Winter nights always fall very quickly, and just after six o'clock in the evening, the sky is already filled with thick black.
The streetlights emitted a dim yellow glow, casting elongated shadows on the snowy ground.
Sakayanagi Arisu did not take Kazehara Tetsu to an office like Administration Building, but led him through a Beech Forest to a retro coffee shop in the corner of the school.
On weekdays, this store is rarely visited by students because of its remote location and high consumption.
Opening the door, the copper bell on the door made a crisp "ding-dong" sound.
"It's on the second floor."
Sakayanagi Arisu said softly, the cane in his hand tapping on the wooden floor making a rhythmic sound.
The two of them walked up the winding Spiral Staircase. The space on the second floor is an independent private room.
Finally, Sakayanagi Arisu stopped in front of a wooden door.
"Boom, boom."
She stretched out her slender fingers and tapped Room Door gently.
"Please come in."
A calm and gentle middle-aged male voice came from inside the door.
Kazehara Tetsu Push the door open and soft warm light comes in.
The furnishings in the room are simple and elegant, with a round table placed by the window, and a middle-aged man wearing Dark Gray Suit is sitting there.
That is the chairman of the Advanced Nurturing Academy.
Sakayanagi Narimori.
It is different from the imagined image of a person in power who has been in a high position for a long time and is not angry or powerful.
The first impression Sakayanagi Narimori gives is more like an elegant scholar, without any arrogance.
"Oh, here we come. Is it cold outside?"
Sakayanagi Narimori greeted the two of them to sit down, with a familiar tone as if he was entertaining the neighbor children who were visiting his home.
Although he has long heard about the chairman's character, Kazehara Tetsu still maintains due etiquette.
He did not lose his sense of proportion because of the other party's easy-going, but stood upright and bowed slightly.
"First meeting, Chairman."
"I am Kazehara Tetsu from Class A. It is an honor to be invited by you."
"Haha, there's no need to be so formal."
Sakayanagi Narimori smiled and waved his hand, taking the initiative to extend his right hand.
"About you, I, Arisu, have been talking in my ears a lot. When I saw you today, you are indeed a talented person."
Kazehara Tetsu stretched out his hand and took the slightly generous hand.
The strength of the handshake is moderate, there is no so-called testing or competition, it is just a pure greeting from the elders to the younger ones.
But Kazehara Tetsu could feel that behind the lens, those seemingly kind eyes were observing him calmly.
"You're honored."
Kazehara Tetsu took back his hand and sat next to Sakayanagi Arisu.
"To be honest, I'm very nervous right now. After all, I'm facing a big shot in charge of This School. I'm still worried that if I say the wrong thing and leave a bad impression on you at this critical juncture, it will be over."
He said half-jokingly and half-seriously, and even had a shy smile on his face at the right time.
"Hahaha..."
Sakayanagi Narimori heard this and laughed heartily.
He sat back on the chair, crossed his hands on the table, and looked at the young man in front of him with interest.
"If you were really scared, young man, you wouldn't be able to say these words so smoothly."
The chairman's gaze seemed to penetrate people's hearts.
"There is no hint of panic in your eyes. Rather... you are more calm than I thought."
His eyes glanced back and forth between Kazehara Tetsu and his daughter, and a trace of thoughtful joy flashed in his eyes.
"Okay, since this is a private meeting, let's put aside the title of 'chairman'. Just think of me as... well, an elder who cares about his daughter or is curious about outstanding students, how about?"
"Then, it's better to obey orders than to be respectful, Mr. Sakayanagi."
Kazehara Tetsu took advantage of the situation and changed his words. This kind-hearted attitude made the situation much easier in an instant.
"What would you like to drink?"
Sakayanagi Narimori picked up the menu on the table and handed it to the two of them.
"The Pour-over Coffee at this restaurant is very good, and the desserts are also amazing. Today is mine, so feel free to order."
"How can this be done?"
Kazehara Tetsu did not take the menu page, but gently pressed the corner of the table.
"Since it is a junior who is here to visit, and it is in a private room, how can we let the elders spend money? What's more..."
He glanced at Sakayanagi Arisu beside him.
"Today's coffee is a small thank you to Arisu for bringing me here. This small expense is not only for politeness, but also for the boys' face, so please make sure I pay for it, Mr. Sakayanagi."
For the chairman who has control over the entire school, these cups of coffee Points have almost no meaning on a numerical level.
He doesn't lack this at all.
However, the meaning of Kazehara Tetsu's move goes far beyond Points itself.
This is a gesture.
Sakayanagi Narimori was stunned for a moment, and then the smile in his eyes deepened.
Of course he understands the twists and turns involved.
It would be rude to refuse a young boy's kindness, especially when it involves "self-esteem" Matoba.
"Oh? I didn't expect that today's young people are quite particular about these old-school rules."
Sakayanagi Narimori nodded happily, put down the menu, and agreed happily.
"Since you have this heart, I won't refuse. It's been a long time since I enjoyed being treated by a student."
"Arisu, it seems you have found a very elegant gentleman."
"Yes, Father."
Sakayanagi Arisu sat aside, folding his hands on the top of the cane, with a sweet smile on his delicate, doll-like face.
"Tetsu-kun has always been like this. Although sometimes he has a bad mouth, he is always surprisingly reliable in this kind of things."
Soon, the waiter came in.
Kazehara Tetsu expertly ordered three cups of coffee and added some matching desserts for the father and daughter.
As the steaming hot coffee was brought to the table, the aroma instantly filled the entire private room.
Kazehara Tetsu picked up the cup and took a sip.
"Although it may be a bit abrupt to ask..."
He put down his cup and got to the point.
"Mr. Sakayanagi has so many things to do, why do you suddenly want to come here and meet me, an ordinary student, at the beginning of this vacation?"
"If it was just to check out my daughter's boyfriend, I think with your Information Network, you should already know everything about me, right?"
"Haha, an ordinary student?"
Sakayanagi Narimori Use a small silver spoon to gently stir the Sugar Cube in the coffee, making a crisp sound.
"If you claim to be ordinary, then I'm afraid there won't be any special students in This School."
He stopped what he was doing and looked up at Kazehara Tetsu.
"Actually, this is not just a whim."
"I've wanted to chat with you for a long time. It's just that too many things have happened this semester, and various work arrangements have kept me busy with work, and I really can't get away."
At this point, he sighed helplessly. It was obvious that sitting in that position was not comfortable.
"It happens to be a holiday now, so I have some private time. Arisu This kid happened to mention that he wanted to go to a hot spring with you... I thought this was a rare opportunity, so I shamelessly stepped in to see if I could invite you, a busy man, to have a chat."
"I dare not say invitation."
Kazehara Tetsu lowered his head slightly, with a humble attitude.
"I feel sorry for asking you to take time out of your busy schedule to come see me, and even specially arranging such a Matoba place, taking up your precious rest time."
"Moreover, being paid attention to by Arisu's father is both a pressure and an affirmation for me."
"Nothing, nothing." Sakayanagi Narimori waved his hand.
"You don't need to be too conservative, and you don't need to speak every word like you are facing an interviewer. Today is just two men, um, and a cute little lady, sitting together drinking coffee and chatting."
"Just be casual, Tetsu-kun."
Sakayanagi Arisu also spoke at the right time. She picked up a piece of Cookie and took a small bite.
"Father rarely takes such a keen interest in students. Tetsu-kun Just relax a little and treat him as a slightly verbose middle-aged uncle."
"Hey, Arisu, it would make me sad to say that about my father in front of my boyfriend."
Although the atmosphere seems harmonious and warm on the surface, it feels like a family.
But Kazehara Tetsu knows in his heart that the real dialogue has just begun.