Tokyo landlord: why is the panties of the lady next door in my house?!

The first class in the afternoon ended just like that,

When Haruka Yuzan returned to the classroom, he paused for a moment as he looked at the empty seat. Was the class president still not back?

He casually discussed with Heisuke the basketball game they'd just played against Class 2 during P.E., and it seemed their class had lost miserably. Yep... you could tell by the frustrated looks on the boys' faces.

You have to understand, this was a basketball game played in front of the beauties of both classes. Though unofficial, the loss truly deflated these prideful middle-school boys.

"Damn it, next time we set up a rematch, we'll definitely be fine!"

Heisuke Yonchu stood to one side, his still somewhat childish face showing a hint of indignation. His words resonated with the other boys in the class, who started clamoring to redeem themselves.

"Yeah, next time we'll battle again! It's such a shame this time!"

"We were so close! So frustrating!"

Even some of the girls began to cheer on the boys, igniting the classroom with even more noise and excitement,

Different from the class's united front,

Haruka Yuzan sat silently in his chair reading a book, always an observer when it came to these matters. He... no longer needed external forces to attract attention. His effort at this stage should be more focused on his studies.

Beating Chiba Shimizu and Otome Yumeko at the same time was no joke...

It was almost time for the second class when Chiba Shimizu finally returned from outside.

The icy class president didn't speak; she glanced at the boys, then started preparing for the class once she got back to her seat.

Haruka was about to ask her something, but the bell for class rang.

The language teacher entered with a textbook in hand, and the boys reluctantly held back their words.

As time ticked by, looking at the delicate figure in front of him, Haruka Yuzan ultimately decided against passing a note and focused all his attention on the lesson.

After school,

there weren't many people left in the classroom,

Chiba Shimizu then stood up to pack her bag and turned her head to say to the boy who was already prepared,

"I need to help with something at Otome's, don't wait for me. You can go home on your own."

"Yeah, okay." Watching her cool, pretty face, Haruka Yuzan nodded without saying much else. He slung his packed bag over his shoulder, stood up, and left the classroom.

The sunlight outside the window was still beautiful. Aside from a couple playfully arguing while erasing the board in the corridor, it was deserted. If they are so lovey-dovey, they should just get married sooner.

Haruka Yuzan shrugged his shoulders, turned to glance once more at the slender figure in the classroom—a solitary stance, looking frail, and in those calm eyes, no emotion could be discerned. Although he knew the two girls were close, was there really that much to talk about?

...

For many students, the sports festival is an indispensable part of their school life. Not only can they release their energy to their heart's content during those days, but they also get to showcase themselves in front of the whole school—a lot of advantages indeed.

In Island Country schools, such events are generally organized by the student council, which really tests the president's abilities.

But obviously, for Otome Yumeko, such matters were not a problem at all.

The door opened,

and Otome Yumeko, sitting in her chair, didn't even need to look up to know who it was.

Chiba Shimizu entered without a word, pulled out a book from the shelf after coming in, went to a chair nearby, and began to read quietly.

Not the slightest intention to help was shown.

In fact, the two of them had pretty much dealt with all matters during that class period. The detailed implementation and meeting stages that followed didn't require Chiba Shimizu to appear at all. In fact, Otome Yumeko would also just be issuing commands.

That was all.

As for why Chiba Shimizu still came after school, she didn't want to guess. She and Otome Yumeko were already close; it was just a change of scenery for reading, that's all.

And so, time passed, minute by minute.

The activity classroom seemed somewhat quiet, with two beautiful girls sitting and doing their own things.

The setting sun tinted the clouds red as they floated in the sky, and the originally quiet campus seemed to regain its usual liveliness. Students who had finished their club activities were leaving school one after another, their laughter and horseplay brimming with youthful vitality...

Closing her book, she glanced at the time, five-ten in the afternoon; it was time to go home, otherwise Sister Reiko would worry and ask...

Go home?

Even the young lady herself had not noticed this word that had unconsciously appeared in her mind, and Otome Yumeko, who had been sitting at her desk the whole time, finally extracted herself from the documents, lifted her head, and looked at the pretty and good-looking girl not far away,

"Shimizu, did you have a fight with your family?"

Direct and straightforward, at this moment the young lady had none of the sticky sweetness she usually showed in front of Haruka Yuzan; she appeared quite sharp-edged.

"Yes, something happened," Chiba Shimizu nodded, not denying it.

"I see... that figures. Your family is really too rigid. If I were you, I would have picked a fight with them a long time ago."

As the future head of the Otome family, to make such a comment about her own family's strategic partner was something that could cause a significant stir if it became known.

But Otome Yumeko did not seem to take this matter to heart at all, exhibiting a carefree laughter and even appearing to agree with the girl's decision.

"You must have a place to stay; I won't ask about that. Chiba, you are always reasonable," she said.

"Yes, I've found one."

Not delving further into the topic, Otome Yumeko returned her gaze to the girl not far away, but her eyes held a hint of danger,

"Chiba, have you been getting a little too close to Haruka lately?"

The young lady narrowed her eyes. This was also why she had sent Haruka away and kept Chiba Shimizu back for a talk—because she knew that she could not remain rational with a boy present.

And regarding Haruka Yuzan, she had to be coldly analytical; she could not afford the slightest mistake!

There was no beating around the bush, nor any leading questions, yet her words were filled with an unmistakable imperative.

Chiba Shimizu couldn't help but frown, ripples stirring in her calm heart. She was uncomfortable with the mistress's interrogation-like questioning,

and moreover, when she heard the mention of Haruka Yuzan, her heart... inexplicably panicked. It was very brief and well-hidden, but it didn't escape Chiba Shimizu's notice,

Why would that happen?

"Otome, you're overthinking it," she said.

"I hope I am... Chiba, you need to keep a proper distance from people... Haruka is mine."

"I know, no one is fighting with you," replied Chiba Shimizu coolly, "Moreover, you should have confidence in Haruka Yuzan, or rather, in yourself..."

Her eyes, clear as autumn water, stared directly at the young lady, the coldness seemingly tinged with a touch of pity??

"Could it be you think Haruka Yuzan doesn't like you? That he actually likes someone else?"

In the classroom bathed in the sunset, the atmosphere turned a bit oppressive,

"What do you mean?"

Upon hearing these words, Otome Yumeko's beautiful eyes instantly cooled, as if a nerve had been struck. The young lady emphasized each word, "Haruka Yuzan really likes me!"

Chiba Shimizu shook her head,

"If Haruka Yuzan truly likes you, then no one can take him away from you. What... are you so afraid of?"

"Me, afraid? No matter the process, Haruka Yuzan's ultimate destination can only be with me, there is absolutely no second path!"

"That's why I said, if Haruka Yuzan truly likes you, then he won't leave, and you don't have to worry."

In fact, according to the girl's usual character and manner, she would have simply nodded and agreed to be more cautious when Otome Yumeko made her initial comment.

But, for some reason, today, she felt she had a lot to say...