"Origami? Why? She's a vital part of the AST's fighting force. Why exclude her?"
"I hear she might interfere with our mission during this operation. Besides, you veterans won't be taking part in the actual fighting anyway. So it shouldn't make any difference, right?"
"I don't recall you having any authority over our personnel!"
"Don't get the wrong idea. This isn't my personal opinion. These are orders from above. Goodbye, then."
With that, Jessica left with her subordinates.
"Damn it! What the hell is going on!?"
Ryouko angrily slammed her fist against the desk, frustration and helplessness welling up inside her.
Just then, the blow sent the documents on the desk fluttering into the air.
Several sheets drifted down to the floor.
Then—
Ryouko's gaze fell on a document bearing the name "Shido Itsuka."
"Hmm?"
She frowned slightly.
"Come to think of it, haven't I heard that name somewhere before?"
After saying that, Ryouko recalled what Jessica had said before leaving.
"Now I remember...! No wonder they banned Origami from the operation!"
Ryouko's eyes widened.
"Shido Itsuka" was the name of the "boyfriend" Origami had mentioned before.
Another night passed after they made their agreement with Miku. It was now September 13.
The bell signaling the end of school rang again, and Lingmeng and Shido were about to find the trio of Ai, Mai, and Mii to tell them they wanted to take part in the stage performance too.
Tonamachi walked over, looking dazed as he spoke.
"Hey, Itsuka... Love really is a wonderful thing, isn't it?"
"What are you suddenly going on about?"
Shido looked at his best friend in bewilderment.
Tonamachi gave a lovestruck, goofy grin.
"I think I've met my soulmate."
"Huh? Did you meet another cute girl somewhere?"
"That's right! After school the day before