Thorns Club in Action Again

Until Friday, both Fumino and Rizu didn't attend the student council.

In class, Itsuki kept wanting to apologize to Fumino, but she comforted her with a few gentle words, telling her not to pay attention to this issues.

Yotsuba also wanted to talk to Rizu, but Rizu always avoided the conversation or put on an indifferent expression, making it difficult to talk and clearly sensing the intentionally created distance.

Nino and Miku, who usually had little contact with each other, hadn't met for almost a week after their usual canceled lunch meeting.

As for Shinichi, caught in the whirlpool, his interaction with Fumino was just as usual, no changes. Only the Thorns Club members could feel an intangible barrier between them.

Shinichi was also avoided by Rizu. According to Fumino, she's currently trying to understand the complex emotions of that day, and she doesn't want to meet him until she understands, but it doesn't mean she hates him; she just hopes Shinichi can wait for her.

Fumino awaits his answer, while Rizu asks him to wait until she finishes analyzing her feelings.

Regarding the quintuplets, they seemed shaken by Fumino's words earlier. After their kiss, Nino stopped using any means to disturb Shinichi as before. At most, she only chatted on the phone every day, occasionally sharing newly developed recipes and taking some photos of delicious-looking dishes, but never took the initiative to prepare lunch for him.

The same applied to Miku and Yotsuba. After that day, a "concern" key was placed between Shinichi and them. No matter who moved carefully, no one took the initiative to unlock it and let the awkward relationship reconcile.

Shinichi is still thinking.

He doesn't want to surrender with sweet or inspirational words. Regardless of the meaning of "I won't let go anymore" in that essay, as the instigator and the source of all evil, he must take practical action.

To complete the results created by his own hands... Or lips.

In this season when everyone's thoughts are racing, the official autumn tour of Shuchi'in Academy will begin.

Ichika completed her studies at Seisho Music Academy and happened to join this autumn journey.

In the secret conference room, a certain fan group, unofficially acknowledged as more powerful than anyone, also held a serious cadre meeting.

The projection screen standing in front was very bright amid the darkness around. A row of large characters appeared there, becoming the most attention-grabbing presence in this conference room.

[About entertaining Princess Furuhashi]

A deep voice was heard, breaking the silence.

"I'm sure you all know that since Monday, Furuhashi Fumino, the noble and gentle princess we spiritually rely on and admire, has been in a bad mood."

"Not only has her snacking frequency reduced to five times a day, even the speed of her eating has slowed down to ten minutes to finish one bento. As if her whole body suddenly lost several kilograms, and her cheeks have become loose, no longer smooth and round, making those who see her sad and shedding tears."

"I want to ask, can we, the Thorns Club, let something like this happen?"

"No!!!"

The uniform and firm answer vibrated and echoed in every corner of the conference room.

"Very good. I can definitely feel your concern for Princess Furuhashi. As expected from the cadre and members of the Thorns Club, we must have extraordinary courage."

The voice seemed very satisfied with everyone's general ambition, and as she spoke, her tone became slightly higher.

"So let's start the discussion! The first and most important thing is how to restore Princess Furuhashi's spirit!"

As soon as the question came up, someone raised their hand.

"The clear cause of the princess's bad mood is the Second Monarch, right? Then why not just get rid of the Second Monarch so that Princess Furuhashi can stay away from him without regrets and regain her cheerful and gentle appearance."

"That's a tempting proposal, but I reject it."

The voice snorted coldly.

"After the Second Monarch dies in an accident, he will stay in Princess Furuhashi's heart forever, haunting her day and night like a nightmare, which will have the opposite effect. They still have a certain relationship, and it's not enough to forcibly break them up."

The other side was stunned for a moment.

"I understand... But Chairman, when I say exception, what I mean is not an exception from life. I didn't expect you to have the idea of accidentally killing him..."

The leader fell silent in embarrassment.

"...That's your illusion. We are ordinary and kind students of Shuchi'in Academy. How could we intend to harm or even kill our classmates?"

"So that's it, I misunderstood..."

"Of course, if he accidentally falls off a cliff because of his slippery feet during the autumn tour, it will be his own bad luck and has nothing to do with us."

"Hey, have you not thought about this..."

"Ahem, let's get back to the topic!" The owner of the voice secretly tapped the podium to suppress the commotion below.

"Although, according to the results obtained by the analysis department, the Second Monarch is the main cause of Princess Furuhashi's mood swings and loss of appetite, he can also bring smiles and happiness to Princess Furuhashi. We can't just look at the biased side."

"Furthermore, we don't have the right to interfere in their emotional lives. If we act without permission, it may backfire during the forest school, leading to Princess Furuhashi's resentment."

"Please consider this before raising your hand and giving advice!"

As she finished speaking, a hesitant voice suddenly sounded.

"Kashima... no, Chairwoman, after hearing what you said, isn't it necessary to hold this meeting?"

Moreover, they don't have the right to interfere, so it's better to leave the task of "cheering up the princess" to the Second Monarch and trust that their relationship can overcome all difficulties.

Agreeing with this perspective, she lazily approved and then continued, "Yes, isn't it better to just watch quietly? After all, we can't do anything, so we might as well be love spectators~"

The leader reluctantly replied.

"What the two cadres said makes sense, and I agree. But as long as we don't give up thinking, we can surely find someone in our Thorn Club who can offer a little help to the princess!"

"Oh?"

"Chairwoman, have you thought of a plan?"

"Yes, don't be tempted, just say it directly."

"Actually, I wanted to brainstorm about the idea first... Forget it..." The leader sighed. Seeing no one interested in expressing their opinions, she had to share the plan she had thought of earlier.

The image on the projection screen changed, and the conference title was replaced by instructions.

The leader dressed in a black ninja outfit held a laser pointer and began to explain:

"This autumn trip, thanks to the efforts of the student council, we have obtained a two-day-one-night itinerary, with many interesting and rich activities arranged for students to enjoy the late autumn and early winter scenery and appreciate nature. The last relaxation before the final exams."

"Staying at a hot spring hotel at night, not only will we have the usual courage test meeting, but also a king's game in free activities, inviting them to participate..."

"So our opportunity is in this perfect period to create a romantic atmosphere!"

The lights suddenly lit up, and in the now bright conference room, Kashima waved her hand, opened a fan, and shouted the name of her plan at the same time.

"It's called – [Heart Riot. Creating Romantic Scenes. The Love Journey of the Second Monarch with Princess Furuhashi. A beautiful plan to restore a good mood during their relationship and connection]!"

The girl's voice sounded a bit proud, echoing in the room. After the audience cadres exchanged glances, they reluctantly gave enthusiastic applause.

Inumori and Chono clapped their hands and sighed.

"Kashima-san, you still can't choose a name..."

"She's the most girly, I think. I remember she secretly borrowed Shoujo manga from someone not long ago. She came to school the next day with dark circles under her eyes..."

Both of them couldn't hold back their laughter.

"That's really funny..."