The last class of the morning ended, and the students went to get lunch.
"Konoe, want to eat in the cafeteria with us? We can go to the library and study together afterward." Ike called out, inviting Konoe along with the other two.
"Me, too?" Konoe asked in surprise.
"Huh? Don't you have something to do? Ayanokoji said you'd come. Kushida will be there too, so please join us. You explained the problems during the break just now, and they were so simple and easy to understand. If we keep this up, we'll definitely pass!" Ike pleaded, pressing his hands together.
"Guess that's what you'd expect from the top student. He's definitely different from someone over there," Sudo said with an approving nod, taking the opportunity to mock Horikita. Apparently, he still held a bit of a grudge against her.
"Looks like Konoe's really giving it his all with his studies. I think passing is all that matters, though," Yamauchi remarked.
Konoe thought it over for a few seconds. He had nothing else to do during lunch, and he could read a novel at the library. He could help them with their problems, too, and they were only going to stay for twenty minutes anyway. "Sure, I'll go with you. But where's Ayanokoji?"
"Forget that guy. Let's go." The trio slung their arms around Konoe's shoulders and led him away.
The trio and Konoe chatted as they ate in the cafeteria, but Konoe didn't have much to say. Most of the time, they asked him a question and he gave a brief answer.
"I'm so jealous of you, Konoe. You've got such a handsome, fair-skinned face. If I looked like you, I might've had several girlfriends by now."
Konoe didn't know how to respond to Yamauchi. He even felt a little uncomfortable. He forced himself to endure it, then gave an awkward smile.
"Hey, why do you always seem so relaxed? Have you already gotten a love letter from a girl or something? You haven't forgotten our promise, have you? If you get a love letter, you have to tell us!"
What promise? When did that happen? Konoe had no idea what Ike was talking about.
"Konoe, you eat quite a lot, too. How come you're so thin? Guys should work out more."
"You're right, Sudo." At last, Konoe had something to say about the topic they were discussing. "I've been running lately, but I don't know if there are other kinds of training I should do."
"Oh! That's great. For now, you should try some simple bodyweight exercises. Search for videos on your phone and follow along. Start with easy moves, and make sure your form is correct. It's fine to do fewer reps, but don't let your form get sloppy. If you have any questions, just ask me!" Sudo seemed to be in his element, enthusiastically sharing his fitness knowledge. Konoe was impressed, and decided to give it a try when he got back to the dorm.
After lunch, everyone arrived at the library on time. Konoe headed straight to a bookshelf and picked up the novel he hadn't finished last time. When he returned, the trio had already laid their textbooks on the table and started discussing questions with Horikita, who had gotten there early and was ready to study.
Konoe chose a seat in the corner. Horikita glanced at him, then continued explaining the difficult points from that morning's class to the trio.
A couple of minutes later, Ayanokoji and Kushida finally arrived at the library. They went over to Horikita's Study Group and sat down.
"You're late."
"Sorry, the shop was crowded, so it took longer than expected."
"Don't tell me you two had lunch together?" Ike asked, eyeing Ayanokoji suspiciously.
"Yeah, we did. The two of us went to have lunch together." As soon as Kushida said that, Ike and the others glared at Ayanokoji with displeasure.
"Stop wasting time. Hurry up," Horikita said coolly.
"Okay." Ayanokoji replied, took his seat, and pulled out his textbook and notebook.
"After listening in class, I actually feel like studying isn't that hard," Ike said with a sigh.
Yamauchi nodded. "It'd be great if we could look at our books during the exam. The answers seem to be in there."
Konoe couldn't help staring at him in disbelief. "What kind of nonsense is that? Most exam questions just require memorization. But if you don't have the basics down in English and math, looking at the book won't necessarily help you solve anything."
"By the way, how far do we have to study? We can't be expected to finish the whole book, can we?" Sudo said impatiently, scratching his head.
"Chabashira-sensei already set the scope last time. It's much smaller than what we've covered in class. You don't need to worry about that. For now, just focus on studying," Ayanokoji reassured them.
"Time's running out," Konoe reminded them. Even as they chatted, the minutes kept slipping away.
Kushida raised her hand and asked, "Then I'll quiz everyone! Who came up with the theory of induction?"
"Oh, I know! We just learned about it in class. It was that delicious thing..." Ike trailed off, lost in thought.
"Francis Xavier! I think that's it, right?" Sudo had almost gotten it.
"I remember now! It was Francis Bacon!"
"Correct."
"Yes! At this rate, I'm sure I can get full marks on the exam."
"No, you've still got a long way to go..."
There's only a week left, but if things keep going like this, the trio should be able to pass. They just need to memorize the basic material like crazy. Konoe thought.
"Everyone, make sure to take care of yourselves, or you'll have less time to study," Kushida said. She knew there wasn't much time left, either.
"That shouldn't be a problem with these three."
"That's our little Horikita! You really trust us!"
Konoe figured Horikita probably meant that a lively trio like a bunch of monkeys wouldn't be likely to get sick.
"Hey, keep it down. Your endless chatter is driving me crazy!" A student nearby, who had been reading, suddenly looked up and shouted. "I get it now. You're Class D students, aren't you?"
Four or five boys sitting nearby all looked over at Ike and the others. Sudo seemed ready to lose his temper, but he held himself back and said, "What do you want? So what if we're Class D? Got a problem with that?"
"No, no, I don't have any problem at all. I'm Yamawaki from Class C. Nice to meet you." At the mention of Class D, Yamawaki gave them a malicious smile. "How should I put it? Thank goodness classes are assigned based on ability. I couldn't stand having to study alongside bottom-feeders like you."
"What did you say!" Sudo shot to his feet, so angry that his chair screeched as he shoved it back.
"I'm just telling the truth. Why are you getting so angry? If you lay a hand on me here, who knows how many points you'll lose? Oh, I forgot. You Class D students only have your pitiful little stash of points. I guess that works out even better for us?"
"Perfect! Bring it on!"
Every time Sudo shouted in the quiet library, people nearby turned to look. At this rate, Class D might be the first to lose points.
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