Chapter 124: Bathed in the winter sun, everyone wants to sit next to Harano!

December 5th. The morning sun felt quite comfortable on one's skin.

Birds bathed in the sunlight, perched on tree branches, preening their feathers.

"Seiryo-san, we’re going to be late. We need to hurry," came a magnetic, boyish voice from the living room.

Seiryo Miru checked her reflection in the mirror once more, ensuring her hairstyle and makeup were perfect, before pushing the door open and stepping out.

On the sofa, a handsome young man was sprawled out lazily; his lethargic aura seemed to have infected even the small suitcase beside him.

"Someone keeps urging me, yet they haven't moved a muscle."

Seiryo Miru noticed that Haruhi Haruno was still in the exact same position as when she had entered the bathroom; he hadn't even shifted his hips.

This guy was getting lazier by the day. He used to help with the chores, or even take them on entirely, but now she did all the housework herself, and sometimes even had to wash the dishes.

Whenever he sprawled on the sofa like that, he would always lazily remark, "Seiryo-san is feeling more and more like a little wife. So alluring."

Then again, at certain times, he was exceptionally diligent—like when he would worm his way into the bathroom while she was showering, or scramble desperately onto the bed the moment she climbed in... At those times, Haruno-kun was always very proactive.

"Didn't you already have everything ready yesterday, Seiryo-san?" Haruno Haruhi said, still in his languid tone.

Seiryo Miru pouted in dissatisfaction, but she had no rebuttal; she had indeed finished packing last night. Both her and Haruno's clothes and necessities were already stuffed into that small suitcase.

Haruno Haruhi grinned, picked up the light blue crossbody bag from the sofa, and ran over to help her put it on, acting as if to curry favor. He had bought it for her in Shinjuku the other day.

"Seiryo-san, you look truly beautiful. This season seems to be blooming just for you. I love you."

There was nothing wrong with the words, except that it was currently winter, and a cold wind was howling outside.

Even so, that tiny bit of morning resentment Seiryo Miru felt was blown away by his words, vanishing into the air along with the biting chill.

He pulled the suitcase, wrapped an arm around her slender waist, and they left the apartment with a cheeky grin, heading toward the station.

The winter trip was set for Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture. When the traditional gassho-zukuri houses were covered in white snow, the scenery looked like a fairy tale, earning the area the nickname "Winter Fairy Tale Village."

The students simply had to gather at the school gate before eight in the morning to board the bus and begin the journey.

Being able to travel to such a renowned scenic spot kept the students' faces beaming with joy. Especially since the exam results hadn't been released yet—that was the best part of all.

The morning station was filled with people. Haruno Haruhi was wearing his National High School noble uniform, a light blue knitted scarf wrapped around his neck.

In truth, Haruno wasn't cold at all, but he couldn't resist Seiryo-san's nagging; he felt like his neck was being restrained.

"Don't try to act cool in such cold weather," had been Seiryo-san's warning.

Of course, the beautiful and moving Miss Seiryo had prepared one for herself as well—a rare, girlish pink. It made the young lady look even more fresh and delectable.

The once fiery, rebellious girl had now completely adapted to the role of a good wife.

The two stood out noticeably in the crowd. Their casual movements seemed to carry an innate uniqueness, as if they were surrounded by a faint "protagonist halo" that made them look out of place and exceptionally eye-catching.

The train soon arrived. Since the morning rush had passed, it wasn't very crowded. Haruno Haruhi managed to snag a seat, which was a rare occurrence.

Unfortunately, there was only one.

"Seiryo-san, my lap is always open to you. Don't worry, sit down; it’ll be more comfortable than the seat."

A young girl in the neighboring seat watched this scene with envy; the romantic atmosphere and the handsome male lead had a huge impact on a teenage girl.

Even Seiryo Miru felt her face flush slightly. Looking at that open lap, she smoothed her pleated skirt and sat down. This guy could be annoying at times, but he always managed to do things that made her happy.

Haruno Haruhi held the suitcase steady with his left hand and rested his right hand on Seiryo's waist, his strong, firm arm keeping them steady even as the train pulled away.

Seeing this scandalous display in broad daylight, the other passengers on the train couldn't help but show expressions of envy and jealousy.

The train arrived at their stop.

As soon as they stepped off, they saw many students in National High School uniforms. Everyone was laughing and chatting as they climbed the slope to the school gate.

At the entrance, the students gathered by class. Terashima Kanae and Hanai Mai immediately rushed over, snatching Seiryo-san away to whisper about their upcoming three-day journey.

Seeing Seiryo Miru leave, Ogata Yuriko, not far away, hesitated over whether she should come over to say hello. If possible, she wanted to ask in person if there was any chance for her at the bonfire party, even if it was just a tiny sliver...

She looked up and saw Haruno Haruhi nod at her with a smile.

That smile was like a spring breeze. In an instant, Ogata Yuriko felt as if she had been struck by love; she felt warm all over, and the cold weather no longer felt chilly. Her little-loli eyes were filled with hope and delight.

However, just as she prepared to step forward, Haruno Haruhi turned and walked in another direction.

"Little Yuri, what’s wrong with you!"

"Hey, hey, hey! Pull yourself together! Little Yuri! What happened?!"

Mitsuya Yoko, seeing the petrified and shattered little girl, began shaking her shoulders frantically, hoping to snap her out of it.

On the other side, Seiryo Yukino had also been watching the scene, feeling distracted even while chatting with her companions.

Haruno Haruhi spotted Hiratsuka Yooji and Kunita Ichinaka squatting in front of the bus, playing games. He walked over with his suitcase and sat on it, pulling out his Switch.

"Get off; I’m going to crush you." Haruno said, skillfully opening *Super Smash Bros.*

"Can you stop using that disgusting pink blob?!"

"You don't know anything; that’s my main!"

"Banned! Play as Mario!"

"You play as Mario!"

The three of them adopted a winner-stays-on rule: one-on-one duels, with the loser rotating out.

Halfway through the game, just as Haruno Haruhi and Kunita Ichinaka were locked in a fierce battle, the call to gather came.

Haruno Haruhi immediately quit the game, stood up, and trotted off with his suitcase to find Seiryo-san.

"Haruhi, why did you just quit? We weren't finished!" Kunita Ichinaka shouted, as he was about to defend his title successfully.

"Stop playing. The bus is coming, and the teachers are urging us," Hiratsuka Yooji said, patting his shoulder, putting on his backpack, and turning to join the line.

Kunita Ichinaka could only vent his frustration on the pink blob left idling on the screen. After finishing the match, he ran to the back of the line under the urging of his homeroom teacher.

"Seiryo-san, we have to sit together," Haruno Haruhi said, leaning in close to Seiryo Miru with a grin.

"If you don't sit with me, who else would you be thinking of?" Seiryo Miru cast a faint glance at him, her eyes filled with joy, especially at Haruno’s eager expression, which greatly satisfied the young lady.

Ogata Yuriko, following behind them, looked up at the intimate pair and wore an envious expression.

Seiryo Yukino simply found it amusing. Watching the two flirting, she conceived a bold plan in her heart.

Wouldn't it be interesting if her sister saw her doing something improper with Haruno Haruhi?

The Second Miss Seiryo, who usually appeared gentle and refined, could be incredibly devious toward those she despised.

The students boarded the bus in an orderly fashion, and the two-person seating configuration was easy to navigate.

Haruno Haruhi saw his chance and immediately claimed the back row. After inviting the young lady to the window seat, he slowly placed the suitcase on the overhead rack.

The seats in front were occupied by the two "little sisters," Terashima Kanae and Hanai Mai. Those seats were originally meant for Hiratsuka Yooji and Kunita Ichinaka.

There was no helping it; the bros had to sit in the row behind, looking dejected. But shortly after they sat down, Seiryo Yukino came over with her companions.

"Hiratsuka-kun, Kunita-kun, may I sit here?"

The Second Miss stood there with her companions, flashing a polite, sweet smile. Although it was a request, the tone was strange, carrying a hint of a threat.

"Um, can we say no?" Hiratsuka Yooji asked weakly.

"Hmm?"

Seiryo Yukino didn't speak, but her sweet smile became even more chilling.

"Uh, okay..." Hiratsuka Yooji and Kunita Ichinaka grabbed their backpacks and moved to the seats in front.

After seizing the seats, the Second Miss sat down elegantly and shot a provocative glance toward Haruno Haruhi.

However, Haruno Haruhi was busy pulling snacks out of his bag at the time and didn't notice. Seiryo Miru, on the other hand, saw it and responded with a faint, serene smile, as if she didn't care at all.

Striking a cotton ball—this infuriated the Second Miss.

The two brothers, Hiratsuka and Kunita, had just settled into their new seats when a tiny figure appeared.

Ogata Yuriko stood there looking pitifully at them; the look in her eyes suggested she might cry if they refused.

Hiratsuka Yooji glanced diagonally behind at Haruno Haruhi, who was chatting and laughing with the beautiful young lady, and couldn't help but offer a wry smile.

"Fine, I get it."

(There will be another chapter shortly.)