Chapter 9 : Don’t You Know the Value of Tanned Skin in White Stockings?

“Hmm…” Shangguan He straightens up and starts appraising her seriously.

Yingcheng High’s spring uniform is primarily white with pink accents. The top is a classic sailor suit, the bottom a pleated skirt with a cinched waist. Designed by a renowned designer and made with imported high-quality fabric, each uniform has a unique code, making them valuable in second-hand markets and among collectors. This stylish, practical, and commemorative uniform alone draws many students to Yingcheng High.

They say clothes make the person. The outfit’s meant to exude a girly vibe, but on Yamazaki Miki, it transforms dramatically. Take the pink tie, meant to hang neatly at the chest. On Miki’s… prominent hills, it curves in a way that sparks longing. Or the pleated skirt, designed to elongate leg lines and flatter developing figures. On most girls, it’s forgiving. On Miki, with her already long legs, it makes her proportions supermodel-like. And her peach-perfect hips? The skirt’s hem barely covers their full curve.

Shangguan He can picture it with his eyes closed: the tantalizing glimpse of her skirt’s hidden realm as she walks. Damn it, why’s this so provocative?! Is she some cosplay hostess from a shady shop?!

And the kicker: she’s wearing white pantyhose. Sure, spring break’s over, but it’s still chilly—windy enough to make you shiver. Bare legs in this weather would be brutal, so Miki’s choice isn’t odd. But logic doesn’t cover everything! Those are white pantyhose on Yamazaki Miki’s legs! The way they delicately encase her shapely thighs, her slender yet taut calves, and the perfect arc of her toes against the fabric—Shangguan He feels his eyes are being pampered and healed.

He needs to clarify: he’s not a foot fetishist. But if given the chance, he’d absolutely savor those white-stockinged, shapely feet with his tongue. He clarifies again: he’s really not a foot fetishist!

What a shame! She’s unromanceable! His heart aches with regret. Damn it! Why’s she so cute if she’s off-limits?!

“Well? How is it?” Seeing his silence, Miki prompts again.

“Those white-stockinged feet, like works of art, rubbing nervously on the wooden floor—I just want to take a big bite.” Lost in his thoughts, Shangguan He blurts out.

“Huh? What’d you say?” Miki blinks.

“Oh, I mean, cute! Perfect! Absolutely stunning!” He covers with bravado. “No exaggeration, you standing there makes me want three bowls of rice!”

“Really?” Miki keeps a straight face, but her crinkled eyes betray her delight.

“100% legit.” He pats his chest confidently.

“Hmph, I’ll take it then!” Miki puts her hands on her hips, striking a proud pose. “Hurry up and eat. I’m gonna use the bathroom, then we’ll head to school.”

“Do you have to tie eating and bathroom breaks together? Can’t you be a bit more delicate?”

“Fine… I’ll go pick a flower.”

“…Garden’s down the hall, turn left.”

“Got it, got it—oh, one more thing!” Halfway out of the living room, Miki spins back, poking her head around the wall, startling Shangguan He.

“What now?”

“A-He, it’s fine if you use my JK form as your ‘casting material’ tonight, okay? Lady Miki’s big-hearted and grants you a full pardon!”

“Just… go pick your flower.”

“Roger! Be right back!” Flashing a V-sign, Miki bounds off with cheerful steps.

Staring at his sandwich, Shangguan He feels oddly full after chatting with Miki. The human body’s weird, huh?

This morning’s events were completely unexpected. In his first playthrough, he met Miki at the station. But in this second playthrough, she barged into his house to wake him up. The only reason for this world-line shift must be his actions yesterday.

Packing the remaining sandwiches, he slings on his backpack and waits at the entrance. Miki’s light blue shoulder bag sits on the shoe cabinet, adorned with two acrylic bird charms.

“Yo! Kept you waiting!” Fresh from her “flower-picking,” Miki jogs over with a grin, slipping on her shoes. “Man, having a childhood friend wait for you feels great. My heart’s racing!”

“I gotta correct you—this is my house. Shouldn’t you be waiting for me?”

“Pfft, with our bond, who cares? Your house is my house, and my house is still my house.”

“Oh, I get it. You’re just a girly Nobita, aren’t you?”

“If I’m Nobita, you’re Gian.”

“No way! With my charm, I’m at least Shizuka!”

“Wow, Doraemon, did you take the wrong meds today?”

Anyone could tell this banter’s pure nonsense. But sometimes, having a friend to trade pointless chatter with feels pretty nice.

Laughing and joking, Miki and Shangguan He step outside. They immediately run into the neighbor lady from across the street.

“Miss Mizumura, good morning.” Shangguan He greets politely.

“Oh… oh my…” She’s about to walk her dog, a fierce Doberman panting at her side, its tail wagging like a helicopter blade.

“You two are…” One hand grips the leash, the other covers her mouth, her light green eyes wide with shock. Her mind races: Teenagers in their prime, a boy and girl leaving a house together early morning, super close, no parents around… She gets it.

Blushing, she murmurs, “Xiao He, I know young people have a lot of energy, ahem, it’s not wrong to sneak a girlfriend home behind your parents’ backs, just, ahem, well… make sure to use protection…”

“Got it, big sis!” Miki jumps in with a quick reply, playfully elbowing the stunned Shangguan He. “Hear that, darling? For the baby’s sake, hold back a little~”

He turns, dumbfounded. Her face is all mischief and glee.