A Cycle Without Conditions

She looked toward the two of them.

A flicker of sadness appeared in Rinne's eyes, but the next second, the expression left on her face was the same gentle smile she had worn when they first met.

[Eden](Eden) still had some strength left,

enough to make changes

without relying on "conditions."

A flash of white light passed before her eyes,

"Hmm?"

Qian Huanyue opened her eyes, her gaze unfocused for a moment. She rubbed her eyes and found herself in the classroom.

Had she fallen asleep?

Qian Huanyue rubbed her eyes again and sat up straight. Her silver hair was slightly disheveled, and faint red marks from sleeping face-down on the desk remained on her cheeks, making her look like some kind of soft-bodied creature.

She had slept through the entire break?!

"Huanyue! Want to have lunch together?" Tohka happily picked up her lunchbox and moved closer, making Huanyue realize that it was apparently lunchtime.

She raised her head and looked around.

The students had gathered in little groups of two or three, sharing bento and snacks.

A powerful sense of shame welled up inside her.

She had only arrived at school early that morning and wanted to rest a little. When she opened her eyes, it was already noon.

"Whoa..." Huanyue gasped softly, not knowing what to say for a moment. Her eyes grew teary as she narrowed them pitifully. "So, um..."

"Mm? Wh-what is it, Huanyue?" Tohka blinked blankly. Before she could react, Huanyue, suddenly fired up, grabbed her shoulders.

"Please lend me your notes later."

Qian Huanyue pressed her hands together, seeming to throw caution to the wind. Even her feet, wrapped in black stockings, curled involuntarily, her toes tightening slightly.

"Ah, o-okay..." Tohka was somewhat at a loss over her sudden solemnity. "I'll give them