Yukinoshita Yukino didn't care how others looked at her. Even though walking up to Shirase drew plenty of curious eyes, she returned to her seat with the same indifferent expression as always.
No questions, no concern—no interest in anyone's opinions.
Besides, she had no friends in class, not even acquaintances, so no one dared approach her to pry.
It was similar on Shirase's side. After exchanging looks with his buddies, the guy sitting behind him finally worked up the nerve. "Shirase, what were you and Yukinoshita-san talking about?"
"The soccer club," Shirase said casually.
"Huh?" The three guys, clearly hoping for gossip, stared blankly.
Shirase didn't elaborate, leaving them scratching their heads for five minutes straight. They still couldn't figure out how Yukinoshita Yukino had anything to do with soccer.
Not far away, Miura Yumiko noticed and immediately asked Hayama Hayato, "Do you know what they were talking about?"
"No idea." He had guesses but wasn't confident enough to say them.
Yumiko shot a glance at Yukinoshita, sitting quietly alone, and let out a small huff. "She probably doesn't know anyone here. Otherwise I'd find someone to ask."
Hayama chuckled. "Hiratsuka-sensei seems close with her. I saw them talking last time."
Yumiko instantly shrank back. Asking a teacher for gossip? Way too much.
For Shirase and Yukinoshita, it was just a small blip in their day, but others didn't see it that way.
By lunch, rumors had spread. Isshiki Iroha and Nakano Ichika both came by one after the other. When Shirase explained the truth, both wore obvious disappointment.
They'd clearly hoped for something spicier.
Although Yukinoshita had said she'd wait for him, she didn't show up at the soccer club after school.
On his way to practice, he saw her walking with the girl with the bun—apparently heading to the Service Club.
"I heard the school's genius came to see you today?"
The moment Shirase joined his teammates, they swarmed him.
Isshiki Iroha, who already knew the truth, stood at the back, giggling while he got surrounded.
"Why are you guys so obsessed with gossip?" Shirase asked.
"Who said men can't gossip?"
"Yeah! Men are people too. Curiosity is normal."
"Fukuda's right! Men can gossip—and men also have the right to wear stockings, heels, and cute dresses!"
As soon as he finished, everyone—including Shirase and Hayama—turned to stare, eyes wide.
The teammate's expression froze. "Don't read into it, okay? I was just trying to keep the bit going."
Shirase edged half a step back, and the others followed suit.
"Hey! You're actually backing away? Do you have any idea how much that hurts my fragile, innocent heart?!"
"Sorry, we can't tell. We just know we've got a pervert on the team now!"
"Baka yarou—I'm not a pervert!"
Amid the laughter, practice started.
Isshiki Iroha, as usual, kept a close eye on Shirase's performance data.
Meanwhile, Hayama and the others worked on stamina—pushing themselves just to keep up with the club's Ace Monster.
To them, Shirase's inhuman speed was basically beast-level.
Honestly, even farm animals probably couldn't outrun him.
Shirase finished practice under [Fixed Hosting]. Fresh from the shower, he stepped out to find Hayama waiting by the door again.
"This feels familiar. Did time rewind?" Shirase deadpanned.
Hayama waved it off with a smile. "Just letting you know there are two girls waiting outside."
"And you're telling me this isn't time travel? You said the same thing yesterday."
"Two! There are two this time! Focus on the key point."
"Wasn't it also two yesterday, if you count Miura-san?"
"...Fine, you win," Hayama sighed.
Under Hayama's exasperated gaze, Shirase headed out to meet them.
It was Nino and Itsuki.
He wasn't surprised to see Nakano Nino. Rumors about him and Yukinoshita had spread through school at light speed.
It was a small campus, full of restless teenagers who could circulate any rumor in record time.
The kind of place where if you walked into the girls' dorm and the gate closed behind you, the entire student body would sprint over for the show.
When he approached, Itsuki subtly raised her right hand to point at Nino, clearly signaling: It was her idea to find you.
Shirase nodded and gestured. "Come on, let's head to the Service Club together."
"Huh?"
Nino, who'd been rehearsing how to pry information out of him, froze.
Itsuki was the same, blurting as she followed in shock, "Why are we going to the Service Club?"
"Because Yukinoshita-san is waiting for me there," Shirase said simply.
Itsuki went quiet and snuck a glance at Nino.
Shirase smiled at Nino's hesitant look. "If you want to ask something, just ask. I'll answer fully and honestly."
"You don't need to flex your idioms at me," Nino muttered, cheeks a little red. Getting called out like that was embarrassing.
Shirase shrugged. "But your face is clearly brimming with questions."
"Your face is brimming with questions!" Nino snapped, then relaxed a little. "We really did come because of today's rumors. Ichika wanted to come too, but she had work."
"It was Nino who dragged me along," Itsuki cheerfully betrayed her, smiling at his side.
"Itsuki!" Nino's blush deepened.
"It's the truth. What's wrong with being honest?"
"I mean—if you can't talk properly, then just keep quiet!"
"I refuse! I want to talk!"
"Damn it…"
Watching the sisters bicker, Shirase laughed softly. "Actually, I'm the one who approached Yukinoshita-san first."
"Huh?"
Both girls froze, staring at him.
And Shirase was surprised to find that Nino's eyes held a hint of nerves—while Itsuki's looked just as anxious.
---
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