Hanako blinked at me, then shifted her gaze toward the direction Koharu had run off to and murmured,
"Koharu-chan may be a pure and lovely girl, but somehow she still makes people a little worried…"
I didn't ask how Hanako had left the classroom or when she had circled around to listen from behind.
I said calmly, "I will have to trouble you all to look after her."
"Hehe∼" Hanako laughed softly. "You are too polite. The Make-Up Work Club was meant to be a club where everyone gets along and helps each other, isn't it?"
That was indeed the original intention behind the Tea Party's arrangement, but the key was that Koharu did not seem to think that way yet.
I could only hope she would cross that hurdle in her heart soon. Before that, I would probably have to teach her myself for the time being.
Yet I could not help worrying that doing so might make her grow dependent on me, which would instead hinder her later studies.
Perhaps I would have to look for some other method.
Hanako, who had been studying me out of the corner of her eye for a while now, seemed to have confirmed something and suddenly spoke.
"By the way, are you hoping that I will help tutor Koharu-chan?"
I gave a small nod. "And Hifumi as well. I originally planned to first persuade Koharu to get along with you all, then talk to the two of you about it. I was afraid it would hurt her pride."
Although Hanako had probably already sensed something, and in a few days, once the first makeup exam results were released, everyone would know that Koharu was an idiot anyway.
"Hmm…"
Hanako pondered for a moment. "I don't think Koharu-chan is that fragile. And are you so certain that I would agree to help?"
I looked straight into her clear emerald eyes and answered frankly,
"No. I just feel like you would not stand by and do nothing. That does not really count as using you, does it?"
Hanako huffed playfully. "But it definitely counts as ordering me around. To think you have that kind of interest, you really cannot judge a person by appearances."
At our current relationship, this level of teasing was entirely within what I could accept.
So I did not feel troubled at all. Instead, I lightly stroked the side of my face and sighed.
"Sigh. As the uniquely outstanding, pure and gentle young and handsome teacher in all of Kivotos, my stunning appearance always draws most of the attention first. It is only natural that people overlook my even more superior inner qualities. This kind of thing happens often."
After I finished that long string of words in one breath, the pink-haired girl stared at me, dumbfounded.
After a long silence, Hanako gradually recovered from her shock, her face full of words she seemed to want to say but could not.
"What is it?" I asked with concern. "Are you too ashamed to speak? It's fine, I forgive you."
Hanako gathered herself several times before finally squeezing out, "…You are quite confident."
"Thank you for the compliment. So, why not give it a try yourself?"
I paused, then said softly, "After trying it, you might unexpectedly fall in love with the feeling."
I believed my true intention had already reached Hanako.
Sure enough, surprise flashed across her face, followed by a bright smile.
"Hehe∼ so that is how it is. I see, I see∼ but please forgive me for refusing."
Hanako withdrew her smile and said seriously, "To think you would want to pierce through a maiden's reserve and completely mold me into your shape. How very crude of you∼"
Yet there was still a trace of teasing in her eyes.
Does this person really think she still has something called reserve?
I felt she ought to learn from me what humility truly meant.
Frowning, I rebuked her coldly. "Are you not the one coveting my good looks?"
"Nothing of the sort∼ And right now, are you not the one who wants to use me? You haven't even asked for my opinion."
"Oh? Then what's your opinion?"
"Well, of course…"
Hanako took a deep breath and declared firmly, "Let me use you in return!"
…And she dares say she isn't after me?
I instinctively took half a step back. "What are you planning to do?"
"Ah, please don't be so guarded. I simply want to ask you to accompany me to buy a few things."
Seemingly dropping her teasing tone, Hanako spoke sincerely. "You are hoping I will tutor Koharu-chan and Azusa-chan, right? As a member of the Make-Up Work Club, I am very willing to help. But if that is the case, I will need to purchase some necessary supplies. May I trouble you to go with me?"
"I see."
Hearing that, I let out a quiet sigh of relief.
I really could not underestimate Hanako. Fortunately, she now seemed to understand boundaries and would not make things too difficult for me.
Since it was only such a small matter, I nodded readily. "When would that be? After the Make-Up Work Club activities?"
"Yes, but I need to make some other preparations today. Are you free tomorrow?"
"I am."
In just a few exchanges, I had settled the time for tomorrow's date with Hanako.
That is right, of course it is a date. The so-called shopping must merely be an excuse she came up with. Otherwise, why insist that I accompany her?
Hanako's little desire to grow closer to me was obvious at a glance to someone as experienced as me.
In the end, it was all because I was too handsome.
After that, I reminded Hanako to leave Koharu some dignity for now and let her head back first. I lingered alone in the hallway for a while before slowly returning to the classroom.
However, the moment I stepped through the door, the sight that greeted me surprised me slightly, followed by a deep sense of relief.
Inside the classroom, Koharu, who had always kept to herself, was actually holding her textbook and standing beside Hanako.
Although her cheeks were flushed and she still looked a little awkward, she was clearly asking Hanako about problems she did not understand.
At that moment, I suddenly recalled Hanako's earlier evaluation of Koharu.
I smiled faintly. It seemed I had indeed been worrying too much…
It is all Koharu's fault. The impression she left on me was so unpromising that it caused my misjudgment.
In any case, the atmosphere in the classroom grew increasingly studious, and the mood of their interactions more harmonious.
It looked like everything was developing in a good direction. Even if there was little hope of passing the first makeup exam, as long as Azusa and Koharu, the two who truly needed remedial lessons, maintained their current momentum, they would pass within three attempts. At that point, my task would basically be complete.
And then, it would be time to fulfill the promise between Hanako and me, allowing her to withdraw from Trinity.
Of course, that was a matter for later. Perhaps something else might happen in the meantime that would change her mind.
After finishing today's Make-Up Work Club activities, I returned to Schale smoothly before night had fully fallen.
Iroha had naturally already left, but not long after I sat down, I received a message from her.
After replying, the time for my meeting with Makoto was settled just like that.