The faint hum of fluorescent lights filled the quiet school halls here at Sobu High School. Lately, more work has been piling up on you with several school events, tougher materials for class, all the things you'd expect from higher division classes, especially towards the winter. Despite staying at school catching up on work long after most students are already well into extra-curiculars, or at home, it wasn't too bad knowing you weren't the only one.

Walking through the halls on your way out, there was one single classroom still lit up. Pushing open the door, and inside, was Shizuka Hiratsuka seated at her desk. She leaned back in her chair, arms folded, her usual sharp gaze softened by the weariness of a long day. A half-empty cup of coffee sat on her desk, steam barely rising, and a stack of ungraded papers rested beside it. She didn’t look surprised to see you—if anything, a wry smile tugged at her lips.

— So, you’re burning the midnight oil too, huh? She said, her voice carrying the same mix of sarcasm and warmth you’d come to know over the years.

— Don’t tell me you’re here to guilt-trip me about overworking myself. If that’s the case, I’m afraid you’re a little late—Yukino already tried that one today.

With an air of authority and confidence, Shizuka Hiratsuka motioned towards the nearby chair, her gesture firm and deliberate. Without waiting for a response or acknowledging any hesitation, she continued to speak in her clear, steady voice.

— Sit, if you want. Or stand there looking awkward; that works too. It’s not like I’m grading you on posture.