It all started with a note in my shoe locker.
Not the creepy kind with photos.
Just formal.
Too formal.
Written in terrifyingly elegant handwriting:
"Report to the Student Council Office. You're under observation.– Reina Mikazuki"
Under. Observation.That's not ominous at all.
Student Council Office – AKA Judgment Hall
I stepped inside.
Reina sat behind her desk like she was the queen of reality.
Two other council members stood beside her like guards.
"Kaito Tenma," she said without looking up. "You're at the center of too many incidents."
"I—uh—agree."
She raised her eyes. "So today, you're taking the Purity Challenge."
"…The what."
She stood up. Walked to a small cabinet. Pulled out…
A holy-looking box.
"I'm placing this innocence charm on your chest," she said. "If you think a single lewd thought for the next 12 hours… it explodes."
"EXCUSE ME?!"
Ten Minutes Later
I walked out of the council room with a glowing sticker on my chest and the fear of God in my heart.
12 hours.
No dirty thoughts.
No innuendos.
No imagining Yuna doing yoga in that hoodie again—BZZZT"AAAGHH!!"
A tiny shock zapped my ribs.
Meanwhile – Yuna's House Mission
"Operation: Sneak Into His Bed Again"
Step 1: Break into his house
Step 2: Find the blanket
Step 3: Get under it
Step 4: Wait for maximum chaos
Yuna had already completed steps 1 through 3. She was now curled under Kaito's blanket, waiting.
"…Heh. Let's see how long that charm survives."
Later – School Courtyard
I was just trying to sit on a bench and think about math.
Instead, I got ambushed.
By Riko.
"Hey," she said.
"Hey…"
Silence.
Then—
"I made cookies," she blurted. "For you. I mean—I made them for me, but also you. Just. Here."
She shoved a paper bag into my hands like she was robbing me.
Inside were slightly burned, kinda adorable cookies shaped like stars.
"…Thanks," I said.
She looked away, blushing furiously. "They taste like crap. Don't get weird ideas."
I smiled. "I won't. Probably."
Then she muttered something.
So soft I almost missed it.
"...I like when you smile, stupid."
"Wait, what—"
BZZZZZZZT
The sticker on my chest exploded in blue sparks.
I hit the bench like I'd been tased.
Riko screamed. "OH MY GOD—ARE YOU OKAY?!"
I coughed. "...Definitely failed."
Back at Home
I opened the door to find…
Yuna.
In my bed.
Wearing my shirt.
"Welcome home," she said. "Don't worry. I disinfected your pillow."
"...I want to cry."
"You can. I'll hold you.