"Have you heard? About that Mion River incident…"
"Oh, the morning news said it was pretty big."
"An explosion, right? I saw it last night."
"Everyone must've seen it, right? A gas explosion?"
"Seems like it… When was the last time we had a gas explosion?"
"Beats me…"
Before Naoki and his two companions entered the classroom, news about the gas explosion incident at the Mion River last night kept filtering into their ears. It wasn't just because of the severity of last night's event, but also because the morning news repeatedly aired the story.
After all, gas explosions or the like were extremely rare nowadays. Safety measures were always thorough, making accidents nearly impossible.
(It had quite an impact.)
(But it's good—at least our existence won't be exposed.)
Exchanging a glance, Naoki and Artoria communicated through their eyes.
Sacred Sword Armor: King Arthur—the name Naoki temporarily gave to the giant fused form of himself and Artoria. Both he and Artoria didn't want such an existence to be too exposed to the world.
It felt like if it were revealed, society would take a turn for the worse. Since someone was suppressing the issue, Naoki and Artoria were relieved to stay under the radar.
Better than being exposed, investigated, and losing their peaceful daily lives.
"By the way, where did you sleep last night, Pendragon-san?"
After setting down her bag and sitting, Manaka suddenly asked Artoria, "Naoki's house has plenty of rooms, but most are filled with stuff sent by Aunt and Uncle. Don't tell me you slept on the sofa?"
"No, I slept on the floor in Naoki's room since there was an extra blanket."
(Same room!)
"Naoki…" Manaka looked at her childhood friend with a gaze full of complex emotions. "You didn't do anything bad to Pendragon-san, right?"
"Of course not. If I did, she wouldn't be at school today." Naoki propped his chin and said, "Speaking of sleeping, after school, let's go to the supermarket again to buy some spare clothes for Pendragon or something. She can't keep wearing my pajamas, right? Manaka's clothes probably wouldn't fit her either."
Still wearing Naoki's pajamas?!
As soon as those words were spoken, not just Manaka, but the entire class fell silent.
(This transfer student's attack is that intense? They just met yesterday, right?)
(Foreigners are so bold. Sajyou won't lose, will she?)
(No way, no way! A ten-year childhood friend can't lose! Go, Sajyou!)
(If their attributes overlap, it depends on whose attack is stronger. Sajyou's at a big disadvantage…)
Though it seemed like everyone was discussing their own topics, nearly the entire class was thinking about the blonde trio! Naoki and Manaka were already the school's acknowledged couple. Even without an official statement, it was assumed. Now, a transfer student had suddenly appeared…
Honestly, most of the class was quite curious about how this would unfold!
But looking at the situation, the transfer student had, in just one day, achieved what Manaka couldn't in ten years. Rather than calling it a third party disrupting things, it was more like a super nuclear bomb exploding out of nowhere!
This wasn't just a [crisis]!
"S-so, Pendragon-san wore Naoki's pajamas last night… Then this afternoon at the supermarket, we'll need to buy a lot."
(Sajyou's pretending to be calm.)
(You can feel the calm before the storm.)
(Just seize the chance and confess directly—you'll definitely win!)
(Damn it, Natsukawa, give some clarity!)
"Ugh—!"
Naoki, sitting at his desk, suddenly shivered.
"Naoki, what's wrong?"
"Nothing, maybe someone's cursing me—about the supermarket, let's have dinner at my place tonight, Manaka. Your house is empty too, right? But you'll have to help me today; my arms are sore from last night."
"Sorry, Natsukawa, I do eat a lot."
"Then please eat a bit less. I think even stocking the fridge for three days wouldn't last a single day for you—so, Manaka, can you help me tonight… Manaka?"
"Huh? Huh? I'm listening."
Manaka, unaware that the corners of her mouth had lifted, hurriedly replied, "Cooking with you, right? Got it, leave it to me. By the way, it's our first time cooking together, isn't it? I'm kinda excited."
"It's just cooking together, what's there to be excited about? We cooked curry together at that school camp, didn't we?"
"I mean just the two of us. What should we make tonight? Since it's a welcome for Pendragon-san, let's make something fancy."
Seeing Manaka's beaming smile and evident joy, the entire class collectively facepalmed—just cooking together made her this happy? Manaka was so innocent, no wonder there'd been no progress in ten years.
(But in the kitchen… Hmph, looks like a lot could happen.)
(I'll recommend some kitchen-themed series to Natsukawa later.)
(Pity there's a third wheel.)
Artoria: "Ugh!"
"Hm? What's wrong, Pendragon?"
"Nothing, I just felt like someone was talking about me. My back feels cold." Artoria scratched her back. "Anyway, dinner doesn't need to be too fancy. I already troubled you both a lot last night. It wouldn't be polite to keep being so demanding. Your normal level is enough."
Normal level?
Naoki and Manaka simultaneously recalled Artoria's eating habits from last night. Though her manners and posture were elegant and impeccable, her eating speed was far faster than Naoki and Manaka combined. Matching their level might not even fill a third of her stomach.
"Your words aren't convincing at all."
"Pendragon-san, no need to be so polite."
"S-so… I'll be troubling you both then."
Artoria, her cheeks slightly flushed, wiggled the antenna-like hair on her head.
At that moment—
"Alright! Students, back to your seats! Class is starting!"
(Tch! Tiger, why'd you show up?!)
The entire class collectively showed expressions of disgust, leaving Fujimura Taiga, who had just entered, utterly confused.