After listening to Ayanokoji Kiyotaka's analysis, Kushida Kikyo looked from Ayanokoji to Watanabe Hayabara before settling on the latter. With a hint of inquiry in her voice, she asked, "So, Watanabe, should we go to Class C first to find out what happened, or visit Class B and ask if anyone witnessed it?" Her fingers unconsciously twisted the cuff of her uniform, and her face still showed a trace of urgency.
Watanabe Hayabara's lips curled into a warm smile. He turned his head and glanced at Kushida Kikyo, a knowing look in his eyes, then said, "Let's take Ayanokoji's advice and go to Class B first to ask if anyone witnessed it."
"Then let's get going, Watanabe!" Kushida Kikyo's eyes lit up at once, like a bird that had found its way. Her voice was full of excitement. As she spoke, she waved to Ayanokoji Kiyotaka and Horikita Suzune. "Thanks, Ayanokoji and Horikita! We'll be off now. Bye!" Before she had even finished speaking, she was already heading out of the classroom, her steps so light she seemed ready to fly. She didn't forget to clutch Watanabe Hayabara's sleeve, afraid he wouldn't keep up.
"Kushida, there's no need to hurry so much." Pulled along by her, Watanabe Hayabara had no choice but to quicken his pace. Watching her eager back, he teased, "Wouldn't it be better to take our time? If you're too hasty, someone with an agenda might take advantage of you." His tone was light, with a gentle note of warning, as though he were calming an overexcited little animal.
At his words, Kushida Kikyo abruptly stopped. She turned to look at the composed smile on Watanabe Hayabara's face, then thought over what he had said. A faint blush colored her cheeks, as if she had realized she'd gotten carried away. She slowly let go of his sleeve and eased her pace, imitating his leisurely stride as they headed out of the classroom.
Inside, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka's gaze followed Watanabe Hayabara and Kushida Kikyo as they left. Even after they disappeared at the end of the hall, he still didn't look away. His brow furrowed slightly, as if he were considering something important. Watanabe Hayabara's seemingly casual decision and Kushida Kikyo's undisguised eagerness were like stones tossed into a lake, sending ripples through his thoughts.
"Ayanokoji, what are you thinking about?" Horikita Suzune stood nearby, taking in his expression. Seeing him lost in thought, she couldn't help asking. Her voice was cool, with a barely perceptible note of curiosity, as if she hoped to glean something from his reaction.
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka slowly drew his gaze back and turned to Horikita Suzune. His expression remained blank as he said, "It's nothing, Horikita." His voice was as calm as a deep pool, giving nothing away.
Horikita Suzune stared into Ayanokoji Kiyotaka's eyes. There was no hint of emotion in their depths, yet her intuition told her he was definitely hiding something from her. She pressed her lips together slightly. Though she was puzzled, she didn't press him when she saw he wasn't willing to say more.
As soon as they left the classroom, Watanabe Hayabara slowed down, pulled his phone from his uniform pocket, and rapidly typed on the virtual keyboard, the soft taps barely audible.
"Would it be all right if we asked your class whether anyone witnessed the dispute?" The message appeared in the input box. Watanabe Hayabara read it carefully, confirmed it was fine, and pressed send.
"Who are you chatting with, Watanabe?" Beside him, Kushida Kikyo was like a curious little child, her eyes wide with interest. She couldn't help leaning toward him, her nose almost touching his arm as she fixed her gaze on the screen, eager to see what was there.
Watanabe Hayabara made no effort to hide his phone from her as he held it up. Kushida Kikyo's gaze naturally fell on the chat, and when she saw the name "Ichinose Honami," she let out a soft "Oh."
"Oh, Watanabe, are you close with Ichinose, too?" Kushida Kikyo straightened up and tilted her head. "Actually, it's better to contact Ichinose before going to Class B. With her help, we might be able to find out more." Her tone was full of agreement, and a sweet smile spread across her face.
"As expected, Little Kikyo, the social butterfly, is friends with Ichinose from Class B, too," Watanabe Hayabara said with a smile.
Before long, Ichinose Honami replied: "Sure, I'll wait for you in class. I already asked my classmates after class, but didn't get anywhere. Still, I'd be happy to help!"
Seeing her reply, Watanabe Hayabara's lips curved into a faint smile. He looked up at Kushida Kikyo and said, "Ichinose says she'll wait for us in class. She already asked her classmates after class, but didn't get anywhere. She's still willing to help."
"Wonderful! With Ichinose's help, we'll definitely be fine. Let's hurry over!" Kushida Kikyo's voice brimmed with excitement, as if she'd been instantly filled with energy. Her eyes were wide, and the already-bright irises seemed to sparkle with anticipation. As soon as she finished speaking, she unconsciously clenched her hands into little fists and gave them a small shake at her sides. Then she leaned forward and instinctively reached out, about to grab Watanabe Hayabara's sleeve and dash ahead as she had before. She looked so eager that one would think the clues might disappear if they waited another second.
Seeing this, Watanabe Hayabara quickly reached out and gently held her wrist. His fingertips were cool, but his touch was just firm enough to stop her without feeling intrusive. He wore the same warm smile, his eyes soft, as he said in an unhurried voice, "Don't rush. Since she's waiting for us in class, we can take our time. It'll give us a chance to organize our thoughts, too." He looked at Kushida Kikyo calmly as he spoke, patiently soothing her like a little rabbit eager to run.
Kushida Kikyo paused when he caught her hand. Then, as if she remembered Watanabe Hayabara's earlier warning, a faint blush rose on her cheeks. She blinked, looked at his unruffled expression, and nodded. "Mm, you're right. I'm getting too worked up." She slowly drew back her hand and anxiously twisted the cuff of her uniform, though the anticipation in her eyes hadn't diminished at all.
Without further delay, they headed side by side toward Class B. Kushida Kikyo tried to restrain herself, but her steps were still half a beat faster than usual. Every so often, she glanced toward the end of the hall, as if that might help her reach the Class B door sooner. Watanabe Hayabara, meanwhile, maintained his steady pace.
In the distance, they spotted someone standing by the Class B classroom door. It was Ichinose Honami.
Ichinose Honami had evidently noticed them at once. A brilliant smile bloomed across her face, as bright and lovely as cherry blossoms in spring. She hurried a couple of steps toward them and gave a slight bow. "Watanabe, Kushida, you're here!"
She straightened and looked from one to the other, her eyes sincere and friendly. "I've already asked my classmates. I haven't learned anything yet, but I'll do everything I can to help. Class B is happy to offer its assistance." As she spoke, she gently folded her hands in front of her. Her posture was poised, and her earnest tone made her warmth and kindness immediately clear.
Kushida Kikyo responded with an equally radiant smile and hurried forward, bowing slightly to Ichinose Honami. "Sorry for the trouble, Ichinose. Thank you so much." Watanabe Hayabara also stepped forward and nodded. "Thanks for waiting for us at the door, and for asking your classmates. We really appreciate it."
Ichinose Honami quickly waved her hands, her smile unchanged. "There's no need to be so formal. We're all classmates; helping each other is only natural. Come on in. We can talk inside the classroom—it'll be more convenient." As she spoke, she stepped aside to clear the way and gestured for them to enter.
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