The classroom fell silent for a moment, then quickly filled with amused snickers and a lively atmosphere.
"...Aaaaah, give it back!"
Her face completely crimson, Tsubasa Hayate bared her teeth and charged over.
"Don't laugh! Let me write it again—I'll rewrite it, okay?!"
Then, through the classroom's still-open back door behind Tsubasa Hayate, a familiar-looking long-haired Horse Girl suddenly rushed in.
She had likely run all the way here in one breath. A thin sheen of sweat covered her delicate face, her cheeks were flushed red, and her rosy lips opened and closed as she panted.
The instant she saw the chaotic scene in the classroom and heard the amused snickering, a trace of panic and realization flashed through her lively eyes.
Her slender brows furrowed slightly. A troubled expression appeared on her face, and after biting her lower lip, she softly scolded with a slight pant, "Little Hayate, what on earth are you doing...?"
Her voice was not particularly loud, but Tsubasa Hayate's entire body stiffened, and she stopped in her tracks at once.
After a moment, Tsubasa Hayate pursed her lips, her shoulders slumped, and she lowered her head to look over.
"Wasn't I... trying to help you?"
Hearing that, the Horse Girl by the back door stared blankly for a moment, then became both annoyed and amused.
"...How is this supposed to be helping me?"
"How isn't it helping you?"
As though angered by the question, Tsubasa Hayate craned her neck.
"I heard from a senior that formal showdowns like this can bring out your potential, so I wrote the challenge letter for you!
"Besides, A-Keiko, haven't you been muttering in my ear every day about how badly you want to beat Kitasan Black?"
As soon as those words came out, the Horse Girl called A-Keiko's cheeks