It was noon.
Nozomi, as usual, brought his bento and headed toward the library. It was one of the few places on campus that remained peaceful even during peak hours. Few students frequented it, making it the perfect spot to escape the noise of the school cafeteria.
When he arrived, Sanshokuin Sumireko was already seated at the librarian's desk, engrossed in a thick hardcover book. The afternoon sunlight filtering through the windows illuminated her long, raven-black hair, making it shine like polished obsidian.
"Yo, Sumireko. Konnichiwa."
"Mm, konnichiwa," she responded casually without looking up, flipping a page with practiced ease.
Nozomi plopped into the seat beside her, resting his chin on one hand as he watched her with mild amusement. A smirk played on his lips.
Sumireko noticed his stare and raised an eyebrow. "Nani? Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Just curious," Nozomi mused. "Sumireko, you're not binding your chest anymore?"
Her school uniform, unlike before, now accentuated her natural figure rather than hiding it. It was hard not to notice the difference.
Sumireko's lips curled into a mischievous smile as she set her book down. Without warning, she stood up and gracefully settled onto his lap, her warm presence sending a jolt through Nozomi's body.
"I knew you were coming, so I took it off," she whispered teasingly.
Removing her glasses and undoing her braids, she let her silky hair cascade freely. Up close, her beauty rivaled that of Sakurajima Mai, if not surpassing it. Nozomi swallowed hard, his breathing slightly unsteady.
Sumireko shifted slightly, and her cheeks tinged pink. "You're not allowed to have weird thoughts."
Nozomi chuckled nervously. "It's not about what I want or don't want. Sumireko, your charm is dangerous. Even a saint would struggle."
Trying her best to suppress her embarrassment, Sumireko ignored the growing warmth beneath her. Instead, she leaned back against his chest and spoke in a coquettish tone. "I don't care, but you're not allowed to do anything improper. Instead… today, I want you to feed me my bento."
Nozomi raised an eyebrow. "What are you, a spoiled child? You actually want me to feed you?"
Despite his teasing, he opened his lunchbox and dutifully fed her, piece by piece. Sumireko savored every bite, her heart growing warmer with each mouthful.
As they ate, Nozomi casually brought up the topic of the Yukinoshita family's engagement arrangement and how he had recently joined Yukinoshita Yukino's club.
Hearing this, Sumireko's expression darkened slightly. She put down her chopsticks and gave him a scrutinizing look.
"You're engaged now? What about us?"
Nozomi wrapped an arm around her slender waist and grinned confidently. "Don't worry, I'm not giving up on anyone."
His voice was filled with conviction. "I have a plan. I'll start gathering funds, expand my influence, and eventually… I'll establish a nation of my own."
Sumireko's eyes widened in surprise, then sparkled with intrigue. Creating his own nation, ruling as king—if he achieved that, he could take as many wives as he wanted without consequence.
"You're such a greedy man," she murmured. "But tell me—will I have a place in this kingdom of yours?"
Nozomi met her gaze without hesitation. "Of course. Sumireko, will you stay by my side?"
Sumireko smirked, brushing a hand through her hair. "You're already holding me in your arms. Where else would I go, baka?"
==========================
Afternoon arrived, signaling club activity time.
Yukinoshita Yukino had left the classroom early, heading toward the clubroom. Though she rarely spoke about it, she had always wanted to establish a club—not only to secure a private space for herself but also to follow in her sister's footsteps.
Her sister, Yukinoshita Haruno, had formed her own club in high school, started a band, and built a social circle. Even though Yukino outwardly dismissed the idea of friendships, the truth was… no one wanted to be alone forever.
Naming her club the "Service Club," Yukino envisioned it as a place where she could help students who wished to improve themselves. Perhaps, by guiding others toward excellence, she could challenge the social norm where the truly outstanding were often ostracized.
But deep down, she knew—it was a futile battle. People like Hayama Hayato, who wore masks of affability, found it far easier to navigate society than those who stood apart.
For now, she had the clubroom to herself.
Her main concern wasn't the lack of members or the club's activities. After all, she had already received a request—to help take care of someone's cats.
However, ever since her sister mentioned that Hozuki Nozomi could "command cats," she had been unable to sleep properly.
Lost in thought, she was startled by a sudden knock at the door. A familiar voice followed.
"Kaichou, are you inside?"
"Come in."
The door creaked open, and Nozomi stepped in, a smirk playing on his lips. Under the curious gaze of the second daughter of the Yukinoshita family, Hozuki Nozomi casually pulled a small cat from his bag and handed it to her.
"Yukinoshita, it seems like cats really like you. Look, my little Hana-chan followed me to school again. This time, it seems she's looking for you."
As soon as he finished speaking, the small feline wriggled free from his arms and sauntered over to Yukinoshita Yukino, rubbing affectionately against her slender legs.
Even though she knew Nozomi had likely instructed the cat to do so, she still couldn't resist picking it up. As she cradled the cat in her lap and gently stroked its soft fur, an expression of pure contentment graced her usually composed face.
Nozomi smirked and said nonchalantly, "Let's go, President Yukinoshita. I have a few more cats at home waiting for you to take care of them."
Yukino narrowed her ice-blue eyes at him.
"You know, I'm not exactly the best at taking care of cats. I usually just let them do as they please."
She knew full well that this was just an excuse to bring her to his home—to create an opportunity for them to spend time together. But after agonizing over the matter the entire night, she had come to a conclusion.
She couldn't go against her mother's wishes.
Besides, her sister had already approved of this engagement, so she had little choice in the matter.
And as much as she was reluctant to admit it… Nozomi, despite his infuriatingly flirtatious nature, was actually a rather remarkable person.
She didn't hate him.
So perhaps… she should at least try to get along with him.
With that thought lingering in her mind, Yukino followed Nozomi back to Sakurasou.
The moment she stepped inside, several cats immediately surrounded her, meowing as they brushed against her ankles. Their soft fur and round eyes melted her heart instantly.
She knew this was a trap.
But even the esteemed Yukinoshita Yukino could not resist.
Sayu, dressed in a homely yet elegant manner, had her dark brown hair tied into a simple side braid, giving her an aura of warmth and gentleness. She carried a tray of tea and sweets, setting them before Yukino before sitting down beside her with a smile.
Nozomi, knowing that his presence would only make Yukino more flustered, decided to head up to the third floor, where he had some questions for Frieren regarding the baptism of dragons.
Meanwhile, Sayu, ever the gracious host, struck up a conversation.
"Yukinoshita-san, you really love cats, don't you?"
Yukino nodded slightly, her fingers trailing over the soft fur of the feline curled up in her lap. "It would be strange if I didn't."
Whether it was a tabby, a calico, or even a raccoon-like cat, she loved them all.
But her gaze soon shifted toward Sayu, curiosity flickering in her expression.
"Sayu-san, are you also a resident here?"
Sayu smiled knowingly. "Yes. I also happen to be Nozomi's woman."
"…Huh?"
Yukino's usually composed expression cracked. Her lips parted slightly as she stared at Sayu in shock, momentarily at a loss for words.
"You heard me right. Nozomi and I have that kind of relationship."
Yukino's brows furrowed. "What about Shiina Mahiru?"
She had already heard from her sister that Nozomi was an incorrigible flirt, but hearing it directly from Sayu still left her feeling unsettled.
The man she was engaged to was this shameless?
Faced with Yukino's questioning, Sayu merely chuckled softly. "Mahiru and I have already decided to be family. Neither of us plans to leave Nozomi."
Yukino didn't know how to respond.
Silence stretched between them for several moments before she finally spoke again, her voice quieter than before.
"Why are you telling me this?"