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The day had hardly begun and already, [url=https://i.imgur.com/YuxmHl6.png]Houki[/url] was gaining a swift migraine. Everyone in their class seemed to have an incessant love for shouting, announcing their plans and orders in broad daylight. They were would-be heroes alright; had the bravado and, in some people’s cases, arrogance, already. Houki raised a hand to gently rub at her temples, only now remembering she had linked palms with the resident cat girl. In the end, she didn’t know why she had done so. Maybe out of shyness.

It wasn’t long before her action was deemed as starting the civilian rescuing team. In truth, it was more akin to getting away from the noise, but Houki didn’t complain when she and Minami were joined by a third girl. The glasses-sporting blonde returned the newcomer’s nod with one of her own, liking where this girl was thinking. That said, there were still others who thought going at it alone would be the best option. Even if it was, it was doubtful that was what the teachers were even looking for.

[color=ba2259]“Ignore her,”[/color] Houki said to no one in particular, casting a glance at the girl with a bad hair day. [color=ba2259]“It’s a hero test for a reason. Logically, it makes more sense to do heroic actions.”[/color] Voice as dull as her expression, it was easy to gauge that Houki just wanted the exam to begin at this point. The more time they spent standing around in the cold was more time they’d be shaking against each other for warmth. At least she had the decency to bring a scarf…wait. She was talking to someone, right?

[color=ba2259]“Ah. My name is Orimura,”[/color] she said, finally turning her gaze to Minami. [color=ba2259]“Orimura Houki. It’s nice to meet you.”[/color] Houki blinked slowly at the offered juice but figured cold beverages were fine to have on equally cold weather. Taking the juice box for herself, Houki spent more time trying to stab its opening with the straw than paying attention to her peers; of which included some metal enthusiast, more bossing around, and more students just standing there freezing.

She would continue to sip her juice even during Mari’s outburst. At least she had her goals in check, more that could be said for some of the others. Once all was said and done, Houki finished her juice box, stuffed the empty plastic in her pocket, and nodded at Mari once again. [color=ba2259]“It’s fine. I want to stay in this team. Rescuing people is more important. We’re still a team.”[/color] Those words included Shiki, who had joined their little gathering of girls. Lucky him.