The military coup, orchestrated by Mika in collusion with Arius, had finally drawn to a close.
Although there had been a few unforeseen developments at the last moment, after Mika's final outburst, she truly showed no intention of resisting anymore. In that sense, it could be called a decisive victory.
The only thing sacrificed… was my first kiss…
Though, it was only for today.
Just thinking about the rumor of my first kiss being stolen spreading quickly throughout the entire Academy City makes me feel both embarrassed and amused.
In a way, maybe it's for the best? After all, if this spreads, people will tacitly avoid asking questions that I'd have trouble answering.
As for the participants in this Tea Party internal conflict, Mika stood tall and radiant, her clothes spotless; Nagisa hung her head, exhausted and tear-streaked.
Judging only by their appearances, one could easily mistake the winner and the loser.
"Sensei…" Despite clearly appearing downcast, Nagisa still tried to console me. "It's alright, sensei, it's not your fault… Nobody could have imagined Mika would commit such an outrageous, shameful act!"
…Somehow, I felt that what she said was a little off.
"As expected of Mika-san~ The things we want to do but don't dare to, she can accomplish effortlessly. Truly admirable and enviable!"
Nagisa nodded instinctively, then realized herself, coughed to cover it, and with a serious expression, glared at Hanako, who had been teasing:
"Hanako-san, please don't say things that sound like you're gloating! Sensei is already in enough pain!"
Huh? Pain?
I, inwardly bursting with joy, held back my laughter.
Mika - The one who had caused me so much frustration, angered me time and again, conspired with Arius, attacked Seia, attempted a coup, almost imprisoned her childhood friend, and instigated all-out warfare… The Mika who had done all these foolish and cruel things…
The Mika who had once treated me with coldness and even disdain despite my good intentions…
…She just forcibly kissed me?
And that was undoubtedly her first.
How could I not feel my mind completely blown!?
The fact that I didn't cheer or celebrate this overwhelming victory for myself is already proof of my iron will.
Of course, I knew Mika hadn't suddenly fallen in love with me.
Her actions were most likely intended to provoke Nagisa, who could see at a glance that I liked her.
As for the deeper reasons…
Maybe she secretly liked me without realizing it and got jealous seeing my interactions with Nagisa and Azusa?
In any case, with Mika's astonishing intellect, her true thoughts were beyond my comprehension at this stage.
I thought this while using the bottled black tea I had bought earlier with Serina to help treat the injured, rinsing Nagisa's mouth and evoking some unpleasant memories.
As the Justice Task Force arrived late to clear the field, Sakurako, Mari, and Hinata greeted me before leaving with the rest of the Sisterhood students.
"Sensei… there are many things to take care of, so I'll take my leave for now."
Nagisa, injured from a sprain, sat in a wheelchair that seemed to be a millennium-era model, vaguely resembling the ride of someone I remembered from the past.
Then, the Tea Party host looked at the four remaining Make-Up Work Club girls, hesitating before saying: "And… Make-Up Work Club members. I have much I want to say, but that will wait for later. I sincerely hope you achieve ideal scores on the make-up exams… tomorrow, no, the day after."
"Nagisa-sama…" Hifumi was moved, nodding firmly: "Yes! We'll do our best!"
Hanako smiled: "Hehe~ Then, for all the intense exercise we did together under sensei's guidance, can we get a little leniency when grading?"
Wait… what kind of exercise are we talking about?
Koharu's previously weary eyes lit up instantly, while Azusa remained calm as ever.
"Of course. Rest assured, in the name of the Tea Party, I guarantee the exam difficulty and passing scores will be adjusted to their proper ranges. Now, I'll take my leave."
With that, Nagisa, escorted by the Justice Task Force, returned to the school.
Another Tea Party member, surrounded by Justice Task Force members, received a very different treatment.
Though not outright mistreated, as the losing side of the coup, no matter how prestigious her former position had been, she was now officially treated as a criminal.
"M-Mika-san…"
As the pink-haired girl was about to be escorted into the prison transport, I called out to her.
The Justice Task Force, willing to grant me this courtesy, paused the escort.
"Yo-ho, sensei?" Mika turned around energetically, greeting me warmly. "Just call me Mika~ After all, our relationship has gotten so close~"
I froze, a little flustered: "Uh… Misono-san… could you… behave normally?"
Mika pouted slightly, smiling: "Hehe, just joking. What's the matter? Did you think there was some hidden meaning there? Hahaha~ Still as sentimental as ever!"
…I honestly wasn't expecting anything like that.
For some reason, I felt a slight melancholy brewing in my heart.
After everything, Mika could not be easily forgiven.
She would face prison and a proper trial. Even in the best scenario, it would be a long time before we could meet normally, and I couldn't visit her frequently.
"Don't misunderstand, I'm just… treating you as a suitable tool~ Even though I lost, I still want to turn the tables on Nagi-chan and Azusa-chan☆
That's the feeling, okay? If you're expecting anything from me without permission, I'd be very troubled."
Mika paused, her expression softening considerably: "…But if you're still foolishly willing to trust me, I really don't mind."
It would be best if she really didn't mind.
"Then, at that time, if…"
Suddenly, Mika seemed about to bring up another topic, but stopped. After a moment, she shook her head: "No, still nothing. Bye-bye, sensei."
With that, she turned and walked into the prison transport, giving me no further chance to speak.
Watching the transport disappear, I glanced at my phone, it was already late at night. Turning to the Make-Up Work Club girls, I gave them the warmest smile.
"Everyone, let's go."