Rumors will eventually spread, it is only a matter of sooner or later.
Fortunately, the matter between Hifumi and me had not spread that quickly.
In fact, among the Trinity students who know me and would come ask after hearing something, there were only a handful to begin with.
They were probably, as usual, busy figuring out where to eat desserts right now.
So the person contacting me at this moment was truly just a coincidence.
It seemed I still had some time to think about how I should explain things.
Even if I did not explain, the girls would most likely take the initiative to find excuses for me instead, but in clean and pure interpersonal relationships, what matters most has always been attitude.
And the momotalk I received was like this—
Yuzu: Where does Sensei usually spend time when resting?
Both the sender and the content of the message surprised me quite a bit.
Socially anxious Yuzu actually took the initiative to message me, and in such a casual, chatty tone?
It must be that my charm was simply too overwhelming, and with me not visiting the Game Development Department for the past few days, Yuzu's longing overcame her introverted nature, giving her the courage to message me first!
The corner of my mouth lifted slightly. After thinking for a moment, I chose a safe and proper reply.
When dealing with easily shy types, one cannot rush things. You have to approach at a pace the other person can accept, gradually and step by step deepening the relationship.
This is a project that requires patience.
Me: Usually, I stay at Schale.
Yuzu's reply came much faster than I had expected.
Counting the time to think and type, she probably stared at the screen the entire time after sending the message.
Just imagining that scene made me smile uncontrollably.
So, in a good mood, I changed my plans for what came next.
Meanwhile, Yuzu, completely unaware of this, continued sending messages.
Yuzu: Ah, I see, the Schale building… I have not visited it yet. I am kind of looking forward to it.
Yuzu: But since I joined Schale, someday I will have to come serve as the on duty student, right? I feel really nervous.
Me: It is fine, the on duty work at Schale is very easy.
After all, it usually follows the principle of letting the capable do more.
Me: If it is really too much of a burden, it is also okay not to participate in duty.
Yuzu: It is okay, please do not give me special treatment… I will do my best to overcome it.
Me: Mm, do your best.
Yuzu: I… I like places where no one passes by, where the sunlight does not reach, dark places.
Considering that Yuzu often stayed alone inside narrow, cramped, and dark storage lockers, this was not particularly surprising.
But…
I frowned slightly.
Yuzu: A healing space that belongs only to me, where no one disturbs me…
Yuzu: In places like that, I feel like I could stay forever.
Me: Are you in the clubroom right now?
Yuzu: Eh? Yes.
Yuzu: Why so sudden…?
Yuzu: Sensei…?
Ignoring the girl's questions, I bought a sandwich for lunch at the Angel 24 convenience store near the station, then boarded the train to Millennium Science School.
Not long after, I arrived outside the Game Development Department clubroom, which I had not visited for a few days, and knocked on the door.
However, after waiting for a while, the room inside remained completely silent.
I knocked twice more, then sent Yuzu a momotalk message.
From inside the clubroom came a dull thump, as if two hard objects had collided.
I immediately understood.
Next, I took out a key, unlocked the door, stepped inside, and looked around, my gaze lingering briefly on an extra pink kitten plush placed on top of a locker.
Just as I had expected, at least on the surface, the clubroom was indeed empty. If Momoi, Midori, or Alice were here, even if it was inconvenient, they would at least respond.
But this worked out just fine.
I stared at the unremarkable storage locker in the corner, walked over, and seemed to hear slightly heavy and hurried breathing.
Why did this suddenly feel like I was playing a horror game?
And I was the boss?
The girl currently hiding inside the locker was probably feeling something similar.
All of a sudden, I felt a bit playful.
"Huh? Looks like no one is here. Was that sound just my imagination?" I muttered to myself. "I cannot reach Yuzu either. I guess I should head back."
As I spoke, I turned around, walked back to the door, opened it, then closed it, and then crouched down, tiptoeing quietly back to the locker.
I yanked the locker door open and said with a grin,
"Here's Sensei~!"
However, I did not get the reaction I had hoped for.
When I saw the girl who had been curled up inside the locker, her raised face showing red, swollen eyes, the sorrow not yet fully replaced by confusion, I quickly wiped the smile off my face.
"Yuzu, are you okay?"
"Eh, I… I…"
Yuzu hesitated for a bit, then asked weakly, "Sensei, did you not leave?"
I sat down on the floor to be at eye level with her, then bent forward slightly and said sincerely, "I am sorry. I just thought of a classic scene from horror games and wanted to joke with you… it looks like I went too far. I am really sorry."
"P, please do not apologize!" In her panic, Yuzu reached out and placed both hands on my shoulders. An overwhelming and irresistible force instantly pushed my body upright.
This was the physical strength of students. I was already used to it.
Yuzu met my eyes for a moment, then flusteredly looked away and released her grip.
After a long silence, under my gaze, she finally spoke softly,
"I am sorry for making you worry. I just thought… I messed things up again…"
"…Hm?"
"Sensei received such a sudden message from me and even came to visit specially… but I did not open the door for you…"
Even though I had vaguely guessed it, hearing it confirmed from Yuzu herself still made me sigh.
Yuzu's psychological issues seemed more serious and harder to cure than I had imagined.
Even though she had gained the courage to walk out of the school building with everyone accompanying her, when she was alone, she was still this introverted and shy.
But this was still my fault. If I had explained things to Yuzu beforehand instead of making a sudden visit, this would not have happened.
From now on, when interacting with students who have psychological issues, I would need to be even more cautious.
After reflecting on myself internally, my resolve grew firmer. I had to help Yuzu step out of her withdrawn state.
Let us start by having her step out of the locker.
I casually patted Yuzu's head and said gently, "I do not mind these things, so please forgive my mistake too, okay?"
"I, I did not really mind either…"
"Thank you."
I paused, then asked knowingly, "By the way, Yuzu, why do you like staying inside lockers so much?"