‘But maybe that’s a good idea, don’t you think?’ Ureshino said, sounding solemn. ‘I’ve been thinking about it too. That it’d be easier to just move somewhere else and start again in a new class.’

‘I was thinking about it, too. But you know, if you’re going to change schools wouldn’t it be better to do it later, when the new school year starts? I would never consider moving so soon, in the third semester of this school year.’

Masamune usually had quite a condescending manner, and Kokoro couldn’t believe how mild and feeble he had become. She knew he was describing real feelings – that he’d been driven to the point where he had to leave.

Kokoro knew how he felt.

But being a transfer student at a new school in the middle of the academic year – that was a different story altogether.

‘And also – I hate the thought.’

Masamune seemed to be making himself angry.

‘If I start at a different school then it’s likely I won’t be able to – come here any more.’ The others chewed their lips in silence.

They knew exactly what he was trying to say.

They’d only be able to keep visiting the castle till the end of March. But if they were to lose even that precious diminishing time …

‘So I told my father I didn’t want to switch to a private school yet. I said instead I’d try going back to Yukishina No. 5 Junior High.’

Masamune had started speaking more quickly, as if trying to justify himself.

‘I’d go on the first day only. That would be enough. I’ll tell them I gave it a try, but couldn’t take it, and that’ll delay them sending me to a new school until April, when the new school year starts.’

‘And you want all of us to go into school then because …?’ Aki asked.

Masamune’s face tensed up, eyes darting between them. ‘I was just hoping … that all of you could … come into school on the same day as me.’ Masamune hung his head. This wasn’t like him at all. ‘You don’t actually need to go to your classroom. You could just go to the nurse’s office, or the library. They’ll think it’s progress that you’ve even made it in.’

‘There’s even an expression, going straight to the nurse’s office, isn’t there?’ Subaru said, and Masamune looked up.

‘I’ve been wondering this for a while,’ Masamune said. ‘Why were we all summoned here from the same school – Yukishina No. 5 Junior High? I was thinking there must be some reason. I don’t know if the Wolf Queen intended it that way, but I was thinking we could all help each other.’

All help each other.

Masamune’s eyes looked super serious, on the verge of tears.