This intimate gesture, the vaguely familiar yet unfamiliar voice and scent—Kaoru didn't hesitate before answering.

"So Asahina-senpai enjoys playing jokes like this?"

His response seemed unexpected.

Asahina Nazuna froze momentarily before sincerely asking, "Amazing. How did you know it was me?"

As Asahina Nazuna withdrew her hands, Kaoru regained his vision from the brief darkness and saw her standing behind him—her hair flowing gracefully with a small hairpin, eyes brimming with amusement.

"My nose has memorized Asahina-senpai's scent." Kaoru stated shamelessly, though in truth he'd just gotten lucky.

With only Ichinose Honami and Tachibana Akane around, had it been either of them trying to tease him, he would've recognized their voices instantly

.Afterwards, Kaoru ruled out Horikita Suzune, Kushida Kikyo, Amikura Mako, Airi Sakura, Shiina Hiyori, Masumi Kamuro, Sakayanagi Arisu, Morishita Ai, and Miki Yamamura.

Since it wasn't a first-year student, perhaps it was a senior girl—either Kiryuin Fuka or Asahina Nazuna.

There was no helping it—these were the only people he knew.

"You're lying. You definitely heard my voice, didn't you?" Asahina Nazuna's delicate face flushed inexplicably.

When Kaoru mentioned her scent, she recalled their first meeting.

Even Miyabi Nagumo, her childhood friend, had never touched her in that place—yet Kaoru had held it in his hands and toyed with it for quite some time.

However, Asahina wasn't thinking about that.

She simply felt embarrassed.

At the time, she had already taken off her shoes—maybe Kaoru really had smelled something.

"Asahina-senpai, what brings you here?" Kaoru changed the subject, curious about her sudden appearance.

"I borrowed some equipment earlier, so I'm returning it now." Asahina unconsciously smoothed her hair.

She was currently wearing a classic gym uniform—a thin short-sleeved top that slightly accentuated her figure.

When she lifted her arms even slightly, the curve beneath her arms swelled into an incredibly full shape, and the cuffs faintly revealed a glimpse of pristine, fair skin.

Below, she wore red athletic shorts that tightly hugged her slender waist, long and straight legs, and a perfectly rounded ass—the snug fit making her curves all the more tempting, evoking thoughts of their springy texture.

Though she wasn't deliberately trying to seduce Kaoru, her defenseless posture was becoming increasingly provocative.

"No wonder Asahina-senpai is here. You startled me—we haven't seen each other in months."

For some reason, Kaoru felt a brief flicker of nervousness.

"Oh? So you do remember it's been months?" Asahina was about to tease him but quickly reconsidered, realizing it might be unbecoming of her senior status.

She smoothly shifted the topic.

"Still, I'm surprised to see you here. Are you helping Onodera-sensei?"

"It's a student council task—preparations for the sports festival." Kaoru gestured to the area in front of them.

"We need to finish a full inventory of this place by seven tonight."

Asahina blinked in surprise. "That's a lot. Am I getting in your way?"

"So, Asahina-senpai, have you thought about how you'll compensate me?" Kaoru asked nonchalantly.

"Didn't you mention a reward earlier?"

Asahina was torn between laughter and exasperation, but as a dignified upperclassman, she merely winked at him.

"How about I treat you to a sundae?"

Kaoru was momentarily speechless.

Treating a guy to a sundae?

She might as well hand him a little pink plushie while she was at it.

"A sundae? Who's having a sundae?" Tachibana Akane jogged over, slowing her pace instinctively upon seeing Asahina ahead and regaining the composure befitting an upperclassman.

"What are you two talking about?"

"Tachibana-senpai, do you want a sundae too?" Asahina asked.

"It's work hours," Akane said sternly.

"After work, I'll treat you both." Asahina was generous.

"I can't let a junior pay for me." Akane's resolve visibly wavered.

"It's fine, I've been quite bored lately." Asahina Nazuna smiled, "I originally wanted to hang out with Yoshi, but he seems busy with the sports festival preparations."

"Alright, I'll reluctantly keep you company." Tachibana Akane subtly glanced at Kaoru, relieved to find no trace of mockery in his expression.

Of course, he wouldn't laugh at her—this guy must be scared of her senpai hmmph!

"Hey, Asahina! We've returned everything, time to go!" Someone shouted from ahead, likely Asahina's companions.

Asahina Nazuna looked at Kaoru before calling back, "You guys go ahead first! I want to stay and help here!"

"Eh? Should we stay and help too?"

"No need to trouble yourselves! This is my own decision—just head back!"

Thus, Kaoru saw several figures exit the storage shed, their features indistinguishable in the dim light.

"Even if you're staying to help, I won't be treating you."

Tachibana eyed Kaoru and Asahina suspiciously, particularly the latter who had immediately rushed over upon learning Kaoru was here after greeting Ichinose Honami.

"Eh? I thought Tachibana-senpai would at least buy us coffee."

"The student council doesn't have that kind of budget."

Kaoru narrowed his eyes—wasn't this girl regularly dining out and expensing it through the student council?

Come to think of it, the student council treasurer was from their Class A.

Covering such expenses wouldn't be surprising.

After the joking, Asahina adopted an eager expression.

"It's rare to encounter two adorable kouhai and senpai here. As your senpai and kouhai, I can't just ignore this—let me help too."

"Much appreciated." Tachibana replied politely, displaying none of the arrogance she typically showed Kaoru.

Yet Kaoru had assumed she'd at least behave better in front of others.

Instead, she continued bossing him around with the same haughty attitude, clearly enjoying herself.

****

By the time inventory was complete, darkness had fallen outside.

"Whew~ Didn't expect it to be this exhausting when the place isn't even that big."

The previously enthusiastic Asahina was now exhausted, sweat beading on her forehead.

"That's because the lazybones teacher looks forward to the sports festival every year—it means his inventory work gets done." Tachibana showed no mercy in her assessment.

"Asahina-senpai, thank you for your hard work." Ichinose offered her own handkerchief, "Please wipe your sweat—it's clean."

"Thanks." Asahina, wearing only her gym clothes, obviously hadn't brought a handkerchief, "I'll wash and return it."

Ichinose nodded, then secretly glanced at Kaoru.

She had another handkerchief—this might be her chance to give it to him.

With Asahina as cover, surely giving it to Kaoru wouldn't raise suspicions?

"Hey, wipe yourself off quickly! Your sweat smell is reaching me!"

Under Ichinose stunned gaze, Tachibana Akane suddenly shoved her own handkerchief into Kaoru's hands with visible disgust.

-----------------------------

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