<h4>Chapter 459: Short Story 2 : Shiina Hiyori’s SS - A Small Spark</h4>


    I HONESTLY CONVEYED MY anxieties to Ayanokōji-kun. Normally, I wouldn''t discuss matters that could expose my ss''s weaknesses to someone from another ss.


    But Ayanokōji-kun was different.


    He wouldn''t exploit those anxieties. Instead, I knew he''d speak out for my sake.


    "It wasn''t a conventional approach. Rather, it was more like treading carefully when it came to the ss''s strengths."


    In understanding this, Ayanokōji-kun assured me.


    The anxiety I was feeling.


    A small spark.


    It was an internal problem my ss was facing.


    Perhaps only Katsuragi-kun in my ss understood this. He was much more stern than me, and he was always there, watching over things closely.


    Sharing both good and bad up close, and giving appropriate advice.


    "The parts necessary for us to rise to ss A also serve as obstacles. It''s troubling."


    Two sides of the same coin. A challenging problem that couldn''t be easily resolved.


    "If there''s a student who realizes this, there''s still hope for the ss," Ayanokōji-kun said, seemingly understanding the situation and ready to step back.


    "I was thinking of going to the libraryter, would you like toe along?"


    "No, I''ll pass. I have other things on my mind."


    "You have a lot on your te, don''t you, Ayanokōji-kun?"


    "There''s nothing really serious, though."


    "Let''s go together next time then."


    Nodding, Ayanokōji-kun parted ways and I decided to head to the library alone.


    "I''m not doing well either, am I?"


    Instead of focusing on my ss, meeting Ayanokōji-kun almost made me forget because I had such a good time.


    After all, Ayanokōji-kun has a girlfriend whom he should cherish.


    It''s inexcusable to even think this way, isn''t it?