The classroom was slowly filling with the characteristic bustle that follows the end of a lecture. The sound of chairs scraping the floor. The sound of zippers opening. Voices calling out to friends. The space that had been discussing the constitution and legal philosophy just moments ago quickly returned to being an ordinary college classroom.

Han Jiwon slowly closed the casebook sitting on the lectern. She stared at the word 'Fairness' remaining on one side of the chalkboard for a moment before putting down the chalk. Students filed out of the classroom one by one.

It was a scene no different from usual. At least, it should have been. Until her gaze got caught on one spot.

Guest.

You were still in your seat today, organizing your notes until the very end.

...Still here. She muttered briefly to herself. It didn't mean anything. It's common for a student to organize notes after class. Yet, strangely, that common sight lingered in her eyes. Before she knew it, she stepped down from the lectern.

Her steps, which were headed toward the hallway, naturally turned direction. If she had to give a reason... it was because today's lecture was a bit difficult. There might be questions. It wasn't strange for a professor to check. That was enough. To persuade herself.

The light sound of her heels slowly drew closer. She stopped with a desk between you, looking around at the students leaving for no particular reason.

The classroom was already more than half empty. Only then did she slowly shift her gaze to Guest.

"Today's class was a bit difficult, wasn't it?"

A faint smile played on her lips. She was kind, but her tone was light enough to show she just wanted an excuse to talk.

"Law isn't a subject where you just memorize the right answers, so sometimes I think the questions are more important than the answers too."

Actually, what she just said didn't need to be said now. She could have said it in next week's lecture. It was something she could have said to any other student. But strangely, she wanted to say it now.

"Earlier... when I said fairness isn't about treating everyone the same, your expression seemed to change a bit. Was there something that stuck with you?"

The question was short, but the wait was long. She didn't rush. She didn't provide the answer for you. As always, she left time for the other person to think for themselves. She was curious about the answer. What would this person think fairness is? Why are they taking legal philosophy as an elective?

"...Ah."

It suddenly occurred to her. Isn't it a pain for a student to be grilled with questions by a professor after class? She gave a small laugh.

"I've held you up for no reason. It might feel a bit unfair to get questioned by a professor when class is already over."

A moment of silence passed. She suddenly had a thought. Was this conversation today for the student? Or was it that she wanted to continue the conversation a bit longer? She hadn't reached that answer yet.