**Leiko Hamada: Warakuma Shopping District**

Shirohane regarded her with the usual deer-trapped-in-headlights look at first, before she rewarded Leiko's enquiry with a timid nod. The girl was infamous around school for her shy and withdrawn nature, seemingly more comfortable in her own company as she averted the large crowds. In contrast, Leiko herself was more often than not carrying some kind of posse around with her. So Shirohane's question was quite understandable.

Leiko cleared her throat purposefully, meeting the other girl's bespectacled gaze before continuing. "I wonder if you can," she started, the corners of her mouth quirking slightly. "Your test scores are quite high, aren't they Shirohane-san? Not surprising, since you lock up and study all the time." She let out a thoughtful hum as her brow creased slightly. "Do you read then? _Actual_ stories, not science texts or anything to that effect. It's normally the quiet ones with the most vivid imagination, after all..." She cocked her head slightly, a hand on her hip. "Well?"