After learning that Hikaru had successfully handled Css C's issue, Css B's morale soared throughout the entire day. During breaks, cssmates frequently came over to chat with him, and the was filled with an air of relief and satisfa.

  ---

  "Hikaru-kun, Ando-san said she's already reserved a pce for the celebration party," Iose announced, holding up her phoo show Hikaru a picture of the restaurant. "She picked a yakiniku pce this time. Chihiro and the others are pretty happy with the choice."

  Hikaru raised an eyebrow. "Are they treating me?"

  Yakiniku wasly cheap, after all.

  "That's right!" Iose nodded. "Everyone chipped in to treat you as a way of thanking you for everything you've done for Css B these past few days."

  Her blue eyes reflected ear gratitude as she tinued.

  "I'm also tributing. You've worked really hard, Hikaru-kun."

  Hikaru waved a hand dismissively. "Let's just split the bill evenly. I didn't do everything alone—everyone in Css B pyed their part."

  He met Iose's gaze and added with vi, "As long as our css stays united, I believe we won't lose."

  Iose smiled gently, but her tone carried unmistakable resolve.

  "That's exactly why we're treating you, Hikaru-kun. It's not just about gratitude—it's a css-wide show of unity. You 't refuse."

  "..."

  Hikaru let out a soft chuckle, giving in tic.

  "I see. Iose-san is growing too, huh?"

  ---

  As csses ended and students dispersed, the key pyers of Css B regrouped for the dinner.

  Joining Hikaru and Iose were:

  Kanzaki and Shibata, who had participated irategy against Ryuen.

  Ando and Chihiro, both of whom had attehe Freshman Gathering.

  Himeno Yuki had inally po e as well, but she had a club activity and couldn't make it.

  "I reserved a private room for six," Ando beamed. "Let's eat to our hearts' tent tonight!"

  She seemed especially excited about the gathering—not just because it was a celebration, but because it was a rare ce to have dinner with Hikaru. Over the past few days, he had repeatedly turned down invitations from cssmates.

  This recious opportunity, and one Ando wasn't going to waste.

  "Alright, let's get going," Iose chimed in.

  ---

  At the Yakiniku Restaurant

  The group followed Ando and Iose to the reserved restaurant, a well-reviewed spot known for its high-quality meat.

  pared to the inexpensive meal sets at the cafeteria, yakiniku was a luxury, so most students didn't frequent the pce.

  "Wele! You must be Ando-san's party of six?"

  A young female staff member, wearing an apron, greeted them enthusiastically. With more ers, she stood to earn a better ission, so her smile articurly warm.

  "Yes, that's us," Ando firmed.

  "Right this way!"

  Upoering their private room, they were greeted by a stylish yet cozy atmosphere.

  Framed artwork adorhe white walls.

  Soft lighting cast a warm glow over the spacious dining area.

  A rge square table domihe ter, with a sleek bck electric grill in the middle.

  The seating arra sisted of two opposing rows of cushioned booths, which perfectly aodated their three boys and three girls setup.

  Hikaru naturally took a seat beside Kanzaki and Shibata, while Iose, Ando, and Chihiro sat across from them.

  "Ladies first. You all decide—I'm fih anything," Hikaru said, leaning bafortably.

  "Let's start with a basic group ptter," Iose suggested. "If it's not enough, we order more ter."

  "Sounds good!"

  "Yeah, let's take our time and enjoy the meal."

  As the waitress left to prepare their order, the group engaged in casual versation.

  Hikaru, however, had something on his mind.

  Looking across the table at Iose, Hikaru made a decision.

  "Iose-san, step outside with me for a moment. There's something I'd like to discuss."

  "Huh?"

  Iose blinked in surprise before quickly nodding in uanding. She got up without hesitation.

  "Eh? What's this about? A secret versation?"

  Ando's lips curled mischievously, her gaze flittiweewo with undisguised curiosity.

  "e on, you two," Shibata smirked. "Why 't you just say it here? Don't tell me… it's something we 't hear?"

  "Don't be ridiculous. It's just something important I o discuss with her. We'll be back soon," Hikaru replied calmly.

  Without eaining further teasing, he turned aed the room.

  Iose fshed an apologetic smile at the others before quietly following him out.

  ---

  As soon as the two disappeared, Ando cpped her hands together iement.

  "Alright, spill! What do you all think they're talking about? Could it be… that?"

  Her eyes gleamed mischievously.

  Sihe start of the semester, rumors had circuted within Css B—speg that Hikaru and Iight be dating.

  After all, they were the css's most promi figures. They were seatmates, ofteogether, and their retionship seemed particurly close. Given their outstanding looks, it wouldn't be unbelievable if they became a couple.

  "If Hikaru-ku want to say, it must be something important," Chihiro interjected, looking uneasy. "Let's not overthink it."

  Her expression tightened—as if she wao end the discussion before it spiraled further.

  "But wouldn't it be great if they were dating?"

  Shibata, who opur among the girls, chimed in with a serious nod.

  "I think they'd make a great match."

  "Agreed," Kanzaki added. "They're the pilrs of our css. If they could support each other for the hree years, it would be all of us."

  Their opinions aligned with many of their cssmates—who saw potential bes in Hikaru and Iose f a solid partnership.

  "Are they really dating?" Chihiro's voice was small and uain.

  Her expression darkened slightly, but with everyone else so enthusiastic about the idea, she chose to remain silent.

  She wasn't vinced.

  Tonight, she would have to ask Iose directly—or else she wouldn't be able to sleep at all.