Afternoon Communication Tea Party

Itsuki and Yotsuba wanted to join, but when they saw Ichika standing there, arrogantly staring at Shinichi's back, they stopped and asked in confusion.

"Ichika, are you quarreling with Asada-san?"

"What did you just say?"

Ichika hugged the arms of her two sisters and pretended to be sad.

"When facing someone who always gives up, arguing is just a waste of energy!"

At this moment, many girls happened to pass by them. After hearing this, they looked at Shinichi with strange looks.

The afternoon tea party was still held in the spacious hall.

There were two dining tables with snacks and tea in the middle, and chairs placed around for resting, not too many and no coffee tables, arranged this way so they could hold plates and talk to others in the middle of the field.

The atmosphere was elegant like a royal hall. Even the students who entered became calm and adjusted their uniforms, waiting for the host to speak.

However, the host only said, "Please enjoy." and left the hall with other adults, leaving the students here staring at each other.

Clearly, this was a free-range policy allowing them to find ways to break the ice and communicate proactively.

No one led, and high school students remained in the hall. Everyone was confused, and there were small discussions everywhere, basically discussing what to do now.

Some more anxious ones wanted to go straight to the table full of food, but they were blocked by their calm-thinking peers who were always observing the situation.

Herd effect, or herd mentality and situational awareness.

When everyone stopped moving, the one who took the first step had to bear the pressure to break the silence spiral and become the next leader of the herd effect.

"Hikigaya-kun, remember to follow along."

"I really want to..."

Hachiman's dead fish eyes became even more lifeless as he sighed tiredly.

"What, isn't it fun to be the center of attention alone? Are you afraid of needing someone to accompany you?"

"Your ability to tell jokes is still as bad as your appearance." Yukino glanced at him and said coldly.

"Remember, we're a team. When the official tea party starts, you can go wherever you want, but for now, fulfill your duties as a team member."

She turned to Yuigahama, her tone and eyes instantly softened:

"Yuigahama-san, please follow me. We'll get the food now."

"Um, I understand..." Yuigahama was so nervous that she held the edge of her skirt, but she still gave Yukino a puppy-like smile.

Yukino took the initiative to hold her hand and pat it to calm her down.

"Tsk, the difference in treatment is so obvious."

Hachiman scratched his head. The blooming lilies in front of him made him feel like a light bulb. He wanted to hide in a corner with food, just to illuminate himself.

At this moment, he saw a young man, regardless of the surrounding atmosphere, walking to the dining table with a girl with long pink hair, picking up neatly arranged plates and food.

"Eat quickly, if you keep drooling, sooner or later, this hall will be flooded with your saliva."

"I-I won't overdo it!"

The girl protested, but her eyes were fixed on the food on the plate, unable to look away.

Shinichi was too lazy to pay attention and turned to the two people behind him.

"The same goes for you. I won't explain in detail what you should do. If you have a problem you can't solve on your own, come to me... Now, after packing the food, find someone to talk to."

After Shinichi finished speaking, he looked towards the students at the door, Yukino stood in front like a leader, but she looked at him with a complicated expression.

Shinichi, accustomed to this, ignored it, instead took his plate and showed a friendly smile to the students, including himself.

"Alright, everyone, I'll start first."

The silent atmosphere completely disappeared with those words.

As the crowd rushed to the dining table, lively conversations drowned the music in the hall.