[But then in an instant, she's back to being her usual calm self. Was she trying to cover up her bashfulness? Or was that reaction Takane trying to add her own brand of humor into the bleak situation? Maybe a bad attempt at playing along just to politely satisfy his amusement?

That's top secret.✩]

... Fufu. Eichi Tenshouin, you've been quite forward for a while. Though you have the gentle face of an angel, in truth, you are actually quite the mean-spirited one, aren't you?

[Takane lets out this remark playfully as she gracefully takes his hand, lifting herself off the ground. Contrary to her initial reaction, she doesn't let go once she's on her feet, continuing her poker face of a smile.]

Let us be off, then. Our destinies lie not within the stars, but ourselves.