After returning to the annex, I had thought I could just go straight to bed and rest. But through the gap of my bedroom door, a faint light was shining.
"Azusa," I said, looking at the white-haired girl who had appeared in my room, sitting on my bed and only hastily standing up when I entered, her expression complicated. "Is something the matter?"
Could it be that she had been influenced by someone else and become one of those naughty kids who do strange things on a bed someone else has slept in!?
As for exactly who might have corrupted her… well, there are only three left in the Make-Up Work Club, and all of them could be suspects.
When I asked this simple question, Azusa unusually faltered: "Sensei… I… you…"
To be honest, just seeing her in this adorable state, one I had never seen before, made the whole outing feel completely worth it.
Finally, Azusa pursed her lips, as if making up her mind, and looked at me seriously: "Sensei, may I ask… where did you go just now?"
It wasn't surprising that she had noticed something. After all, I haven't had professional training in tracking, nor do I possess any related abilities.
I had already "captured" Saori, why not just get the full set, huh?
Aigoo, small-minded as usual.
Thinking this, I shook my head helplessly, and in the midst of Azusa's growing nervous gaze, I took a confident step forward.
Then I reached out and ruffled her hair.
"Se-sensei!?"
Perhaps the gesture was too sudden for the moment, even Azusa was momentarily stunned.
"To come see me on your own, Azusa… well done."
Her action alone was proof that she was still the Azusa worthy of my trust.
Feeling gratified, I took the opportunity to continue gently stroking her hair, smooth as silk: "By the way… I suppose I should apologize properly first. Sorry, I followed you on my own because I was worried."
"I… you…" Azusa began fidgeting, speaking timidly: "It's me who should apologize. I'm sorry for hiding so much from you and the others… actually, I—"
But I cut her off: "We'll talk about that later."
Azusa tilted her head, blinking her large, puzzled eyes: "…Huh?"
"Look at the time. It's already so late. Tomorrow is the last day before the evaluation exam. Go rest first."
"I've had training… even if I only sleep for a day—"
Having heard this line too many times before, I interrupted: "I haven't had training."
That single, simple sentence immediately left Azusa speechless.
After calming herself, she pouted slightly: "You probably don't know how serious this is."
I sighed: "I think it'd be worse if you don't rest and end up ruining your evaluation exam."
Hearing this argument, Azusa seemed partly convinced and could no longer protest. Instead, she sulked and glared at me with those particularly hard-to-read yet adorable eyes.
During this process, her guilt and worry naturally began to transform.
I continued: "I don't know all the details, but it doesn't seem like an urgent matter, right? Worrying too much about distant issues only disrupts the present. Focus on now, and after the second evaluation exam, we'll discuss it, okay?"
After thinking for a moment, Azusa exhaled deeply and nodded with a small smile: "Yes, sensei. You're right. Thank you."
Having finally convinced the white-haired girl, I gave her a brief, reassuring hug, enough for comfort but not lingering, and sent her out of the room, ending this little episode.
Then, without even washing up, I collapsed onto the soft bed, letting the overwhelming fatigue wash over me like a tide, carrying me into a deep, unresisting sleep.
I really hadn't received that kind of training.
And so, the night passed.
The final day before the second evaluation exam arrived.
In the early morning, the sound of my preset alarm reluctantly roused me from bed. I quickly finished washing up and headed to the room across the hall.
The girls of the Make-Up Work Club were already gathered, fully prepared. Even Azusa, who had secretly stayed up last night, looked refreshed and motivated.
"…Tomorrow's the day, huh," Hifumi said solemnly.
"Mm…" Koharu nodded.
"The second special academic exam," Azusa added calmly, as if she had truly absorbed what I told her last night.
"Hehe…" Hanako smiled, remarking, "Time really flies, doesn't it?"
Hifumi nodded: "Yes… even though it's only been a week, everyone has worked hard. I believe it won't be in vain. The mock exam results were ideal… If it's us now, we should definitely pass the second special academic exam!"
Then the gentle, golden-haired girl took a deep breath and said loudly:
"But we can't get careless! We have to work hard until the very last moment! There's only one day left, let's give it our all!"
"Of course," Azusa agreed, "I'll aim for a perfect score of 100."
Koharu quickly said, "I-I will too!"
Hanako smiled warmly: "Well then… I'll do the same… hehe."
Seeing everyone make such declarations, Hifumi's tone became even more serious:
"Although… I think 100 might be a bit difficult for me… but anyway! One last day, let's all give it our best!"
Watching this lively, enthusiastic scene, a faint smile formed on my face.
"Everyone," I said, "let's do our best."
The girls, each with different expressions, all looked at me and nodded in unison.
Having firmed up their determination, they prepared to head to the classroom for their final review.
And I, to ensure their efforts wouldn't be wasted, had my own task to do, the one thing only I could do.
But before that, there was one more thing.
"Azusa," I said quietly, away from the others, a little embarrassed, "about last night…"
Azusa blinked, confused: "Didn't you say we'd talk about that after the evaluation exam?"
That was what I said last night. What does that have to do with now?
…Actually, I had just been too sleepy to remember.
I cleared my throat: "I'm only asking one thing."
Fortunately, Azusa's pure and kind heart didn't make things difficult for me: "Okay. Please go ahead."
"Mika."
I asked, "Does Misono Mika know about your 'secret mission'?"
After Azusa confirmed she did not, I breathed a sigh of relief, greeted Hifumi, and quickly left the annex to head to Trinity's main campus.
Before long, I arrived at my destination.
An elegant girl with gray-golden long hair sat at the host's seat of the tea party, smiling.