Reading that message, Amaori Renako finally felt the heavy weight in her chest settle, letting out a soft sigh of relief.
So… it wasn't that Asakura Mio started hating me after visiting my house yesterday…
It's true, Mio-chan, who usually barely talks to anyone at school, got approached by several different people during breaks this morning…
She must be completely unused to such a sudden change…
Having figured this out, the gloom vanished from Renako's face.
She put her phone away, adjusted her mood, and finally turned to walk over to where Sena Ajisai, Koto Satsuki, and Koyanagi Kaho were, ready to join them for lunch.
—As for Oozuka Mai, the moment the lunch bell rang, she was the first one out of the classroom, disappearing to who-knows-where.
Meanwhile, that rapid series of expressions on Renako's face—from anticipation to disappointment, then to sudden relief after checking her phone—hadn't escaped the notice of the three girls she was approaching.
They exchanged a knowing glance, but none of them said anything about it just yet.
Over on the other side, after sending the message to somewhat reassure Amaori Renako, Asakura Mio headed alone, as usual, to the large tree where she always ate her lunch.
But this time, as she pushed aside the low-hanging branches, she was surprised to find—her secret "territory" had already been occupied.
There, under the tree, with her back to Mio, someone sat leaning elegantly against the trunk. Her golden hair shimmered like spun sunlight, striking even under the dappled shade.
As if hearing Mio's approaching footsteps, the person slowly turned her head.
It was Oozuka Mai.
"Hello~"
The first greeting was lazy and a bit playful, but then the corners of her lips curled up, shifting into a flawless, elegant demeanor as she added a standard, polite greeting.
"Good day, Asakura-san."
Mio's steps halted abruptly, her face instantly filling with wariness, like a small animal sensing sudden danger.
There was no way the other girl's presence here could be explained as a 'coincidence'. The only possibility was that Oozuka Mai had come specifically to find her.
As for how she knew about this spot… Sena-san had just spoken to her here yesterday, so it wasn't surprising that Oozuka-san knew about it too.
Seemingly oblivious to Mio's guarded expression, Oozuka Mai smiled and patted a nearby brick that had clearly been wiped clean beforehand, issuing a gentle invitation.
"This is rather sudden, but would you care to join me for lunch?"
"No way!"
Even though this spot was usually deserted, it wasn't completely safe.
If some student happened to pass by and see the two of them—who seemed to have nothing in common—sitting together eating lunch… within ten minutes, all sorts of bizarre rumors would probably spread to every corner of the school.
That was absolutely unacceptable for Asakura Mio. Not only did she not step forward, she even began subtly shifting her weight back, ready to turn and flee at any moment.
But Oozuka Mai's next words acted like invisible threads, tangling her feet and stopping her retreat.
"Satsuki mentioned to me this morning that she spoke with you. I imagine her tone and attitude probably weren't very friendly? So, I'd like to apologize on her behalf."
Oozuka Mai's tone became a bit more serious, and she even offered a slight bow to convey her apology.
She sounded completely sincere. However, what was spinning through Asakura Mio's mind right now wasn't the apology itself, but—
Just as I thought! They really do talk privately! And they take each other's matters so seriously!
Koto-san noticed Oozuka-san was troubled and immediately came to ask me about it; Oozuka-san found out Koto-san approached me and specially came to apologize… And they can even understand each other's methods and the potential consequences without having to spell it out.
This is the best part about the two of them! That kind of unspoken, deeply close 'old married couple' dynamic~!
"An apology isn't necessary. Thanks for the meal~"
Mio replied offhandedly. Oozuka Mai, who had been starting to straighten up, paused. She tilted her head slightly, a trace of genuine confusion appearing on her face.
"…'Thanks for the meal'?"
Asakura Mio instantly realized her slip, clapping a hand over her mouth, her cheeks burning crimson. Her voice leaked through her fingers.
"N-nothing! Just a slip of the tongue!"
Oozuka Mai watched her flustered movements, a faint glimmer of amusement passing through her eyes, but she didn't press further.
Instead, she steered the conversation back on track.
"In that case, would you do me the honor of joining me for lunch now? I actually… wanted to chat with you a little, Asakura-san. It's about Renako."
She didn't beat around the bush any longer, getting straight to the point.
Just as I thought…
If Oozuka Mai had gone to the trouble of finding her here just to apologize on Koto Satsuki's behalf, it really wouldn't have been necessary to go this far.
Besides, she seemed to have seen Amaori Renako and Oozuka Mai briefly leave the classroom together this morning.
That idiot had probably already laid out her 'earth-shattering' plan to Oozuka Mai.
What was Oozuka Mai's opinion on it? Asakura Mio was indeed a little curious. She had planned to wait for Renako to report back herself tonight, but since she had the chance to hear the firsthand thoughts of the person involved right now… it was a rare opportunity.
She cautiously glanced around, confirming there was no sign of anyone else for the moment, then, moving like a thief, she crept over to Oozuka Mai's side, smoothed her skirt with her hand, and was just about to sit down—
"Wait for me—!"
A clear, cheerful shout from a girl rang out in the distance!
"Eeek—!!!!"
Asakura Mio's heart nearly leaped out of her throat!
She let out a short, sharp shriek, springing bolt upright from her almost-seated position like a startled rabbit, her entire body freezing stiff.
She turned her head in panic and saw two girls from their grade chasing each other playfully as they ran past on a path not far away, seemingly completely unaware of them behind the trees.
Only then did Asakura Mio let out a long, relieved sigh, patting her wildly beating chest.
But it served as a warning—this place wasn't as safe as she'd thought, completely unsuitable for a long 'secret meeting' with Oozuka Mai.
Watching her series of exaggerated reactions, Oozuka Mai couldn't help a light laugh, her tone laced with amusement.
"My, Asakura-san, are you really this easily frightened? Or perhaps… you really don't want to be seen sitting here with me?"
Without even thinking, the words burst out of Asakura Mio, tinged with exasperation.
"Of course! It's not like everyone can handle being the center of attention like you can, Oozuka-san."
It was just an offhand remark, but she didn't expect Oozuka Mai to visibly startle upon hearing it.
Her smile faded slightly. She raised a hand and gently touched her chin, murmuring thoughtfully in a low voice:
"Not 'enjoy'… but 'handle,' huh…"
Her voice was very soft, almost blending into the rustling of the leaves in the wind, carrying a note of distraction that Asakura Mio had never heard from her before.
Mio, not having caught the words, turned to her in confusion.
"Huh? What did you say just now, Oozuka-san?"
Oozuka Mai snapped back to attention instantly.
The brief moment of distraction and strangeness on her face vanished like an illusion, replaced by her usual flawless composure. She smiled and waved a hand dismissively, her tone light and natural.
"It's nothing important. Don't worry about it if you didn't catch it."
--+--