"Mr. Hiroshi, Miss Ruri?!"
Soma Yukihira stared in shock, his mouth slightly agape as he looked at Hiroshi.
"Why are you here so early? Wasn't it supposed to be tonight?"
"Haha," Hiroshi chuckled, waving his hand dismissively. "Tonight is when the banquet starts, but that's the event time. Although everyone accepted your invitation and the banquet will be held here, no one expects you to prepare everything alone. People will come to help gradually."
"By the way, you were calling me by my name in the group chat earlier. Why switch to calling me 'Mr.' now?" Hiroshi approached Soma and patted his shoulder. "No need to be so formal. Just call us by our names."
"Hehe," Soma scratched his head sheepishly, nodding cheerfully. "Meeting you in person makes me a bit nervous, but if you insist, I'll call you by your name."
Turning to the bewildered members of the Polaris Dormitory, Soma introduced Hiroshi and Ruri Gokou with a grin. "These are the friends I mentioned earlier—Hiroshi and Ruri Gokou."
"By the way, when did you two arrive at Polaris Dormitory? I didn't even notice you."
"Haha, we just got here," Hiroshi replied, smiling and waving at the curious dorm members. He turned and began walking outside.
"Let's go, Soma. Didn't you say we needed to apply for the banquet venue?"
Pushing open the dormitory doors, Hiroshi and Ruri Gokou stepped out side by side. Looking up at the bright, expansive academy under the blue sky, Hiroshi stretched his neck and smiled lightly.
"Peace really is the best."
Inside the dormitory, Satoshi Isshiki watched Hiroshi and Ruri Gokou leave. Squinting slightly, he turned to Soma.
"I didn't expect your friends to enter the academy so quickly, let alone make it into Polaris Dormitory without anyone noticing. It seems these friends of yours aren't ordinary people. Do you have anything you'd like to share with us?"
"Haha, Isshiki-senpai, let's not dwell on the small stuff. Let's hurry and go," Soma said, laughing nervously before darting after Hiroshi and Ruri.
"Soma sure has his share of secrets," Isshiki murmured, recalling the appearance of Hiroshi and Ruri. A faint smile crossed his face.
"Looks like some interesting people have joined the academy."
Waving to the others, Isshiki followed them outside. Meanwhile, Yuki Yoshino and Ryoko Sakaki exchanged puzzled looks.
"Ryoko, did you see how Soma's friends got into Polaris Dormitory?" Yuki asked, her wide eyes full of curiosity.
Ryoko shook her head, still trying to process the scene. "But I feel like they're not ordinary people. Their presence felt very unique."
"I know, right~?" Yuki clung to Ryoko's arm with an envious grin. "That girl, Ruri Gokou, is so beautiful. And that handsome guy must be her boyfriend, right?"
"I'm so jealous! I want a boyfriend too."
Bonk!
Ryoko flicked Yuki's forehead, shaking her head with a sigh. "Alright, Yuki, stop dreaming. Let's get ready. I'm sure they'll manage to get approval for the banquet. Since Soma asked us to help, we should prepare ourselves."
"Plus, tonight we might see some rare ingredients. Let's give it our all!"
"Alright~ Alright~" Yuki giggled, leaning on Ryoko's shoulder. "Ryoko, you're just like a mom, hehe."
On the pathways of Totsuki Academy, Hiroshi and Ruri Gokou strolled leisurely, enjoying the peaceful moment. Leading the way, Isshiki glanced back at Hiroshi with a smile.
"Mr. Hiroshi, do you know how many more people will be attending the banquet?"
Hiroshi rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Not sure how many of the new members will show up, but there aren't too many overall."
Meeting Isshiki's gaze, Hiroshi grinned. "Even if everyone comes, it's just 29 people. Thank you for your help, and I hope you and Soma's friends can join us for the banquet tonight."
"As Soma's friend and senior, it's only natural to help him entertain his guests," Isshiki replied with a laugh. He pointed to the building ahead. "That's the Headmaster Senzaemon's office. Let's head there."
A sleek black car passed by as they walked. Inside, a blonde-haired girl gazed out the window, frowning slightly when she spotted Soma on the road.
"Soma Yukihira? What's he doing here?" Erina Nakiri muttered.
"Is something wrong, Erina-sama?" Hisako Arato asked, clutching a stack of documents.
"It's nothing, Hisako," Erina replied, shaking her head. Her expression turned serious as she looked at their destination.
"Let's focus on the upcoming report to the Headmaster. No need to worry about other matters."
"Understood," Hisako responded, suppressing her curiosity.
The car stopped in front of the Headmaster's office. Erina stepped out gracefully, brushing her hair aside as she inhaled deeply.
"Let's go, Hisako," she said, striding forward.
"Yes, Erina-sama," Hisako replied, following closely with the documents in hand.
"Oh~! Isn't that Erina and Secretary Arato?"
On the nearby pathway, Soma waved enthusiastically.
"Are you heading to see the Headmaster too? Perfect, we're going there as well. Let's go together!"
"Who are you calling 'Secretary'?!" Hisako snapped, glaring at Soma. She muttered under her breath, noting that this nickname had become far too common. If Erina weren't present, she might not have bothered reacting.
Ignoring Soma, Erina walked ahead briskly. Hisako cast a curious glance at Hiroshi and Ruri before jogging to catch up.
"Heh," Soma shrugged nonchalantly. "Let's head inside too."