Chapter 50: What Should Narahara Do?

Mai Hanai shot Kasuga a glare, her eyes full of what seemed like a threat; but paired with her petite frame, it lacked any real menace, instead exuding an adorably soft charm.

“Hey, Kasuga, how did you get entangled with that girl?” After they walked away, Kunitada whispered to him.

“Exactly. I heard the second daughter of the Seiryō family is especially obedient and sensible, but compared to her, tsk tsk...” Heisuke joined in, clicking his tongue twice.

The second daughter of the Seiryō family?

Haruhide Kasuga shrugged, indifferent to their curiosity.

The classmates dropped the subject as well; at most, they'd boast and gossip during lunch break, but with the subject herself present, it was better left unsaid.

Only Yuriko Ogata kept glancing back and forth, sometimes at Kasuga, sometimes at Seiryō, as if she were anxious.

“Yuriko, what's wrong?” Someone nearby noticed the little girl’s expression and asked with concern.

If no one dared provoke Seiryō Miron, then Yuriko Ogata was the class's beloved, adorable little sister—everyone was fond of her.

“N-nothing…” Yuriko blushed, quickly waved her hands, and answered nervously.

Just then, the bell rang for class. Her classmate gave her a look and returned to their seat.

Yuriko breathed a sigh of relief, but then wilted, her head drooping lifelessly onto her desk, a look of utter despair on her face. If only she'd delivered the breakfast to Kasuga herself—but that would have been so embarrassing!

But why did Seiryō take Kasuga’s breakfast? Could it be she wanted to bully him?

Yuriko imagined Kasuga being bullied by Seiryō and her friends, forced to run errands for them every day, spending his own money to buy things, then kneeling beneath their skirts to endure their insults. That thought terrified her; her eyes reddened instantly.

What should she do? Kasuga was such a good person—why bully him?

During class, usually a model student and well-behaved, Yuriko couldn’t help but become distracted.

Her gaze wandered between Kasuga and Seiryō.

Inside the paper bag was a common cheesecake, about the size of half a fist, exquisitely made, clearly crafted with care.

Two pieces sat in a transparent plastic box, covered with a pink lid decorated with fruit-themed cartoon stickers.

It all looked so girlish, obviously made with hope and affection, but now intercepted by someone else.

Seiryō Miron lay her head on the desk, staring blankly at the delicate cake.

Who knew what was running through her mind?

How did she fail to notice Kasuga’s charm before? Someone gave him a love letter two days ago, and today someone brought him breakfast. What a troublesome guy!

Was he really so great?

He could cook, tidy up, take care of people, and was even somewhat handsome.

Thinking this, a faint blush appeared on Seiryō’s cheeks.

Ridiculous! He’s just a scoundrel, a fool, a pervert!

Seiryō sat up straight, lightly slapped her cheeks to calm herself, then turned her head and, seeing Kasuga at the back row, glared at him fiercely—her classmates’ faces showed a mix of fear and delight.

Kasuga shamelessly waved back at her.

What a jerk!

He had plenty of flaws! For example, for instance... he liked her feet—what normal person would like that?

Thinking of the things that had happened at night recently, Seiryō felt a ticklish sensation in her soles.

Kasuga stared at the blackboard, diligently taking notes.

But he couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching him.

He’d just confirmed it wasn’t Seiryō; who knew what was going through her head—her emotional state as shown on the system panel was complex.

[Seiryō Miron’s current status: Feeling angry (mild) because someone brought Kasuga breakfast; feeling shy (strong) after recalling Kasuga always using her feet; anticipating making her own dessert (strong)...]

He could understand most of this, but what was with the foot part? How could this be a psychological factor?

Could it be that, just like boys, girls also fantasized about risqué things during class?

He pulled up Yuriko Ogata’s attribute panel:

[Name: Yuriko Ogata]
[Charm: 83]
[Figure: 88 (there’s a group of people with a special taste for this petite body type, hence the score)]
[Stamina: 40]
[Affection: 81! (Special trait: Because she’s so small and delicate, Yuriko naturally favors large, well-built boys, especially those with a sweaty scent—she can’t resist...)]
[Profile: Always seen as a model girl by outsiders, but she hides unknown secrets. Certain special preferences make it hard for her to confess her feelings. Since entering high school, these emotions have become harder to contain, especially after meeting Kasuga. After gym class, her infatuation grows. (Evaluation: Soft on the outside, burning hot inside—a prize for any player...)]
[Current status: Regretting (strong) not giving the cake to Kasuga herself; worried (strong) that Kasuga might be bullied by Seiryō; determined (mild) to talk things out with Kasuga next time...]

Reading these attributes, Kasuga couldn’t help but fall into thought, fingers brushing his handsome face.

Wait, was this girl really so easy to win over? He hadn’t done anything, yet in the past two days, her affection for him seemed to have increased on its own.

Was she brainwashing herself?

Seiryō Miron’s current affection wasn’t even as high!

And all three girls’ current statuses revolved around him—worrying he’d be bullied, wanting to give him cake...

Could this be the legendary true love?

Kasuga stroked his chin, and as he pondered, his gaze drifted to the window. Cherry blossoms floated by, and a group of beautiful girls wearing school swimsuits—fearless of the cold—headed toward the outdoor pool.

Today was indeed a lucky day! To see so many Kawani girls in school swimsuits marching across the field was a rare spectacle.

Of course, he could see his own classmates during swimming lessons, but that was different.

Besides, Seiryō never attended swimming class, much less wore a school swimsuit—it was simply unimaginable.

Still, that would make a nice outfit. After school, he could go to the mall, buy one, and give it to Seiryō.