Chapter 170: A Toast, A Teacher, and Total Chaos
"Don’t stare at me like that—Even I get embarrassed at times like this, you know!"
Yukima Azuma laughed, scratching his head as he took the knife and dessert plate from Kato Megumi’s hands. He was smiling, a little sheepishly, but undeniably pleased. He sliced into the soft, celebratory cake and passed out neat pieces to each of the girls around him.
The room instantly burst into laughter, the warmth of the evening amplified by the sound of shared joy.
Megumi and Kasumigaoka Utaha returned to the kitchen, bringing out additional dishes that filled the table with color, aroma, and cheer. From grilled skewers to roasted vegetables, to shrimp tempura and simmered beef, the spread made it feel like a proper feast.
The dinner party was in full swing—lively and loud, yet strangely comforting.
Megumi returned to her seat beside Yukima Azuma, her expression unreadable for a moment. Then, when no one was paying attention, she leaned in close and subtly signaled Azuma to come closer.
He tilted his head toward her obligingly.
"This," she whispered softly into his ear, "Miyamizu-san helped with too. She asked me to pass along her congratulations."
"She couldn’t sit down to eat with us, so... you have to eat her share as well, Azuma-san."
She pulled back, gave him a wink, and calmly picked up her chopsticks as if nothing had happened.
Azuma blinked, caught off guard by her words and her tone.