We arrived at the Trinity shopping street slightly earlier than I had when I went out alone last night, and naturally, more shops were still open.
Walking behind the group alone, I watched the girls ahead, full of excitement, and even my mood began to lift, feeling lighter and more comfortable than before.
Going back a little. Originally, I had reservations about Hanako's proposal to go out late at night.
First, the Make-Up Work Club is technically confined to the villa. School rules don't allow students to leave without special reasons. But considering Trinity's curfew and recent unusual circumstances, the chance of running into the Tea Party's security team at this hour was low.
Second, I had planned to secretly follow Azusa later that night to investigate her true whereabouts. But when I saw her casually remove her gym uniform (used as pajamas) and change into her school uniform before the other three even came to a conclusion, I abandoned that plan.
Finally... And most importantly, everyone seemed genuinely interested in this little adventure, so I naturally didn't want to be the fun police. When Hanako asked my opinion, I immediately gave my consent.
And so, one thing led to another, resulting in the current situation.
"So, how is it? You're having fun now, right?" Hanako asked cheerfully. "The thrill of doing something forbidden, mixed with the comfort of breaking school rules together…!"
For some reason, I couldn't help but think that one day, for the same reason, she might recruit accomplices to take turns committing wild acts with me, and I, out of concern and care for them, would have no choice but to silently endure it again and again…
SAUCE
Shuddering at the thought, I instinctively wiped the corner of my mouth to stop any tears of sorrow from falling.
After looking around for a moment, Azusa sighed: "I see… so this is what the streets at night feel like… more lively than I imagined."
So, Azusa really hadn't been to the shopping street these past few nights.
Hanako nodded: "Exactly! There are plenty of stores open 24 hours too."
Azusa looked further ahead: "Is that a dessert shop? Open 24 hours… ah, and there's a café too."
"Just a little further ahead, there's a Momofriends shop," Hifumi added, unable to hide her excitement at sharing with a fellow enthusiast. "And across the street, there's a hidden store selling only limited products…"
Hanako immediately teased with knowing intent: "Hehe, as expected of Hifumi-chan, you know all the details."
Hifumi could only offer a polite, slightly embarrassed smile.
In fact, when Hanako had previously tried to tempt everyone into breaking the rules, she had already dropped subtle hints:
"Although I don't know the exact school rules, I'm sure everyone secretly does this sometimes, right? Maybe there are people like that around us, don't you think, Hifumi-chan?"
She already seemed to know about Hifumi's past "good deeds."
Even for someone once considered the ultra-talented, seemingly pure girl of Trinity, a girl who could have thrown herself into rebellion for expulsion, who gave up her elite status for a faction seeking her allegiance, and was destined to become a Tea Party member. Hanako's information network was not to be underestimated.
Perhaps through her connections, we might even obtain some crucial clues.
"Ugh…" At this point, Koharu, the only one still hesitant grimaced and muttered: "I ended up following along… If Hasumi-senpai sees us here, we'll definitely get scolded…"
Judging by Hasumi's personality, I thought Koharu was probably worrying needlessly.
"Really?" Hanako asked, puzzled. "I heard Hasumi-senpai is very kind to her juniors…?"
"O-of course she is!" Koharu stomped her foot in panic, quickly defending her respected senior. "And she's talented in both academics and sports, beautiful and clever…? And an amazing senpai with great taste!"
…Wasn't it supposed to be "talented and virtuous"?
Koharu then lowered her voice: "B-but when she's angry, she's really scary… I was there once…"
From her perspective, Koharu roughly recounted the previous conflict between Hasumi and Makoto, and how afterward Hasumi vowed to the Justice Task Force to successfully lose weight and have everyone supervise her diet. Overall, it matched to what I already knew.
"Since then, Hasumi-senpai hasn't eaten much. It's really worrisome…"
"I see… Now I understand her anger toward those in Gehenna. No wonder…"
No wonder Nagisa was wary of Hasumi, and Koharu was placed in the Make-Up Work Club as a sort of hostage. I made a mental note of it.
"But Hasumi-senpai is strong in every sense, so it's fine!"
Koharu puffed out her chest proudly: "Since then, she's kept her promise with herself!"
In fact, that's exactly why it's all the more worrying. I really should find a chance to talk to Hasumi.
"Ah," Azusa suddenly spoke, "there's a dessert shop here too."
"Talking about food makes me a little hungry," Hanako suggested. "Shall we grab something here?"
Hifumi looked up: "Ah, the limited parfait here is really good! I didn't even realize this place is open 24 hours."
Azusa pondered briefly: "A parfait… yeah, sounds nice. Let's go."
The three of them in agreement headed straight for the dessert shop's entrance.
After a moment of hesitation, Koharu, having looked around to make sure no one noticed, sneaked along and eventually caught up.
Walking last, I had the pleasure of taking in this amusing scene, then followed them into the shop.
As soon as we entered, the robot cashier greeted us warmly:
"Welcome! Five customers? Please place your order."
Hifumi, who had quietly expressed her inexplicable excitement, asked: "Um… do you still have the limited parfait?"
"Oh, I'm sorry…" the robot replied apologetically, "A customer just bought the last three limited parfaits…"
"Ah… I see…"
Hifumi's face fell slightly in disappointment.
Azusa sighed: "Just a step too slow… even at this hour, someone buys them. Impressive."
From one perspective, this probably proves how good the limited parfait must taste.
Just as I was about to reassure them we could come back next time, a familiar female voice rang out uncertainly from the side:
"…Huh? Se-sensei?"