The lingering impact of his mother's exceptional driving skills persisted, even hours later, a testament to her expertise. Issei expressed concern, prompting Shirou to offer a reassuring smile.

"No, it's just that... I arrived a bit late tonight, and my mother rushed to drive me here."

Issei, now wearing a puzzled expression, directed her gaze at Shirou. "You're not being dishonest, are you?"

'Is my ability to maintain a poker face truly that lacking?' "I assure you, it's the truth. My mother hurriedly drove me here, and I'm still feeling the effects." Shirou's conviction became evident.

"Typically, you're more organized than this," he couldn't resist commenting, which elicited a faint chuckle from Shirou.

"Indeed, unexpected things happen." As Shirou pondered the situation further, he realized, "This will likely be the last time we hang out."

"Perhaps, unless you decide to spend time with your friends beyond the confines of the school," Shirou winced. "Don't give me that look. You're the one constantly saying 'sorry, I'm busy tonight' or 'I can't do it tomorrow.' Honestly, it feels as if you're leading a double life."

"I simply enjoy spending time with my family," he admitted, and truly, he did.

"And that's perfectly fine, but it's becoming noticeable. I've noticed, you know," Issei said, conveying a sense of chastisement before releasing a sigh. "But don't worry. I'm not going anywhere. If you want, we can try engaging in... 'normal student' activities."

"...You've been called out on it as well, haven't you?"

"I find myself unfamiliar with the subject matter, care to explain?" questioned Issei, accompanied by his trademark gesture of adjusting his glasses and turning his head, revealing his frustration at the words spoken.

"Indeed, in the upcoming year, we may engage in endeavors considered 'typical student activities'," Shirou stated, rising from his seat and extending his hand towards his friend. "Best of luck in your role as the Student Council President."

"Ah, Shirou, while it may not be the most conventional decision, I solemnly pledge to give my utmost effort, once I successfully pass the entrance examination."

Following their brief exchange, Shirou decided to postpone his meal for a later time. "Oh, is there anything you require assistance with? Since today marks the final day, it could be our last opportunity for quite a while."

"Are you aware that we are about to embark on a break?"

"And what about those individuals who must participate in said break to avoid repeating a year?" Issei couldn't argue with that, and Shirou was extending his offer.

"At times, Shirou, I believe your kindness exceeds your own benefit."

.....

Following his classes, Shirou diligently embarked on his work. The room housed a collection of computers in dire need of cleansing, while the disconcerting noises emanating from the heater demanded immediate attention.

Issei nonchalantly dismissed the significance of the tasks, but Shirou derived immense satisfaction from tactile endeavors. Ryuudou kindly offered his assistance, though it was unnecessary; Shirou was confident in swiftly completing the repairs... until an issue came to light.

Though not particularly momentous in nature, the heater's condition upon closer inspection proved to be alarmingly precarious—a veritable tinderbox, awaiting a disastrous inferno.

Lamentably, there were no spare parts readily available, and Shirou comprehended the inherent peril of leaving the matter unaddressed for long. After contemplation, he resolved to contact someone from the administration. Unfortunately, it took a painstaking half-hour for an individual to arrive. Despite placing trust in Shirou's expertise, the explanation he provided was met with incomprehension.

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Another thirty minutes elapsed before a professional repairman was summoned.

"The lad's right, this is a wretched contraption."

"But hey, is there truly nothing that can be done?" Shirou was unfamiliar with the man, yet his profuse sweating betrayed his discomfort despite the moderate ambient temperature.

"Well... one could purchase a replacement," the bald instructor suggested, his perspiration intensifying. Shirou sympathized with the man, realizing that this ordeal fell outside his purview.

"I believe it's imperative to inform the director of this situation..."

"Could you not reach a decision? I, too, require proper compensation," remarked the elderly repairman.

Shirou felt compelled to respond. "Um... Sir," he began cautiously, "if you happen to possess any spare parts, we could extend the longevity of the device. Moreover, it would expedite the payment process for you." Shirou directed the latter portion of his statement towards their teacher, seeking guidance.

The sensei, perplexed, inquired, "Are you implying that you belong to the junior repair brigade?"

"No, I simply have a penchant for assisting others," Shirou replied with a reassuring smile. The elderly man chuckled in response.

"Youth these days... Very well, I shall fetch some spare parts from my car. However, I strongly advise you to acquire a replacement before the next academic year commences," the teacher agreed, finding solace in the compromise.

"I am confident the headmaster will concur," Shirou reassured, noting that the bald man appeared more composed. It was evident that he lacked the authority to make decisions, and the fact that the heater would endure until the director had a say brought an added benefit.

"The budget here must be abysmal," Shirou overheard the repairman mutter, prompting him to offer a smile. The man had a valid point.

With Shirou's assistance, the repairman completed the task without further complications and departed without hesitation.

"Emiya-kun, I extend my gratitude for your invaluable assistance," the sensei expressed himself, bowing with appreciation.

"Sensei, it was merely a minor intervention on my part. I happened to notice a problem and offered my aid," replied Emiya nonchalantly.

"Nevertheless, it is already nightfall," the two observed the diminishing glow of the setting sun in the sky. "I regret having consumed so much of your time on your final day."

"I assure you, it was no inconvenience. I stayed to assist willingly," Emiya emphasized, as his inclination to help was evident.

"You possess a genuinely kind heart, Emiya-kun," the teacher remarked, retracing their steps towards the school. "I must submit a report for a new heater. If you wish, you are welcome to await your parents' arrival in the teacher's lounge."

"That won't be necessary, sensei. Have a pleasant evening," Shirou waved to his teacher and began to depart before a sudden recollection struck him. "Ah, I almost forgot to visit the kendo club."

Altering his course, he made his way towards the small building that housed the club he had been a part of. Shirou had no intention of continuing his membership next year, having encountered issues due to his lack of competitiveness, which almost led to a confrontation with a classmate.

However, such concerns could wait until the following year. For now, he remained a member of the club, and it seemed only fair to accept a parting gift from his teacher, if only to spare her any disappointment.

Upon reaching the club, Shirou found the entrance unlocked, despite the late hour. Stepping inside, he discovered remnants of a celebration: a banner, scattered cups and bottles. It may not have been an elaborate affair, but it appeared to be a prelude to something more significant.

In hushed tones, Shirou discerned, "They must have sought refuge in the abode of the sensei." His observation was accompanied by the presence of a sword, concealed beneath the beverages, resting upon the adjacent table. Encased within a compact bag designed for kendo swords or bats, it piqued his interest.

A tag, bearing his name, adorned the package. "This must be the one." Unveiling its contents, he extracted a meticulously crafted wooden sword.

Its craftsmanship was exquisite, fashioned in a manner suitable for single-handed wielding, possessing a sleek and moderately sized form. Though unsuitable for competitive endeavors, it aligned with his preferred style. Someone must have recalled his prior mention.

Shirou attentively examined the sword until his gaze fell upon a tag attached to its handle. Unlike Taiga-sensei's customary tiger emblem, it bore the mark of yin and yang. The reason eluded him.

"Perhaps I should attend the gathering..." The scent of scorched earth suddenly assailed his nostrils.

"You took your time leaving the premises, magus." The voice, emanating from a confident and slightly haughty girl, reverberated. Shirou pivoted around, once again encountering the girl with crimson tresses he had encountered earlier.

Her uniform remained a stark incongruity amidst his school, yet before he could ponder its peculiarity, he processed her words. "What? I beg your pardon, but you must be mistaken."

Her smile remained undiminished; if anything, it grew more pronounced, accompanied by an intensification of the scent. "Are you implying that you are oblivious to my aura? Then why are you perspiring?"

With that remark, Shirou transitioned from confusion to vigilance. "?" The fragrance dissipated, leaving her perplexed as she regarded him.

"What do you mean? You summoned me for a pact, magus." Now it was Shirou who found himself bewildered.

"I must apologize, for I do not recollect harboring any intentions of entering into a contractual agreement." The young lady delicately rested her hand upon her chin, engaging in thoughtful contemplation. However, Shirou harbored his own inquiries. "Pray tell, who might you be? And how have you discerned my status as a practitioner of the arcane arts?"

"You have sensed the emanations of my essence, a signal meant to serve as an indicator, leading you to a secluded locale for our rendezvous."

"That... appears to be an unduly convoluted scheme."

"Indeed!" The girl's voice teetered on the edge of exasperation. "Consider this: a fellow mage dispatches a familiar, its voice clearly manipulated, apprising me of a rogue demon within this educational institution. Consequently, an elaborate arrangement ensues when I simply requested a means of contact." She proceeded to massage her temples. "I had presumed it was you, assuming the other mage possessed remarkable detection abilities. Yet, it seems you surpass them!"

Shirou allowed her a moment of respite following her brief tirade. He then approached a water dispenser designated for club members, manifesting a small plastic cup since he couldn't locate any.

"Do you feel better?" He extended the cup towards her, and she accepted it.

"Yes, thank you." She scrutinized the cup intently. "Did you fashion this?"

"It was actually a projection, a rudimentary creation for a magus..." Shirou abruptly halted his words, recalling that he should not divulge such information, especially given his unfamiliarity with the young lady before him.