The Fourth Class Is Modern Chinese (Continued)

They were talking about that topic. Even if Iroha greeted her with a "Hiiiii!" Yuihama probably would not get mad.

But that was only possible because Yuihama and Iroha trusted each other. If it were someone she was not on good terms with, like Zaimokuza or the Game Club, she would get angry as usual. She would say, "Don't do that," in an incredibly low voice, looking genuinely furious!

...No, that was nice too, right? The occasional glimpse of her sincerely angry side was kind of addictive. I seemed to have been addicted for a while now.

Anyway, being teased when you were not around could also be considered proof that you were loved. That line was easy to use as an excuse for talking behind someone's back, but as far as I could tell, this was still within the bounds of playful banter.

Both underclassmen admired Yukino and Yuihama very much.

At that moment, the kettle began to bubble, and the water came to a boil.

Komachi picked up the kettle and hummed as she made tea. A familiar fragrance slowly spread with the steam.

While waiting for the tea leaves to steep, Komachi took out my teacup and two paper cups. Even though Yukino and Yuihama were absent, she apparently had no intention of using their cups.

Holding the teapot, Komachi swiftly poured black tea into the teacup and paper cups.

"Here you go."

"Oh, thanks."

I gratefully accepted the teacup Komachi handed me and took a sip.

Mm, full of energy again today—the tea tasted great...

I drank with relish, but Iroha's reaction was less than enthusiastic. She took sip after sip, carefully studying the surface of the tea in her paper cup as if checking something.

"Hmm..."

"Hm, that was a strange reaction. Is something wrong?"