When Wu Yan returned to Hinagiku's home, it was already dark. Looking at the door before him, he simply could not muster the courage to push it open.
It was not quite dinnertime yet, but it was close. Never mind what would happen because he had come back late, or how he would explain where he had gone when Hinagiku asked him—if the table was not covered in dishes by mealtime, the Student Council President would definitely fly into a rage and give him a few shoulder throws.
Wu Yan truly regretted it now. He had turned a perfectly good Student Council President into a foodie, and in the end, the only one getting hurt would be himself...
If Hinagiku had been waiting eagerly at home for him, he could have accepted that. But reality was cruel. What Hinagiku had been waiting for was nothing more than exquisite food...
With a mournful sigh, Wu Yan tensed his body, ready to become a sturdy punching bag at any moment, then pushed open the door as though heading to his death.
"Oh my, you're back, Yan-kun..."
The delicate female voice startled Wu Yan. Once he saw who it was, he breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "Ah, I'm sorry for coming back late, Madam."
Hinagiku's Mom stared intently at Wu Yan, a smile on her face. Under her gaze, his entire body trembled, and he felt as though she had seen right through him.
Covering her mouth as she chuckled softly, Hinagiku's Mom looked at Wu Yan. "I don't really mind, but shouldn't Wu Yan-kun start preparing dinner for us?"
Fine, it was not only the Student Council President he had raised into a foodie. He had somehow raised the Student Council President's mother into one too...
"I'll get started right away..." Wu Yan gave a dry laugh, then hurriedly asked, "By the way, where is Young Miss?"
"Hmm... She's in her room. She was just talking about you, Little Wu Yan-kun. Shouldn't you go up and see her? For your own sake, hehehehe."
Watching Hinagiku's Mom's scheming smile and hearing that cringeworthy nickname, Wu Yan swallowed and gave a foolish laugh. "Then... I guess I'd better go up and see her."
"Be careful..." Hinagiku's Mom kindly reminded him. As for what he needed to be careful about, Wu Yan could guess.
"..." Wu Yan fell silent, then forced himself to endure the tingling of his scalp as he headed toward Hinagiku's room.
Should I go in with a smile on my face? Or should I go in looking apologetic?
His hand rested stiffly on the doorknob as Wu Yan pondered, his mind racing as he considered how to suffer a little less physical pain.
Sure enough... I'd better go in looking apologetic. Maybe the Student Council President will take pity on me and throw a couple fewer punches...
With that thought, Wu Yan steeled himself and forcefully pushed open Hinagiku's bedroom door.
"Hinagiku, Y-Young M-M..."
The rest of Wu Yan's words lodged in his throat. He could not force out a single word, merely stammering "M-M-M..." over and over.
Across from him, Hinagiku stared at the suddenly barging-in Wu Yan in stunned disbelief. Her entire body stiffened, and she stood frozen with a piece of clothing in her hands...
Her pink hair was pinned up, and her skin was soft and fair, seemingly glowing with luster, making anyone who saw it want to reach out and touch it. A blush colored her cheeks, adding a touch of cuteness to the usually imposing Katsura Hinagiku.
The clothing in her hands fell the moment Wu Yan burst in. The Student Council President remained in the posture of holding it, facing Wu Yan...
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