-280- What we're about to achieve?

The sky slowly began to be dyed with the colors of the sunset. Happy times always seem to pass quickly, bringing evening quietly upon them.

Students emerged from the swimming facilities next to the school building, talking incessantly about the day's events, their expressions still brimming with excitement.

From tomorrow, the results and shock of the volleyball match between Nanaya Hori and Nagumo Miyabi would likely spread throughout the entire school, making everyone aware that Hori had once again accomplished something astonishing.

If even outsiders were like this, then how would those who were close to Hori and knew him personally react upon hearing about this? It was exciting just to think about it.

At least, at this moment, Horikita Suzune and her group had managed to move past the shock of the match.

Initially, learning from Hori that this school might undergo significant changes had left them unable to relax.

Yet, Hori, the culprit behind all this, was leisurely swimming in the pool, as if detached from all the happenings and solely focused on enjoying the holiday, making it hard for Horikita Suzune and her group to maintain a heavy heart.

Especially Horikita Suzune, who knew her brother was doing everything he could to restrain Nagumo Miyabi. She had many thoughts in her mind and absolutely no mood for swimming. But seeing Hori so relaxed, she couldn't stay serious.

"...After all, I just can't agree with this man."

Horikita Suzune remained silent for a long while before coldly giving this verdict.

As a result, the others felt more at ease.

"Forget it! We'll think about those complicated things later!"

"That's right! Only today... only today...! Compared to those things, what we're about to achieve is more important...!"

"Yeah, exactly!"

Ike Kanji, Yamauchi Haruki, and Sudou Ken appeared almost desperate, as if recalling something incredibly significant, sweeping away all the gloom on their faces, and showing a fervent expression as if heading into battle.

"I... I also think Ike and the others are too excited today..."

"I feel the same, and for some reason, it makes me uneasy..."

Kushida Kikyou and Sakura Airi exchanged looks. One's smile became forced while the other showed a worried expression, forming a very distinct contrast.

Finally, even Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, who had been keeping a low profile, spoke up.

"In any case, let's swim like Nanaya. Thinking too much now is indeed useless."

Ayanokouji Kiyotaka's words were ultimately agreed upon by everyone.

So, the group stopped overthinking and directly enjoyed the last day of their summer vacation.

They continued until dusk.

The swimming pool was about to close at this time.

Reluctantly, they separated in front of the changing rooms, changed their clothes, and prepared to head back to the student dormitories. But Ike Kanji, Yamauchi Haruki, and Sudou Ken suddenly claimed to have something important to do and left sneakily, even dragging Ayanokouji Kiyotaka with them.

Although the remaining people found the sneaky behavior of the four suspicious, they didn't have time to think much about it.

After all, today had been eventful enough.

Moreover, Hori suddenly said, "I'll take a stroll for a bit."

As a result, only the girls invited by Hori were left to return to the student dormitory.

"Nanaya-kun..."

Sakura Airi looked at Hori, somewhat uneasy. It was unclear whether she was worried about Hori being alone or stressed about facing her classmates, Horikita Suzune and Kushida Kikyou, by herself.

Seeing Sakura Airi like this, Hori just smiled slightly and said, "I'll contact you later."

This simple, ordinary sentence miraculously eased a lot of Sakura Airi's anxiety. Watching Hori's smiling face, she blushed and nodded.

As for Horikita Suzune, she stared at Hori with an extremely suspicious look.

Who knew if Hori would do something behind their backs again?

Whether on the uninhabited island or the luxury cruise, during both special exams, Hori had done something secretly without telling Horikita Suzune and led them to victory. Knowing Hori's capabilities, Horikita Suzune couldn't help but be suspicious.

Unfortunately, Hori had no intention of explaining, leaving Horikita Suzune no choice but to suspect him and do nothing.

Helplessly, Horikita Suzune could only snort coldly and ignore it.

"Alright, we'll head back first. See you tomorrow!"

Kushida Kikyou said goodbye to Hori with a sweet voice and expression.

Then, the three girls left together, heading towards the first-year student dormitory.

Watching this scene, Hori chuckled and turned back, re-entering the swimming facilities.

But this didn't take long.

A few minutes later, Hori came out of the swimming facilities again.

To his surprise, he found a familiar person waiting outside.

"Hmm? Finally came out?"

Ichinose Honami, dressed in casual clothes and carrying a small bag, smiled as she saw Hori come out.

"What are you doing here?"

Hori couldn't help but be a bit surprised.

After revealing Nagumo Miyabi's plan, Ichinose Honami's mood had been low, and she had left the group midway, claiming to find her classmates.

Unexpectedly, she was now waiting for him.

Her explanation was simple.

"I saw you go back inside, so I thought I'd wait here. I let my friends go ahead." Ichinose Honami said with a smile. "Want to head back together?"

Upon hearing this, the surprise on Hori's face faded. Seeing Ichinose Honami's smile, he easily noticed a slight change.

"Alright."

Without rejecting, Hori nodded in agreement.

The couple, at least in name, left the swimming facilities together, walking towards the first-year student dormitory.

This wasn't the first time Hori and Ichinose Honami had walked back together.

During the first semester, they had returned to the dormitory together many times.

But unlike those times, they had plenty to talk about back then.

Today, neither spoke, walking silently together, letting a somewhat lonely atmosphere linger between them.

This quietness persisted until they saw the dormitory's roof.

Then, Ichinose Honami finally spoke.

"Nanaya-kun, are you really not planning to join the student council?"

The girl asked this question.