Pop Quiz

"Good morning, Satsu."

Haruka Hasebe had just opened the door when she saw Satsu waiting for her, just as he had been for the past three weeks. They had been walking to school together almost every day.

Because they were neighbors, it was easy for Satsu to figure out Haruka Hasebe's daily routine if he paid even a little attention.

Once he had manufactured a few "chance" encounters, inviting her to walk to school together every day had been a piece of cake.

"You're dressed quite formally today. Do you have special plans?" Haruka Hasebe asked, looking Satsu up and down with a curious expression.

"Not at all. I just washed my hair. You look beautiful today, too."

"Really?" Haruka Hasebe smiled at Satsu's compliment.

"I put a little extra effort into getting ready today."

"Walking to school with a super handsome guy every day puts a lot of pressure on me. If I don't pay attention to my image, the rumors won't just be about gossip." (Haruka Hasebe)

"I'm really confident in my makeup today, especially my eyes. I specifically..." (Haruka Hasebe)

Satsu kept a kind smile on his face and repeated the words from his mind in a complimentary tone.

"You used a light, misty brow pencil, which looks more refined than a bare face without being overdone. You also used a lengthening mascara—each lash is distinct but not clumpy—which just makes your eyes look brighter. It's beautiful!"

Except for the last two words, which Satsu added himself, he hadn't added anything else. It was less of a compliment and more of a technical breakdown.

Even so, the effect was significant; Haruka Hasebe was visibly delighted.

"Satsu, you're always so observant."

The two arrived at the classroom together, but the moment they sat down, Haruka Hasebe was swarmed by a group of girls led by Karuizawa.

Noticing this, Satsu quickly shifted his gaze away, though he was genuinely curious about what the girls were talking about.

"Hasebe-san... you're definitely dating Kato-kun, right? It's already spread among the girls!" Karuizawa asked, leaning her hands on the desk with a gossipy grin.

Haruka Hasebe didn't blush as a young girl might when faced with such a question; instead, she replied calmly, "No, where did that rumor even come from?"

"Eh! But you walk to school together every day, and you're always laughing and talking."

Hearing this, Haruka Hasebe grew animated. "Can you guys understand the feeling? The feeling of having someone you really click with!"

"No matter the topic, we can talk happily. I don't even have to speak, and Satsu can already sense my emotions and thoughts."

"I think this must be what they call a kindred spirit."

Haruka Hasebe's words left Karuizawa even more confused. She scratched her head and asked, "In that case, wouldn't it be perfect to develop into a boyfriend?"

"But I'm actually quite lacking when it comes to sensing Satsu's thoughts. Up until now, I've felt like he's the one catering to me."

Haruka Hasebe's excitement faded noticeably. She rested her cheek on one hand and said, "Besides, I don't think a relationship should be established so hastily. We should spend more time getting to know each other."

"Satsu seems very concerned about Hasebe-san."

As soon as Ayanokoji said this, Suzune and Satsu both turned to look at him at the same time.

"What, do you feel abandoned? It's only been three weeks and you..."

"Hey! Don't talk nonsense, Horikita. Ayanokoji and I have a proper friendship."

Sensing the direction of Suzune's words, Satsu cut her off. It was clear she didn't intend to let them off the hook, as she added jokingly, "Right, right, a 'friendship'."

She emphasized the word "friendship," making people's imaginations run wild.

"Quiet down, everyone. Get back to your seats." As soon as she entered the room, Chabashira wore a stern expression.

But it was clear no one took her seriously. Yamauchi even spoke in a tone that bordered on harassment. "Sae-chan is in a bad mood today. Did your boyfriend dump you?"

The remark drew a roar of laughter from the room. Of course, most of those laughing were boys.

Three weeks of unrestrained life had completely worn away any sense of reverence these people had.

Yamauchi's comment had crossed the line from treating a teacher like a friend to being outright offensive.

Under normal circumstances, Yamauchi would undoubtedly have been disciplined by the teacher, but Chabashira didn't seem to care. She simply began handing out the test papers.

"Although this test won't be reflected on your report cards, it is very important, so please answer carefully."

After saying this, Chabashira fell silent.

Satsu took one look at the questions and picked up his pen.

These questions weren't difficult; they could be solved with a little bit of study. Besides, with the academic genius Suzune sitting right next to him, what was there to fear?

In just one more week, the rejects of Class D would learn the true meaning of this school: meritocracy!