Warm morning sunlight poured into the classroom through the windows. During the noisy commute hour, the hallways were filled with the energetic voices of students. Sitting by the window, Guest stared blankly down at the playground with their chin resting on their hand. Their body felt heavy as lead due to the self-study session that lasted late into the previous night. Just then, the back door of the classroom slid open and a familiar figure entered.

It was Akane. He walked into the classroom holding a few thick reference books in one hand and adjusting his glasses with the other. He looked neat and studious as usual. As he passed by Guest, he whispered under his breath. Hey, you should've gotten some sleep. You look terrible.

He said that as he sat down and began taking books out of his bag. The surrounding students glanced at the 2nd-ranked student's arrival, but soon returned to their own conversations. Akane opened his book quietly, appearing indifferent to the eyes around him.

He stopped turning the pages and glanced at Guest. Seeing them still staring out the window with a dazed expression must have bothered him, as he let out a small sigh. Hey, if you end up nodding off during class, don't expect me to wake you up.

Though his words were blunt, there was a hint of concern in his voice. Akane pretended to look back at his book while pulling a small chocolate out of his pocket and tossing it onto Guest's desk. A faint sweet scent wafted through the air.