--Getting permission to use the empty classroom was easier than I expected.
"If that's what you want, Hoshimiya-san, please feel free to do so!"
The decision was made with a single word from the principal.
It was Kiyoshi who made the request, but he was so humble just because Hime was with him. Even though he was about to turn 60, it was impressive that the principal could be so humble to a child who wasn't even in double digits yet.
"That way of flattering him... he's no ordinary person."
Hisamori and I were watching from a distance. Hime suggested that it would be better if there were no regular students present, since the principal is the type of adult who changes his attitude depending on the person.
"What do you mean, no ordinary person?"
"Maybe you're the kind of person who focuses on pleasing your superiors, rather than improving your own abilities in order to get promoted. That's the humility of someone who has lived their life sucking up to people stronger than themselves... I still have a long way to go."
"...I see."
I decided to just listen to this story lightly because it seemed like it would be difficult to gain sympathy if I expanded on it.
Well then, just as Hime had expected, the talks seemed to have gone smoothly thanks to us not being there.
And so it was already evening.
It was already late and it was already time to go home as usual. Even though I had been given permission to use an empty classroom, I wouldn't actually be able to study until tomorrow.
"Well, I'm going home now! Uhehe... If I can just curry favor with Hoshimiya Hijiri-senpai, the newspaper club will be safe."
Once everything had settled down, Hisamori also went home.
Hisamori-san skipped home with a satisfied look on his face. Perhaps because he was a frequent visitor and had a lively voice, I overheard him muttering to himself on the way home, which made me smile wryly.
Of course, the person in question heard that word too.
"Hisamori-chan is the same as always. She comes to the student council room every day, trying to get money for club fees and field trips, and the student council president gets mad at her."
"...Considering being scolded, you seem to be living a very happy life."
"I wonder if she hasn't learned her lesson at all? She's always been so cheerful, so when she gets scolded, I end up protecting her."
Saying this, Hijiri laughed.
Perhaps she thinks of Hisamori as a junior and is fond of her. She seemed happy to be relied upon.
"Hime-chan is unusually not shy."
"...Hisamori-san, you look like your sister."
On the way home, the three of us walked down the hallway, chatting lightly.
Her steps were extremely slow. It wasn't that she was trying to match her pace with Hime, who was petite and had a short stride, but rather that she wanted to talk a little longer, so she slowed down.
"Me? Eh, I don't look like her. I'm a little more mature."
"They're similar. They're both bright, positive, and a little forceful...they have the same vibe."
Hime felt the same way.
I also think that Hisamori-san and Hijiri-san have similar personalities. I wondered if that was the reason why Hime wasn't shy around Hisamori-san... but it seems that was as expected.
"Huh? Do I really give off that stupid vibe?!"
"I'm not saying you're stupid... but it's true that your sister's grades are poor."
"I'm calling you stupid. That's terrible."
Ah, he's sulking. Kiyoshi-san has a sulky look on his face that doesn't look like he's having any fun.
Seeing his expression, Hime shrugged her shoulders as if to say it couldn't be helped.
"...But I love such cheerful people."
"--Hime-chan, I love you!"
As always, Hijiri is very kind to her younger sister.
Kiyoshi instantly cheered up and held hands with Hime. Seeing the two sisters get along so well, I couldn't help but laugh too.