The Kidnapping Incident

"Everyone should go to their rooms to put away their belongings first, then gather in the cafeteria lobby!"

Under the shouts of the teachers in each class, the students of Shuchiin Academy began to take action, entering the hot spring resort hall one by one, and then separating into their pre-arranged groups.

The rule was five people per room, and Shinichi shared a room with four classmates. He wouldn't mention their names because they weren't familiar with each other, and of course, they were all boys.

It was only at times like this that Shinichi sorely missed Fuutarou's presence. Group activities like autumn outings would be more enjoyable with friends, and when female friends were absent, male friends became very valuable.

Moreover, only male friends could go to the hot spring with him.

Shinichi wasn't interested in Fuutarou's body at all; he just wanted to tease him.

During the summer trip, he, Shirogane Miyuki, and Ishigami Yu bathed in the Shinomiya family villa hot spring. When he removed his towel from his waist, both of them immediately showed horrified and shocked expressions.

That made Shinichi very proud at the time, but he didn't say it outright.

And if this person were Fuutarou, he might be even more satisfied than before.

Unfortunately, the guy didn't come, and Shinichi wasn't interested in the jealousy of ordinary students, so the excitement of soaking in the hot spring diminished greatly.

After greeting his male classmates whom he knew but wasn't too familiar with, Shinichi followed the crowd to the cafeteria hall. About twenty low square tables had been placed there, with gas stoves, pots, and various ingredients on them.

In the cold weather of late autumn and early winter, enjoying hot pot was indeed a great pleasure.

"Everyone who comes to the hall should find a table to sit at first. It's best to have eight people at one table! Try to sit with people from different classes!"

(I guess the teachers want to improve relationships between second-year students?)

Shinichi didn't expect the school to do this. Eating hot pot with strangers was clearly a challenge for those afraid of strangers.

Of course, even though the teachers spoke with concern, the students might not listen. Most people still gathered with friends or classmates, only a few small groups of less popular or fewer people would sit together.

"So what should I do..."

Shinichi stood up while thinking hard.

Considering the girls' attitude towards him and their vague rejection when they gathered at night, Shinichi rarely had the idea of keeping his distance from them for a while.

It wasn't an escape, just a strategic retreat... In other words, waiting and seeing the situation, carefully determining the next course of action.

And when the courage test meeting started at 9 p.m., even if they didn't come to him, Shinichi would take the initiative to find Fumino and Rizu. That was another plan of his.

After thinking like this, Shinichi decided to sit at a table with some people and spend dinner time casually.

In the past, he was a little afraid of strangers and might have had trouble with them, but now that he was the student council president, what he had to consider was not "how to deal with others" but "how to take the initiative to socialize with students."

"By the way, let's find Ishigami." Suddenly, he had an idea.

Ishigami's personality wasn't too positive. Although his reputation was much better than when he was a first-year, he still only had a few friends in the same class.

Shinichi smiled and looked for Ishigami.

Soon, he found his target.

Then the smile froze on his face, his expression quickly turned dark, and he spoke words full of sour jealousy.

"Ishigami, I'm really worried about you. I didn't expect a guy like you, with thick eyebrows and big eyes, to betray me... You're still laughing, but can't you see Iino's eyes?"

Comparing it to his current situation, Shinichi gritted his teeth, staring at the man from afar several times, hoping he would be caught and hit by Iino. He used to be jealous of others, but now these were the days when he envied others.

Everything had truly changed.

After feeling sick for a long time, Shinichi decided to look away.

He could only sit wherever he wanted according to the plan.

He looked around again and quickly found a table in the corner. Everyone was playing with their phones with their heads down, and they didn't intend to chat with their friends who were waiting to eat together. The table was filled with a gloomy atmosphere.

"As the student council president, it's my duty to lead the atmosphere and ensure everyone can enjoy a pleasant dining atmosphere..."

Shinichi adjusted his facial expression, showing a gentle smile, and walked towards the table.

But his foot was just lifted...

"Ah, I've been looking for you for a long time." A soft voice with a pleasant smile appeared beside him.

"Asada-san, were you looking for us too?" One of his wrists was held by a warm hand.

"Hmph, I think this person is deliberately avoiding us. Otherwise, he would smell our scent and chase after us, and he would sit at the same table with us." Mocking words directly hit Shinichi. His other hand was boldly raised to her arm, and the elasticity and smoothness under the girl's clothes immediately increased.

"Um, although I don't really want to agree with this statement... But Asada-kun didn't come to us first, and he didn't even have the intention to look for us. It's really confusing." This voice sounded dissatisfied.

"Anyway, let's catch Shinichi first and take him back." After changing her words without success, the hem of her clothes was gently pulled.

The familiar childish aura still surrounded him, and five similar faces began to appear.

"You... Wait, where are you taking me..."

In Shinichi's confused expression before he could react, the quintuplets ignored the strange looks gathering around them.

As the group approached, Fumino, sitting upright at the low table, turned to him and slowly showed a warm smile.

Just like welcoming her newly returned husband, the girl leaned forward slightly and spoke softly.

"Welcome back, Asada-san."

For some reason, Shinichi felt a chill.