The wind blew through the blue-and-white striped curtains, creating a faint rustling sound.
In the living room, the TV and the serious conversation between Yoruha and Nanako continued.
Despite everything, Yoruha and Nanako got along well.
It's better to say that Nanako could get along with anyone!
Haruto picked up the stockings on the chair, turned around, and sat down.
Summer had arrived, yet the morning was still somewhat cold.
This wasn't normal.
However, no one seemed to notice, merely assuming it was due to this year's climate.
Haruto reached out, took the girl's left leg, and said, "Don't move your leg."
Sora propped herself up, tilted her head slightly, and gazed at Haruto unblinkingly, a gentle light shining in her eyes.
She didn't expect Haruto to actually agree. This showed he was truly beginning to accept her in his heart.
But this wasn't enough.
"Haruto, it tickles~"
"Bear with it."
Haruto's expression was calm, but his heart was not.
Sora was wearing ordinary knee-high black socks. The fabric was quite soft and smooth.
But that wasn't the main point.
The main point was that helping her put on socks meant touching Sora's legs.
Compared to the stockings, her skin felt softer.
Overall, it felt pleasant to the touch.
Haruto identified the front and back, opened the stocking, slipped it over Sora's toes, and gently pulled it up. He easily reached the calf area.
Finally, the edge of the stocking sunk in slightly, leaving a shallow mark on her skin.
Haruto glanced at her and said, "Other leg."
"Wait a moment, my leg's gone numb." Sora turned away, hesitated a moment, and whispered, "Haruto, maybe I should do it myself."
Haruto raised his eyes: "You can't just do it halfway?"
Sora glared angrily: "Get out, quickly!"
"I won't leave!" Haruto placed one hand on the bed and suddenly leaned closer to her.
A hint of nervousness and shyness appeared on Sora's face, "Idiot, w-what are you doing?"
Haruto looked straight into her eyes and said in a low voice, "I'll help you if you ask, and I'll leave if you want me to. Don't you think I deserve a little respect?"
"So, you know what to do, right?"
"…"
Sora hesitated. There was no way to continue.
"I-I know."
It was impossible to admit fault.
As for what exactly to do, Sora had understood the main points.
It was like coaxing Nanako. When Nanako was unhappy, take her out to eat to make her happy.
She might even turn sweet and affectionate.
Although Haruto was not a child but an adult, even adults weren't all that different from children in some ways.
In general, that was it.
Give him a date, and he'd be satisfied and leave, right?
It was impossible to continue, as Sora was entirely underestimating her own resistance.
Outside the house, Nanako and Yoruha's voices could still be heard.
It had to be said that Nanako was lively and friendly.
Listening to the sounds outside, Sora took action after a moment's thought.
❀❀❀
Hiratsuka tapped the desk, waiting for silence, and said, "I have some news to share. Our class will have a school study trip. This time, there are two potential locations to choose from: Kyoto and Fuyuki City."
"Fuyuki City."
As soon as these words left her mouth, the whole class immediately became excited, with many chatting excitedly.
A study trip could also be called a staycation.
Originally introduced from Europe, it was then preserved as a tradition. Japan has established a rule that students from elementary school through university must complete a study trip, either domestically or abroad.
In this form of group training, the entire process—from traveling, eating, training, exercising, to some people sharing rooms at night—everyone moves as a team.
Everyone takes care of each other and cooperates. While growing and learning, they also foster a spirit of collaboration.
"Quiet."
Hiratsuka tapped the desk, waiting for the room to calm down, then said, "If anyone doesn't want to go, let the teacher know beforehand. Of course, the teacher's advice is for everyone to go."
"After all, if you miss the study trip once, you won't have another chance, so I don't want you to regret it. Do you understand?"
"Also, if you're facing any difficulties, you can tell the teacher as well."
Finally, Hiratsuka said, "If there are no changes, the trip will begin in two weeks. During this time, the school will tally votes and then choose the destination."
A girl raised her hand, "Shizuka, ahem, Hiratsuka-sensei, why did you choose Kyoto and Fuyuki City this time?"
Hiratsuka's eye twitched slightly, then she said, "This is the school's arrangement. I don't know the specific reason, but one thing you can be sure of is that neither Kyoto nor Fuyuki City will disappoint anyone."
"Hiratsuka-sensei, I heard Kyoto is an ultra-modern city, even more prosperous than Tokyo. Is that true?"
"I heard there's a family of Magus in Fuyuki City. Is that true?"
After handling the students, the bell signaling the end of class rang.
Hiratsuka looked at Haruto, who was lying face down and hadn't moved since class began, and said with a neutral expression, "Kuromori, come with me."