Hourglass [Quintessential Quintuplets]

Chapter 21 - Queen of Hearts (Ⅴ)

Third Person POV:

''Thanks for your help, Nakano-san. Without you, we would be damn ruined by now.''

''Seriously, did you call me for just carry some box, tch...''

Unlike everyone else, Nino Nakano's day wasn't a fun one. She had to spend the entire morning and afternoon doing errands due her class schedule. Controlling the activities of other classes, maintaining order inside and outside the school, and of course, the system slaves' favorite job; Carrying boxes containing god knows what.

The anxiety caused by the fact that midterm results will be announced soon and the anger of not being able to have fun already made Nino apprehensive.

''I had to call you because everyone else was busy. Gomen, Nakano-san.''

"Whatever. I'm mad at the student council for giving us this ridiculous job, not you."

"Let's see— You need to take those four boxes over there to the running track. Don't worry, they're not heavy. Boys already did most of the hard work."

''Am I free after that?''

''Most likely, you've already helped us enough today.''

''Good.'' She snapped, her tone tinged with impatience. ''If boys and girls fight over that stupid cooking contest ever again...Ugh 💢'' With a huff, Nino grabbed the four boxes piled up nearby, holding all of them at once. ''Huh? They're not that heavy. What did you say was in them?''

"Just returning some stuff we borrowed. Good luck."

''As if I needed luck to carry the stupid boxes!''

Nino left with the boxes. Given how easy the last task of the day was, she felt at least a little relief atlast. The third floor of the school is as lively as everywhere else. Since it was the floor where the inter-class cooking competition was held, almost the entire third floor was filled with the smells of ingredients. Mint, thyme, sage and...Burnt?

''For God's sake, again?! This was seventh!... Ah well, not my problem anymore.'' All these smells caused something to come to her mind when Nino descended the stairs.

''I promised Miku today... Let's get shit done and meet her.''

Just then, a group of young children ran past her, giggling as they darted down the stairs. The academy was open to the public for the festival, and both primary and secondary school kids were scattered throughout, enjoying the festivities in their own carefree way.

"Hey! Don't run on the stairs!" Nino called out reflexively, her irritation flaring again. "Tch..."

Still carrying the boxes, she reached the bottom of the stairs, only to be greeted by a familiar voice. ''Ara~ Still doing legwork?''