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Akira wasn't in the mood to dwell on whether Horikita was going to the restroom or not. He'd arranged to meet Ichinose at the entrance of the school building at noon, and had just received her message saying she'd "arrived."
After finishing his meal, he walked directly to the agreed-upon spot.
Come to think of it, he'd also received a message from Sato-senpai yesterday afternoon.
She said that her girlfriend had already helped inquire about the date she mentioned yesterday.
Unfortunately, the girl was busy recently and couldn't be arranged for a date these few days.
However, in the end, Sato-senpai still promised with a pat on her chest that she'd definitely arrange a date for him.
But Akira knew in his heart that the girl was Ichinose. He just didn't know if she refused because she knew it was him, or if she hadn't even figured out who was behind the invitation.
However, he couldn't possibly ask about such a thing.
After all, no matter what the answer was, bringing it up would only make both parties awkward.
When he reached the entrance of the school building, Ichinose was standing under a cherry blossom tree waiting for him, a few strands of her pink long hair lifted by the wind. Seeing him approach, she smiled and waved. "Shimizu-kun, sorry to keep you waiting."
"I'm the one who's late." Akira stopped.
"These are the test papers I printed out, Shimizu-kun, please take them."
Ichinose handed over the test papers she was holding, her fingertips gently pressing the edges to prevent the papers from scattering.
Akira took them and quickly flipped through, finding that all the blanks were filled with correct answers, and the handwriting was so neat it looked like printed text.
These test papers were much more thorough than the set Sakayanagi gave to Class D. In Sakayanagi's test papers, some questions only had answers, with even simple steps left blank.
However, Ichinose not only completed all the problem-solving methods, but also clearly annotated several complex math problems. The derivation formulas were written next to them, the corresponding textbook page numbers were also included, and even small hint symbols were drawn next to easily mistaken steps.
"Did you specifically organize this?" Akira asked, looking up. He could tell that Ichinose had put a lot of effort into organizing this set of test papers.
"Yes, it took a little effort. I always felt that some parts of Sakayanagi-san's test papers were a bit difficult to understand," Ichinose replied with a smile. "This set was actually organized for Class B students; this is an extra copy."
She paused, then added. "If there's anything you don't understand, you can always ask me. Oh, and I plan to go to the library these next few days to explain these test papers to the Class B students. If you have time, you can also join the study session."
"Also, Shimizu-kun, how is the progress on the 'renting surveillance' matter that was being investigated earlier?"
"We've currently traced it to the computer stage. We've already obtained the list of everyone who's purchased a computer since enrollment!"
"Eh? Computer? I see!" Ichinose's eyes suddenly widened. "When I went to the Student Council before, the Student Council President specifically reminded me—you must bring a laptop to install the surveillance system. Thinking about it now, this is clearly an important clue! Whose idea was this, yours or Shiina-san's?"
"Actually, it was mine." Akira replied.
"...Shimizu-kun really has the potential to be a detective."
"...Uh, actually, it was just a sudden inspiration." Akira suddenly felt a bit uncomfortable.
What potential did he have to be a detective?
Come to think of it, it was quite the opposite.
If it weren't for Shiina investigating this matter, he wouldn't have become her assistant.
But then again, Ichinose was truly good at praising people.
In this regard, she was a bit like Kushida from his own class.
Both loved making friends, and their social skills were almost maxed out, but one was genuine, and the other was a facade.
He could tell that Ichinose's comment about him having "detective potential" was heartfelt. She truly thought his idea was brilliant.
No wonder she was someone who was popular with both guys and girls at school. Akira even secretly gave her the title of "Advanced Nurturing High School's Strongest Succubus."
His own Sato-senpai's girlfriend was an example, wasn't she? Whether it was being "naturally attracted" to her or being moved by her innate charisma, in short, she was willing to help her.
Thinking about it this way, if Shiina always exuded a "+1+1" aura of calmness, then in his opinion, Ichinose probably had a "+1+1" aura of favorability.
The two could be said to be equally matched, each with their own merits.
"Hmm, actually, that's exactly why I came to find you," Akira said, organizing his thoughts. "On the list, four students from Class B bought computers."
"I see. Are you asking me to help find out the specific reasons why these four students bought computers?" Ichinose quickly understood, then, as if suddenly remembering something, she chuckled uncomfortably. "But one of those four is me. I bought a computer to install a surveillance system. Shimizu-kun, do you believe me? Otherwise, I would also be one of the suspect."
"How could that be!" Akira replied without thinking, his voice filled with undisguised certainty. "Of course, I believe you. You would never do such a thing."
In his heart, he knew even more clearly. He was the one who rented the surveillance, so how could Ichinose have done it?
And Ichinose, hearing this almost instantaneous, practically blurted-out remark, unconsciously glanced at him.
She wasn't unaware of his personality.
Akira gave her the impression of a rational and calm type, used to carefully planning everything in his mind before acting.
But this time, he didn't even hesitate for half a second, choosing to believe her directly?
Being trusted felt good, especially when the person trusting her was Akira.
The slight embarrassment Ichinose felt about being a "suspect" completely vanished. She looked up at Akira, her voice carrying a hint of eager probing. "I understand, then I'll leave this matter to me! Should I call those students now? You can quietly tell me the questions you want to ask, and I'll ask them. This way, we can avoid unnecessary probing, and it'll be more efficient. What do you think?"
"Yes, of course, that's fine," Akira agreed without hesitation, even finding the idea particularly fitting. "Or rather, yes, that is indeed more efficient. Thank you."
If he were to ask, he'd inevitably have to lay some groundwork with irrelevant talk to introduce himself. But Ichinose was the class representative of Class B, so it was indeed the optimal choice for her to speak.
As he thought this, a thought suddenly crossed Akira's mind. Ichinose really did think a lot for him.