As the atmosphere began to turn in a better direction, I exchanged a few more pleasantries with Kayoko.
According to her, the recent situation of Problem Solver 68 was, as usual, so so.
The only thing worth mentioning was that they had finally managed to save up some money and moved into a new office.
"By the way, Sensei, what are you doing around here? Are you heading back to Schale next?" Kayoko asked, sounding casual.
But with my keen insight, how could I fail to understand the implication behind her words?
Unfortunately, I already had a prior engagement.
With some regret, I replied, "I have work to take care of."
"I see… Working overtime this late, that must be tough on you."
"If it is convenient, may I visit your office in a few days?"
It had been a while since I last saw everyone at Problem Solver 68, and I did miss them a bit.
"That should be fine. Problem Solver 68 is always welcoming to Sensei… probably." Kayoko paused for a moment. "But let me say this first, I might not necessarily be free to entertain you."
I nodded in understanding.
Kayoko must have wanted me to make an appointment with her in advance before visiting, so she would not miss the chance to see me.
Seeing this unstraightforward side of her, from someone who usually maintained a calm and composed demeanor at all times, was truly a delicacy worth savoring again and again.
Next, I asked her for the location of Problem Solver 68's new office. What surprised me slightly was that it was actually near the place where Hina and I had agreed to meet.
Perhaps sensing my surprise, Kayoko sighed. "With the boss's talent for squandering money, and her insistence that the office be spacious and impressive, this kind of slum property was all we could afford… though the transportation is still fairly convenient."
That was only natural. Otherwise, Hina, who was already busy with work, would not have chosen this kind of place to meet me.
"Are you heading back to the office now?" I asked.
"Ah… if there is nothing else, then it is about time to head back."
"There is still some time before my work starts. Let me walk you there."
After hearing this proposal, Kayoko looked at me with a strange gaze for quite a while, before lightly nodding and smiling at me.
"Then, I will shamelessly owe you another favor."
During the rest of the walk, we naturally chatted about recently released music. Once on the train, we seamlessly started listening together, sharing a single pair of earphones.
Immersed in the same rhythm, our shoulders unconsciously touching, perhaps the distance between our hearts also drew a little closer.
This journey, which was not very long to begin with, quickly came to an end.
Just as Kayoko had said, although the location of Problem Solver 68's new office was remote, it was at least still within Gehenna's public transportation network.
After seeing her to the building entrance, I hesitated while looking at the lights upstairs, but ultimately gave up the idea of going up to sit for a while.
Mainly because I was worried the girls might be too enthusiastic and delay my meeting with Hina.
There would be plenty of opportunities to visit in the future, no need to rush it now.
So, after saying goodbye to Kayoko, I hurried toward the place where I had arranged to meet Hina.
When I arrived, it was about an hour earlier than last time. Looking around, as expected, I did not spot that petite figure.
Since I had only been hoping for a pleasant surprise anyway, I was not disappointed. I leaned against a relatively clean wall and took out my phone to pass the time.
To my surprise, I had only waited about half an hour when I heard the sound of thick heeled boots stepping on concrete.
At first, I felt a surge of joy, thinking that coming early had been the right choice. Then I froze, because when I looked in the direction of the sound, what I saw was Hina with her head hanging low, eyes fixed on the ground, looking utterly exhausted and unaware of my presence.
But in the next moment, as if she sensed my gaze, she suddenly lifted her head. Our eyes met, and she froze as well, saying in surprise,
"Sensei? Why are you…"
I cut in, "Good evening, Hina."
"…Mm, good evening."
"Come to think of it, this really is a quiet place. There are not many people around."
I shifted the topic, thoughtfully helping the Prefect Team leader, who usually presented a tough front, ease the awkwardness.
Hina took a deep breath, then seemed to steel herself and nodded calmly.
"This area is restricted due to previous disciplinary activities. It used to be very dangerous, but it has been completely cleared out, so it should be safe for now. It looks like no one has noticed me either."
Wait a moment. If that was the case, then Problem Solver 68, who had just moved their office here…
But thinking again, if something like that had not happened, they probably could not have afforded the rent in the first place.
Just as I was considering whether I should tell Problem Solver about this, Hina's lips curved upward, her tone carrying a hint of cheerfulness.
"So, I can meet with Sensei without worry."
Staring at the genuine smile on the girl's face, I confirmed a suspicion.
Hina really did harbor feelings for me, and she truly looked forward to meeting me, just like I did.
Since that was the case, there was something I wanted to say.
"Actually, there is no need to be so concerned about other people's eyes, right?" I asked. "After all, it is just a dat… a normal meeting. Choosing a place with more atmosph… a more ordinary location would also be fine."
"It feels like you changed what you were saying several times," Hina said, her brows knitting slightly before quickly relaxing. "There is no helping it. This is also for your sake, Sensei."
"For my sake?"
"Yes. As you know, I have many enemies, both inside and outside the academy. It would not be an exaggeration to say that I am being watched at all times."
As she said this, Hina's expression grew serious.
"So if someone like me were known to be going out of my way to meet a particular person… that person might end up in danger."
So it was not just shyness. She was also trying to protect me.
I was deeply moved, but then Hina continued, sounding self reproachful.
"For example, right now… that Makoto has probably already set her sights on you."
That made me recall the incomprehensible thought process of the Pandemonium Society President.
And her beautiful appearance that stood in stark contrast to her inner nature, as well as the concrete ways in which she had "set her sights on me"…
At once, my gaze sharpened as I declared firmly, "It's fine. I'm not afraid."
"…Sensei, when you're like this, I don't even know what to say," Hina sighed. "If you don't stay alert to your surroundings, you'll suffer a great loss one day."
Will I? Perhaps.
But with my wisdom, courage, and charm, there is no need to worry too much.
That is a lesson I learned from Arisu and Kei.