The teacher stood at the front of Class B, chalk in hand, lips twitching in silent frustration. After a long pause, she sighed.
"Daiwa Scarlet."
"Yes?"
"Please move to the empty seat on the right."
"Okay!"
Scarlet packed up her things and moved without protest—her tone obedient, her posture respectful. But the moment she sat down, her eyes flicked toward Vodka with a familiar spark. She had accepted the consequence, but her personality remained unchanged.
Correct attitude. Timely admission. Zero intention to change.
The teacher turned to Peach Waves.
"Peach-chan, please take Scarlet's previous seat."
"No problem, teacher."
Peach Waves settled into her new seat, surprised to find Nishino Flower sitting in front of her. The girl didn't turn around, so Peach Waves didn't disturb her.
"Since Peach Waves doesn't have her textbook yet, please share with a classmate."
"Got it, teacher."
Before she could move, Vodka tugged her chair.
"Come sit with me. I'll share my book."
"Okay—"
But Scarlet grabbed the other side.
"Why her side? My book's brand new!"
Crunch.
"Brand new? That means no notes. Come to my side."
Crunch.
"Notes don't matter if your last test score was lower than mine."
Crunch.
"That was one bad day! Don't act like that's forever, you jerk!"
Crunch, crunch.
The chair screeched back and forth. The class began to turn, attention shifting to the back row.
The teacher's grip on the chalk tightened.
Snap.
Outside the classroom, Scarlet and Vodka stood with their heads bowed, exiled to the hallway.
Inside, Peach Waves—now without a book—tapped Nishino Flower's shoulder.
Nishino Flower turned, saw Peach Waves pointing to her textbook, and nodded. She slid the book over without a word.
A soft fragrance drifted toward her. Nishino Flower blinked, dazed.
"Nishino… page turn."
"Oh—sorry, Peach Waves."
"Are you okay? You look pale."
Peach Waves gently touched her forehead.
Nishino's eyes widened. Her cheeks flushed.
"You feel warm… are you getting a fever?"
Peach Waves raised her hand to alert the teacher, but Nishino Flower stopped her.
"No, I'm fine. Really."
"Alright. But let me know if you feel worse."
"Thank you, Peach Waves."
A moment later, Nishino Flower felt something cool on her forehead.
She touched it—a cooling patch.
"This helps with drowsiness and fevers. You should focus on class."
Peach Waves' voice was soft and kind. Nishino's heart fluttered.
She's so gentle… and I was thinking such silly things.
She patted her cheeks and refocused.
Time flew by. When class ended, Nishino Flower turned to speak—but Peach Waves was already surrounded by classmates.
"She's so popular… I'll talk to her later."
In the hallway, Nishino found Seiun Sky at the window.
"Sky-chan, how was class? Sleepy?"
"Not bad. I only dozed for thirty minutes. You look lively. What's that on your forehead?"
"Oh—Peach Waves gave me a cooling patch. It works great."
"She gave you something?"
Before Seiun Sky could react, Emperor Radiance appeared.
"Peach Waves gave you something? When?"
"During class. Didn't you know? She's in our class now."
"She is?! I'm going to see for myself."
Seiun Sky watched her rush off.
"Wow… even she gets flustered."
"Right? Should we go talk to her?"
"No way. She's probably swarmed."
Back in the classroom, Peach Waves was still surrounded when King Halo pushed through.
"Peach Waves, I need to speak with you. Come with me."
The crowd parted. Peach Waves smiled.
"Sorry, everyone. I'll talk to you later."
She followed Halo to the stairwell.
"Thanks for helping me out, Halo-chan."
King Halo blushed.
"I just didn't want you to be embarrassed. I know what it's like to be popular."
"A considerate horse girl like you deserves to be popular."
King Halo's cheeks flushed deeper.
"You're good at saying nice things, Peach Waves."
"I only speak the truth. If you weren't so genuine, I wouldn't say it."
The bell rang. Peach Waves looked apologetic.
"Class time already… I wanted to talk more."
She pulled out a small carrot plushie.
"I won this at the arcade. It's a thank-you gift. I hope you'll accept it."
King Halo hesitated, then took it.
"Okay… since you insist."
"See you later, Halo-chan."
King Halo watched her go, clutching the plushie.
"It still smells like her… I'll treasure this."
Class C.
Condor blinked as King Halo walked in, plushie in hand, glowing.
"Since when do you like dolls?"
"What do you know? This is a gift from Peach Waves."
"You're that close?"
"Of course. Peach Waves and this King Halo are best friends."
Seiun Sky chuckled.
"Not surprising. She cheered so hard for Peach Waves yesterday."