As time passed and the college entrance exams approached, Seti became too busy to deal with Zernya. Of course, Zernya didn't pick fights with her either.

The atmosphere gradually changed. At least from my perspective, the gap between the two girls was being bridged. Time heals and changes everything, after all. Resentment and bitterness included.

The decisive factor that made me think this way was the "whiteboard."

Yes, the whiteboard.

There was a white board in the corridor of the Rheinland vessel. I had put it up during the Academia entrance exams.

I installed it to review what I'd studied or to quickly jot down ideas that came to mind while passing by. Now, Seti was the one primarily using it instead of me.

Seti would write problems she couldn't solve overnight on the whiteboard before going to school. Her handwriting was quite elegant. It meant she didn't understand the problem and wanted someone to help.

And by the next dawn, the problem would be solved.

The handwriting in the solution part was round and bubbly. If I were to describe it in terms of Korean characters, the initial consonants were large while the vowels and final consonants were written small. It looked like it would make a bouncy sound if pressed.

I recognized this handwriting.

It was Zernya's.

Each morning, a new problem would magically appear. Every single one was high in difficulty. I solved the physics ones, but I decided to leave the rest to Zernya.

Zernya put in her best effort every day, even bringing a chair to help. For the record, I held the chair legs to keep her balanced while she scribbled away.

"It's nice to see them communicating, even like this."

"What choice do I have? She avoids me."

The whiteboard became a communication channel between the two girls.

But it wasn't the only channel.

Zernya diversified her communication methods. While studying her own major, she also prepared materials for the college entrance exams.

"You remember all that?"

"I... actually do remember."

I was amazed to see her recall everything from the entrance exam a year ago. Only she could do something like that.

Zernya sipped her espresso and tucked her hair behind her ear while typing up the materials. Indeed, someone who studies well and helps others is attractive.

"I have something to give you."

That night, Zernya carefully knocked on Seti's door. Normally she would have been turned away, but today the door opened smoothly. I was a bit surprised.

"Here, take this."

"What is it?"

"A gift."

Seti's expression was complex as she received Zernya's special handout. She seemed pleased with the quality material but also somewhat uncomfortable.

"...Where did you get this?"

"I made it myself."

"..."

Seti closed her mouth.

She couldn't bring herself to throw away the printout. No, she couldn't. Even a glance at the first page showed it contained only the most essential information.

Zernya was a girl who had spent all seventeen years of her life focused solely on competition. Though her personality had softened, her abilities remained intact.

Seti sighed and put down the printout. She nodded. Zernya left first, and as I was about to follow her out—

Seti grabbed my hand.

"Stay."

She pulled my hand and switched the door to lock mode.

"This might be a sudden question, but answer honestly without getting flustered. Do you like her?"

"I don't dislike her."

"Enough to seriously consider marriage?"

"I'm not sure about that."

What is this directionless interview?

"If you were to get married, do you have someone in mind?"

"Professor Feynman."

"Stop messing around."

"Actually, I prefer married women."

"..."

"..."

"...Really?"

"You actually believe that?"

I was beaten up by Seti for about 1 minute and 20 seconds.

She must have genuinely believed it. Well, I did spend more time with professors than with women.

"I thought you were asexual since you're always reading papers."

"Would you call me a workaholic instead?"

"Ah, so who are you going to marry?"

"Do I have to answer that right now?"

"Because at this rate, it looks like you'll end up marrying Zernya!"

"...Do I look that infatuated?"

"Yes!"

Seti snapped.

"You both got early admission to college. I heard you recently became student council officers together. After a few months apart, you're being nice to Zernya. You even brought her home and slept together? What am I supposed to think?"

"I clearly explained from the beginning. She almost had her life ruined by an Outsider. She's a new person after getting treatment at the Spirit Chamber, so please get along with her."

"That's not easy to believe..."

Seti was confused. She moistened her lower lip or fidgeted with her mouth while glancing around nervously. She seemed unsure whether to speak or not.

"...Hey, what do you think about Rustila?"

That's a curveball.

"Why bring up Rustila suddenly?"

"I'm just curious what you think. Is she better than Zernya?"

"If I had to say..."

I whispered quietly into Seti's ear.

"I like her."

"...!"

She's definitely my type. Good character, pretty face, and though I hesitate to say it directly, a nice figure too.

Above all, I most admire people who have firm dreams and don't compromise with reality to achieve them.

Yes, like someone who majored in particle physics despite coming from a poor family and knowing it wouldn't make money.

Well. People are naturally drawn to those similar to themselves.

"...Okay. That's enough. For now, that's enough."

Seti muttered. She must be going crazy with the exam so close.

And finally.

The day of the college entrance exam arrived.

It was exam day, but neither father nor mother was present.

Of course. Father would be busy working as a university professor by now. I heard Seti's mother was still working at the southern clinic.

So the only family at home were me, Sonia, and Zernya.

"I'll kill everyone if I fail."

"Don't say such strange things."

I was about to wrap her scarf myself but ended up just tossing it to her. Sonia caught it and wrapped it around her instead.

"Do your best."

"I hope for good results, young miss."

Of course, I know she'll pass. Not because I've read the novel and know the future. Seti has worked diligently all this time. Today is simply the day to reap what she's sown.

***

The exam flew by.

I gave it my all, using the entire day as fuel. No regrets.

However, there was one curious thing.

The handout I received from Zernya at the last minute had an incredibly high accuracy rate. Thanks to it, I breezed through problems that others found difficult.

I should thank her for this.

Even if it means seeing her arrogant face again.

I was thinking this as I walked when—

"Seti!"

Someone clung to my body. A soft, cushiony sensation. A comfortable, bed-like feeling. It was Rustila Kersil.

Rustila picked Seti up and spun her around five times.

"How was the exam?"

"Oh, probably good. How about you?"

"Perfect. I even took the practical exam today. When I showed them my polyphonic sword, the interviewers loved it! They said I'd make a great general. Not just an officer, but a general!"

"Really? That's great! You've practically passed!"

"Still, we can't let our guard down. Now that it's all over, all we can do is pray to the stars. Anyway..."

Rustila's eyes sparkled as she spoke.

"Now we can have a party at your house, right?"

"Huh?"

"What? Don't tell me you forgot?"

"No, it's not that..."

Come to think of it, Zernya hadn't left yet.

For almost two months, continuously.

"I can come to your house today, right?"

"T-today?"

Today won't work.

It wasn't even part of the original plan.

We said we'd have a party during the break! Seti screamed internally.

However.

Rustila's expression was too earnest to refuse outright.

"I want to see Eidel after so long. I want to talk with him. I want to eat delicious food. I want to have a pajama party. Honestly, after training so hard all this time, I'll feel depressed without some kind of reward."

"Oh, y-yes, of course. But did you tell your parents?"

"They gave permission without question. Even if they hadn't, I would have snuck out anyway."

Rustila was determined. Since being separated from Eidel, she had been honing her skills, waiting for the day they would meet again at college. Hoping that someday, she could protect Eidel from the Outsiders who threatened him.

Unlike the triumphant Rustila, Seti began to break into a cold sweat.

"Seti, let's go!"

"Now?"

"Yes. Now."

"..."

I'm screwed.

She hadn't told Rustila that Zernya had been staying as a guest for two months. Seti had been so busy she lost track of time. Why hadn't Zernya returned to her own home anyway?

- I've been in contact with the Adelbein family. We discussed how her mental state isn't fully recovered yet. They said they would provide living expenses and medical fees if we let her stay with us longer.

Arnold had mentioned this casually during breakfast, but Seti hadn't heard it.

"I still think I should tell my brother before we go..."

"Is Eidel there right now?"

"No, that's not it...!"

"Seti, I've booked the fastest shuttle."

"That express costs three times as much!"

"But it also cuts the travel time by two-thirds."

She was caught between a rock and a hard place.

Tell her that Zernya is at home? Rustila would demand to know why that "thieving cat" was there, then rush over and fight.

Don't tell her? She'll go there, be shocked to discover Zernya has been living in the same house as Eidel for two months—even sleeping together—and fight even more fiercely.

The only options were: fight or fight.

"Ah."

She was doomed.

There was no way out.

Seti ran her hands over her face. She finally reached a state of enlightenment.

"Can we stop by a convenience store before we go?"

"Convenience store? Sure. Just don't take too long."

"It'll be quick. Very quick."

Entering the unmanned convenience store, Seti quietly made a request to the android attendant.

"Five bags of instant popcorn. Cook one of them."

If you can't avoid it, you might as well enjoy it.