Drunk Hoshimiya

Ichinose and the other students from Class B stood at the doorway of Hoshimiya-sensei's dormitory, exchanging glances. They all felt hesitant; after all, this was a female teacher's private space, and barging in without permission was inappropriate. They worried they might see something they shouldn't, and also feared Hoshimiya-sensei would be angry.

After some discussion, they finally decided that only Ichinose would enter Hoshimiya's dormitory. Ichinose took a deep breath, gathered her courage, and knocked on the door.

A soft voice from inside Hoshimiya-sensei's room replied, "The door's unlocked, just come in."

Ichinose gently pushed the door open and was greatly surprised by the scene before her. Hoshimiya-sensei wasn't in any distress; instead, she was passed out on her bed, surrounded by several empty wine bottles. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes were hazy, clearly indicating she had drunk a lot.

A wave of anxiety surged through Ichinose. She quickly walked over and asked with concern, "Hoshimiya-sensei, what's wrong? Did something sad happen?"

Hoshimiya-sensei looked up at Ichinose with drunken eyes, a smile appearing on her face. Her voice held a hint of playfulness, "Ichinose, do you think I look sad? I'm actually not. But... you're really very gentle."

Seeing Hoshimiya-sensei's state, Ichinose's anxiety eased slightly, but she still worried about the teacher's condition. She gently helped Hoshimiya-sensei sit up, trying to make her more comfortable.

"Hoshimiya-sensei, you've had too much to drink. How about I pour you a glass of water?" Ichinose's voice was gentle and caring.

Hoshimiya-sensei shook her head. She reached out and gently patted Ichinose's hand, "Don't worry about me, Ichinose. I just want to relax sometimes."

In front of Ichinose, Hoshimiya-sensei's eyes were hazy, her demeanor relaxed. She reached out and gently caressed Ichinose's cheek, her gaze unfocused, murmuring dazedly, "You look so much like..."

It seemed she was recalling something but couldn't articulate it. Then, her mood suddenly shifted, becoming dejected.

She picked up a wine bottle and began to drink heavily again, letting the wine spill onto her collar, muttering to herself, "Don't... be like me."

Ichinose looked at Hoshimiya-sensei's state, a mix of sympathy and worry welling up inside her.

Forgetting her own questions, she gently took the wine bottle from Hoshimiya's hand, poured her a glass of warm water, and brought it to her lips.

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

Then, she leaned slightly and whispered into Ichinose's ear, "Let me tell you a secret, Mind-Type Ability users don't get drunk."

Despite her words, her demeanor remained hazy as if she could collapse at any moment.

Suddenly, Hoshimiya-sensei narrowed her eyes and, with a lazy, flirtatious tone, revealed Ichinose's purpose for being there, "You guys... are here to ask me... what to do about Sakagami-sensei, right? Let me tell you, don't let his... appearance fool you. He really... cares about the class. As long as he feels... you can help the students in Class C, he might even... directly help you... forge documents."

Hearing this, Ichinose gave a wry smile and replied softly, "Teacher, could you have a little more faith in us? We've already handled Yasuda-sensei. As long as Sakagami-sensei is willing to go with us to see him, that's all we need." There was a hint of helplessness in her voice.

Hoshimiya-sensei didn't respond further. She slumped onto the bed, her eyes still hazy, seemingly already asleep.

Ichinose let out a soft sigh and her gaze lingered on Hoshimiya-sensei's sleeping form for a moment. She turned and walked towards the door, knocked lightly a few times, and called out softly, "Kozumako, could you come in for a moment?"

The door slowly opened, and Amako Kura peeked her head in, her eyes questioning. Ichinose beckoned her to enter, then gently closed the door to avoid disturbing the now sleeping Hoshimiya-sensei.

"Hoshimiya-sensei seems quite drunk," Ichinose lowered her voice, her brow furrowed. "I'm worried about her being alone here."

Amako Kura nodded, her gaze also falling on Hoshimiya-sensei, a hint of worry in her eyes. "What should we do then? What are your plans?"

Ichinose took a deep breath, her voice firm and clear, "I plan to stay and take care of Hoshimiya-sensei. You all go prepare for dealing with Sakagami-sensei. I'll tell you the strategy Hoshimiya-sensei mentioned."

Amako Kura hesitated, "But Honami, will you be okay staying alone? How about I stay, and you go handle Sakagami-sensei's matter?"

Ichinose gently shook her head, her voice calm and resolute, "No, it's more convenient for me to stay. As for how to deal with Sakagami-sensei, it's actually simple—negotiate with him." She paused, as if organizing her thoughts, then continued, "We need to let him know that Class B students are capable of helping Class C. Only then might he consider our proposal."

Amako Kura frowned, looking somewhat doubtful, "Negotiate? Can we do it?"

Ichinose nodded, a hint of confidence in her eyes, "Of course. We need to show our determination and ability, letting Sakagami-sensei see the possibility of cooperation." Her voice gradually became firmer, as if encouraging herself and Amako Kura, "I believe Kanzaki and Ito will definitely understand and execute this strategy. We're a team, aren't we?"

Amako Kura was inspired by Ichinose's determination. She nodded, her voice carrying a hint of resolve, "Understood. We'll do as you say. Are you really going to be alright here?"

Ichinose smiled, her voice soft and warm, "Don't worry, I'll take good care of Hoshimiya-sensei. You just focus on Sakagami-sensei's side. We'll each do our part, and we'll surely succeed."

Amako Kura nodded, no longer arguing, "Alright then, I'll inform the others of your decision. Do you need us to bring anything back?"

Ichinose thought for a moment, then said, "Bring me something to help sober up, in case Hoshimiya-sensei wakes up and needs it. Also, if you make any progress with Sakagami-sensei, let me know immediately."

Amako Kura nodded, her voice firm, "Understood. We'll be careful. You be careful here too, and contact us immediately if anything happens."

Ichinose smiled and nodded, her voice filled with gratitude, "Thank you, Amako. I know we can rely on each other."

Their eyes met at that moment, their mutual trust and understanding conveyed without words. Amako Kura took one last deep look at Hoshimiya-sensei, then turned and quietly left the room, leaving Ichinose alone to watch over the sleeping Hoshimiya-sensei.

Hoshimiya-sensei lay on the bed, her breathing gradually stabilizing, a faint smile on her face, as if finding some solace in her dreams. Ichinose gently pulled the covers over her, her movements gentle and meticulous.