Surviving in Blue Archive Chapter 328 9: A Late Night Meeting

As the atmosphere began to turn in a better direction, I exchanged a few more pleasantries with Kayoko.

According to her, the recent situation of Problem Solver 68 was, as usual, so so.

The only thing worth ntioning was that they had finally managed to save up so money and moved into a new office.

"By the way, Sensei, what are you doing around here? Are you heading back to Schale next?" Kayoko asked, sounding casual.

But with my keen insight, how could I fail to understand the implication behind her words?

Unfortunately, I already had a prior engagent.

With so regret, I replied, "I have work to take care of."

"I see… Working overti this late, that must be tough on you."

"If it is convenient, may I visit your office in a few days?"

It had been a while since I last saw everyone at Problem Solver 68, and I did miss them a bit.

"That should be fine. Problem Solver 68 is always welcoming to Sensei… probably." Kayoko paused for a mont. "But let say this first, I might not necessarily be free to entertain you."

I nodded in understanding.

Kayoko must have wanted to make an appointnt with her in advance before visiting, so she would not miss the chance to see .

Seeing this unstraightforward side of her, from soone who usually maintained a calm and composed deanor at all tis, was truly a delicacy worth savoring again and again.

Next, I asked her for the location of Problem Solver 68's new office. What surprised slightly was that it was actually near the place where Hina and I had agreed to et.

Perhaps sensing my surprise, Kayoko sighed. "With the boss's talent for squandering money, and her insistence that the office be spacious and impressive, this kind of slum property was all we could afford… though the transportation is still fairly convenient."

That was only natural. Otherwise, Hina, who was already busy with work, would not have chosen this kind of place to et .

"Are you heading back to the office now?" I asked.

"Ah… if there is nothing else, then it is about ti to head back."

"There is still so ti before my work starts. Let walk you there."

After hearing this proposal, Kayoko looked at with a strange gaze for quite a while, before lightly nodding and smiling at .

"Then, I will shalessly owe you another favor."

During the rest of the walk, we naturally chatted about recently released music. Once on the train, we seamlessly started listening together, sharing a single pair of earphones.

Imrsed in the sa rhythm, our shoulders unconsciously touching, perhaps the distance between our hearts also drew a little closer.

This journey, which was not very long to begin with, quickly ca to an end.

Just as Kayoko had said, although the location of Problem Solver 68's new office was remote, it was at least still within Gehenna's public transportation network.

After seeing her to the building entrance, I hesitated while looking at the lights upstairs, but ultimately gave up the idea of going up to sit for a while.

Mainly because I was worried the girls might be too enthusiastic and delay my eting with Hina.

There would be plenty of opportunities to visit in the future, no need to rush it now.

So, after saying goodbye to Kayoko, I hurried toward the place where I had arranged to et Hina.

When I arrived, it was about an hour earlier than last ti. Looking around, as expected, I did not spot that petite figure.

Since I had only been hoping for a pleasant surprise anyway, I was not disappointed. I leaned against a relatively clean wall and took out my phone to pass the ti.

To my surprise, I had only waited about half an hour when I heard the sound of thick heeled boots stepping on concrete.

At first, I felt a surge of joy, thinking that coming early had been the right choice. Then I froze, because when I looked in the direction of the sound, what I saw was Hina with her head hanging low, eyes fixed on the ground, looking utterly exhausted and unaware of my presence.

But in the next mont, as if she sensed my gaze, she suddenly lifted her head. Our eyes t, and she froze as well, saying in surprise,

"Sensei? Why are you…"

I cut in, "Good evening, Hina."

"…Mm, good evening."

"Co to think of it, this really is a quiet place. There are not many people around."

I shifted the topic, thoughtfully helping the Prefect Team leader, who usually presented a tough front, ease the awkwardness.

Hina took a deep breath, then seed to steel herself and nodded calmly.

"This area is restricted due to previous disciplinary activities. It used to be very dangerous, but it has been completely cleared out, so it should be safe for now. It looks like no one has noticed either."

Wait a mont. If that was the case, then Problem Solver 68, who had just moved their office here…

But thinking again, if sothing like that had not happened, they probably could not have afforded the rent in the first place.

Just as I was considering whether I should tell Problem Solver about this, Hina's lips curved upward, her tone carrying a hint of cheerfulness.

"So, I can et with Sensei without worry."

Staring at the genuine smile on the girl's face, I confird a suspicion.

Hina really did harbor feelings for , and she truly looked forward to eting , just like I did.

Since that was the case, there was sothing I wanted to say.

"Actually, there is no need to be so concerned about other people's eyes, right?" I asked. "After all, it is just a dat… a normal eting. Choosing a place with more atmosph… a more ordinary location would also be fine."

"It feels like you changed what you were saying several tis," Hina said, her brows knitting slightly before quickly relaxing. "There is no helping it. This is also for your sake, Sensei."

"For my sake?"

"Yes. As you know, I have many enemies, both inside and outside the academy. It would not be an exaggeration to say that I am being watched at all tis."

As she said this, Hina's expression grew serious.

"So if soone like were known to be going out of my way to et a particular person… that person might end up in danger."

So it was not just shyness. She was also trying to protect .

I was deeply moved, but then Hina continued, sounding self reproachful.

"For example, right now… that Makoto has probably already set her sights on you."

That made recall the incomprehensible thought process of the Pandemonium Society President.

And her beautiful appearance that stood in stark contrast to her inner nature, as well as the concrete ways in which she had "set her sights on "…

At once, my gaze sharpened as I declared firmly, "It's fine. I'm not afraid."

"…Sensei, when you're like this, I don't even know what to say," Hina sighed. "If you don't stay alert to your surroundings, you'll suffer a great loss one day."

Will I? Perhaps.

But with my wisdom, courage, and charm, there is no need to worry too much.

That is a lesson I learned from Arisu and Kei.