The Fourth Period Is Modern Chinese (Continued)

"Because it'd be such a waste if nobody ate it."

As she spoke, she turned to look at the clock, and I followed her gaze. It was nearing evening, and the western sky outside the window had been dyed a faint vermilion.

"Yukino, shouldn't you two be leaving about now? We'll clean up here."

Hearing that, Yukino looked at the clock as well. I didn't know what time they had arranged exactly, but it was probably about time to go. After a brief moment of thought, Yukino nodded.

"You're right... Then we'll leave it to you... Thank you."

Yukino smiled faintly and thanked them, while Yuihama lightly shook her head to say it was nothing.

"Then let's go."

"...Okay."

Yukino picked up her bag and urged me on. I began packing up to leave. There was hardly anything in my bag, yet it felt especially heavy now.

But Yukino had already packed up efficiently and was waiting for me by the clubroom door.

There was no choice but to grit my teeth and face it... I let out one last long sigh, stood up, and slung my bag over my shoulder.

"Then I'll be heading out first today. See you tomorrow."

"Yeah, see you tomorrow."

Yuihama and Komachi waved at us, while Iroha said, "Good work," without even looking our way. Under their watchful eyes, we pulled open the door and stepped into the hallway. Well, one person wasn't watching us off.

At that moment.

"Ah, Yukino-ane, you forgot this."

Komachi called out to Yukino and jogged over, holding a small paper bag.

She solemnly placed the paper bag in Yukino's hands. Yukino looked at the bag, tilting her head in confusion. She opened it slightly and peeked inside, then suddenly smiled.

"Thank you. This helps a lot."

"No, no."