Nagasaki Sosei took a deep breath, calming her heart and mind.
So, Kotomatsu Akari goes to school at Sakura Hill.
That's wonderful.
Ever since then, Kotomatsu Akari had been avoiding her a little.
The messages she sent, though showing "read," were rarely replied to.
And as for actually arranging to meet… that never happened.
"What a coincidence, Shiroaki-kun."
Nagasaki Sosei gave the sweetest smile of the day.
"Yes…"
Shiroaki nodded, not particularly surprised.
Indeed, Tokyo really is a small world.
It seemed that Akari had been missing a like-minded friend.
And now, with a mutual friend, that gap might finally be bridged.
Inevitably, the two of them began talking a little about Kotomatsu Akari.
Through Nagasaki Sosei's gentle probing, she learned that…
Shiroaki and Kotomatsu Akari were in the same class, even sitting together.
They had also joined the same club—the Astronomy Club.
Their relationship was closer than she had imagined.
......
"Um…"
"That's enough…"
"Nagasaki-san…"
"I can't take any more…"
Shiroaki raised his hand, trying to stop Nagasaki Sosei.
At some point, she had started continuously serving him food.
Now, his bowl was piled high with vegetables.
"Sosei, just call me Sosei," she said sweetly.
"Well then… Sosei-san…"
"Sosei."
Although she was smiling, there was an unmistakable undertone in her voice—one that left no room for refusal.
"I see," Shiroaki said, slightly helpless.
"Well… Sosei…"
"Mm~"
"Stop serving me."
"My bowl is already full. You should eat more yourself," he indicated with a nod toward his own plate.
"Ohhh~"
Nagasaki Sosei remained sweet as ever.
Though her mouth tasted the delicious food, Shiroaki's mind was racing.
What's with this Nagasaki Sosei?
Sweet?
Sweet.
Gentle?
Gentle.
But… this is almost too sweet, too gentle!
Shiroaki thought carefully. Had he done anything to drastically increase her favorability toward him?
And… what's with that voice!
Why does it feel like there's a hint of teasing in it?
No, no!
How can I be thinking like this about someone else…
The thought hit him, and he silently scolded and criticized himself.
Nagasaki Sosei was kindly treating him to a meal, serving him, even ladling soup!
Not being grateful would be one thing—but secretly imagining things about her? That's far too rude.
Damn it, when will I ever be as pure as the other girls around me?
What's wrong with a slightly sweet voice?
It's just Sosei-san's natural voice!
Nagasaki Sosei had no idea what Shiroaki was thinking.
She interlaced her fair fingers and rested her smooth, pale chin on them, gazing at him like a gentle spring breeze.
Shiroaki looked up, meeting her eyes.
He felt a little unsettled.
But Sosei immediately smiled and asked,
"What's wrong?"
"Is there anything you'd like to eat?"
Shiroaki: "..."
He lowered his head, trying to rationalize his thoughts.
A gentleman judges actions, not hearts. Sometimes it's natural to have a strange thought about someone.
In the end, he attributed it to discovering that they shared a mutual friend:
Kotomatsu Akari.
So that must be why Sosei was unusually cheerful and enthusiastic today.
Don't worry, Sosei.
I'll take care of Akari.
Shiroaki picked up his bowl.
Since he couldn't refuse, he had to accept it happily.
Fortunately, it was mostly vegetables.
His stomach could still handle it.
After a while, when Shiroaki had eaten most of it, Nagasaki Sosei asked, "Would you like more rice?"
Shiroaki lightly held his stomach and shook his head. "Thanks, but no more."
"I see…"
"Then how about a bowl of soup?"
Speaking, she didn't stop her actions for a moment.
Soon, she had ladled a bowl of vegetable macaroni soup for him.
Under her eager gaze, Shiroaki instinctively accepted the bowl.
Drink it!
Green vegetables.
Healthy.
He normally ate too much junk food.
Nagasaki Sosei watched Shiroaki drink it all with satisfaction.
The meal she had made, and the dishes she liked—
someone else enjoying them gave her a deep sense of fulfillment.
Meanwhile, Shiroaki suddenly paused mid-sip.
Something felt off.
He looked down at the bowl in his hands.
Then he glanced at the empty bowl at his seat.
His eyes widened. He opened his mouth but hesitated.
"What's wrong?"
Nagasaki Sosei tilted her head in slight confusion.
Heh… heh…
Shiroaki's lips twitched slightly.
After a moment of thought, he decided to tell her the truth.
Swallowing nervously, he controlled his voice, speaking in the most careful tone he had ever used:
"Sosei… this… seems to be your bowl."
"Huh?"
Nagasaki Sosei looked at him, puzzled.
Ah! That's right!
How did he end up with two bowls?
She lowered her head, noticing a pair of chopsticks on the table.
Her gaze sharpened.
At this moment…
The smile on Nagasaki Sosei's face froze completely.
"Ah!!!"
The sharp cry pierced Shiroaki's ears, making him instinctively cover them.
Mistake!
Nagasaki Sosei was truly embarrassed this time!
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