Inside The Izakaya.
As the food and drinks were brought out, Hinamori's gaze locked longingly on the bottle of sake. She glanced at Nobu, then took the initiative and poured him the first cup.
"What if you get drunk?" Nobu asked with a smile.
"It's fine if I don't drink too much. I can hold my liquor!" Hinamori said, patting her chest proudly.
Nobu's eyes instinctively flicked to her chest—then he couldn't help but recall Shiba Kūkaku from earlier that day.
The difference is... considerable.
"Besides," Hinamori added, "even if I did get drunk, I trust you wouldn't leave me hanging, President."
"What do you expect me to do? We're outside the school, you know."
"That's what makes it better…" she muttered under her breath.
"What was that?"
"Nothing! President, cheers!" she said brightly, raising her cup with a beaming smile.
She knocked it back in one go and sighed in satisfaction, quickly reaching for the bottle again to refill Nobu's cup.
"President, another one! Thank you for always taking care of me."
She raised her cup once more.
Nobu looked slightly helpless but drank it with her. He could tell—Hinamori had come here tonight fully intending to get drunk.
Could it be…
He turned his empty glass slowly in his hand, a thought forming in his mind.
Hinamori reached to pour again.
"Let's take a break," Nobu said. "Didn't you say you were hungry? Eat something first."
But Hinamori wasn't hungry. What she wanted was the quiet, close space this outing gave her with Nobu.
She ignored his suggestion and raised her glass once again. "President, you're the person I respect and admire the most. Here's to you."
"…"
Nobu gently pressed her cup down. "Eat first."
"…President…"
Hinamori looked up, seeing his expression calm and composed. She didn't dare go against him and obediently picked up her chopsticks to eat.
Still, she couldn't help but feel a little happy inside at how much he cared.
Even though he'd stopped her just now, after a few bites she lifted her cup again.
"If you drink too much, I'll leave you on the street," Nobu said dryly.
"I don't believe that." Hinamori giggled.
This time, she didn't toast—she simply drank.
The sake wasn't strong, but after three cups in quick succession, she started to feel the heat rising in her body. Her cheeks flushed pink.
Nobu continued eating calmly, occasionally glancing at her out of the corner of his eye. When he saw her pouring herself another cup, he didn't interfere.
"Do you really like drinking that much?" he asked.
Hinamori stared into the rippling surface of her sake, smiled softly, and replied, "Depends on who I'm drinking with."
She raised her cup again and flashed him a bright, open smile.
"President?"
The clink of glass echoed between them. The sake went down smooth and sharp, leaving a tingling warmth in her throat that slowly bloomed into heat.
She instinctively pressed the back of her left hand to her cheek, the coolness of her skin like crushed moonlight spread gently across her face.
She didn't feel drunk yet—maybe the alcohol hadn't hit. Or maybe it was because the person in front of her was so vividly clear in her eyes, a face she'd long since committed to memory.
"President, do you like drinking?"
Nobu chuckled, "Depends on who I'm drinking with."
Hinamori felt her face flush even hotter. Is that the alcohol? She wasn't so sure. She often felt this way around him—but tonight, it was stronger.
"President… do you know…"
"Know what?"
"…that you're actually an incredibly, incredibly good person?"
Nobu laughed, "Of course I know."
Hinamori giggled, "Not just you—a lot of people know."
"That's why so many people… like you."
Nobu took a small sip of sake, still smiling. "I know."
"Then do you know who?"
"More or less."
Hinamori leaned in, "And what about you, President?"
"What about me?"
"Is there… someone you like?"
"There is."
Her breath caught for a second. She looked at the faint smile on his face, uncertain what he was thinking.
But she was certain—he knew how she felt.
"Who is it?"
Nobu answered with a soft smile, "A lot of people."
"…!"
Hinamori burst into laughter. He was clearly teasing her.
"President!"
She called him gently, her voice trailing with a sweet, trembling note. She placed one hand on the table, leaning in just slightly, her uniform collar parting a little to reveal a sliver of pale skin.
"I know who likes you, you know. Want me to tell you?"
Nobu's tone was quiet. "It's best to let others speak for themselves when it comes to things like that."
The words sent a tremor through her chest.
Was he hinting at something?
She sat up a little straighter, hesitating for a few seconds as courage welled up. Just as she opened her mouth—
Nobu picked up the sake bottle and poured her another cup, momentarily stunning her.
"This is your last one. No more after this."
"…President."
Hinamori looked down at the glass, the warm glow of the izakaya's lights reflected gently across the surface of the clear liquid.
Then she looked up at him.
I'm not drunk yet, she thought. I can still think clearly.
But what if I say it—and he doesn't feel the same? What then?
How would I even talk to him afterward? Would he start to pull away from me?
Would he just brush it off as something I said under the influence?
Should I wait… find a better time…?
Her thoughts tangled into a knotted mess that caught in her throat and left her silent.
She picked up the glass and drank it quietly.
Nobu poured the last of the sake into his own cup and finished it as well. "Let's eat."
Hinamori tried to respond with an "Okay," but what came out was a hiccup. Her red face bloomed even deeper than the lacquered petals of a camellia.
She wasn't hungry.
She just sat there, staring at Nobu.
He called the owner over to settle the bill.
"Let's go. Time to head back."
"…"
It wasn't until she stood that she realized just how unsteady she felt. Her legs wobbled beneath her and she nearly lost her footing.
The curtain behind them swayed shut as the cool night air rushed in. The breeze hit her face and dizziness bloomed—but Nobu caught her.
"Hehe… President…"
"I thought you said you could hold your liquor?"
"I'm not drunk!" she insisted, brushing his hand away and trying to stand tall.
But her entire body swayed, and she couldn't tell whether it was her legs or her head that was spinning.
"Then I won't help you."
"Don't need your help!" she huffed, waving him off and walking briskly ahead in the direction of the academy.
She hadn't gone more than a few steps before she stumbled again.
A surprised yelp escaped her lips—then a moment later, she found herself in someone's arms.
"P-President…"
Her breath was shaky—maybe from almost falling, maybe from something else.
"Still pretending you're fine?" Nobu said, half amused.
She didn't answer. She simply leaned into him, pressing close. She felt so close to him now—closer than ever before.
His face was right there… and yet her head felt so heavy.
"President…"
"…Mm?"
"That night…" Hinamori's tongue felt thick in her mouth.
"…did you kiss Kanisawa-senpai?"
"No."
"You knew I was eavesdropping?"
"I did."
"So… you didn't say yes to her, right?"
"No."
She tried to lift her head, but her arms were wrapped tightly around him. Her coordination was off, her balance shot.
"…What if I were the one to make that kind of request?"
"Didn't you already make one like that before?"
Her wide eyes fluttered. She struggled, and at last, managed to lift her face.
Leaning in, she brushed her lips lightly against his.
"What if I made that request now… just for this moment?" she whispered.
"…Mmh."
The street around them was completely still.
He pressed her gently against the wall, and her fingers clenched unconsciously into his shirt.
The heat of the alcohol surged through her in waves, burning bright. The world tilted. The night sky shattered into scattered stars, all of them tumbling into her chest.
And somewhere in that haze—she suddenly remembered something important.
She hadn't confessed yet…