The Trip

At night, on the main building's rooftop, Lin Jiao listened with a frown as Hesta finished recounting what had happened that afternoon.

"...So you came here just to ask why those people were laughing?"

"Farn said you always had incisive analyses of what went on in the Habitable Zone. She suggested I come hear what you thought."

"Oh, you've met Farn?" Only then did Lin Jiao fully turn toward Hesta. "Where?"

"At school," Hesta replied. "Has she been coming to school often these past few days?"

"Really? What's she doing at school?" Lin Jiao's eyes brightened slightly. "How did you two meet?"

"I don't know what she's doing either. Maybe she's pursuing a second degree?" Hesta checked the time. "Your event seems about to start tonight, and I don't want to take up too much of your time. Let's skip the small talk."

"You... you really are..." Lin Jiao glanced back. Behind her, the poetry club members had formed a circle, chatting amongst themselves and killing time. "Tonight isn't a good time to talk. When are you free tomorrow?"

"I'm going hiking tomorrow."

Lin Jiao froze. "With the Drama Club girls?"

"Mm." Hesta nodded. "Leaving in the morning and coming back at night, probably very late. How about the day after tomorrow?"

"Ksenia invited you?"

Hesta did not answer.

"I'm not free the day after tomorrow." Lin Jiao lowered her head and turned the watch on her wrist. "Then Monday. Monday at noon."

"Fine." Hesta took a step back. "Then I'll—"

"Xiaoshu will be going tomorrow too. You two can keep each other company. That's nice."

Hesta had been about to leave, but stopped at those words. She looked at Lin Jiao. "...I feel like you haven't finished what you wanted to say?"

Lin Jiao put her hands on her