At first, when Hifumi suddenly heard this question, she jerked her head up and panicked, trying to deny it.
But before long, under my calm gaze, she silently averted her eyes and could no longer continue.
"…Yes." Hifumi nodded with difficulty. The moment she admitted it, it was as if a weight had been lifted from her. But immediately after, her tone grew even more complicated than before. "Even though Nagisa-sama told me that I 'must not tell anyone'… that really isn't something I can bear on my own…"
Seeing this, I understood.
Nagisa had probably said the same things to Hifumi as she had to me.
Choosing her words carefully, the girl said, "Um, how should I put this…"
"Finding the traitor within Trinity, right?"
"…So Sensei was told that too."
With a heavy heart, Hifumi began recalling the other task Nagisa had given her during their conversation, aside from appointing her as the head of the Make-Up Work Club.
The rest was no different from what Nagisa had entrusted to me. The main difference was that Nagisa had also told Hifumi the reason she was chosen to enter the Make-Up Work Club.
Because she had a connection to me, to Schale.
As long as Hifumi stayed together with me as a third party force, the Trinity traitor within the Make-Up Work Club would not be able to act rashly.
It sounded reasonable. But the problem was that if Hifumi failed to complete the task, she would still face expulsion.
With anger rising in my chest and pain sinking deep within, I fell silent, unable to speak.
Hifumi… had Nagisa treated her as nothing more than a pawn on her chessboard?
That was far too much.
"T-telling me to find the traitor, something like that… everyone is a student of the same school, right… today too, we cleaned together, ate together… and after that, I'm supposed to find out who the traitor is... That kind of thing, that kind of thing…"
Hifumi pressed her lips together and said sadly, "That kind of thing, for me…"
She could not continue. But I understood perfectly well what she had left unsaid.
Though she could be a bit airheaded at times, the usual Hifumi was like an angel, gentle and kind, a good girl who did not want to hurt anyone. Even if she were forcibly given such a responsibility, with her personality, how could she possibly do what Nagisa wanted her to do?
What was Nagisa thinking?
"…You've worked hard, Hifumi."
Unable to restrain the pity in my heart, I reached out and gently placed my hand on the girl's head, softly stroking her hair.
Hifumi was a little surprised, but she did not resist. "Ah, working hard or anything… it's not really like that. I just don't quite understand why something like this is happening. Even if I don't understand Nagisa-sama's thoughts, she must have her own reasons…"
Even now, Hifumi was still thinking about Nagisa, who had forced her to do something she did not want to do and even threatened her with expulsion.
Someone as gentle as her, how could she possibly be a traitor?
"Why is something like this happening?"
The girl's words were filled with confusion and self blame. "If only I could do something to make everyone happy… but I can't do anything…"
I refuted her. "No, that's not true."
"Eh?"
"It's precisely because Hifumi is here that everyone in the Make-Up Work Club can get along as well as they do now."
"Ahaha… thank you for the compliment, Sensei, but I know I'm just an ordinary person… this is clearly your achievement."
Truly believing otherwise, I could not help but shake my head.
Azusa, Hanako, and Koharu were all quite individualistic problem children. If the Make-Up Work Club only had the three of them, even with me as their advisor, it would probably have developed into relationships completely centered around me, rather than what it is now.
Though that might also sound nice, it is definitely not as good as things are now.
Still, that explanation would probably not work on Hifumi. I might need to change my approach.
"I think I've said this before," I said softly. "I really like you, Hifumi."
Hifumi froze for a moment, then grew flustered. "Ah, Sensei, you, why are you joking like that again…"
Having already expected this reaction, I took Hifumi's hand, looked straight into her golden eyes, and said each word clearly.
"I'm not joking. Please believe me. At the very least, you've already made me feel happy."
"Ah, th-this…"
The girl looked embarrassed and seemed to want to pull her hand away. But after hesitating for a moment, she did not do so.
As a result, the atmosphere in the room inevitably became somewhat intimate.
I think that, in a way, I was also taking advantage of her kindness.
But sometimes, only a firm attitude can have the desired effect.
"So don't blame yourself or feel sad anymore."
I let go of her hand, and when Hifumi relaxed her guard, I smoothly wrapped an arm around her waist.
Ignoring the girl's shy gasp, I whispered by her ear, "You only need to do what you can do. As for what Nagisa asked of you… leave that to me, who received the same request and has truly been captivated by your kindness. I will do everything I can to fulfill our shared wish and bring everyone a happy ending."
The warmth I felt seemed to rise a little.
Then, to my surprise, a pair of slender arms awkwardly wrapped around my neck.
"Sensei really is a very special person," Hifumi said, unexpectedly giving a bold reply, her voice at about the same volume as mine had been. "Um, thank you very much. I still don't know what I can do, but I'll try to think about it…"
"Yeah. Let's do our best together."
I loosened my hold, intending to end the embrace.
However, for some reason, Hifumi held on even tighter.
"Ah… even though I know Sensei is just comforting me. But um, after hearing your words, I actually feel a bit… happy too…"
Her voice trembled slightly as she asked carefully, "So… um… if it's okay, could you please stay with me for just a little longer…?"
Somewhat taken aback, I suppressed the joy that immediately welled up in my heart, placed my hand back on her waist, and replied in a composed tone.
"Mm. Of course."
"Mm, thank you."
This girl came to me of her own accord, and even thanked me for it.
I held Hifumi quietly for a while. Only when she felt that not returning soon might arouse suspicion did she reluctantly let go.
Her face was bright red with embarrassment, yet she could not hide her happiness. She politely thanked me over and over again before waving goodbye.
After the door closed, I let out a long breath.
Then, from my pocket, I took out the card that had already grown scorching hot.