When Kazehara Tetsu opened his eyes, the drowsiness that usually lingered after a nap didn't stay with him for long.
The Dormitory room was livelier than it had been at noon, yet also quieter... It was a contradictory description, but somehow fitting.
Most of the students who had returned were lying on their bunks, either reading for pleasure or simply resting with their eyes closed.
Katsuragi Kouhei, who should have been sitting in his usual spot, was nowhere to be seen.
His bunk was tidied to perfection, but he himself wasn't there.
"About time to go get dinner."
Kazehara Tetsu sat up and got to his feet alone, intending to head to the Cafeteria for dinner.
Just as he finished putting on his shoes,
"Kazehara."
A steady voice came from behind him.
Kazehara Tetsu turned around and saw Kanzaki Ryuji getting up from his bunk.
"What is it? Need something?"
"If you're heading to dinner..."
Kanzaki Ryuji stepped forward twice, his tone tentative. "Want to go together? I was about to head over, too."
Kazehara Tetsu raised an eyebrow slightly.
They'd worked together well enough in the Large Group, but Kanzaki Ryuji wasn't the sort to act like he'd known someone forever, the way Shibata Hayato did.
"Sure."
Kazehara Tetsu didn't refuse.
The air in the corridor was much colder than indoors. The wind slipped straight in through their collars, waking them up in an instant.
The two walked side by side along the path to the Cafeteria.
"What made you invite me all of a sudden?"
"If you just wanted someone to eat with, I'm sure you had better options, right?"
Kanzaki Ryuji fell silent for a moment, as if weighing his words.
"...I'm going to talk to Ichinose."
He was upfront about his purpose.
"Even though we're acting