Yukino pressed the doorbell below.
"Is anyone inside? Natsukawa-san, it's Yukinoshita, your classmate."
She knocked on the door and called out.
After a moment, there was still no movement from inside.
Haruno, Yuu, and Yuigahama watched from behind her, offering suggestions one by one.
"Just call the police. I know some people in the Tokyo Metropolitan Police. It's fine even if it's a bit excessive."
"Your voice lacks enthusiasm. With a voice that soft, are you trying to pet a cat? Try again!"
"Yukinon, can you borrow a spare key from the manager?"
"…"
(These people, they're all here to cause chaos, aren't they?)
Yukino massaged her temples as if she had a headache. Resisting the urge to kick Yuu's leg in front of everyone, she spoke with a cold expression, "Please be quiet. Anyone who makes noise again, I'll have security escort them out."
Ignoring the indifferent expressions of two of them, she knocked on Masuzu's apartment door a bit harder.
"Natsukawa-san, I'm here to deliver study materials and check if you're okay… If you don't respond within one minute, I'll consider asking the manager to open the door for me, and I won't rule out calling the police."
"All the above actions have been approved by Hiratsuka-sensei. So, don't worry that I'm just bluffing. Please open the door and accept your documents."
Hiratsuka had indeed told her to do whatever she wanted. This statement couldn't be considered a lie. At most, she added a touch of exaggeration.
Since this concerned someone else's safety, Yukino didn't hesitate. She used the most efficient method—if the threat didn't work, she'd take action.
One minute later, she pulled out her phone.
*CLICK!*
The sound of a chain being unlatched rang out. Then, the lock turned. The electronic security lock's light lit up, indicating it was unlocked.
The door slowly opened, from a narrow crack to wider.
"Yukinoshita? Heh, that's rare…"
It was a voice weaker and more fragile than Yuu had imagined.
Under everyone's gaze, the girl poked her head out from behind the door. When she saw the crowd behind Yukino, she instinctively moved to close it but hesitated before shutting it completely.
"Why are there so many people… Are you planning to rob me or gang up on me?"
"I told you, I'm just delivering study materials. You don't need to worry about them." Yukino expressionlessly pulled out the brown paper bag from her bag. "And I also want to confirm why you didn't come to school and can't be reached… Can you explain? Are you down with the flu or something?"
"Let's just say it's the flu. Tell Sensei I'm fine. I'll return to school once I'm better." A small, pale hand reached out from the door and took the items. "Thank you, Yukinoshita-san… You can all go back now."
But at that moment, Yuigahama spoke up, stepping forward to take Yukino's place. "Um, Natsukawa-san!"
"…Yuigahama-san came too." Masuzu spoke in a low voice, as if just realizing it. She slowly opened the door wider until her face was visible. "I heard you went to Kyoto. Did you have fun?"
"Yeah, it was super fun! I brought back lots of souvenirs. I'll give you some tomorrow!" Yuigahama said with a smile.
For some reason, though their relationship had only been casual before, talking face-to-face now felt comfortable and familiar, like chatting with a friend. She unconsciously used a friendly tone.
Masuzu seemed to feel the same. The cold, wary indifference gradually faded. She leaned her thin, frail body against the door, looking at Yuigahama in front of her, the corners of her lips curving slightly.
"Then, thank you… Sorry for worrying you."
"It's fine. I'm just glad to see you're okay!" Though surprised by her suddenly approachable attitude, Yuigahama nodded vigorously. She couldn't help but scratch her head and laugh awkwardly. "Uh, though you don't seem that okay…"
"It's just a slight discomfort, nothing serious." Shaking her head and after a brief exchange, Masuzu prepared to close the door. "It's getting dark. You should head home and rest… I'm going back to sleep. Once I'm better, I'll return to school, and my phone will be reachable."
She placed her hand on the doorknob, her body slowly retreating. She caught a final glimpse of Yuigahama's expression, as if she wanted to say something.
Beside her was Yukino, who hesitated. She didn't want to ignore it but also didn't want to interfere. Then there was an unfamiliar older sister who seemed uninterested in her, her eyes constantly glancing at the boy standing at the back of the group.
And he, frowning slightly, looked at her with an expression of shock and confusion he couldn't hide.
(Why? Does he think a popular, beautiful girl at school couldn't possibly look this disheveled?)
(Too bad. I don't even know why I'm like this.)
Masuzu found it amusing. Of course, she recognized him. That guy was the all-around king, wildly popular at Sobu High School. He became famous after a legendary feat, defeating most of the sports clubs single-handedly during the autumn showcase.
He was the top student in class, could play the piano, and cooked amazingly well. Masuzu heard he even had a fan club formed by girls, more popular than the baseball or soccer team's aces.
She'd been in the same group as him and Yuigahama during the autumn field trip. But he didn't seem interested in her. He never spoke to her the entire time, always ignoring her. And during photos, he chose the spot furthest from her.
But thinking about it, wasn't that strange?
If he was so popular, he should've tried to pull her to his side. Even if Masuzu couldn't use him as a "shield" she could at least stir up some gossip to keep annoying guys at bay.
If he didn't dislike her, building a good relationship with him was something she'd do…
"Why?"
As she wondered, she suddenly lacked the strength to even hold the doorknob.
Her knees buckled. Her soul felt like it was being yanked from her body. Masuzu fell backward, unable to stop herself.
She didn't feel pain. Only a massive wound in her heart, as if freshly sliced open. Pale blood gushed, making it hard to breathe.
"Why do I feel worse than when I woke up this morning… Why am I crying again…"
Like that morning, she silently asked herself what strange illness she was suffering from.
Until dizziness overtook her consciousness and her vision darkened, Masuzu still hadn't found the answer.
"Natsukawa-san! Natsukawa-san!"
"Are you okay?!"
"Wait, don't rush to call an ambulance."
In the darkness, only his voice rang out clearly.
"It's possible she fainted from hunger. Carry her to the sofa. I'll make some warm porridge."