5.1

It was just before 6 p.m., a time to relax after the exchange meeting.

The rest area inside the building was a bit crowded.

This was because a free drink corner had been placed so the tired students could relax. There were several types of tea and juice, and there was a row of small paper cups, stacked upside down.

"Your group seems to be doing quite well."

Sanada said as I ran into him. We stopped by the rest area at almost the same time.

Kiryūin's group was tied for sixth place with nine wins and three losses.

Depending on tomorrow's results, it was possible to aim for the podium.

"I have reliable allies helping."

I distinctly recognized how good at detailed work Hiyori was.

Her ability to handle things like oshibana and glasswork was far higher than that of an average student, which required not only technical skills but also aesthetic sense.

This was something I would never have noticed if I hadn't spent time with her in experiential learning.

"How are the students of Class A? Are they cooperating well?"

He asked hesitantly, seemingly concerned about his classmates.

"Hashimoto hasn't participated in any activities yet. He's in more of a support role. Yamamura is participating in the matches, and her honesty is helpful."

However, Yamamura had seemed listless lately, but I didn't mention that.

When I talked positively about them, Sanada listened with joy as if it were about himself.

"Then there's Morishita... Well, cooperative... no, creative, I guess."

"Creative. That might be true."

Morishita, in contrast to Hiyori, was not dexterous with her hands, but rather clumsy.

I think she's seriously trying, but she's not producing results. There might be something artistic about her ability to create bizarre things.

Even her attempt at archery was terrible.

While talking, the two of us stood in a short line, and I took a paper cup and poured tea into it. Sanada seemed to have chosen hot coffee.

"I see. Honestly, I'm glad that the three of them are in the same group as you this time."

There might be some elements of courtesy in his words, but something about Sanada's statement bothered me.

"Why do you think so? There should be many others who are more approachable."

Even if we limited it to Horikita's class, Yōsuke and Kushida would be much more capable.

"Well, it's largely because of how Sakayanagi-san sees it. Even I can tell that she treats you in a special way. After the last exam, Kitō-kun has been on edge, but I think he's still able to keep his self-control in check because you're by Hashimoto-kun's side."

For Hashimoto, it had been a series of unexpected good luck since the day he came to my room.

"Are all three of them blending well into the group? I think Hashimoto-kun will be fine, but I don't think Morishita-san and Yamamura-san will."

"I wonder. I'm honestly leaving the girls to the other girls... Are you worried?"

Does he specifically have concerns about the two of them, or is he just worried about his classmates?

Both have distinct personalities, so it wouldn't be surprising.

"Actually, I've been watching over Morishita-san quite a bit since our first-year."

"If Miya heard that, she might cry."

"Eh, what? No, not at all. I only have eyes for Miya-san!"

Sanada, who was usually calm, hastily corrected himself.

His reaction strongly conveyed his desire to not be misunderstood.

"Part of it is because we sat near each other in our first-year... She's the type to say everything she thinks and doesn't shy away from anything, so she's had her fair share of small troubles."

Indeed, she had recently made several remarks that had taken Hashimoto aback.

"She seems to be an outsider in the class."

"Yes... It's a bad way to put it, but she is perceived that way."

It wasn't like Ichinose's class, where everyone was friendly. There were people you liked and people you didn't. It was normal to show it in your everyday attitude.

"I'm not familiar with the situation, but Morishita doesn't care, does she?"

If Morishita enjoyed being alone, it wasn't for others to judge.

That was probably why Sanada said he had been watching over her.

"Yes, well I've never seen her seem to care..."

"I don't think you need to worry so much. But I understand what you want to say, Sanada. I'll keep an eye on her for the upcoming day and a half we're in the group."

"...Yes. Thank you."

Sanada took a sip of the hot coffee he had poured into his cup, lightly cooling it with a gentle blow.

He seemed to finally be able to relax.

"Sanada-senpai!"

While we were resting shoulder to shoulder, a girl from class 1-B, Miya, spotted Sanada and ran over.

Realizing that I was talking to Sanada, she hastily bowed.

"I'll be in the way, so I'll go back to my room. See you later, Sanada."

"Yes, see you later."

They haven't been together for long, but they seem to be getting along very well.

They could always be together in the brass band club, and they must've been having a lot of fun together as students.

It'd be wise to leave quickly before causing any unnecessary trouble.