I think this might be it. Friday, I'll be traveling out of town. I want to post another story before I go but editing it might take a while.

This is the latest chapter of my story, 'English Princess and Him'. I caught up, now brainstorming the next chapter.

The weekend had passed in a blur, leaving Yukinoshita Yukino with a whirlwind of emotions she still struggled to understand. As she sat at her desk on Monday morning, she couldn't shake the memories of the recent events—the dance, the intimate moments with Hikigaya-kun, and the enigmatic presence of Princess Lucia Pearson.

The classroom door slid open, and the usual morning chatter abruptly ceased. All eyes turned to the entrance, where Pearson-san stood, exuding an aura of elegance and grace. She was tall and stunningly beautiful, with a voluptuous figure that made her instantly stand out. Her long, thick blond hair was styled in a hime cut, perfectly framing her face and adding an air of nobility to her presence. Her blue eyes sparkled with confidence, and her pink, glossed lips curved into a warm smile as she scanned the room.

Pearson-san wore the standard Sobu High School uniform, but she had a way of making it look anything but ordinary. The black blazer hugged her figure just right, and the crisp white shirt underneath was perfectly pressed. Her red ribbon tie was neatly tied, and the plaid skirt fell modestly just above her knees. Completing her outfit, she wore 80 denier black pantyhose that accentuated the long, graceful lines of her legs. Her red-painted fingernails and subtle yet elegant makeup added to her sophisticated appearance, making her stand out from the rest of the class.

"Good morning, everyone," Lucia greeted, her voice carrying a melodic tone that commanded attention. She gave Yukinoshita a friendly wave before making her way to her desk. Yukinoshita nodded back, feeling a mix of curiosity and unease.

As the class settled into its routine, Yukinoshita couldn't help but overhear the hushed conversations around her.

"Man, Lucia is so hot, I want her thighs to squeeze me," one student whispered in English, clearly impressed.

"You're stupid! Don't use English around here. She's from England, remember?" another student scolded, though they couldn't hide their agreement. "But yeah, she is really attractive. I'm a fan of her butt."

"But how is she so close to Hikigaya-kun? They seemed close at the dance party," a girl added in Japanese.

"I don't get it. Hikigaya-kun isn't wealthy or anything, right?" a boy asked skeptically.

"Maybe he's just really good at hiding his status. Or maybe he has some political connections. But that doesn't explain why he is not in this class," another student speculated.

Yukino's grip on her pen tightened. The speculation and gossip about Hikigaya and Lucia's relationship grated on her nerves. She knew Hikigaya-kun wasn't wealthy or politically connected, yet the thought of him having such a significant connection with Pearson made her heart uneasy. She glanced at Lucia, who seemed completely unfazed by the whispers around her, sitting with poise and elegance.

Class started, but Yukinoshita found it hard to focus. Her mind kept drifting back to the dance and the moments she shared with Hikigaya-kun. The way he held her, the closeness they shared—these memories played in her mind like a broken record. She stole a glance at Pearson, who was attentively listening to the teacher, occasionally jotting down notes with graceful precision.

As the morning passed, Yukino's unease grew. She couldn't shake the feeling that Lucia's presence would change things—not just for Hikigaya-kun, but for herself as well. The rumors and speculations would only grow louder, and she wondered how Hikigaya-kun would handle the newfound attention. Well knowing him, he is happy with new attention. More importantly, she wondered how she would handle it.

When the lunch bell finally rang, Yukinoshita gathered her things and headed towards the Service Club room. She needed a moment to herself, away from the noise and the rumors. As she walked through the corridors, she couldn't help but feel the weight of the morning's events pressing down on her. The days ahead promised to be anything but ordinary.

0000

After school, the Service Club room was its usual serene haven. I sat in my chair, occasionally glancing at Hikigaya Hachiman, who was lazily browsing through a book. Yuigahama Yui hummed a cheerful tune as she organized some club materials. The silence was comfortable, a routine we had all grown accustomed to.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the classroom door. Before I could respond, the door slid open swiftly. A girl strode in, immediately commanding attention with her striking appearance. Her wavy, waist-length light brown hair cascaded down her back, catching the light and shimmering with each step. The glasses perched on her nose added a touch of intellect to her otherwise rebellious look. Her makeup was bold but within the boundaries of school rules, highlighting her eyes and giving her a confident edge.

Her school uniform was a testament to her individuality; her plaid skirt was shortened to a daring length, and the top three buttons of her shirt were undone, revealing just a hint of the black lace camisole underneath. Her nails were adorned with elaborate acrylic designs, each finger a tiny canvas of intricate art that showcased her flair for fashion and creativity.

The girl stood in the doorway, exuding an air of annoyance. "Tachibana Mai," she introduced herself, her tone both rude and impatient, her gaze sweeping across the room before settling on me.

I raised an eyebrow but remained composed. "Yes?"

Tachibana walked over, her movements confident and unhurried. She reached into her bag and pulled out an envelope, handing it to me with a flick of her wrist. "This is for you."

Without another word, she turned on her heel and left the club room, her presence lingering like a whirlwind that had just passed through.

Yuigahama was the first to break the silence. "Wow, she was... something."

Hikigaya shrugged, his eyes still on his book. "A gyaru, huh? Haven't seen someone that bold in a while. Since Yuigahama tries to wear dog ear scrunchie."

I opened the envelope, my eyes scanning the contents. "It's an invitation," I said, my voice tinged with curiosity.

"An invitation?" Yuigahama echoed, leaning closer.

"From Lucia Pearson," I clarified. "She wants to meet at the mall later today at six for a sleepover."

Hikigaya looked up, mildly interested. "Lucia Pearson."

I nodded. "It seems she wants to get to know me better."

Yuigahama clapped her hands together excitedly. "That sounds fun, Yukinon! A sleepover with a princess!"

I smiled faintly. "We'll see. I'll go meet her at the mall and find out more."

The club room returned to its usual calm, but the unexpected visit from Tachibana Mai and the invitation from Lucia Pearson left a lingering sense of anticipation in the air.

01010

I returned to my apartment and changed out of my school uniform, opting for something more casual yet stylish. I chose a soft, cream-colored sweater paired with dark skinny jeans and ankle boots. I let my hair down, allowing it to fall gracefully around my shoulders. After checking my appearance in the mirror and ensuring I looked both presentable and comfortable, I grabbed my bag and headed to the shopping mall.

At the mall, I quickly spotted Pearson-san, her elegant aura making her stand out. Beside her was a maid with light brown hair in a bun, whose presence was almost as commanding as Lucia's. Lucia's eyes lit up when she saw me approaching, and she reached out to take my hand with a warm smile.

"Yukinoshita! I'm so glad you could make it," Lucia said, her excitement palpable.

I returned her smile. "Thank you for the invitation, Pearson-san."

Lucia led me through the mall, and soon we found ourselves in a boutique specializing in sleepwear. The shop was filled with an array of options, from modest pajamas to bolder, more daring pieces. We started selecting a few items to try on, enjoying the fun of shopping together.

We headed to the fitting rooms, eager to try on our selections. My first choice was a silk camisole and shorts set. The delicate straps and soft fabric accentuated my elegance and subtle sensuality. Next, I tried a satin slip dress. The deep burgundy color and plunging neckline highlighted my graceful figure. The lace babydoll came next, with its sheer navy blue lace adding a touch of allure while maintaining a hint of modesty. The mesh nightgown was daring, with strategically placed opaque panels providing just enough coverage. Finally, the chiffon robe set added an element of mystery and charm with its blush pink chiffon and matching bralette and thong set.

Pearson-san, on the other hand, started with a red silk chemise. The fiery red color and lace cups made a bold statement. Next, she tried a black lace teddy, with its intricate lace patterns adding sophistication and sexiness. She then tried on a satin and lace romper, with pale blue satin and lace trim combining comfort with a flirty design. The sheer bodysuit offered a tantalizing glimpse of skin with its strategically placed embroidery. Lastly, the velvet slip dress exuded opulence and allure with its rich emerald green velvet and cowl neck.

After trying on our selections, I chose the satin slip dress, while Lucia opted for the red silk chemise. Satisfied with our choices, we paid for the sleepwear and continued shopping, gathering snacks, bath supplies, toothpaste, and toothbrushes—excited for our upcoming sleepover. I should have known something was off. It was strange that Pearson and her maid needed to purchase toothbrushes and bath supplies.

0000

We gathered our chosen snacks and headed toward a sleek black car waiting outside the mall. The driver took us on a short ride through the city, eventually arriving at a modest house. I glanced at the unassuming structure, surprised that someone like Pearson-san, who was practically royalty, would reside in such a humble abode. The maid, holding our shopping bags, stood by the gate, inadvertently covering the nameplate, adding to the mystery.

As the car pulled away, I exchanged a puzzled glance with Pearson-san before we ventured into the yard. I was about to comment on Lucia's methodical knock on the door when it swung open, revealing none other than Hikigaya Hachiman standing in the doorway. Both Hikigaya and I froze in surprise, our eyes locking in mutual astonishment.

Before either of us could utter a word, Pearson breezed past him with a confident smile, making her way into the house.

"Oh, Hachiman! We're here for a sleepover," Pearson announced cheerfully as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

I stood rooted to the spot, my mind racing with questions and a hint of unease at the unexpected turn of events. I glanced at Hikigaya, whose expression mirrored my confusion. Hikigaya-kun and I under the same roof, like a c-couple?

"H-hold on, Pearson-san," I began, regaining my composure. "You didn't mention anything about coming to Hikigaya's house."

Pearson turned back with a playful wink. "Surprise! I thought it would be more fun this way."

Hikigaya, recovering from his initial shock, managed a wry smile. "I see you haven't lost your flair for dramatic entrances, Lucia."

I sighed inwardly, realizing that resisting Lucia's spontaneous plans was futile. "Well then, I suppose we're here now. Let's make the most of it."

With a mix of curiosity and resignation, I followed the maid into Hikigaya's home, where the evening promised to unfold in unexpected ways.

0000

Hikigaya knew it was pointless to try and convince Pearson to leave, so he sighed inwardly and gestured for us to enter. "Come on in," he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

I followed the maid into Hikigaya's home, looking around with a mix of curiosity and surprise. We removed our shoes at the genkan and slipped on the guest slippers Hikigaya offered. Moving into the living room, Hikigaya took charge, helping the maid set out tea for his unexpected guests.

As he poured the tea, Hikigaya casually dropped a bombshell that left me momentarily speechless. "By the way, this is Tachibana Mai," he said, nodding toward the maid. "She's... different outside of her maid duties."

My eyes widened in realization as I looked at Tachibana, who now wore contacts and had her hair tied up in a bun—a stark contrast to the flashy and rebellious girl I had encountered earlier at the Service Club. The transformation was so drastic that I couldn't help but feel intrigued by Mai's dual personas.

"Tachibana Mai?" I repeated, trying to reconcile the two images in my mind. "I... didn't expect this."

Tachibana gave a nonchalant shrug, handing out tea with practiced efficiency. "People change, Yukinoshita-san," she said with a hint of amusement. "You never know who you'll meet in different settings."

Hikigaya chuckled softly, clearly enjoying my surprised reaction. "That's Mai for you," he remarked, his gaze flickering between us. "Always full of surprises. At least that's what she wants you to see. She acts like she is mysterious."

Why is he calling her by her given name? Are they close? I have known you longer.

Pearson, seemingly unfazed by the revelation, sipped her tea elegantly. "Well, this certainly makes things more interesting," she commented, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

I glanced around the cozy living room, realizing that this unexpected visit might turn out to be more eventful than I had anticipated.