With the helpful directions he'd received, Kanade Natsukawa knew exactly where to find Mahiru Shiina. His destination: the girls' dormitory.
Technically, it was a separate accommodation area split into male and female sections, each configured like a standard lodge. Because it was still daylight, access rules were relatively relaxed, requiring only a brief explanation to the nurse stationed at the entrance to gain permission.
Perhaps his student council president status helped, as the nurse didn't give him much trouble—though she couldn't resist teasing.
"Even if you're the president, you shouldn't go overboard… At least wait until it's completely dark, okay~?"
"…"
It was common knowledge that school nurses had a peculiar fixation on "health education." Kanade, as the head of the disciplinary committee, understood the importance of maintaining decorum all too well.
"Thank you for the advice," he replied diplomatically, preparing to walk past her.
But just as he did, she pressed something into his hand.
"It's all I've got, so take it~"
Kanade looked down and froze. It was a… condom.
His expression twisted. She was serious?!
"No, no, no, you've got it wrong!" he stammered. "I don't need this at all…"
"That won't do," the nurse replied with mock seriousness. "I know you're popular, but safety first! Girls are treasures, you know—you must cherish them."
"…"
Then why are you handing out things like this?! Is this how you "cherish" students?! Stop ruining innocent minds already!
Out of options, Kanade reluctantly stuffed the item into his pocket, intending to throw it away at the first available trash can.
"Fine… Thanks, I guess."
"Such a good boy." The nurse smiled, mumbling to herself as he walked away, "Another lost couple guided back onto the right path. What a fulfilling day~!"
"…"
As long as you're happy.
Shaking off the awkward encounter, Kanade headed toward Mahiru's room. Along the way, he passed several girls, some of whom gave him curious glances. Fortunately, none seemed hostile, which helped ease his nerves slightly.
It's still their dorm, though, he thought, the situation feeling increasingly awkward. If anyone asked why he was there, he'd have a hard time explaining himself.
Maybe I should work on toughening my skin. Like earlier—if he'd been a little more shameless, that nurse wouldn't have gotten the better of him.
And maybe, just maybe, if he could build up some confidence, he wouldn't always act so stiff around people like Kasumigaoka-senpai…
Lost in thought, Kanade didn't realize he'd arrived at his destination until the "2108" plaque on the door brought him back to reality.
The trio's earlier words echoed in his mind: "You can just go in without knocking."
Yeah, right.
Instead, he knocked politely. He wasn't about to barge into a girl's room uninvited, no matter the circumstances. That was a recipe for disaster.
"Excuse me, is anyone in there?" he called softly, keeping his voice low to avoid disturbing other rooms.
Inside, he heard faint noises but no verbal response, as if someone were too preoccupied to answer. He waited a moment, then knocked again, louder this time.
"Mahiru, are you in there?"
Finally, a small voice responded, "Come in."
He opened the door to find a room nearly identical to the boys' dorm rooms—bare-bones furniture, luggage neatly stored in a corner, and a tidy layout.
But Kanade's attention quickly shifted to the girl curled up on the bed, wrapped in a blanket with her back to him.
"I'm sorry!" she blurted out, surprising him.
Kanade froze. Why is she apologizing the moment I walk in?
Before he could respond, Mahiru continued.
"I'm sorry for saying those things earlier… I wasn't blaming you. I know you were looking out for me. It's just… I'm too much of a coward to say anything to him myself…"
Kanade's confusion turned to understanding. She thinks I'm one of her roommates.
When no response came from behind her, Mahiru assumed they were upset.
"It's okay if you don't forgive me. I know I was wrong. But… I'm grateful to have had friends like you. Even if we can't stay friends anymore, I'll always treasure these memories…"
Her voice broke, trembling with emotion. It wouldn't have surprised Kanade if she started crying then and there.
Unable to remain silent, he finally spoke up. "It's me, Mahiru."
The familiar voice made her spin around in shock.
"Kanade?! Why are you here?!"
Her initial surprise quickly morphed into nervousness. She turned away, covering her head with the blanket to avoid looking at him.
"Why… why did you come here? Go back!"
"Does Mahiru not want to see me?" Kanade asked gently, taking a step closer. He wasn't about to leave her in this state.
"No, it's not that… It's just…" Her muffled voice trailed off.
Kanade sighed. Judging by her reaction and everything he'd observed so far, he had a good idea of what was going on.
He approached the bed slowly and reached out—only to stop midway as a thought struck him.
"Uh… You are wearing clothes, right?"
"…"
Mahiru popped her head out from under the blanket, her face a brilliant shade of red.
"What the heck are you saying?!" she shouted, flustered.
She had been so overwhelmed by his presence, her heart pounding just from hearing his footsteps. But now this?
"Idiot! Dummy! Jerk!" she snapped, flinging every insult she could muster at him. It wasn't just his careless words—she was also venting her frustration at how oblivious he could be.
Kanade scratched his head sheepishly, deciding it was best to take the verbal lashing without protest. If this helped her let out her feelings, so be it.
When Mahiru finally quieted down, he noticed her avoiding his gaze again. She tried to retreat under the blanket once more, but this time, he gently took her hands in his.
"Don't… don't look at me," she murmured, her head bowed.
"Why not?" Kanade asked softly.
"Because…"
"Because?"
"…Because my eyes are red…" she admitted, her voice barely audible.
Kanade's grip on her hands loosened, and he gently lifted them to her cheeks, prompting her to meet his gaze.
"I see," he said, his tone steady. "That explains why you're so cute today—you must've put on makeup."
Mahiru blinked, caught off guard by his sudden seriousness.
"But you know," he continued, "I think you're beautiful even without makeup. Especially when you smile… It's enchanting, like a warm breeze on a spring day."
"Pfft…" Mahiru couldn't help but laugh at his earnest but outdated phrasing.
"What kind of cheesy line is that? Those expressions are so old-fashioned!" she teased, her face still flushed but her spirits clearly lifted.
Her words were dismissive, but her heart was soaring. She could never tire of his compliments, no matter how corny they were. If only he'd keep going, keep telling her how much he liked her…
Kanade's goal, meanwhile, was already achieved.
The Mahiru before him wasn't avoiding his gaze anymore. She was smiling—genuinely smiling—and even had the energy to tease him back.