Whoosh!
The blanket on Akira was suddenly pulled off by Yuki Souo.
"Brother, time to get up!"
Although Yuki Souo had intended to be more dignified yesterday, years of habit quickly made her abandon that decision.
If one couldn't show their true nature to those close to them, how could they be considered close? That would just be feigned closeness.
"Mmm~! Brother, today is another day full of energy."
Seeing Akira's youthful proof, Yuki Souo teased him from the side.
Akira opened his eyes and suddenly jumped out of bed.
"Yuki, stop!"
Slap!
"Oh dear~!"
They were playfully roughhousing in the room.
The sounds could be heard even on the stairs.
"Akira, Yuki, if you're up, hurry down for breakfast."
"Got it."
Two voices responded one after another.
Akira was changing clothes in his room.
Yuki Souo also returned to her dressing mirror, feeling satisfied.
Brother's actions today seem much bolder than usual.
Could it be that Brother has finally felt the charm of me, his gentle and lovely sister?
Hehehe~!
I joined the student council yesterday. I wonder what Brother has been doing these past few days.
How about I go check today?
Yuki Souo also knew that Akira could not currently use any influence from the Souo Family.
Although the existence of a secret stash prevented Akira from starting from scratch, trying to earn one hundred million within three years with that money…
The difficulty was not small.
And he also had to balance his studies, which drastically reduced his time.
Yuki Souo just thought about it and felt that this had already reached hellish difficulty.
She couldn't help him, but looking wouldn't hurt, right?
Putting on her school uniform, Yuki Souo was very happy.
However, Akira ate his breakfast faster than usual today. She had just sat down when Akira had already picked up his bento and was ready to leave.
Yumi Souo naturally followed him.
"Come straight home after school today. I have something to tell you."
In Akira's embrace, Yumi Souo whispered.
"I'll try my best. But if I can't make it back on time, I'll send you a message."
"Mhm. Be careful on your way."
Akira smiled, pinched Yumi Souo, and turned to walk out the door. "I'm leaving."
Walking down the familiar street, Akira saw from afar a small cherry-pink felt hat waiting quietly for him by the bus stop.
He walked forward calmly and stood beside Kato Megumi.
"Megumi-chan, good morning!"
"Akira, good morning."
A faint smile hung on Kato Megumi's face. At that moment, it seemed as if a breeze had stirred around her, swirling non-existent cherry blossom petals through the air.
"Oh, why did you decide to wear a hat today?"
"Because it's very pretty. And I also want people other than Akira to see it."
Kato Megumi adjusted the brim of her hat. Clearly, her change today was a success.
This hat seemed to break the curse of her low presence, allowing her to appear in other people's line of sight.
"Ah~! I understand."
"Megumi-chan has someone she likes, doesn't she?"
At this, Kato Megumi's face suddenly flushed, and she became a little flustered.
"Huh? Did I really guess right?"
"Idiot. Akira, you're an idiot!"
Kato Megumi didn't respond directly, crossing her arms with a hint of displeasure.
Of course, her status bar had already informed Akira of the message.
How could Akira not realize that Kato Megumi was doing this because of him?
But seeing her cute expression, he couldn't help but tease her.
The bus arrived on time, and both of them, with unspoken understanding, stood at their usual spot.
"Excuse me! Excuse me!"
The office workers apologized while still pushing their way in.
Akira could certainly hold his ground, but there was no reason to waste this heaven-sent opportunity.
Kato Megumi's face was almost pressed against Akira's chest, and he gave an awkward smile. "There are a bit too many people today."
As soon as he finished speaking, he was pushed forward another small step.
"Excuse me."
An apology came from an office worker behind him.
Kato Megumi looked up at Akira, pressing her body as close as possible to the inner wall of the bus.
Whew! Whew!
She could feel her blood circulating rapidly.
Her breathing also became a little heavy.
A faint fragrance wafted from Akira's clothes.
Screech!
The crowd inside the bus swayed.
The distance between the two of them further reduced.
Summer uniforms were not thick to begin with.
At this distance, Kato Megumi could even feel the faint body heat emanating from him.
Her hands were originally clasped together, hanging naturally.
But that position—it just happened to touch… good.
So hot.
Akira again… and!
Kato Megumi's face reddened as she raised her hands to protect her chest, saying nothing.
However, her defensive strategy was simply no match for the irresistible force of the crowd.
Mmm~!
How could this happen?
Kato Megumi pressed her knees together.
But it was still no use.
So strange.
Just then, Akira took the opportunity to pull Kato Megumi into his arms, using his palm to protect the back of her head.
"Akira~!"
"It's alright. This part of the journey will be over quickly."
"Mm~!"
Finally, the bus arrived at their stop.
"Whew~!"
Kato Megumi reached up to touch her burning cheeks, her gaze uncontrollably darting toward Akira.
The guy who had put her through such torment was not noticeable at all now—hidden by his uniform.
It was so embarrassing.
Kato Megumi shifted her gaze to the grass by the roadside, and only then did she feel her pounding heart slow down.
"Megumi-chan, you said before that you wanted more people to see you, right?"
"Mm!"
"I can help you."
"Eh? How will Akira help?"
"It's a secret. You'll know tomorrow."
"Okay. I trust Akira!"
After their attention shifted, the atmosphere between them naturally became harmonious again.
They didn't say goodbye until they reached the teaching building, entering their respective classrooms.
Swish!
I didn't expect to be the first one in class again.
After putting his schoolbag in the locker, Akira sat down at his seat.
Just then, a beautiful figure moved silently, and as soon as she entered the door, her gaze fixed on Akira.
"Oh, Ellie, your stockings are dirty!"
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