Haruno and Eriri were all smiles on the surface, but beneath that calm, a silent battle of wills was underway.
Sensing the rising tension, Shiro Sakamaki finally broke the silence.
"Well, this residential training only happens once a year. Let's not waste the chance—time to sample some breakfast!"
Even Yukino rolled her eyes at that.
"Only students treat this as a big deal. You're acting like you've discovered treasure," she muttered.
Still, everyone eventually followed Shiro's lead and began checking out the various food stalls. After all, breakfast was still breakfast.
Shiro scanned the crowd, but didn't spot any familiar faces. Souma was probably still busy helping out at a restaurant. A lot of the major players in the story hadn't even appeared at this point in the training.
The stalls offered a dazzling array of pastries, all based on flour—the day's theme.
Yukino soon got distracted by one in particular. The chef there had crafted pastries into adorable animal shapes, drawing a crowd of kids and parents alike. One pastry cage held a panda-like Mr. Pan—Yukino's ultimate weakness, right alongside cats.
She tried pushing through the crowd a few times but was unsuccessful. Frustrated, she turned to leave—only to bump right into Shiro.
Her mood, already soured, now plummeted. Even the air around her seemed to grow colder.
"What, Shiro Sakamaki? Can't resist anymore and decided to pounce on me in public?"
Yukino folded her arms and said matter-of-factly, "It's only natural. Someone like you wouldn't be able to resist someone as cute as me."
"I've seen narcissists before, but you're in a league of your own."
"Why not? I've got the looks and the attitude—no need to be modest."
Shiro sighed. "Alright, you win. I'll just quietly enjoy this moment, shall I?"
He then pulled out a pastry from behind his back—it was Mr. Pan.
Yukino's eyes lit up instantly, even as she tried to keep her cool.
As her gaze locked on the pastry, Shiro smirked and casually took a bite of it himself.
Her face froze. She realized she'd been baited.
Behind him, Haruno subtly poked Shiro in the waist, signaling him not to go too far—Yukino was still her sister, after all.
Shiro gave her a look of reassurance that said, "Don't worry. I've got this."
After all, Yukino was his future sister-in-law, kind of. It wouldn't do to sour the relationship too much.
Secretly, he used his shadow ability to retrieve another Mr. Pan, a knowing smile on his lips.
He moved forward swiftly and leaned down. Yukino, still fuming, hadn't noticed him coming and nearly walked into him again.
"What now, Shiro? Giving into your primal urges again?"
"Relax," Shiro said, handing her the fresh Mr. Pan. "Don't say I never do anything for you."
Yukino looked at the steaming, black-and-white pastry in his hand, her eyes sparkling before she quickly masked the expression.
Still bitter about being teased earlier, she hesitated—but after a short internal struggle, she gave in.
Taking the pastry from him with a begrudging "Thanks," she began nibbling on it quietly, clearly delighted.
Shiro gave Haruno a subtle "OK" sign, which she returned with a nod of satisfaction.
Eriri, who had been watching the whole thing unfold, was practically seething. We shared a bed last night, and now you're out here charming someone else?
...Well, it was kind of the same yesterday too, so maybe it was fine.
Knowing Eriri's fuse was lit, Shiro quickly made his way back to her.
She tried to keep her composure but couldn't stop her expression from tightening. "What? Didn't get enough time with your other girls? Why are you back here?"
Shiro just chuckled and, without saying a word, wrapped his arm around her waist.
He felt her body stiffen... then slowly relax.
She acted like nothing had happened, though her ears were turning a deep shade of red.
Haruno watched it all with only a trace of reluctance. She understood the game better than most. In some countries abroad, monogamy wasn't enforced. If she couldn't be the only one, she could at least be the most important one.
So rather than show jealousy, she chose to play the bigger person, earning herself more points with Shiro.
He gave her a grateful look before taking Eriri's hand and leading her to another stall.
Eriri noticed Haruno wasn't following and brightened up considerably.
Yukino, standing beside Haruno, narrowed her eyes in suspicion.
"...So what are you thinking?" she muttered, voice low. "He already has a girlfriend, and you still...?"
She didn't finish, but Haruno gave a small sigh and nodded.
Yukino couldn't understand. Her sister, always proud and capable, was now choosing to share a boyfriend?
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