In the student dormitory of Tokiwadai Middle School, a faint floral scent lingered in the air.
Standing quietly behind Shirai-san, Natsume Sonoko held a plan document in her hands, her expression awkward and uneasy, as if her whole body felt out of place.
The operation plan had been successfully drafted, but the main driving force was undoubtedly the ever-energetic Shirai-san.
"Natsume-san, stop looking around and focus on your task," Shirai-san said with clear dissatisfaction. She was brimming with confidence about this plan, yet it seemed someone wasn't willing to cooperate.
Misaka-senpai stood off to the side, equally at a loss. She had also been dragged into this by Shirai-san, serving as little more than a background prop for the operation.
Amidst their differing thoughts, the dormitory's main door swung open, revealing a familiar figure.
There stood the Dorm Supervisor, dressed in casual clothes, her hair styled in a mature manner, looking fresh and pleasant. She carried her usual air of authority, yet there was an unusual touch of warmth about her.
"Welcome back, Dorm Supervisor."
"Would you like a hot towel? Wiping away the sweat after returning feels really refreshing. Kuroko can also help carry your things."
Kneeling on the floor and holding out a hot towel like the most professional maid, Shirai-san wore a confident smile.
But as soon as she finished speaking, she met the Supervisor's suddenly sharp gaze. Beside her, Misaka-senpai managed a strained smile, her entire demeanor seeming timid and hesitant.
As for Natsume-san, she barely maintained her composure, her eyes fixed dazedly on the ceiling.
"What kind of trick are you pulling?" The Dorm Supervisor's stern gaze cut through them like a knife. Among those present, only Shirai-san seemed immune to that piercing glare.
"Today is an important day for you, Dorm Supervisor. Kuroko only wishes to offer some small assistance."
Pressing her lips together, Shirai-san looked unusually formal. She gently reached out, trying to take the Supervisor's belongings, but the latter deftly avoided her.
"What nonsense are you talking? Do you want to get your neck twisted again? And you, Misaka—both of you, indulging in this foolishness with her."
Her fair face flushed with anger, like a volcano on the verge of eruption.
The Dorm Supervisor's presence had reached its peak intensity. The girls felt like small boats in a storm, any moment from being swallowed by the raging waves into an unfathomable abyss.
"I want to be your support, Dorm Supervisor. Whether in life or work, Kuroko is willing to do her part."
It seemed to be the final straw. As soon as Shirai-san finished speaking, the Supervisor's fury reached its boiling point.
Seizing the moment when Shirai-san was off guard, she twisted her neck. Like a wilted eggplant, the teleporter instantly lost her spirit.
"Shirai, the trouble you cause me at work is already more than enough."
"That's not what I meant! I truly want to help you, Dorm Supervisor! If you have any worries or matters you'd like to discuss, please, feel free to rely on us."
Struggling continuously, Shirai-san spoke with earnest seriousness. Gradually, the Supervisor's grip loosened.
"I have something to discuss with you? What foolishness are you spouting?" A rare look of concern appeared on the Supervisor's face, as if wondering whether she had knocked the teleporter silly.
Breaking free from the Supervisor's hold, Shirai-san stood unwavering before her, meeting her gaze directly and speaking in a solemn tone.
"It was when I saw your gentle side, playing with the children, that I began to respect you. Please accept our humble goodwill."
"Really now, how did you all find out about that?"
Startled by Shirai's words, the Supervisor hesitated for a moment.
"We also know about Daigo-sensei! Right, Onee-sama?"
"Huh? Ah?" Misaka-senpai stammered, unable to form words, and unconsciously took a few steps back.
"Shirai, what are you planning regarding Daigo-sensei?"
The mention of Daigo-sensei triggered the familiar headlock, and Shirai-san immediately lost control of her body.
"Please... let us... be your... Cupids in love."
Somehow managing to choke out the sentence, Shirai-san watched as the Supervisor, as if hearing some incantation, hastily released her arm, a noticeable blush spreading across her face.
"No need. Besides, I have no interest in Daigo-sensei whatsoever."
The Supervisor turned away, hiding her expression. But Shirai-san didn't give up, following closely behind her.
"Twenty-nine years alone—don't you think it's time to let the flower of love bloom?"
"Aren't you worried about never getting married? If you give up now, there might not be another chance."
"Leave it to us, the battle-hardened experts! We've prepared a detailed operation plan for this very purpose. Please, try relying on us."
Death is like the wind—always by my side.
Only by brushing close to death can one comprehend the truth of life.
In that moment, Natsume Sonoko understood what it meant to dance on the edge of death. Her entire body tensed up.
This scene felt familiar somehow. Come to think of it, how did that love story end in the end?
"Natsume-san, read the plan out loud! Let the Dorm Supervisor understand our sincere efforts!"
"Can we just stop this, please?"
Misaka-senpai tried to put an end to the tragedy, her face full of sheer survival instinct. But what happened next was truly jaw-dropping.
The Dorm Supervisor's footsteps suddenly halted. She turned around, revealing a gentle, blushing face.
"...Really? What is this plan of yours?"
"—Huh?!" It seemed Misaka-senpai couldn't quite process the turn of events.
"Natsume-san, it's your time to shine! Be brave, like a true warrior!" Shirai-san clenched her fists, looking encouragingly at Natsume Sonoko.
"Well, um... Phase One seems to be... getting Daigo-sensei and the Dorm Supervisor alone together... at a restaurant that highlights a woman's domestic side... Phase Two is..."
Though her delivery was halting, Natsume Sonoko managed to read through the plan document, her face full of nervous anxiety.
She glanced up at the Dorm Supervisor, who didn't seem angry but was listening attentively, which finally allowed her to breathe a sigh of relief.
"Actually, the plan is just a framework. The most important thing is to adapt flexibly during execution," Shirai-san concluded.
"We've tentatively scheduled it for this Friday. What do you think, Dorm Supervisor?"
--+--
[The investigation reports for this month have been received. Everyone has done quite well.]— Message from Quiet Night Color.
[My apologies, I've been busy with other matters lately, so my report is a bit late.]
[No problem. Natsume-san's report this time is quite interesting.]
[To be honest, a lot has happened this month. Not only did we have Railgun and Meltdowner joining forces, but three new suspects for the #6 Level 5 appeared. Even the underground world of Academy City is restless. I've heard many troublesome individuals have infiltrated the schools, and there's been quite a stir even within the Dark Side.]— Comment from Balance Beam-san.
This senpai's words seemed pretty explosive, far surpassing someone with limited connections who still thought the Dark Side was just an urban legend.
[Wow, that's huge news. You're really something else.]— Comment from a certain senpai known for always carrying camera equipment.
[By the way, everyone seems pretty quiet lately.]— From 'The Elegant Photographer'.
[Why did it suddenly go quiet?]
Closing her phone, a certain Natsume Sonoko sat on a bench in the exchange square, a relaxed smile on her face.
For this month's club report, Natsume Sonoko had boldly employed creative literary techniques, achieving a captivating effect.
A report titled 'The Connection Between the Repeated Cries Heard Outside Tokiwadai Dorm After Lights Out and the Rumor of the Tokiwadai Uniform Ghost Wandering the Streets' had just been freshly published. It was even posted on a website, becoming part of a specific column's content.
"Natsume-san, what did you need to see me about today?"
Gasping for breath, sweat streaming down her cheeks, a clearly winded Juufuku Miho finally arrived at the exchange square, her face slightly flushed.
"I think we can't put it off any longer. Let's fulfill the promise we made before—today's the day." Standing up, a determined look spread across Natsume Sonoko's face.
"?"
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.