...
After the startling message received from the cathedral, Ui flicks on the main lights of the library, as Hinata looks ready to cry.
"I owe both of you an apology." Hinata says. "You both worked so hard to help me. I can't believe this is happening..."
"Why the hell would they change the schedule, especially at such short notice?" I all but growl out, trying to figure this out.
"I-I don't quite understand either..." Ui adds. "The ceremony was already suspicious. Why would they change the schedule so suddenly? And I still haven't finished the restoration..."
Despite saying this, Ui is still working. Despite the grave news, she still hasn't stopped.
"M-Maybe they forgot to tell me because they don't want me there anymore. I didn't even get a personalized message..." The blacknette says, sadly. "All of the participants must be there by now. Preparations would have to be completed at least an hour before the ceremony. That also means the venue will be closed off once atendees arrive, and security around the cathedral will be tightened."
"Security?" I ask.
"The Justice Task Force, most likely." The librarian guesses.
"Even if the restoration were done right this second, it would still take us some time to travel to the cathedral..." Hinata continues. "We would be too late. Sakurako would have the box in her possession by now. Not to mention that I heard the Justice Task Force would be in charge of security. Their forces are still carrying out military demonstrations, so they're not at full strength. But still... It would be impossible for someone like me to sneak past them and swap the book out without anyone noticing. Meaning that in one hour, in front of everyone, Sakurako will..."
"Read the kamasutra you swapped this book out for." I finish.
"Why the kamasutra?" Ui asks, confused.
"It was the closest book, apparently." I shrug.
"Why would a sister have a kamasutra on hand?" Ui mutters to herself.
Hinata's eyes water as she begins to sniffle. "I'm sorry, Sakurako. It's all my fault... All I want is for everything to go right, but it just keeps getting worse. Maybe I'm getting what I deserve. They say you reap what you sow..."
"Hinata..." Ui mutters.
"The fuck does that mean?" I growl out. "You've been helping people all day! You think THIS is what you deserve for your good deeds? Fuck that." Hinata looks at me curiously, as does Ui. "Fuck that, I ain't givin' up, and neither should you."
"Sensei, it's fine." The sister says, drying her tears. "You both did everything you could, but I have to go there and prevent a worst-case scenario. They won't be expecting me, so maybe I can sneak inside and tell Sakurako the truth of what happened. I'm really grateful for how much you helped me today, Sensei, Ui. I know this isn't the outcome we wanted, but it made me really happy to work alongside you two. I'm sorry we forced such an unreasonable task on you, Ui, but I truly did enjoy getting to know you and work with you. So, again, thank you very much." She finishes with a polite bow. "You both went through so much to restore that book. Actually... Thank you for giving it the care and attention it deserved."
"Huh...?" Ui questions.
"If you're willing, I'd like you to finish the restoration." Hinata says, smiling sadly. "It may not make it to the event in time, but I think it's what a precious book like this deserves."
Ui remains silent, listening to the sister. "Hold on a moment, Hinata. Are you seriously suggesting...?"
"I have to be going now." Hinata says, ignoring the bluenette's question. "So... goodbye." She says, tearing up as she turns to leave.
"No." I say, stopping all discussion and movement, the single word cutting through everything like a knife. "Hinata, I have been through worse situations than this. This self-sacrifice just makes things worse... believe me on that." I say, somber. "We have an hour. We can still make it if we try."
"Fifteen minutes." The magician corrects.
"Huh?" Hinata asks Ui.
"It should take at least fifteen minutes if I hurry." Ui explains. "Twenty-five at the most."
"Get to it, then." I say, before smirking. "Once that's done, I'll sneak in and swap out the books."
"B-But Sensei!" Hinata cries, still worried. "I know I can't sneak in anywhere, but are you sure you can-"
"I am." I interrupt with absolute certainty. "This won't be my first stealth mission. But for now, let's think up some plans."
—————
Around seventeen minutes later, a pristine book is laid on Ui's desk.
"It is done." The librarian announces.
"Wow, it looks brand new!" Hinata says in awe.
"The old me would have read it for myself before handing it over to anyone, but... I don't really feel like doing that tonight." Ui says, holding the book out to me. Gently, I take the resurrected book.
"Thank you, Ui. For everything." The sister says, grateful.
"Yeah, you did an amazing job." I add.
"Um. If I..." The bluenette begins, unable to meet our gazes. "If i were a more sociable person... do you think things would have turned out differently? Had I agreed to your request more quickly and gone to help, then maybe..."
"Nah, the result likely would've been the same. The sermon would be moved up to midnight, the only difference is we would have some extra time to do this." I reason. "Besides, you weren't as used to 'others' as you are now. Don't place the blame entirely on yourself, Ui."
"I... Thank you." Ui says, shyly. "But I still can't shake the feeling that I shouldn't have asked you to retrieve the cake or that I should have gotten to work earlier. What if I had simply agreed to take apart one of the windows in this building to use the sphagnum moss glue? What if I still had some of my own holy tonic on hand and you didn't have to go out and retrieve more? I keep dwelling on these questions..."
"Ui..." Hinata mutters sadly.
"I don't know what's come over me, honestly." The magician says. "I've never been the most considerate person, so I don't know why I'm saying these things."
"We can't beat ourselves up over 'what-ifs'. If we did, we'd be worrying all our lives." I advise. "Besides, if we hadn't gone looking for that cake, we wouldn't have saved the baker from being kidnapped by that gang. If we'd never went for the glue, we never would've helped those girls who hated being delinquents. If we never went for the holy tonic, Serina would've had to help people all on her own, without Hinata's aid." Hinata looks surprised by my words. "Sure, you could've done this and you could've done that, but if you hadn't those people would be in tougher situations at the end of the day."
"Sensei...!" Hinata says, touched by my words.
"As a matter of fact..." I say, pulling out my phone.
"It's still technically against the rules to use that in here." Ui points out.
"Why are you pulling out your phone?" The sister asks.
"I'll explain on the way. Let's go to that old cathedral." I say, beginning to walk away. I call out to Ui as I leave, "I'll tell ya how it goes, Ui! Come on, Hinata!"
"Ah! Right!"
—————
A bit later, at an old, decrepit cathedral. Hinata and I look at the building from within the forests nearby as I pocket my phone after hanging up.
"They're on their way." I say.
"Ohhh... I hope this works." Hinata says, worried.
"Look, we've been over this. Go and speak to that girl there and try to go in. If she won't let you, make the call and wait for her to be distracted. I'll handle distracting the people inside." I say, summarizing my plan.
Ahead, in a clearing is a single girl, keeping an eye out. Of course, there are other JTF members in the back, but they're over by the building itself.
The lone girl, likely a JTF member, has black hair done in a bob cut framing her cute face and grey-purple eyes. She wears a black sailor uniform with a short top and a high skirt, revealing a small bit of skin above her stomach and below her chest. Her black uniform has red buttons and stipes, along with a red bow and a red armband emblazoned with the word 'justice' in a fancy font. She also has two small, dark grey wings coming from her lower back. She wears fingerless, black gloves and has on identically colored shoes with tall, red soles. Her black socks- ending midway up her shin- have a garter attached to them. Her halo is two red rings with wing shapes on the outside.
The most striking feature of the girl is the MASSIVE black and red sniper rifle she's carrying.
Did I mention she's very cute? 'Cause she's cute.
"You ready?" I ask.
"As I'll ever be." Hinata says, resolute. She gets up from our hiding spot and turns around before stepping on the dirt path to the cathedral and begins running down it to the building's guard.
"You there. Stop where you are." The JTF girl says, quickly noticing the running Hinata. "Who goes there? An important ceremony is about to begin at the cathedral. Please tell me your affiliation and name. Hold on... those robes belong to the Sisterhood."
"U-Um, hello. You're with the Justice Task Force, correct?" Hinata asks the cute girl.
"That's right, I'm Shizuyama Mashiro of the Justice Task Force. I'm in charge of security of this area ahead of the ceremony." The cute girl, Mashiro, explains. "But what is a Sister doing in the woods at a time like this? Everyone attending the ceremony has already entered the venue."
Hinata awkwardly laughs. "Yes, that doesn't make sense. However, I'm not exactly one of the attendees..."
I want to scream. WHY WOULD SHE SAY THAT?!
"Is that so?" Mashiro asks, eyes narrowing ever so slightly. "I'm sorry, but please understand that I can't allow you to enter at this point unless you're on the participant list, even if you are a Sister. Rules are rules. Tonight's security is so strict that even the JTF isn't permitted to go any further than their designated posts. Even I'm not privy to the details surrounding the scripture they're reading. All I know is that it's a sensitive matter and requires heightened security."
"R-Right. I know..." The sister says, sadly. "B-But there's an urgent matter they need to be informed about."
"Urgent?" The JTF member asks. "What is it? If it's that important, I can pass it up the chain of command and it should reach someone in charge."
"Oh... Yes, I see. That might work." Hinata says, nervous. "So, the thing is... About the scripture they're going to read tonight..." Hinata's voice begins to crack. I guess the pressure's getting to her.
"What about it?" The sniper-carrying girl asks.
"I, um... Ugh..." The sister stammers as her eyes well up with tears and she begins to sob.
"Wh-Why are you crying all of a sudden?! What's wrong?" Mashiro asks, worried.
Fuck, she's gonna crack. Looking over, I give the signal.
Before she can say anything else, a new group of voices shout from the forest.
"WE'RE THE ROLY POLY GANG! WE ALWAYS RECOIL!"
"Yes, just like-! Wait... what?" Hinata says, caught off-guard.
"Huh?" Mashiro asks, blinking in confusion. "Roly poly?"
"E-Enemy spotted! We're under attack!" One of the short JTF girls over by the building shouts.
Mashiro tenses, readying her rifle. Hinata just stands there confused as she watches two JTF memebers run up.
"What's going on?! Where's the attack coming from? How many units, and what's their aim?" Mashiro rattles off questions quickly.
"U-Unconfirmed!" One relays, tensely. "They just keep firing warning shots and retreating back into the dark, over and over!"
The JTF sniper clicks her tongue. "So that's how they want it? They have guts if they're challenging the Justice Task Force like this." She then turns to Hinata, looking apologetic. "P-Please excuse us, Sister. It'll be safer if you wait here for us. I'll be back in a moment to relay your message."
A voice speaks up over their comms. "The enemy is scattered and hiding in the dark. Requesting reinforcements!"
"We're on our way!" Mashiro says. "Let's roll out, troops!"
""Yes, ma'am!"" The two smaller members say.
Hinata is left dumbly staring, watching the three JTF members run off.
"Go!" I shout from the forest.
"R-Right!" Hinata shouts, scrambling into a run after jolting from me shout.
—————
In another section of the forest, girls dressed as delinquents shoot at JTF members- cackling all the while- then running away to dodge the incoming fire. Then, they repeat this.
"Clear out these troublemakers!" One JTF member says over comms. "Their forces aren't fighting back. They shouldn't pose a threat!"
"Then what's taking so long?!" One girl snaps back. "Do they outnumber us?"
"I-It doesn't seem like it, but we can't say for sure..." The other says through the comms. "They just keep coming back. They must have a medical unit supporting them."
"Don't let your guards down!" Mashiro barks. "We can't afford to stray too far from our posts! Remember: our top objective is to guard the cathedral and guests inside!"
""Yes, ma'am!"" The other members shout as one.
—————
"Goodness, I can't believe I got so distracted!" Hinata bemoans as she and I sneak around inside the old building, a few rooms away from the main area. "I-I'm so sorry, Sensei. I got so emotional, and-"
"It's fine." I say, holding my hand up. "Just try to keep a clear head from now on, yeah?"
"A-Alright." The sister says, nodding.
"Good, now they should be here any sec." I say.
Sure enough the sound of a truck reaches our ears. The same food truck from earlier today. Five figures hop out from it: the After-School Sweets Club girls and the dog man selling the cakes.
"Excuse me, everyone!" The dog man says, catching everyone's attention in the main room. "There's some soft of commotion going on outside, but remain calm! The situation is under control! While you're waiting, try this. I've baked something special I want to share with everyone!" The people inside look at the small man with rapt attention. "This cake is called the Miracle Five Thousand!" Many people still. "It's normally a limited-time item, but not today! I'm giving it away for free! And I've made enough for everyone!"
"Come and get it, everyone!" Airi says. "Before it becomes a limited edition again tomorrow! Trust us, it's good! You're not gonna want to miss this!"
"Th-They really came..." Hinata says, surprised.
"Is this plan really going to work?" Kazusa asks, sighing. "I thought the attendees were more of a high-brow crowd. I know the Miracle Five Thousand is a high-profile dessert, but I wouldn't expect them to go crazy for it like we-"
But the cat-like girl's musings are interrupted by a crazed crowd, eager for the free cake.
"Give me the cake! I was in line first!" One person in the crowd shouts.
"Out of my way!" Another shouts, as Hinata and I make our way to the box containing the book, sat on a podium, next to a sister. "I've been trying to get my hands on this cake all week! I don't care if it's free, I'd STILL be willing to may for it!"
"Hey, you're cutting in line! Don't you have any shame?!" Another shouts.
"Shame?" The second person asks, rhetorically. "Who cares about shame at a time like this?! We're in the presence of the Miracle Five Thousand! Nothing will stop me from finally getting a taste!"
As they clamor around the truck, Yoshimi speaks, looking surprised, "The plan is working?" She then turns to her friends. "All right! Don't just stand there, we have to help out!"
Kazusa sighs at the blonde's antics.
"People are all the same in the end, but that doesn't mean their reasoning is wrong. Cake is a universal language." Natsu muses philosophically. "To live is to eat. To eat is to live. That is what makes life worth savoring.
"That's great and all, but you could be helping us, you know." The cat-like girl points out. "Stop trying to pontificate your way out of it, Natsu."
"Look who's talking!" Yoshimi snaps. "Both of you get over here and give us a hand!"
""Coming..."" The pinkette and blackette awkwardly say, in unison.
"J-Just what is going on here? This wasn't part of tonight's schedule?" The sister by the podium asks. "Though, I'd be remiss to not take this opportunity to finally try the Miracle Five Thousand. I've been dying to try it as well!" She admits.
The sister, likely Sakurako, has long grey-blonde hair falling out from her black veil, and deep purple eyes. She wears a black and white dress/nun's habit with a blue bow and cuffs. On her legs are dark thigh-highs and tall, black boots. She carries a white, blue and gold assault rifle. Her halo is gold with a lower half-circle with what looks like bird sillhouettes perched on either side. Above that is an upper half-ring resembling a cat ear headband, with a cross floating above it.
"If only it weren't my duty to guard the scripture..." She bemoans. "I'm still the host."
"Don't you worry. I'll watch it for ya." I say, startling her as I walk up.
"You are... the Sensei that Mari told me she met today?" She asks.
"That's me, Joshua of Schale. Nice to meetcha." I greet with a smile.
"W-Well, it's nice to meet you as well, Sensei. I am Utazumi Sakurako." The sister greets.
"I figured as much. Go on, enjoy your cake." I say, shooing her off.
"If you insist." She says, relenting with a smile.
Better give them the text and tell 'em to stop the distraction.
—————
Back in the forest...
The JTF members look around as a voice picks up on their comms. "Reporting! The enemy has retreated. Damage has been kept to a minimum."
"We still have eye on the enemy. Should we give chase?" Another asks over comms.
"No, that won't be necessary." Mashiro says with a shake of the head. "As I said, our mission is to protect the event site and the attendees. We also haven't received any communication from that side. In which case, I think it's safe to say mission accomplished. Let's return to our posts and investigate the details later. Everyone! Back to your positions!" She barks.
""Understood!"" The JTF members say, in unison.
—————
Back in the cathedral...
Hinata hands me the kamasutra, which I quickly store in the Shittim Chest- after telling Arona to not read the damn thing-, before placing the resurrected book in the case.
"It's over..." Hinata says with a relieved sigh. "The plan actually worked!" She cheers.
"Thank goodness." I breathe a relieved sigh as well. "C'mon, let's get out of the way."
Hinata nods happily, satisfied it's all worked out for the best.
—————
A few minutes later, the guests return to their seats, the JTF members and Sisters return to their posts, and Sakurako returns to the podium.
The guests clamor amongst themselves, but the important sister speaks, "Everyone, settle down! There's been a disruption, but the situation has been resolved. The ceremony will now resume. May I remind you all of the seriousness of this event? Please put down the cake and wipe the crumbs from your mouths!"
As the guests all move, quieting themselves down, Sakurako sighs. "Are you all ready to begin?"
Hinata and I watch with contentment as Sakurako opens the wooden box and takes out a book- one that ISN'T a kamasutra.
"Now, then. May I present to you..." With a smile, the sister holds the book up for all to see. "...the fourth annotated edition of the ancient scriptures, as interpreted by the ancient councils!"
Hinata and I listen to Sakurako give her sermon for the next hour or so. Hinata was right, that girl has a beautiful voice, even if she was speaking in a language I can't understand. It sounded familiar, but I can't place what it was exactly.
As it ended, Hinata wordlessly hugged me tightly, before running off to congratulate Sakurako on her sermon.
I sent a text to the Sweets Club girls, the soon-to-be former delinquents and the food truck owner offering my thanks for helping. They all sent pretty much the same response: saying it was fine, as I helped them earlier today.
Smiling at the results of a job well done, I leave the old cathedral and head back to my temporary office, eager to sleep.
—————
As I enter the old library the next morning, I find Ui has turned the lights off again.
"Back to the darkness, huh?" I say, joking.
"W-Welcome back, Sensei. I've been expecting you." Ui says, flicking the lights back on from her desk. "I can tell from the look on your face that things went well."
"All's well that ends well." I say, smiling. "Thanks to you and your 'magic'." I say, holding my hands up and fluttering my fingers.
"I-I'm glad to hear it." The librarian says with a soft smile and red cheeks. "We can finally breathe a sigh of relief thanks to you."
"I figured you would've already heard about it online. Even I've been hearing about it, and I barely use social media." I say, sitting down near her.
"Actually, I prefer to get my news from the newspaper. Though, they've likely chosen to not cover that event, seeing as how it wasn't in today's edition." She points out. "That isn't surprising, given the subject matter. I suppose that's for the best, but there is still something bothering me."
"What?" I ask.
"Isn't it obvious?" Ui says, rhetorically. "I used up so much of my precious time on this incident, and in the end, I helplessly worried over someone I had only just met. Doing so took a real toll."
I roll my eyes, seeing where this is going.
"I'm relieved things were resolved in the end, but I can't help but wonder what would have happened if things went awry..." Ui pauses, groaning. "I hate dwelling on the 'what-ifs'. This is why I've never liked involving myself with outsiders." She then continues, in a smaller voice. "I always have to hold their hands to show them how things should be done, while they always find ways to screw things up in the end. So much useless worry..." She then loudens back up. "Doesn't anyone ever consider how I feel? It's always 'Me, me, me', yet in the end, I'm the one losing sleep over their problems."
I shoot her a pointed look, wanting her to reach the point.
She sighs, a bit ashamed of her words. "What am I even saying? I'm sorry you had to see me like this, Sensei. D-Don't mind me. I was only rambling. I guess what I'm trying to say is... this is why I usually keep to myself."
I let out a soft chuckle. "You're real responsible, huh, Ui?" I ask, smiling.
"G-Gah." She lets out a sound, quickly averting her gaze as her face reddens. "Y-You don't have to say things like that... A-Anyway, that's all I have to say about the matter. By the way... d-did you bring what I asked for?"
Reaching into the Shittim Chest in my jacket, I pull it out and sit it on her desk.
A tall glass filled with a lemon smoothie.
Ui lets out a quiet, happy giggle. "Thank you. It looks delicious." She says, grabbing the cup.
"I'm kinda surprised you went for a smoothie this time." I admit as Ui takes a sip from the clear plastic straw.
The bluenette hums, swallowing her drink. "Well, to tell you the truth... I don't actually like sweets very much. I only have cake on occasion. To make matters worse, they leave behind crumbs, which get all over my desk and books. Nothing is better when reading than a refreshing lemon smoothie- with a lid on it, might I add." She takes another sip, before recoiling a bit. "E-Even when they're brain-freezingly cold like this one is."
I let out a laugh from her expression, her face cutely twisted in uncomfort.
"I-I'm sorry that I asked you to retrieve that cake yesterday. It was uncalled for." She says, ashamed. "I don't think I ever did give you a proper apology."
"It's fine." I say. "Like I said, all's well that ends well. Still..." I say, standing up. "I'll bring a lemon smoothie from now on."
"What do you mean 'from now on'? I wouldn't necessarily mind you visiting, but..." The words die in her throat, replaced by a relenting sigh. "There's something about you, Sensei." She says, shaking her head. "I suppose I should be more honest with you if you insist on continuing to see me."
"If you want to, go ahead." I say, shrugging.
"In that case, there's something important that you need to know..." Ui says.
"And that is?"
"Next time, I'll take an iced americano." She says, smiling faintly. "That's my usual coffee order."
"All right, then. I'll bring one next time." I say, walking away.
As I stroll away from her desk, I call out to her, adding one more thing. "And maybe next time you'll let me read that copy of the scripture in your desk."
The sounds of Ui choking were the last thing I heard as I left the old library.
—————
Upon returning back to my temporary office, I open the 'Harem Chat Group' to tell the girls about my current situation. I texted them first to get their attention
Sensei: Hey, long story, but I'm gonna be helping out in Trinity for a while. Got a temporary office and everything.
Sensei: So I won't be at Schale for a while.
-Chinatsu has logged in.- -Hoshino has logged in.-
Chinatsu: At Trinity?
Sensei: Yeah. Long story short, I'll be helping four girls pass their grades in two weeks.
Sensei: Since they're so busy with the Treaty, the Tea Party cashed in their favor I owed them.
-Yuuka has logged in.- -Haruka has logged in.- -Shiroko has logged in.-
Hoshino: The one from when they helped us with Kaiser?
Sensei: That's the one.
Sensei: Though, Trinity's got a lot of paperwork, so they used Schale's extrajudicial authority to make the club quick.
Shiroko: It sounds fishy.
Yuuka: I agree. This definitely sounds shady.
Haruka: Y-Yeah. Kayoko would probably know they were planning something.
Sensei: And she'd be right. I'll keep this simple: in two weeks, I begin tutoring four girls, one of which- interestingly- is Hifumi.
Hoshino: Never would've guessed she got bad grades.
Sensei: Anyway, they have to take an exam. If they pass, that's it- but if they fail, they have to take a second. If they fail that, they take a third.
Sensei: If even of them fails the third, they all get expelled.
Yuuka: WHAT?!
Haruka: Th-That's...!
Chinatsu: What the hell are they thinking over there?!
Hoshino: Wow, I think this is the first time I've been quite this upset.
Hoshino: BTW Shiroko is growling over here.
Shiroko: And with good reason.
Sensei: They probably AREN'T thinking.
Sensei: Furthermore, I'm forbidden to leave Trinity until all this is over, unless it's 'important'.
Sensei: Funnily enough, the contract didn't define what 'important' is, or who it is 'important' to.
Hoshino: Big oversight there.
Shiroko: Good, Josh isn't trapped.
Yuuka: But they likely think he is.
Haruka: Th-Thank goodness!
Chinatsu: I knew things were tense at Trinity as well, but to hear about something like this.
Sensei: Anyway, I'll be over here for AT LEAST the next three weeks. I'll send you my temporary place, feel free to text me or come by if anything happens.
Sensei: If anyone here gives you hassle, tell them I let you in.
Yuuka: We will keep that in mind, Josh.
Chinatsu: Just what is going on over there?
Hoshino: It might have something to do with their injured Tea Party member.
Yuuka: I... had heard about that, yes.
Chinatsu: One of the three members of their student council was attacked, if I recall correctly.
Haruka: Someone attacked them?
Sensei: Yeah. From what I see, she's still hurt, likely in a coma or something.
Hoshino: Are they getting you to do this because they think the one that did that is one of these four girls?
Yuuka: What do you mean by that?
Chinatsu: Hoshino, you don't think...
Sensei: I came to the same conclusion. The only thing I could figure is that they think those girls have bad grades due to being busy with other things.
Sensei: Like attacking a Tea Party member. If that's the case, they'll likely try to mess with the Treaty next.
Yuuka: I can feel a migraine coming on.
Haruka: So someone is a spy?
Shiroko: There's no proof. Only assumptions.
Sensei: Yeah. There just ain't enough to go on.
Sensei: I'll keep y'all posted.
Chinatsu: We'll be here.
Hoshino: Come to think of it, what are you going to be doing for the two weeks you have off?
Haruka: Th-That's right. Josh said he'll start tutoring them in two weeks.
Sensei: Brushing up on high school studies. I haven't attended a school in five years.
Sensei: I mean, I did graduate high school, but I haven't exactly focused on this stuff in a while.
Yuuka: Fair point. If you need any help, feel free to ask us.
Hoshino: Yeah, we'll be glad to tutor you, Josh.
Sensei: Hehehe. Thanks, you girls.
Sensei: Anyway, I've still got work to do. See ya later.
Haruka: Bye! -Haruka has logged off.-
Chinatsu: Goodbye for now, Josh. -Chinatsu has logged off.-
Yuuka: Remember my offer! -Yuuka has logged off.-
Shiroko: Bye. -Shiroko has logged off.-
Hoshino: Josh.
Sensei: Yeah?
Hoshino: Stay safe.
Sensei: Don't worry too much, Hoshino. I'll be high alert 24/7.
Hoshino: Good.
Hoshino: And... good luck out there. -Hoshino has logged off-
—————
THE CLUMSY SISTER AND THE MAGICIAN OF THE OLD LIBRARY: END
—————
AN
Next time, the Make-Up work club begins operations.
In other news, heat wave here. It was too fucking hot for Louisiana this week. Sunday it got up to 95F, a bit higher than average. Monday we got lucky via thunderstorm which near-missed us, so it only got up to 87F. Tuesday, it began...
Tuesday it was 94, but there was a big thunderstorm in the evening that dropped the temperature to 80, Wednesday was 95, Thursday was 96 and yesterday- Friday- it was 98. 93 is the max average for these parts in summer, but 98 is just too fucking hot!
I hope you enjoyed this chapter and look forward to the next!