Instant Summer Break, What?! (1)

The aftermath of the bloodbath slashing incident at Seihei School led to the indefinite closure of the campus. However, there was a silver lining amid the trauma—the entire first term of the academic year had been exempted and would be merged with the second term. In short, students were no longer required to complete the remaining part of the first term or sit final exams.

Kurohashi, a secluded small town nestled in a valley of mountain ridges, was experiencing a relentless spell of storms and rain. According to the locals, this weather was likely to persist throughout July. However, it wasn't all bad for Destirling Shouichi, also known as Seito Shouichi, as it gave him more time to clean up after himself.

Shouichi was a strikingly pretty young man. His fair, pristine face had an almost feminine quality, accentuated by his long, curled eyelashes. Standing at 167 cm and weighing around 62 kg, his physique was slim yet well-proportioned. His fluffy black hair, plain yet distinctive with its graphite-like sheen, was styled with brow-length front bangs. However, his most captivating feature was his cinnamon-brown eyes, radiating warmth and kindness, a reflection of his gentle nature.

Three full months had passed since Shouichi began his academic journey at Seihei School. Based on his experience so far, something felt undeniably strange about this town. Unusual events seemed to unfold behind closed doors, and eerily enough, they often revolved around him, escalating in intensity. Despite everything, Shouichi, with steadfast resolve and unwavering perseverance, pushed through these ordeals — from being betrayed by his beloved ex, Ishikawa Misaki, to nearly being choked to death by the Seihei attackers.

Yet, despite it all, he stood firm, full of determination and resilience. However, the mental toll was undeniable, leaving him drained and exhausted. Fortunately, he was surrounded by supportive friends and family, who were like a bonfire on his coldest nights, offering warmth and comfort to his weary soul.

***

The graphite-haired boy took a leisurely stroll down the long stairway with red rails and outlines. It reminded him of the time he heroically clutched a three-versus-one fight against delinquents from the technical school, saving his cosplaying friend, Tomako Momo. The memory brought a grin to his face. He could already imagine the scolding he would have received from his sweet mother, Yamamoto Yoko, if she had ever learned the full details of the fight.

"Man, that takes me back. Shinji and I were pretty cool back then — felt like we were in an anime or something," he mused as he descended the steps.

With the Seihei students essentially on summer break, Shouichi decided to visit his petite friend, Momo, for a change of pace. It had been a while since he last dropped by her store — Maid Tea & Bliss, located in the Hoshimashi shopping district.

"Watch where you're going, rascal!"

"Oh! Sorry."

Shouichi had unintentionally bumped into a man in a long trench coat. The figure was fully concealed in his outfit, complete with a hat and face mask. Something about him seemed off, but Shouichi dismissed his suspicions and moved on.

"Another weirdo in Kurohashi… I wonder if Yoko is doing alright."

He swiftly pulled out his phone and tapped on the CCTV app — the security system he and Officer Akiyama Suzuki had installed for his mother's safety. Within moments, multiple small screens displayed various angles of Yoko Sweet Cafe.

"Hehehe, where are you, Yoko-san?" he murmured, scanning the cameras one by one. After a few clicks, he spotted her standing in front of his most loyal customer and best friend, Morimura Ayane. The two women were engaged in an enthusiastic discussion.

Even though the CCTV's real-time resolution was just above 480p, Shouichi had no trouble recognising the jet-black-haired girl. Her elegant presence was accentuated by her tall, slender figure, comparable to a supermodel, and her beautiful, fox-like features, reminiscent of Sahara Yukiko, the idol from the renowned girl group CCK.

Satisfied with Yoko's safety, he resumed his quest for the best matcha with red beans in the entire continent. Perhaps he was exaggerating a little.

That afternoon, a long queue stretched in front of the small stall, Maid Tea & Bliss. It wasn't surprising, but the line was moving faster than usual. Was Momo working extra hard today? He wondered.

"Hello, young master! Welcome to our store!"

A cheerful greeting came from a beautiful maid with straight blonde hair. Shouichi instantly realised the reason behind the shorter wait time — an extra helping hand.

"Tomako Ai-san! Good afternoon," he beamed.

"Oh! You're that pretty boy… Shouichi-kun, right?"

It took Ai a few seconds to recall his name. The last time they met was during the Fire Festival a few months ago.

"Oz! But I'm not a pretty boy," Shouichi quipped, peeking excitedly inside the stall's opening window. "Is Momo working in the back today?"

"Hi, Shouichi-kun! Long time no see."

A smaller version of Ai appeared behind her — Momo, the younger sister of the Tomako family and the very person he had come to visit.

"Miss me, eh?" he teased, rubbing his nose with an index finger. Since he was the last in line, there was no rush to order.

"Yep! I was starting to wonder if I'd ever see you this summer."

"Oh? You think I'd be that cruel?"

"Fufu, definitely not."

She chuckled, her blue eyes sparkling under the sunlight. Shouichi recalled that Momo wore contact lenses to change her eye colour from orange to blue as part of her transformation.