My stepmother's burden is my ex-girlfriend.

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Kawabata, who was standing nearby, also said:

"Your holiday just ended today? How much did you, you NEET, want to take a vacation?"

"No, no! I was asking when I can go out with Yui!"

"Let them rest properly during their holiday. Isn't the student council very busy?"

"It's alright, I haven't been that busy lately."

When Yui mentioned that the student council had some free time, Minami immediately became excited and enthusiastically started making plans for fun.

As the lecture continued, the moment of the opening ceremony was fast approaching. Students left the classroom in small groups and began moving towards the gymnasium.

Kawanami and Minami seemed oblivious to what they had discovered, chatting and walking with their other friends.

"……hehe."

The woman walking beside her, seemingly unconcerned, chuckled softly.

"……Oh."

I couldn't help but smile.

They didn't notice. They were completely unaware.

"........."

"........."

We exchanged glances without saying a word, sharing a small, unspoken laugh.

Akane Rinri ◆ The Abandoned Student Council President

Facing the members whom he hadn't seen in the student council room for a long time, the student, in his capacity as president, delivered a speech with grace and poise.

Happy New Year, everyone. As we begin the new year, the annual budget meeting is already a major event for everyone this semester. Please remember to get back into work mode after your holiday and get your tasks ready.

Hearing the members' enthusiastic responses, I nodded and sat down in the president's seat. I've gradually gotten used to this seat. Many people might say it's just the student council, but it's still a position responsible for the campus lives of hundreds of students. I can't let the holiday mood affect me; I need to pull myself together again.

Today was just the opening ceremony; we'd just exchange a few brief greetings and then the meeting would be over. On behalf of the student council, I invited everyone to lunch, and all the members said they would go.

"Okay, I'll go to the restroom first."

As Aisha walked out of the student council room,

"Ah... then I'll go too."

After the girl finished speaking, she went along with them.

Seeing that Lan had stayed, I tried asking her how her New Year was. Lan replied calmly:

"I'm studying. I'm determined to beat Irito-kun in the third semester."

That's how she answered. I was worried she'd try to tough it out like before, but judging from her complexion, she seemed to be following my advice to get enough sleep every day. Now I can't be careless anymore.

After packing my bag, I wanted to go to the restroom, so I walked out of the student council room.

As I walked to the nearest women's restroom, I heard a familiar voice coming from inside.

"What's wrong? Tell me!"

"I'm sorry, he's a bit shy, so he's not..."

It's Aisha and Yui, my female classmates. No wonder they haven't come back for so long; they were chatting in the restroom.

The young man quietly walked into the bathroom. The two people standing in front of the sink seemed to be startled and suddenly turned their heads to look at him.

Upon seeing that it was a young man, Aisha looked relieved.

"Oh, it's Suzuri."

"What do you mean by 'what'? Are you whispering? That's too formal."

Judging from their reactions, it's easy to tell they're sharing a secret. I suggest they practice their poker face more.

The female classmate looked away, extremely embarrassed, and said:

"Uh, it's nothing... I just wanted to ask Senior Asou for some advice..."

"Hey Yuuko, it probably won't hurt to tell Suzuri, right?"

"No, it's not so serious that I need to report it to the chairman specifically..."

"Riri Suzumiya also offered advice, I think it was during the sports festival?"

The sports festival? Then, they said they'd offer advice... so it must have been the lunch.

...That's how it is.

I've guessed about 80% of it. Looks like there's been some progress.

I knew that my classmate Jie often consulted Aisha about her relationship with him, but I didn't expect her to even report the results. She's really following the rules. Unlike Aisha, who only uses various means to hint at her relationship with senior Xingbian, but refuses to admit it herself.

"If it's what I'm imagining, then that's certainly intriguing. But I won't force it."

"...Then, please forgive my intrusion..."

The girl blushed shyly, preparing to speak.

Did she go on a date? Or did he say something sweet to her? She seemed a little down at the Christmas party; if it's good news, even the smallest thing will bring joy—

"—I got…a boyfriend…"

The young man froze on the spot.

"...Huh?"

Submitted?

Boyfriend?

Does that mean you've started dating him?

"Uh...you're talking about...the guy we were talking about before?"

The female classmate hesitated, seemingly finding it difficult to speak, and said:

"...Probably, just as the chairman imagined..."

"Hey! Rinri, do you know who that is?! Tell me! She won't tell me!"

Yes, of course you can't just say that anywhere.

How could she dare tell everyone that she had started dating Irito Mizuto—her stepbrother?

Such big news is bound to attract all sorts of rumors. I only found out about it because of Ah-zhang's speculation, but it's best not to talk about such things if possible. Besides, Aisha might give the impression of being loose-lipped at first glance (although she doesn't actually have many friends).

Oh, I see. So, the girl in the picture is with him... and that difficult guy... I thought it would take some time...

"...Congratulations. I sincerely wish you both the best."

The girl said, "Thank you, President," and gave a small smile.

What I just said came from the bottom of my heart. There was not a trace of falsehood in it.

But...but...!

"That's great, Yuuko! Now we're girlfriend allies!"

"Thank you so much, senior! I'll ask you for help again if I have any questions in the future!"

Watching two girls with boyfriends holding hands, radiating youthful energy and laughing together, I secretly thought to myself:

Oh no, I've been left behind...!

Hong Lingli◆ The Remnants of a Birthday Army

Last time, on January 5th—yes, on my husband's birthday, I went on a date with him.

Yes, it's a date.

Last year, I made a mistake by forgetting to check his birthday beforehand, so I had to wait until after winter break to buy him a gift. This year, I made plans with him well in advance to have a birthday date and buy him a gift at the same time.

When he saw me at the meeting place, Ah Zhang was startled.

"Hong... how should I put it today, it was... alright..."

"It's very inconspicuous, isn't it?"

I proudly showed him my unremarkable coat and my common-style wig, and said:

"That's called 'background outfit.' Because you always seem uneasy whenever you go out with a young man."

"...There's no need to deliberately suppress your own strengths."

"No. This isn't stifling the young man's strengths; it's highlighting them."

Exactly one year ago, I wanted to change my father-in-law's lack of presence, so I tried all sorts of outfits, but none of them worked.

So this year, I decided to take the initiative to cooperate with you.

While light and shadow are fine, I sometimes wish I could walk alongside him in the same place, at the same pace, and see what happens.

"It's true that it's very inconspicuous from a distance."

The young man reached out and slid his hand onto the old man's arm, taking it as his arm.

"But it's still quite cute up close."

The young man moved closer to the old man and stared into his eyes.

The old man seemed quite embarrassed, his eyes darting around. Although he didn't blush or show any obvious reaction, he seemed rather flustered by the young man. Very good, very good.

That trip to Kobe seemed to have shortened the distance between me and my husband a little.

The girl classmate advised me to prepare the things, and I painstakingly managed to get them and hide them in my wallet.

In other words...? Yes, it's today!

Today is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to completely bewitch this wooden man!

"...Ah, this bracelet looks sophisticated and understated, not bad at all. Why don't you try learning from its style?"

"How about we buy matching sets together? Even though it's probably just you and me who know, it'll be like a little secret between the two of us, and it'll make us happy, won't it?"

"Yes, it looks really good. I'm not kidding you, really. Sometimes you should trust me a little more."

It's gentler than usual.

We're one step closer than usual.

I spent my time with you, my lord, with the feeling of touching a precious treasure.

Each time he did this, Ah Zhang would slightly avert his gaze. But he wouldn't shake off the young man's hand that touched him, nor would he increase the distance between them. The young man knew him well enough to see that he was shy. He also knew that this proved that Ah Zhang was gradually beginning to accept the young man's sincere affection.

It's pointless to confess now.

All the words I've said are already too many, and they've all expired. So I can only prove it with actions. Until you believe I truly like you, I can only show it to you through my face, hands, feet, and body.

After enjoying a full day, seeing that the opportunity was ripe, I took the initiative to speak:

"I feel a little reluctant to say goodbye."

Subtle hints were ineffective against him.

The young man grasped the old man's coat with his fingertips and said:

"How about it...? If you don't mind, I'd like to invite you to my home..."

I've been yielding to you all day.

So, just a little bit is enough.

I hope you can also make some concessions for me.

My wish is that simple, without any ulterior motives.

...It was purely coincidental that I unintentionally used the same approach that Aisha had mentioned.

Ah Zhang—

Her gaze darted around as if she felt embarrassed—

Gently grasp the young man's hand that was gripping his coat—

"No, I'm sorry. My family has prepared dinner for me."

They can walk faster than they can fly.