Chapter 49: Winter Break Surprises and New Lessons

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During winter break, I decided to spend a day in the library with Ayanokoji to get a head start on preparing for our upcoming exams. The library was quiet, the perfect setting for studying, and as we walked in, we spotted Hiyori already seated with a stack of books. She noticed us immediately and waved us over.

“Oh, Horikita, Ayanokoji! Are you guys here to study for the exams?” she asked, smiling as we sat down.

“We’re trying to get ahead,” I replied. “It’s a good time to focus before things get busy again.”

Hiyori nodded in agreement. “I’m glad you two stopped by! Studying with others is more fun, don’t you think?” she said, gesturing to the empty seats. We settled in, and the three of us spent a couple of hours reviewing material and working through different practice problems.

After our study session, we shifted our conversation to something a bit lighter—novels. Hiyori’s eyes lit up as she eagerly recommended a few of her favorite books, her extensive knowledge of literature shining through.

“Ayanokoji, Horikita, if you’re ever in need of a good story, I’d start with this series.” She tapped a book on the table. “It’s one of my favorites.”

Ayanokoji glanced at the title, raising a brow. “Interesting. I’ll give it a try.”

As we wrapped up, Hiyori walked with us part of the way back to our dorms, chatting happily. We eventually parted ways, bidding her goodbye, and Ayanokoji and I continued walking, engaged in conversation about our studies. But as we passed a nearby park, something caught our eye—Sudo and Onodera were sitting together on a bench, talking and laughing softly.

We instinctively slowed our pace and, almost involuntarily, began watching them from a slight distance.

“They look… happy,” I whispered, a small smile forming. Just as I spoke, Sudo and Onodera started kissing with passion, a brief but sweet moment. I felt a rush of embarrassment flood my face. Turning slightly, I noticed even Ayanokoji seemed a bit uncomfortable.

“Let’s give them some space,” Ayanokoji suggested, and we quietly left, still processing what we’d seen.

As we walked away, I glanced over at him. “Looks like Sudo and Onodera have come a long way,” I said, smiling to myself.

Ayanokoji nodded. “It’s good to see them happy,” he replied, his voice steady as always. We said our goodbyes at the dorms, and I went to my room, still thinking about the unexpected scene we had witnessed.

---

Once school reopened, I was having lunch with Kushida and Ayanokoji. Kushida always complimented my cooking, and today was no different.

“This is delicious as always, Horikita!” Kushida exclaimed with a bright smile.

As we enjoyed our meal, Ibuki passed by our table, eyeing my lunch with curious interest. She approached us, looking mildly intrigued. “So, you’re that good at cooking, huh?” she asked, her voice tinged with a mix of skepticism and curiosity.

I raised an eyebrow. “Can you cook, Ibuki?”

She crossed her arms, slightly defensive. “Not… really,” she admitted, unwillingly. I couldn’t resist the chance to tease her.

“Then maybe you’d like some lessons from me?” I offered with a smirk.

She hesitated but finally agreed, surprising both me and Ayanokoji. Over the next couple of weeks, I began teaching Ibuki the basics, just as I had done with Ayanokoji before. I couldn’t resist poking fun at her whenever she stumbled, though.

“Careful with that,” I said one day as she attempted to chop vegetables. “Try not to cut yourself. My first student Ayanokoji didn’t have as much trouble.”

Ibuki scowled, glaring at me. “I’ll get it right! Just you wait.”

Our sessions continued like this, with me teasing her whenever possible and her rolling her eyes or throwing glares my way. Eventually, she grew more confident, improving steadily.

Two weeks later, Ibuki joined us for lunch, proudly bringing a homemade meal of her own. Kushida and Ayanokoji both tried her cooking, offering compliments on her progress.

“This is really good, Ibuki!” Kushida said encouragingly.

I reached over and patted Ibuki’s head teasingly. “Not bad for my student,” I remarked, grinning.

Ibuki glared at me again, but this time, there was a hint of pride in her expression. Kushida chuckled at our dynamic, while Ayanokoji remained his usual stoic self, though I sensed an amused glint in his eye.

With a laugh, I continued eating, enjoying the moment as Ibuki continued to shoot me an irritated look, though we both knew she appreciated the acknowledgment.

--Chapter 49 ends--

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