*Sigh*

We made it back in time for afternoon classes.

Yeah, I wasn't sure we would since the meeting ended up being pretty long, but the TV studio was kind enough to call a taxi for us.

And...I think we have just enough time to eat lunch.

Let's go grab something to eat, Shizuku.

Oh, Airi, I'm really sorry, but I still need to finish up the homework for our next class...

Please, go on ahead without me.

You sure? Do you think you'll be able to finish it on your own?

Yes. It wouldn't mean much if I couldn't, so I'll do my best.

Okay. Then, I'll get some bread for you if they have any left.

Thank you so much, Airi!

Alright, good luck!

Okay!

(I only have three problems left.

I should be able to finish them in time if I focus...)

(For this problem, I should probably draw a graph. Let's see...)

(This looks correct, but the formula doesn't seem to quite match for some reason...)

Hi, Hinomori.

Morning... Oh, I guess it's already good afternoon, huh?

Hello, Fukami.

Are you also just coming back from work?

Yeah, we shot two episodes starting at five in the morning.

Oh, that's so early.

Was it far away?

Yeah, two hours by car!

I slept like a baby on the bus, there and back.

Hm...? Oh, you're doing that problem...

It was definitely the trickiest one from our last homework assignment.

Yes, I'm having some trouble solving it...

...

Then, I can show you how to do it if you let me see your English notes from yesterday in return.

Huh...? That's really kind of you to offer...

But weren't you in English class yesterday?

Yeah, but I wasn't listening at all.

I was working on a survey for a show instead...

So, quid pro quo!

Hehe. Thank you. This problem really had me stuck.

Alright, we have a deal!

Can you tell me where you're stuck?

So, I think it has to do with this formula...

Thank you for helping me solve that, Fukami. I really appreciate it.

And I'm all done copying your notes! You're a lifesaver!

(Come to think of it, when was the last time I spoke to Fukami like this...?)

(Actually, I could say the same for most of my classmates...)

(We all lead very busy lives.

Even when we are given a break, we usually don't have time to talk since we have homework or other business to take care of...)

(But that's not a very good excuse, is it...?)

(I should try to get to know my classmates better the way Minori and Haruka have been...)

Anyway, I'm gonna head back to my seat.

Oh...

F-Fukami...!

Shizuku! They still had some rice balls and sandwiches left over!

Thank you very much, Airi!

Um, so... How would you feel about the three of us having lunch together...?

Huh...? Three? Including me?

I'm fine with that.

Did you bring a lunch, Fukami?

If not, please feel free to take a rice ball or sandwich.

Oh...

Hehe. I actually brought back a boxed lunch from my shoot.

In fact, how about I share some of my stuff?

Oh, are you sure? You're so generous.

Alright, let's put our desks together!

Okay!