Studying With Airi

A week before the midterm exam, Airi and I started studying together. However, I only used the time I usually spent playing video games to study.

Two hours had already passed since we started, and my concentration began to wane, so iy stretched out to refresh myself.

"You study rather hard before tests, don't you? Usually, I just do the assignments and a little review."

Apparently, Airi was losing her concentration as well. She dropped her pen and went into rest mode.

I took a break and answered her questions.

"I'm using my dad's money and my scholarship to pay for school. If I get a bad score on a test, I'd be in trouble."

"I see, so that's why. But you don't usually do that much."

"I usually prioritize games, but before tests, I prioritize studying. I try to keep them separate as much as possible."

I made sure to separate my studies from my hobbies and keep a good balance between the two.

Occasionally, when a new game came out during the test period, I felt like losing my mind, but I persevered.

"What are your results with that approach?"

"It's usually in the single digits. I'm not aiming for first place, so I don't take my ranking that seriously."

I thought I could get by just by listening to the lessons and lightly reviewing the parts that were difficult.

Although, the ratio of my study was increased before a test, as in this case.

When Airi heard my words, her bright blue eyes widened slightly.

She probably didn't expect that I would be able to get a single digit ranking.

"You're smart, aren't you?"

"I'm proud that I am quite smart, but why would Ninomiya say that?"

"Why? Isn't single digit ranking typically something to be proud of?"

Airi looked at me with a somewhat envious look in her eyes.

I chuckled, thinking that if anything, that was the look I should give her.

"As proud as I am, I have mixed feelings about being told this by the head of the freshmen class who gave the opening speech."

"Please don't say that."

"It's not a bad thing."

"I didn't have anything in particular to do, so I just studied and ended up at the top of my grade."

She said it as if it was nothing to be proud of. She showed no sign of joy nor embarrassment, her face was as expressionless as ever.

First place was not something you could achieve just by studying. It was definitely the result of Airi's hard efforts.

"That's something to be proud of. It's amazing."

"I wonder if it is… But, it's annoying coming from a senior who can get single digits ranking without studying much."

"It's funny, I don't see any reason to be upset about that."

"You're not aware, that's the thing. Besides, I've been playing games lately, so I'm worried."

She frowned and let out a big sigh.

Ever since I recommended RPGs to her the other day, Airi has been hooked. However, she didn't completely lose track of time like she did on the first day.

Like me, she played the game after she finished her assignments, so I didn't have to worry about it.

"Ninomiya will be fine. There's nothing I can't figure out from the first glance."

"I'm sure it's fine, but I'm just worried."

"If there's anything you don't understand, do you want me to teach you?"

"Yes, when that time comes, please do."

Well, I guessed there was nothing to teach her. I glanced at Airi while she studied, but she never stopped. She seemed to have a clear understanding of the lesson.

I was sure she was just trying to be polite, so I decided not to worry about it.

"Well, let's do our best."

"Yes."

A few days passed, the studying for the test was done and all that was left was the actual test.

As expected, Airi didn't ask me any doubts about her studies, so I concentrated on my own studies. I was sure I would get a good score this time.

I was thinking positively about the upcoming test, but the expression on Airi's face was cloudy.

"What's wrong? Are you still worried about something?"

"I'm not worried about the test. It's not like I'm obsessed with being first."

"But you don't look so good. Are you worried about something?"

"It's more like a concern."

"Feel free to tell me. I'll answer if I can."

"Well then, be my guest. Are you sure you didn't want to have a study session with your childhood friends?"

"…What are you talking about?"

Airi kept her face down apologetically.

I wondered if my face and demeanor showed that I was upset.

I thought for sure that there was some part of her study that she didn't understand, but I didn't expect to get such a question.

I had explained to Airi that we had known each other since childhood when I went to Kazuma's place, but I hadn't told her that we always had study sessions before tests.

I didn't tell her because I thought if I did, she would be reserved and study alone, but I didn't know how she came up with that idea.

"Momose-san was saying in the class that she was going to have a study session only with her boyfriend this time, since her childhood friend was unable to join due to personal reasons. My classmates were quite envious."

"I see…"

I didn't think Momose would talk about it in Airi's presence. It couldn't be helped since Momose thought Airi would have nothing to do with it.

Airi lowered her eyebrows and questioned me.

"Kujo-senpai, why?"

"I thought it would be better to leave the two lovers together."

I said something like that to cover it up.

Kazuma and Momose started dating in middle school. Of course, Airi didn't know about this, so if she didn't pursue the matter, she would be fooled into thinking that I was just being considerate of a couple who had just started dating.

"Really?"

"Yeah, really."

"…Liar."

I tried to be as calm as possible, but Airi stared at me with all her might.

She seemed to understand me completely, and I wondered how.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Momose said, 'It's always been the three of us'. What does that mean?"

"I don't know. I have no idea."

"Just admit it, okay?"

"..."

If I admitted it here, it would be too embarrassing as I was so stubborn and it would all be exposed.

When I turned my head away, Airi let out a big sigh.

"Really, senpai… Thank you."

"I don't know what you're thanking me for."

Airi smiled thinly and thanked me in a small voice.

I was just meddling and did it because I wanted to. There was no reason for her to thank me.

When I turned my face away and was sulking, Airi giggled.

I felt helplessly embarrassed and started getting ready for bed to cover it up.