Do You Still Remember Me?

The afternoon sun slanted across the tree-lined path leading to the dormitory district, casting dappled shadows as a gentle breeze stirred the leaves.

Mazumi Mami and his three companions walked at an unhurried pace.

Chisato Nishikigi stretched lazily, her tone laced with sly satisfaction. "The bait's been cast. Now we just wait for the fish to bite."

"Will they really agree?"

Runa Inoue tilted her head slightly, her voice carrying a trace of cautious doubt. "After all, a million points isn't a small sum. Even if Honami Ichinose is Class B's leader, convincing the whole class to put up that many points won't be easy."

"Of course they'll agree!"

Chisato Nishikigi planted her hands on her hips and declared with full confidence, "My intuition never fails—little Honami is the type who puts the class above everything else. To protect Class B's interests, she'll grit her teeth and agree. So we'll definitely get that million points!"

"I have to say, Chisato, you can be pretty terrifying sometimes."

Walnut's tone held a hint of teasing. "You call her 'little Honami' so affectionately, yet when it comes to scheming, you don't show the slightest mercy."

"Heh heh, even blood brothers settle accounts clearly, let alone when we're just classmates right now."

Chisato Nishikigi waved a hand as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "So the two things can't be compared. Being close to her doesn't mean I can't scheme against her. Of course—" She changed tack abruptly, throwing her arms wide to drape one over Runa Inoue's shoulder and the other over Walnut's. "I would never scheme against you two! Because we're family!"

"I'm touched."

Runa Inoue spoke with a blank expression. "But I don't think you have the brains to scheme against us."

"Indeed."

Walnut echoed flatly.

"What did you just say—?!"

Chisato Nishikigi bristled instantly, flinging her arms out and lunging at the pair, her fingers darting nimbly to tickle their waists and underarms.

"Hahaha—Chisato, stop... hahaha... I was wrong..."

Walnut doubled over, her usually impassive face flushed crimson as laughter poured out uncontrollably.

"Young Master... do something about Chisato..."

Runa Inoue dodged while pleading with Mazumi Mami for help, though the corners of her mouth twitched upward, clearly not truly resisting the roughhousing.

Mazumi Mami walked a few steps ahead. He glanced back at the three girls playing and chasing behind him, a faint smile tugging at his lips before he turned forward again and chose to ignore them.

He had grown accustomed to their interactions; it was their own unique way of getting along.

Besides, having just finished lunch and strolling along the sun-dappled campus path while watching three beautiful girls laughing and chasing behind him made for a rather pleasing sight.

Yet just as the four of them were about to turn into the dormitory gate—

"Wait—wait a second—!"

A clear, urgent female voice called from behind, accompanied by hurried footsteps.

All four stopped at once and turned around.

A figure was sprinting down the nearby slope.

Her honey-colored hair, striking in the sunlight, was tied high in a ponytail that swung side to side with each stride, the light-blue hair tie glinting brightly.

She raced up to them and skidded to a halt right in front of Mazumi Mami, bending forward with both hands on her knees as she gasped for breath.

Sweat slid along her delicate jawline, a few strands of hair clinging to her cheeks from the moisture and lending a faint pink flush to her already healthy, sun-kissed skin.

Her chest heaved violently, her breathing rapid and heavy; she had clearly run the entire way.

The mingled scent of body wash and sunlight on her, laced with the faintly warm, clean aroma of evaporating sweat, grew distinct as she drew near.

It was not an unpleasant odor, but rather the fresh, sweet-tinged vitality of a sun-warmed peach just picked—brimming with the life force unique to a girl her age.

Runa Inoue cocked her head, studying the unexpected visitor. "Hm? Chisato, is this someone you know?"

"No idea. I don't recognize her." Chisato Nishikigi shrugged, equally bewildered.

"Hold on—"

Walnut's gaze sharpened slightly. "She's not looking at you two... Her eyes are on the Young Master."

Sure enough, once the girl caught her breath she slowly straightened and lifted her head.

It was a face full of energy and vitality.

She possessed a pair of bright, lively eyes like amethysts, now misted with moisture from the run and gazing wetly at the person before her as though tears might spill at any moment.

Beneath her small, straight nose were rosy lips, parted slightly as she continued to pant from the exertion.

Her outfit stood out sharply from most students', radiating the distinctive fashion sense of a gyaru.

She wore a light-blue collared shirt instead of the standard white uniform, a dark-blue bow tie knotted at the collar.

A red school jacket was tied around her waist, its sleeves knotted casually in front.

Below was a white pleated skirt trimmed in black, the hem trembling faintly with her still-uneven breaths. Color-blocked mid-calf socks covered her legs, white on the lower half and light gray above.

On her feet were a pair of black calfskin shoes, their surfaces lightly dusted from the run.

Standing before Mazumi Mami, still breathing hard, she worked her lips a few times before finally speaking.

"You... you remember me, right... my savior! I finally found you!"

Karuizawa Kei's voice trembled and grew raspy from her rapid breathing, yet the excitement and joy emanating from her heart were clearly discernible.

After saying this, she raised her hand and casually wiped the sweat trickling down her temple with the back of her fingers.

The movement was clean and decisive, devoid of any affectation; instead, it possessed a vitality and charm unique to a girl of her age.

At this moment, her amethyst-like eyes were fixed unblinkingly on Mazumi Mami, filled with anticipation, nervousness, and a trace of unease, as if she feared not being recognized.

Mazumi Mami narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze lingering for a moment on that expectant face.

"It's been so long, yet you're still as boisterous as ever, Kei."

Mazumi Mami said with a smile, his eyes resting on her face, which was flushed from running.