Shimizu Akira and Shiina Hiyori planned to check out Keyaki Mall.
Whenever you're unsure where to go, taking a few laps around Keyaki Mall will always lead you to a destination—at least, that's what the mall's slogan says. Akira decided to follow the trend. After all, it was the dead of winter, and it was freezing outside.
It had snowed briefly in the morning, and a layer about a centiter thick had accumulated on the ground. As Akira stepped onto the snow, a crisp "crunch, crunch" sound echoed under his feet—the unique whisper of winter. He found that he actually liked the sound quite a bit.
"Hahaha! Look at this!"
"Hey, don't aim for my head! As the saying goes, hit soone but don't hit their face!"
A burst of student laughter erupted from the playground ahead.
Akira looked toward the sound and saw several Class 1-B students having a snowball fight. They seed split into two camps, back and forth in high spirits. Not far away, a few girls wearing gloves were focused on building a snowman. It was winter, after all; snowball fights and snown were the season's inherent entertainnt.
Shiina Hiyori sniffed her slightly reddened nose and spoke softly, "I often see them playing here on weekends lately."
Actually, almost no one from Class D gathered to play lately. Since the AC was cut and class treatnt worsened, everyone had been having a hard ti; no one had the heart for this.
In contrast, she often saw Class B students playing on the playground.
A class that organized collective activities so frequently must have a very harmonious internal atmosphere.
"After all, the second sester ends in three or four days." Akira noticed the girl's pace slowing down and slowed his own to match.
Before the last special exam, Chabashira-sensei ntioned that the closing ceremony would be on December 22nd. Today was the 18th; only three days remained.
These past few days, the teachers had barely taught new material, intentionally relaxing the pace and letting them preview the third sester's curriculum.
Since there was no pressure, most students spent the weekend enjoying themselves.
"Winter break... this sester is ending just like that."
"It hasn't been slow, really. We've had two special exams this sester already."
"Speaking of that, Shimizu-kun, I'll ask directly..." Hiyori suddenly stopped and turned to look at him.
"Was it you who ca up with the idea for Class B to have the teachers write the exam papers?"
"Mmm, it was ."
"I knew it! I felt that this nearly 100% victory strategy was strangely familiar; it's very much your style from previous exams."
Hiyori's eyes sparkled slightly.
"Moreover, you specifically utilized Ichinose-san's interpersonal skills, tailoring a plan perfectly to her strengths. This approach also fits Class B's overall steady style. From any angle, it was a masterstroke. I scrutinized this special exam repeatedly afterward and couldn't think of a steadier way with a higher win rate. You truly are impressive."
"Uh, I actually didn't consider that many compatibility issues..." Akira was a bit embarrassed by the praise. To be honest, he wasn't as strategic as Hiyori made him out to be. He simply felt that specialists should handle specialized tasks, and letting teachers set the questions was the most reliable thod.
"Shimizu-kun is always so humble." Hiyori tilted her head to look at him.
"It's precisely this seemingly casual stroke of genius that makes it even more powerful."
She blinked, and a snowflake happened to land on her eyelashes.
"This thod didn't just help Class B win the exam and unite the students; it reversed the slump after losing to Class A last ti. Your influence on Class B is much larger than you realize."
'Why is the Detective Lady in 'praise mode' today?' Akira couldn't help but press his lips together. He felt his smile beginning to widen under the weight of her complints. Hadn't she noticed he could barely hide his grin? Besides, he wasn't doing it for free—the other party did give him 1.5 million private points!
Nearby, the Class B students were still joyfully fighting. The girls building the snowman had tied a scarf around it and were busy finding suitable branches for arms.
"Want to go play for a bit?" Akira cleared his throat, changing the subject.
"Since we're already here. Don't worry, I won't let a snowball touch you."
Hiyori looked at him with slight surprise, and then a shallow curve ford on her lips.
"Okay."
Though her constitution was weaker than average, running a bit during a snowball fight or getting hit on her coat was no problem at all. As long as it didn't hit her neck or face. Akira's protection was actually a bit excessive, but as a girl, hearing him say that made her feel a small surge of joy.
The two walked toward the playground, the snow crunching softly. Hiyori sped up slightly this ti to walk side-by-side with Akira.
"I rarely participated in activities like this when I was little," she said softly, her breath visible in the cold air.
"I always stood by the window watching other children play."
Akira slowed down and looked at her. "And now?"
"Now..." Before Hiyori could finish, a snowball flew in from the side.
Akira instinctively stepped in front of her. The snowball hit his shoulder with a thwack, scattering snow everywhere. The students playing nearby stopped imdiately, looking over in confusion.
"It—it's Shimizu-kun!"
"Sorry! We didn't notice you coming!"
Not far away, the boy who threw the snowball rubbed his hands nervously.
After all, the person in front of him was the key figure pushing Class B forward. If Ichinose-san knew they had almost accidentally injured Akira, her gentle nature would surely give way to a few rebukes.
"It's fine." Akira waved them off with a smile.
"Snowball fights are inevitable, and we were the ones who walked over."
The student let out a sigh of relief, scratched the back of his head, and retreated into the ga.
"Thank you for the protection, Shimizu-kun. Just as I expected—as long as you are here, everyone in Class B pays extra attention to this side." Hiyori looked down and smiled.
'Why is she starting her 'detective analysis' again!'
She probably didn't notice the incoming snowball because her head was full of these calculations. Luckily he was beside her, or the focused Detective Lady would have been hit. But looking at her reddened cheeks and smiling eyes, Akira shook his head; he couldn't bring himself to scold her.
After all, facing such a cute detective, what else could he do but forgive her?
He bent down to gather a handful of fresh snow and nodded to Hiyori.
"Alright, want to try it yourself?"
She hesitated for a mont, then took off her woolen gloves and squatted down like him. The cold touch made her take a sharp breath, but as she felt the snow take shape in her palms, a spark of joy flashed in her eyes.
"Like this," Akira gently adjusted her grip. "Don't use too much force."
Hiyori carefully tossed the snowball at the nearest snow pile, watching it sink in. This simple action brought a relieved smile to her face.
"How does it feel?" Akira asked, brushing snow off his coat.
"Warr than I imagined," Hiyori replied softly, putting her gloves back on.
"Want to try the feeling of hitting soone? It's surprisingly stress-relieving." Akira added, "Keep your gloves on to make the snowballs this ti!"
"Mm..." A flicker of eagerness crossed Hiyori's eyes, but she eventually shook her head.
"I'll pass. I definitely won't hit anyone... and with my stamina, I can't run for long."
"I know." Akira pointed at himself.
"So, I'm your opponent. I'll stand right here without dodging. You just take your ti and aim. We'll stay three ters apart. Whoever gets hit the most has to buy the other a hot milk tea. How about it?"
"...Okay!" This made Hiyori's eyes light up instantly. She had wanted to try a snowball fight for a long ti, and Akira had thoughtfully turned the rules into a "turn-based" ga so she could experience it. For a "clumsy" girl with poor physical strength, nothing was more suitable than turn-based combat.
"It's a deal then!"
Hiyori carefully adjusted her gloves and scooped up so white snow. Her movents were clearly unpracticed. Akira kept his word and stood three ters away, watching her clumsily form a snowball. When she threw her first lopsided snowball, Akira acted a bit slow on purpose, letting it graze his arm.
"A hit," he declared with a nod, forming a soft snowball as a return gift. "Now my turn."
The snowball traced a soft arc in the air and landed gently on the hem of her coat, shattering into fine powder. Hiyori froze for a mont and then couldn't help but giggle. Because Akira was holding back as much as the Pacific Ocean, getting hit didn't hurt at all; instead, it felt like a gentle winter greeting.
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After a few rounds, her movents beca more proficient, and she even started trying different angles. Once, a snowball veered off and nearly grazed so Class B students who were secretly watching.
"Five to four!" Akira shouted the count.
"Looks like the Detective Lady's milk tea is in danger."
This made Hiyori pout slightly, and she intentionally ford a more solid snowball this ti. She thought this angle would surely miss, but Akira suddenly moved into its path, letting the snowball land squarely on his thigh.
"Five to five!" He raised a hand. "The match ends here. It's a draw!"
"A draw?" Hiyori's eyes widened, then she smiled knowingly.
"So how do we settle the milk tea?"
Akira brushed off the snow. "Since it's a draw—" Seeing her blink curiously, he laughed. "Then I'll treat you. Consider it a celebration of your first snowball fight."
Looking at his smile, Hiyori's eyes curved into crescents.
This was the first ti she had been this happy since Class D's treatnt was lowered. It turns out a date really is like a romance movie—it can make you completely forget unpleasant things.
.
.
.
The two walked for ten minutes and arrived at the first-floor lobby of Keyaki Mall.
After stomping the snow off their shoes on the mat, they stepped inside. Akira felt the temperature rise sharply. He looked at Hiyori and saw her face becoming visibly rosy.
He had originally wanted to play in the snow longer, as such gas are rare in winter, but considering Hiyori's health, he decided it was better to warm up indoors.
What if she caught a cold?
Akira scanned the directory and noticed a milk tea shop on the third floor. He led her into the elevator. Inside the shop, he stepped aside for her to enter first.
"Find a seat, I'll go order. What do you want to drink?"
Hiyori sat at a window booth, looking up at the nu. Her voice was soft. "Just a hot honey polo tea, low sugar."
Akira agreed and walked to the counter. Seeing the variety of drinks, he added a strawberry daifuku and a matcha mochi, thinking Hiyori would like those sweets.
When he returned with the tray, Hiyori was staring out the window at the snow. Hearing his footsteps, she turned, her eyes widening.
"You ordered dessert too?"
"You played for a while, you must be hungry." Akira pushed the honey polo tea toward her and placed the strawberry daifuku by her hand.
"Try this. The server told it's their specialty."
Hiyori took a spoon and scooped a small piece of daifuku into her mouth. Her eyes curved into crescents. "It really is delicious. Shimizu-kun should try it too."
She picked up a piece of matcha mochi and held it toward him.
Akira didn't decline; he took a bite and nodded with a smile. "Indeed, it's good."
They sat by the window, surrounded by the warm aroma of milk tea. Hiyori watched him for a few seconds before speaking.
"Actually, Ryuuen-kun asked to investigate 'X' and 'Anonymous' in Class C."
Akira's hand on his straw froze. He had almost forgotten about that. He had decided from the beginning not to intervene via Hiyori.
Why was she bringing it up now? Curiosity piqued, he asked, "Did you find out who they are?"
"Yes, I did." Hiyori nodded. Though she used an interrogative tone, her voice was full of certainty. "'X' is Ayanokoji Kiyotaka-kun, and 'Anonymous' is Kushida Kikyo-san, right?"
Hiyori's deduction skills were truly peerless.
Only a few days had passed, and she had clarified everything. And she was 100% correct. Truly the smartest girl he knew.
Akira couldn't help but ask, "How did you make sure? Ryuuen shouldn't have given you many clues."
Hiyori put down her spoon and tapped her chin, analyzing slowly.
"Clues are pieced together from details. First, 'X'. During the VIP exam, Ayanokoji-kun was the one who delivered the box and the contract, right? Since then, I felt he wasn't an ordinary student.
Then there's the Paper Shuffle exam; you were actively cooperating with him. You don't have many friends you acknowledge—really only Ayanokoji, Ike, and Sudo.
It might sound harsh, but I don't think the latter two have that level of intellect.
Furthermore, on the day of the juice-spilling incident, I specifically asked Manabe-san; only Ayanokoji-kun was present. Putting those three clues together, the answer is obvious."
She paused and continued, "As for 'Anonymous', I asked Ibuki-san. As early as the island exam, Kushida-san proactively helped her create ti alone. On the morning of the VIP exam, she contacted Ryuuen-kun, saying she knew information about the two VIPs in the class.
Based on that, at that ti, she was either a VIP herself or knew exactly who the other two were. Kushida is not only one of the three VIPs but also a core figure in Class C. Summing it up, she has the highest suspicion."
Akira clapped in admiration. "Impressive, Shiina!"
The deduction was logical and grounded; every clue fit perfectly.
Hiyori took a sip of her tea and turned to him with a rare, teasing smile.
"I've been investigating for over a week. This ti, there was no 'Assistant-kun' to interfere with my thoughts, so progress was very smooth."
Akira's expression turned awkward. Well, she was clearly bringing up the ti he rented the surveillance caras to interfere with her.
"Please forgive , Detective Lady. I did wrong last ti." Akira lowered his head slightly.
Looking at him, Hiyori couldn't help but smile.
"Mmm, I'm not angry. I forgave Assistant-kun as early as the island exam. Besides, I found that experience quite interesting."
If Akira hadn't proactively approached her back then, how could she be having such a smooth date with him today? In her heart, that mory was a treasure. One that no amount of money could buy.
She looked at Akira and asked calmly, "Shimizu-kun must have known their identities for a long ti, right? Otherwise, you wouldn't have just been 'surprised' without being 'startled' when I said the nas."
Being seen through, Akira stopped hiding it. "I did know, but not through deduction. They told themselves."
Hiyori noticed a rare, troubled expression on Akira's face.
This steady boy rarely had headaches; it was clear he was close to both of them.
Hiyori spoke slowly, "It seems you haven't thought of a solution yet. Shimizu-kun, I will wait until the night of the 21st to tell Ryuuen-kun. Use these few days to think of a counter-plan."
Akira was stunned.
"Is that really okay?"
"Mmm, it's fine. It doesn't violate my agreent with Ryuuen-kun. I told him I'd give him the results before the 22nd; the night of the 21st is included." Hiyori nodded, her eyes full of tenderness.
"Besides, Shimizu-kun gave a truly unforgettable date today. I can at least do this much."
Akira sighed inwardly. It seed he owed Hiyori another favor.
After finishing the business talk, Hiyori took a sip of her tea and suddenly frowned.
"But honestly, the taste of this milk tea is average. The ratio of ingredients is off. The snacks are good, though."
"Should I get you sothing else?" Akira suggested.
"No need. I just wanted to say that next ti, why doesn't Shimizu-kun co to my dorm? I'll make you a cup of tea personally." Hiyori said naturally.
"I've been in the Tea Ceremony Club for several months; I want you to taste my skill."
"Sure, I promise." Akira found no reason to refuse. Since Hiyori had done so much for him, how could he say no?
"Hehe, that's great. I'll call you over once I'm ready."
"Mm."
Akira took a sip of his milk tea. To him, it tasted fine—especially the pearls, which were soft and chewy. But if Hiyori said the ratio was off, there must be a problem. As he chewed the pearls, he looked up and saw a flash of a "control-it-all" smile on Hiyori's lips.
'Huh?! What does that an?' That smile...
Wait! Could this have been her plan all along? Revealing the identities, the perfectly tid concession, even complaining about the milk tea—were they all steps in her plan? The goal being to invite him to her dorm?
Last ti he was the one playing "Kira." This ti, has she taken over the role?
"Shimizu-kun? What are you thinking about?"
"Uh... nothing, it's nothing."
Akira felt a bit of cold sweat.
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