Visiting Class B (Seeking Everything)

After hearing Ayanokoji Kiyotaka's analysis, Kushida Kikyo's gaze darted between Ayanokoji and Watanabe Hayabara before finally settling on Watanabe. Her tone carried a hint of inquiry: "So, Watanabe-kun, should we head to Class C to understand the situation first, or go to Class B to ask if there are any eyewitnesses?" Her fingers unconsciously twisted the cuffs of her uniform, and her face still held a trace of urgency.

Watanabe Hayabara's lips curled into a gentle smile. He tilted his head, casting a light glance at Kushida Kikyo with a look of quiet understanding, then replied, "Let's follow Ayanokoji-kun's suggestion and head to Class B first to see if there are any eyewitnesses."

"Then let's get moving, Watanabe-kun!" Upon hearing this, Kushida Kikyo's eyes lit up instantly. Like a little bird that had finally found its direction, her tone was brimming with excitement. As she spoke, she waved at Ayanokoji Kiyotaka and Horikita Suzune, saying, "Thanks, Ayanokoji-kun and Horikita-san. We're heading out now, bye-bye." Before the words had even faded, she was already walking toward the classroom door, her steps so light she seemed ready to take flight, not forgetting to clutch the corner of Watanabe Hayabara's jacket to ensure he wouldn't fall behind.

"Kushida, there's no need to be in such a rush." Pulled along by her, Watanabe Hayabara quickened his pace slightly. He looked at Kushida Kikyo's eager back and teased with a smile, "Wouldn't it be better to take our time? If you're too impatient, you might be taken advantage of by those with ulterior motives." His tone was relaxed, carrying a touch of well-meaning advice, as if he were soothing an overly excited little animal.

Hearing this, Kushida Kikyo's steps faltered abruptly. She turned her head, looked at the composed smile on Watanabe Hayabara's face, and reflected on the logic in his words. Her cheeks flushed slightly as if she had realized her own lack of composure. She slowly released her grip on his jacket and slowed her pace, mimicking Watanabe Hayabara's leisurely, relaxed gait as she headed out of the classroom.

Back in the room, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka's gaze followed the retreating figures of Watanabe Hayabara and Kushida Kikyo until they disappeared at the end of the corridor. He didn't look away, his brows slightly furrowed as if contemplating something significant. Watanabe Hayabara's seemingly casual decision and Kushida Kikyo's undisguised urgency were like stones cast into a lake, sending ripples through his mind.

"Ayanokoji, what are you thinking about?" Horikita Suzune stood to the side, taking in Ayanokoji Kiyotaka's expression. Seeing his contemplative look, she couldn't help but ask. Her voice was cold, carrying a trace of subtle probing, as if she wanted to discern something from his reaction.

Ayanokoji Kiyotaka slowly withdrew his gaze. He turned to look at Horikita Suzune, his face devoid of expression, and said flatly, "It's nothing, Horikita." His tone was as calm as a deep pool, making it impossible to see the bottom.

Horikita Suzune stared intently into Ayanokoji Kiyotaka's eyes. There were no ripples in those deep pupils, yet her intuition told her that Ayanokoji was definitely hiding something from her. She pursed her lips slightly; although she felt a flicker of doubt, seeing that Ayanokoji was unwilling to say more, she didn't press the matter.

The moment they stepped out of the classroom, Watanabe Hayabara slowed his pace, pulled his phone from his uniform pocket, and tapped rapidly on the virtual keyboard, producing a faint clicking sound.

"Ichinose-san, would it be possible to ask your class if there are any eyewitnesses to this dispute?" A line of text quickly appeared in the input box. Watanabe Hayabara checked it carefully, confirmed it was correct, and pressed send.

"Hayabara-kun, who are you chatting with?" Beside him, Kushida Kikyo acted like a curious child, her eyes wide with intense interest. She couldn't help but lean toward Watanabe Hayabara, her nose nearly brushing his arm, her gaze locked on his phone screen in an attempt to get to the bottom of it.

Watanabe Hayabara didn't hide anything as she leaned in, maintaining his posture while holding the phone. Kushida Kikyo's line of sight naturally fell upon the dialogue box on the screen. When she saw the name "Ichinose Honami," she let out a soft "Oh?"

"Oh, so you're quite close with Ichinose-san too, Hayabara-kun?" Kushida Kikyo straightened up, tilting her head. "It's true that if we're going to Class B, contacting Ichinose-san beforehand is a good idea. With her help, we might be able to get answers more smoothly." Her tone was full of agreement, and a sweet smile bloomed on her face.

"As expected of Little Kikyo, the social butterfly, you're good friends with Ichinose-san from Class B as well," Watanabe Hayabara laughed.

Not long after, Ichinose Honami replied, "Sure! I'll wait for you in the classroom. I already asked the students in my class after school ended; although there hasn't been any progress, I'm more than happy to help."

Seeing the reply, the corners of Watanabe Hayabara's mouth lifted into a faint smile. He looked up at Kushida Kikyo and said, "Ichinose says she's waiting for us in the classroom. She already asked her classmates after school; while there's no progress yet, she's willing to help."

"That's great! With Ichinose-san's help, it'll definitely be fine. Let's hurry over!" Kushida Kikyo's voice was brimming with excitement, as if she had been instantly injected with energy. Her eyes were wide, and her already bright pupils seemed to be filled with starlight, shimmering with anticipation. As she spoke, she unconsciously clenched her hands into little fists, shaking them slightly at her sides, then leaned forward and habitually reached out, wanting to grab the corner of Watanabe Hayabara's jacket and dash forward just like before. Her urgency made it seem as if the clues would vanish into thin air if they were even a second late.

Seeing this, Watanabe Hayabara acted quickly, reaching out to gently press her wrist. His fingertips felt slightly cool, but his touch was perfectly measured—enough to stop her movement without being offensive. He kept a gentle smile on his face, the corners of his eyes soft, and his tone remained unhurried: "Don't rush. Since she's waiting for us in the classroom, we can just head over slowly. It'll give us a chance to organize our thoughts." As he spoke, he looked at Kushida Kikyo with a calm gaze, as if patiently soothing a rabbit eager to bolt.

Kushida Kikyo's movement stalled as he held her wrist. She seemed to recall his earlier warning, and a faint blush crept onto her cheeks. She blinked, looked at Watanabe Hayabara's composed expression, and nodded, whispering, "Mm, you're right. I was being too impatient." She slowly withdrew her hand, her fingers nervously twisting the cuffs of her uniform, though the anticipation in her eyes remained undiminished.

The two no longer delayed and walked side-by-side toward Class B. Although Kushida Kikyo tried hard to restrain herself, her pace was still half a beat faster than usual, and she would occasionally steal glances toward the end of the corridor, as if that would help her see the Class B sign sooner. Watanabe Hayabara, meanwhile, maintained a steady, measured pace.

From a distance, they could see a figure standing at the entrance of the Class B classroom—it was Ichinose Honami.

Ichinose Honami clearly spotted them immediately. A brilliant smile bloomed on her face, bright and moving like cherry blossoms in spring. She took the initiative to walk quickly toward them, bowed slightly in greeting, and spoke in a sweet, enthusiastic voice: "Watanabe-kun, and Kushida-san, you're here."

She straightened up, her gaze sweeping over both of them with sincerity and friendliness: "I've already asked the students in my class. Although there's no progress for now, I will do my best to assist you. We in Class B are very willing to provide help." As she spoke, she folded her hands gently in front of her, her posture proper and her tone filled with genuine sincerity, making one instantly feel her warmth and goodwill.

Seeing this, Kushida Kikyo immediately flashed an equally brilliant smile, stepped forward, and bowed slightly to Ichinose Honami: "Sorry to trouble you, Ichinose-san. Thank you so much." Watanabe Hayabara also stepped forward, nodding in acknowledgment: "Thank you for waiting for us at the door and for taking the trouble to ask your classmates. Much appreciated."

Ichinose Honami waved her hands quickly, her smile remaining: "Don't be so formal. We're all classmates; helping each other is only natural. Please, come in. Let's talk inside the classroom; it'll be more convenient." As she spoke, she stepped aside to clear the path, gesturing for them to enter.