[Editor's note: This chapter has been edited to remove content that breaks our content rules.]
Watching the two of them clasp hands, Horikita felt an inexplicable flicker of irritation.
She stood up, took Kiyotaka by the hand, and led him outside.
But once they were out of the room, she regretted it. What right did she have to drag him away? Did she even have something to discuss with him? In what capacity was she doing this?
Lost in these thoughts, Horikita led Kiyotaka to the rooftop.
“Did you need something?”
Kiyotaka had noticed every change in her expression and took the initiative to ask.
The cold arrogance usually on Horikita’s face had vanished, replaced by a trace of embarrassment.
“I…”
“If there’s nothing, I’ll head back.”
Seeing Kiyotaka turn to leave, Horikita grew frustrated. After all the times he had bullied her without her saying anything, why was he acting so impatient now?
Horikita caught his hand. Kiyotaka turned to look at her.
“I… You still haven’t apologized for yesterday!”
She looked at him stubbornly.
Faced with his indifferent expression, Horikita felt deeply wronged. After snapping, “You really are a jerk,” she left the rooftop.
Kiyotaka tilted his head back and gazed at the cloudless sky, a complicated look entering his eyes.
“A jerk, huh? That’s fine too. At least I won’t have to feel guilty.”
Chapter Four: A Change of Style (Revised)
Kiyotaka remained on the rooftop for a long time, returning to the classroom only when the bell rang.
When he entered, he looked at no one and simply lowered his head as he walked back to his seat.
Their homeroom teacher was still the one teaching the class. She paid no attention to whether anyone was listening and continued explaining the lesson on her own.
Kiyotaka’s thoughts were not on studying either. Bored, he gazed at the sky outside. With the knowledge already in his head, everything being taught was as simple as a children’s game.
Horikita had been watching him ever since he returned. For some inexplicable reason, she hoped he would notice her.
Yet he had not so much as glanced in her direction.
For someone as proud as Horikita, the contrast was hard to bear. Resentment and frustration filled her heart.
As soon as the final bell rang, their homeroom teacher left.
Having been ignored by Kiyotaka all day, Horikita saw that he was about to leave too. She gritted her teeth, stood up, and said, “Ayanokoji, could you come with me? I want to return your clothes.”
Kiyotaka looked at her without expression, stopped, and nodded.
And so Horikita led him to her dorm room.
“Sit down for a moment. I’ll get your clothes.”
“No need. I’ll leave as soon as I have them,” Kiyotaka said, shaking his head.
Horikita paused as she turned away, then looked back at him.
“Ayanokoji, do you dislike me that much?”
For once, Kiyotaka’s expression shifted. He gave a faint smile.
“Weren’t you the one who refused my apology? How did that turn into me disliking you?”
“Then sit down first, and apologize to me afterward!”
A blush crossed Horikita’s face. Without waiting for his reply, she went into the other room to find his clothes.
Kiyotaka shook his head helplessly, took off his shoes, and went inside to sit on the floor.
Before long, Horikita returned. She had changed out of her red-and-white school uniform and into black pajamas.
Noticing Kiyotaka’s puzzled look, she explained stubbornly, “What are you looking at? Isn’t it normal to change into pajamas when I get back to my room?”
“Not when I’m still here.”
Kiyotaka answered honestly, making no attempt to spare her feelings.
Horikita turned her head with a huff, sat down in a chair, and looked at him sitting calmly on the floor.
“Ayanokoji, aren’t you supposed to apologize to me?”
Kiyotaka nodded casually.
Later, Horikita asked, “Does this mean I’m your girlfriend now?”
As Kiyotaka looked at her, a hint of tenderness entered his eyes.
“Of course.”
Chapter Five: A Beach Treasure Hunt