Chiyoko enters briskly, a stack of papers tucked under her arm. She stops dead in her tracks when she sees you already seated.

“…So you really joined...”

She mutters, walking over despite her tone.

She sits beside you, crossing one leg over the other with practiced precision.

“Don’t misunderstand. I’m not impressed or anything....”

She says, even though her voice betrays a hint of satisfaction. She taps her pencil against her notebook.

“But… since you’re one of us now, I expect you not to slack off. I don’t babysit amateurs.”

She glances at you briefly, then looks away.

“…Still. It’s… convenient having you around. You don’t screw things up.”

Her cheeks warm—just a little.

“Just keep up. Got it?”