The next morning.
A shaft of sunlight slid across the windowsill, brushing Itsuki Hayashi's face.
Though it was a modest rental, Shiina Mahiru's room was surprisingly well-positioned.
Itsuki stirred, nose twitching. A sweet, familiar scent wafted toward him, accompanied by the soft, warm weight pressing against his chest.
He blinked and took a proper look. A delicate, angelic face was nestled against him, eyes still closed.
As he stared at the cute little face, Itsuki's memory flickered back. Yesterday, he had… well, admittedly acted like a rogue, scooping Mahiru up and claiming her bed, demanding she sleep with him.
No denying it—he had been downright naughty.
But… he had to admit, it felt pretty damn good.
Having a gentle, soft angel like her in his arms—it made him quietly smug.
Quick action gets the prize, after all.
Although Mahiru still saw him as a total scoundrel, Itsuki felt confident she would eventually accept him.
After all, she was already his familiar. There was no running away!
Not wanting to wake her, he closed his eyes again. It was still early; there was plenty of time to hold her a little longer. Once she woke up, he couldn't exactly keep holding her by force.
Besides, today was the first day of school.
As the unlucky guy who had been hit by a car on the very first day, today would be his first real chance to meet his classmates.
Soon enough, Shiina Mahiru stirred awake.
Her eyes widened as she realized the man holding her. She gasped, but immediately pressed a hand to her lips to stifle the sound.
The morning sun spilled across her desk, and her gaze grew conflicted.
"Is it morning already…?"
She muttered softly, and her eyes drifted to Itsuki, still pretending to sleep.
"Stop pretending. I know you're awake."
Itsuki's eyes snapped open. "H-how do you know?"
Mahiru shoved his chest, flustered and embarrassed.
"Your naughty little part gave you away! Pervert, let go… it's time to get up!"
Even with his "little guy" giving him away, Itsuki wasn't embarrassed in the slightest.
Boldly, he hugged her one more time, inhaling her fragrance before slowly releasing her, letting her scramble away in a flurry.
Mahiru's cheeks flamed as she glared at his perverted behavior. Yet, despite herself, her heartbeat quickened.
"Could you please… leave? This is my room!" She took a deep breath, trying to suppress her mortification, speaking as coldly as possible.
"Of course. See you at school, Shiina Mahiru," Itsuki said with a playful smile, glancing at her a few times before retreating from her room.
Watching him leave, Mahiru muttered under her breath.
"Ugh, you perverted creep!"
Even as she cursed him internally, her mood gradually calmed.
He hadn't done anything this morning… at least not yet.
Of course, last night's antics were still unforgivable.
Mahiru had already decided: at school today, she would absolutely ignore him.
Itsuki casually made some fried rice for breakfast, then changed into the Holy White Emperor Academy uniform and left the apartment.
The door next to his was already locked—Mahiru had clearly left before him, not waiting around.
Well, he wasn't in a hurry. First, money matters had to be settled… he still had to write.
On the train to Holy White Emperor Academy, Itsuki headed straight for the office of the Year 1B homeroom teacher.
Seeing the pink-haired woman in a sharp black business suit and a form-fitting skirt, his heart skipped a beat.
Her name was Kirisu Mafuyu.
A character from We Never Learn, and quite a popular one at that.
Kirisu Mafuyu sighed quietly as she looked at the unlucky boy who had been hit by a car on the first day of school. Setting his student file down, she spoke with her usual calm authority:
"Hayashi Itsuki, congratulations on your discharge. Let's head to your class shortly. You'll need to introduce yourself so you can integrate with the students."
As a teacher, maintaining authority was essential; she had to project the icy demeanor that made unruly students comply.
Itsuki nodded earnestly.
"Thank you, Ms. Kirisu. I'll do my best."
And I'll make you my familiar too…
Admiring her briefly, Itsuki followed her down the corridor toward the classroom.
Upon entering, Mafuyu clapped her hands once, immediately quieting the students.
"Class, today we have a new student joining us. Be kind and work together."
She beckoned him forward. "Come in, Hayashi Itsuki."
Itsuki walked in casually, eyes scanning the room until they landed on Shiina Mahiru, seated toward the back-middle of the classroom. Taking a piece of chalk, he wrote his name on the blackboard.
"Hello everyone. I'm Itsuki Hayashi, the unlucky guy who got hit by a car on the first day."
The class erupted into laughter.
Itsuki smiled faintly. "Well, accidents happen. I'm safely out of the hospital, and I look forward to getting along with everyone. Please take care of me!"
He bowed politely, earning genuine applause.
"Very good. Hayashi, choose an empty seat. Class will begin now."
"Understood, teacher."
Carrying his briefcase, Itsuki slowly walked to the seat by the window in the back row.