Yukio, now finding himself at the mercy of Hoshinomiya's grasp, had no choice but to soften his tone. "This is just because you wouldn't listen to my explanation earlier, Hoshinomiya-sensei. I was only trying to say something to rile you up."
"In reality, I'm really not close with Class D's homeroom teacher. We've barely even spoken a few times, let alone Chabashira-sensei offering me any sort of benefits."
"Hmph." With her anger now dissipated, Hoshinomiya regained her composure. After all, it was only when Chabashira entered the picture that she seemed to lose her usual rationality.
Now that she'd cooled down, she had to admit Yukio had a point. His class already had over 2,000 class points—focusing on suppressing Class D, with their mere 200 points, was indeed illogical. In fact, from his perspective, there was no reason to target Class D unless they somehow rose to a level that posed a real threat to his class's standing.
Hoshinomiya realized she had misunderstood Yukio. If she looked at things from his and his class's perspective, it truly didn't make sense to go after Class D. His earlier lies were likely just a reaction to her own unreasonable behavior.
Piecing everything together, Hoshinomiya spoke with a slightly embarrassed tone. "Ah, I see now. That does make sense, Yukio-kun. I'm sorry—I shouldn't have doubted you and Sae-chan."
"But you can't really blame me, can you? It's all because of Sae-chan! Let me tell you, Yukio-kun, even though she always acts cold and distant, like some unapproachable iceberg…"
"I know better. If it's about elevating Class D to Class A, she's capable of doing absolutely anything to achieve that goal."
Hoshinomiya seemed eager to shift the blame to Chabashira, making sure Yukio understood just what kind of person she believed Chabashira to be.
"Phew." Yukio let out a sigh of relief. He couldn't care less about the decade-long grudge between Hoshinomiya and Chabashira. All he wanted was for Hoshinomiya, now seemingly back in her rational state, to let him go. "I understand. I completely understand. I'm not holding anything against you, Sensei."
"So… can you let go now?"
"!" Hoshinomiya suddenly realized what she had been doing. She was still holding onto him! Startled by her own actions, she jumped up with a yelp, releasing her grip and leaping from the futon to the floor. Her face flushed crimson like a ripened tomato.
It was only now, in the heat of embarrassment, that she truly regained her senses. In her earlier fury and frustration toward Chabashira, she had completely forgotten that her hand had been gripping Yukio's… possession.
This was utterly mortifying. She had never been in such a situation before, and as she recalled what had just transpired, her cheeks burned hotter, and her heart raced uncontrollably.
A torrent of strange emotions surged through her, tugging at her composure. Hoshinomiya could swear that her face was now just as warm as Yukio's had felt under her grip.
No, no, no! She couldn't keep thinking about it. The more she dwelled on it, the stranger it felt. Hoshinomiya gave her head a light shake, trying to rid her mind of the improper thoughts invading her consciousness.
But human nature is often paradoxical—the harder she tried to suppress the thoughts, the clearer and more vivid they became.
Her flustered state didn't escape Yukio's notice. He observed her with an amused and curious look, finding the situation both novel and entertaining. "Hoshinomiya-sensei?" he called out, his voice tinged with playful curiosity.
"Eh? What?!" Hoshinomiya snapped her head toward him in such a sudden and jerky motion that it seemed like she might strain her neck.
"Nothing, really," Yukio replied, his tone calm but teasing. "I just couldn't help but notice that you seem very flustered. Is something troubling you, Sensei?"
He paused, his gaze twinkling with mischief. "Why don't you share it with me? Maybe I can help you sort it out."
Hoshinomiya's reaction only intrigued Yukio further. She was clearly much more innocent than he had initially thought, a revelation that was both surprising and fascinating to him.
Before this, he had always assumed Hoshinomiya's playful, uninhibited demeanor and her thick-skinned, youthful act were indicative of someone experienced in the art of flirtation—perhaps even a seasoned "driver" on the highway of love.
But now, after such a minor incident, she was blushing and flustered to this extent, even though there had been multiple layers of fabric between them? If this wasn't a perfect display of innocence, then what was?
Perhaps all those flirtatious remarks and suggestive actions in the past were just a performance? If so, she was certainly an outstanding actress.
Yukio couldn't help but reflect on her earlier behavior. Take, for instance, the time on the cruise ship when she had casually approached him upon the return of his class and gave him her contact information. Her words then had been full of ambiguous undertones, suggesting he could reach out to her anytime if he had any issues.
After that, she acted entirely like a peer, joking that if she were ten years younger, she'd be chasing after Yukio, and even complimenting him for being so popular with the ladies.
And to top it off, she boldly knelt by his side and gave him a relaxing full-body massage.
From any perspective, Hoshinomiya came across as the archetype of a big sister who knew exactly how to tease younger boys.
But now, seeing her utterly flustered and unable to handle the situation, Yukio had one thought: That's it?
Beneath all her brash and carefree exterior, it seemed the truest version of Hoshinomiya was as pristine as a blank canvas, untouched and uncolored by anyone else.
This revelation surprised Yukio and piqued his curiosity. The stark contrast between her outward demeanor and inner innocence was undeniably intriguing.
Meanwhile, Hoshinomiya, unaware of Yukio's thoughts, was trying to calm herself down. She mentally repeated to herself: Stay cool. Stay composed.
"Ah? What? Troubled? Me? No, no! Not at all!" she stammered.
"Hahaha, Yukio-kun, you're overthinking this! I'm an adult, you know. There's nothing I haven't seen or experienced. Why would I get flustered over something like this? Impossible!"
Seriously, what is Yukio-kun even thinking? she wondered. Even if she did feel troubled or embarrassed, could she really rely on Yukio to help her? That would be way too weird!
Despite her best efforts to appear calm, her voice betrayed her. It carried a tone of nervousness and unease, and whenever their gazes met, she would quickly avert her eyes, clearly too embarrassed to hold eye contact.
Occasionally, she would sneak a glance at him, seemingly trying to check if he had calmed down yet.
But those fleeting glances were her undoing.
Yukio was nothing if not observant, and he caught her subtle movements with ease. Her quick peek was enough to reignite the very tension that had almost dissipated.
Hoshinomiya's anxiety shot through the roof. No way… Yukio-kun… it's happening again? This… this can't be good!
Realizing the situation, Hoshinomiya instinctively stepped backward, her voice fumbling: "Uh, well, you know, Yukio-kun, you're right. Absolutely right!"
"The infirmary! Yes, the infirmary really can't be left unattended. I just remembered, if I'm gone too long, the school might even… uh, fire me!"
"So, uh, that's that! Yukio-kun, you take care and get some rest, okay? Sensei will head back now!" she hurriedly sputtered, throwing out a string of "reasonable" excuses before making a dash toward the door.
In her haste, she couldn't even properly put on her low heels. She kicked off the slippers she had been wearing and, barefoot with her pale toes peeking out, bent down, grabbed her shoes in hand, and bolted for the exit.
Her frantic escape, flustered and disheveled, left Yukio laughing uncontrollably.
What a sight! he thought, still chuckling. So this is the real Chie Hoshinomiya… what a day!