After Nao completed her first transaction, the rest of the participants from Toyosaki gradually made their way to their designated areas.
"President, I'm going to take a walk."
"Whatever, whatever." Nao waved her hand dismissively.
Hakuto wasn't here to participate in the event; he was more of a mascot, so wandering around aimlessly was practically part of his job.
He also planned to check on the five sisters, and since Nao and Jojiro were handling things here, his presence—or absence—didn't really matter.
However, as he strolled around, something felt off. Every time he passed a booth, he somehow ended up with more things in his hands.
"Long time no see, Shiratori-kun. Here, take this."
"Shiratori-kun, try this cake I made."
"Just a little something, please accept it."
"I heard you were coming back for this event. I can't believe I'm actually seeing you!"
Hakuto was dumbfounded. These people were way too enthusiastic, making him feel like some kind of celebrity.
Before he even realized what was happening, his arms were overflowing with gifts, nearly obstructing his view. It was honestly a bit overwhelming.
"Wait a minute... this isn't right. This doesn't match my persona..." Hakuto muttered to himself, staring at the pile of stuff he was holding.
At Toyosaki Academy, his image was far from that of a popular figure. Aside from a select few, most people tended to avoid him.
No one would normally rush up to give him gifts like this.
Just then, someone silently approached him from behind and patted his shoulder.
"Hm?"
Hakuto turned his head, still struggling with the mountain of presents, and found himself face to face with a long-haired, black-haired beauty glaring at him.
"Uh... long time no see, Kasumigaoka-senpai..."
Hearing his voice, Utaha flashed a mischievous smile. "Long time no see, kouhai-kun..."
But there was something eerily sinister about her smile.
"I've been following you for a while now. I didn't expect that after just half a month, you'd become so popular."
Utaha leaned in slightly, almost pressing against him. If it weren't for the crowd, Hakuto felt like she might have just jumped onto him.
"Senpai, if you have something to say, just say it. I still have work to do."
"I never thought that after you disappeared without a word, this would be the kind of attitude I'd be met with upon reunion."
Utaha put on a deeply hurt expression, as if Hakuto had committed some heinous crime against her.
"Have you already forgotten about that night, kouhai-kun?"
Hakuto nearly tripped and fell at those words.
Staring at Utaha, he couldn't fathom how she managed to make their haunted house adventure sound so suggestive.
"Huh? What, senpai? Do you want to go ghost hunting again?"
"Oh, I wouldn't mind. But the real question is—would you dare to come?"
"Hah?! Dare?! Me?!"
Hakuto felt like she was insulting him. There was nothing in this world he wouldn't dare to do!
He could take on five people alone or sit back and reap the benefits—there was no situation he couldn't handle. He had seen it all!
But in the next second, Utaha chuckled softly and said:
"My room. I wonder if kouhai-kun would dare to come over tonight?"
Damn it!
This was one situation he had never encountered before!
Hakuto hesitated for a long time before finally uttering his signature line:
"That'll cost extra!"
There was no helping it—his pride, his dignity, even his hairstyle could take a hit, but he refused to work for free!
Utaha blinked in surprise before letting out a soft laugh.
"Could it be that I've awakened some special switch in you, kouhai-kun? You're not working as a male escort now, are you?"
"Male escort? You have to be an adult for that!"
"True... but kouhai-kun, do you still remember that you owe me a favor?"
Hakuto froze on the spot, almost dropping everything in his arms.
Sure, he did owe her a favor—but did she really have to make it sound like he needed to repay it with his body?!
"W-what do you want?"
Hakuto eyed Utaha warily and took a small step back.
He wasn't particularly concerned about this sort of thing, but that didn't mean he was willing to be taken advantage of for free.
"Relax, I just need help moving some stuff."
"Oh... that's fine."
Hakuto sighed in relief. Given Utaha's personality, she might have actually asked for something outrageous.
"Then let me drop off this pile first," he said, turning toward Nao's booth.
The whole way there, Utaha followed closely behind him, as if afraid he would run away.
"Senpai, there's really no need to follow me..."
"Oh, but there is. What if you suddenly disappear on me again?"
Utaha was clearly still holding a grudge over the fact that Hakuto had left for the exchange program without a word.
"I had my reasons last time. It wasn't like I deliberately hid it from you."
Could he really be blamed for that? A million yen was on the line—he barely had time to think, let alone inform others!
"Or is kouhai-kun afraid I'll get the wrong idea if he's going to see his girlfriend?"
"...Fine. Suit yourself."
Hakuto was only worried that Nao would use this to tease him later.
Something like, "And don't even get me started on your senpai—ugh, I don't even wanna talk about it!"
But whatever. If Utaha wanted to follow, let her follow. It wasn't a big deal.
With that, the two of them arrived at Nao's booth together.
Nao, who was busy running the stall, looked up and was visibly confused when she saw Hakuto carrying a massive pile of stuff.
"Did you... go on a shopping spree?"
"No... just collecting protection fees. I'm leaving this with you for now, President."
"Hah?! You joined the yakuza?!"
"It's not like I asked for this—they just handed it over..."
"You threatened them, didn't you?"
Sometimes, Hakuto really felt like he and Nao were at odds. No matter what the situation, they always ended up arguing.
If he didn't know that Nao meant no harm, he might have punched her already!
It was only then that Nao noticed Utaha standing beside him.
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