The morning sun streamed gently through the classroom windows, painting the desks in soft golden light. Reina sat at her usual far corner desk, eyes half-lidded, notebook open in front of her but untouched. The faint hum of chatter around her barely registered.
"Alright class," the homeroom teacher's voice rang, slightly tired but upbeat. "Summer break starts in a week. I'll be giving out a few days' worth of homework—enough to keep you engaged, but light enough to enjoy your vacation."
Excited murmurs erupted across the room. Hana clutched her pen as if it were a golden ticket. Kaito leaned back in his chair, grinning smugly at his friends, clearly thrilled.
Reina, as usual, remained silent, her expression unreadable. The words barely registered. She had no plans for the summer anyway, and more importantly, she wasn't allowed to enter her lab. The principal had been very clear: she needed a break. No work, no research, no experiments.
"…Break," she muttered softly to herself, the word tasting unfamiliar, almost foreign. She exhaled, leaning back in her chair, letting herself enjoy the thought. A rare stretch of time completely untouched.
ANIER: "Recommendation: summer break presents physiological and psychological benefits if time is spent resting. However, you will leave work pending, including lab maintenance, hologram projects, and stock management."
Reina smirked faintly. "I know. I'm fine with it. Even geniuses need a break sometimes, ANIER."
ANIER: "Understood. Monitoring relaxation parameters will commence."
Reina ignored the gentle hum of the AI. She let her eyes wander outside the window, watching the leaves sway in the summer breeze. Maybe this is fine… she thought. Just a few days of doing nothing. No schedules, no obligations. No overheating chips, no holograms… nothing.
Lunch break came quickly. Hana, Kaito, and Ayumi had spotted Reina leaving the classroom with her usual calm gait. They waved eagerly, rushing toward her.
"Saeki! Come out with us!" Hana exclaimed, practically bouncing. "The town's festival is this weekend, and it's gonna be awesome!"
"Yeah! Food stalls, games, fireworks!" Kaito added, grinning.
Ayumi chimed in more politely. "It'd be fun if you joined us, Reina."
Reina paused in the hallway, adjusting her bag. Her expression didn't change much, but her inner monologue was active. Town… fun… festivals…
"…No," she said simply. "I'll pass this time. I need a moment for myself during the break."
Hana blinked, and Kaito's grin faltered slightly. Ayumi tilted her head, a small frown forming.
"Ah… I see…" Hana said slowly, a little disappointed but nodding in understanding. "Well, if you want, maybe next time?"
Reina gave a subtle nod. "…Sure. Next time."
Reluctantly, the three waved and left her be. Reina exhaled quietly as she resumed her pace toward the school exit.
ANIER: "Observation: classmates' attempts to engage in social activities detected. Emotional impact: minimal. Recommendation: personal time utilization is valid and beneficial."
"Thanks, ANIER," Reina replied, almost fondly. She appreciated the AI's gentle reinforcement.
By noon, Reina had packed her things and walked to her lab. The sliding doors hissed open, revealing a scene she had grown accustomed to: Himari tidying the space, and several automated cleaning bots whirring softly as they polished surfaces and rearranged tools.
Himari straightened at the sound of the door. "Good afternoon, Reina." Her smile was soft, polite, but warm. Almost like a small shield against the vastness of the lab.
Reina tilted her head, observing her. "…You look like a maid today," she muttered lightly, brushing off the thought before it could become a proper comment.
Himari laughed softly. "Just cleaning. I thought it'd be easier for you to relax if the lab was in order."
Reina exhaled, sinking into her usual couch. "Fine. Make some tea. We'll rest for a while."
The soft clinking of tea cups and kettle filled the room shortly afterward. The summer sun streamed through the tall windows, and the faint hum of the cleaning bots mixed with the delicate fragrance of the tea. Reina wrapped herself in her blanket, her crimson eyes half-closed. Himari moved quietly around the lab, preparing a small tray with tea and a few cookies.
For a brief moment, Reina allowed herself to sink into this simplicity. The world outside the lab could wait.
Then, a knock echoed from the lab door.
Reina groaned softly, lifting her head. Who could that be now? Some salesman? Another student wanting favors? She almost scowled before ANIER's calm voice intervened.
ANIER: "Visitor detected. Identification: Shion Kurobane. Status: second-year student, known acquaintance, music prodigy. Prior interactions: school festival incident."
Her eyes narrowed slightly, shifting to the door. "…Shion, huh."
The door slid open, and there he was: tall, neatly dressed, a slightly awkward smile on his face. His black hair framed his face like shadows, eyes sharp but friendly.
"…Reina." His voice was soft, respectful, yet familiar.
"…Shion," Reina responded, allowing herself a small nod.
Himari blinked once, then curtsied lightly. "Hello, Shion."
He nodded politely in return, eyes flicking to the tea set on the table. "…You're busy."
"I was resting," Reina said simply. Himari had already started pouring tea into cups. "Sit. You didn't come just to stare, right?"
Shion chuckled lightly and stepped in, placing something small on the desk. "I brought back the microphone I borrowed from you."
Reina arched an eyebrow, picking up the device. The craftsmanship was pristine. "…In perfect condition. Good. And?"
He handed her an envelope. "…Repayment. The money I borrowed from you."
Reina's lips twitched faintly. "…You didn't need to."
Shion shrugged, sitting down with a polite smile. "I wanted to."
Himari handed him a cup of tea, and for a moment, the three of them sat quietly, sipping, letting the warmth of the tea fill the room.
Then Shion's gaze met Reina's. "…By the way… are you free during the summer break?"
Himari's fingers froze around her cup. A date?! She thought, heart beating faster, but she forced herself to remain composed.
Reina's eyes flicked to ANIER's display in her peripheral vision. Her schedule… empty. Completely unbooked. "…Yes," she said softly.
Shion's expression brightened. "Perfect. I wanted to ask… would you help me manage some equipment during my performance in town next week?"
Reina tilted her head thoughtfully. Equipment…? ANIER can handle synchronization… I won't even have to lift a finger. "…Alright. I can do that."
Himari's hands tightened slightly around her tea cup. She wanted to go to the performance… but she also knew that Shion could probably handle it on his own. And he specifically invited Reina. Her chest fluttered faintly, and she had to remind herself to stay calm.
Shion leaned forward slightly. "…Oh, and… would you like to come together with me? It might be easier if I explain a few technical details in person."
Reina paused, glancing at Himari. "Hm… Himari, do you want to come along?"
Himari blinked, caught off guard. "…I… I have plans with some classmates during that time. Sorry."
Shion's expression faltered slightly. "Ah… right. Understood…"
Reina's lips curved faintly. "…Then it's just us, Shion. No need to worry."
Himari smiled faintly, though her mind raced. Just the two of them… but I can't… I can't say anything…
Reina looked back at Shion, her crimson eyes unreadable. "Schedule's free. ANIER confirmed it. I'll help. That's all you need to know."
Shion gave a small, relieved nod. "…Thank you, Reina. I appreciate it."
For a moment, the three sat quietly again. The afternoon sunlight poured into the lab, illuminating the steam rising from the tea cups. A serene silence settled, punctuated only by the quiet whir of the automated cleaners and the distant hum of the city outside.
Himari watched Reina carefully, a small smile playing on her lips. She doesn't even realize… does she?
Reina, wrapped in her blanket, took a slow sip of her tea, letting the warmth spread through her chest. Outside, the world was bustling, full of festivals and friends, but for now, this quiet, this simplicity, was enough.
ANIER: "Monitoring: emotional response to upcoming event – slight increase in heart rate detected. Predictive analysis: positive engagement likely."
Reina glanced at the screen, exhaling quietly. "Idiot," she muttered, though a faint smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
Himari, pouring another cup of tea for herself, thought quietly, She really doesn't notice, does she?
And the afternoon stretched lazily on, warm sunlight, tea steam, and quiet anticipation of the week to come.