Hozuki Nozomi caught the tail end of Aoyama Nanami's somewhat reproachful glance. In response, he simply smiled and met her gaze, his own eyes holding a warm, appreciative light that seemed just a touch too knowing.
Aoyama Nanami immediately flinched, a flush of color rising to her cheeks. She quickly averted her eyes, no longer daring to sneak glances. Finishing her meal in haste, she retreated to the kitchen and didn't reemerge, deciding to handle the dishes herself as a distraction.
Impossible, she chided herself internally. Hozuki Nozomi couldn't possibly have any feelings for me. After all, I'm not as breathtaking as Yukino Yukinoshita, as effortlessly beautiful as Shiina Mahiru, or as ethereally captivating as Mashiro. I'm just… an ordinary girl.
Yet, a treacherous memory surfaced: the last time she'd half-jokingly told him not to get any ideas about her, he hadn't given a direct denial…
Ugh, what was he thinking? Could it be… he really does intend to add me to that ever-growing collection of his?
The mere possibility sent a fresh wave of heat to Aoyama Nanami's face, coloring her neck and ears. By the time she had calmed her turbulent thoughts and finished washing the dishes, Hozuki Nozomi had already left for school with Yukino Yukinoshita and the others.
Aoyama Nanami couldn't help but release a soft, wistful sigh. She took Shiina Mashiro's small hand in hers, forcing a bright smile. "Come on, Mashiro. Let's go to school."
"Okay," Mashiro replied simply, her demeanor placid and obedient. Though her understanding of complex social dynamics was limited, she instinctively recognized who treated her with genuine kindness and who harbored less favorable feelings. She didn't comprehend the nuances of envy or jealousy, but she naturally gravitated toward warmth and away from cold or resentful stares.
Soon, Sakura Dormitory grew quiet, its vibrant energy departing with its residents. Only Fern and Frieren remained behind, immersed in their magical studies. Sengoku Chihiro, as the art teacher at Suimei High, naturally headed to work. Yusa Emi, the otherworldly hero, left for her shift at the convenience store, planning a full day's work unlike Aoyama Nanami's part-time schedule.
After a period of adjustment, she intended to take on even more jobs. This young lady hero possessed a personality similar to Aoyama Nanami's—self-reliant and fiercely proud. She was determined to earn her salary swiftly, set aside a portion for rent, and repay Hozuki Nozomi's initial kindness.
…
Just as they were about to pass through the gates of Soubu High School, Sakurajima Mai suddenly reached out and grabbed Hozuki Nozomi's arm, her expression indicating she had something important to say.
Yukino Yukinoshita glanced at the pair but said nothing, continuing on her way with a slight, knowing tilt of her head. Yui Yuigahama and Asuna Yuuki, though burning with curiosity, knew better than to pry. Thus, Hozuki Nozomi allowed himself to be led by his senpai to a secluded spot behind a cluster of cherry trees.
"So, Mai-senpai, what did you need to tell me?" he asked, looking down at the beautiful actress.
The girl looked up at him, her lovely features arranged into a delicate pout. "My mother recently accepted a new film role for me. I'll be taking a leave of absence to shoot it soon. You might not see me for a while… w-wait, mmmph—!"
Hozuki Nozomi didn't let her finish. In one smooth motion, he gently backed her against the trunk of a tree and captured her lips with his own.
Sakurajima Mai's cheeks flushed a brilliant scarlet. She offered a token protest, her small fists beating lightly against his chest. But soon, the resistance melted away. Her fists unclenched, and her arms rose to wrap around his neck, pulling him closer as she returned the kiss with tender urgency.
After a long, breathless moment, Hozuki Nozomi finally released her, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "You have to miss me. And I'll be checking in on the set periodically. No kissing scenes, understood?"
"I know, you domineering man," she murmured, shooting him a look that was half-annoyance, half-adoration, before nodding in agreement. "You have to miss me too. If you forget about me because you're surrounded by too many other girls, I'll never forgive you! And you promised you'd visit me on set. Don't you dare break that promise."
Hozuki Nozomi nodded, his smile genuine. He had no intention of letting Sakurajima Mai slip away; maintaining her affection required attentive effort.
After spending a few more precious minutes together, Hozuki Nozomi personally accompanied Sakurajima Mai to the faculty office to formalize her leave. Afterwards, they walked to the school gate. Soon, a sleek private car pulled up, driven by Mai's mother, Sakurajima Miu.
Before she left, Hozuki Nozomi pressed several protective talismans and a few of his demonic flame cards into Mai's hand. "For your safety. Just in case."
He watched the car drive away until it turned a corner and disappeared from view, then turned and walked back onto the bustling campus.
…
In the car, Sakurajima Miu observed her daughter's pensive expression in the rearview mirror. "What's the matter? Reluctant to leave? If you are, you don't have to take this role. You can keep dating. I've told you before, you can't just focus on your career and neglect your relationship. If some other girl snatches him away, you'll regret it."
Hearing this, Sakurajima Mai couldn't help but puff out her cheeks. "I'm not worried about him being stolen."
"He should be the one worried about me being stolen. That guy… he's incredibly possessive. Letting me go isn't in his nature."
Sakurajima Miu's mouth twitched. "I was just as confident as you are before my divorce. And look how that turned out. Weren't we abandoned in the end? I raised you alone, endured more hardship than you've had hot meals."
Sakurajima Mei, however, wore a look of serene confidence. "Mother, I'm not like you. I won't misplace my trust. I understand my boyfriend." Her expression grew more determined. "Precisely because I want to stay by his side forever, I must work even harder now."
After all, the girls surrounding him were becoming more and more exceptional. If she didn't strive to shine even brighter, she would inevitably be left behind. Becoming a superstar was her current goal. Having a superstar for a girlfriend—wouldn't that make him proud? Wouldn't that make him cherish her even more?
"As long as you know what you're doing. Just remember, if that boy ever lets you down, your mother won't let him off easily!" Sakurajima Miu declared with maternal bravado.
Sakurajima Mei's expression turned slightly peculiar. Given Hozuki Nozomi's capabilities, Mother, just how do you plan to 'not let him off easily'? By offering yourself up as well?
The thought made her shake her head vigorously. What am I thinking? Seriously, that playboy has completely corrupted my mind. I'm starting to have the strangest ideas.
…
The world kept turning. Time flowed onward. Each person was striving, laboring toward their own dreams and goals.
Of course, this excluded a certain few who seemed content to simply drift along.
By noon, the Service Club had welcomed a new member.
It was Misaki Mei, the beautiful girl with the severe dark bob and an eyepatch, who gave off an air of mysterious, chuunibyou-esque allure. Her application to join was approved by Yukino Yukinoshita without a moment's hesitation.
After all, they had shared the profound experience of a supernatural battle, forging a unique bond of camaraderie. Moreover, due to her mother's strictness, Misaki Mei had never participated in club activities before.
Combined with the shadow of the recent curse, she had avoided forming close connections with anyone. In her class, she existed in a state of quiet isolation, sometimes whispered about as the "gloomy, eyepatch-wearing girl."
Faced with such a lonely, poignant figure, Yukino Yukinoshita's kind heart couldn't refuse her request to join.
Yui Yuigahama and Yuki Suo immediately flocked around Misaki Mei, chattering excitedly and barraging her with questions—primarily about whether her special eye could still see spirits.
Misaki Mei confirmed that, yes, she could still see them.
Thus, Misaki Mei effectively became the Service Club's new mascot, or perhaps its second specialist asset.
Yuki Suo turned to Hozuki Nozomi with a look of playful accusation. "Brother, when are you going to take me on an exorcism? Your adorable little sister wants to be an exorcist girl too!"
"Next time there's an opportunity," Hozuki Nozomi replied with an indulgent smile. "Or, you could find a suitable request yourself, and I'll take you along." He then added, "Remember to bring Ayano with you."
As he finished speaking, Ayano Kimishima, who had been standing by with her usual placid expression, felt a faint blush creep onto her cheeks. She stole a glance at Hozuki Nozomi, her eyes softening with a tenderness only he could elicit.
Yuki Suo's eyes immediately lit up. She nudged Hozuki Nozomi with her elbow, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Brother~ when did you manage to conquer Ayano, too?"
"Ah, I think you've got it backwards," Hozuki Nozomi corrected with a wry chuckle. "You should be asking when Ayano is going to conquer me."
He was clearly the passive party in this scenario! Such a cute, seemingly emotionless little maid had voluntarily slipped into his bed, offering her gentle "wake-up service" every morning. It would be stranger if he weren't affected.