Sunlight poured like a blazing waterfall from the corridor's exit. It was midday, the cicadas' relentless hum filling the air. The stark white walls of the classroom building fractured the sunlight into dazzling blades, sharp enough to make Rukia squint. Momentarily dizzy, she paused to steady herself.
A figure approached, her black Shihakushō sharply contrasting against the blinding whiteness around them.
Rukia recognized her immediately—she came periodically to visit the Kaichō at Shin'ō Academy.
Kotetsu Isane, Lieutenant of the Fourth Division.
Noticing Rukia, Isane greeted her first. "Ah, Kuchiki-san."
"Kotetsu-fukutaichō," Rukia responded politely.
"Is your Kaichō in?"
"Yes, he's in the office right now."
"All right, thank you."
With a brief nod, the tall, graceful woman passed her, walking swiftly towards the Student Council office behind Rukia.
Rukia's gaze lingered thoughtfully on Isane's departing figure for a moment before she headed back toward her classroom.
As soon as she entered, she heard someone calling her name.
It was Hinamori, enthusiastically waving from her seat.
"What's up?" Rukia asked softly.
"The cultural festival," Hinamori began eagerly. "The Student Council will be preparing a performance again this year, won't we?"
"Huh?" Rukia hadn't even thought about it. Last year, it had been the Kaichō who'd practically forced them onto the stage.
"Momo, do you… actually want to perform again?"
Hinamori smiled slyly, eyes twinkling. "That depends on Kaichō. Last year, he agreed to grant each of us a request in exchange for going on stage. This year…"
Rukia thought briefly. "Kaichō was just talking to me about the festival earlier, but he never mentioned anything about the Student Council preparing a performance."
She personally had no interest in getting back on stage. Even now, she felt a flush of embarrassment remembering last year's ordeal.
"It's still early," Hinamori said cheerfully. "Submissions from classes haven't even started yet."
Rukia lowered her voice suspiciously, studying her friend. "Momo, are you just planning to get another promise out of Kaichō?"
Hinamori blinked innocently.
Rukia scowled slightly.
Hinamori laughed lightly. "Don't accuse me of being scheming. I'm even letting you know ahead of time, so you can also try if you want."
Rukia didn't respond, clearly uninterested.
"By the way, Rukia," Hinamori spoke again casually, carefully observing Rukia's expression. "About that promise Kaichō made you last year…did you ever ask him to fulfill it?"
Rukia shook her head calmly. "I didn't ask him for anything."
"Really?" Hinamori pressed softly.
"You can ask Kaichō yourself if you don't believe me."
Hinamori immediately smiled warmly. "No way, I trust you completely, Rukia."
Rukia rolled her eyes in mild annoyance.
"Then why didn't you—"
"Enough already!" Rukia snapped irritably.
Hinamori had intended to keep pressing, but seeing Rukia's growing irritation, she reluctantly closed her mouth.
"About performing this year…"
"I won't do it. If you want to go on stage, you can do it yourself."
"Then I won't perform either," Hinamori replied quickly.
"…"
Rukia stared suspiciously at her. Hinamori returned her gaze sincerely, seeming earnest. Suddenly, realization dawned on Rukia, and she ground her teeth. "Momo, you…"
"Hm?" Hinamori's bright eyes widened innocently.
"You're really getting crafty!" Rukia hissed in frustration.
"What? No, I'm not!" Hinamori protested with feigned innocence.
With a huff, Rukia turned her head away, refusing to continue the conversation.
From the start, Hinamori had probably never intended to perform—she'd merely used it as an excuse to test Rukia's reaction. This realization irritated Rukia immensely.
This wasn't the first time something like this had happened between them. Ever since their "open and honest" talk, their friendship had subtly changed.
They'd agreed to compete fairly, but neither had actively made any aggressive moves—at least Rukia hadn't.
Even so, Hinamori remained vigilant, always subtly questioning Rukia whenever she spent time alone with Kaichō, especially outside student council activities.
Upon discovering that nothing "inappropriate" had occurred, Hinamori would always feign generous indifference.
It was infuriating. Rukia thought, Why act so magnanimous? If anyone should be generous, it's me—after all, I'm the one Kaichō likes.
Rukia refused to act like Hinamori. It wasn't because she trusted Hinamori implicitly, but rather because she trusted Kaichō deeply.
She believed that since Kaichō liked her, he wouldn't cross any lines with Hinamori.
---
Early evening.
In the outdoor Kidō practice area.
The moment Hinamori entered, she felt an intense surge of spiritual pressure ripple violently around her. The reiatsu-charged target crafted from Sekkiseki was scorched black, surrounded by lingering wisps of smoke.
Outside the classroom, nothing unusual could be sensed, despite the intensity inside. Normally, such strong spiritual pressure would alert everyone in the academy.
This had happened many times before, and when she asked Kaichō about it, he'd explained that he had set up a barrier beforehand to avoid alarming other students.
Holding a small box of sweets, Hinamori quietly stepped onto the wooden platform and sat down, watching Nobu train with an affectionate smile.
"[Hadō #73, Sōren Sōkatsui]!"
Another high-level Kidō erupted forth, crashing violently against the Sekkiseki target. The ensuing heatwave reached Hinamori, warming her skin, though the target itself remained undamaged. Her eyes sparkled with admiration.
Nobu exhaled deeply, sensing his depleted spiritual energy, and finally lowered his arms. Standing still for a moment to regain his composure, he noticed her presence and smiled. "When did you get here?"
Hinamori returned his smile sweetly. "I brought you sakura mochi, Kaichō."
She opened the box, revealing carefully arranged sweets inside.
Sitting beside her, Nobu accepted a piece and placed it into his mouth.
"Kaichō, whenever you practice Kidō, I notice you never chant the incantations."
"The chants are too long. It's a bother remembering them."
Hinamori stared blankly. Is that really his reason?
Nobu added casually, "In actual combat, you rarely get the chance to complete a full chant anyway. Kidō without chanting is far more practical."
Hinamori considered this carefully, nodding thoughtfully. "You're right, Kaichō."
"You should practice more often when you have free time."
"Training alone is pretty boring, though," Hinamori complained softly.
"Kira and Abarai seem pretty motivated. You could train with them."
"Abarai-kun's completely hopeless with Kidō," Hinamori grumbled immediately. "Training with them wouldn't help me improve at all."
Kidō was undeniably her strongest subject, something she genuinely took pride in.
"I'd rather train with you, Kaichō…" she murmured shyly, cheeks coloring faintly.
Amused, Nobu offered her the unfinished half of his sakura mochi. Hinamori glanced shyly at his lips, then leaned forward to bite delicately from the remaining half.
"Then let's practice now," Nobu announced, standing up.
Hinamori quickly rose to join him.
"How high a level of Kidō can you confidently use?"
"Anything below number fifty!" Hinamori replied confidently. Even senior students rarely mastered all Kidō spells up to number fifty.
"Show me one around fifty then."
"Yes!" she said eagerly, raising both hands toward the distant target.
But as she began circulating spiritual energy, Nobu unexpectedly placed a hand on her arm.
"Your reiatsu flow is good. I'll show you a simpler, quicker method."
Their bodies were now pressed close together, and Hinamori felt her knees soften. His voice near her ear turned hazy, indistinct.
"Are you listening?"
Hinamori leaned fully against his chest. As she turned slightly, her gaze caught Nobu's handsome profile. Lost in the moment, she impulsively stood on tiptoe and gently pressed her lips against his cheek.
"…"
Nobu feigned irritation, releasing her abruptly. "Are you here to train or fool around?"
Hinamori gazed up silently, eyes wide and sparkling. Her lips parted softly, a silent, inviting question.
Suddenly, Nobu drew her close again, one arm encircling her tightly, the other gently gripping the back of her neck.
"Mmm~"
Their lips met softly, merging gently like drifting clouds. Sweetness lingered, tinged with the taste of sakura mochi.
Like gentle waves rising, the kiss deepened, sending pleasant shivers through them both.
Hinamori's fingers clung tightly to Nobu's clothes, afraid that this moment might vanish.
When they parted, she looked up, eyes filled with longing, breathing shallowly, a faint blush covering her cheeks. Her tongue lightly swept her lips, savoring the lingering warmth.
Nobu softly cupped her chin, teasing, "You've really learned how to tempt a man."
She pouted slightly. "I haven't—"
Straightening confidently, she challenged, "How would you know? Has someone tempted you like this before?"
Nobu chuckled quietly, releasing her.
Immediately leaning back into him, Hinamori shook her head playfully, smiling mischievously. "You're the impatient one, Kaichō."
Nobu gently flicked her forehead. "Enough. Time to train."
Covering her forehead, Hinamori puffed her cheeks, replying obediently, "Fine…"
But her eyes glittered sweetly, triumphant.
How will you compete with me now, Rukia…
---
...
Umu! I am Nero Claudius—the brilliant Emperor of Rome, the dazzling Saber, the one and only performer who can steal a stage with a single smile!
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