H-How...
H-How could this happen? It... it actually...
Looking at Saki's curious face, the corner of Chiba's stiff expression slowly began to twitch.
I... I miscalculated!
His eyes slowly shifted back bit by bit. Before he knew it, Chiba had clenched his teeth tightly, his face filled with the regret of someone who had made some grave mistake.
I-Is this the legendary one mistake in a thousand considerations?
Then, the instant that regret surfaced, his gaze fell upon the sheets of paper he had spent days writing. With a gulp, Chiba, teeth still clenched, could not help swallowing.
They... they can't read! I actually... actually overlooked something so small! Now...
It's over!
I overlooked this point—doesn't that mean all my plans are going to fall through!
Looking at the thick stack of paper covered in writing, Chiba suddenly had the urge to clutch his head and howl.
"What's wrong? Brother Chiba, you look awful!"
At this point, Saki seemed to notice that something was wrong with Chiba. She no longer focused on her earlier question, and the smile on her lips faded slightly as she asked him.
"N-No, it's nothing. I just thought of something and need some time alone. Go help Sister He Yin make juice."
Without turning around in response to Saki's question, Chiba raised a hand and pointed toward the source of the thud, thud, thud sounds.
"What?"
As soon as he said this, not only Saki, but even Makoto and Hotaru beside her perked up. Casting aside their sullen and timid looks, they crowded around him, practically ready to hug Chiba's legs. "You said Sister He Yin is making juice!"
"Yes, hurry and go help her!"
Chiba answered absentmindedly.
"Wow! Great! We get juice today! That's wonderful!"
"Quick, quick, quick! Let's go help!"
"I'm so happy!"