Sudo's Case-9[Ayanokoji PoV]

"…It's hot."

This school doesn't change uniforms with the seasons, and so we have to wear blazers for the whole year. The reason is simple; every building is equipped with heating and cooling systems. The only drawback is that it's hot whenever we go to and from school.

It was the morning commute. My back started sweating in the few minutes that it took to get from the dorms to the school.

After making my way to school, I took refuge in the cool building.

It must be hell for the students that have morning training. In the classroom, the boys and girls with morning practice were all surrounding the air conditioner. It looked like moths crowding around a light source. Is that a bad analogy?

"Ayanokoji-kun, good morning."

Hirata called out to me. Like always, he had a refreshing face. I could also make out the faint smell of flowers as well. If I was a girl, I'd probably beg to him and, "Please hold me!"

"Yesterday, I heard from Kushida-san that Sakura-san was the witness."

Hirata looked at Sakura's seat, which was still empty.

"Are you going to talk to her?"

"Me? No… I'm only going to greet her. I've wanted to talk to her because she's always alone in class, but since she is with Suzuki-san, I am relieved."

"For the time being, I think we'll wait for Kushida-san."

"That's great and all, but why are you talking to me? Talking to Ike or Yamauchi is probably better."

There's no reason to tell me, who wasn't really part of the "team" we had.

"There's no particular reason, but… if I had to say a reason, it's because you're related to Horikita-san. She doesn't talk to anyone but you, so I thought I should tell you."

"I see."

Is that the only aspect where I'm better than the other two? While Hirata was nodding, he had a cute smile on his face.

If I was a girl, my kyun-kyun points would've reached a hundred and my heart would be beating fast.

"Oh, right. We should hang out sometime. Are you free anytime soon?"

Hey hey, are you no longer satisfied by girls and trying to make my heart throb now?

It would be a grave mistake if I accepted his invitation without any consideration.

"Well, it should be fine."

Ah, I said the exact opposite of what my mind told me to say. Damn this defective mouth.

I definitely wasn't waiting for Hirata to invite me or anything.

That's right, that's right. This is the problem with Japanese people. Since we're unable to say "no", we're unable to directly reject an invitation.

"Sorry, do you not want to hang out?"

Hirata sensed my uneasiness.

"It's fine, it's fine. I'll definitely hang out with you."

I replied, sounding a bit disgusting.

I tried acting pridefully, but I really did want to go, so I gave up in the end.

"But are you fine with my girlfriend coming too?"

"Huh? Oh, Karuizawa-san? Yeah, that's fine."

My response came surprisingly quickly. Well, there are various types of couples.

Since they still called each other by their surnames, I guess they're not that close yet.

Reluctantly parting with Hirata, I waited for homeroom to begin as I held my phone in my hand.

Then I noticed that Sakura was at her seat.

She was sitting down, waiting for the time to pass idly. I wonder what kind of student Sakura is. She didn't appear that much gloomy though as Yamauchi and Ike said. If anything, she was looking somewhat happy.

In the three months I've been at this school, I've heard nothing about her other than her last name. Suzuki did call her a hidden potential due to her cute voice or something. We didn't pay much attention to it though.

Suzuki, Hirata and Kushida are active and outspoken. Horikita doesn't feel the pain of solitude.

Then what about Sakura? Does she like being alone like Horikita? Or is she suffering because she doesn't know how to talk to people like me? That's the question Kushida will answer soon.

"Sakura-chan is not the witness. She was not paying attention due to some other reason yesterday. Better not waste your time."

Suzuki whispered while passing by. Welp. Here goes our hope.

***Author's NOte***

Who else shipped Hirata x Ayanokoji? I think the author of the light novel really did, reading their interactions and Ayano's narrations.

***Authore's NOte End***