.
Passing the entrance, changing his shoes, and waving goodbye to Otome.
Just as he was about to enter his class, he saw a group of girls pulling Haruno Ayato out of the classroom from the front door.
....
...
Outside the teaching building, not far from the vending machine, at the corner of the wall.
Several girls, whose demeanor clearly sets them apart from ordinary girls hm.. looking like tough girls were cornering a beautiful boy who was shorter than them, demanding something from him.
"Hey, Haruno, about this week's protection money, shouldn't you be paying up?"
"I didn't ask you for it last week, so maybe you should be a bit more generous this time, right?"
"Sister Tsushima, I... I rushed out this morning and forgot my wallet, can I pay it tomorrow?"
Pushed around by the girls, the boy, leaning against the wall, facing their mocking and teasing gazes,
Spoke with a forced smile, pleading to a girl who was leaning against the chain-link fence, chewing gum and looking down at her phone.
This girl seemed to be the leader of these tough girls.
After Haruno Ayato said this, several of the girls around him turned to look at her for her opinion.
Seeing that, the girl put her phone away in her skirt pocket.
Chewing her gum, she blew a pink bubble and then sucked it back into her mouth,
Looking at the boy's embarrassed and helpless expression, Tsushima Rina, turned to a girl with a tan next to them, teased:
"Kurihana, your taste is really unique, isn't it?"
Before the girl referred to as 'Kurihana', with brown hair, could respond, she stepped forward to Haruno Ayato and asked:
"I'll ask you a few questions. If you answer them, we'll ask you for half the protection money for the next few weeks, how about that?"
Although he really wanted to ask if they could just not demand the protection money.
He was afraid that saying this might anger the girl in front of him and lead to a beating, leaving him bruised and swollen, worrying Sister Kasumi.
So, holding the thought of 'paying off troubles', he slowly nodded.
"Very good."
Seeing him so sensible, Tsushima Rina asked with a smile:
"First question, do you have someone you like?"
"Ah?"
Although he expected them to ask some more personal and embarrassing questions for their amusement,
He did not expect such a personal but not too private question.
Caught off guard, Haruno Ayato stared blankly at Tsushima Rina.
"Hey! I'm talking to you. Why are you staring at me like that?"
Her mood changed as quickly as flipping a book.
Not getting an answer, the girl's smile quickly vanished, and she frowned impatiently.
"Ah? Sorry, I don't have anyone I like."
Since he decided to let his sister be with Sasaki, he hadn't liked anyone else, so his answer was especially straightforward.
"No one, huh? Why are you acting like an idiot?"
Frowning, she continued:
"Second question, you've been hanging out with that guy behind you for a week now, you have his LINE number, right? Give it to me."
Although he did not know what she wanted with Sasaki's LINE number.
But Haruno Ayato, wary of any girl who approached his 'brother-in-law' with an agenda, firmly shook his head:
"Sister Tsushima, you know me, I'm practically invisible in class, nobody bothers with me, how could I have his LINE number?"
"Ts..."
Although she knew that what he said was true,
But not getting the answer she wanted, Tsushima Rina still clicked her tongue in annoyance.
"Do you need something from me?"
As she was about to force him to get the other boy's LINE number, a voice from near the vending machine distracted her.
.
.
.