Night had fallen, and the stars were dotting the sky.
Shikime Natsu brought Shiina Hiyori back to his dormitory without delay.
"Excuse me for the intrusion."
Shiina Hiyori spoke softly, carefully taking off her shoes and arranging them neatly before stepping into this space that was still somewhat unfamiliar to her. This was her second time stepping foot in Shikime Natsu's dorm. Although she wasn't as flustered as the first time, the young girl's demeanor still carried a few obvious hints of restraint.
She stood at the entryway, her gaze quietly surveying the surroundings. The layout of the room was no different from her last visit; it was as clean and tidy as ever, without even a speck of excess dust visible. The floor was polished to a shine, items were arranged in perfect order, and a faint, refreshing fragrance permeated the air—it smelled very nice and made one feel at ease.
It was clear that Shikime Natsu never slacked off in his daily cleaning, which was why this room remained so pristine. Thinking of this, Shiina Hiyori couldn't help but feel a little ashamed. Although she considered herself a clean girl and kept her dorm tidy, occasionally... just occasionally, she would want to be lazy, tossing a book aside casually or letting clothes pile up on a chair without folding them.
In comparison, Shikime Natsu was truly too self-disciplined.
"Sit for a moment, I'll be ready soon."
Shikime Natsu didn't ask Shiina Hiyori what she wanted to eat. Based on the girl's personality, she would surely answer, "I like whatever Shiki-san makes," or "No need to go to too much trouble, something simple is fine." Moreover, he had learned from last time that she had a sweet tooth. So, he skipped the polite formalities and turned to walk into the small open kitchen.
With his culinary skills, trying to create 'Dark Cooking' would be harder than making a Michelin three-star meal. Of course, if he absolutely had to attempt Dark Cooking, it wasn't impossible for him, and even in that realm, Shikime Natsu could still be in a league of his own.
Before he started cooking, Shikime Natsu did one thing first. He walked over to the bookshelf and placed the novel Shiina Hiyori had just given him onto a clean, organized shelf. Although there were other books and study materials there, this book was given a standalone spot, making it quite conspicuous.
Though the action was subtle, it was caught by the eyes of Shiina Hiyori, who had been paying attention to him the whole time. A wave of warmth instantly surged in the girl's heart, and the corners of her mouth rose uncontrollably. Shikime Natsu was seriously cherishing the gift she gave him.
After placing the book, Shikime Natsu's gaze swept over the other books on the shelf. The originally empty shelf now held some colorful study materials and exam papers, thanks to Asahina Nazuna's "friendly sponsorship."
"Eh? Are those..."
Shiina Hiyori leaned in slightly and saw the other books on Shikime Natsu's shelf clearly.
"They look like second-year study materials."
"Yes, they were indeed borrowed from a second-year senior."
"I made some preparations to deal with upcoming events."
Shiki-san is so amazing... Shiina Hiyori looked at those questions, which were obviously much more profound than the first-year curriculum, with a light of admiration flowing in her eyes.
"To think you can already cross hands with second-year seniors." And she had heard some rumors... the opponent this time seemed to be that influential second-year figure, Vice President Nagumo, right?
The matter of the wager between Shikime Natsu and Nagumo Miyabi had already spread like wildfire throughout the school last night. Even though Shiina Hiyori wasn't the type to be obsessed with gossip or constantly glued to the forum on her phone, she wasn't deaf to the world outside her window. Naturally, she paid attention to matters concerning Shikime Natsu.
"Mn, not bad. So, Shiina-san, do you think I will lose, or will I win?"
Shikime Natsu suddenly turned his head, looking at her as he asked, a trace of playfulness in his eyes.
"Shiki-san will definitely win."
Shiina Hiyori answered without hesitation. Her tone was quite serious, not looking like she was lying at all.
"Although I heard that Nagumo-senpai is very formidable... I feel that Shiki-san is still more formidable."
Shikime Natsu could tell these were the girl's sincere words. It seemed that when she met him this morning, she hadn't actively brought up the topic—which almost everyone else mentioned upon seeing him—because she was quite confident in him. This feeling of being wholeheartedly believed in wasn't bad at all. Although he was trusted by the members of Class A, the trust of a beautiful girl made Shikime Natsu feel even more delighted.
Whether it was Kamuro Masumi or Shiina Hiyori, both made Shikime Natsu feel good. Mn, and as for that smug brat who had no confidence in him, he would definitely have to teach her a good lesson.
"Then I'll take your lucky words, Shiina-san."
Shikime Natsu smiled, turning back to process the ingredients. The sounds of chopping and cooking soon rang out from the kitchen, accompanied by a tantalizing aroma that gradually filled the air. Before long, several dishes, perfect in color, aroma, and taste, were set upon the dining table.
"Please, enjoy."
Shikime Natsu took off his apron and sat down opposite Shiina Hiyori.
"Itadakimasu."
Shiina Hiyori put her palms together, spoke softly, and then picked up her chopsticks to place the delicious food into her mouth. In the next second, the girl's eyes lit up slightly.
"Delicious..."
She couldn't help but let out a heartfelt sigh of praise. That savory flavor blooming on the tip of her tongue seemed capable of soothing a whole day's fatigue.
"It's really very delicious, Shiki-san. Just like the first time I ate your cooking, it's quite perfect."
"I'm glad you like it," Shikime Natsu said with a smile.
Shiina Hiyori ate a few more bites, then suddenly, as if thinking of something, she put down her chopsticks. A gleam of anticipation flashed in those purple eyes.
"Um... Shiki-san," she asked, somewhat embarrassed. "May I... learn how to cook from you?"
"Hm?"
Shikime Natsu paused for a moment, then laughed involuntarily. "Of course, no problem. As long as I have free time, you are welcome to come over anytime."
Hearing this promise, Shiina Hiyori's heart skipped a beat, and her cheeks were quickly dyed with a touch of crimson.
Welcome to come over... anytime?
She silently repeated this phrase in her heart. Wa-Wasn't this equivalent to giving her an excuse to enter Shikime Natsu's dorm at any time? One had to know, as a reserved literary girl, if she didn't have Shikime Natsu's active invitation, she would absolutely be too embarrassed to actively run over to the boys' dormitory.
This was why, despite school starting so long ago, she had only visited Shikime Natsu's dorm that one time in April when he invited her. Every Wednesday after that, although the two met in the library, that was public time belonging to "book friends." After reading, Shikime Natsu often had things to do and had to leave first, so the two had almost never eaten together at the cafeteria.
So, when they parted ways at the library just now, she had actually prepared herself mentally to go to the cafeteria and eat dinner silently alone. But now, Shikime Natsu's words gave the girl an excuse.
"I want to learn cooking."
What a legitimate excuse this was. Moreover, to reach a level like Shikime Natsu's was obviously not something that could be learned overnight. This meant... from now on, as long as she wanted, she could come to find Shikime Natsu to "ask for cooking advice" almost every day. Even if she only learned one dish a day, it would be enough for her to come for a long, long time.
Thinking of this, the girl's cheeks became even hotter. How could I... have such ulterior motives? Isn't this too unreserved, too cunning?
But... aside from reading time, she really wanted to get closer to Shikime Natsu. Merely a once-a-week library date could no longer satisfy the growing greed and attachment in her heart. Unknowingly... she seemed to have become a bit too attached to Shikime Natsu.
But this excuse of learning cooking should probably only be used on weekends, right? After all, Shikime Natsu looks very busy every day.
"If Shiina-san doesn't find it troublesome, you can come over every day during dinner time. I'm basically free during the time I cook. I can teach you while preparing dinner."
Shikime Natsu spoke again, making the girl's little heart thump wildly.
Every day?
This was somewhat beyond her imagination.
"Then... I'll be troubling you, Shiki-san."
The girl couldn't think of any excuse to refuse, and of course, even if she thought of one, she didn't intend to refuse.
Dinner ended in a pleasant atmosphere. Shikime Natsu stood up, preparing to clear the dishes. After all, being in front of Shiina Hiyori, he intended to behave a bit better. If it were usually just him alone, or if Horikita Suzune were present, he would have long since thrown these trivial chores to that maid-lady. After all, make the best use of everything.
"Shiki-san, please let me do it."
Shiina Hiyori raised her head, looking at him with a serious gaze.
"You worked hard to prepare such delicious food for me, so... please, you must let me handle a simple thing like clearing the dishes. Otherwise, I'll feel very uneasy."
Looking at the girl's slightly insistent expression, Shikime Natsu hesitated for a moment, then let go.
"Then I'll leave it to you, Shiina-san."
"Mn!"
Shiina Hiyori responded happily, picking up the bowls and chopsticks and walking toward the kitchen sink.
Shikime Natsu leaned against the doorframe, quietly watching the girl's busy back. She had rolled up her sleeves, revealing a section of wrist white as jade, her movements washing every dish gentle and meticulous. The sound of water rushing, accompanied by the occasional crisp clinking of bowls, echoed in the quiet dorm.
This scene... Shikime Natsu couldn't help but sigh with emotion internally. It really had that sense of déjà vu of an "old married couple." If it were Shiina Hiyori, she would surely be a very qualified, very gentle wife in the future, right?
"Um... Shiina-san."
Shikime Natsu suddenly spoke.
"Shall we... change... how we address each other?"
Shiina Hiyori, who was washing dishes, paused her movements, her back stiffening slightly.
"Change how we address each other?"
"Yes."
Shikime Natsu's voice remained gentle but carried a bit of seriousness. "Always calling each other Shiina-san and Shiki-san feels a little distant."
"If you don't mind... from now on I will call you Hiyori, and you can call me Natsu. How about it?"
"Hi... Hiyori..."
Hearing this address come from Shikime Natsu's mouth, Shiina Hiyori felt a wave of heat rush from the base of her neck straight to the top of her head, her entire face instantly becoming scorching hot. Fortunately, she was facing away from Shikime Natsu; otherwise, if this expression, red as a ripe apple, were seen, she would surely be ashamed enough to burrow into a crack in the ground.
Th-This was too sudden. For someone with a reserved personality like her, this was simply a caught-off-guard "direct attack."
Changing how they addressed each other, calling by given names. This meant the relationship between the two had taken a giant step forward, becoming much more intimate. For the girl who was somewhat reliant on him and wanted to get closer to Shikime Natsu, this was undoubtedly something happier than any gift.
She took a deep breath, trying hard to calm her wildly beating heart, then turned around. Although she didn't dare to look directly into Shikime Natsu's eyes, she still nodded gently.
"Mn... O-Okay... Natsu."
Her voice was as thin as a mosquito's, carrying a few tremors and shyness.
"Hiyori."
Shikime Natsu tried calling it out again, his tone natural and affectionate.
"...Mn."
Shiina Hiyori lowered her head, but the corners of her mouth rose uncontrollably no matter what. The distance between the two seemed to have really closed a lot.
Today, so many happy things had really happened. Not only did she make up for the regret of not reading together on Wednesday, but she also successfully gave him her most cherished book, received his promise, and even... exchanged intimate names that only they could call each other.
This day was simply as beautiful as a dream. If it really was a dream... Lord God, please let me never wake up.
Right at this moment.
The phone in Shikime Natsu's pocket suddenly vibrated. He took it out for a look; the screen displayed a new message. It was a text from Kamuro Masumi.
[I'm here.]
Only three short words.
Shikime Natsu raised an eyebrow and checked the time. Her movements were quite fast.
Seeing Shikime Natsu walk toward the dorm door, Shiina Hiyori, who was drying her hands, raised her head with some confusion.
"Is a guest here?"
She subconsciously assumed it was Horikita Suzune, whom she had met last time, or another classmate of Shikime Natsu.
"Mn."
Shikime Natsu put away his phone, a faint smile still hanging on his face, walked to the entryway, and opened the door.
After the door opened, Kamuro Masumi walked in quickly, carrying study materials on her. Although she could basically complete these herself, and she could have done them perfectly fine alone last night, sure enough, she still preferred doing practice problems in Shikime Natsu's dorm.
Even if the two had no communication, just staying by Shikime Natsu's side was enough.
Kamuro Masumi also noticed the activity in Shikime Natsu's dorm, thinking to herself, Could it be that Horikita Suzune or Kushida Kikyou has already arrived a step ahead?
However, when she raised her eyes, she happened to meet Shiina Hiyori's gaze.
How did the Library NPC appear in Shikime Natsu's dorm?
____
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