Small steps

"Oh, Zhou is serious this time."

　During recess, I was looking at my notebook, which was a summary of what had been written on the board during class, when Itsuki, who came to talk to me, let out a somewhat surprised sound.

　The notes are easy to refer back to and summarize the main points, which I can praise myself for being quite easy to read, and Itsuki looks into the notes and says, ``Wow, you're so neat!'' with an expression that's somewhere between shocked and impressed.

"Hmm...well, I thought I'd try a little harder."

"What kind of wind is it blowing?"

"No, well...I thought I'd try to be a little more proud of myself."

　I have a goal of not being sloppy and shy, and having self-confidence.

　There is a test waiting for me, so I will try to get a better score than usual.

　Shuu had originally had good results, but he had decided to aim for a top 10 finish.

　As expected, it would be impossible to take first place from midday, so I'm aiming for a top 10 ranking. Grades have a strong influence on admission to higher education, so it was just right.

"I don't know what it means to be a good man, and the definition varies from person to person. For now, I think I'll try to be someone who wouldn't be embarrassed to be next to you."

"I don't really think it's okay to stay the way you are. As long as you gain confidence."

"It's a great way to gain confidence."

　Right now, just being encouraged doesn't mean I'm confident in myself, and I still need to accomplish things that are worthy of being confident.

　Even though I say that, the only thing I can do around here is study.

"Don't you do your hair?"

"And that's a different story. For now, it's fine."

　I guess it means that he should do the usual man form, but even if he does it in his current state, it doesn't mean that Zhou will gain confidence.

　Also, if I simply appeared as the man of the topic now, I felt like I would be killed by the jealousy of the boys, so I'm reluctant.

　An important person's remarks in the middle of the day shocked a lot of boys.

　The words ``the most important person'' uttered by the angel, who was basically not even talked about in terms of romance, seemed to have enough power to break the hearts of men who fell in love with her.

　In the past, they were seen walking together, but it was denied that there was any particular relationship between them, but Mahiru dared to hint at it this time, leading to speculation and speculation.

　As for the man in question, Zhou, I didn't want him to get too excited about the identity of the man in question.

``For me, I want Shu to show me the before and after as soon as possible so that everyone can be astonished, and also proud to be my friend.''

"What do you mean?"

"Hmm, maybe it's because I'm normally happy that Zhou is properly evaluated?"

"...I see."

　Somehow, I wonder if it's just my imagination that I feel a little embarrassed when I hear that kind of thing.

　While realizing that I had a good friend, Itsuki turned away abruptly, trying not to show it, and Itsuki laughed happily, as if she could see everything.