Together~

Qian Huanyue sat through several classes in utter confusion. She sat properly, back straight, fingers pinching her pen, the picture of an impeccably attentive honor student—but only she knew just how completely lost she was.

Of course, the textbooks in her desk drawer had long since been filled with neat notes she had copied down for show, every stroke deliberate and convincing.

The humanities were manageable. The sciences were truly deadly.

It was not until the teacher called on her to stand and answer a question that she really panicked. Thankfully, Shiori beside her gave her all the hints she could, and she somehow muddled through.

She'd endured it.

She repeated it silently to herself.

Not long after, the bell announcing the end of school finally rang out like heavenly music.

Congratulations, congratulations.

"Huanyue-chan," Rinne said, bringing over a prepared can of soda. "Here, this is for you. So... do you have any plans afterward?"

"Thanks~" Huanyue took the strange drink labeled Bitter Melon Soda, inserted the straw, and began sipping it. "Mm, no. Did you need something, Rinne?"

Just then, the voice that had flashed through her mind started stirring restlessly again. Scare her a little.

Come on, try scaring her. The sly voice rang in her ears, tempting Huanyue to do something improper.

H-how could she do that?

Huanyue blinked her violet eyes innocently.

Rinne was her good friend!

"Could it be you're asking me out on a date, Rinne?" Qian Huanyue narrowed her eyes halfway and gulped down the rest of her drink. She licked her lips as though savoring it. "I wouldn't mind saying yes."

"Eh?!" Rinne's eyes flew wide open, and panic instantly surfaced on her face. Even the tips of her ears turned faintly red. "N-no, that's not it! Besides, wouldn't Huanyue-chan be