Part 2

After the ceremony, the first years took the lead in leaving the gymnasium.

Then we returned to our classrooms.

Afterwards, there was to be a thank you meeting held by the graduates and all the teachers and their guardians.

It was said that the ceremony held was by the students and their guardians to show appreciation towards the teachers.

The rest of the students were allowed to return to their dorms, but those who were close to the third years due to club activities or some other reason were preparing to see them off after they came out.

Maybe it was to gift them with bouquets, or perhaps a confession.

The students seemed very anxious, and at the same time, quiet from the tension.

“Okay, even though we can mention this tomorrow during the closing ceremony, let’s briefly summarise what happened this year.”

Once the students sat in their seats, Chabashira-sensei spoke to us.

“First of all, during the final examination, you achieved commendable results despite having Class A students as opponents. The other teachers are also surprised at your growth.”

Although it was a defeat, Chabashira-sensei, who was usually harsh on us, gave us praise.

“My impression of you guys since first entering school has totally changed. It’s honestly incredible for you to be able to grow to this point.”

“But Sensei, we’re going back to becoming Class D again, so doesn’t that mean we’re still failures?

Ike said, upset.

“At first glance, it does seem like you’ve gone back to square one, but throughout the year, you’ve all grown. Don’t mind the simple gap in class scores, your strength is actually getting closer to the other classes.”

“I’m actually scared that you’re praising us like this. Sensei, what’s the catch?”

The fact that Sudo was expressing worry towards Chabashira’s praise did have some logic behind it.

Considering the suspiciously uncharacteristic tone she used, suddenly talking about a special exam right now wouldn’t be that surprising.

“That’s what I truly think. This is my 4th year as a teacher. Compared to the previous Class D, you guys really are a step up. But that’s true for the other classes as well. Whether you guys can rise to the upper classes depends on how much effort you put in.”

Chabashira lightly tapped the blackboard.

“Although the closing ceremony is tomorrow, meaning there won’t be any classes, remember that it’s still a school day.”

Chabashira ended the discussion and dismissed the class.

I didn’t know how many students would go see off the 3rd years, but what would the girl in the table next to me do?

She was the sister of the student who had not only served as the student council president, but was also the student who had delivered the graduation speech as the leader of the graduating Class A.

Horikita stared motionlessly at the blackboard, thinking about many things.

Even though I felt like if I carelessly poked the snake, it would bite back, I tried to ask anyway.

“Are you going?”

“What are you referring to?”

“That… it should be clear what I mean.”

“Are you asking if I was going to see my brother? If that’s it, then I have no plans to go.”

As Horikita said this, her gaze moved elsewhere.

Not going…huh?

“Have you already gotten the chance to talk with him?”

“…What has this got to do with you? We all have our own problems.”

But only you had this problem right now.

“If you miss this opportunity, there might not be another chance.”

“That…”

Although their relationship was slowly thawing, the fact that she still showed reluctance towards this important moment was proof of their distorted relationship in recent years.

“I’ll go see him.”

“Hmm? You’re going to see brother off?”

It was because of the fact I didn’t get deeply involved with people very much, that Horikita looked so surprised.

“Although I’m not that close with him, this might be the last time I see him.”

Well, it wouldn’t hurt just to say hello to him.

“Is it…?”

“Do you have any concerns?”

“Nope. You can do whatever you want.”

My face clearly revealed my doubts about why she wanted to meet him, but I couldn’t say it aloud.

I stood up.

The teachers were required to go to the thank you meeting. Even Acting Director Tsukishiro couldn’t get away with not participating.

“Where are you going?”

“To kill some time. I have nothing to do until the end of the thank you meeting. If you’re going to see your brother, can you wait for me?”

“…I’ll think about it. How long are you going to take?”

Although she said she hadn’t planned to go, it seemed like she changed her mind.

“I don’t know. Maybe an hour or two.”

The scheduled time for the meeting was 90 minutes, so it was going to be a while until it ended.

In the meantime, I’ll do what I have to do.