"Really? You're that interested in my dinner?" He steered the conversation in a more pointless direction.
"I'm intensely curious about all unknown and interesting things. You, Kazehara Tetsu, are currently near the top of my 'Interesting Things To Observe List.'"
Morishita Ai's voice carried a hint of delight, as if she were announcing a scientific discovery.
"That's quite an honor."
Kazehara Tetsu's tone was flat. "Though on my list, I only distinguish between 'useful' and 'useless.' For now, you're in the 'useless, but kind of noisy' category."
"That's a heartbreaking assessment. But never mind. I'll work hard to improve my ranking."
There was no sign that she'd taken offense.
The two of them kept up a desultory conversation, exchanging one utterly pointless remark after another.
Before they knew it, they had arrived at the Dormitory Building.
Carrying her on his back, Kazehara Tetsu entered the Dormitory Hall and headed straight for the elevator.
He reached out and pressed the button for the third floor. The doors slowly closed, and the elevator ascended smoothly.
"Ding."
The elevator stopped on the third floor. The doors slid open, revealing the familiar corridor of the Boys' Dormitory.
"I'm here."
Kazehara Tetsu let go, signaling that Morishita Ai could get down.
But the person on his back didn't move at all.
He could even feel her arms, wrapped around his neck, tighten a little more.
"During the elevator ride just now, the change in my center of gravity caused my knee to dislocate internally."
Her voice came from beside his ear.
"Now it's completely given up. I can't move at all."
Kazehara Tetsu: "..."
He turned his head and glanced from the corner of his eye at Morishita Ai, who was resting on his shoulder, showing only a pair of eyes shining with innocent light.