"What are you doing, Ayumi-chan?"

Shouko gently patted her friend's hand away, yawning, utterly confused at why Ayumi was so worked up.

Realizing she'd gotten carried away, Ayumi drew in a deep breath, then sat down. She pushed her desk against the others and began questioning Shouko one detail at a time.

Only when Nishikata returned did Ayumi and Takagi finally stop. From him, they learned that the biggest reason the book was being published so quickly was thanks to an "adult" in Akira's family.

"Not bad, Nishikata, you even managed to snag yakisoba bread this time," Ayumi said, envious as she watched him savoring the treat.

The shock of the earlier conversation had already drained her capacity for surprise; now she couldn't muster much more.

Her words drew Akira's and Shouko's attention. They finally noticed Nishikata holding the school's limited yakisoba bread — a rare prize. Normally, the best he could manage were rice balls or sandwiches.

Neither dwelled on it; they just glanced over and returned to eating their bentos.

"Want one? I grabbed two," Nishikata offered, reaching into his desk drawer.

Tempted but cautious, Ayumi shook her head. "Thanks, but no. You eat it."

As she answered, she stole a sideways glance at Takagi. Only when she saw her quietly eating her bento did Ayumi sigh in relief.

Watching everyone around her paired off made her long for someone to show off, but the thought always evaporated. None of them were technically together yet — but it felt close. And besides, finding love was too much trouble.

She preferred the idea of a love like a burglary: one rest day, staying home reading manga instead of going out with Shouko and the others, when suddenly a tall, handsome, loyal thief bursts into her house. Their eyes meet — and he falls for her instantly. That kind of love!

"Ayumi-chan, if you don't eat your bento now, it'll get cold again," Shouko said, waving a hand in front of her friend's dreamy smile.

"Oh—oh, right!" Ayumi snapped out of it, ignoring the stares around her as she dug in again.

Beside her, Takagi shook her head. Ayumi had always been like this since their first year, and as graduation neared, her daydreaming only grew worse.

To outsiders, the nearby Girls were just curious what the class monitor was smiling about. To most of the boys, she looked unbearably cute.

After that little interlude, the three girls returned to gossip, Nishikata occasionally adding comments. Akira listened quietly.

When lunch ended, they pushed the desks back. Akira picked up Shouko's empty bento box.

"I'll wash this. You still have thirty minutes — go nap a little longer."

"Mhm." Shouko nodded. "Akira, wake me when class starts."

She only looked away once she saw him leave with the others. Then she removed her hearing aid, laid her head on the desk, and drifted off.

The pale golden sun slanted across Tokyo's alleys. The winter chill still clung to the shade, cafés fogged their windows, and pedestrians in wool coats brushed against plum branches, shaking off petals like snow.

"Dong… dong… dong…"

"Class dismissed, students. Be careful going home."

The teacher closed her book, smiled, and joked:

"Remember to wake the sleepers. Staying overnight at school isn't allowed."

She chuckled as she left. Few students laughed — all were too busy buzzing with the excitement of dismissal.

After packing his books, Akira turned and gently shook Shouko. "Shouko, wake up. School's over."

"Got it, Akira. Class is starting, right?"

She rubbed her eyes, sat up groggily, and blinked at the lively classroom. Half-asleep, she thought her brain was lagging.

"Akira… did we get dismissed early…?"

Before he could answer, Ayumi twisted around. "Shouko, it's not that we didn't call you! It was Miyamura who stopped us!"

"Huh…?" Shouko put her hearing aid back on, confused. But then she spotted the clock on the board. Her eyes widened, and she turned sharply toward Akira.

"Akira… weren't you supposed to wake me up for class?"

He scratched his cheek sheepishly. "You looked so tired. I figured I'd let you sleep. Besides, the only class was Mr. Shintou's long ramble about his past. I can explain it to you tonight instead."

Shouko wrinkled her nose, huffed softly, and looked away as she packed her bag. Whether his excuse passed, he couldn't tell — but since she didn't argue, maybe it did.

At the gate, they split into different directions.

Because of the illustration schedule, Akira and Shouko had already called Naruko-sensei to explain; they might not attend the Art Club again. Surprised but understanding, she told them to file official withdrawal requests and arrange to hand off the club leader position.

On the way home, Shouko suddenly headbutted Akira. He swallowed his irritation and silently vowed to retaliate later.

Dusk painted indigo clouds in rusty red. The last sun gilded Senso-ji Temple's eaves, casting pigeon silhouettes across the stone steps. Streetlights flickered on, blending with laughter, convenience store jingles, and the steam of oden.

"Akira, why are you giving me one percent of the royalties?!"

Shouko stormed into the Miyamura living room after dinner, confronting him.

That afternoon, Yaeko Nishimiya had explained everything at the table. She'd even simplified it so Shouko could understand.

And now Shouko was shocked. If not for her full stomach, she would've rushed over the moment she heard.

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