Under the sunset, I walked along the beach with Hina, struggling to hold back my laughter.
"Ah…" The small, white-haired girl sighed helplessly. "Sorry… I have to trouble you again, sensei, for helping me out this time."
"You're welcome… pft."
But how could I hold it in at such a funny story?
I let out a short laugh, which made the girl next to me blush again. "What are you laughing at?"
"Sorry, sorry, but… to think the nearby residents actually thought you were a lost child and took you to the lost child service center...haha"
Especially since when I first got Hina's message asking for help, I thought she was in some kind of real trouble.
The gap between reality and my imagination made it even more comical.
Hina hesitated, seemingly wanting to explain herself, but finally gave up. "Ah… laugh all you want, then."
Oddly enough, that actually made me want to laugh less.
Then the girl started complaining. "I've told them several times that I'm no longer an elementary school student… I know they mean well… but no matter how many times I explain, they just respond with gentle smiles, saying things like 'Don't worry, leave it to the big sisters'…"
Theoretically, as a third-year student, Hina should actually be older than them.
Sighing again, she looked utterly perplexed. "Why don't they ever listen…?"
"You're asking why…"
"Hmm? Sensei, do you know the reason?"
I met Hina's clear gaze, taking in her in the elementary school swimsuit, the glaring name tag on her chest with her grade and class. For the first time, I realized this girl might actually be naturally charming in an unintentional way.
Crap.. that made her even cuter.
Thinking that, I answered with feigned innocence. "I don't know either."
Hina didn't press further. "Sigh… so troublesome…"
"By the way, what surprised me even more is that you obediently let them take you away."
"…If I revealed my real identity casually, it would just make things more troublesome," Hina explained. "I could have fought my way out if necessary, but they aren't bad people. And if someone nearby recognized me and rushed over, it would bother them too."
I nodded knowingly, wanting to praise Hina for being considerate, but held back, careful not to go overboard.
"Moreover," Hina continued solemnly, "if sensei from Schale and the Prefect Team chair of Gehenna were to be seen alone at the beach… the media would probably make a huge deal out of it, and it could even be broadcast nonstop on news airships…"
Just like when Mika forcibly kissed me before.
After all, someone as uniquely handsome in Kivotos as me naturally becomes the topic of crushes among girls, let alone if there's even a hint of a romance rumor.
Everyone would criticize the student close to me while imagining themselves as the one involved with me.
Of course, the impact of the news depends slightly on the status of the person involved.
Thinking that, I sighed. "Then the General Student Council and the Pandemonium Society would immediately issue clarifications."
"Yes… and the previously debated rumors would then be completely confirmed," Hina added, her expression wistful.
To avoid causing trouble for each other, it seemed that for a long time, she and I could only maintain our occasional secret meetings.
Fortunately, the upscale restaurant I often visit with a night view generally sees no students, especially none from Khronos School of Journalism aka the paparazzi.
"…Phew." Hina exhaled, "Anyway, I think I now know how to handle things from now on."
"Huh? You already understand the beach situation?"
I asked, slightly surprised, wondering if she had asked those overzealous "big sisters" for information while being escorted to the lost child center.
But Hina simply looked at me with those gorgeous, mysterious purple eyes.
"It's only because I was alone that this happened."
She spoke softly. "So… please don't leave my side. Is that okay, sensei?"
Her sudden words froze me in place, leaving only an instinctive thought in my mind!
This is a confession, isn't it?
At this point, it has to be a confession, right?
What should I do? Should I kiss her right away?
Can I act on instinct?
"Sensei? What's wrong?"
Hina's anxious voice sounded almost otherworldly in my ears.
Yet at the same time, it was like a bucket of cold water poured on my racing heart, bringing a measure of rationality back. Activating my ability from Fuuka, I felt myself calm down.
Considering Hina's naturally reserved personality…
Is it possible that she didn't intend any deeper meaning with those words?
I asked in a low voice. "Do you mean during the beach training camp?"
"Otherwise?" Hina asked, puzzled. "I wouldn't normally trouble sensei like this. And if I caused you any inconvenience…"
Indeed, she had. And it was significant.
"No inconvenience at all. On the contrary, I'm more than happy," I paused, "…Even if it's not just during the beach training camp, it's fine, okay?"
"Oh… I see…"
Hearing this, Hina's smile softened. "Then, during our regular patrols from now on, I'll also rely on you. I'll protect sensei too."
Looking at her beaming face, I suddenly felt a lump in my throat.
You're giving me an opportunity and I can't even use it!
I already said something so easily misinterpreted, I've given all the hints, and yet she genuinely only expects me to humbly help her a little?
Not even a new authority? What's going on? Even if I misinterpreted, our relationship has clearly progressed, right? Why do I still feel frustrated?
It can only be said that the progress of my relationship with Hina now entirely depends on when she truly realizes things.
I hope the Prefect Team Pres is quick to catch on, don't take forever while some overly cautious subordinates repeatedly go back and forth at the finish line while you crawl at the starting line!
I know her pure-heartedness and overthinking are part of her charm, but I couldn't help feeling annoyed at her lack of initiative.
Kivotos is never short of students eager to fight for things!
"Then," the white-haired girl said with a smile, "we have about thirty minutes left. Although dinner is probably impossible… Can sensei stay with me for a little longer?"
I perked up. "Of course!"
Indeed, no matter what, Hina was just too cute.
Completely helpless against her.
So, for the remaining time, I walked with Hina along the twilight beach, enjoying a leisurely and happy thirty minutes together.
SAUCE