This time, Sakura had been the leader of Group 5. Although Horikita had still basically been the one giving orders, Sakura had merely been pushed forward as a figurehead.
But even as a figurehead, she had improved compared to how she initially had not wanted any contact with anyone.
It could be said that Sakura had actually been somewhat dazzling back then.
But now, she seemed a little restrained.
Hachiman had watched her for several moments, and Sakura's uneasiness seemed not to have changed at all.
Hachiman thought about it once.
Hachiman thought about it twice.
Oh.
"The exam is over, but congratulations to your group for taking third place," Hachiman said. "That's an impressive result."
"Mm, mm, yes, yes." Airi Sakura hurriedly nodded.
Then Hachiman continued, "And compared to your first year, Sakura, you've grown a lot too."
"As a friend, I'm very pleased."
Eh?
Sakura gently raised her head at those words. She seemed a little surprised, but nodded even faster.
"Mm, um..."
"Thank you for your help, Hachiman," Sakura said.
And Hachiman noticed that after saying that, the uneasiness Sakura had shown just now seemed to have vanished.
In other words.
She thought so too.
In other words, Sakura was actually the type who liked being praised?
"Although I couldn't, couldn't do much in this exam," Sakura continued, "I feel like I might be able to make some, make some changes."
In other words, even Sakura had begun to change.
"I look forward to seeing your efforts," Hachiman said.
"Mm!" This time, Sakura nodded vigorously.
Ding!
At that moment, the elevator doors opened.
"Why did you stop me just now and not let me take that elevator?" Outside the elevator—or rather, still by the entrance to the dormitory—Ibuki, with her short blue hair, looked thoroughly confused.
The