What? No Alcohol at the Celebration Party?

The moment Teacher Chabashira stepped into the classroom the next day, the atmosphere froze instantly. It was so quiet that it felt as if everyone was afraid to breathe.

This caused Teacher Chabashira to show a look of surprise; it was likely the first time she had seen such an unusual atmosphere. This also proved just how concerned the students of Class C (Ju Ji) were about the results of this exam.

"Teacher, I heard the exam results are being announced today. May I ask when that will be?"

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

"May I ask when..."

Teacher Chabashira's words did not make him back down; he continued to press for an answer. Because for him, his own grades were not important. What he cared about were the grades of his classmates, and whether they could get along well afterward. To him, that was what mattered most.

"Just be happy, I'm announcing them right now. If I wait until after school, I'll have a lot of troublesome matters to deal with on my end."

"What do you mean?"

"Don't be nervous, I'm announcing them now."

As always, the school only informed the students once all the data had been prepared. The teacher posted a large sheet of white paper, listing the students' names and scores, onto the blackboard.

"Honestly, I am impressed. I never expected you all to score so high. You tied for the top spot in every subject. There are even over twenty people who achieved perfect scores."

The paper was filled with the number one hundred, and the lowest score among the rest was no less than seventy-five. Seeing these results, the students erupted in cheers. Even Sudo and Ike let out sighs of relief in their hearts.

Incidentally, even though those two had memorized the exam questions in advance, they still scored below eighty in one or two subjects. Sakura, on the other hand, actually had several perfect scores, which honestly surprised him. You idiots, how are you so talented? These two fools must have slacked off while memorizing the questions.

There were no red lines indicating a failing grade on the paper, which made Ju Ji breathe a sigh of relief. It would have been a joke if his involvement had caused the average score to hit eighty. But that was impossible; not everyone could think of digging up old exam papers, and not every student would choose to cheat. There were plenty of students who wanted to rely on their own abilities. Therefore, the passing line shouldn't have exceeded sixty at most.

"Teacher, you saw it! We can be serious when we need to be."

Hearing Hirata say this, the students in the class all wore proud expressions. The previously heavy atmosphere instantly turned cheerful.

"Everyone, quiet down for a moment. Indeed, I have to admit that you all worked very hard. Everyone is more than twenty points above the passing line. This is truly a result worth being proud of. Failing grades have nothing to do with you."

As she spoke, Teacher Chabashira wrote a figure on the blackboard: '45'.

"This is the passing score for this exam. You have successfully avoided the fate of being expelled."

"Forty-five? Isn't the failing grade forty?"

"Who said, and when was it said, that the failing grade was forty? I'm in a good mood today, so I'll tell you the grading criteria of this school for free."

Teacher Chabashira wrote a simple calculation on the blackboard. It read 90 ÷ 2 = 45.

"The failing standard for both the last exam and this one is set individually for each class. The calculation method is the average score divided by two. Therefore, you must score above this result."

"I see, that's a very reasonable judgment."

It was indeed reasonable; it was much more reliable than the sixty percent of a perfect score used in China.

"Enjoy this moment of joy to your heart's content, but don't go overboard. The next class is about to start, so be mindful. The school's evaluation is still ongoing."

Teacher Chabashira was right; as long as they were in this classroom where meritocracy reigned supreme, they could not slack off for even a second. However, today was special, and even the rigid Teacher Chabashira gave her tacit approval. This was a wonderful moment that only the victors could enjoy.

After school, organized by Hirata, Class C (Ju Ji) held a victory celebration. This time, Ju Ji and the others did not refuse; after all, they wanted to enjoy themselves for once.

"Cheers!"

Ike shouted loudly while holding a canned juice, as everyone present was a minor. Therefore, no one was drinking alcohol at all. For Ju Ji, this lacked a bit of fun. Although the last time he touched alcohol was half a year ago, when he secretly drank the shochu his uncle treasured and got scolded for it.

The former failing group members—Ike, Sakura, and Sudo—gathered together again, joined by Ju Ji and Suzune. Kikyo, meanwhile, was busy socializing with other classmates. It must be said that popular people are indeed busy. As expected, he couldn't play the role of a leader. It was simply too troublesome; that position could only be held by Hirata for now.

"Everyone, we were able to overcome the difficulties of this midterm exam thanks to the help of Shinomiya. On behalf of everyone, I would like to express my gratitude. Today is a day for celebration, so let's all enjoy ourselves happily.

I hope that in the next two years or more, we can continue to move forward in unity just like this."

As expected of Hirata, there was no sense of awkwardness when he said things like that. However, to think you'd give such a toast just for juice. Ju Ji felt a bit awkward in his heart for no reason.

Ju Ji, who knew a bit about Hirata's personal information, was well aware that what he said came entirely from the heart. That was why it was so infectious.

"Well said, Hirata. I believe we will definitely be able to promote to Class A. And then, we'll slap the faces of those who assigned us to Class D."

"That goes without saying. Our Class C (Ju Ji) is definitely the most united."

The incredibly popular Hirata, combined with his heartfelt speech, resonated with many people. Some even began to tear up. Hirata was truly handsome and capable. If it weren't for his psychological trauma, he would definitely have been assigned to Class A.

Shortly after the party began, Hirata approached Ju Ji alone.

"Shinomiya, I really don't know how to thank you enough. If it weren't for your reminder, our class definitely wouldn't be as united as it is now. To tell you the truth... this is very important to me. This scene, which feels like a dream, has only been realized because of your presence. So, if there is anything you need my help with, please don't be shy. I will definitely do my best to help you. No matter what it is."

Hirata was right; Ju Ji knew all too well what their class was like at the beginning in the original story. That was why he tried his best to prevent that situation from happening.

But Hirata, is it really okay for you to talk like that? If you were a girl, you would surely have been asked all sorts of unreasonable requests by now. But at this moment, Hirata didn't have what he was looking for. If he really had to say something.

"I do have one request for you, Hirata."

"What request?"

"Be my friend, Hirata."

"So Shinomiya is someone who values rituals. Of course, in my heart, you were already my friend."

Damn it, how can this guy Hirata be so dazzling? At this moment, Ju Ji began to understand the feelings of the girls in the class. If he were a girl, he might have fallen for Hirata too. Now, he just felt annoyed...