But he merely sighed helplessly.
"If possible, I'd like some peace and quiet for a while."
Too much had happened during the Nine Schools Competition. He desperately needed a proper rest—preferably the kind where he could sleep for days and nights on end.
"Can't be helped! You were so conspicuous at the Nine Schools Competition—both a competitor and an engineer, and you achieved excellent results in both areas."
Mari Watanabe covered her little mouth with one hand as she patted his shoulder with the other.
"Wasn't it all because of you guys..."
Mahiro shot this upperclassman a displeased glare.
There was really nothing he could do about this woman's sarcastic remarks.
After all, they were the truth.
Just then, he caught sight of a group of lovely figures walking toward them from the corner of his eye.
It was Miyuki, Kitayama Shizuku, and Honoka—the three girls.
"Looks like the little princesses have come looking for you, so I'll leave you alone."
Mari Watanabe stepped away of her own accord, and Miyuki took her place before him.
A pale, jade-like hand reached out toward him.
Tilting her head, Miyuki smiled gently. "Mahiro, may I have this dance?"
Normally, the man should have been the one to extend the invitation, but when it came to Yotsuba Mahiro, everything was completely reversed.
But since it was Miyuki inviting him, how could he possibly have a reason to refuse?
"All right. I'd be delighted."
With one hand behind his back, Yotsuba Mahiro imitated a gentleman and gently took Miyuki's hand with the other.
The two walked together toward the center of the dance floor.
Her soft, delicate body leaned against Yotsuba Mahiro, her fair, slender arms resting upon his shoulders.
His hand naturally settled around Miyuki's slim waist.
Their eyes met as they slowly