Inside the student dorm room, the water in the pot bubbled away, sending up clouds of steam. Natsukawa Sosuke held a pair of chopsticks, leisurely stirring the noodles as they gradually loosened in the pot. For a man as busy with studying as Natsukawa, a steaming bowl of noodles was a simple yet effective way to relax.
Just then, a clear doorbell shattered the room's quiet.
"Ding-dong—"
Natsukawa Sosuke paused, casually switched off the induction cooker, and turned toward the door.
When he opened it, Horikita Suzune stood outside.
Her uniform was impeccably neat, and she stood there alone, her pretty face still wearing that icy expression that kept everyone at arm's length. Her sharp eyes carried an undisguised scrutiny as they fixed directly on Natsukawa.
Before Natsukawa could speak, Horikita Suzune took the lead, attempting to seize control of the conversation.
"Natsukawa-kun, I believe we need to talk. The Sudo incident has reached its critical stage. As a member of Class D, I believe you have an obligation to contribute to the collective interests of the class."
Her tone was formal, as though she were conducting official business, with a faint and barely perceptible hint of moral pressure woven into her words.
However, Natsukawa Sosuke did not take the bait.
He merely stepped aside, clearing the doorway, his expression calm as he asked, "Would you like to come in for some tea?"
"..."
The string of arguments Horikita Suzune had prepared was instantly lodged in her throat.
She had not expected him to completely ignore her direct approach. It felt like she had thrown a fully charged punch, only for it to hit empty air, leaving her deeply uncomfortable.
"No need. I only came to talk to you about—"
"Don't you think discussing a sensitive internal class matter in