The Test Questions

At night, in the student dormitory, Konoe lay sprawled on the floor, exhausted after finishing the workout video.

"Phew... phew... They looked like just a few simple exercises, but I didn't realize how exhausting it would be to do them properly. Still, the harder it is, the better the results should be, right?"

Konoe struggled to his feet. After drinking some water, he pulled out his phone to contact Kushida.

Normally, Kushida would have looked over the exam questions to see what they covered, so she should already know the scope of the test.

Konoe thought it over again. It was too late to call, so he sent her a text message instead, then prepared to take a shower.

Konoe: "Kushida, take a picture of the test questions and send them to me."

After sending the message, Konoe tossed his phone onto the bed. He had just turned toward the bathroom when his phone chimed.

Kushida: "The first time Konoe contacts me of his own accord, it's to ask for this? That's so hurtful... Cat Crying Emoji.jpg"

'Kushida sure replies fast. Is this what being a social butterfly is like...' Konoe thought, his mind wandering, then replied.

Konoe: "Bunny Bowing Apology Emoji.jpg. Have you looked at the test questions?"

Kushida: "It's not very convenient for me right now. Call me."

'Not convenient? Call her? If it's not convenient, why not just talk tomorrow...' Konoe was puzzled, but he called anyway.

"Hello? Kushida... Wait, what's that sound?" The sound of running water came from the other end, reminding Konoe of the last Swimming Lesson.

"Sorry, is it bothering you? I just got into the hot water. Ah..." Kushida let out a strange sound at the end.

Hearing Kushida's breathy voice, Konoe's heart inexplicably started beating faster. He replied in a fluster, "I-if that's the case, we can talk tomorrow. Sorry to bother you, Kushida."

"No need. I don't feel bothered. We're friends, after all, aren't we?" Kushida emphasized the last few words, then swished her hand through the bathwater, making it splash.

The sound sent Konoe's imagination running wild, and his breathing quickened despite himself. A few seconds later, he abruptly stood up, face red, and slapped his cheeks hard.

"Pfft... What's wrong, Konoe? That was a loud noise. Are you okay?" Kushida nearly burst out laughing as she asked, her voice trembling.

Konoe heard her laughing too, and finally realized what had happened. His expression darkened. He covered the phone's microphone with his hand and took a few angry breaths. After collecting himself, he uncovered it and said, "...It's nothing. I think you're right. If we're friends, why worry so much? Besides, this way we can save time."

"What do you mean?"

Konoe ignored Kushida's question. He ran to the bathroom with his phone, quickly took off all his clothes, then turned on the shower and switched the call to speakerphone, setting the phone nearby. After that, he started washing himself as if nothing had happened.

A few minutes passed. The phone, which had been making noises just moments ago, had gone strangely quiet. Konoe couldn't help checking the screen again. It showed that the call was still connected.

"Hello? Kushida, why aren't you saying anything? I thought you'd hung up."

"...Ah! Sorry, I almost fell asleep just now. Good thing you woke me up, Konoe."

"How could you be so careless? But it's fine. We're... friends, after all."

"..."

"Kushida? Hello? Little Kushida?"

Kushida let out another long breath, but this one was clearly different from the last. Her tone turned fierce. "Phew... You've got something to say, don't you? The water's getting cold! Hurry up!"

Konoe jumped, then quickly said, "You and Ayanokoji got the test questions last time, right? Have you looked at them?"

"Not yet. I put them in a folder. After Ayanokoji got the Mini-test questions last time, he checked them and then gave them to me. He told me to wait until the last day before telling the class."

"I see. So the test questions should be the same as the Mini-test, right?"

"Of course they're the same. Why else would I keep them?"

"...Why are you being so fierce? Calm down. I'm curious about what's on them. Could you take a picture and send it to me later? Thanks."

"...You meant what you said earlier, right?" Kushida didn't answer. Instead, she changed the subject.

"Earlier? We've been seeing each other a lot at the Study Group lately. What did I say before?"

"Keep playing dumb and you're dead tomorrow!" Kushida threatened him in a vicious tone.

Konoe was silent for a few seconds before replying, "...Of course I meant it. But didn't you reject me?"

"Wha... So that's what you thought? Then say it again."

"...I feel kind of... Maybe I shouldn't?" Konoe remembered what had happened before, and his cheeks turned red.

"So that's all your sincerity amounts to?" Kushida mocked him.

"...Honestly, that was the first time in my life I'd ever said something like that to someone of my own accord. You really want me to say it again?"

"...What does that have to do with me? Or were you lying to me earlier?"

"..."

"Hello?" Kushida sounded impatient.

"Little Kushida, be my friend!"

Kushida immediately replied, "You're too loud. Gross!"

"..." Konoe was utterly crushed. He lowered his head and said nothing.

"Okay, I was just joking. I'll send you the test questions later."

"..."

"Hello? We're friends, right?"

"...A devil who toys with people's hearts," Konoe muttered.

"Hey! That's a bit much, even if it's payback for what I just did!"

"Ah-choo!" Konoe suddenly sneezed. It seemed he'd been in the bathroom too long.

"All right, I'll send you the questions. And also..." Kushida hesitated for a few seconds, then continued, "Since we're friends, stay away from Horikita from now on. I'll let it go this time... Don't betray me..."

Before Konoe could ask Kushida what she meant, she hung up.