CH. 16 - Good Idea !?

During lunch, I headed to the cafeteria with Hirata and the others. It was the usual chit-chat, nothing too exciting. However, this time, unlike before, everyone was being really careful with their spending. Honestly, they should have been this way from the start, but at least they've figured it out now.

Or maybe it's not about learning a lesson; maybe they just don't have enough points to spend freely like they used to.

Either way, they've started to grasp how important it is to handle money wisely and not waste it on unnecessary things.

I suppose that's why this school is called an advanced nurturing school. It has such a big impact in the country because they don't just teach us what's in the textbooks. They're also teaching us real-life skills.

---

After school ended, I decided to head to the convenience store to pick up some essentials. On my way, I suddenly remembered that I had forgotten to bring the books I needed from the library—books I had meant to get after talking with Hiyori the previous day.

So, I turned around halfway to the dorm and made my way back to the library. As I got closer, I was surprised to see some familiar faces. First, there was Sudou, who looked pretty upset about something or someone. Then I noticed Ike, Yamauchi, and another student from our class whose name I couldn't recall. They were all leaving the library as I walked up.

I didn't think too much about it and continued on my way inside. Right away, I spotted Horikita and Ayanokoji sitting together, with Kushida nearby.

I had no idea what had gone down, but it seemed to be related to why Sudou and the others were so angry when they left. However, I wasn't there to get involved in their issues, so I kept my focus on my own task. I walked past them without making eye contact and went straight to the book catalog section I needed.

"Hi!" I greeted Hiyori with a wave as I made my way to the shelf. She looked up and waved back.

"Did you finish the book you borrowed already?" she asked.

"Not yet," I admitted. "I actually forgot to grab another book yesterday, so I came back to pick it up today. And here you are, as always."

"I see. So, are you planning to stay and read here today, or heading out?" she asked, just making conversation.

"I'm gonna leave," I replied.

"Oh," she said, and it seemed like she might have been a little disappointed, but maybe I was just reading too much into it.

After grabbing the book I had forgotten, I turned back to Hiyori. She was still in her usual spot, deeply absorbed in her book, but she looked up as I approached.

"Did you get what you needed?" she asked, her voice as warm as ever.

"Yeah, this is the one," I replied with a small smile, holding up the book. "Thanks for pointing me in the right direction the other day."

She nodded, a slight smile on her lips. "I'm glad I could help. It's nice to see someone who loves reading so much."

I hesitated for a moment, feeling like I wanted to stay longer, but I knew I had to go. "Well, I should get going. But maybe next time, I'll hang out and read here."

Her eyes lit up a bit at that. "I'd like that. It's always nice to have company, especially when it's someone who enjoys books like I do."

"Alright then, until next time, Hiyori," I said, giving her a nod before turning to leave.

"Until next time, Minato," she replied, then suddenly stopped herself. "Oops, I just called you by your first name... Sorry," she said.

I paused, a bit surprised by her using my first name, but I couldn't help feeling a little happy about it. "No need to apologize," I reassured her with a smile. "I kind of like it. It feels...friendly."

Hiyori's cheeks turned a soft shade of pink, and she gave a small, appreciative nod. "Alright, Minato it is, then."

"Great," I replied, feeling a warm sense of camaraderie. "See you around, Hiyori." I added with a subtle nod, and she understood the gesture as I also called her by her first name.

As I was about to leave the library, I noticed Ayanokoji standing up from the chair he was sitting on when I came in. Unlike before, he was now alone, indicating that Horikita and Kushida had already left.

"Hi!" I greeted Ayanokoji, who looked back and seemed ready to head out as well.

"Hi," he replied. "I thought I saw you come in, but then you just disappeared."

"Yeah, I was here to grab a book I needed. So, what happened?" I asked, curious about the earlier tension.

As we walked out of the library side by side, Ayanokoji explained what had transpired during the group study session. He told me how Sudou and the others couldn't handle Horikita's straightforward approach, and something similar happened with Kushida, too.

"And here I was, surprised that she organized such a group study on her own," I commented.

"It was surprising for me too," Ayanokoji admitted.

"So, what are you going to do now?" I asked him.

"I don't think I've done anything, nor do I plan to do anything in the future," he replied.

"I see. I'll take your word for it, then, that you're not already plotting something else," I said.

"Whether you believe me or not, that's the truth," Ayanokoji said matter-of-factly.

"Alright, then. I've got to run. My group study time is coming up soon, so I'll see you around," I said with a nod.

Ayanokoji, as composed as ever, simply replied, "Alright. See you."

As we went our separate ways, even though he claimed he had no plans, something told me he was quietly contemplating something. But I decided to let him be and focus on my own path.

Regarding Sudou, I had hoped Horikita's group study would be beneficial for him and the others, but unfortunately, it didn't go as planned.

I couldn't help but wonder what Horikita was thinking now. Does she have any more plans up her sleeve?

After discussing things with Horikita tomorrow, or perhaps just observing her actions, I'll decide whether to let her continue on her path or if it's time for me to implement my own plan. Though it might be straightforward and somewhat of a hassle, I believe it's a solid idea worth considering.