Hoshinomiya-sensei's amused gaze, followed by Ichinose Honami's earnest, hopeful plea for help, felt like a ray of light trying to pierce a deep pool. For a moment, the air in the Counseling Room seemed to freeze.
Shimiya Kuki calmly met Ichinose Honami's trusting, earnest gaze. Hoshinomiya-sensei leaned back in her chair with interest, her amber eyes shifting between the two, a faint smile playing on her lips.
A brief silence was broken by Shimiya Kuki's low, steady voice.
"I understand." His gaze moved from Ichinose's face back to the tabletop, his tone even. "I don't know whether my involvement will ultimately be enough to make a difference," he paused, as if weighing his words, then continued in his usual calm voice, "but I'll do everything I can to help you."
There was no impassioned promise or fervent vow in his words, only a practicality bordering on coldness. Yet to Hoshinomiya-sensei and Ichinose, who knew Shimiya's personality well, that brief reply carried tremendous weight.
"That's wonderful!" Ichinose Honami's eyes lit up at once, and her face blossomed into a relieved, joyful smile. Her hands unconsciously clasped before her chest. "Thank you, Shimiya-kun! I'm truly grateful that you're willing to trust me and help everyone!" Her words were heartfelt and enthusiastic, a striking contrast to Shimiya's calm.
Hoshinomiya-sensei clapped her hands lightly, the crisp sound punctuating her even brighter smile. "That's more like it, little Shimiya! Taking the first step is the biggest victory! I knew you wouldn't really refuse once little Honami asked." She winked mischievously, then shifted gears. "Now, for our shared goal—making sure every student in Class B gets through these three years smoothly—what should we do first? Little Honami, have you come up with anything?"
Ichinose Honami immediately sat up straight, her expression turning serious and concerned. "Yes, Hoshinomiya-sensei! I've been keeping an eye on the class. Overall, Class B's Academic Ability isn't bad, but a few students do have clear weaknesses in certain basic subjects. They haven't failed yet, but they could still slip up if they aren't careful." A note of worry entered her voice. "You know how strict the school's regular exams and End-of-Year Assessment are. If they don't shore up those weaknesses in time, it could hurt their confidence in their studies. More seriously, they might even be at risk of expulsion. That's the last thing we want! So I think the most urgent thing is to organize targeted after-school study sessions to strengthen their basics and help them get through every assessment safely!" She looked at Hoshinomiya, her resolve to help her classmates plain in her eyes. "Sensei, do you think you could..."
"Oh, dear," Hoshinomiya-sensei said with a smile, waving her hand before Ichinose could finish and cutting off her request. She raised one finger and gently wagged it. Her smile was still sweet, but her tone made the rules clear. "Little Honami, that's a wonderful idea. Organizing study sessions to help your classmates is definitely worthwhile. But—" She drew out the word. "Your teacher can't get involved."
Seeing Ichinose's surprised expression, Hoshinomiya patiently explained, "The core principle at this Advanced Nurturing High School is 'Student Autonomy.' Aside from explaining necessary rules, providing information, or dealing with special situations involving students' Personal Safety, teachers are strictly limited in how directly they can interfere in student affairs—especially in things like study support within a class or organizing mutual-help groups." She lifted her teacup and took a sip, her tone easy as she made her point. "A teacher's role is more like a guardian and observer of the rules, not a babysitter or a private tutor. So identifying students who need help, organizing study sessions, recruiting tutors, coordinating schedules, and making plans... all of that is up to you students. It's also a way to develop your sense of responsibility and Spirit of Mutual Help."
Ichinose Honami suddenly understood, and her face filled with both clarity and resolve. "I see! Hoshinomiya-sensei! So helping classmates in need is a responsibility Class B should take on ourselves. We need to support one another, right?"
"Bingo!" Hoshinomiya-sensei snapped her fingers playfully. "That's right! I believe you'll find a way to help those students, especially now that little Shimiya is on board." She cast a pointed glance at Shimiya, who remained silent. "Classmates helping each other is often more effective than a teacher's lecture!"
By then, they had more or less accomplished what they came for. Hoshinomiya-sensei glanced at the Wall Clock and said brightly, "My, look at the time. I have a meeting soon, so that's all for today's counseling session. Little Shimiya, little Honami, do your best! Helping your classmates is a good thing. I'll be supporting you in spirit!"
Shimiya Kuki and Ichinose Honami rose at the same time.
"Thank you, Hoshinomiya-sensei!" Ichinose bowed respectfully.
"Thank you, Hoshinomiya-sensei." Shimiya simply gave a calm nod.
The two left the Counseling Room one after the other. Afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows in the corridor, bringing warmth with it. The School Building was livelier than before; it was lunchtime.
As they walked side by side toward the cafeteria, Ichinose Honami turned to Shimiya with a bright smile. "Shimiya-kun, it's almost noon. Shall we eat at the cafeteria together? Which food stalls do you like? I know a few places with really good Set Meals."
Shimiya Kuki kept walking, his gaze fixed ahead. "Aside from trying the food in the cafeteria once on my first day to get a sense of it, I've cooked for myself in my dorm every other day."
"What?!" Ichinose Honami's eyes widened in surprise, then her face filled with undisguised admiration. "You cook for yourself?! That's amazing, Shimiya-kun! You get perfect grades, and you're great at taking care of yourself, too! You're so... dependable!" Her praise was sincere and direct.
Shimiya didn't respond. He simply kept walking.
Ichinose Honami's eyes shifted as an idea came to her. With a bright smile and a hint of tentative hope, she asked, "Um... Shimiya-kun, since you're so good at cooking... I have a little favor to ask..." She clasped her hands together in a pleading gesture. "I was wondering... would you let me try your cooking sometime? Just once! Please!"
Shimiya Kuki slowed slightly and glanced at her. Pure expectation and curiosity shone in the girl's eyes. He fell silent for two seconds, seemingly considering how troublesome the request might be, then answered in his usual even tone. "...Sure."
"That's wonderful! Thank you, Shimiya-kun!" Ichinose was so happy she almost jumped for joy.
A short while later, in the neat, almost rigidly orderly kitchenette of Shimiya Kuki's dorm, he moved swiftly and precisely, using the few ingredients in the fridge to make a simple lunch: a perfectly fried egg, rice sprinkled with a little shredded nori, and a small dish of blanched broccoli drizzled with a little sauce. The food was arranged simply and neatly, without any frills.
"Let's eat!" Ichinose Honami clasped her hands together and eagerly tried a bite of the fried egg, then a mouthful of rice. Her eyes lit up instantly, and her face filled with sheer delight and surprise.
"Wow!!!" She couldn't help exclaiming. "This is delicious, Shimiya-kun! You cooked the egg perfectly! The edges are crispy, and the yolk is still runny! The rice is fluffy, with every grain separate, and it's just the right texture! Even the broccoli is so fresh and tasty! These are such simple ingredients, so how did you make them taste this good?" As she spoke, she eagerly picked up another bite, happiness radiating from her face. "This is incredible! You're incredible!"
As Ichinose showered him with sincere praise, Shimiya Kuki simply ate his own meal quietly, his expression unchanged.
Ichinose Honami polished off her meal in no time, wiped her mouth, and looked at Shimiya as if he were a treasure. An even bolder idea took shape in her mind. She placed her hands on her knees, leaned forward slightly, and proposed a "partnership" with boundless enthusiasm and anticipation shining in her eyes:
"Shimiya-kun! We both need lunch... and since your cooking is so good, it's cheaper and healthier than eating at the cafeteria. My cooking isn't very good, but I can buy the ingredients, wash the dishes, and clean up! Most importantly, I can cover half the cost of the ingredients!" The more she spoke, the more brilliant the idea seemed to her. "So... let's team up! We can share lunch—or dinner, if you'd prefer! We can eat together. You handle most of the cooking, while I help out with the shopping and cleaning, and we split the costs. You'll save time on shopping and cleanup, and I'll get to eat your delicious cooking every day! What do you think? It's a win-win!"
She finished in one breath and looked at Shimiya Kuki, nervous but hopeful, her heart pounding as she worried he might find the idea troublesome or presumptuous and turn her down.
Shimiya Kuki set down his chopsticks. He looked at the girl before him, whose enthusiasm and sincerity shone through in her proposal to "team up" for meals. Her warmth was like a gentle flame. He fell silent for a moment, seemingly weighing whether the plan was practical and how much trouble it would be.
At last, he lifted his calm eyes to meet Ichinose Honami's hopeful gaze and slowly replied, his voice still devoid of any discernible emotion:
"...I'll consider it."
Before you continue