I want to talk about my impressions.
But I don't have any movie friends, so it's impossible.
Times like this really make me feel how inconvenient being a loner is.
As expected, the actor was a treat for the eyes and ears, and both the direction and story were outstanding.
He's apparently coming to Japan for a signing event soon, and it's seriously frustrating that I can't go.
No way this school would approve an outing request.
I've never resented this school more.
Thinking that, I head back—not directly, but first open a memo I'd prepared earlier and go shopping.
There's still some buffer before the time Shiina specified, so this is the optimal window to finish errands.
What I'm buying is for the luxurious trip lasting two weeks starting August 1.
Honestly, when I first heard the details, my jaw literally dropped.
Sakagami-sensei had mentioned a vacation reward for midterms and finals, but I never imagined this scale.
To summarize the shocking contents is a trip that would easily cost hundreds of thousands privately—all travel and incidental expenses free.
It was written on the summer break notice handout; I still remember double-taking it.
That's already far beyond normal, but on top of that, first-class restaurants, a theater, even a luxury spa.
—No way, that's suspicious.
Considering the school's behavior so far, offering it for free is definitely off.
There has to be something behind it.
That said, excitement outweighs suspicion.
Sure, there's probably a catch, but it's overshadowed by how incredible the trip sounds.
The items that need to be purchased are sleepwear first and foremost, plus various others. No way I'm wearing my usual stuff and getting weird looks from roommates.
And… other things.
Actions over words—time to move.
So, let's start shopping.
"Katsuragi-san, was what you said earlier true?"
"Yeah. My prediction is that during the trip starting about five days from now, something involving class points will happen."
"B-but nothing like that was written on the handout…"
"That's probably part of the abilities this school demands too. Threat detection, prediction, and countermeasures."
"Hints were everywhere if you looked. Finding them is real skill."
"A-as expected of Katsuragi-san! This puts Sakayanagi in the shade."
"…No, she's undoubtedly noticed already. She's not kind enough to hand over dominance that easily."
I pass a group of four centered on a student called Katsuragi.
They seem to be buying trip necessities too.
I've heard about Katsuragi from Ryuuen.
One of Class A's two major pillars.
Extremely high academic ability, serious student who values discipline.
Personally, I don't mind that type.
If they nagged about rules, maybe, but with another class, the straight-A types are just honor students. Personality mismatch, perhaps, but not dislike.
Ryuuen calls him small fry and looks down on him.
For someone who prioritizes violence over academics, natural—but it annoys me.
…And Kamukura probably wouldn't like him either.
I think I understand his personality well enough; high chance this prediction is correct.
Good or bad, serious people are predictable.
Faced with difficulty, they take the direct, proper approach.
The type who tap the stone bridge before crossing.
Boring—he'd absolutely say that word, I'm certain.
"Alright, done."
Shopping finishes earlier than planned.
Plenty of time to drop things at my room first—no rush.
Yet, perhaps because friends invited me—even if unusual—my stride feels wider than usual.
Thanks to that, I reach my dorm room quicker.
"15 minutes early, but okay if I come now?"
I check with Shiina for permission.
Reply comes in under thirty seconds.
"Please wait five more minutes. Thank you."
As requested, I wait.
Deciding I only need my phone, I leave everything else in the room and casually sort the purchases.
By the time I'm done, it's exactly the right moment.
I leave the room again.
Kamukura's is one floor down. No elevator—stairs.
Nothing eventful; I arrive and press the call button without stopping.
After the mechanical chime, a high soprano voice replies, "It's open," so I pull the door.
"…Excuse me."
Entering Kamukura's room, an incredibly appetizing aroma hits me.
The air filled with appetite-stimulating scents.
Two pairs of shoes neatly lined up at the unusually tidy entrance catch my eye briefly, but the smell dominates my attention.
I almost drool but somehow hold it back and stay composed.
I remove my shoes and slowly walk toward the light.
"I'm here, Shii—"
A sharp pop resounds, followed by a faint gunpowder scent and colorful confetti raining on my head and body.
"Ibuki-san, happy birthday."
Shiina's gentle, smiling voice echoes.
The pop was a party cracker.
Why a cracker? She already answered.
Kamukura's usually bare room is decorated.
Carpet laid, casual-colored curtains, several wreaths and lights installed—perfect birthday atmosphere.
"Kuku, my prediction was spot on, Hiyori."
"Yes, it seems so. I thought she'd react cutely surprised, but apparently not."
"Well, the stunned look was pretty entertaining."
"Fufu, true."
The tyrant who doesn't fit the scene and the angel who does chat cheerfully.
"Happy Birthday, Ibuki."
"…Ah—yeah, happy birthday."
The utterly mismatched musclehead and delinquent.
And—
"Congratulations."
Long black hair that would make a first meeting suspect cosplay.
Topped with a white chef's hat… no, placed on his head.
"Hey, Ibuki. I went out of my way to celebrate your birthday. Act happier."
"Ryuuen-kun, no threats today."
"…Fine, fine. Stop smiling while threatening people."
"You've gotten kinder."
"Hey, my attitude toward you hasn't changed."
"Ryuuen-kun, no dinner for you. Today, I'm in charge."
"…Oi, Kamukura, why'd you give Hiyori authority?"
Plenty comes to mind.
A rare gathering to welcome me, but the hospitality resonates deeply—more than enough.
So, one thing to say now.
"—Thank you."
Words from the heart—clearest in my life.
Those viewing me objectively looked surprised, expressions varying.
"Kuku, biggest shock of the day. Smile like that normally and you'd be popular."
"Gap moe, right?"
"Kamukura-kun, Ibuki-san is cute normally, so not gap moe."
Three distinctive Class C members evaluate my face.
Normally I'd snap irritably, but today I'm not in the mood.
Joy fills my heart; even their banter feels heartwarming.
"Kamukura, there's cake too, right?"
"I possess pâtissier-level talent."
"I know. Looking forward to it."
Kamukura responds as usual.
My stomach isn't growling, but I can't hold back much longer from the food in front of me.
"I'm hungry. Let's eat."
"Fufu, yes. Everyone, take your seats."
Shiina guides everyone to the table.
With six people, not everyone fits around the small table.
Kamukura serves portions to all.
"Then, itadakimasu."
At Shiina's words, only Ishizaki echoes it.
Laughter rises from Shiina and Albert at his unexpected manners.
Ryuuen unusually greedy for food—somewhat… no, quite funny.
Ah, truly fun.
The whole day flowed in that atmosphere until night.
***
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