Drunk Hoshimiya

Ichinose and the students from Class B stood outside Hoshimiya-sensei's dormitory, exchanging uncertain looks. They all hesitated. After all, this was a female teacher's private space, and barging in without permission would be inappropriate. They worried they might see something they shouldn't, and that Hoshimiya-sensei might get angry.

After some discussion, they eventually decided that Ichinose would be the only one to enter Hoshimiya's dormitory. Ichinose took a deep breath, gathered his courage, and knocked on the door.

Hoshimiya-sensei's soft voice came from inside. "The door's unlocked. Come right in."

Ichinose gently pushed the door open, and the sight before him took him by surprise. Hoshimiya-sensei hadn't come to any harm; she was passed out on the bed, with several empty wine bottles scattered around her. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes were unfocused. She had clearly had quite a lot to drink.

Worry surged through Ichinose. He hurried over and asked with concern, "Hoshimiya-sensei, what's wrong? Did something upsetting happen?"

Hoshimiya-sensei looked up at Ichinose through bleary eyes. A faint smile appeared on her face, and her voice took on a playful lilt. "Ichinose, do you think I look sad? I'm really not. But... you're so kind."

Seeing Hoshimiya-sensei like this eased Ichinose's concern a little, but he was still worried about her condition. He gently helped her sit up, trying to make her more comfortable.

"Hoshimiya-sensei, you've had too much to drink. Should I get you a glass of water?" Ichinose asked in a gentle, concerned voice.

Hoshimiya-sensei shook her head and reached out to lightly pat the back of Ichinose's hand. "Don't worry about me, Ichinose. Sometimes I just want to relax a little."

Right in front of Ichinose, Hoshimiya-sensei gazed at him with unfocused eyes, her body relaxed. She reached out and gently stroked his face, murmuring dreamily, "You look so much like..."

She seemed to be remembering something, though she couldn't quite put it into words. Then her mood suddenly shifted, and she grew dejected.

She lifted the wine bottle and started gulping it down again, letting the alcohol spill onto her clothes as she muttered, "Don't... end up like me."

Watching Hoshimiya-sensei, Ichinose felt a wave of sympathy and worry.

He forgot about asking her his own questions. Instead, he gently took the wine bottle from beside her, poured her a glass of warm water, and held it to her lips.

Hoshimiya-sensei shook her head and pushed the warm water away. "Mmm... I don't want any~"

Then she leaned slightly toward Ichinose, bringing her mouth close to his ear. In a low, hushed voice, she said, "I'll tell you a secret. Mind-Type Ability users don't get drunk."

Despite her words, she still looked bleary-eyed, as if she might collapse at any moment.

Suddenly, Hoshimiya-sensei narrowed her eyes and spoke in a lazy, teasing voice, revealing why Ichinose had come. "You're... here to ask me... what to do about Sakagami-sensei, aren't you? Let me tell you... don't be fooled by how he acts. He really cares about his class. If you can convince him... that you can help the students in Class C, he might even... help you fake evidence."

Ichinose gave a wry smile at her words and replied softly, "Sensei, could you have a little more faith in us? We've already got Yasuda-sensei on board. All we need is for Sakagami-sensei to come take a look." His voice carried a hint of helplessness.

Hoshimiya-sensei didn't say anything more. She collapsed onto the bed, her eyes bleary, and seemed to have drifted off to sleep.

Ichinose sighed softly, his gaze lingering on Hoshimiya-sensei's sleeping form for a moment. Then he turned and walked to the door. After tapping lightly on it a few times, he called in a low voice, "Kozumako, could you come in for a moment?"

The door slowly opened, and Amako Kura poked her head in, looking questioningly at him. Ichinose beckoned her inside, then gently closed the door so as not to disturb Hoshimiya-sensei, who had fallen fast asleep.

"Hoshimiya-sensei seems really drunk," Ichinose whispered, his brow furrowing. "I'm worried it isn't safe for her to be alone here."

Amako Kura nodded, her gaze also settling on Hoshimiya-sensei with concern. "Then what should we do? Do you have a plan?"

Ichinose took a deep breath. His voice was firm and clear. "I'm going to stay and look after Hoshimiya-sensei. You should go prepare to deal with Sakagami-sensei. I'll tell you about the strategy Hoshimiya-sensei mentioned."

Amako Kura hesitated. "But, Honami, are you sure you'll be all right here by yourself? How about I stay, and you go handle Sakagami-sensei?"

Ichinose shook his head gently, his voice calm but resolute. "No, it'll be easier if I stay. As for how to deal with Sakagami-sensei, it's actually simple—we negotiate with him." He paused, as though gathering his thoughts, then continued, "We need to show him that the students in Class B can help those in Class C. That's the only way he might consider our proposal."

Amako Kura frowned, looking confused. "Negotiate? Can we really do that?"

Ichinose nodded, a hint of confidence in his eyes. "Of course we can. We need to show him how determined and capable we are, and make him see the potential for cooperation." His voice grew more resolute, as if he were encouraging both himself and Amako Kura. "I believe in Kanzaki and Ito. They'll understand the plan and carry it out. We're a team, aren't we?"

Encouraged by Ichinose's resolve, Amako Kura nodded, her voice firm. "Understood. We'll do as you said. But are you really going to be all right here?"

Ichinose smiled, his voice gentle and warm. "Don't worry. I'll take good care of Hoshimiya-sensei. Just focus on dealing with Sakagami-sensei. We'll each handle our part, and we'll succeed."

Amako Kura nodded and stopped arguing. "All right. I'll tell the others what you've decided. Is there anything you need us to bring back?"

Ichinose thought for a moment, then said, "Bring me something to help with the hangover. Hoshimiya-sensei might need it when she wakes up. And if you make any progress with Sakagami-sensei, let me know right away."

Amako Kura nodded, her voice firm. "Understood. We'll be careful. You be careful here, too. Contact us right away if anything happens."

Ichinose smiled and nodded, gratitude in his voice. "Thank you, Amikura. I know we can rely on one another."

Their eyes met, and their mutual trust and understanding passed between them without a word. Amako Kura took one last look at Hoshimiya-sensei, then turned and quietly left the room, leaving Ichinose alone to watch over the sleeping teacher.

Hoshimiya-sensei lay on the bed, her breathing gradually growing even. A faint smile rested on her face, as though she had found a little comfort in her dreams. Ichinose gently pulled the blanket over her, his movements tender and careful.