The Quintuplets Are My Neighbors

Hiratsuka Shizuka folded her arms and sighed, exasperated. "Kenji, you..." Her voice trailed off, her fingers moving to pinch the bridge of her nose.

Kenji smiled shamelessly. "I know, I know. I'm hopelessly charming, right?"

Shizuka's eye twitched. "Shameless. Anyway, Yukinoshita, I'll leave him to you." She turned to the girl seated near the window, her voice softening slightly. "Good luck."

Yukinoshita Yukino nodded, her cold gaze briefly flicking to Kenji before returning to her book. "Understood."

Kenji raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair with a smirk. "So, what now? You two teaming up on me?"

Shizuka ignored him, patting his shoulder as she passed. "Behave yourself. Don't make her regret helping you." She shot him a warning glance before sliding the door shut behind her.

The room fell silent.

Yukino remained seated, the sunlight streaming through the window highlighting her delicate features. Her posture was straight, her demeanor cold, and her presence intimidating.

Kenji dragged a chair toward her and sat down. "So, Yukinoshita, did Shizuka-sensei give you a whole speech about me?"

Without looking up, Yukino replied, her tone icy. "Shizuka-sensei is an excellent teacher. You, on the other hand, are..." She paused briefly, "...a problematic student."

Kenji grinned, resting his chin on his hand. "Harsh. But fair."

Yukino closed her book, her sharp eyes meeting his. "I assume you know why you're here?"

"To be saved from myself, apparently," Kenji quipped, gesturing theatrically. "Shizuka-sensei believes I can be rehabilitated. And you're the miracle worker she picked."

Yukino tilted her head slightly, her voice unwavering. "If you wish to improve yourself, I'll help. If not, that's your choice."

Kenji chuckled, leaning forward. "You're blunt. I like that."

Yukino's expression didn't falter, though her grip on her book tightened. "Kenji-kun, I'm here to help. Not to entertain your games."

Kenji sat back, feigning a wounded expression. "Yukinoshita, you're breaking my fragile heart. Have mercy."

"Fragile?" Yukino's eyebrow twitched. "That's... debatable."

Kenji smirked. "See? You've already started helping me. You're adorable when you're sharp-tongued."

"Shameless," she muttered under her breath, her cheeks faintly reddening. "Enough of this nonsense. Let's focus on the task at hand."

Kenji raised his hands in surrender. "Fine, fine. But for the record, you're the cutest 'mentor' I've ever had."

Yukino sighed deeply, her composure cracking for just a moment. "Kenji-kun... You're insufferable."

---

Later that afternoon, Kenji returned to his classroom. As he settled into his seat, a familiar voice broke through his thoughts.

"Almost late again!" Itsuki Nakano dashed into the room, clutching her bag tightly. She sighed in relief, glancing over at Kenji. "Why are you staring at me?"

Kenji tilted his head, his tone light. "Just comparing you to Miku. Trying to figure out the difference."

Itsuki's face turned a soft shade of pink. "W-What kind of comparison is that? I'm just trying to focus on my studies right now!"

Kenji chuckled but said nothing more. Internally, he noted the strange, ominous aura surrounding her, the dark shadow that seemed to linger just above her head.

---

After school, the halls of Sobu High buzzed with life. Students chatted and laughed, couples walked hand-in-hand, and the warm scent of spring filled the air.

Kenji, unbothered by the lively atmosphere, made his way toward the atrium. A soft, familiar voice called out from beneath the cherry blossoms.

"Kenji-kun."

He turned, spotting Miku Nakano standing under the pink canopy. Her long hair swayed gently in the breeze, and her usual headphones rested around her neck. The scene was picturesque, almost serene—if not for the ghostly shadow hovering over her.

Kenji approached with a casual wave. "Miku, good afternoon."

Miku tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her gaze avoiding his. "Good afternoon," she murmured, her tone soft. "But... don't come any closer."

Kenji blinked. "Didn't you just call me over?"

Miku's face turned pink. "I-I was just saying hello!"

Kenji's lips curled into a playful smile. "Ah, my mistake. I'll perform seppuku to atone for this dishonor."

Miku puffed out her cheeks, glaring at him. "Don't joke about that!"

Kenji laughed softly, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I won't tease you... much."

Miku huffed, crossing her arms. "Guilty as charged."

Kenji couldn't help but grin. There was something endearing about her flustered reactions. Teasing her had become almost too easy—and way too fun.

The wind picked up again, scattering cherry blossoms around them. For a moment, Kenji's gaze lingered on the ominous presence around her. It wasn't something he could ignore. Whatever it was, it was growing stronger.

But for now, he kept his thoughts to himself.

The ghostly shadow could wait.

✥✥✥

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