Nazuna, Who Could Be More Authoritative Than You?

The next morning.

Kitagawa Kai had already found a reason that would put Asahina Nazuna at ease about going to Izu.

Based on reliable information, he arrived beneath the second-year dormitory building ahead of time, ready to run into the upperclassman by chance.

Not long after.

Asahina Nazuna stepped briskly out of the apartment entrance and immediately spotted the boy waiting by the roadside.

"Underclassman?"

The girl paused slightly, a flicker of surprise passing through her eyes. "Why are you here?"

"I came here specifically to wait for Nazuna. I thought some things would be better discussed face-to-face," Kitagawa Kai said sincerely.

"So, have you decided?"

"...I'm not going." A trace of hesitation flashed through Asahina Nazuna's eyes, but she still refused.

"Do you have plans on Sunday?"

"No."

"Did your period happen to come at a bad time?"

"...Hey! Underclassman, it's not that!" Asahina Nazuna's cheeks warmed as she snapped at him irritably.

Kitagawa Kai asked in confusion, "Then why not?"

Asahina Nazuna turned and headed toward the convenience store, muttering under her breath, "I'm not part of your Student Council. What would it look like if I suddenly joined your group activity?"

Kitagawa Kai quickly caught up. "Who said Nazuna would be going there to have fun? Your task is quite important. I'm formally inviting you as a specially appointed consultant."

"A specially appointed consultant?"

"This social practice includes research into Izu's local divination culture. We need someone familiar with divination to provide technical support."

Kitagawa Kai smiled at her. "Looking across the entire school, who could be more authoritative than you, Nazuna?"

Asahina Nazuna slowed down and arched a brow as she glanced sideways at him. "Go on."

Seeing the interest emerge in her eyes, Kitagawa Kai knew he had a chance.

"Izusan Shrine enshrines the Red-and-White