Study Session

In the Class D classroom, even though school had let out long ago, only a small number of students had chosen to leave. Among them were Yamauchi and his two friends.

"Hey, Yamauchi, Sudo. Is it really okay if we don't go to the study session?" Ike asked, turning to look back at the school building.

His longing to join the study session was plain to see. In the end, he decided to make one last attempt to persuade them.

"Hey!"

Ike stopped and called out, "Are you really not coming? I'm sure Hirata won't turn us away. If we fail again next time, we'll be expelled."

"If you want to go, then go by yourself!" Yamauchi replied impatiently.

"I'm definitely not going to some study session. That bastard Kato is there, too. Just thinking about him makes me sick!"

"Are you really prepared to get expelled, then?" Ike asked urgently.

"Can't we just cram like crazy in the last few days? It's only about passing."

Yamauchi seemed to have completely run out of patience for talking to Ike. He turned and walked away.

"This is how I got through middle school. If you're really that scared, Ike, go by yourself."

"I'm going back to the dorm to play games anyway."

Realizing he couldn't persuade Yamauchi at all, Ike turned to Sudo. The latter understood and replied,

"I'm not going either. Compared to some study session, I think our upcoming Basketball Club activities are more important."

As he spoke, Sudo bounced the basketball in his hands and chatted with Ike nonchalantly.

"I know just how bad I am at studying. No matter who teaches me, they'll end up getting impatient."

"Besides, pretty much everyone in class hates me. It's not even certain anyone would be willing to teach me, so why should I go out of my way to make a fool of myself?"

Knowing that Sudo was telling the truth, Ike was at a loss for words. He could only lower his head and stare at the floor helplessly.

Seeing Ike like that, Sudo said nothing more and turned to leave. As he went, he casually added,

"You could try your luck, Ike. Like you said, Hirata will probably agree to tutor you."

Ike took Sudo's suggestion to heart, but he still hesitated. Watching the classroom, where students continued to come and go, he bit his lower lip.

Go on. Hirata will accept me. Kato and I don't have any bad blood, and I'm not hated by everyone like Sudo is.

Ike prepared to head back to the classroom, but after taking just one step, he pulled his foot back.

But... it'll be so embarrassing. I'll probably be bothering Hirata for ages. What if the others think I'm stupid? Little Kikyo's there, too.

At last, Ike closed his eyes as if giving up, steeled himself, and left.

At worst, I'll study by myself. It's only about passing. It can't be that hard.

Yeah! It's not that hard. You can do it, Ike!

Ike clenched both fists and cheered himself on in his heart. He had no idea that Satsu, sitting by the window, had watched everything the three of them did.

Satsu was sitting in Ayanokoji's seat. Since the latter, like Suzune, hadn't joined the study session, Satsu had temporarily claimed his spot.

He'd wanted to sit here for ages: the back row by the window, the king's territory.

As expected, those three idiots still didn't come. I can understand, though. There are a lot of people in this world who can't put their pride aside. (Kato Satsu)

"Kato, what are you thinking about?"

His classmate's sudden question brought Satsu's thoughts back to the classroom. "Nothing."

"Could you take a look at this problem for me?"

Satsu's grades weren't as good as Suzune's or Yukimura's, the top students, but he was still about average and could handle explaining the basics.

To avoid giving himself away at the study session, Satsu had even stayed up late cramming the material. Besides, this quiz wasn't very difficult, so it wouldn't be a problem to get through it.

But he'd overestimated the Class D students' ability to study. Most of the time, Satsu had to explain a problem twice, or even more.

Fortunately, he had mind-reading abilities. He could tell exactly what the other person hadn't understood and explain that part specifically.

After helping the boy who'd come to ask him a question, Satsu let out a long breath.

"Being a teacher is exhausting. I knew I wasn't suited to this sort of thing," Satsu muttered.

"Sorry for the trouble, Kato."

Hirata came over and thanked Satsu. "It's a huge help that you came to the study session. Quite a few people in class are bad at studying, so we may need you to keep helping for a while."

"No problem."

Satsu gave him a polite smile. "Since I already promised Kikyo, I'll do my best."

When he finished, Satsu and Hirata both looked toward Kikyo.

She was at her desk, patiently explaining the material to a girl. Her voice was gentle, and her smile was sweet.

"Kushida really is a wonderful person. She's always so kind to everyone around her, just like an angel."

"I'm really glad we have someone like her in our class!"

Hearing Hirata praise Kikyo made Satsu want to laugh, but he still voiced his agreement.

"Yeah, Kikyo really is wonderful."

That's not funny. Do you have any idea what that angel is thinking right now? (Kato Satsu)

I've explained it three times already. Why doesn't this pig get it? Is her brain just for show?! (Kikyo Kushida)

"Hirata, could you come over here for a moment?" Karuizawa called out enthusiastically from across the room.

"I'll be away for a bit, Kato," Hirata said softly. Satsu nodded in response.

In another corner of the classroom, Kokoro Inogashira was surrounded by her close friends. Her face was full of shyness and nervousness as her companions took turns trying to persuade her.

"Go on, Kokoro. Kato's right there, and no one's clinging to him right now."

Inogashira glanced back at Satsu. But after only one look, she turned away, her face bright red.

"Go on. You heard what Kikyo said, too. Satsu can't come every day, so if you miss this chance, who knows when you'll get another one?"

At that, Inogashira showed a flicker of reaction. She breathed rapidly, visibly torn.

Seeing this, her friend urged her again. "Hasebe isn't here right now, either. It'll be much harder to get your chance once she comes back."

Apparently convinced by what her friend said, Inogashira finally made up her mind. She stood up abruptly, picked up her book, and headed toward the back row.

"Good luck!"

Her friend gently patted Inogashira on the shoulder and gave her an encouraging look. Inogashira nodded firmly.

"K-Kato!"

Though her words came out haltingly, Inogashira's voice was quite loud, as if she were forcing herself to speak up.

Satsu looked up at her with a smile. "Inogashira, did you need something?"

He's even more handsome when he smiles! (Kokoro Inogashira)