Yukinoshita returned home, the quiet of her apartment a welcome relief. After a soothing bath, she padded into her room in her pajamas and opened her
Tomorrow was the zoo trip, and they had to meet at the station by seven sharp to catch the train to Tokyo.
If she didn't decide on her outfit and essentials tonight, the morning would be a frantic rush.
She held up a potential outfit, her critical gaze sweeping over it.
"This one should work," she murmured to herself. "Now, for my hair…"
—
Meanwhile, at his own home, Masao felt his phone buzz. He glanced at the screen to find a message from Chika Fujiwara.
[Chika]: Masao-kun! Exams are finally over! How do you think you did?
[Masao]: I'm feeling pretty confident, of course.
[Chika]: Hehe, me too! I have a really good feeling about my score this time.
[Masao]: As you should. It's a well-deserved reward for all your hard work, Fujiwara-senpai.
In her bedroom, Chika beamed at the reply. This was exactly why she'd studied so hard—for a little recognition!
Masao-kun always knew just what to say.
Her fingers flew across the screen, buoyed by her good mood.
[Chika]: Since we're free, do you want to hang out tomorrow? We should celebrate!
She waited with bated breath, but the reply that came was not what she'd hoped for.
[Masao]: Sorry, I've already made plans to go out with some friends tomorrow.
"He already has plans?" A flicker of disappointment passed through her, but she quickly brushed it aside.
She wasn't the type to get upset over something so reasonable. They were just friends, after all, and she didn't know his other friends well enough to intrude.
[Chika]: I see. Well, if this weekend is bad, you're free next weekend, right?
[Masao]: My schedule is clear next weekend. For you, Fujiwara-senpai, I can definitely keep it open.
[Chika]: It's a date! Well, not a date-date, but you know what I mean! You have to save the whole day for me, okay? No backing out, no matter who asks!
[Masao]: You have my word.
His immediate agreement sent a thrill of pleasure through her.
[Chika]: Great! Have fun with your friends tomorrow, Masao-kun!
Setting her phone down, Chika's eyes fell on the several tickets fanned out on her desk.
They were adorned with pictures of two cuddly pandas and the words "Welcome" and "Zoo."
"A friend gave me these," she sighed. "Since Masao-kun can't make it, I'll have to find someone else."
She mentally ran through her list of friends.
The President (Shirogane Miyuki) would be busy with his part-time job. Ishigami was a dedicated homebody who would likely refuse and probably kill the mood anyway. Then, her thoughts landed on Kaguya Shinomiya.
Without hesitation, she dialed.
"Kaguya-chan! It's me!"
"To what do I owe the pleasure, Fujiwara-san?" Kaguya's voice was cool and measured.
"I have some tickets to the zoo. Would you like to go with me tomorrow?"
"Oh?" A note of interest crept into Kaguya's tone. "Will there be… anyone else joining us?"
'Is she going to invite the President,' Kaguya thought, her heart giving a little leap. 'This is perfect! I can gracefully accept her generous offer.'
"Nope!" Chika chirped, oblivious. "My friend is busy, and the President has work. So, are you free, Kaguya-chan?"
The hope in Kaguya's voice vanished, replaced by flat disinterest.
"I see. Unfortunately, I have a prior engagement tomorrow. I am unavailable."
"What a shame," Chika said, genuinely sad. She knew the life of the Shinomiya heiress was full of such obligations. "Well, I'll just go with Moeha and Kei, then. Talk to you later, Kaguya-chan!"
(Moeta is Chika's younger sister; Kei is Miyuki Shirogane's younger sister.)
"Wait!" Kaguya's voice sharpened, stopping Chika before she could hang up.
The mention of that name—Kei—changed everything.
"Upon further reflection, the individual I was scheduled to meet is… rather disagreeable. It would be no great loss to cancel. I shall accompany you, Fujiwara-san."
"Really, Kaguya-chan? You'd do that for me? You're the best!" Chika was deeply touched. "Then it's settled! I won't invite anyone else. It'll be a special day, just for the two of us!"
Kaguya was rendered speechless.
'You magnificent fool! What is the point if Kei-chan isn't coming?!'
"Ahem." Kaguya cleared her throat, masterfully regaining her composure. "Fujiwara-san, while the sentiment is appreciated, I believe a place like the zoo is best enjoyed with a larger, more vibrant group. Don't you agree?"
Chika considered this for a moment, then nodded to herself. "You're absolutely right! The more, the merrier! I'll try to invite everyone! See you tomorrow, Kaguya-chan!"
"Until tomorrow, Fujiwara-san."
The moment the line went dead, Kaguya allowed a small, calculated smile to touch her lips.
"Do try your best, Fujiwara-san," she whispered to the silent room. "I am counting on you."
She then raised her voice, calling out imperiously, "Hayasaka!"
In an instant, Hayasaka Ai appeared at the door, having set aside her own tasks with practiced efficiency.
A faint, weary sigh seemed to hang in the air around her. "You called, Lady Kaguya?"
"Hayasaka, I will be visiting the zoo with Fujiwara tomorrow. I do not wish it to be crowded. Make the necessary arrangements."
"Understood."
Hayasaka exited, closing the door softly behind her.
She leaned back against the wall in the hallway, a portrait of profound exhaustion.
A single, casual command from Kaguya meant Hayasaka would be running herself ragged.
"And I was so looking forward to a quiet weekend," she lamented, fondly remembering the recent, blissful period when Kaguya's exam preparations had left her in relative peace.
Pulling out her phone, she began the arduous task of contacting various departments and "persuading" them to discreetly manage the zoo's expected visitor numbers for the following day.
It was a monumental undertaking that guaranteed one thing: another late, sleepless night for Hayasaka Ai.
—
—
Early the next morning, Masao was already up, tasked with rousing a deeply reluctant Jahy from her slumber.
Since her arrival in the human world, the great Jahy had grown increasingly slothful. Her days were a cycle of eating, lounging, and seeking amusement, and her quest for mana stones had lost all urgency after her last significant find.
—
Trudging down the quiet morning street, Jahy yawned her eyes heavy with sleep.
"Why… so… early? My rest is being critically interrupted."
"What time did you plan on waking up?"
"It's the weekend! A sacred day of rest! A civilized person sleeps until at least eight!"
"By eight! The train to Tokyo takes an hour. We'd arrive to a massive crowd and see nothing but the backs of other people's heads."
"Fiiine," Jahy grumbled, surrendering to the inevitable with another jaw-cracking yawn. "Let's get this over with. I suppose I am a little curious to see these legendary 'panda' creatures."
The pair soon arrived at the station and passed through the ticket gates, where they immediately spotted Yukinoshita waiting for them.
She had chosen a look of soft, classic elegance: a white blouse beneath a sky-blue cardigan, paired with a graceful, knee-length white skirt.
Black loafers and white knee-high socks completed the outfit, while her hair was drawn into two low tails at the nape of her neck, secured neatly under a white berette. The entire ensemble gave her an air of gentle sophistication.
A small, polite smile graced her lips as they approached. "Good morning, Masao-kun, Jahy-chan."
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