After the handshake, Saionji Mako seemed intent on steering the conversation back to Shinomiya.
She wasn't particularly worried about Asato Hitomi—Hitomi had always been exceptional since childhood, more than capable of solving her own problems. No, it was her classmate Shinomiya who concerned her now.
As student council president, Saionji Mako felt a responsibility toward every student at Shirayuri—even those who'd stopped showing up.
"Miss Shion, you haven't attended school once since the start of this semester. I checked with the teachers—there's no record of you withdrawing or transferring, nor any leave of absence application..."
She paused, her brow furrowing with genuine concern.
"May I ask why you've stopped coming? Has something happened?"
"None of your business."
Shinomiya's response landed like an ice pick. She was still irritated about that handshake earlier.
Kuroha Akira winced internally on Saionji's behalf.
Cold, Miss Shion. Really cold. She's your classmate showing concern—couldn't you at least pretend to be civil?
But Saionji Mako wasn't the type to give up after a single rejection. She pressed on, determined to breach Shinomiya's emotional fortress.
"I'm aware there've been... rumors about you at school. Some girls have been less than friendly. There's even been invisible bullying. Is that why you've stopped coming?"
Invisible bullying—the indirect, covert exclusion through whispered gossip and subtle clique formation. In essence, talking behind someone's back until they're completely isolated.
In reality, this was the most pervasive form of school bullying. It wasn't just physical violence or extortion that counted. This invisible kind was hardest for teachers to detect, and even students themselves often participated without realizing it.
Beauty bred jealousy, and Shinomiya attended an all-girls school. She'd inevitably become the focal point of everyone's envy.
Still, Kuroha suspected Shinomiya couldn't care less what others thought. She'd always known exactly what her appearance would cost her.
"Saionji. We're not even friends. Why do you care so much about my affairs?"
"As student council president—and as your classmate—I have an obligation to understand every student's situation. If you're facing difficulties, I want to help however I can."
"Your kindness is noted. But I have no difficulties right now. And even if I did, you wouldn't be the one to solve them."
Jealousy made women reflexively rebuff other women. Right now, Shinomiya just wanted her to leave.
"Is that so... Well, that's good then."
Despite Shinomiya's frostiness, Saionji Mako felt oddly relieved rather than offended.
Because the Shinomiya Shion she remembered was exactly this type—fiercely independent.
Even at Shirayuri High, a school overflowing with beauties that had produced countless famous idols, Shinomiya Shion still stood in a league of her own.
But that very beauty made her the unwilling target of everyone's jealousy.
Yet Shinomiya never complained about the unfairness, never bowed or compromised. She wasn't smooth—she was aggressively sharp—but that aloof, untouchable quality made her an object of admiration for many girls.
At Shirayuri Girls' High, those who'd encountered Shinomiya Shion fell into two categories: blind haters and devout worshippers.
Saionji Mako belonged firmly to the latter. She admired Shinomiya immensely, considered her a role model.
Like the lily on their school emblem—fragrant and beautiful, with a subtle, elusive scent. Peerless and independen.
The conversation seemed to reach its natural end when a new voice interrupted.
"Ryota? Everything okay?"
Apparently Sumitomo and Saionji had been gone long enough that the other two from their group had come looking.
Why do more people keep showing up...
"Oh, Sojiro—nothing, just ran into some school friends with Mako here."
"No kidding? What a coincidence! Hey there—I'm Mitsui Sojiro, good friend of Ryota and Mako."
The boy introducing himself was tall and built, with well-defined muscles visible even under his clothes. A close-cropped buzz cut completed the sturdy athlete aesthetic.
A few steps behind him lingered a petite girl with a chin-length bob. She was quite cute—easily in the 85-point range.
But why was her right eye covered with a medical eyepatch? Was this child a chuunibyou?
Her outfit certainly fit that vibe: an oversized black hoodie, extremely short shorts, and pants covered in inexplicable straps—full-on Gothic Lolita styling.
What caught Kuroha's attention most, though, were the pink-and-black striped thigh-high socks and chunky-soled leather shoes.
He'd bought pantyhose for Shinomiya, prioritizing feel and breathability. But purely visually, opaque cotton socks had their own charm.
Doesn't she get hot in all that during summer? Her feet must be suffocating...
Given her timid expression, she was probably the gloomy chuuni type.
"Mirai—come here. Why are you hiding back there? They're friends of Ryota and Mako. Come say hello."
"Umm... Takanashi Mirai desu..."
Ah—so this was the Takanashi-chan the class president had mentioned. Also a classmate of theirs, technically.
Seeing her friends converge, Saionji Mako realized they'd lingered too long. Meeting Shinomiya was just a small interlude—the main purpose of today remained unfulfilled.
She'd organized this reunion specifically because her sister had mentioned Takanashi Mirai getting into a serious quarrel with some outsiders. Apparently it had escalated to violence—hence the eye injury.
Saionji needed to understand what happened. In her memory, Mirai wasn't the type to throw the first punch.
"We should head back too... Shinomiya-san, one last question: will you return to school?"
"Probably not."
Shinomiya's answer left no room for ambiguity.
"But don't worry, Saionji-san. Not attending is my own choice. I'm going to become a voice actress."
Saionji tilted her head thoughtfully, glancing back at Takanashi.
"Voice actress? I recall Mirai-chan's mother is one, isn't she?"
"Umm...! Yes..."
Takanashi Mirai seemed deeply uncomfortable with the topic, answering stiffly.
"I see. So you've found your path."
"That's right. I can't achieve my goals at school anymore. I don't believe attending would benefit me in any way."
Who wants to go to school anyway? The only school that would make sense is the one Akira-kun attends!
"That's a shame... I'm sorry the school couldn't bring you happiness."
I'd hoped we might become friends... Fate just wasn't on our side.
Still... I envy her. At our age, she already knows what she wants and is moving toward it.
As expected—she hasn't changed at all. Still the same willful Shinomiya Shion.