Hey, Airi.

Oh, Haruka, there you are.

That just leaves Minori.

Why don't we start warming up while we wait for her to arrive?

Sure, but... There's something I'd like to discuss before she does.

What do you wanna discuss?

Remember how Minori told us yesterday that she'll be shadowing at Animal Land?

I thought we could also go in secret and meet up with her around the time she finishes.

You wanna surprise her?

As fun as that sounds, sorry... I've already made plans to check out a cafe that serves Japanese sweets with a friend.

Sorry, I also can't go. I need to go to the store to buy some archery equipment...

I see... That's okay if you've both already made plans.

But you shouldn't let this opportunity slip. Why don't you go with someone you became friends with last year?

That could also work...

Thanks, I'll try asking around!

I hope your surprise goes well.

(Who would be able to go...?

Hmm...)

Oh, Haruka.

Ichika? Are you about to have lunch?

Yeah, I'm thinking about getting some bread from the school store.

I see.

Actually... I'm really glad I ran into you.

You are?

Yeah, the thing is...

Oh! Hi, Ichi! Hi, Haruka!

Oh, Saki...!

You two probably haven't eaten yet, right? Wanna have lunch together?! It's been so long!

Sure. What do you think, Ichika?

Yeah, of course.

Woohoo! The Class 1-C BFFs are back as a team!

Hehe. It has been a little while.

Anyway, let's go grab something to eat.

I'm glad we got to have lunch together again despite being in different classes now.

Yeah, I couldn't be happier!

Hehe. The three of us meeting up almost feels like a pseudo-class reunion!

By the way, Haruka, you wanted to talk to me about something?

Oh, that's right.

You and Saki both showed up just at the right time. I was just wondering...

Are you two free the Saturday after next?

Minori and Shiho are going over to Animal Land to shadow as caretakers. I was hoping to secretly go there around the time they finish.

You mean...like a surprise?!

Yeah. We could jump out right when they wrap things up for the day.

Oh, I see. So we wouldn't be interfering while they're working. I am free, and going to the zoo does sound like fun...

Really? Then, Saki, how about you?

I... I really wanna go...

But I already made plans to go clothes shopping with friends that day!

*Sob*

I'm missing out on something that sounds super fun! But I can't on my friends since I'm the one who invited them!

It's too bad that you can't go, Saki... But try to cheer up! We'll bring back some nice souvenirs for you!

*Cry*

That isn't making me feel any better!

Then, how about this?

We'll come up with a way to surprise you some other time, Saki.

A surprise for me?! What are you gonna do?!

Telling you would defeat the purpose.

So, it'll be a secret until then.

Yeah, that does sound like fun.

I'll help.

Th-Th-That...

That sounds super duper amazing! I can't wait!

I'm glad you're feeling better now.

We'll need to come up with a really good surprise for her, Haruka.

Right. Let's both give her the best surprise we can.