Blue Archive: Miracle's End

Inside The Lion's Den

As Sensei emerged from Iori's room, he closed the door gently behind him. Just then, he noticed Sunaookami Shiroko stepping out of her own room, which happened to be right next to Iori's. Their eyes met, and Sensei offered an awkward smile, while Shiroko tilted her head in curiosity, clearly puzzled by his presence.

"Ah, Shiroko," Sensei nervously spoke, trying to ease the tension. "I didn't realize your room was so close to Iori's."

"Sensei... why were you in Iori's room?" Shiroko asked, her curiosity evident.

"Well, you see..." Sensei scratched his head, searching for a plausible excuse. "Just checking on my students, as usual..."

Shiroko's gaze remained firm, clearly unconvinced by his response. "You didn't do anything dirty while you were in there, did you?"

"Unfortunately, no."

To Shiroko, a teacher alone in a student's room could only suggest one thing, and Sensei's evasive responses only fueled her suspicion. She knew she wouldn't find peace of mind until she got a clear answer.

"Step aside, Sensei. I need to talk to Iori," Shiroko said firmly.

"N-No, wait!" Sensei stammered, grabbing her wrist before she could reach the door. "How about you join me for a tour of the place instead? Come on, let's go!"

Shiroko didn't resist as Sensei pulled her along. Though she glanced at their entwined hands, feeling a flutter in her chest, she couldn't help but feel a strange mix of warmth and confusion. Sensei's grip remained firm, and despite the situation, the contact stirred something within her.

" Sensei..."

"I still can't believe how enormous this place is," Sensei marveled, his excitement reminiscent of a child discovering a new playground. "I feel like I'd get lost just wandering around!"

Shiroko couldn't help but smile at his genuine enthusiasm. " Then let's explore the place together. I'll make sure Sensei doesn't get lost."

"That's the plan!" Sensei agreed eagerly.

As they walked hand in hand through the expansive grounds, Sensei found himself sneaking glances at Shiroko. Each time she seemed to notice, he quickly averted his gaze, his face flushing with embarrassment.

Shiroko was one of the three candidates assumed to be considering a confession to him during the trip. The thought of her possibly harboring romantic feelings made Sensei's heart race with a mixture of nervousness and anticipation. Despite his attempts to stay composed, his emotions were a whirlwind as they strolled together.

"Um... Shiroko..."

" Nn. What is it, Sensei?"

"What do you think of me as a person?"

Without missing a beat, Shiroko answered, her voice steady and sincere, "An important person I can't afford to lose." She continued walking, her gaze fixed forward, as though the declaration was as natural as breathing.

" Shiroko..."

Shiroko's straightforward and powerful response left Sensei momentarily speechless. Overwhelmed by her words, he instinctively tightened his grip on her hand. Surprised by the sudden action, Shiroko turned to him with a curious expression. Sensei responded with a warm, reassuring smile, and she couldn't help but return it, her own smile reflecting the warmth of the moment.

"I guess the feeling's mutual, huh?" Sensei said with a chuckle as he gently patted Shiroko's head. His warm hand brushed against her wolf ears, causing them to relax in response to his comforting touch.