The Prince’s Spell Breaks

『Eeeh!? Did you have a fight with Iori-chan!?』

“Shh, keep your voice down!”

Due to listening with my earphones in, I didn’t think Iori, who was in the next room, could hear, but my ears suffered significant damage… they’re ringing.

『I just wanted to hear Shuugo-kun’s voice before going to bed』

Setsu called at what seemed like the perfect timing, so I mentioned what happened earlier.

I don’t remember much of what I said since I just blurted out what I was thinking…

『Hmm…』

Judging from Iori’s tightly clenched teeth and dark expression as she left, it seems like it had some impact.

“Well, it was more like I unilaterally said it.”

『It’s like the opposite of what usually happens, isn’t it? Interesting. So, the prince’s spell has finally broken, huh?』

“A spell?”

『Never mind. But still, for indecisive Shuugo-kun to say something like that… he must have been really forcing himself, huh?』

“Yeah, seems like it. Just as you said, Setsu.”

『Hehe, I know, right? Among friends, I think I understand Shuugo-kun the best. Alright then… But the real test is yet to come. Let’s make sure the prince understands properly.』

“Yeah… By the way, I’ve been hearing some rustling noises for a while now, are you doing something?”

『Ah, yeah, I’m changing clothes.』

“Oh, you’re changing… Huh?”

I wish I hadn’t heard that.

Through the phone, there was a slight but distinct sound of something falling to the floor.

『By the way, right now I’m only wearing a bra and panties.』

“You don’t need to report that! Why are you changing clothes now?!”

『Well, it suddenly got hot, you know? Oh, you want to see?』

“I didn’t say that! I didn’t say anything! Hey, don’t switch to video call!”

My resistance was futile as Katayma switched to video call.

In an instant, translucent white skin jumped into view.

“Hmm…”

I quickly averted my gaze, but the image of her in underwear lingered in my mind. My heart rate skyrocketed.

Katayama had a nonchalant expression on her face.

…Am I the only one feeling awkward about this?

It’s just Katayama being herself. She’s always been touchy-feely, so maybe this is just an extension of that.

She doesn’t seem to think anything of it.

Thinking that way, I suddenly feel embarrassed about my own behavior.

“Mmmm, tease me too much and I might get mad, you know…”

『This is serious business. Alright, alright. I’ve switched back to voice call, Shuugo-kun~?』

Her tone suggests she’s smiling mischievously. Maybe she was just teasing.

“Shut up!”

『Hey, Shuugo-kun.』

“Yeah?”

『Let’s keep working well together from tomorrow, okay?』

“Yeah, sure. Let’s do that.”

Katayama seemed unusually cheerful today.

◆

Before the test, I was studying mostly at Katayama’s house. Occasionally, I studied with Takuto and some female friends in the library.

Everyone can expect better scores than last midterm. Katayama, especially, is sure to improve her grades if she keeps this up. Actually, I’d be in trouble if she doesn’t avoid failing grades with ease.

And now, after four days of exams and the weekend sandwiched in between, it’s the end-of-term ceremony today, with the papers already returned. The bell rang.

“All right, settle down, everyone. This is the end.”

The teacher’s calm voice cut through the restlessness of the class.

And as the class representative gave the signal, the classroom erupted into cheers.

Today marked the beginning of summer vacation.

“Shuugo-kun thank youuuu~~~”

“Whoa!?”

As soon as Katayama came to my desk, she hugged me. The soft sensation on my back… lots of physical affection, as usual.

“Thanks to you, I managed to avoid failing grades!”

“Not only avoiding failing grades, but averaging 73 points… that’s amazing! How about you, Takuto?”

“Heheh, check this out!”

Takuto proudly shows his test paper, prominently displaying scores in the 40s.

“You barely made it!”