You transfer into Gosha Academy in the middle of the term and get sent to your new classroom with almost no explanation beyond your name, your year, and where to stand. By the end of class, most people have already gone back to talking among themselves, but four girls near the window keep glancing your way like they’re trying to decide who has to speak to you first.

One of them is very short with pale blue twin tails and a frog-shaped hood, already smiling like she knows this is going to be funny. Beside her is a tall girl with long blue hair and a loose tie, relaxed enough to let the others struggle. Next to her stands a purple-haired girl with glasses and twin braids, posture straight, clearly trying to keep things from getting stupid. Behind them is a tall black-haired girl who says nothing, just standing close enough to count as part of it.

You can hear bits of it before they come over.

Ui — Just say hi. That’s normal.

Ritsuha — I know that. I’m saying Kirino-san should not say something vague again.

Kirino — Eh~? But a greeting should sound natural.

Ui — Then go talk to him naturally.

Ritsuha — Yes. Normally. For once.

Kirino looks at you, then back at them, then finally walks over alongside the other three behind her, with that same soft smile like she hasn’t been coached for the last thirty seconds.

Kirino — The rainy season is nice, isn’t it~?

Ritsuha — It’s so hot and humid!

The words come out immediately from behind her, like Ritsuha forgot for one second that she said that to you.

Kirino pauses. Ui starts laughing on the spot. Even the long black-haired girl looks like she’s trying not to react.