TL: Graze

Chapter 5: “The Formation of Ayanokōji Group”

Days flew by until the time came when Yukimura started up the fifth study session.

We held the second, third, and fourth meetings at Pallet, but today we decided to meet up at a cafe inside of Keyaki mall. This was because as of today, club activities had stopped in order to allow students to focus on the final exams, so we expected for Pallet to be packed with people.

"Sure enough, it's noisier than I expected."

Yukimura was surprised by the number of students inside the cafe. We managed to secure our seats, but the cafe was nearly full. Study groups encompa.s.sing all grades were starting around us. Although there are many students who were working quietly, the sheer number of people made it seem like it wouldn't be a quiet study session like it would be in the library.

"We should have done this in the library or my room."

"No way. It's easier to do it here; easy-peasy. Right, Miyatchi?"

"Yep. I get enough quiet tense atmosphere during archery club."

Contrary to Yukimura, the two of them seem to be alright with being here.

The era of being stuck in a stuffy room, facing a desk is over.

It's a modern study method to learn while talking with a group of friends. It's degenerative evolution.

"You're the ones studying here, so if you say you can concentrate, I'll believe you. I have prepared the material for today."

The two of them prepared dispa.s.sionately as they were handed notebooks filled with liberal arts questions that targeted their weaknesses. The rows of questions were like a fireworks festival, with the stalls set up everywhere. Yukimura seemed to be pretty fired up, which was understandable.

"Aagh, today is also packed with liberal arts questions…… Yukimū has no mercy."

Even if she doesn't like studying, she has to focus on her weakest subject, so it's understandable why Hasebe would be distressed. Miyake appears as though he's close to vomiting. His hand is pressed up against the pit of his stomach while he looks at the notes.

"How can you be scared before you even start?"

"You're right…… but there's obviously more than last time, and they seem pretty difficult."

"Coming to that conclusion before we even start is a common way of thinking for students who cannot attain difficult marks. First of all, thinking about and rising up to the challenge is a basic among basics."

Yukimura spoke, impa.s.sioned about teaching.

"Otherwise, are the questions simpler than last time?"

"Of course they're difficult."

"……Really difficult, for sure."

They probably were. It's impossible to keep the questions simple forever.

Yukimura's questions and explanations were quite brilliant. It might be a stretch, but I wonder if he's skilled enough to double as a teacher.

While he does scold them he never gives up on them, and he never raises his voice when the other person doesn't understand. Has Yukimura grown due to the influence of Horikita? I can't believe he's managed to change like this.

During the first semester, Yukimura and Horikita had insisted that they were placed in Cla.s.s D by mistake, which feels so far behind us.

"Come on, Hasebe."

Miyake seemed to realize that there was no use in complaining and made up his mind.

"You're pretty motivated, Miyatchi. What's wrong, feeling hot blooded?"

"Even though I get a break from club activities, I don't want to spend my free time studying. Can I go home after I finish?"

"Of course."

Yukimura and Horikita teach in different ways. Horikita would set exact time periods for proper studying, while Yukimura didn't adhere to specific time periods. His sessions would last until they got through everything he prepared. Therefore, his sessions could be completed earlier or later than expected.

Which method is better varies from person to person, but Yukimura probably chose to do it this way because Hasebe and Miyake can both handle it to some extent.

If it was a group of students who didn't have a very good foundation such as Ike, Yukimura's way of going about things would be pretty difficult.

They might even write answers without thinking about the question in order to finish early.

If that happens, then just let it be and teach them until they understand.

"If you don't have any free time, then like, just quit the club."

"I want to partic.i.p.ate in club activities, but I also want to have free time."

"So Selfish~"

Either way, if they both regain their motivation, there's nothing left to say. If one or both of them were to leave the study group, what difficulties would Horikita ask of me in the future?

The trust that Yukimura has nurtured in these sessions seems to have had a good effect on the both of them. I can't imagine that they would hold any more doubts about Yukimura's approach.

"Then, Ayanokōji. From today forward, I'll have you do these too."

"……Yeah?"

"You should be able to get a good enough score, but your partner is Satō. You'll have to prepare and review thoroughly. If you both drop out, there's no way back for us."

"No, I-"

"Do it, Ayanokōji-kun. Or should we die together?"

Hasebe's head droops like a ghost with her bangs hanging. She grabs me by the hand as if trying to drag me to the bottom depths of a well.

"Welcome~~"

I was dragged away by a chilling creepy voice and swallowed up by the darkness of liberal arts questions.

(Intro End)

(Part 1)

"By the way, isn't there a Yos.h.i.+moto-kun in Cla.s.s C? Miyatchi, do you know?"

"Do you mean Yos.h.i.+moto Kōsetsu? He's in the archery club."

"Ooh yeah, that Yos.h.i.+moto-kun. I heard that he started going out with a second-year, you know?"

Tired of studying, Hasebe began to gossip.

"I hadn't heard anything about that, but I was just thinking that he's been in a hurry to leave early for some strange reason. So that's what it was."

In high school, the hurdle for dating someone even one year older is pretty high. When you're an adult in your thirties, a year or two age difference doesn't seem like it would matter very much. Although this is something I can't imagine as a teenager, this is surely how it works.

"Yos.h.i.+moto-kun has been super motivated and says that they're going to get married in the future. The man is a simple idiot."

Hasebe and Miyake slowly diverged from studying.

"You're free to talk about who's going out with whom and what the future will be like all you want, but at the very least get your work done while you do."

"I know. We're just chatting while taking a breather."

Hasebe had gotten used to this kind of thing, so she gave no indication of being shaken by Yukimura's words.

"Is that right?"

"Wow, I'm getting sarcastic vibes from you. I'm going to refill my cup."

“You're adding more sugar? I'm surprised you can even drink it that sweet.”

"From my point of view, I can't understand people who drink it black. Ah!"

Hasebe tried to stand up with her empty plastic cup, but she stumbled over the backpack at her feet and the cup in her hand fell to the ground.

My eyes unconsciously followed it as it rolled.

The cup stopped at the feet of a student who was walking past.

"Ah, sor-"

Hasebe started to apologize, but the cup was then crushed under foot, so she swallowed the words before they came out.

"You all seem to be having a good time. How about we join in?"

"What are you guys……"

Hasebe immediately strengthened her guard and looked at the group in front of her sharply.

It was a reasonable reaction too because the man who crushed the cup was none other than Cla.s.s C's Ryūen. Standing behind him was Is.h.i.+zaki, Komiya, and Kondō, the often seen Cla.s.s C trio.

Ryūen showed a sly smile as if he was thinking about something amusing.

There was also a lone girl who wasn't usually a part of Ryūen's group standing next to Is.h.i.+zaki.

She wore an expression that was unsuitable for the situation, one that was devoid of all tension.

"Hey! Why did you step on my cup? It wasn't an accident, was it?"

"It rolled to my feet and I thought you'd tossed it. I stepped on it to save you the effort."

He laughed and returned the crushed cup to Hasebe with a kick.

A little bit of its contents sprinkled across the ground from a hole in the side of it. Miyake, watching in silence, stood up slowly.

"Oi Ryūen. I've wanted to say it for a while now, but that's enough your punkish att.i.tude."

"Huh? Who the h.e.l.l do you think you're talking to?"

As if to say that Ryūen didn't need to bother with him, Is.h.i.+zaki went forward and grabbed Miyake by the lapel of his s.h.i.+rt.

"I wasn't talking to you. A henchman should mind his own business, Is.h.i.+zaki."

Miyake was unmoved and knocked away Is.h.i.+zaki's hand.

"b.a.s.t.a.r.d!"

Is.h.i.+zaki shouted, who managed to attract attention from our surroundings even in such a noisy environment.

The person who reacted sensitively to this was none other than Ryūen.

"Shut it. Do you really want to make a scene in a place like this, Is.h.i.+zaki?"

"S-sorry. Because Miyake was so c.o.c.ky, I just…"

"I don't hate emotionally impulsive idiots, but now you need to behave yourself."

"Yes……"

Ryūen was right. There aren't only first years around, but also senior students, shop a.s.sistants, and several surveillance cameras. It's a public place without any blind spots.

If an incident happened here, Cla.s.s C would clearly be at fault. It's almost certain that they would be subject to punishment based off the testimony and recordings that we would have as evidence.

"I have no business with you. I'm interested in the two people over there."

Ryūen said so as he s.h.i.+fted his line of sight from Miyake over to Yukimura and me.

"Have you received my gift?"

"What the h.e.l.l are you talking about……"

Naturally, Yukimura couldn't understand what he was talking about. He looked to me as the other person Ryūen referred to. The so-called 'gift' is undoubtedly the time he sent a message with the words 'Who are you?'

"Who knows……"

I acted as if I didn't know. Ryūen had resorted to really tough measures. I had no reason to dig my own grave by answering his questions. Even if I tried to appear more suspicious to him, he wouldn't be able to reach any conclusions. This is because no matter what happens, it's still only a gray area.

"How's that? Did you catch onto anything, Hiyori?"

Ryūen took his eyes off us for a moment and asked the girl from his cla.s.s for her thoughts.

"How is it? Well, there's no telling at this stage."

A lot of the students working under Ryūen were afraid of him, but the girl named Hiyori remained totally calm in this situation. Her somewhat out-of-focus eyes alternated between the two of us.

What was Ryūen scheming by bringing this student here?

"Both of their faces leave a weak impression, so I'll probably forget them immediately."

"Kukuku, don't say that. They're probably going to be our friends for a long time."

"Yukimursan…… Ayanokōji-san…… Kōenji-san, who was the other person?"

"It's Hirata. Hirata."

"That's right, it was Hiratsan. Why are faces and names so hard to remember?"

She was wrapped up in a mysterious atmosphere, and I was rather concerned about Is.h.i.+zaki's use of honorifics while talking with her. I had seen her before and knew that she was a student in Cla.s.s C.

"As expected, the only one you'll remember is Kōenji."

"He's very unique, so he's easy to remember."

It seems that Ryūen has also marked Hirata and Kōenji. In the case of Kōenji, his actions were truly incomprehensible, but it's understandable that he would be suspected because of his capability.

Having said that, it feels like Ryūen wouldn't have selected Kōenji as one of his targets if he had known that he wasn't acting but was instead a legitimate naturally-born oddball.

"What the h.e.l.l is wrong with you, Ryūen? We're busy, so if you want to sort something out, let's do it quickly."

Miyake spoke aggressively, conveying all of our feelings across with his words.

"It's nothing. We're just saying h.e.l.lo for today. But I'll tell you right now, I'll be seeing you again in the near future."

"What does that mean?"

Ignoring Miyake's question, Ryūen left the cafe with his entourage.

The cafe, which was briefly enveloped in silence, immediately regained its vitality and returned to its previous state as everyone returned to their studying.

However-

The student named Hiyori remained at the scene, still watching us all this time.

Under such circ.u.mstances, there's no way that we could successfully concentrate on our studies. Irritated, Hasebe spoke up:

"What is it? You're being a distraction by hanging around here."

"Just a moment, please."

"What? What does that even mean? I'm saying you're in the way, so go someplace else, okay?"

Hasebe, who had her cup crushed just earlier, was in a foul mood.

Confronted by the rowdy Hasebe, Hiyori answered with a slightly goofy smile. She grabbed her bag at her feet and walked over to the cafe's checkout.

"What was that about?"

"Who knows. I don't quite understand what's going on, and I don't want to know."

Yukimura seems to be unable to understand Hiyori's actions and was temporarily lost in thought. As if he was unable to come to a conclusion, he ended up deciding to ignore the matter altogether.

"I believe she's s.h.i.+na Hiyori from Cla.s.s C. I've seen her before."

It seems that only Miyake managed to remember her name.

The s.h.i.+na in question placed an order with the cafe's clerk and came back with two cups in hand.

"If you don't mind, please accept this."

"What do you mean? Why are you giving it to me?"

"You don't have to be wary of me. I was watching what happened earlier, and it's clear that Ryūen-kun was in the wrong. I would like to apologize on the behalf of Cla.s.s C. I took the liberty of adding sugar to it myself."

“You put in…… eh? This is totally delicious! It's like, exactly the same as what I was drinking earlier!"

"The cup that was crushed earlier had a lot of sugar collected in the bottom, so I figured that you like your coffee sweet. I'm glad I didn't make any mistakes."

"But, ah, it feels like it has the exact same amount of sugar that I like added to it…… is this a coincidence?"

"I calculated in reverse based on the amount of sugar that hadn't dissolved in your last cup."

"Huh!? You can do that!?"

"I suppose it could be considered surprising. Despite how I look, I have a rather good perception?"

With that, she turned towards me, Yukimura, and Miyake.

"This is- You guys are holding a study session, right?"

"People like her totally drain my energy……"

Hasebe had been irritated until just now, but she had become entirely overwhelmed by Hiyori's inscrutable pace.

From Yukimura's point of view, he didn't want to risk giving Hiyori any extra information, so he quickly covered up everyone's notes.

"By any chance, do you think I'm a spy?"

"You don't even need to ask, of course we're suspecting you."

"I wouldn't do that. After all, I normally keep my distance from Ryūen-kun."

"But didn't Ryūen-kun intimately call you by your name?"

"I personally requested to accompany them because I'm interested in Cla.s.s D."

The three of them couldn't understand the reasoning behind Hiyori's statement and tilted their heads to the side.

Of course, I imitated them, pretending to not understand the situation.

"Don't you know? It's a hot topic in Cla.s.s C. There's a mastermind in Cla.s.s D who's hiding their true ability. This person has apparently made huge contributions to Cla.s.s D's progress during the uninhabited island test, the test on the cruise s.h.i.+p, and during the sports festival. Do you really not know?"

Hiyori speaks a truth that most of Cla.s.s D hasn't been able to figure out. Of course, there were question marks hovering over Hasebe and the other's heads.

"I have no idea. Aren't you just talking about Horikita?"

"Yeah. I can only think of Horikitsan."

"It's apparently someone other than Horikita Suzune-san."

Hiyori cut them off from coming to that conclusion.

"Ayanokōji-san, I hear that you spend a lot of time with Horikitsan."

"It hasn't been like that recently, but I guess I've spent a lot of time with her compared to anyone else."

"After all, you do sit right next to her."

"Still, there's hardly anybody smarter than her."

"Yeah, essentially all of Cla.s.s D's strategies are things she comes up with."

Hasebe and Miyake conveniently agreed with each other at a good time, adding credibility to my statement.

I wouldn't need to confirm or deny anything about the two of us spending time together.

It's only important for me to tell the truth from the point of view of a typical Cla.s.s D student.

"I see. You all have the same kind of evaluation of her."

"Can you stop getting in our way by bringing up such inexplicable things?"

Yukimura spoke strongly, having been gradually influenced by Hiyori's peculiar atmosphere.

It appears that he's unable to bear the thought of having his study time reduced any further.

"……I'm sorry. It's my fault for disturbing your studies, isn't it?"

"I'm sorry, but that's how it is."

"You really don't have to go that far, Yukimū."

"If you have no complaints about failing and dropping out of school, then by all means, have a good chat. I'm going home."

"Ah, please forgive me a little. Please continue teaching me."

Hasebe bowed her head.

"This is it. If you want to talk about strange topics, please do so after the exam."

Yukimura ended the conversation with Hiyori almost by force, so Hiyori apologetically rose from her seat.

"I'm very sorry. It would be dangerous for you to neglect to study desperately for the exam."

Was that a jab towards the students who were at risk of failing?

I feel like she always has a natural temperament, but it's not clear whether she can be trusted.

"I see, Let's talk about it after the end of the final exams. It shouldn't be too late at that point."

Having decided to go home, Hiyori picked up her cup.

"Thanks for the coffee, it was a real treat."

"No no, it was nothing special. Goodbye then."

After this, Hiyori, who had appeared together with Ryūen, also left.

I'm not certain if she's part of Ryūen's plan for finding me, but there's nothing wrong with staying alert.

I'll have to keep an eye on her for the time being.

(Part 1 End)

(Part 2)

Since we all live in the same dormitory, we all inevitably left to head back together.

Yukimura tracked the progress of today's study session on his cell phone.

"It's been a long time since I've been so focused on studying. Six hours in cla.s.s, plus two hours after school, right? Even students from all over the world don't have to do that much, do they?"

"But the students of Cla.s.s C wasted our time by interrupting us halfway."

"We didn't give in to the interference. I'd say we studied hard today."

The two of them walked while chatting with each other, satisfied with their efforts. Hearing this, an annoyed expression surfaced on Yukimura face.

"You're kidding. When university entrance exams begin, you'll need to study after school for at least three hours, and if you can manage it, up to four. Of course, this means every day. And as the exam approaches, you'll have to take the initiative and study for more than 10 hours a day."

"Eeeh!? No way! I can't study like that Yukimū. You should totally know that."

"My older sister is a teacher. As if by routine, she always does this before the exam."

"It's an elite family lineage. Yukimū, are you also aiming to become a teacher in the future?"

"There's nothing particularly elite about being a teacher. Besides, I'm not aiming to be a teacher. If I wanted to become a teacher, why would I ever come to a school where the teaching system is so disconnected from normal society?"

The path to becoming a teacher generally isn't an easy one. However, it's typically several steps less difficult than that of a lawyer or a recognized accountant, and there's no real benefit in choosing this particular high school.

Plus, Yukimura isn't bothered by studying, and his academic capabilities are beyond average. So it's even more true.

"So why here?"

"……It doesn't matter what the reason is. Do you want to interrogate each other for their reasons for why they chose to enroll here? After you're asked to explain your circ.u.mstances, you'll understand how it feels."

Hasebe was rebuked, but unfortunately, his response ended up being counter-productive. Hasebe didn't respond with reluctance but instead took the initiative to make the first answer.

"Well, for me, I guess I was one of the people who was attracted to the schools advertising, you know? If the school promises you a job or further education after you graduate, why wouldn't you choose to come here? Isn't that like, enough to motivate most people?"

"I'll add something onto that. Another reason to come here is that the school doesn't cost a cent to attend. Not to mention that dorm life usually costs money, but we don't have to pay anything for that either. The school even allows us to live on campus without the need for private points, right? I appreciate that aspect more than the guarantee of something to do after graduation."

"That's such an exaggeration. It's really amazing to be able to work or study anywhere you want."

"You're free to talk about your dreams, but get through the final exams first. The system that Hasebe is fantasizing over doesn't mean anything if you don't graduate from Cla.s.s A."

"Can't there be some form of a bonus? Something like the school lying about only doing it for Cla.s.s A, and that we'll be allowed to go wherever we want as long as we graduate properly?"

"That's impossible. If that was the case, the news would have certainly already spread among the students. But I've never heard anything like that, even during club activities. Even more than that, the second and third year Cla.s.s D's still seem pretty miserable."

I've never been involved in any club activities, so I knew practically nothing about that part, but there was definitely no ambition in the third years from Cla.s.s D who I had been in contact with earlier in the year.

"Even though it's a school that's under the direct administration of the state, when it's seen that the school doesn't provide any special treatment to students beyond Cla.s.s A, I can imagine that it would negatively, not positively, influence my capability of getting a job or continuing on with school after I graduate because I'll be seen as a student who was unable to move up to Cla.s.s A. Because of this, I absolutely must graduate as a part of Cla.s.s A."

"Er… That would be the worst."

For a prestigious and well-known school, you'll be highly valued if you have both "graduation" and "personal achievement". However, as Yukimura had said, in the case of Advanced Nurturing High School, even if you graduate, there is a possibility that you may be branded as a non-Cla.s.s A student. This idea is supported by the existence of students like Ike, who have underwhelming academic potential. In short, the entry requirements here have nothing to do with your test results.

It's impossible for universities and companies to not feel suspicious after seeing this aspect of our school.

"Miyatchi, I'm surprised you're still coming to each study group. I really thought for sure that you were going to give up immediately.”

"Aren't you by far the odd one here? In the first place, you don't usually want to have anything to do with boys."

"Well, I guess so… but I think that's it's okay if it's you three."

Hasebe seems to have her own ideas.

I thought it was the right time, so I decided to throw out a question.

"Hasebe, I have something ask you, alright?"

"Hm?"

"Are you and Satō close?"

"Satō-san? Nope, we're not super close or anything, and in the first place, I don't like large groups, you know? If you're interested in Satō-san, wouldn't it be better to ask Karuizawsan?"

If that was possible, then I wouldn't be having a hard time with this.

It's a difficult problem to talk about with someone who is involved in the situation.

"What about it?"

"Erm-"

I don't know how to say it, and I know that I can't tell the truth. Yukimura noticed that I was in a bind and said:

"I understand why you feel concerned since she's your partner for the finals. It's disturbing to not know their strengths and weaknesses."

"Aah, is that so? You said that some time ago."

"Even if I wanted to ask directly, we don't have much common ground, so I can't really do that."

Giving her condolences, Hasebe put both of her hands together.

However, she thought up a new idea and made a new proposal.

"If it's hard to ask Karuizawsan, why not ask Kyō-chan? She and Satō-san are very close, and you should be able to ask Kyō-chan, right?"

"Huh? Kyō-chan?"

I had never heard the nickname she was using before, so I had no choice but to ask who she's talking about.

"I mean Kikyō-chan. Ayanokōji-kun, you talk with her a lot, don't you?"

So Kikyō turns into Kyō-chan? I didn't understand, but it makes sense now. Kus.h.i.+da is definitely qualified. She knows the cla.s.s's internal circ.u.mstances well, and if it wasn't for the situation with Horikita, I probably wouldn't have hesitated to ask her for help. However, as things are now, I don't know if she's someone I can rely on.

Miyake offered his support after I had declined the advice to ask Kus.h.i.+da for help.

"Karuizawa aside, Isn't it alright to ask Kus.h.i.+da? She seems to be popular with both boys and girls. What do you think of her, Hasebe?"

"Yeah. I hate a lot of girls, but I like Kyō-chan. She takes on a lot of the hard work for the sake of the cla.s.s, yet always manages to remain cheerful. I usually don't like consulting with people, but Kyō-chan is a bit special. She's willing to put herself in a position to listen, and would never go around talking about it to anyone."

"Do you even have problems warranting her consultation?"

"Wow, that's rude Miyatchi. Young girls at my age have tons of problems."

"Like what?"

"It…… I mean, why should I tell you? You'd totally go around talking about them."

"No, I wouldn't…… Well, I can't say for sure. It depends on the content."

It's clear that I won't be able to discuss my troubles with these guys.

"If there's anything you're worried about, it really is best to discuss it with Kus.h.i.+da. I agree with that."

"Right? I don't know if you've got a crush on Satō-san, but she would never leak it out to anyone."

"What? You like Satō, Ayanokōji?"

"I didn't say anything like that. I just asked Hasebe if they were on good terms."

"Isn't that suspicious? You've never been very close to Satō-san until now, have you?"

"Ayanokōji said that he was interested in Satō because they're a pair. Have you already forgotten?"

Even in the face of Miyake's words, Hasebe didn't withdraw.

"That's true, but it doesn't feel like that's all there is to it. The way he asked about it makes me think there's more to it."

From time to time, a girl will have an incomprehensible radar. This is the only thing I really can't beat.

"Ah, that's right. Is it okay if we stop by the convenience store for a second?"

The topic came to a natural end due to Miyake's abrupt proposal. It was a real lifesaver.

Nevertheless, it's clear that Kus.h.i.+da has become an indispensable existence for Cla.s.s D.

Whenever you look back on what's happened so far, Kus.h.i.+da has always managed to become involved in it all. And yet, she never made any strong claims, and always devotedly worked on supporting others, engaging in self-sacrificing activities. And now that gra.s.sroots movement was steadily getting results.

She's one of the strongest members with a somewhat distinct personality, and none of her cla.s.smates speak ill of her.

When someone isn't around, the first things people usually say are negative ones that they can't say when they're around, but it's amazing to only hear good things.

"Ah, me too. You two come as well."

"You're like a child."

Yukimura says this, but he didn't seem to be that unwilling.

(Part 2 End)
(Part 3)

The four of us stood outside the convenience store enjoying some ice cream that we had bought.

"Eating ice cream while it's a bit chilly is delicious."

Hasebe says so while carrying a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a thin wooden spoon up to her mouth.

Yukimura, on the other hand, doesn't appear to eat ice cream very often, as he was still reading the ingredients.

"This is just a list of preservatives and food colorings."

"Wow, how are you able to eat anything if you're concerned about that sort of thing?"

"I'd like to pay attention to the food I eat. I started thinking about it after what happened to my physical condition during the uninhabited island exam. Now I get my food from the organic section of the supermarket at Keyaki Mall."

"You're a really serious guy."

Apparently, Yukimura recently became a health-conscious individual.

"In the first place, items at the convenience store cost a lot. If you're willing to make a small trip over to the mall, you can get the same thing at a much better price. Why not buy your groceries a bit more efficiently?"

He pointed it out by looking at Hasebe who had also bought a lot of groceries along with the ice cream.

"Yukimū, are you by any chance one of those weird penny-pinchers?"

"I've always cared about it. And what do you mean by Yukimū?"

"You're Yukimurkun, so Yukimū. When I want to make friends, I start with nicknames. Miyatchi, Yukimū, and Ayanon. Hmm, although Ayanon doesn't flow that well."

Before I knew it, I had been given the super-cute 'Ayanon' as a nickname.

"Don't call me Yukimū, it's embarra.s.sing."

"You don't like it?"

"……I didn't say that I told you it's embarra.s.sing."

"So what?"

"But in the presence of others, Yu-Yukimū is a little……"

Yukimura stopped talking. Hasebe responds to him with a straight face.

"I came to this conclusion after I realized that our relations.h.i.+p might not be that bad."

"A relations.h.i.+p worthy of a nickname?"

"Jeez, we're all, like, the type of people who stick to themselves, right?"

"Well…… That's true. I can't deny that."

"Should I say that once I tried this group thing out, I was unexpectedly comfortable with the results? And Yukimū and Ayanon also have very few friends. The second semester is more than halfway over, so I decided that I really want to establish a new friend group through these study sessions. Therefore, I'm not trying to make up for lost time, but in order to get close to you guys as quickly as possible, I want to call you guys by either a nickname or your first name. What do you two think?"

She asked us. After it was clear that Yukimura and I were unable to answer her, Miyake responded:

"Yeah. I'm surprised myself since it isn't bad at all. I feel like I fit in. I don't get along with Sudō and his group, and Hirata feels like an entirely different existence, always surrounded by girls."

"I know, right? What about you two?"

Both Hasebe and Miyake were positive about the four of us forming a group together. Would Yukimura still refuse?

"I was only with you guys to oversee your studying. When the finals are over, the group will have served its purpose, but…… I guess these finals won't be the last time. Of course, there will be the third semester, and it also goes without saying that there will be further exams until graduation. So…… I don't mind forming something it for the sake of efficiency."

"What you're saying is confusing, but thanks nonetheless."

"Hmm…… Well. This is only to keep you guys from dropping out and lower the cla.s.s's ratings any further."

"Then there's only Ayanon left, ah, but is it difficult because you're already in a group with Horikitsan? Plus you're sometimes also doing things with Ike-kun and Yamauchi-kun."

"I can't say if it's for better or worse, but at least I know that those two are pretty different from the type of person I am, as they have many aspects that I'm just not compatible with. Should I say that I don't have to force myself when I'm around you guys? To be honest, I feel relaxed. Horikita and I just sit next to each other. We interact a lot, but I'm not particularly in a group with her."

These were my true feelings.

"Is that so? In that case, it's decided. We will be the Ayanokōji Group from now on. Please treat us well."

"Wait. Why is it named after me?"

"You're the one who brought all of us together. Are you not okay with it?"

Miyake also agreed with Hasebe's opinion. What about Yukimura?

"I have no objections. I would be troubled if we chose to call ourselves the Yukimura group."

He accepted it without resistance.

"One last thing before we inaugurate the group. Let's ban the use of formal surnames from now on."

"It's up to you to ban them, but I won't say Mi-Miyatchi or…… Ayanon or anything like that. It's embarra.s.sing. I'd look like an idiot."

It would definitely feel out of place for Yukimura and me to say 'Miyatchi'.

It was really helpful that he ended up denying it for me.

"Well, at least use the first name. By the way, my name is Haruka. You can call me whatever you want. What your first name, Miyatchi?"

"Akito."

If that's the case, that's what we should call you then? Hasebe had a proud expression.

"Akito huh. Well, that's manageable. Ayanokōji's is Kiyotaka, right?"

We stayed in the same room during the cruise, so Yukimura appears to have remembered my name.

"And I believe Yukimura's first name is Teruhiko."

I also thought back to the exam on the s.h.i.+p. Yukimura's expression suddenly became cloudy for some reason after I had said this.

"……You remembered?"

Instead of being impressed, Yukimura looked troubled.

"Oh, so Yukimū's first name is Teruhiko. Should I think of another nickname?"

"Stop it."

He responded with a strong tone, and Hasebe shrunk back a little bit.

"Is something wrong?"

When I asked Yukimura about his sudden change in att.i.tude, he gave an unexpected response.

"I'm fine with calling you guys by your given names, but could you stop calling me Teruhiko?"

He actually made such a proposal.

"That is, it's alright for you to use our first names, but it's not alright for us to do it to you!?"

"It's not that I don't like any of you guys. It's just that I hate my given name. I usually don't mind because n.o.body had ever used my given name before, but this situation makes things different."

"It's not a particularly unique baby name nowadays, isn't it pretty common?"

Miyake understandably finds it strange.

The name Teruhiko is definitely one of the more standard, usual names.

I don't think the name is the type that I'd end up hating.

"Is there any special reason?"

"……Ah. Teruhiko was the name chosen for me by my mother, a cowardly woman who abandoned me and my father when I was little. This is why I can't possibly accept it."

Hasebe and Miyake's faces tightened after they learned that there was a heavier reason for it than they had expected.

Yukimura noticed this and immediately decided to end the conversation.

"Sorry, I said something unnecessary."

"Nope, that was my bad. I went ahead and used your first name without your permission."

"It's not something you need to apologize for. It's only to be expected since you didn't understand the situation. Plus it's not typical for someone to dislike their given name. If possible, I don't want to ruin the atmosphere of the group. If none of you mind, I'd like it if you'd call me Keisei moving forward. It's the name I've been using since I was a child."

"Keisei? Does that mean Yukimū has two given names? This is pretty complicated."

"Keisei isn't my naturally given name. It's the name my father wanted me to have. Since the day my mother left home, I've made it my own. If you find it unacceptable, I hope you'll call me Yukimura just like you've been doing."

If this is what Yukimura wanted, we wouldn't be able to pursue it any further.

Besides, it isn't surprising for someone to use more than one name.

It isn't only celebrities who do it, but even people of the general public.

"It wasn't my intention to use such an insensitive name, but that's not what matters, is it?"

"Yeah true. In which case, my best regards, Keisei."

As Hasebe said, we all chose to call him by the name that he wanted us to use.

"Sorry for my selfishness…… Kiyotaka, Akito, Haruka."

Yukimura addressed everyone by their given name again.

"It's fine, it's fine. More or less, people have their own circ.u.mstances."

Exactly. Just like how I have a past that I don't want to be exposed or for people to know about, Yukimura… no, Keisei also has a past that he carries.

I attempted to say their names out loud in the same way Keisei did.

"Akito, Keisei, and…… Haruka. Right. I've also remembered them."

It's more stressful to call a girl by her first name than to do it for a boy.

"Anyways, Kiyotak"

Haruka seems to have gotten caught up with my nickname again.

"Not Ayanon, but how about Kiyopon? Yeah, this one flows much better, so I think it's an easy decision. Yukimū, do you want to call him that too?"

Wow, I feel like I've been given a more shameful nickname than Ayanon.

Thinking of being called this in front of the general public from now on gives me gooseb.u.mps.

"I won't call him that, it's too embarra.s.sing. I've already decided to call him Kiyotaka."

Embarra.s.sment aside, we ultimately decided to use our first names for each other.

At first, we weren't able to find the right way to say it, but the flow of things had started to seem much more natural and there weren't any more problems with that.

I looked behind me. It felt like the conversation was at a good place for me to discreetly check on the presence in the background.

Are you just going to stay there and listen in silence, Sakura?

Every time that we've gathered for a study session, Sakura has followed behind us.

Same with the cafe today. Moreover, she was also currently watching us from a distance now.

She can't hear everything that we're saying, but she should just barely be able to hear enough to understand.

Right now, while our group is being formed is her last chance.

If she doesn't insert into the conversation here…

"Well! Now we've all learned each other's names. So, the four of us will group u-"

"F… For-forgive me!"

Bang! The trash can nearby made a loud sound. At the same time, a single student stood up.

Of course, it goes without saying that it was Sakura. She rigidly stepped out and nervously walked up to us with robotic movement.

"Sakura?"

The three of them said her name at almost the same time.

"I… I…… I also want to join Ayanokōji-kun's group!"

Unable to show her face for the longest time, Sakura ama.s.sed every ounce of her courage and then uttered the words.

Her face was visibly flushed with nervousness. Since she wasn't paying attention, she hadn't noticed that her fake gla.s.ses were sitting crooked in an amusing position.

"Do you want to join the group because you're afraid that you'll fail the exam? Given Sakura's scores and partner, it's not unreasonable for you to be uneasy about it."

Keisei calmly endeavored to a.n.a.lyze Sakura's arrival, and then came to a conclusion.

"Based on how I see it, I think you should join Horikita's group. I'm not capable enough to teach very many people. Besides, your situation is different from theirs, so the content that you'll need to be taught would be different as well."

Sakura mustered the courage to say something, but was unfortunately dismissed by Keisei's collected response.

"It's n… It's not like that…… I genuinely want to join Ayanokōji-kun's group!"

When you travel, you don't care about losing face. A train that has started will not stop. Sakura's resolve wouldn't falter from just this. She expressed her feelings once again.

"Isn't it fine? Sakura can join us. After all, she seems to fit in."

Akito spoke, welcoming the unexpected visitor.

"Is it okay? Letting someone join so easily."

"Does adding one person make any difference? Besides, there are no qualifications required to join our group. We're all loners anyways, so I think it's fine."

"We're all loners? I suppose so."

It's well-known that Sakura is also often alone in Cla.s.s D.

"Keisei, are you also okay?"

"I have no reason to object, but I don't want it to increase more than this. Sakura makes it easy, but if someone noisy joins, I'm leaving."

"Th-Thank you, Miyake-kun…… Yukimurkun……"

Despite there being some conditions attached, Keisei agreed. The rest was up to Haruka.

Haruka usually gives the impression of being the most receptive, but this time there was no smile on her face.

"Sorry, Sakursan, but that isn't going to convince me."

"Ah, well, uh…… I… I can't……?"

Haruka maintains her stern expression and confronts Sakura as if to pour cold water on her long-awaited reception.

"In my case, should I say that I'm really looking forward being a part of the group? I feel like I'm going to get along really well with everyone for a while. So-"

She pointed her index finger straight upwards and held it before Sakura's eyes.

"Since you want to partic.i.p.ate in our group, there's an obligation for us to call each other by either a nickname or their given name. This means that Sakursan will have to be called…… Er-…… What's her name again?"

"Airi."

I added quickly.

"We'll call you Airi, and you'll have to call everyone by their names as well. Are you okay with that?"

Everyone more or less understood that Sakura wasn't very good with interpersonal relations.h.i.+ps, which is why she was given this advice:

'Can you tolerate such a situation?' She confirmed the answer.

"Eh, well……"

I decided to try my best at helping the confused Sakura. If Haruka decided to require nicknames here, the things would become more difficult.

"Keisei, Akito, and Haruka."

I elaborated the first names of Yukimura, Miyake, and Hasebe in order.

"……Ke-Keisei-kun, Akito-kun, and Haruksan…… phew."

She desperately squeezed out the names in a faint voice.

"There's no need to use an honorific, is there?"

"Yeah. It's fine as long as it's the first name. Now, there's only Kiyopon left."

Sakura looked at me in a daze, her face slowly flus.h.i.+ng with red. I understood how she was feeling, having to suddenly call three people by their first names. The only thing left for her is to address me.

"Hyuu!"

A mysterious sound escaped out of Sakura's mouth.

"You seem to have like, gotten really close to Kiyopon in the past. Shouldn't that be more than enough for you to say it?"

Haruka spoke, looking to pursue after her and attack. She was just like an examiner.

"Kiyotaka is fine."

It's much too difficult to call someone Kiyopon anyway. It's embarra.s.sing even when said internally.

"K-Kiyo, Kiyo…… piyo……!"

Everyone's eyes were on Sakura, so even if she was unwilling, the pressure was still rising.

It was a problem that spiraled further and further out of control as more time pa.s.sed by.

"I don't know how the group is going to affect you, but at the very least, I think it's necessary for you right now. You've taken one big step already so it shouldn't be scary to take it one step further."

I spoke gently in order to convey that I had her back.

"……Yeah……K-Kiyotakkun. Please be kind to me from now on."

After a brief, determined silence, Sakura looked straight into my eyes and said so.

"Yep, you pa.s.sed! I also agree with having Airi join us."

Thus, Sakura's inclusion was unanimously approved.

"Kiyopon, try calling Airi by name properly as well."

"Er…… Airi."

"Y-Yes!"

While we were nervous and stiff, we both managed to successfully call each other by name.

"Well, let's do it once more. The five of us are the Kiyopon Group, so please treat us well."

My name being selected as the namesake of the group doesn't seem to change no matter who ends up joining it.

(Part 3 End)

(Part 4)

The Ayanokōji Group (saying it still invokes a sense of shame), was established, and we had officially decided to start our activities along with Airi. Originally intended to act as support for Haruka and Akito, the scope of the group began to expand little by little. Haruka indirectly led the group by creating a group chat. There was a dramatic increase in communication during the periods where everyone wasn't together. Since none of us have many friends and we usually spend a lot of time alone, our conversations in the group chat were pretty lively and frequent.

[After studying tomorrow, do you all want to go to the movies together for a change of pace?]

Haruka posed a question in the chat.

[You're talking about the new movie?]

[Yup! I heard it's coming out tomorrow. Exams are going on now, so getting tickets is unexpectedly easy!]

[It's not a bad idea for rejuvenation purposes. By 'you all', does that mean I also have to join?]

[Of course you do; it would be meaningless if Yukimū didn't join us. The group is just beginning, after all. But I guess I did ask everyone pretty suddenly. If you don't have time tomorrow, we can wait until after the exams.]

If there's a shortage of people, it appears that she intends to postpone it.

It doesn't look like Akito has seen the messages yet, but if he had, he'd probably choose to go along with her. Both Keisei and Airi haven't given their answers yet. Should I take the lead?

Even though I was a little bit nervous, I responded to the group chat.

[I'll partic.i.p.ate.]

After I sent this, a message came from Airi a few seconds later.

[I want to go, too.]

[……I get it. If Akito goes, I'll go too.]

With this, other than the absent Akito, everyone agreed to attend. Akito opened the group chat a few minutes later, and sent his own response.

[Alright. I'm curious about that movie too. Can you make our reservations?]

[Yeah. I'll collect the points from all of you later. Thanks everyone!]

The group chat then died off. She had probably switched her screen over to the Internet in order to make reservations.

[I'm looking forward to the movie.]

A personal text came from Airi.

[Yeah true.]

[Please take care of me tomorrow, Kiyotakkun. Good night.]

Airi ended our brief conversation with a polite message.

"So I'm going to the movies tomorrow with the group?"

Somehow, I guess my life is becoming a little bit more like a riajuu.

Society would probably think this, but I definitely have a feeling of excitement that I haven't ever felt before.

"……I'll have to go to bed early so I'm not late."

My phone rang at this moment.

I answered the phone when I saw the name 'Horikita Suzune' on the caller ID.

"It seems that you're awake."

"It's still 10 o'clock. Do you need something?"

"The study groups at the library are almost done. After the study session tomorrow, I'd like to make some final arrangements for the final exam. Can you join me? If you can also tell Yukimurkun for me, it will save me the trouble."

"Tomorrow……"

"Is there a problem?"

It would be lying to say there wasn't one.

Since we had all agreed to go to the movies after studying tomorrow.

"If it's inconvenient, the day after tomorrow is fine, but Thursday is the limit. The questions are almost all completed, but in some cases, we'll need to rethink the answers."

She seemed intent on making those decisions as soon as possible.

Even in this situation, I don't want to turn my back on her expectations. She's probably already consulted with Hirata, but still wanted to use the time leftover to become as certain as possible.

"I see. I'll talk to Keisei. Does it matter if we're a little late? Also, if it's better to get in touch with Hirata or Karuizawa first, I can do it."

"Keisei? You and Yukimura have become surprisingly close. You also don't need to worry about their schedules since I've already spoken to them. I'll inform them of the date and time."

It seems that Horikita has also managed to get closer to the others through the study sessions. I'm happy that she was able to start a conversation with Hirata and the others even while alone.

I hung up the phone, and a moment later I received another text. Things are really coming up tonight.

This time it wasn't from Airi, but instead from Karuizawa.

[I've confirmed it as you said. Today, I heard from somebody that a girl was asking around about how much sugar Hasebe-san had added to her cup. She wasn't able to find out anything and added sugar based on what was left over, which attracted some attention since she added so much.]

As I thought, that's what happened after all.

This means that she's quick-witted, even more so than just having superior insight. Hiyori picked a good opportunity to shake us up by showing off her powers of observation back then.

Right now is a perfect opportunity. I'll tell her about it first.

[I think Horikita is going to contact you tomorrow. We have arranged to start a meeting at around twenty o'clock.]

[Eight at night? Isn't that pretty late?]

[I have some prior arrangements. I'm going to see a movie after the study session.]

[A movie? Is it that new one?]

[That's the one. Regardless, I have a favor to ask of you during the meeting.]

I gave Karuizawa detailed instructions.

I didn't have any other option than to use tomorrow's meeting.

After she read everything, she responded with a seemingly annoyed message.

[Isn't this just another troublesome errand? What's the point?]

[I'll explain when everything is over. It's better for you this way.]

[Yeah whatever. I'll see you tomorrow then.]

Karuizawa immediately dropped it. But instantly after that, I received another message.

It wasn't a message, it was an ill.u.s.tration on a small sticker.

It was of a cute round strawberry cake with a few candles put on top.

[I noticed too late.]

It was followed by this additional message, and she didn't send anything else after that.

"She… Did she find out about my birthday? But how?"

I don't remember telling anyone about my birthday. Despite thinking this, I realized the truth. On the chat app, there's a field for a date of birth along with a name and email address. Since I hadn't chosen to keep that information private, it was possible to access this information if someone wanted to.

I had thought that there was absolutely no chance of it happening this year. Was Karuizawa the first person to notice my birthday?

Customarily, I began to erase everything after our exchange finished.

Although I was a bit hesitant, I also deleted her birthday sticker.

I immediately accessed Karuizawa's profile and noticed that her birthday was March 8th.

"I guess I should memorize it for the time being."

(Part 4 End)

(Part 5)

Today's cla.s.ses felt surprisingly long.

Maybe it's because I've gradually begun to look forward to the study sessions with my friends after school.

I headed to the cinema with Yukimura and the others.

"It feels exciting going out with everybody… Ki-Kiyotakkun"

Speaking reservedly, Airi also expressed her excitement next to me.

In spite of the thought that she's as innocent as a child, I also felt the same way.

What can I say? I'm childish too.

"Yeah true. It's not an unpleasant feeling."

"Ehehehe…… Kiyotakkun."

"What's the matter?"

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"You called my name right?"

"……D-Did I call for you!? I-I'm sorry, it's not like that at all!"

I didn't think I misheard, but Airi denied having called out for me.

We arrived at Keyaki Mall and headed straight towards the cinema.

Haruka had ordered the tickets in advance, so she handed them out to everyone one by one.

"I've been looking forward to-"

"Ayanokōji-kun!"

A voice called out to us from in the distance. Maya Satō, why is she here…

"Are you by any chance going to the movies right now? Ah! That super popular one!"

She spoke excitedly after seeing the movie ticket in my hand.

"Actually, I came to see that movie, too. Karuizawsan and the others came too!"

"……Looks like it."

Several girls approached in a crowd from behind Satō.

"Were you invited by Karuizawa?"

"Nope. When I was talking about how I wanted to go to the movies during our study session, Karuizawsan said she wanted to go too, so we decided to go together. Since it's a rare opportunity, let's go watch it together!"

Having said that, Satō grabbed my arm with both hands.

"Fuaa!?"

Behind me, Airi makes a sound somewhat similar to a scream.

"He-Hey, stop it."

"Eh? How come~? What does it matter."

Satō spoke casually, but her face was a little red. It seems like she's trying hard to overdo it.

"What a coincidence, Yukimurkun and Ayanokōji-kun. Hasebe-san and Sakursan as well."

Karuizawa spoke, giving off a bit of a condescending att.i.tude.

It wasn't a coincidence at all. I had told her just the night before that I would be going to the movies. However, I didn't expect Karuizawa to come herself.

"……What an unpleasant coincidence. I'm going inside."

With of look of resentment, Keisei handed over his ticket and went inside the cinema.

"In which case, I'll go as well……"

Separating myself from Satō by force, I followed after Keisei and the others.

The inside of the theater was packed full with enough students to entirely fill all the seats. The fragrant smell of popcorn and roasted hot dog stimulated my nostrils.

We had reserved the five seats in the highest row at the very end, counting from the right.

Satō, Karuizawa, and the rest of their group appeared to be concerned about what to buy at the shop and hadn't come in yet.

"Um, K-Kiyotakkun."

As I sat in my seat, Airi quietly whispered in my ear from the seat next to me. Since all of the other students around us were chatting happily, I didn't think she needed to speak so softly.

"What's the matter?"

"Kiyotakkun… well… has been getting along really well with Satō-san recently, right……?"

Considering what had just happened, it would be impossible not to think so.

However, if I don't strictly deny something when it isn't true, it'll be hard to stop if the rumor spreads.

"It's just a misunderstanding. Satō and I were paired for the finals so we've studied together a couple of times."

"B-but, people don't usually walk arm in arm?"

"That wasn't arm in arm, that was being latched onto."

"I feel that, if you dislike it you could shake her off……"

Airi responds with a timid, yet accurate retort. That certainly may be the case.

I had become pa.s.sive while going with the flow of things, but it's not a good idea to accept misunderstandings like this.

"I see. I don't think there will be a next time, but I'll be careful."

"And Besides……"

There's still something else……

"Before the pairs were chosen, you went somewhere alone with Satō-san, right?"

That being said, when Satō had asked me to follow her, Airi did seem to be looking at me in the cla.s.sroom.

"……B-between you two, is there anything……"

"No."

Saying no might be a lie, but at most I was only asked for my contact information.

Airi and I have also exchanged contact information, so this isn't something for me to feel guilty over.

"Not convinced?"

"N-no. S-sorry. I'm asking you all kinds of strange things…… Did I make you uncomfortable……?"

"Not at all. If there's something you are worried about, you can tell me any time."

"L-leave it to me! I will properly keep my eye on you, Kiyotakkun!"

No. It's stressful to have you observed me so closely……

I couldn't bear to deny Airi, who had made a slightly triumphant gesture, so I swallowed the words.

Nothing special happened after that, so I enjoyed the movie in peace.

Although there was something somewhat odd about the content of the film.

(Part 5 End)

(Part 6)

There are various commercial facilities at the Keyaki Mall. Most of the stores are used on a daily basis, like the supermarkets. However, there are multiple shops that only see occasional use. For example, there's a service that delivers supermarket ingredients to your dorm room and a specialty store that fixes electric, gas, and water issues. The laundromat is another perfect example of this. A salaryman or another member of the outside community would have a good reason to typically use a laundromat, but it isn't relevant to the students of this school. However, when a blazer or another part of our uniforms gets unusually dirty, the laundromat plays an important role by cleaning what we can't clean on our own.

Even if it isn't something you usually use, the time will come suddenly when it's needed.

It's Thursday night at 8:00 with the exam coming up on the weekend. The shops on campus had already reached closing time, so everyone from Cla.s.s D gathered at a karaoke room. It's a great place to make arrangements without worrying about anything leaking outside.

Horikita and Hirata acted quickly. The group was the same as from the start of the final examination, with the addition of Keisei.

It's true that it would have been more ideal to do this in someone's room, but one of us didn't want to do that.

"Hey, can I sing?"

"Wait, Karuizawsan. That's not what we're here for today."

"Even though there's karaoke right here?"

"Since you said that you didn't want to go to the dorms, we came here. Isn't that right?"

You don't know who's watching or listening in a cafe or cafeteria elsewhere on campus.

"That's right, but what should I say? Isn't it kind of stupid to go to karaoke and not sing?"

"Make do with your food and drinks."

Karuizawa had ordered plenty already. Her own personal drink, as well as junk food such as potato fries and drinks for everyone else, sat on the table.

"Then let's sing a duet together after the strategy meeting is over, Yōsuke-kun."

"Yeah. It might be a good idea to take a breather after the meeting is adjourned."

"I'll agree to that. I want to have a proper celebration, but it's also been quite a long time since I've gotten to do karaoke."

Hirata and Kus.h.i.+da searched for a compromise by agreeing with both Horikita and Karuizawa.

"……I'm going to start."

Horikita simply ignored the two of them and began the meeting.

"First up is the results from the study sessions, and to be honest, I think that they're excellent. In the beginning, the behavior of the boys was a mess, and I worried about how it would turn out. Fortunately, they've studied hard and should be able to cope with the final exam to some extent."

“Just so you know, I studied so hard that my mouth is now an English dictionary!”

Sudō appealed that he had studied in his own way, but the way he phrased it made it difficult to understand.

"Sudō-kun has grown significantly compared to where he started from. His concentration has dramatically improved in particular. However, don't forget that your basic academic abilities are still inferior to a first-year middle school student's."

"I've studied so hard and I'm still only at first-year middle school level……"

"The fact that you were at an elementary school level up until now is kind of amazing."

"Ho-Horikitsan, that's going a little too far……"

"He didn't even know that pi existed until recently."

It was a pretty explosive statement. It's unexpected for him to have lived until today without knowing about the existence of pi.

"Eeeh? Isn't that too stupid!?"

Even Karuizawa, who doesn't study very much herself, gives an overreaction.

"Shut up, Karuizawa. You don't even understand it yourself."

"No, no, no. Seriously. Even I knew it was 3.14."

The conversation managed to descend into something trivial. Everyone who had to listen to it might end up with headaches.

"Please stop it. I can roughly see what level your academic ability is. Is he really okay, Horikita?"

"It's pointless to worry about him. Like I said, his basic academic skills are behind. But, he generally understands the content that he needs to for this semester. It's not like he's facing the exam expecting to fail. Have the problems with Hasebe-san and Miyake-kun been resolved on your end, Yukimurkun?"

"Of course. Ayanokōji was watching closely, so he can verify this, isn't that right?"

"I don't think there was a better way to approach it. I have no concerns about them failing the finals."

"Great! I'd absolutely hate to lose someone from Cla.s.s D, so let's all overcome this together!"

"……Something like that. Speaking of which, are we really okay?"

After hearing Kus.h.i.+da's thoughts, Karuizawa asked an unsettling question.

"I don't want fewer cla.s.smates, but this is a test that someone drops out of every year, right? There is no guarantee that Sudō-kun or I won't fail, right?"

"I can't really guarantee you it, but-"

"Then don't say something like that so rashly in the first place."

The relaxed atmosphere of the room gradually began to tense up.

"Kus.h.i.+dsan, I've always felt like you've been giving me lip service for a while now."

"Is that so…… I just want everyone to pa.s.s the exam safely……"

"It must be nice to be smart. You don't even know what will happen to me."

"It's okay, Karuizawsan. You're involved in a reliable study group now."

Even with Hirata backing her up, Karuizawa seemed entirely unconvinced.

"I've wanted to say this for a while now. Kus.h.i.+dsan, aren't you behaving a little bit goody-goody?"