In the melodious sound of the euphonium, the graduating students began to slowly file out of the auditorium.
It felt less like a ceremony—and more like a grand farewell to Sobu High School itself.
Even though there were still six months before their official graduation, the atmosphere was already heavy with emotion.
Once the ceremony ended, it was time for the graduation photos.
There were the standard ones first—the full-year photo, followed by the class photos.
After that, the students broke into their own friend groups, spending their own money to take commemorative pictures.
At the school gate, the bus for the graduation trip was already waiting.
Haruto, meanwhile, was almost treated like a public attraction.
Nearly ninety percent of his classmates came over asking for photos, and even students from other classes—who barely knew him—lined up to get a shot with him.
And because so many familiar girls from the class—Kato Megumi, Yukinoshita, Gabriel, Vignette, and Yuigahama—were all there, Haruto couldn't exactly refuse.
If he accepted one photo but turned down another, he'd leave someone with a lifelong complex.
So, as always, Haruto the Good Guy ended up becoming everyone's backdrop.
At least, photo time passed quickly enough.
Once they boarded the bus bound for Kanagawa, Haruto rubbed his cheeks. He'd been smiling nonstop; his face was sore.
Kato Megumi, sitting beside him, noticed his small gesture. She reached out, her cool and soft fingers gently massaging his face.
Though she wasn't exactly skilled at it, her touch alone made him relax.
Just as Haruto began to enjoy it, commotion erupted from the front seats.
"Really!?"
"Whoa—seriously!?"
"That's insane! Super lucky!"
Whispers and exclamations spread down the aisle like wildfire.
Haruto blinked, tilting his head in confusion.
What now? It's not like Sobu students were easily impressed by random things.
Then came the shout that explained it all—
"Legendary idol Hoshino Ai just announced she'll be holding a concert in Kanagawa this Wednesday!"
Instantly, the bus exploded with screams.
Well, of course. That was Hoshino Ai.
Haruto couldn't help but smile wryly.
So, it's Ai, huh?
There aren't that many coincidences in the world. She probably requested to stay at the same place they were heading to, and scheduled the concert nearby for convenience.
Official business—just like Kaguya Shinomiya had done before.
...Which reminded him—
If Shuchiin Academy was also coming to Kanagawa for a school trip, that meant—
He felt a headache coming on.
Because if Shinomiya Kaguya was there... Fujiwara Chika wouldn't be far behind.
Before, Haruto had never thought Secretary Fujiwara was particularly troublesome. But now...
Hoshino Ai would definitely sneak out to see him.
And if Fujiwara Chika happened to notice... the consequences would be unimaginable.
Don't get him wrong—Secretary Fujiwara was a good person.
Just... a bit too talented at making chaos out of nothing.
Haruto sighed. Guess I'd better think of a contingency plan.
The bus rolled along, and before long, they arrived at the most famous hot spring hotel in Kanagawa.
Sobu High had completed check-in procedures early, yet the place felt strangely quiet.
For a hotel of this size—especially during prime hot spring season—it was practically empty.
Haruto found that suspicious. He glanced at the reservation log at the front desk, and just as he expected—
Shuchiin Academy had actually booked the place first.
Later, some of the remaining rooms were allocated to Sobu High.
Meaning, for this entire week, only students and teachers from Sobu High and Shuchiin Academy would be sharing the hotel.
Truly befitting of an elite private school... Shinomiya Kaguya's influence was unmistakable.
Still, Haruto didn't mind.
With only students and teachers staying, it meant they could have fun freely, without any outsiders causing trouble.
Once everyone finished checking in, the students received their room keys.
And as Haruto accepted his, he felt several sets of eyes lock on him.
He sighed internally.
Seriously? Wasn't this supposed to be what boys did—trying to sneak glances at the girls' keys?
He slipped the key into his pocket, ignoring the faint, disappointed sighs from around him.
Before he could relax, a familiar voice called out—
"Haru, Yukino! There's a tennis court behind the hotel—let's go practice~!"
Yuigahama Yui's energy was as contagious as ever.
Haruto resisted the urge to say, With all due respect, Miss Dango, your tennis is total chaos.
He decided to keep that thought to himself.
Besides, it might be fun to join them.
"Tennis? Can I join too?" Vignette piped up, her eyes sparkling.
She tugged on Gabriel's sleeve—well, more like strangled her—just as the angel tried to sneak back into the room to play video games.
"Come on, Gabriel! You're joining too!"
If not for Vignette, Haruto would've ignored her completely.
Left to her own devices, Gabriel would spend the entire seven-day trip locked in her room gaming.
"I'm coming too!"
"Me too! Haven't moved my body in ages!"
By the time Haruto and Yukinoshita Yukino responded, a crowd had already gathered.
Haruto exchanged a look with Yukino, who sighed in resignation.
And so, everyone headed to the tennis court behind the hotel.
Most of the students played casually, while Haruto took charge of "special training" for Yukinoshita and Totsuka Saika.
It was obvious that Totsuka's progress was steady but modest.
Yukinoshita, on the other hand, was improving rapidly—Her technique was sharp, but her stamina... was awful.
After a few side swings and runs, she was already breathing heavily.
Before Yukino could receive the Foundation's body enhancement serum, Haruto had her build up her physical conditioning through sheer practice.
It wasn't about power—it was about adaptation.
Watching Yukino run tirelessly after the ball, her cheeks flushed and her hair sticking to her skin, Haruto smiled unconsciously.
Adorable.
That simple word summed it up.
Some of their classmates noticed his expression—and shivered.
There was something wicked about that smile.
So even the gentle Haruto has a dark side...
By the time Haruto finally stepped off the court, Yuigahama Yui grabbed his racket.
Maybe she thought Yukino looked tired and wanted a chance to tease her.
That didn't end well.
Within minutes, poor Miss Dango was being utterly dominated.
Compared to the seasoned Yukinoshita, Yuigahama's flailing swings were no match.
Afterward, Yukino's brows finally relaxed, a small, satisfied smile curling on her lips.
The onlookers exchanged uneasy glances.
Déjà vu...
Was it possible that Haruto's "wickedness" was rubbing off on Yukinoshita too?
By the time everyone finished laughing and panting from exhaustion, lunchtime arrived.
From afternoon till evening... it would be hot spring time.