The Ideal City That's Already Slacking Off

As the bell for the final period of the day rang, Friday's classes came to an end, marking the start of the much-anticipated weekend!

"Woohoo! I've been watching the clock all day, and now I can finally enjoy my first weekend as a high school student. Hooray!"

"School's out, and the weekend is here. Two wonderful things coming together—hooray!"

Izumi Kotomi and Yui Yuigahama both raised their arms and cheered simultaneously.

A double hooray.

Megumi Kato, who was quietly packing her bag, squinted and smiled. "Izumi-san and Yuigahama-san really seem to look forward to the weekend."

"Of course! I've been looking forward to Friday since Monday!" Yui Yuigahama said earnestly.

"Hmph, I'm different. I've been looking forward to Friday since the day before school started," Izumi Kotomi said, hands on her hips, even letting out a proud hum.

Since it was Friday, there were no club activities to attend. Noticing that Kotomi wasn't going to the art club, Megumi Kato also decided not to go to the library and instead left school with her.

"By the way, Yuki, where do you live?" Yui Yuigahama asked.

After spending a week getting to know Yukinoshita Yukino, things seemed to be going well, and Yukino's attitude toward the three of them had gradually become more gentle. However, there was still a subtle sense of distance that lingered.

It wasn't that Yukino was intentionally distancing herself; it was a habit she had developed over the years, unconsciously keeping others at arm's length.

All they could do was hope that over time, they would be able to gradually melt that barrier.

"My home? I'm renting an apartment at Hiiragi Apartments. If you have free time on the weekends, feel free to come visit," Yukinoshita Yukino tentatively invited them.

She had never invited friends over before; in fact, she had never had friends to invite. This was the first time she had ever extended such an invitation, and while she couldn't hide her nervousness, it was a significant improvement compared to before.

"I'll definitely come," Izumi Kotomi replied first.

"Hiiragi Apartments? That's the famous luxury apartment complex, isn't it?!"

"Huh? Is it really a luxury apartment? I've been living there for a while and didn't know. My parents arranged the rental for me—they chose it because it's close to school," Yukino said, her words as simple and unadorned as ever.

"From what I've heard, the rent at Hiiragi Apartments is extremely expensive, and tenants are required to sign a lease for at least three years," Yui Yuigahama said. She had come across various stories about Hiiragi Apartments online.

One of the most notable aspects was the high rent and the minimum three-year lease requirement. The steep and long-term rent effectively discouraged many potential tenants, leaving the complex quiet due to its excellent soundproofing and low number of residents.

Yukinoshita Yukino was one of the few tenants living there.

"Expensive? I don't think it's that bad," Yukino said indifferently.

This statement revealed a hint of the elegance expected of the eldest daughter of the Yukinoshita family.

Ordinarily, Yukinoshita Yukino didn't come across as a typical rich girl. She seemed more like a refined, quiet bookworm with a love for literature.

It was hard to associate her image with that of an heiress.

Izumi Kotomi, who had long known Yukino's background, wasn't particularly surprised, but Yui Yuigahama and Megumi Kato both showed varying degrees of shock.

An heiress is among us!

As the four of them walked and chatted, they made a striking sight—four beautiful girls walking together, creating a picturesque scene. Without any embellishment, just standing there, each of them was a unique and stunning sight.

When they reached the intersection, Yukinoshita Yukino said, "My home is to the right, so I'll head off now. See you on Monday."

"Bye, Yukinoshita-san."

"Yuki, come visit my family's cake shop sometime."

"If I have time this weekend, I'll definitely come," Yukinoshita Yukino attempted a smile. The curve of her lips was slight, but compared to before, it was visibly noticeable.

Yui Yuigahama suddenly remembered that although school was out, her family's dango cake shop would still need her help.

And if business got busy, she might not even get to enjoy her weekend properly, as she'd have to spend both days helping out at the shop.

Checking the time on her phone, she realized that it was almost the busiest time of day at the cake shop. If her mother were left to handle everything alone, she might struggle to keep up.

With that thought, Yui Yuigahama didn't waste any more time. She quickly said to Izumi Kotomi and Megumi Kato, "Izumi-san, Kato-san, I have to go help out at the cake shop, so I won't be walking with you. See you on Monday~!"

"Take care."

"See you on Monday. Don't forget to do your homework," Izumi Kotomi added, unable to resist teasing her, knowing that Yui had borrowed her homework to copy all week.

"If I don't finish my homework, I'll just borrow yours again, Izumi-san!"

With a smile that didn't falter, Yui Yuigahama, who had spent the entire week "borrowing" Kotomi's homework, turned and ran off in the direction of the dango cake shop.

"Yuigahama-san really works hard," Megumi Kato remarked.

"But compared to her, Yuigahama-san's mother is the one who works the hardest," Izumi Kotomi corrected.

After her husband's death, Yuigahama's mother had to single-handedly support the family financially and ensure her two daughters received an education. Although Yuigahama's mother always wore a gentle and sweet smile, Kotomi imagined the pressure she must be under was immense.

Even the most optimistic people still bear burdens.

After hearing Kotomi's words, Megumi Kato smiled knowingly and asked with a hint of mischief, "You seem to care a lot about Yuigahama-san's mother, Izumi-san?"

"Well, not that much... hahaha..." Izumi Kotomi laughed awkwardly.

When they reached Kotomi's house, she stopped and said to Megumi Kato, "Goodbye, Kato-san."

"Bye-bye. Enjoy your yakiniku with your sister tonight."

"Oh, I definitely will."

After saying their goodbyes, Kotomi used her key to unlock the door and went inside.

Aimi hadn't come home yet, so she would probably arrive in a few minutes.

Kotomi went to her room, took off her jacket, dropped her bag, and threw herself onto her soft bed.

"Ah~ So comfy, so comfy. Being able to dive onto your bed right after school is one of the happiest things in life. Manifest, the ideal castle of laziness! Lord Camelot!"