Once Again

The class meeting dragged on until the final bell, and they still hadn't settled on a plan.

That was only natural.

The rules were right there, but every possible order had its flaws. This wasn't something they could argue out in one or two class periods.

Fortunately, they still had time. The twenty-second was three weeks away, and everyone knew the priority wasn't to lock in a strategy. It was to hit the books.

If they reached the exam and couldn't answer the questions in front of them, no strategy would save them.

"Focus on studying first."

Katsuragi Kouhei made the final call. "We'll revisit the order in a couple of days. Everyone, review what we've covered this semester. Don't drag the class down when the time comes."

No one objected.

Students poured out of the Teaching Building after school, scattering in twos and threes.

Kazehara Tetsu slung his bag over his shoulder. He had planned to head back to the Dormitory, take a shower, then grab something quick at the Cafeteria.

But the moment he stepped outside, he stopped.

Someone was standing there.

Not a girl from Class A.

Horikita Suzune.

Judging by her stance, she had been waiting for a while.

When Kazehara Tetsu came out, she straightened and looked his way.

Kazehara Tetsu glanced at her, then around them.

"What are you doing here?"

"Waiting for you," Horikita Suzune answered without hesitation.

"For me?"

"I'd like you to join me for dinner... My treat."

Kazehara Tetsu fell silent for a moment.

"Can I refuse?"

"I'm afraid you can't."

"...That's pretty forceful."

"Let's go."

She gave Kazehara Tetsu no chance to say anything else. She turned and headed toward the Cafeteria.

Kazehara Tetsu watched her walk away, then sighed and followed.

They left the Teaching Building one behind