The noise of scratching of pens filled the place as students crowded around the registration tables.
The cooking club's line was unusually long, drawing glances from neighboring booths.
Nox stood across the hall when a girl with black hair and sharp red eyes stepped up to him.
Her lips curved into a playful smile.
"Wow..."
She said, as she tilted her head slightly.
"...you joined the same club as me.
You really want to be around me, huh?"
Nox didn't flinch.
His hands slipped deeper into his pockets, voice low and even.
"I did it for my own interests.
Don't flatter yourself."
The girl leaned a little closer, lowering her tone just enough that only he could hear.
"Mm… by the look in your eyes, I can tell you didn't expect your elder brother to be the club's patron."
For a moment, Nox's expression stiffened.
His jaw tightened, but he didn't answer.
At a table where Lumi sat with Grassia and Miss Melissa, the lively chatter momentarily faltered.
