Chapter 3: No Intention of Changing Part 2

Thank you for today, Ayanokouji-kun.

No, Im the one who should be saying thank you for letting me hear what you had to say about China.

Ah. I-I see. Right.

I unintentionally thanked her in response, prompting Mii-chan to shyly scratch at her cheek with her finger.

Ill head up after taking a look at my mailbox.

I parted ways with Mii-chan and Hiyori as they headed to the elevator.

I get around to checking my mailbox one or two times a week.

Of course, other students also check theirs at a similar frequency.

Most of the stuff that comes in the mail was from the school. However, there are students who used the mail to exchange packages with each other or have things delivered by shopping online.

Though, I wasnt checking for any ordinary reason like that.

Nothing today either, huh?

I started regularly checking my mail ever since my father visited this school.

After all, it wouldnt be strange if he tried to get in contact with me soon.

As there was nothing particularly special in my mailbox, I headed back over to the elevator, only to find that Hiyori had chosen to wait up for me.

Do you have a moment?

Sure.

We moved to the lobbys sofa just in front of the elevator.

I had wanted to ask you about something earlier, but hesitated because we were in front of Mii-chan

Being a little bit mindful of her surroundings, Hiyori did a sweep of the area before speaking up.

That thing going on right now with Ichinose-san, have you heard anything about it?

Heard anything? If youre talking about those strange rumors, then I guess I know the rough details.

Yeah, those. Do you know whos spreading them around?

No I dont know.

It would have been easy to name Sakayanagi or Hashimoto, but I decided against it.

Honestly, I dont want to see Ichinose-san tortured like this anymore. Shes the type of person whos even willing to be friendly to somebody with barely any friends, like me.

If Im remembering things correctly, Hiyori and Ichinose were in the same group during the training camp. I guess that after eating the same food and sleeping in the same room as one another, she would feel a stronger bond with her than she would with other students.

Ayanokouji-kun.

There was some kind of hidden determination in Hiyoris eyes.

When I first came here, I didnt like this behavior that the school encourages, where we hurt others. But now, I think its necessary to fight from time to time in order to protect your friends.

Thats true. After all, theres no way to be able to save everyone.

Even though were mutual enemies with Ichinose-san, there must be something we can do to help her. I havent been able to think of how yet, but would you be willing to cooperate with me?

Cooperate, huh? If thats the case, then you should consult Horikita.

As I said so, I considered introducing them to each other.

Horikita-san, is it?

However, Hiyoris expression didnt lighten up.

Its possible that Class C might also be willing to help Ichinose.

In which case, its possible that it might then turn into a situation where all 3 classes are willing to go up against Class A.

However, Hiyori still didnt show any signs that she was happy with this.

Arent you able to do something about it yourself, Ayanokouji-kun?

I dont have any influence over Class C at all.

Is that right?

She tilted her head to the side questioningly.

For the girls theres Horikita, and for the boys theres Hirata. Youll have no choice but to go to one of them about it.

I see

Hiyoris shoulders dropped as her expression changed to one of disappointment.

Dissatisfied?

No just, Ive never really gotten to know Horikita-san or Hirata-kun But if it was Ayanokouji-kun, I thought

Her shoulders dropped even further as she grew silent. It wasnt the reaction I had been expecting.

Im sorry. I cant do what I cant do.

No After all, I was only thinking as convenient for me, and spoke without considering things for you.

After saying so, she bowed her head.

For the time being, would you like me to start the conversation with them for you?

Really? You would do that for me?

Despite asking me that, Hiyori then changed her mind.

Im sorry, lets do it at another time. If our conversation helps spread things any further, we may end up troubling Ichinose by just that much more.

Yeah. That may be true.

Those guys waging war against Ichinose As things stand now, I dont know what move theyll make next.

Tactlessly stimulating the situation without knowing anything would be counterproductive. Theres also the concern that Ichinoses rumors are closer to the truth than they appear.