"Gu... lu..."
This sound did not come from the outside world, but from the other side of the old leather sofa.
Although the sound was not loud, in such a quiet closed space, it was as clear as if it was right next to your ears.
The finger that was turning the page stopped in mid-air.
Shiina Hiyori The body that was leaning forward slightly because of reading suddenly froze.
One second.
Two seconds.
The faint blush that originally appeared on the cheeks due to the warmth of the stove was like a wildfire that was ignited, spreading rapidly at a speed visible to the naked eye.
Slowly and extremely stiffly, she raised the book in her hand, trying to cover the lower half of her face, revealing only a pair of big eyes that were filled with shame and anger.
"That, that... isn't..."
She tried to explain, but her stomach that continued to protest clearly did not intend to cooperate with her master's restraint.
"It seems that although this book is indeed a rare spiritual food, it can enrich one's soul..."
"But for a developing body, energy supplementation on Physical Layer is still essential. Hiyori, your body seems to be more honest than your brain."
"Woo..."
Being pointed out so bluntly, Shiina Hiyori let out a cry like a cub.
She buried her entire face behind the book, and her voice came out muffled, with a bit of self-abasement and shyness.
"It seems... that's true. I need to go and eat something."
"In this case, let's say goodbye to this place for the time being."
Kazehara Tetsu stood up and gathered together the books selected by Shiina Hiyori.
"Let's go and check out."
The two of them walked to the counter filled with miscellaneous items.
The taciturn boss finally raised his head from the smoke of his pipe, glanced at the books on the table with his cloudy eyes, and quoted a figure that was definitely considered a "sky-high price" for ordinary students.
Those out-of-print books are in excellent condition, and the prices are naturally collectible.
Shiina Hiyori After hearing that number, his shy expression instantly turned into panic.
She subconsciously wanted to say something.
"Drip."
A crisp debit sound sounded.
Without any hesitation, Kazehara Tetsu paid the full amount directly.
"Can it be wrapped a little more nicely? After all, it's a gift for a girl."
He said to the boss.
The boss didn't speak, just nodded. He wrapped the book with Kraft Paper slowly but skillfully and tied it with a Hemp Rope.
When the two pushed open the wooden door and returned to the cold and windy outside.
Shiina Hiyori was holding the heavy pile of books tightly in his arms, but the expression on his face was full of tangles.
"Tetsu-kun..."
After taking a few steps, she stopped and looked at Kazehara Tetsu seriously.
"This won't work. These books are too valuable and have gone beyond the scope of ordinary gifts."
As she spoke, she took out her mobile phone and prepared to transfer money.
"I will replenish Points to you immediately. Although my current balance may not be enough, I will definitely..."
A big hand suddenly covered the screen of her mobile phone, stopping her movement.
"Hiyori."
Kazehara Tetsu looked at her with gentle but unquestionable eyes.
"What day is it today?"
"Eh? December... the 25th."
"That's right."
Kazehara Tetsu withdrew his hand and took advantage of the situation to tuck Scarf, which was blown by the wind, back into place.
"This is not an ordinary 'expense', but a Christmas gift. On this day, isn't it the most basic etiquette to give the girl you are dating a few books that she has loved for a long time?"
"But..."
Shiina Hiyori still wants to refute.
"Besides, it is very rude to refuse someone's carefully prepared gift in person, right?"
Kazehara Tetsu deliberately kept a straight face and said in a semi-joking tone.
"Or is it that Hiyori doesn't take today's date seriously and wants to make things clear with me?"
"No, it's not!"
Shiina Hiyori shook his head quickly, his silver hair flying in the air with his movements.
"I'm happy... really."
She lowered her head, looked at the book in her arms, and gently rubbed the rough Kraft Paper packaging with her fingertips.
"Since it's a gift... then I accept it."
She raised her head and showed a smile that was softer than the winter sunshine.
"Thank you, Tetsu-kun. This is... the best Christmas gift I've ever received."
The two walked side by side again, with the target Keyaki Mall.
Walking out of the secluded alley, the flow of people around gradually increased.
However, just as they were about to cross the avenue.
An aura that was incompatible with this cheerful festive atmosphere emanated from the group of people approaching.
The leader is a boy with Dazzling Blonde Hair haircut and a tall and straight figure.
There was a smile on his face that was so confident that it was almost arrogant, and his eyes were like a lion patrolling his territory.
The current Student Council Vice President is a man who has actually taken control of the second grade.
Miyabi Nagumo.
Behind him were several students who were also wearing casual clothes but had serious expressions.
One of the boys has a gloomy face, that is Kiriyama Ikuto.
The other two were closely following Nagumo, obviously his confidants Gowaki and Tonokawa.
This kind of lineup is like an emperor going on tour.
And slightly behind this group of people, there is another figure that is particularly eye-catching, yet seems so out of place.
Ichinose Honami.
The leader of Class B is still incredibly beautiful today.
She was not as cheerful as usual, but seemed a little reserved in such a small group full of oppression.
The two groups of people inevitably met on this wide road.
Shiina Hiyori instinctively sensed something was wrong in the atmosphere. She subconsciously leaned closer to Kazehara Tetsu, hugging the book in her arms tighter.
"Yo."
The first person to speak up and break the silence was Miyabi Nagumo.
He stopped and looked across the bustling crowd, accurately landing on Kazehara Tetsu.
"Isn't this the one from First Year Class A...Kazehara Tetsu?"
The sound of Miyabi Nagumo is not loud, but it has strong penetrating power.
"What a coincidence, we met in a place like this. It seems... you are also a person who is unwilling to be lonely."
His eyes swept over Shiina Hiyori next to Kazehara Tetsu in an extremely rude manner, with a trace of amusement flashing in his eyes.
"Class C's Shiina Hiyori... ah, quite an interesting combination."
Kazehara Tetsu stopped, his expression not at all panicked.
"Nagumo President actually knows about a little person like me."
Kazehara Tetsu Nodding slightly is the most basic etiquette.
"Hey, what are you talking about? Kagihara is very popular among the first graders, and he beat me in Sports Festival. How could he forget it?"
"So what's wrong with Nagumo President?"
"It's nothing, I just want to have a chat with my juniors."
"It doesn't seem like it. In this Christmas and Student Council, where everyone is busy enjoying their private time, are you still doing this kind of collective activity like a 'patrol'? It's really hard work."
There is a soft nail in these words, implying that even if Miyabi Nagumo is on vacation, he still has to show off his power with his followers.