Haruka blinked slowly at Negi, "I don't want to be any trouble." She said politely, "If you can just point me in the right direction." She frowned doubtfully, "Two days should be enough time to get myself there, if I hurry." She mumbled, half hoping he would insist on seeing her home anyway.

She knew he was amused by her constant struggle to stay on task long enough to get where she intended to go, rather than wherever her subconscious decided to steer her, and she didn't really mind. He wasn't mean about it at least, and he didn't get exasperated at her like some of the other juujishi had in the past.

Her mouth watered at the sight of the food he was preparing. How long had it been since she ate? 'Did I forget my lunch again?' She honestly couldn't remember. She spat her gum into an empty wrapper she had in her pocket.

"So are you going to show up this year, Negi-san?" She asked curiously.She rather hoped he would. There had been such an uproar over his absence the last two years. Though she didn't blame him for not wanting to come, being ordered to attend a feast where you aren't actually allowed to enjoy yourself, interact with the other guests, or even eat was pretty unfair.