Hunter

Light footsteps echoed in the quiet library, like a pebble dropped into a still lake.

It easily caught Shiina Hiyori's attention. She looked up slightly to see two first-year students.

Unexpectedly, there are others like me who head straight to the library on the first day of school.

Perhaps we can become friends.

Shiina Hiyori pretended to read, but her gaze followed the two of them.

They wandered between the bookshelves, and many of the books inside were ones she had already read.

Hoshino Kanade's fingertips unconsciously brushed the edge of a bookshelf. Her pupils flickered across rows of spines in the interplay of light and shadow, finally settling on a yellowed mystery novel.

"Swish—"

The sound of a book being pulled from the shelf seemed to reverberate through the library.

Shiina Hiyori felt a bit restless, but it was too fast. What if I scare them? Calm down, Hiyori, maintain your composure.

Shiina Hiyori forced herself to calm down. There was plenty of time; she should proceed slowly.

"Do you like mystery novels, Kanade?"

Kiyona leaned in and asked softly.

"I've dabbled in various genres. This book's cover looks quite old."

Of course, it's because Shiina Hiyori is peeking. Otherwise, Hoshino Kanade would have just grabbed any book, seized it, and instantly absorbed it.

Then the knowledge within the books would be rapidly absorbed by me.

"Is that so? I'll take that one."

Kiyona raised her hand and pointed to a book on the top shelf, "Midnight Cinderella." Based on her understanding, it was also a mystery novel.

Hmm, with Kiyona's height, she probably can't reach it even on tiptoe. Is she already asking for help before even trying? Hmph, you're something else...

However, Hoshino Kanade wasn't much taller than Kiyona, just enough to successfully reach "Midnight Cinderella."

Seeing that both Hoshino Kanade and Kiyona had chosen mystery novels, Shiina Hiyori's eyes lit up.

As she watched the two of them get their books and start looking for seats, she knew they wouldn't sit next to her in the vast library.

Shiina Hiyori had to consider if this was her only chance in life.

After much thought, Shiina Hiyori still didn't approach them.

Her introverted personality, coupled with the fact that the two seemed very close, made it too difficult to just walk up and strike up a conversation unprepared.

Next time, Shiina Hiyori, you must be fully prepared. Plan a perfect "chance encounter" to successfully gain a fellow book lover.

After memorizing their appearances, Shiina Hiyori pretended to read while actually starting to script her plan.

Hoshino Kanade wasn't in a hurry to talk to Shiina Hiyori either. Although she had read some mystery novels in middle school, her overlap with Shiina Hiyori's tastes seemed low, making immediate conversation less effective.

Besides, she had plenty of time, and she had Kiyona with her today.

Afterward, only the occasional rustling of pages remained in the library.

From now on, Hoshino Kanade needs to focus her reading. First, read books that can be used for conversation with Shiina Hiyori, then read practical books on psychology, logic, and reasoning.

As for textbooks for various subjects, Hoshino Kanade finished those in middle school.

The first official day of classes was the second day of school.

Although most teachers only completed their initial curriculum proposals on the first day, their professional capabilities were undeniable, with each possessing a unique teaching style and knowledge base.

They displayed exaggerated leniency in their attitude, almost indulging students' classroom behavior—whether the room was noisy or silent, they maintained a programmed cheerfulness. Students like Sudo Ken, who slept through the entire class, were not intervened with.

This unusual phenomenon failed to spark any thought from Class D; they were all intoxicated by the relaxed learning environment.

Hoshino Kanade continued her usual reading routine, first finishing all the books Shiina Hiyori liked, then books of the types Shiina Hiyori liked, and finally, books Shiina Hiyori might like.

The first morning passed, and the classmates in the classroom grew increasingly rowdy. With the atmosphere already set, even some academically inclined students joined the ranks of those slacking off.

Lunch was, as usual, with Kiyona. In the eyes of some Class D boys, Hoshino Kanade was already a winner in life, having secured an ultimate beauty on the second day of school.

It's worth mentioning that during lunch, Kushida approached them for Hoshino Kanade and Kiyona's contact information and added them to the class group chat.

Hmm, 39 people.

The last person missing is someone I can't possibly guess.

Hoshino Kanade felt Kushida's attitude towards her was unusual. This was a man's intuition, not narcissism.

Yesterday, two people were missing from the opening ceremony. The popular Kushida volunteered to take on this task. In just half a day of school, she couldn't match the faces and names of her classmates, making this task undoubtedly arduous.

Through painstaking elimination, she narrowed it down to Hoshino Kanade and Kiyona. Today, she approached them with a sweet smile, claiming she was worried something might have happened to them since they didn't attend the opening ceremony.

She patted her ample chest, feigning relief, and said, "It's really good that you're okay."

As for why she felt Kushida's attitude towards her was unusual, it was mainly because Kushida stood closer to her when she approached, and she could even smell Kushida's perfume.

During her conversation with Hoshino Kanade and Kiyona, Kushida's eyes mostly focused on Hoshino Kanade.

Perhaps it's because Kiyona had a 'stay away' expression on her face, or maybe yesterday's argument with Horikita led Kushida to categorize me into the 'anti-Horikita' camp?

After all, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. If Kushida were to secretly do something to escalate the conflict between me and Horikita in the future, it would also cause trouble for Horikita.

After dinner, I returned to the classroom. There was still some time before class, and many students who had just finished their meals or were eating bread in the classroom were already there.

Soon, music came from the school broadcast, followed by a cute female voice.

"Starting at 5 PM today, a club information session will be held at the First Gymnasium. Students interested in clubs, please gather at the First Gymnasium. I repeat..."

The students in the classroom, who had been chatting, gradually turned their conversations to club activities.

"Kanade..."

Kiyona's voice sounded from behind me.

"I'm not interested in clubs."

"I haven't said anything yet."

"Then what do you want to say?"

"Are you going to the club session this afternoon, Kanade?"

Hoshino Kanade knew it would be like this.

"I don't want to go. I'm not interested in clubs."

"I've never participated in a club since I was little. I want to go and see."

"Oh~"

"Kanade, you're too mean~ Even though you have something going on, I've always been with you..."

Kiyona said as she poked Hoshino Kanade from behind.

Hoshino Kanade had to turn around.

Kiyona suddenly lowered her head, covering her face with her slender fingers, biting her lower lip and making sobbing sounds. Her eyes peeked through the gaps in her fingers, her gaze clearly shifting as she stole glances at Hoshino Kanade's reaction between sobs.

"Fine, I'll go, okay?"

Hoshino Kanade reached out and gently pushed away the wrist covering her eyes. Her fingertips touched her cold skin.

I really can't stand her. She's getting more and more dramatic, though she's very cute.

Kiyona took Kanade's hand, which hadn't moved, and pressed her head against Kanade's palm. She urgently nudged her knuckles with her forehead, her eyes slightly narrowed, and let out a puppy-like whine from her nose: "I knew you were the best, Kanade."

Kiyona's actions were too cute, like fireworks bursting unexpectedly, making Hoshino Kanade's breath catch.

When she came to her senses, her fingertips had already brushed against Hoshino Kanade's sleeve cuff. The breeze, carrying the scent of orchids, swept away all of Hoshino Kanade's ability to think.

It wasn't until a dog's bark came from behind that she mechanically turned her head, only to find countless eyes staring at them. Some of the single dogs in Class D were letting out painful wails.