“Hey, did you hear that, Asahi? Earlier, the class next door…”

“I did not.”

After the weekend, came Monday, the first day of the week.

A friend from when they were kids, which meant a close friend that could be regarded as his best friend, Kikkawa Chiaki. Asahi interrupted him with a blunt response.

“I haven’t said anything yet.”

“It’s probably something stupid, anyway. Don’t bother me while I study for the exam.”

“I don’t know about that. It’s about the Ice Lady.”

My ears picked up those familiar words, and the pen that had been moving just stopped.

My mind wanders back to the events from three days ago.

It seemed that Fuyuka was feeling better after the weekend, and I caught a glimpse of her going to school as usual.

“Heh, interested now?”

“…Not really”

“Liar, you’re a little curious, aren’t you?”

At times like this, I have no words to say anything back when Chiaki hits the bullseye.

However, I was embarrassed to admit it, so I decided to ignore him, and Chiaki grinned playfully and started talking on his own.

“Apparently, Yamada-san from the other class confessed to Himuro-san.”

“…And?”

“I knew it, you’re curious, after all.”

“Shut up. Just keep going.”