Joy After the Exam

It was hard to imagine that even Albert, who usually wore a stern expression, would fool around with Ishizaki and the others. Though the girls could never beat the boys in terms of strength alone, the boys were still driven off in defeat by a barrage of pillows.

This kind of class atmosphere gave Ryuuen the illusion that he was in an ordinary high school.

Ryuuen was not fooled by that illusion. He directly found Manabe in the crowd and called her over.

When Manabe entered Ryuuen's field of vision, her entire body was wrapped in a one-piece bear pajama suit. She held a central position among the girls, and both her looks and personality made her fairly popular. However, Ryuuen had no time to appreciate her.

In a businesslike courtesy, he said, "Those pajamas suit you quite well."

"Thanks." Manabe showed little expression. She could tell that Ryuuen was not sincerely complimenting her, because his gaze was not on her at all.

"Someone contacted you, didn't they?" Ryuuen asked directly.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Manabe turned her head away. She wanted to flee, but her feet would not move.

"Hmph. I'm not in the mood to hold those little tricks of yours against you right now, but there won't be a next time." Ryuuen did not look at Manabe even once as he spoke, yet she still felt immense pressure.

"I'll ask again. Someone contacted you, didn't they?"

"...Y-yes. Someone anonymously sent me a message." Manabe knew she could not hide it, so she might as well admit it. At least that way, she would not anger Ryuuen. Manabe knew what Ryuuen had done to Ibuki, and she did not want to end up like her.

"You only need to act according to the messages that person sends you. But from now on, you'll notify me in advance about all your actions. Understand?" Ryuuen finally looked at Manabe, his eyes filled with killing intent.

"Understood." Manabe wanted to ask something else, but no words came out. Her body only wanted to leave as quickly as possible. She had done something that betrayed the class, and Ryuuen knew about it. Standing before him, Manabe felt like she was sitting on pins and needles.

Not long after Manabe left, Hiyori came over to Ryuuen.

Hiyori wore a pure white nightgown. Between her calves and her cute sandals, her fair ankles were exposed, and her toenails were painted pink.

When Hiyori stood beside Ryuuen in her soft nightgown, she gave off a particularly adorable air. The light, flowing fabric traced the curves of her figure just right, like a delicate flower swaying gracefully in the breeze. A faint blush colored her cheeks, while clear, bright light shimmered in her eyes, radiating youthful vitality and innocent charm.

She stood there with her long, soft hair draped over her shoulders, looking into Ryuuen's eyes with the faintest smile at the corners of her lips, like a beautiful painting. As she quietly watched him, her gentle gaze made one unable to resist wanting to spoil and protect her.

Hiyori in her nightgown possessed a special kind of charm. Her innocence, cuteness, and gentleness were heart-stirring, making people unable to resist wanting to draw close, to understand, and to cherish that precious beauty.

"Why are you just staring at me without saying anything?" Ryuuen asked Hiyori with a smile.

"How would you know I was looking at you if you weren't looking at me?" Hiyori turned her eyes away and stopped looking at Ryuuen.

"Why are you upset?" Ryuuen could naturally sense the dissatisfaction in Hiyori's tone.

"A lot of people in class saw you call Manabe away just now." Hiyori spoke with her back to Ryuuen. "When Manabe came back, she looked terrible."

"I didn't do anything to her. I merely arranged some class matters." Ryuuen shrugged and walked in front of Hiyori so she could see him.

"There are already rumors in class that you like Manabe." Hiyori raised her head, her little mouth pouting in jealousy.

"You said it yourself—it's only a rumor. There's no reason to believe it at all, is there?" Ryuuen stroked Hiyori's little head.

"Then is the rumor that you like Horikita also false?"

"I really am quite interested in Horikita." Ryuuen noticed Hiyori becoming unhappy the moment she heard that.

"But at this stage, you're the girl I like most," Ryuuen added unhurriedly.

The night was perfect. At some point, the noisy students around them had disappeared, leaving only Hiyori and Ryuuen there.

"Smooth talker."

This was the first time Ryuuen had expressed his fondness for Hiyori so plainly, and Hiyori's cheeks grew warm. Though she wished more than anything that he would leave out the words "at this stage," she did not want to seem too greedy in front of Ryuuen.

Ryuuen opened his arms. He had never been stingy with his embrace when it came to Hiyori.

Holding Hiyori felt warm and intimate. When Ryuuen pulled her into his arms, he could feel the warmth of her body. Her softness and warmth brought a sense of peace and comfort. Ryuuen could smell the faint fragrance on her, feel her breathing and heartbeat, as though the entire world had fallen silent, leaving only the understanding and intimacy between them.

As he held Hiyori, Ryuuen felt her softness and vulnerability, making him want to cherish and protect her even more. In Ryuuen's embrace, Hiyori closed her eyes, relaxed her body, and buried her head against his chest, enjoying the safety and support he offered. From time to time, Hiyori raised her head to look into Ryuuen's eyes, her gaze full of trust and tenderness, making her feel incomparably happy and content.

Ryuuen's embrace of Hiyori was not merely physical contact, but communication and connection between their hearts. This intimacy allowed Hiyori to feel the emotions flowing between them, making their relationship closer and more real. In that moment, time seemed to stand still, leaving only the indescribable blending of emotion and unspoken understanding between them.

Sometimes, the intimacy of the atmosphere far outweighed the pleasure of desire. Hiyori liked this feeling very much and did not feel much desire instead. Ryuuen also did not want to do anything else that might ruin the atmosphere. He had noticed quite a few classmates hiding nearby to watch the show.

They simply embraced for a long time, and the students hidden in the shadows did not get to see any special scene.

Hiyori was still reluctant to leave Ryuuen's embrace, and the warmth between them had risen. Ryuuen gently let her go.

"Alright, it's late. Go back and get some rest."

Ryuuen gently patted the back of Hiyori's shoulder.

Hiyori wore very little beneath her nightgown, and from Ryuuen's angle, he could see a patch of snowy white skin.

After parting with Hiyori, Ryuuen had no choice but to take a cold shower.

At the door to his room, Ryuuen ran into someone familiar again.

"Kamuro Masumi? What is she doing lurking around outside my room?"

Ryuuen had not expected to run into her. Clearly, she was up to no good.

Ryuuen hid himself. At this hour, his roommates were all out having fun, and he wanted to find out what Kamuro Masumi was planning to do outside his room.

Then Ryuuen saw Kamuro Masumi using a piece of wire to pick the lock.

What an old-fashioned method. Ryuuen now understood that she was here to steal something, though he did not know what she wanted to take. He did not remember leaving anything important in his room.