Yomo had always been a calm and composed man.Anyone familiar with him knew that he almost never showed emotion.Even when he spoke, his tone was always flat, without the slightest rise or fall.
But now, the corner of Yomo's mouth twitched, and his expression stiffened slightly.He didn't know exactly what had happened, but he could more or less guess.
After all, Touka had taken the day off yesterday, yet she hadn't stayed home.Rumor had it she'd gone out with someone.
Combined with what Irimi had just said, the truth was obvious.
Touka had probably gone on a date with Hayashi yesterday.The two of them might've even done something outrageous… like hold hands.
Thinking of this, Yomo fell silent.
He had originally planned to say something, but after seeing Touka's shy yet pleased expression, he knew that anything he said now would be unnecessary.
So he chose to pretend he hadn't noticed a thing, lowering his head to keep wiping plates.
Even though the atmosphere felt a bit awkward, Hayashi casually ordered a cappuccino and sat down at his usual seat.
Just then, the door opened.
Hinami and her mother walked in from outside.
"Hayashi!"
The moment Hinami saw him, her eyes lit up.
She rushed away from her mother, jumped up, and threw herself into his arms.
"Hinami, long time no see."
Hayashi gently patted her head, a soft smile on his face.
"It's been so, soooo long since I last saw you!"
Hinami burrowed happily into his embrace, clinging to him.
"Hayashi, my daughter talks about you constantly. Thank you for teaching her to read and write."
Ryoko stepped forward and bowed lightly, her gentle face carrying a trace of embarrassment.
In truth, she was surprised—deeply surprised.
She never expected Hinami to be this attached to the white-haired boy before her.
She had originally assumed they were nothing more than study companions.
But now it was clear their bond was far stronger than she'd imagined.
"It's alright, you're being too polite,"
Hayashi replied with a warm shake of his head, still patting the small head in his arms.
"Being able to teach Hinami is my honor. I genuinely enjoy it."
Hearing this, Ryoko sighed in relief.
She had come today partly because she was worried—worried her daughter might be tricked.After all, she'd heard a human was teaching her daughter how to read, and naturally she feared the worst.
But now, she realized her worries were unnecessary.
Even from just these few minutes of conversation, there was no doubt—Hayashi was a good person.
"Hayashi, you told me last time that you would tell me a story today!"
Hinami lifted her head excitedly, her eyes sparkling.
"Don't worry, I'll tell you. I'll even tell you the story about the little boy who sold nuclear missiles."
Hayashi smiled as he ruffled her hair.
"Then let's go upstairs! Hurry, tell me!"Hinami grabbed Hayashi's hand and pulled him toward the second floor.
Ryoko considered following them, but after thinking it over, she decided against it.
Soon, the two arrived at the second-floor lounge.
"Hayashi, hurry and tell me! I'm really curious!"Hinami leaned forward eagerly, eyes shining.
"Ahem. Listen closely: once upon a time, there was a little boy, and he had a friend named Fatty. One day, the two of them went skydiving together…"
Hayashi began telling a dramatic, tragic, and emotionally charged tale.
"The boy and Fatty are so pitiful…"
Hinami wiped the tears forming in her eyes, clearly moved.
Seeing this, Hayashi gently patted her head again, feeling an unexpected sense of accomplishment rising within him.
[Ding! You have triggered a Time-Limited Mission: Educational Storytelling]
[Objective:: Tell Hinami one hundred stories]
[Reward: One random Talisman]
"A mission?"
The familiar system notification instantly lit up Hayashi's mind.
And this time, the reward was a talisman—he might draw something incredibly powerful.
But surprisingly, the mission this time was ridiculously easy.
Thinking about it, Hayashi cleared his throat and said seriously:
"Hinami, from now on I'll tell you every story I know. Listen carefully."
Every story he knew?
Hinami's eyes sparkled even brighter, filled with curiosity and excitement.
…
Just like that, Hayashi continued storytelling without pause.
By the time Ryoko returned to take Hinami home, he had finished the hundredth tale right on time.
After bidding the mother and daughter farewell, he sat on the sofa, waiting for his reward.
[You have successfully completed the mission: Educational Storytelling]
[Mission reward is being distributed…]
[You have obtained a random Talisman: Rooster Talisman]The proud Rooster grants you the power of levitation]