"Finally gone, what a bunch of troublesome people!"
Sora breathed a sigh of relief as Sayanomiya Kaoru and Amakasu Touma finally left.
By the way, Lady Kaoru is also a super famous person at school. Although only a second-year high school student, she is already the student council president. With her stunningly handsome and beautiful looks, she has countless crazy fans among both boys and girls.
Moreover, she is said to be the heir of the Sayanomiya family, one of the four great families, with an impressive status. Sora felt uneasy, having been so rude to her and even rejecting her earlier. Would she send some underlings to retaliate?
Well, Sora admitted he sometimes overthinks and worries unnecessarily, sweat…
Not wasting any more time, Sora walked to the Tea Ceremony Club where Shizuka was. Leaning quietly against the wall in the corridor, he waited without intending to go inside. Just thinking about possibly encountering the person he feared made him nervous again.
Yes, there was someone inside whom even Sora feared!
It wasn't because she was particularly powerful. If it came to a fight, Sora could easily defeat her with just two fingers. Besides, she was a super pretty and cute girl, considered the school beauty of Jounan Academy, admired by many, including Shizuka, the traitorous girl.
Although Sora admitted the girl was beautiful, cute, and lovable, other aspects were complicated. In short, it was a long story full of tears…
"Senpai Mariya, thank you so much! I learned a lot today!"
"No, no, I didn't do anything. It's all thanks to Shizuka-san's own efforts."
"Mariya-senpai is too modest. I wish my idiot brother had even half of your qualities. He's always such a handful."
"Shizuka-san, are you talking about Sora-kun? I heard there are rumors about him at school again today, always causing trouble and inconvenience for teachers and classmates. He really needs to be corrected!"
"Ha… haha… Mariya-senpai is still so serious…"
…
Sora, who was almost dozing off, suddenly woke up hearing the familiar voices of girls. One was his sister, and the other—
Well, Sora felt an urge to run away immediately. But thinking that he hadn't committed any crime or broken any law, why should he be afraid of her?!
"Shizuka, do you talk behind your brother's back like that?"
He complained to Shizuka with a helpless look, then politely greeted the other girl beside her:
"Good afternoon, Mariya-san."
Straightforward and polite, Sora bowed slightly.
For someone like Sora, who usually appeared lazy and self-willed, such a proper gesture would surely surprise anyone who saw it!
But it was all true, just because of the girl standing next to his sister Shizuka.
Brown hair, brown eyes, a tall and well-developed figure, and a beautiful, cute, and lovable face. She exuded noble elegance and an aura of wisdom.
Her name was Mariya Yuri, a third-year middle schooler like Sora but in a different class.
Those who didn't know her admired and loved her; those who truly understood her feared and avoided her. Of course, there were exceptions, like Shizuka!
The fear and avoidance weren't because Mariya Yuri was terrifying. Although Sora sensed a strange energy from her, she was nowhere near his level.
What really made people fear her was her absolutely serious, upright, and kind personality!
Every time they met, she would criticize him with a "demon-like smile" and a stern tone, saying he behaved badly, caused trouble for teachers, and disturbed classmates…
If it were anyone else, Sora wouldn't care and would just punch annoying people. But she was different: a girl he was too embarrassed to hit, who never lied and always spoke facts, was strict with herself, and believed pointing out others' faults was her duty!
That was frustrating. Who doesn't have flaws? Especially someone like Sora, who felt like a scum of society and a despicable sinner every time Mariya Yuri criticized him…
So over time, Sora developed a psychological shadow about her. Unless absolutely necessary, he avoided her whenever possible.
"Good afternoon, Sora-kun!"
Mariya Yuri's behavior and words were impeccable as she returned the greeting.
"Sora-kun, I heard that…"
Her expression changed as she prepared to fulfill her duty again.
"Ha, Mariya-san, I just remembered I have something to do at home. Let's talk next time! Shizuka, let's go home…"
Unable to help but shiver, Sora dared not let this super troublesome big sister continue, so she quickly interrupted to stop her. She made up a random excuse, grabbed the still stunned Shizuka, and fled like the wind!
"Sora… classmate…"
Looking at Sora, who was already far away with a long trail of dust behind her, the girl's lips parted slightly, her expression hesitant as if wanting to say something but holding back.
"So, Sora classmate really dislikes me too…"
Her two delicate hands tightly clasped together, Yuri lowered her head, her tone tinged with a hint of grievance.
Although the girl knew her overly serious personality had always made people around her keep their distance, she really only wanted to help by correcting their mistakes out of kindness…
Well, if Sora were here now, she would definitely shout that she was wronged. Big sister, big sister, how could I possibly dislike you? I'm just afraid of you!
"It's only been a short time since we last met, but Sora classmate's cursed power has increased so much again!"
"No, even if Sora classmate dislikes me, I can't give up. If someone with such powerful strength as Sora classmate goes down the wrong path and brings disaster to everyone, I must stop and correct her right now!"
Raising her head, the grievance and disappointment were gone. Mariya Yuri once again showed a determined expression.
If there were any outsiders here at this moment, they would surely be shocked to see Mariya Yuri's appearance, because her coffee-colored eyes were now flickering with strange green light…
…
"Dummy big brother, so many people want to flirt with and pursue senior Mariya, and you actually gave up such a rare opportunity. You're such a dummy, a big dummy!"
On the way home, little sister Shizuka scolded Sora in a lecturing tone as they walked.
"Tch, those who pursue her only see that scary woman's appearance. I'm not that foolish!"
"Besides, if I really chased after her, some people would probably end up crying!"
Sora lightly tapped Shizuka's little head, replying with a face full of speechlessness.
"Hmph, dummy big brother, I wouldn't cry!"
Covering her own little head, Shizuka's cheeks flushed red as she stubbornly retorted.
"Hey… really? Then who was it that said big brother, you're not allowed to marry other girls in the future, you have to stay with me forever…"
Sora imitated Shizuka's expression and tone while speaking. Tsk tsk, not gonna lie, it really sounded like her!
"I didn't say that! I didn't say that! Dummy big brother, go die!!!"
Her face instantly turned from slightly red to bright red. Overcome with embarrassment and anger, Shizuka balled up her tiny pink fists and lunged at Sora…