Took a Hand Chop for Nothing, but Maybe It Wasn't a Loss?

Smack!

A crisp sound rang out.

"That hurt."

Hasebe Haruka clutched her forehead like a wronged kitten.

"I flicked you to make you remember. I told you to warm up before getting in the water, yet you made Airi and me worry so much."

Tatsuya Sakuya looked at her sternly.

"Yeah, Haruka..."

Beside them, Airi Sakura rubbed her eyes, her voice carrying lingering fear.

"You scared us so badly just now. I thought I'd never see you again..."

"I know I was wrong. Who knew I'd suddenly get a cramp halfway through swimming? I'll definitely be careful next time."

Knowing she was in the wrong, Hasebe Haruka muttered a quiet apology.

"As long as you understand."

Tatsuya Sakuya said nothing more and called Airi Sakura over to help stretch and relax Haruka's muscles a little.

"Ah... g-gently..."

Hasebe Haruka symbolically pulled her leg back.

But when her gaze uncontrollably landed on the boy before her, her heartbeat began to speed up disobediently.

Thinking back to the scorching, irresistible sensation on her lips when she woke up, along with that distinctly masculine presence... it was really a little embarrassing.

For some reason, Tatsuya Sakuya woke up earlier than usual and arrived at the classroom twenty minutes before homeroom.

There were barely any people in the classroom. After all, who would come early when they could rest for one more minute in their room?

Soon after, Class 1-D's students gradually arrived.

"Good morning, everyone."

Kushida Kikyou greeted everyone enthusiastically, instantly livening up the classroom atmosphere.

Tatsuya Sakuya also noticed something strange: his desk neighbor, Horikita Suzune, had unusually not arrived early.

Normally, by the time Tatsuya Sakuya took his seat, Horikita Suzune would already be studying.

"Ding~"

As usual, Chabashira Sae began homeroom.

During homeroom, Chabashira Sae never brought up