The next morning.

When Nozomi slowly opened his eyes, a peaceful warmth enveloped him. Nestled comfortably in his arms was Misaki Kamiigusa, her breathing soft and even, as if lost in a delicious dream. A faint smile graced her lips, and she unconsciously licked them, mumbling something about sweets.

Nozomi stared at her delicate cherry lips, the glint of sunlight catching her cheek. His mind, ever playful, wandered into dangerous territory.

---

Some time later.

Misaki stood at the sink, brushing her teeth with exaggerated seriousness while throwing Nozomi a look full of playful resentment. Her cheeks were still tinged with red from their earlier... skirmish.

Nozomi scratched his head awkwardly and offered a sheepish grin. "Sorry, sorry.Misaki-senpai is just too cute. I might've gotten a little carried away."

Misaki let out a muffled giggle as his hand reached to gently pat her on the head. "Since your apology is filled with sincerity... I forgive you!" she declared proudly.

Then, with mischief in her eyes, she leaned in and planted a foamy kiss on his cheek, her lips still covered with minty toothpaste. Nozomi blinked, stunned, and sighed. Off he went to wash his face again.

Misaki, now revived like a magical girl after transformation, skipped down the hall and wolfed down breakfast before dashing to school with her usual electric energy.

Nozomi watched her from behind, a warm smile playing on his lips.

"She's so easy to coax... and that's why I should treasure her more." He chuckled to himself. The thought of being a scumbag briefly crossed his mind—but instead of guilt, it only reinforced his charm. Life at Sakurasou was anything but dull.

...

That day at Sobu High was as energetic as ever.

Chatter echoed across the courtyard, and laughter mixed with the distant sound of basketballs on concrete. Everyone seemed determined to live out the glory of their youth.

It was also the day of the dreaded make-up exam.

Yuigahama Yui sat in the corner of the classroom, frantically reciting vocabulary words under her breath. Her determined expression was both adorable and comical.

She had been putting in extra effort lately, all so she could enjoy her weekend plans guilt-free.

On either side of her, Yukinoshita Yukino and Sanshokuin Sumireko were patiently helping her review, scribbling examples and guiding her through tricky parts. If Yui still failed, then perhaps destiny truly had it out for her.

Meanwhile, Nozomi found himself surrounded by girls, their melodious voices creating a bubble of sweetness around him.

It was a scene straight out of a shoujo anime—the aloof prince swarmed by devoted maidens. It was good to be him.

Unfortunately, not everyone shared in his good fortune.

Hayama Hayato stood off to the side, staring across the classroom with a mix of envy and quiet brooding. This used to be his role. The golden boy. The center of attention.

But ever since Yumiko's attention shifted to Nozomi, things had changed. The brightness around Hayama had dimmed. Even though Tobe and the other boys still hung around, the comparison was stark—one surrounded by vibrant girls, the other by awkward guys.

Hayama couldn't help but wonder: where did it all go wrong?

Should he act more like Nozomi—charming, open, flirtatious with multiple girls? The idea flickered briefly before he shook his head.

No. That wasn't him.

He still had hope.

After all, Yukinoshita Haruno hadn't settled down or accepted any suitors from powerful families. His father had confirmed it. That meant there was still a chance.

Childhood friends… they mattered, right?

If he stayed true and waited patiently, maybe—just maybe—Haruno would finally notice him.

Compared to Nozomi, who was like a chaotic storm sweeping through their lives, Hayama believed his quiet devotion would eventually win her heart.

But would it really…?

...

Noon.

Nozomi wandered over to the vending machines, craving something cold and fizzy.

As he approached, he spotted a familiar, elegant figure standing in front of one of the machines, staring at it like it had just insulted her family name.

Yukinoshita Yukino.

She gently poked at the buttons, clearly puzzled.

Nozomi nearly laughed out loud.

Turns out, the famously composed Yukinoshita Yukino didn't know how to operate a vending machine. He walked leisurely over, his steps soft, his presence suddenly entering Yukino's field of view.

The moment she spotted him, her slender shoulders trembled. As if startled, she straightened her back quickly, her pink lips pursing in hesitation. Her aura, usually cold and commanding, now held a note of vulnerability.

Nozomi gave her a warm smile. "Yukino, what a coincidence. Here for a drink too?"

"Y-Yes," she replied, her voice faint but clear.

"Then let me treat you. It's only proper for a guy to be courteous to such a cute girl."

Yukino hesitated briefly, then nodded ever so slightly. "If you insist on treating me, I won't object."

Back then, she never would've accepted a boy's gesture so casually. But Nozomi... was different.

He was her fiancé, after all. Even if they weren't officially engaged yet, their relationship had crossed lines that made backing away impossible.

That time they kissed... she hadn't forgotten. Not even for a moment.

Her cheeks flushed with warmth at the memory, and she had to resist the urge to turn away shyly. Instead, she kept her eyes locked on his hands, watching his every move with curiosity.

Nozomi inserted a coin with practiced ease and selected a drink. With a mechanical clunk, a can dropped from the vending machine.

Turning toward her, Nozomi asked, "What do you want to drink, Yukino?"

"Max Coffee, please... I've been tutoring Yuigahama so much lately, I need something to keep me going."

"Got it," he said with a grin.

He quickly selected a can of Max Coffee and handed it to her like a knight presenting a treasured gift. Yukino received it carefully, fingertips brushing.

"Yukino, have you had lunch yet? Want to walk for a bit and help digestion?"

She blinked. "Hmm... I already ate. But a walk sounds nice."

Not long after, in a quieter part of the school grounds, Nozomi gently pressed Yukino against a secluded wall, a location chosen with deliberate care.

Lowering his head, he kissed her gently—no, tenderly—with the kind of affection that made her heart tremble.

Her fingers tightened around the front of his uniform, her slim frame stiff at first, then slowly relaxing.

When he finally pulled back, Yukino pushed him gently, panic fluttering in her eyes.

"Don't... What if someone sees us? Wuwuwu...!"

Before she could finish, Nozomi stole another kiss.

"Relax," he murmured. "I asked the cats to keep watch. If anyone comes, they'll signal us."

Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You brought cats into the school... for this?!"

"Of course. I even reward them with dried fish. Everyone wins."

"You're a pervert!" Yukino declared, her cheeks burning. She pounded his chest with her small fists, embarrassed yet flustered.

"Liar! You said we were just walking to digest lunch... and now you do this...!"

Nozomi, unbothered, took a deep breath and slipped his hand around her waist, fingertips grazing the hem of her school uniform.

She shivered.

He gently grasped her softness, kissing the side of her neck—a place so tender that her entire body jolted like it had been struck by lightning.

"I missed you," he whispered against her skin.

"And didn't you say I should help you... grow up? Don't back out halfway now. Tell me, Yukino—was it useful?"

His words echoed in her ears. She had, begrudgingly, noticed an effect.

She looked away. "You... You bad guy... If someone finds out, I'm never speaking to you again!"

But even her scolding lacked conviction.

Nozomi chuckled and leaned in once more, kissing her lips softly.

"Don't worry. My feline bodyguards won't let us down."

"Be good, Yukino... be good for me."