The ahoge (cowlick) on the former's head immediately drooped, clearly indicating his great dissatisfaction at being unable to participate in the "sacred ritual".

The latter wanted to fight for it, but ultimately chose to remain silent.

"..."

the other side.

Seeing that Natsume Ryo so decisively rejected all the "bystanders," and considering that he was clearly particularly interested in his own shadow that carried negative emotions, it was clear that he was very interested in him.

Almost immediately, a thought popped into Geng Xizi's mind—

"Does Natsume Ryo want to have his own shadow all to himself?!"

This is so vulgar!

The thought that the "shadow" symbolizing her other half would be "purified" by Natsume Ryo tonight is unbearable.

Geng Xizi's delicate cheeks instantly turned bright red, as if they had been boiled, and even her snow-white ears, which were half-hidden by her waist-length black hair, became scalding red.

……

After arranging tonight's schedule, there's not much time left for lunch break.

Natsume Ryo thought to himself, it's time to solve lunch.

Then she opened the bento box that Hachiman Hikigaya had handed over—a bento box that Komachi had carefully prepared.

"senior."

result.

Before Natsume Ryo could finish blooming.

Yotsuya Miko handed over a bento box with equally cute packaging.

"This is an extra portion that my mom specially made this morning, saying she wanted my senior to try it."

Yotsuya Miko held the bento box in both hands and handed it to Natsume Ryo, looking just like a little girl who had mustered up the courage to give a love letter.

"I see. Then please thank Auntie for me." Natsume Ryo looked at the two bento boxes in front of him, then at Yotsuya Miko's expectant face, and gladly accepted the kindness.

Upon receiving a response from Natsume Ryo, Yotsuya Miko breathed a sigh of relief, her face flushing even more. However, a clear look of happiness shone in her eyes as she softly hummed in agreement before stepping aside.

After accepting the bento box from Yotsuya Miko, Natsume Ryo placed the two bento boxes together and casually sat down in a clean spot on the edge of the rooftop.

First, Komachi prepared a bento box. Inside were adorable takoyaki sausages, tamagoyaki, and rice balls. Her cooking skills were as good as ever.

Mrs. Touko's bento box, on the other hand, was a more substantial selection of home-style dishes, including fried chicken nuggets, tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelet), and simmered dishes, all in generous portions and with an enticing aroma.

Both styles have their own merits.

Ryo Natsume took a bite from each side. Whether it was Komachi's adorable bento full of girlish charm or Mrs. Touko's home-cooked meal brimming with maternal care, the taste was impeccable.

……

"If you don't mind, let's sit down and eat together."

After Natsume Ryo nodded slightly, he extended an invitation.

Rikka Takanashi was the first to respond without any hesitation, excitedly sitting down next to Ryo Natsume, her eyes sparkling as she stared at the two bento boxes, practically ready to grab them right away.

Meanwhile, Miko Yotsuya also took the opportunity to sit down next to Ryo Natsume.

Geng Wujiang hesitated for a moment, glanced at Geng Xizi and Yotsuya Miko beside him, and finally chose to sit down next to Miko, but his posture was still somewhat reserved.

Only Geng Xizi remained rooted to the spot.

After thinking for a moment, Natsume Ryo picked up a tempting, golden-brown tamagoyaki with his chopsticks and naturally offered it to Yuuko, asking:

"Taste it?"

Geng Xizi was clearly taken aback. Her slender eyes widened slightly as her gaze shifted back and forth between the tamagoyaki and Natsume Ryo's calm faces, seemingly puzzled.

"Huh? Is it for me?"

Geng Xizi asked subconsciously.

Of course!

Natsume Ryo asked in return.

"OK then."

After receiving a definite reply from Natsume Ryo, Yuko hesitated for a moment, but finally carefully bent down, opened her small mouth, and gently bit the thick omelet.

that's it.

Natsume Ryo completed his first feeding of this special "ghost senior".

……

After dinner.

There's not much time left for lunch break.

"Then, senior, we'll head back to the classroom now."

After exchanging glances, Yotsuya Miko and Gengige stood up and said goodbye to Natsume Ryo.

Natsume Ryo nodded slightly, watching Yotsuya Miko and Geng Kirie leave the rooftop.

……

“Um… Natsume-kun…”

On the rooftop.

Seeing this, Geng Xizi intertwined her slender white fingers, her narrow eyes secretly glancing at Natsume Ryo who was packing up the lunch boxes. After hesitating for a moment, she still took the initiative to float to Natsume Ryo's side.

"what happened?"

Seeing this, Natsume Ryo stopped what he was doing and looked up at Yuuko.

"What preparations do we need to make later?"

"Are we just going to wait until school is over?"

"if not?"

Upon hearing this, Natsume Ryo couldn't help but roll his eyes at Yuuko, then carefully tidied up the lunchbox, put the lid on, and stood up.

"correct."

As he spoke, Natsume Ryo casually put the bento box into his inventory and looked at Yuuko.

"Since I have to go to class, please make yourself at home for the rest of the time."

"Eh?!"

Geng Xizi was taken aback by his words, her slender eyes widening slightly as if she hadn't expected such an answer, her tone clearly showing surprise:

"Natsume-kun, aren't you going to wait here with me?"

Why should I accompany you?

Upon hearing this, Natsume Ryo turned his head and looked at Yuuko with an expression as if she were looking at an idiot:

"As a ghost, you don't need to attend classes."

"As a student, of course I need to attend classes to fulfill my responsibilities."

"Waaah...but..."

Geng Xizi was speechless after being taken aback by Natsume Ryo's words. Her delicate lips twitched slightly, and she was momentarily speechless.

After all, she really doesn't need to attend classes.

just.

Geng Xizi originally thought that Natsume Ryo would spend some time with her because of what happened tonight.

after all.

A being like Natsume, who can breathe giant fireballs and grant others supernatural vision at will—an "extraordinary," even "inhuman," power—shouldn't be restricted by his high school student status and forced to attend those boring classes in a conventional manner.

who ever thought.

Natsume Ryo answered so decisively.

"..."

Seeing that Yuko Kō stopped talking, Ryō Natsume didn't pay much attention and turned to walk towards the rooftop entrance.

Seeing this, Rikka, the little bird, naturally followed immediately.

"By the way, Rikka, be sure to practice the twelve basic hand seals I just taught you diligently when you get back."

"The speed at which you form hand seals determines the speed at which you release ninjutsu. Therefore, you must memorize the hand seals and practice them until you know them by heart!"

Walking ahead, Natsume Ryo seemed to have thought of something. He slowed his pace slightly, turned his head slightly to Rikka Kotori, who was following closely beside him, and earnestly instructed her:

"Okay! I understand, Liang!"

Upon hearing this, Rikka Takanashi immediately nodded vigorously, even raising her small hand and clumsily beginning to review the hand seals "Zi," "Chou," "Yin," and "Mao" that Natsume Ryo had just taught her. Although her movements were still very awkward and her fingers were somewhat stiff, the focus in her eyes was genuine.

Natsume Ryo nodded to himself.

Although Rikka Takanashi is a bit unconventional, she still has that serious attitude when it comes to things she's set her mind to.

Just as Natsume Ryo was pondering.

at this time--

"Natsume-kun! Wait for me!"

Geng Xizi reacted quickly and chased after her.

Natsume Ryo didn't stop walking, but just glanced back at Yuuko:

"If you want to come along, that's fine, but don't disturb my class."

"Hey! I got it!"

Upon hearing this, Geng Xizi immediately nodded obediently in response.

……

After returning to the classroom.

Natsume Ryo walked straight to his seat.

Rikka Takanashi quickly followed and sat back down at the table behind her, immediately immersing herself in practicing hand seals, her dainty fingers diligently changing various hand gestures.

Meanwhile, Geng Xizi, an invisible spirit, began to curiously drift around the classroom.

First, he observed each classmate with great interest.

Then, Geng Xizi walked to the podium and curiously studied the lesson plan that the teacher had left there, as well as the writing on the blackboard, occasionally touching it with her hand.

But in the end, Yuuko's gaze returned to Ryo Natsume. She leaned closer, bent down, and whispered in his ear:

"Natsume-kun, class is so boring..."

"How about we secretly do something fun together?"

This time, Geng Xizi was noticeably bolder.

Natsume Ryo didn't even lift his eyelids, and flicked her forehead with his hand.

"Ouch...it hurts so much!"

Geng Xizi immediately covered her forehead, took a few steps back, and complained in a soft, aggrieved voice.

……

The afternoon classes proceeded in an orderly and methodical manner.

Geng Xizi seemed to have found her own fun as well, drifting to the window and gazing blankly at the scenery outside;

Sometimes she would drift to the back of the classroom and quietly watch Natsume Ryo.

"Natsume-kun... what are you looking at?"

Geng Xizi simply sat down on the windowsill next to Natsume Ryo's seat, leaned forward slightly, and looked at her textbook.

Natsume Ryo turned his head to the side.

Geng Xizi's face was very close to his, his calm and expressionless face reflected in her clear pupils, and he could even feel the faint, cool aura emanating from her, unique to spirits.

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