The Fourth Period Is Modern Chinese (Continued)

"That's great, Yukino. You can go out and have all the fun you want."

"How could I play all day? Exams are coming up soon, aren't they?"

Faced with Haruno's teasing tone, Yukino responded calmly, then tilted her head toward me as if seeking my agreement.

"Y-Yeah... There are exams too, so we probably won't have much time to go out..."

I let out a dry laugh to brush it off. Then, from across the table, came the sound of a fan snapping shut.

"That's true. Until the exams are over, we won't be able to have meals together this often."

Following the sound, I saw Mama-no resting a hand against her cheek as she spoke with refined elegance. No, no, no, I never said anything about eating together frequently. What was this beautiful woman in a kimono talking about...?

As I stared in stunned disbelief, Haruno, seated beside Mama-no, nodded and continued.

"But it's nice to relax once in a while, isn't it?"

There was no way I could relax at all. What was this sexy beauty talking about...? Was she trying to turn these dinners into a regular event step by step? This felt dangerous if I did not stop her... I gave Yukino a look, trying to convey that.

Yukino, having received the signal, nodded.

"Yes, if it's only once in a while..."

Then she murmured to herself, lowering her gaze and fidgeting shyly. Hey! That wasn't right! I had been counting on her to refuse tactfully! Still, seeing her act shy was so rare that it was completely okay!

But if they invited me again, I would find some way to postpone it and muddle through until I had mentally prepared myself before accepting... I definitely could not reject them outright... After all, if I acted