"Are you here about the Make-Up Work Club?"
Judging only from her wording, demeanor, and the sharpness with which she instantly inferred so much information, Hanako should have left me with the impression of a model honor student.
However, from our mere two encounters, and the fact that she was wearing a swimsuit both times, it was clear that she probably was indeed a troublesome problem child. Being arrested by the Justice Task Force was only natural.
But that doesn't matter anymore.
The moment I clearly saw Hanako's appearance and figure, and recalled the connection between us, I understood my true feelings.
For Nagisa and Mika, no matter how difficult it might be, I absolutely had to get along well with Hanako and do my utmost to correct her. Even if it meant sacrificing myself, I would not hesitate.
Putting on the warmest smile I could manage, I was just about to greet Hanako, when the JTF girl spoke up first, scolding sharply.
"W-wait! Do not come out dressed like that! Show some restraint!"
Her tone was mixed with obvious panic.
Hanako tilted her head in confusion. "...May I ask what the problem is, Shimoe-san?"
The girl called Shimoe-san snapped back in agitation. "Of course there is a problem! Why are you wandering around campus wearing a swimsuit!?"
"But at the swimming pool on campus, everyone usually wears swimsuits, right?" Hanako smiled. "This is still within school grounds, after all..."
After saying something that sounded quite reasonable, Hanako immediately looked Shimoe-san up and down. Her cheeks flushed as she put on a surprised expression.
"Oh my, could it be that Shimoe-san is the type who does not wear a swimsuit at the pool?"
...I began to wonder whether there was something wrong with my ears, or something wrong with my mind.
Objectively speaking, even though she wandered around campus in a swimsuit, I felt that Hanako might simply think a bit strangely, and was actually a pure and innocent girl.
Surely I was the one misunderstanding things, right?
"Eh, wh-what? You mean..."
Shimoe-san's pupils shrank like a cat's, her pretty face deeply flushed.
Seeing this, I frowned. Could it be that Shimoe-san was also forming some strange associations?
Hanako nodded with a smile and gently parted her lips. "I see. So Shimoe-san likes swimming completely naked."
...Wait a second?
She definitely just said a word that completely contradicted her gentle motherly aura, did she not? With those beautiful lips and that clear voice?
"As expected of the Justice Task Force, even such a field is within your scope," Hanako remarked to herself.
Shimoe-san, finally snapping back to her senses, shouted angrily. "A-are you an idiot!? Of course I wear one! Who, who would do something like that...!"
Yet Hanako continued sharing her thoughts.
"So that means... your view is that total nudity equals justice? How avant-garde. I see. Interesting. I have never considered it before, but perhaps it is something worth trying..."
Hearing this, even I could not help but change expression, sucking in a sharp breath as a strong sense of unease rose within me.
This Hanako-san, surely she was not being serious...?
I found it a little hard to accept such a lewd behavior.
"Oh my, sensei wants to join too?" Noticing my strange reaction, Hanako closed her eyes in thought, then smiled. "I thought about it again, and doing something like that in public like Shimoe-san might be a bit too bold for me. But if it is just with sensei..."
I think I probably fell for Hanako... No, that's not it! Not that fast!
Still, in order to correct her improper behavior and help her pass the evaluation exams smoothly, it seemed absolutely necessary to add her on Momotalk and tutor her privately.
"Hanako-san, please do not say things like that."
I forced my face to remain stern, restraining my gaze from wandering over her.
Hanako smiled and was about to say something, when a thunderous roar suddenly erupted.
"I already told you! I have never done anything like that! Anyway, hurry up and get back in there! The seniors will be back soon! Go back, go back!"
As she spoke, Shimoe-san pushed Hanako toward the cell to the side.
"Oh my, but they came looking for me," Hanako said.
"Ugh, you are so annoying! Just get back in there already!"
Hanako smiled helplessly and said to us, "Sorry about that. Things seem a bit chaotic right now. Shall we talk again later?"
With that, she stopped resisting.
After Shimoe-san locked Hanako back into the cell properly this time, she walked back over to us, breathing heavily.
Beside me, Hifumi, who had been at a loss for words the whole time, finally found her chance to speak.
"Um, well... what exactly is going on here... what will happen to Hanako-san after this?"
Shimoe-san, her face red, shouted without hesitation.
"Someone like her obviously gets the death penalty! No lewdness allowed! Pervert! Death penalty!"
Hifumi gave an awkward yet polite smile and quietly objected. "I, I do not think it will be that bad..."
Shimoe-san accused Hanako of her crimes. "She was walking around school wearing a swimsuit! In broad daylight, in a crowded plaza!"
However, in the next moment, a muffled, aggrieved rebuttal came from behind the cell door.
"But within the school, you are supposed to wear clothing designated by school rules, right? So I properly wore the school-designated swimsuit..."
"Why a swimsuit!? Can you not wear the uniform!? Also, do not butt into the conversation!"
Such energy, Shimoe-san.
It was hard not to suspect that Hanako was deliberately teasing her.
"Ahh... a-anyway..." Hifumi suggested to me, "R-right now it seems difficult to meet Hanako-san... maybe we should go see the next member first..."
I had no objections and politely said to the cute Shimoe-san in front of me, "Thank you for your assistance."
Shimoe-san, however, stared straight at me, her guarded expression returning.
It must have been because I was too handsome, making someone who was already shy even more nervous.
But to my surprise, after hesitating for a moment, Shimoe-san seemed to gather her courage and asked.
"Y-you are the sensei from Schale...?"
"Yes, please take c..."
I had just nodded and begun to answer when Shimoe-san suddenly took a step back, becoming even more wary.
"P-pervert! Stay away from me!"
In an instant, the smile on my face froze.
Calling me a pervert at our first meeting? I was furious.
There must be some kind of rumor about me spreading online again. Perhaps it was related to what happened with Hifumi earlier...
And beside me, possibly the true culprit who had skipped an important exam just to monopolize me and even joined forces with friends to ruin my heroic and dignified image, was completely unaware as she checked the list.
"The other person is... Shirasu Azusa-san."
Before she finished speaking, the door suddenly opened and several figures walked in.
"I am back," said Hasumi at the front.
"Mission complete!" Behind her followed a bob-haired girl. "The suspect Shirasu Azusa has been apprehended!"
Hearing that name, Hifumi blinked and made a confused sound.
"Eh?"