Downstairs, the girls had already left the guest room and gathered in the living room, chatting and gossiping. Hearing footsteps on the stairs, their heads instinctively turned that way.

Clearly, they’d figured out the first floor’s layout—stairs, bathroom, living room—and naturally chose the living room as their post-bathroom hangout spot.

At the stairwell, Xia Chuan Yuan and Tsurumi Mirei descended slowly. Xia Chuan Yuan had planned to check the guest room, but faint chatter from the living room told him the girls were there. Only he, Mirei, and the seven girls lived here. Since he and Mirei were together, it had to be all seven girls. Group chats meant politeness—no one would linger alone in the guest room. So he headed straight to the living room.

Sure enough, all seven girls sat there. Humans were pack animals, after all. He even wondered if they’d paired up for bathroom breaks. Wait—with seven, someone must’ve been left out!

As Xia Chuan Yuan pondered this, the girls spotted him and Mirei. They rushed over to welcome Xia Chuan Yuan… and Mirei trailing behind.

“Teacher! You’re here too? Were you drunk last night? I didn’t see you earlier—you were in another room!”

“Hey, can someone explain yesterday? Xia Chuan Yuan mentioned it. What happened?”

Xia Chuan Yuan listened to their chatter with Mirei. No one brought up that morning’s mysterious smell—he relaxed. He could handle ten boys, but fighting girls? Better avoid it.

He checked his phone: 7:30 AM. Eight girls chatted now—an even number. He slipped away quietly.

*Clap clap clap!*

The applause drew their attention. They stared at Xia Chuan Yuan, puzzled.

“I might’ve been a poor host last night. So I made breakfast. Come try it—we’ve got class soon.”

“Oh right! Class! What if we’re late?”

“Don’t worry. School’s a ten-minute walk from here.”

…

After breakfast and minor fusses, the seven girls and Mirei left for school. Xia Chuan Yuan stayed back to dodge rumors, waiting ten minutes before changing into his uniform and heading out.

He strolled leisurely—no, savored the time—to Sakurano High. The cherry blossom path bloomed as beautifully as ever, a heart-stirring school landmark.

Though he took his time, he still had ten minutes before class. The classroom was a five-minute walk from the gate, so he ambled calmly.

Inside, most classmates had arrived—including the seven girls. They’d worn uniforms to yesterday’s party, so no need to change, just slight wrinkles. Seeing Xia Chuan Yuan, they ducked their heads, avoiding his gaze, flustered and shy. Others found it odd but clueless.

All eyes turned to Xia Chuan Yuan.

“Who’s that handsome guy? New transfer?”

“Wow—he’s the hottest guy I’ve ever seen!”

“Just a pretty face. Nothing special. Hmph!”

“Another rival… his aura feels strong. This is bad.”

“More guys stealing attention… sigh.”

Murmurs rippled through the room. Xia Chuan Yuan ignored them. Calmly, he walked to his back-row seat, pulled out his chair, and sat. *Stay cool. Act normal.* That was the art of showing off.

“Why’s he in Xia Chuan Yuan’s seat?”

“Wasn’t a long-haired guy here yesterday?”

*Ding-ding-ding-ding!*

The bell cut off chatter. Students quieted, waiting for the teacher. Curiosity lingered.

Class president Sakurano Sakū and the six other officers stayed composed—they’d seen him that morning, building slight immunity.

A minute later, the teacher entered. Class began.