The news brought by Hoshinomiya lifted the spirits of Class A students for quite some time—perhaps even more than the arrival of their Private Points this morning. After all, a luxury cruise trip was something to look forward to no matter how one looked at it.
Conversations about the trip filled the classroom, with students discussing swimsuit selections or even workout routines to ensure they could show off their best figures when the time came.
When noon arrived and Ichinose, as usual, collected half of the class's Private Points, Hikaru took the opportunity to steer the discussion in a different direction. He reminded everyone that it was still too early to be preoccupied with such plans; the more pressing matter was preparing for the upcoming end-of-month final exams.
His words immediately doused the lively chatter. This was the result of the prestige he had accumulated over time—his classmates absorbed his suggestion without a single objection.
After school, Ichinose headed to the Student Council, while Hikaru, having just received a message from Hiyori, made his way to the library to meet her.
Lately, the two of them had been meeting at the same spot—near the bookshelves that housed classic literature and detective novels. Sitting in that quiet space, reading while engaging in occasional hushed conversations, created a rare and peaceful atmosphere.
Upon stepping into the library, Hikaru navigated the rows of bookshelves with practiced ease, heading toward his usual destination.
It didn't take long for him to spot the gray-haired girl already seated there, her head lowered as she read, exuding a tranquil and composed aura.
"Shiina-san," he greeted her softly before taking the seat across from her.
"Hikaru-kun, good afternoon."
Hiyori greeted him with a gentle smile. Though she had not lifted her head, the familiar sound of his footsteps was enough for her to recognize who had arrived. A warm sense of joy stirred in her heart.
"I finished the book from last time, but I haven't picked out a new one yet," Hikaru said casually, keeping the conversation light. "Do you have any recommendations, Shiina-san?"
"For today… how about this one?"
Hiyori reached for a book from the stack beside her and handed it to him with a bright smile. The cover was a striking combination of black and red.
"This is The Magpie Murders. I finished it recently and thought it was quite good."
"Oh? What kind of mystery trick does it use?"
Hikaru accepted the book, taking in the cover design—an intricately drawn bird clutching a bloodstained blade in its beak. The bold red and black color scheme created a strong visual impact. Any mystery enthusiast would instantly be intrigued.
"It's a case where fairy tales and legends are used to obscure the true motive," Hiyori explained slowly. "That's all I'll say for now—the rest is for you to discover on your own."
"Hm. I'll read it with anticipation."
Hikaru gave a slight nod. His interactions with Hiyori had always been like this—no need for elaborate flattery or attempts to win her over. Their discussions revolved purely around detective fiction and literature, gradually increasing her stock value.
Just as he opened the book and started reading, a new figure suddenly appeared before him. Looking up, he was met with an unexpected sight—Ibuki Mio.
"Hikaru… it's you?"
The short-haired girl sat down beside Hiyori, eyeing Hikaru with open hostility.
Marking his page with a bookmark, Hikaru raised an eyebrow in mild confusion. "Me? Did something happen?"
"Hmph. I've been wondering why Shiina has been carrying her bag to the library so often lately. She used to just read the books here before heading back."
Ibuki crossed her arms, eyes sharp. "I suspected she was bringing books for someone—but I never expected that person to be you."
She leaned forward, her tone accusing. "You're deliberately getting close to Shiina to extract information about our class, aren't you?"
"That's not it at all," Hiyori interjected with a sigh of mild exasperation. "Hikaru-kun and I are just fellow mystery novel enthusiasts. He isn't trying to gather intelligence on our class."
She then turned to Ibuki with a hint of curiosity. "Besides, why did you suddenly come to the library today? Didn't you say you didn't like this place?"
"I was worried about you." Ibuki huffed, her arms still crossed. "This guy is a liar—he never says a single honest thing. Shiina, you better not let him fool you."
Despite her sharp words, the concern in her expression was genuine.
"That's a serious accusation, Ibuki-san."
Hikaru remained unbothered. After glancing at Hiyori, he spoke in a calm tone. "Shiina-san and I happened to meet here by chance. Later, we realized we both enjoy detective novels, so I started borrowing books from her."
"That's right. Ibuki-san, you're misunderstanding."
Though Hiyori's demeanor was usually composed and refined, her voice carried a distinct firmness when she said this. The certainty in her tone made Ibuki momentarily falter.
"…Is that so?"
Ibuki trusted Hiyori's intelligence. Among the girls in Class D, Shiina held considerable influence and was a key figure in the class. If she was saying this with such confidence, it was hard to refute.
"Yes, Ibuki-san, don't make me out to be a villain."
Hikaru shrugged. He studied Ibuki's expression for a moment before adding, "If you don't believe me, you're welcome to stay and watch."
Even with a third person present, it wouldn't disrupt his approach. His method of increasing Hiyori's stock value was through their shared love for mystery novels. As long as he maintained this dynamic, it didn't matter if someone was watching—it wouldn't affect how Hiyori felt about him.
"Fine then. I have nothing else to do today, so I'll stay and see for myself what you're up to."
Ibuki pulled out a chair and sat down, resting her chin on one hand while watching Hikaru. Her sharp gaze remained fixed on him, as if trying to see through his every move.
This girl had a short temper, but she wasn't someone with a bad personality. Neither Hiyori nor Hikaru particularly disliked her presence.
"Suit yourself."
Hikaru didn't mind. He lowered his gaze and resumed reading The Magpie Murders, quickly becoming engrossed in the story.
Noticing his focused expression, Hiyori also returned to her own book. The atmosphere around them quieted once again.
Ibuki, momentarily ignored, shifted her position uncomfortably. After a while, she stole another glance at Hikaru, her eyes narrowing.
'I'll keep a close watch on you. There's no way I'll let you deceive Shiina.'
~~~
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