The clock's hands crawled toward dismissal.
Shuo Nangong could still feel that molten stare drilling into his back.
No need to turn around—he knew exactly who it was. Kurumi Tokisaki.
Origami and Tohka had noticed too. Their eyes, sharp as daggers, tracked Kurumi with open hostility.
The bell rang.
Ms. Kotama snapped her textbook shut.
"That's it for today, class. See you tomorrow!"
She waved and slipped out, leaving a wake of activity.
Books were packed, plans made—some for clubs, some for shopping, some for mischief.
A hopeful crowd gathered around Kurumi's desk, tossing out invitations.
She declined each one with perfect politeness, smiling as if she'd never known the word 'awkward.'
Finally, she lifted her coffee-colored handbag and stepped in front of Shuo.
"Well then… I'll be counting on you, Nangong-kun."
It was almost cinematic—saxophone music in the background, her voice velvet and honey.
Shuo shivered, glancing up at Kurumi's face from close range.
If beauty was art, she was the masterpiece: flawless features, every gesture elegant, a quiet aura of royalty.
She made every real-world heiress look like a child playing dress-up.
"Ah… no problem," he managed.
"Thank you, Nangong-kun."
Kurumi's laughter was soft, her smile hidden behind a delicate hand.
Shuo felt his heart skip, a private sigh—she really was a tempting fairy.
A tiny, disgruntled huff caught his ear.
Tohka, cheeks puffed out, glared at Kurumi.
Origami's stare was icy, all polite rivalry gone.
Right. He'd almost forgotten about the two jealous grenades at his side.
"Sorry, princess. I'll make it up to you later. You too, Origami."
He shot them an apologetic look.
Kurumi's eyes sparkled. "Shall we get going? I can't wait."
She skipped out of the classroom beside Shuo, her steps light as air.
Their exit was a spectacle.
Students stared, whispering behind hands.
"Who's that girl? She's adorable!"
"Must be the new transfer, right? She's insanely cute!"
"I wanna know her name!"
"Dream on—look who she's walking with!"
"What?! That three-timing bastard again!"
"Don't say it so loud! Did you forget what happened to the last guy who crossed him?"
"Damn, even the transfer fell into his clutches… I'm so jealous!"
"Stupid pay-to-win player!"
Shuo, unfazed, guided Kurumi around the campus.
"This is the cafeteria. If you forget your lunch, you can eat here."
"And this is the infirmary—private rooms, comfy beds, and Reine-chan as the nurse. It's basically the school's unofficial dating spot."
"That grove over there? Well, it's… where couples go to… uh, sit and rest."
He coughed, correcting himself before the sentence got him in trouble.
When he turned, Kurumi was almost pressed against him, eyes wide and curious.
"What's wrong?" he asked. "Why are you staring at me like that?"
Kurumi smiled, hand to her chin.
"Ara, nothing. I'm just curious about Nangong-kun. I wanted a closer look."
He grinned. "Careful, Kurumi. When a girl gets curious about a guy, it's usually the start of something dangerous."
Kurumi's cheeks colored. "Oh my… Is Nangong-kun saying he's interested in me?"
She hid her face behind both hands, feigning shyness but letting her laughter slip through.
Just then, Shuo's phone buzzed.
"Sorry, gotta take this."
"Go ahead," Kurumi said sweetly.
He stepped to the window and answered.
"Hey, Kotori. Miss me already? I'll be home soon."
"Cut the crap… Is your new transfer student that nightmare—Kurumi Tokisaki?!"
"Wow, the grapevine's fast. Don't worry, Kotori. Just one little Kurumi. I've got this handled."
"...Fine. I'll leave it to you."
Kotori sighed, frustration leaking through the line.
It wasn't that she didn't trust Shuo—just that her so-called 'elite recruits' hadn't helped her once yet.
It stung.
Shuo hung up and wandered back—Kurumi was waiting, perched on a desk, smile ready.
"Shall we continue?"
He nodded, falling in step behind her.
Kurumi was radiant, laughter bubbling up every few steps.
The halls were nearly empty now, clubs winding down, students scattering.
But Shuo could sense two shadows trailing him—Origami and Tohka, united in jealousy for once.
He smirked, half amused, half exasperated.
Who'd have thought those two would ever team up?
His gaze drifted forward, landing on Kurumi's long, perfect legs wrapped in classic black stockings.
Kurumi stopped suddenly, turning to catch him staring.
"Ara, what's Nangong-kun thinking about right now? Won't you tell me?"
"Uh…"
Shuo scratched his chin, then decided to be honest.
"Actually, I was wondering what color panties you're wearing under those black stockings."
Kurumi blinked, stunned, then looked him up and down with a sly smile.
"Would you like to see?"
Her voice was pure mischief.
"Really? I do!"
Shuo's eyes shone with genuine curiosity—no shame, just honesty.
Kurumi hesitated, then stepped lightly onto the stairs.
Her cheeks flushed, she gripped her skirt's hem and slowly lifted it.
"If it's Nangong-kun… I don't mind."
"Thank you!"
Shuo watched, entranced, as Kurumi's skirt rose, the black stockings framing a glimpse of white beneath.
"White, huh…"
He clicked his tongue, wondering if she'd go further, if the show would continue.
Suddenly, an iron door slammed open nearby, followed by a loud crash and a yelp.
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