Class time arrived as scheduled. Snow still filled the sky, and when Qingxiao stepped outside, he happened to run into Shoko waiting in the corridor.
She had put on her new clothes and hat, the soft, light-colored fabric making her features look even gentler. Standing in the wind and snow, however, she looked especially frail.
Qingxiao immediately stepped forward and opened his black umbrella. His wrist tilted instinctively, angling the canopy firmly toward Shoko. Fine grains of snow pattered onto his shoulders and the ends of his hair, soon accumulating in a thin white layer, but he did not notice at all.
Shoko quickly realized something was off. The space above her head was dry and free of snow, while the boy beside her had snow covering his shoulders, the contrast between black and white particularly striking.
She did not point it out, only quietly moving half a step closer to him, silently accepting this sincere show of special affection.
The day's classes and training ended smoothly, and the sky slowly darkened. The dormitory area lost its daytime bustle.
That evening, after training, Qingxiao got together with Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto to play online games. After several rounds of intense clashes, with his concentration taut throughout as he played, his head felt heavy and fatigue seeped through his whole body.
Between games, Satoru Gojo, who never minded stirring up more trouble for his own amusement, once again took on the role of a harebrained strategist.
He swung his long legs and leaned over with a mischievous grin. "Qingxiao, Qingxiao! This is the perfect chance! The snow will definitely clear up tomorrow, and the weather will be amazing! Hurry up and ask Shoko out shopping!"
Suguru Geto leaned against the back of his chair, joining in Satoru Gojo's teasing:
"We