Midterm Results Announcement

"What is it? Horikita."

The two of them moved to a deserted corridor to talk. Konoe had initially just wanted to watch from afar, but Ayanokoji pulled him to a nearby shadow, a spot where they could hear the conversation without being seen.

So this is how you can avoid being seen even if someone comes from the classroom direction... I've learned something! Konoe thought, impressed.

"There's something I want to confirm with you."

"Something you want to confirm?"

"If you're going to help me for the class going forward, I need to confirm this matter."

Horikita faced Kushida, whose smile was plastered on her face, and said, "You hate me, don't you?"

Konoe's eyelids twitched, while Ayanokoji sighed.

"Why would you think that?"

"Because I can feel it. That's the only way I can answer your question. Did I misunderstand?"

"Haha, just as I'd expect from Horikita," Kushida replied, her smile unwavering, her expression unchanged. "Yes, I hate you the most."

Konoe had expected Kushida to put on an act, but he hadn't anticipated her saying it so directly.

Kushida smiled, "Do you want to know the reason?"

"No, there's no need. I only needed to confirm this fact. It seems I can continue to interact with you without any reservations." Even when told she was hated to her face, Horikita remained unfazed.

Listening to their conversation, Konoe had a sudden thought: What if Kushida had pretended, and tried to befriend Horikita again just now... what would have happened?

Just as Kushida was leaving, another person approached.

"Oh, so you were here, Horikita."

Hearing the voice, the two who were about to leave the shadow instinctively returned to their original positions.

"Sudo, what is it? Is everything okay with the exam?"

"Of... of course, it's okay! Besides, it was all stuff you taught me, Horikita. I could pass even without mock exams," Sudo stammered, completely lacking his usual bravado. "So, I came to thank you, Horikita! Though verbal thanks aren't enough..."

"You don't need to thank me. I told you before, I taught you for my own sake, and you studied for your own sake."

"Even so..."

Horikita sighed helplessly. "I accept your thanks. If there's nothing else, I'm heading back."

A few seconds passed. Seeing Sudo speechless, Horikita returned to the classroom to pack her bag. Only then did Konoe and Ayanokoji emerge from the shadows and walk towards Sudo.

"Hey, Sudo... Wait, what are you doing?"

Sudo looked anxiously at the two approaching him, clutching his chest with his right hand. "Oh... oh no... I think... I've fallen for Horikita!"

"Huh?"

"What's wrong? Is there something strange about that?" Sudo asked reflexively.

"Really? Didn't she mock your dream before? I thought you..." Konoe trailed off.

"She apologized to me privately later, about the basketball thing."

Konoe exclaimed in surprise, "What?"

"That's right. Although her tone and attitude were still cold, she was very sincere. And Horikita helped me a lot this time..."

Konoe exchanged a glance with Ayanokoji.

"Of course, you and Ayanokoji helped me a lot too. Thanks!"

Sudo happily stepped forward, slinging an arm around each of their shoulders as he walked them towards the classroom.

It was Monday again, and Chabashira-sensei entered the classroom. The students were waiting for the results of the midterm exams, most with confident expressions.

"Sensei, I heard the exam results will be announced today. When will that be?"

"Hirata, there's no need to be so excited, is there? An exam of that level should be easy for you."

"When will it be?"

"Feel happy, I'll announce it now."

Chabashira posted a sheet of paper with students' names and scores on the blackboard.

"Honestly, I'm truly impressed. You all achieved such excellent results. You ranked first in all subjects, meaning quite a few people got full marks in every subject."

By the time the English scores were posted, the lowest score was 50. Since the passing score was half the average, it meant that Class D had passed, regardless of the outcome.

"All right!"

Sudo stood up and shouted. Ike and Yamauchi also stood up in celebration.

Konoe closed his eyes and exhaled deeply.

"Sensei, see! We can be serious when we need to be!" Ike said boastfully.

"Yes, I'll admit your efforts this time. Konoe, come to the teachers' office after school."

"Huh? Why does Konoe only have 60 points? And it's the same for all subjects..."

"It's true, Pingping, did you get sick during the exam?"

"He must be tired from tutoring us. Konoe got full marks on the last mini-test."

Konoe glanced at his second-to-last place ranking. Last place belonged to Ayanokoji, who had scored exactly 50 in every subject.

'The average score is... 85.4, so the passing grade is 42.7.'

Horikita, on the other hand, had achieved full marks across the board. As Konoe looked her way, she also turned to face him.