Sudden Commission

"Thank you, Nanaba-kun." Mahiru smiled, with a hint of relief and determination.

"Just consider it as repaying my last favor." Nagi said.

Mahiru paused for a moment, then nodded. "Then consider it an equal exchange."

"I was just kidding. There's no need for favors between friends."

Seeing him, Mahiru felt that this was a selfless and sincere relationship without any fuss.

It's said that time can erode all relationships, but she felt that this relationship transcended time and space and couldn't be weakened.

＊＊＊

They walked out of the subway station side by side, walking quickly. The sunlight illuminated the gaps between the tall buildings, like golden threads, decorating the whole city beautifully.

Satania was currently buying souvenirs with Hitori and Yukino at the zoo's front store.

She saw Nagi and Mahiru through the window and ran out.

"You finally made it! We've been waiting for so long! Wait, why did you come together?" Yuigahama, who was with Hachiman, helped them out.

Satania's head was turning back and forth between them. "I just bought all the food! Let's go to the zoo!"

Everyone nodded and walked towards the zoo's entrance together.

The sun shone on them, and they looked very harmonious under the sunlight.

Their first stop was Monkey Mountain.

"The monkeys here are too wild. I really want to punch them twice!" Satania said angrily after a monkey snatched her pineapple bun.

Nagi patted her shoulder and said, "Satania, don't be angry. I bought you a pineapple bun this morning."

Satania looked at him in surprise, then laughed. "I'm not a child! I won't get mad just because a pineapple bun was taken." With that said, she opened the package and ate it.

At this moment, a girl in zoo attire ran towards them anxiously.

"Shiina-san, Yukinoshita-san, have you seen a little monkey with a white tail?" The girl asked breathlessly.

"Sorry, Shiromeguri-san, we just arrived at the zoo and haven't had a chance to go anywhere else." Mahiru replied. She knew the girl was Shiromeguri Meguri, her classmate and Yukino's.

Meguro looked a bit disappointed. "Thank you, Shiina-san, I'll go now."

"Shiromeguri-san, wait a moment." Yukino suddenly called out. "Is it missing?"

"We're happy to help." Yuigahama said.

"Great! It happened suddenly, and I didn't dare to tell my dad about it. It should be nearby." Meguro said gratefully. As she spoke, she bowed ninety degrees.

"Then let's split up and search in different areas as much as possible." Hachiman suggested, then added, "Nanaba and I will be in the same team."

"No! Nagi is my general. If he wants to cooperate, you have to cooperate with me." Satania grabbed Nagi's clothes.

"Then let's work in groups of three." Hachiman suggested as a compromise.

"No! Hitori is also my general, she'll come with me!"

"...." Hachiman rubbed his forehead, imagining getting rid of this group of girls and going on a trip with Nagi.

"Since it's the president's request, I have no choice but to obey~" Yuigahama secretly moved towards Hachiman.

After the negotiation, Nagi, Mahiru, and Yukino formed a team, followed by Satania, Hitori, and Meguro.

Lastly, there were Hachiman and Yuigahama.

The panda enclosure was filled with green trees, and the fresh air was filled with the scent of bamboo. Nagi and the others saw some giant pandas, some chewing bamboo leisurely, some rolling on the grass, and some climbing up and down trees.

"So cute..."

"Shiina, I'm going over there to see. You should accompany Yukinoshita."

Yukino seemed so engrossed that Nagi really didn't want to disturb her.

Before Nagi could go far, Yukino's words were heard. "Found it. The little monkey is here."

"What?..."