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Chapter 36: Winter break! Haru’s POV December 20, 2024. Finally, the day arrived! We were all lined up in the school gymnasium, listening to the principal drone on. He was going on and on about something, but honestly, I wasn’t paying attention. "Don’t forget," he mumbled, "even during the holidays, you’re still students of Yokohama High!" As if anyone would willing to hear that words man! Around me, the gym buzzed with the sound of students making plans, couples flirting, and the quiet groans of those without Christmas dates. Ah, yes... this was it. THE LONG-AWAITED WINTER BREAK! (A/N: Okay, so normal winter break starts on the 24th in Japan. But in this story, it’s already Friday, and I’m not that heartless to make Haru go to school on Christmas Eve.) Time for me and Shiori-san to have some serious flirting! Or so I thought... "Wait, Haru," Shino said, her voice cutting through my daydreams. "If you’re planning a winter break date with Shiori-sensei, you’re wrong." She looked at me, a mixture of amusement and disgust on her face. "Huh? What do you mean?" "Did you forgot! We’re having esports training camp! Get ready to grind!" Oh, right. I’d completely forgotten. Only two days left until that. Honestly, after that disastrous training session the other day, everyone got so busy we never had another practice. Aunt Marika was rehearsing for her Christmas idol performance, Mom had work to finish, and Shiori-san was buried in paperwork. I guess that’s what being an adult is all about. "Yeah, about that event... I totally forgot." My hopes of a romantic getaway with Shiori-san were fading fast. But hey, the tournament’s on the 23rd. After that, we’re free. "Come on, buddy," Shino said, nudging me. "With that prize money, you can buy her a killer Christmas gift!" Shino’s POV This was bad. Team morale was collapsing What to do? A. Boost their morale. B. Give a motivational speech. C. Mess with their heads. Definitely C! "Come on, buddy," I said to Haru. "Use that prize money to buy Shiori-sensei a Christmas gift!" That should motivate him. "Right! We have to win that cash prize!" He grinned. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂 Easy peasy. Haru’s incredibly easy to manipulate. Marika’s a bit dense, so she’s no problem either. Mom’s an airhead. The real challenge? Shiori-sensei. How do I take down a smart, strong-willed woman? "Haru, where’s Shiori-sensei?" "Hmm... probably in the faculty room?" "Okay, I’ll go check. You head home and convince your aunt and mom to join the training camp." I went to the faculty room to talk to Shiori-sensei. "Shiori-sensei, are you there?" "Shino? What’s up?" she replied, straightening her desk. "Are you busy? I need to talk to you." "Not really. I was just about to head home. We can talk on the way." I waited for her at the school gate, having sent Haru home first. No interference allowed! While I waited, I brainstormed strategies. Then, it hit me—the perfect plan. "Shino, sorry, did I make you wait long?" Shiori-sensei asked. "No, not at all. Ready to go?" She paused, her eyes scanning around. "Wait... where’s Haru-kun?" Don’t tell me you’re planning to go home with him! Do you want someone to see you dating your student?! I thought, but of course, I couldn’t say it out loud. Shiori-sensei is terrifying. "I sent him home early," I said smoothly. "Oh, okay. So, what did you want to talk about?" "The esports tournament... are you still planning to join?" "Of course! I’ve just been so busy lately that I haven’t thought about it much." "Great, Shiori-sensei! If we win that 500,000 yen, you’ll have enough money for a trip with Haru-kun. Just the two of you... alone~" "J-just the two of us... hehe," she said, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. Oh, dear. She’s grinning like a pervert. I’m sorry, Haru, but you’re a worthy sacrifice. Even smart people can’t resist temptation and lust, it seems. Haru’s POV Alright. Step one of "Operation: Training Camp"—convince my mom and Aunt Marika. Should be easy enough. I arrived home and found Aunt Marika lazily lounging on the couch, scrolling through her phone. Mom was at the kitchen table, sipping tea while reviewing work documents. Perfect timing. "Mom, Marika nee-san, we need to talk." "Hmm? About what, dear?" Mom asked, not even looking up. "A training camp," I announced proudly. Aunt Marika perked up. "Oh? Like one of those hot spring retreats? I’m in." "Wait—no. Not that kind of training camp. I mean for the eSports tournament." She slumped back down. "Oh." Mom tilted her head. "Why do we need a training camp?" I sighed. "Because we’re horrible. Our teamwork is nonexistent. Shino suggested we use the last few days to practice properly." Mom put down her tea. "Hmm... I do want to perform better in the tournament. And it’s been fun playing with you kids." Aunt Marika stretched her arms. "Well, I suppose if everyone is participating, I have no choice. But, listen, my priority is work okay?" "So you’re in?" I asked, hopeful. "Sure. But I have conditions," Aunt Marika smirked. "If we do a training camp, we’re doing it idol-style." I blinked. "Uh... what?" Mom clapped her hands. "Oh! That means warm-up stretches, proper mental conditioning, and rhythm exercises!" I paled. "...What does that have to do with gaming?" Aunt Marika grinned. "You’ll see." ... I have a bad feeling about this. After she named our guild Usagi -chan cafe, I’m clearly don’t trusting her again. "Uhmm Marika nee-san, how about we just do it Normally? The training camp?" "Shut up kid. Who do you think will pay?" AHHH BEING TRAMPLED BY RICH! ....,.... Okay guys hear me out again. This texts isn’t grammatically enhanced so pardon my wrong grammars. I’m planning to participate in the win win this month, and I just want to confirm something... Is the Chapters with 1200+ words needed to be unlocked by coins? Does it cost you more? Because I initially plan to upload Chapters with 1500 words, but someone from wn told me about this issue. I hope any readers who reached here will confirm it.