The setting sun dyed the sky a warm orange-red, bathing Raizen High School in a soft twilight.
The hustle and bustle had faded, and most students had already embarked on their journey home.
Under the lush cherry blossom tree beside the school gate, a graceful figure was particularly striking.
Phoenix-in Chinatsu leaned against the tree trunk, her head slightly bowed, her ice-blue long hair gently swaying in the evening breeze.
Her hands were clasped behind her back, unconsciously twisting the hem of her skirt with her fingers.
Occasionally, she would lift her head, her ice-blue eyes, which seemed to carry a hint of unwillingness and grievance (though feigned, of course), gazing towards the school gate exit.
Then she would quickly lower her head, lightly stomp her foot, perfectly portraying a girl who was "pouting from defeat, yet honorably waiting for her opponent as promised."
"That idiot... why is he so slow? Is he holding an awards ceremony and summary meeting or something?" Chinatsu muttered inwardly, but maintained her "I'm annoyed but I'm waiting for you" expression.
This was the arrangement she had made with Shido—to wait for Shido at the school gate to create a natural opportunity for a potential "home visit" or "communication contact" later on.
Occasionally, a few students returning late would pass by, and seeing this picturesque scene in the sunset, they couldn't help but slow their pace, exchanging knowing smiles and whispers.
"Look, it's Classmate Hōōin..."
"Wow, is she waiting for someone? She looks... so cute!"
"She must be waiting for someone she likes, right? This atmosphere... tsk tsk, youth is truly wonderful!"
"It feels like a scene from a manga, a tsundere heroine pouting and waiting~"
These discussions from around her clearly drifted into Chinatsu's ears, nearly breaking her perfect facial expression management.
"Who's waiting for someone they like?! You guys have way too much imagination! This is a tactical wait! It's for serious business!"
She ranted wildly in her mind, but for the sake of the plan, she had to forcibly endure it, which made her "pouting" posture even more vivid, even unconsciously puffing out her cheeks.
—A subtly girlish gesture she herself hadn't noticed.
However, this naturally led to more exclamations like, "She really is waiting for her boyfriend, isn't she?" and "I'm so envious..."
Chinatsu felt like she was about to explode from the crowd's wild conjectures.
"Itsuka Shido! If you don't come out right now, I'm going to use my Jurisprudence Authority to create a crack in the ground, shove your head in, and then kick your butt hard!"
---
[2nd Year Class 4 Classroom]
Meanwhile, in the empty classroom of the second year, fourth class, the atmosphere was entirely different.
Shido, Kotori, and Murasame Reine were engaged in a serious discussion concerning the direction of their subsequent actions.
Tonomachi Hiroto, who had planned to ask Shido to go to the arcade, had already been sent away by Kotori as an "unrelated person."
"So, the situation now is," Kotori said, biting her precious jewel, arms crossed, her expression grave.
"Chinatsu has accepted her defeat and, as agreed, is waiting for you at the school gate.
This is an excellent opportunity for us to contact 'Koushi,' but the specific approach needs to be carefully chosen."
She looked at Shido and Reine beside her: "We currently have two main plans. Reine, analyze the pros and cons."
Reine's steady voice spoke: "...Plan A: Utilize this opportunity for Shido to propose accompanying Chinatsu to her residence to meet 'Koushi directly."
"The advantage is: it allows for the most direct confirmation of Koushi's safety and status, obtaining first-hand information with maximum efficiency.
The risk is: it's too direct and might provoke vigilance and resistance from Chinatsu, and even Koushi himself."
"We lack sufficient understanding of Koushi's current situation, his attitude, and his true relationship with Chinatsu, so entering their 'territory' rashly carries extremely high uncertainty."
"Plan B," Kotori interjected, "is to obtain Koushi's contact information through Chinatsu, or have her relay a message to arrange a more controllable meeting, for example, in a public place."
"The advantage is: it's more gentle, showing respect and giving them space for choice, making it less likely to cause direct conflict and offering higher security.
The risk is: the process might be prolonged, and information transmission might be 'filtered' by Chinatsu, so we cannot guarantee that Koushi will receive the complete message."
"Or whether Chinatsu will truthfully convey our intentions. If Chinatsu refuses to cooperate, the lead might be cut off."
Kotori's gaze sharpened as she looked at Shido: "Brother, the choice is yours. Plan A is high-risk, high-reward; it could be a one-shot success or a complete failure."
"Plan B is more cautious but might progress slowly, or even fail to reach the core. Which do you lean towards?"
Shido frowned deeply, the image of the "pouting" girl waiting at the school gate in the sunset appearing in his mind, and he also remembered Koushi—his good friend who loved playing games, could be a jerk at times, but was reliable when it mattered.
"Going straight to his house... that's indeed too rash. What would Chinatsu think? If Koushi is truly injured and needs rest, a group of us showing up to disturb him wouldn't be appropriate..." he pondered.
"But, if I could at least make a phone call, hear Koushi's voice, and confirm he's okay, that would at least put my mind at ease first..."
He took a deep breath and made his decision: "I... I think it's better to try Plan B first. I'll try to get Chinatsu to help me call Koushi."
"At least confirm he's safe, how his voice sounds... If possible, then arrange to meet outside at another time. This way... it shouldn't be too startling for them, right?"
Kotori looked at Shido and nodded: "A very rational choice. Indeed, without more information, it's wise to prioritize a gentler approach. So, our primary goal will be to obtain contact information or arrange for remote communication."
She patted Shido's shoulder: "Alright, decision made. Don't keep our 'guide lady' waiting too long; she doesn't seem to have much patience."
Kotori's tone carried a hint of teasing; she had clearly seen Chinatsu's "anxious" demeanor at the school gate through surveillance.
Shido's face flushed, and he picked up his bag: "Then I'm going."
"Yes, keep your communication open and be flexible," Kotori reminded him finally.
Shido nodded and, with a complex feeling, hurried towards the school gate. What he didn't know was that the "girl" waiting for him was already at her breaking point with frustration.
And a "youthful conversation" based on multiple misunderstandings was about to unfold in the lingering glow of the sunset.