Chapter 73

Chapter 73Chapter 73

Today was the day for rearranging seats, which explained why the classroom was abuzz with noise even in the morning.

The emotions etched on the students faces were a mixed bagsome were excited, others indifferent, and a few clearly annoyed.

Miyuki stood at her desk, trying to quiet down the chattering students.

Guys, can you stop talking? The teacher will be here soon.

She tapped the edge of her desk lightly with her notebook.

As the noise died down slightly, Miyuki, satisfied, scanned the classroom and fixed her gaze on me, who was lounging back in my seat.

Matsuda-kun. Your legs.

She pointed downwards with her long index finger, flicking it slightly in a way that seemed almost provocative.

I was sitting with my legs up on the desk and let out a nonchalant snort.

My shoes arent touching it.

Its odd to have your legs up on the desk in the first place.

Its comfortable, you should try it.

Put them down now.

I grumbled under my breath with a face full of annoyance but complied, pulling my chair closer and sitting up properly.

Then, Miyuki addressed the class.

The door slid open.

A balding teacher entered and surveyed the room.

After a brief exchange with Miyuki, he got straight to the point.

Those over 175 cm, stand at the back.

Five of us, including me, got up and moved to the back.

Tetsuya was there too, barely making the height requirement.

His eyes sparkled with anticipation, perhaps hoping to secure a seat next to Miyuki.

Dream on.

First... Matsuda.

Yes.

You, to the very back by the window.

Hearing the teacher, I smirked.

The corner by the window, blocked on one side, was the perfect spot for all sorts of shenanigans with a partner.

I quickly moved to the window side, sitting in a corner right next to the window, chuckling to myself.

The teacher let out a dry laugh.

You like that spot?

Yes, well... its nice.

Dont think you can sleep just because youre at the back. If you do, Ill move you to the front, got it?

Go ahead, move me. If you want to see my seeds scattered like confetti on your wedding photo in your bedroom.

Ive been working hard lately. Even if I doze off occasionally, please overlook it.

Laughter erupted in the classroom.

My bold declaration of slacking off was apparently amusing.

The teacher shook his head in disbelief at my audacious response.

Typical you. Igarashi and Miura, to the center. Takeda and Ozawa, to the aisle side.

Tetsuya, seated a seat away from me, snickered.

Thats a good spot. Looking forward to working with you, Matsuda.

It dawned on me then that Tetsuya and I had merely switched places.

Shaking my head, I pointed at my desk.

Lets swap desks after the first period.

Desks? Do we really need to? Yours is just as clean as mine.

Who knows youve got your stashing boogers under your desk, damn it.

I like my desk. Grown fond of it.

Fond... really?

Yeah. So lets swap.

Fine... okay. But theres a weird smell coming from your desk...

What smells you bastard?

Hold on...

Like a detective raising a hand, Tetsuya started sniffing around, his nose twitching.

Is this... apricot? No, peach?

I internally scoffed at his guesswork.

He was catching whiffs of Miyukis plum scent.

It had transferred from the uniform hanging in my closet at home, leaving behind a faint yet sweet fragrance.

Ahem...!

Miyuki coughed softly, nudging my body with her shoulder, seemingly amused by my audacity.

I flashed a mischievous smile at her and scribbled a note on my textbook, sliding it towards her desk.

[Im going to keep doing this, so if you dont like it, ask the teacher to move you.]

Perhaps irked by my echoing her earlier words, Miyuki bit her lower lip and, with the hand holding her mechanical pencil, lightly jabbed the back of my hand resting on her thigh. Then, as if nothing had happened, she began to focus on the lesson.

Before the seat change, I might have been dragging myself to the school just for glimpses of Miyuki, Renka, or Chinami...

But starting today, I might actually look forward to coming to school every day.

**

Matsuda-kun...! Stop touching me whenever you feel like it...!

It was the time just before club activities, after all the afternoon classes had ended. At the staircase leading to the rooftop, Miyuki scolded me.

Her face was flushed, a result of my intermittent caresses on her inner thigh and waist during class. Seeing her slightly heated state, I feigned innocence and said,

I do it because I like you.

Like me? You keep doing it because you find my reactions amusing...!

Then stop reacting?

Stop it. What if someone sees? What if it reaches the teachers ears? Thats an automatic demerit... The reason is clear enough...

Should I really stop?

Leaning in closer, I teasingly asked again, causing Miyuki to roll her eyes and reply in a defeated tone,

If I tell you to do it, then do it... Until then, dont...

Her response suggested she might have actually enjoyed my touch.

Maybe she even felt a thrill?

At first, she might be sensitive like now, but starting with gentle touches and gradually getting her used to it, her guard will lower, and eventually, Miyuki might even initiate contact.

Especially as winter comes and we wear thicker coats, becoming bolder.

Its cruel to do it with permission.

Cruel? Am I a bad person?

Knowing full well I cant resist, yet telling me not to, isnt that so?

How am I supposed to know what Matsuda-kun cant resist? You never said anything...

Do I really need to say it? Anyway, Ill try to restrain myself.

Please do... It was really hard for me...

How was it hard for you?

... Ridiculous...

Miyuki flashed a gentle smile as she smoothed out the wrinkles on my uniform sleeve, subtly changing the subject.

I might not be able to visit your place this Friday, Matsuda-kun. My familys planning a trip.

Was this some kind of bolt from the blue? Arent family trips usually reserved for the winter?

A family trip?

Yeah. Dad suddenly said he wanted to go to Nikko, so were all heading out together. But well be back by Saturday evening... Ill drop by then.

Father-in-law, just when I thought we were on good terms, why this sudden curveball?

This might just tempt me to harbor some ill will, you know?

Nikko isnt far, but I wasnt expecting this sudden development... Disappointing.

No, lets think positively.

This must be a sign to make time for Chinami.

Ive been so caught up with Miyuki that Ive missed the chance to go out for ice cream.

This might be the perfect opportunity to meet up with Chinami.

Cant be helped then. Have a good trip. Message me when you can, and call me for a video chat before bed.

Got it... I should head to my club now... Ill be late.

Miyuki pulled my hand towards her, fidgeting with the spaces between my fingers. She seemed reluctant to part ways.

Despite her words, her actions always seem to betray a kind of adolescent capriciousness.

Silently enjoying what could only be described as an affectionate gesture disguised as a massage from Miyuki, I pointed at her hair with my other hand.

A few strands of your hair are sticking out. Looks like static.

Then... fix it for me...

She stepped closer, looking up at me with pleading eyes.

Is she doing this on purpose? Its almost enchanting. After carefully fixing Miyukis hair, I said,

Contact me as soon as you get back from the trip. Ill come pick you up.

Okay. Ill bring you a gift...

A gift, huh... A bracelet would be nice.

Something to flaunt in front of Tetsuya.

*

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