The gym doors were wide open, and a steady stream of students flowing out into the bright hallways for the start of recess.
The air hummed with the typical chaotic energy of high school, the sound of sneakers squeaking on polished wood and a hundred overlapping conversations.
Hana-sensei paused at the threshold, her shoulders drooping under the weight of her responsibilities. "Well, we completely missed the announcement, and my desk is still buried under a mountain of reports by now. I'll see you later, Seijirou-kun. Try to stay out of trouble for at least one period, okay?"
"No promises, Sensei," Seijirou replied with a dry smirk.
As she hurried off, Seijirou scanned the diminishing crowd, searching for Suzune and the others.
It didn't take long to find them, after all, they were very conspicuous.
In the far corner of the gym, all of them were gathered. He was about to call out to them when he noticed that something isn't quite right.
