Chapter 25: Back-to-School Season

Chapter 25: Back-to-School Season

The back-to-school season!

Finally, the time has come.

After finishing his morning jog today, Yukima Azuma just needed a quick rinse before promptly dressing up neatly.

The uniform of Toyosaki Gakuen consisted of a white shirt paired with dark navy-blue trousers.

For autumn attire, it included a deep navy-blue vest.

Additionally, apart from the regular uniform, there was a pure black formal suit reserved for special occasions.

All uniforms were custom-tailored, specially made based on the measurements of each student.

As a result, they fit exceptionally well, feeling natural and looking sharp.

After all, this was a renowned private academy for the elite.

One of the top three high schools in Japan.

Ranked alongside Shuchi'in Gakuen and Hyakkaou Gakuen, it was a super-prestigious school.

This was a place where society's important talents were cultivated—a cradle for training politicians, lawyers, and doctors.

When Yukima Azuma finished adjusting his hairstyle and stepped out of his room, he saw Kasumigaoka Utaha waiting by the door.

Wearing the same uniform, Kasumigaoka-senpai paired it with a pleated skirt and black stockings.

JK girls (Joshi Kousei, Schoolgirls) usually divided themselves into three factions:

The black stockings faction, the white socks faction, and the no-socks faction.

Black stockings were incredibly alluring, white socks represented purity and innocence, while bare legs were extraordinarily captivating.

Yukima Azuma adored all three factions.

However, it seemed Kasumigaoka-senpai was firmly a member of the black stockings faction.

"Let's go, ex-boyfriend-kun," Kasumigaoka Utaha said with a smile.

Walking to school together wasn't a common practice in Japan.

In the context of a "don't bother others" society, walking to school together was considered an intimate act.

Ordinary friends of the opposite sex, even if sharing the same route, would typically walk apart—one ahead, one behind.

Usually, only couples, same-gender friends, childhood friends, or opposite-sex friends caught in the ambiguous stage between friendship and romance would walk to school together.

Nevertheless, Kasumigaoka Utaha extended the invitation.

Kasumigaoka Utaha knew what she wanted, and she didn't wait passively but took the initiative.

Her feelings for him had quickly grown intense.

So, she would never deceive herself.

Instead, she would face her emotions seriously and act on them.

Facing Kasumigaoka Utaha's bold approach, Yukima Azuma's response was:

"Ok."

The two walked side by side toward Toyosaki Gakuen.

Along the way, passing Toyosaki students occasionally glanced at them with astonishment.

This was hardly surprising.

After all, Kasumigaoka Utaha was highly renowned at Toyosaki Gakuen.

Even during the school's promotional campaign last year, she was invited to feature prominently.

Her reputation as a "cold goddess" had spread far and wide.

So, when a young man suddenly appeared beside this cold goddess, it naturally drew attention.

That attention reached its peak on the cherry blossom-lined path leading to the school gate.

"Hey… isn't that Kasumigaoka-senpai? And she's walking with a guy!?"

"Who is he? I've never seen him before!"

"Could he be a new student? Not even enrolled yet and already close to Kasumigaoka?"

"Maybe he's her younger brother or something."

"Do they even look alike? Stop deluding yourself!"

Soft whispers buzzed around them.

Yukima Azuma remained calm in the face of it all.

His composure slightly irked Kasumigaoka Utaha.

"Yukima-kun, how does it feel to be the center of attention?" Kasumigaoka Utaha asked lightly.

Since they were at school, she refrained from calling him "ex-boyfriend-kun." If anyone overheard, it would certainly cause trouble for Yukima Azuma.

Well, walking together was already troublesome, but these two situations carried different implications.

"Senpai, I'm used to it. Did you forget? I used to live like this, didn't I?"

"Since senpai always shines brightly, being noticed when walking beside you is unavoidable."

Yukima Azuma calm reply left Kasumigaoka Utaha both pleased and slightly melancholic.

She was pleased because Yukima Azuma thought she shone brightly, yet melancholic as it reminded her of the past.

...

The two parted ways at the school gate.

Kasumigaoka Utaha headed directly to her class to check in.

As for Yukima Azuma, he needed to check the class assignment board first.

Afterward, he would go to Toyosaki Gakuen's main hall to attend the opening ceremony.

After parting ways, Yukima Azuma suddenly caught a faint fragrance in the air, reminiscent of tuberose—pure and soothing, evoking a sense of relaxation.

Amidst the fluttering cherry blossoms, the scent stood out distinctly.

"Does Toyosaki Gakuen have tuberoses planted?"

He wondered while turning toward the direction of the scent.

Then, his gaze met a pair of eyes that resembled tuberoses.

"Ah, not tuberoses, but a girl like tuberoses."

Yukima Azuma waved at Katou Megumi, a smile forming on his face.

"Good morning, Katou-san."

"Good morning, Yukima-san," came her gentle reply.

Her voice, still soft and emotionless, was incredibly pleasant to hear.

It seemed to carry a subtle magic that uplifted the listener's mood.

"Katou-san, since when did you notice me?"

"Just now."

"Really, just now?"

"Yes, I thought Yukima-san wouldn't see me until you got to the main hall."

Katou Megumi lightly twirled a strand of her hair.

The girl with the bob haircut no longer glanced at Kasumigaoka Utaha, who was walking away.

"Well, although Katou-san is adorable, your presence feels rather faint."

"Even if you call me adorable, I don't enjoy hearing what comes after," she replied.

As expected, Katou Megumi was sensitive about her seemingly low presence.

"But today, I noticed you right away because of a gentle, pleasant scent like tuberoses," Yukima Azuma said, stepping a bit closer to Katou Megumi.

He leaned in slightly to sniff the air near her.

However, this time, he no longer detected the faint, pleasant fragrance reminiscent of tuberoses.

Katou Megumi gently pushed Yukima Azuma away.

"Yukima-san! Even I would get embarrassed by that!"

Her face turned slightly red. While her emotions remained subtle, she looked undeniably cute.

Then, she raised her hand and gently sniffed herself.

"The scent of tuberoses? But I don't use any products with that fragrance."

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Today I played soccer until late afternoon, so there's only 1 chapter. Sorry.

Mainly because from chapter 56 onwards, each chapter increases from 1k words to 2k5 -> 3k words, so it takes more time than usual.

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