Chapter 28: Dragon Boy Makes a Majestic Appearance!

"Saiki-san!"

A few minutes later, Saiki Kusuo arrived at the coffee shop and spotted Hiyori Shiina right away.

Shiina Hiyori greeted him with a warm smile, her lavender eyes sparkling with excitement.

Even before Saiki Kusuo reached the coffee shop, he could already sense Hiyori Shiina's anticipation through her thoughts.

[Hehehe, this is the first time I've invited Saiki-san out... No, it's more than that. This is the first time I've invited anyone out...]

[None of my other classmates share my interest in mystery novels. Saiki-san should be here soon...]

Despite her usual reserved demeanor, Hiyori Shiina was eager to connect with others. To her, Saiki Kusuo was more than just a friend; he was someone she could truly share her passions with.

"Hi, Hiyori."

Saiki Kusuo greeted her warmly.

"Don't worry, I just got here."

Hiyori Shiina waved off his concern, though Saiki Kusuo could tell she had been waiting for a while.

However, before Hiyori Shiina could finish speaking, Saiki Kusuo's attention was drawn to the array of coffee puddings on the table.

"I ordered these for you in advance, Saiki-san. I hope you like them."

Before Hiyori Shiina could finish, Saiki Kusuo eagerly nodded. Coffee pudding was one of his favorites, and these looked particularly enticing.

As Saiki Kusuo leaned in to take a spoonful, a sense of contentment washed over him. The pudding was delicious, even better than the cafeteria's version.

"It seems you really enjoy sweets, Saiki-san!"

Hiyori Shiina beamed with delight as she watched him savor the pudding.

[Saiki-san always brings back desserts from the cafeteria. He must have a sweet tooth.]

[I hope he likes the pudding I ordered. It's my first time inviting someone out, after all...]

Saiki Kusuo couldn't help but appreciate Hiyori Shiina's thoughtfulness. Despite her usual reserved nature, she had gone out of her way to make him feel welcome.

"Thank you, Hiyori. These are delicious."

Saiki Kusuo expressed his gratitude as he accepted the books she offered him.

[These are the mystery novels I've been reading lately. I hope Saiki-san enjoys them.]

Even though Saiki Kusuo could already sense Hiyori Shiina's thoughts, he accepted the books graciously. After all, it was the gesture that mattered.

As Saiki Kusuo flipped through the pages, Hiyori Shiina's expression suddenly turned serious.

"Congratulations on your promotion to Class C, Saiki-san."

"Thank you, Hiyori. But aren't you in Class D now?"

Although their classes were technically rivals, Saiki Kusuo knew Hiyori Shiina's words came from a genuine place.

"We can't change the situation, so we'll just have to make the best of it. Besides, I believe everyone deserves a chance to succeed."

Hiyori Shiina's optimism was evident, even in the face of adversity.

[The class dynamic has shifted since the demotion. Ryuuen has taken charge, though I don't agree with his methods.]

[I hope everyone can find common ground and work together for a brighter future.]

Saiki Kusuo couldn't help but feel a pang of curiosity at the mention of Ryuuen. It seemed there was more to the story than met the eye.

However, before he could dwell on it further, a voice interrupted their conversation.

"Isn't this Hiyori?"

At this moment, a strange boy sounded behind Saiki Kusuo.

Although he didn't see the other person's appearance, he could guess that person's identity through Shiina Hiyori's mental activities.

Ryuen Kakeru.

Hiyori Shiina's expression became a little subtle, but she quickly turned around with a polite smile on her face:

"Ryuen-kun."

The boy named Ryuen had a pair of cold eyes that seemed to penetrate people's hearts, and a faint sneer appeared at the corner of his mouth.

"Are you having a good time with your 'confidant'?"

Ryuen's words seemed casual, but Saiki Kusuo could sense the underlying tone of ridicule.

"Saiki-san, this is Ryuen-kun from my class. Ryuen-kun, this is Saiki-san, my friend."

Hiyori Shiina introduced the two of them to each other.

"Friend? Oh, interesting. The 'loner' Hiyori actually made a friend."

Ryuen's words were filled with sarcasm, causing a faint blush to appear on Hiyori Shiina's face.

"I'm not a loner..."

Hiyori Shiina's voice was a bit softer, seemingly trying to defend herself.

Saiki Kusuo remained calm, observing the interaction between the two.

Ryuen's gaze then shifted to Saiki Kusuo, and a hint of interest flashed in his eyes:

"Saiki-san, huh? I've heard your name before. Congratulations on your promotion to Class C. But let me give you a piece of advice, don't get too comfortable there. Things can change quickly."

Saiki Kusuo simply nodded in response, not showing any particular reaction to Ryuen's words.

Ryuen's lips curled into a smirk as he continued:

"By the way, Hiyori, there's something I need to discuss with you. Let's talk outside."

Hiyori Shiina hesitated for a moment but then nodded:

"Okay, let's go."

Before leaving, Hiyori Shiina turned to Saiki Kusuo with a gentle smile:

"Saiki-san, I'll see you later. Enjoy the rest of your time here."

With that, Hiyori Shiina followed Ryuen out of the coffee shop, leaving Saiki Kusuo alone at the table.

Saiki Kusuo couldn't help but feel a bit curious about the interaction between Hiyori Shiina and Ryuen. It seemed there was more to their relationship than meets the eye.

However, he decided not to dwell on it too much and instead focused on enjoying the rest of his time at the coffee shop, savoring the delicious pudding and browsing through the novels Hiyori Shiina had lent him.

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