Chapter 5 Part II

Since we all live in the same dormitory, we all inevitably left to head back together.

Yukimura tracked the progress of today's study session on his cell phone.

"It's been a long time since I've been so focused on studying. Six hours in class, plus two hours after school, right? Even students from all over the world don't have to do that much, do they?"

"But the students of Class C wasted our time by interrupting us halfway."

"We didn't give in to the interference. I'd say we studied hard today."

The two of them walked while chatting with each other, satisfied with their efforts. Hearing this, an annoyed expression surfaced on Yukimura face.

"You're kidding. When university entrance exams begin, you'll need to study after school for at least three hours, and if you can manage it, up to four. Of course, this means every day. And as the exam approaches, you'll have to take the initiative and study for more than 10 hours a day."

"Eeeh!? No way! I can't study like that Yukimū. You should totally know that."

"My older sister is a teacher. As if by routine, she always does this before the exam."

"It's an elite family lineage. Yukimū, are you also aiming to become a teacher in the future?"

"There's nothing particularly elite about being a teacher. Besides, I'm not aiming to be a teacher. If I wanted to become a teacher, why would I ever come to a school where the teaching system is so disconnected from normal society?"

The path to becoming a teacher generally isn't an easy one. However, it's typically several steps less difficult than that of a lawyer or a recognized accountant, and there's no real benefit in choosing this particular high school.

Plus, Yukimura isn't bothered by studying, and his academic capabilities are beyond average. So it's even more true.

"So why here?"

"...It doesn't matter what the reason is. Do you want to interrogate each other for their reasons for why they chose to enroll here? After you're asked to explain your circumstances, you'll understand how it feels."

Hasebe was rebuked, but unfortunately, his response ended up being counter-productive. Hasebe didn't respond with reluctance but instead took the initiative to make the first answer.

"Well, for me, I guess I was one of the people who was attracted to the schools advertising, you know? If the school promises you a job or further education after you graduate, why wouldn't you choose to come here? Isn't that like, enough to motivate most people?"

"I'll add something onto that. Another reason to come here is that the school doesn't cost a cent to attend. Not to mention that dorm life usually costs money, but we don't have to pay anything for that either. The school even allows us to live on campus without the need for private points, right? I appreciate that aspect more than the guarantee of something to do after graduation."

"That's such an exaggeration. It's really amazing to be able to work or study anywhere you want."

"You're free to talk about your dreams, but get through the final exams first. The system that Hasebe is fantasizing over doesn't mean anything if you don't graduate from Class A."

"Can't there be some form of a bonus? Something like the school lying about only doing it for Class A, and that we'll be allowed to go wherever we want as long as we graduate properly?"

"That's impossible. If that was the case, the news would have certainly already spread among the students. But I've never heard anything like that, even during club activities. Even more than that, the second and third year Class D's still seem pretty miserable."

I've never been involved in any club activities, so I knew practically nothing about that part, but there was definitely no ambition in the third years from Class D who I had been in contact with earlier in the year.

"Even though it's a school that's under the direct administration of the state, when it's seen that the school doesn't provide any special treatment to students beyond Class A, I can imagine that it would negatively, not positively, influence my capability of getting a job or continuing on with school after I graduate because I'll be seen as a student who was unable to move up to Class A. Because of this, I absolutely must graduate as a part of Class A."

"Er… That would be the worst."

For a prestigious and well-known school, you'll be highly valued if you have both "graduation" and "personal achievement". However, as Yukimura had said, in the case of Advanced Nurturing High School, even if you graduate, there is a possibility that you may be branded as a non-Class A student. This idea is supported by the existence of students like Ike, who have underwhelming academic potential. In short, the entry requirements here have nothing to do with your test results.

It's impossible for universities and companies to not feel suspicious after seeing this aspect of our school.

"Miyatchi, I'm surprised you're still coming to each study group. I really thought for sure that you were going to give up immediately."

"Aren't you by far the odd one here? In the first place, you don't usually want to have anything to do with boys."

"Well, I guess so… but I think that's it's okay if it's you three."

Hasebe seems to have her own ideas.

I thought it was the right time, so I decided to throw out a question.

"Hasebe, I have something ask you, alright?"

"Hm?"

"Are you and Satō close?"

"Satō-san? Nope, we're not super close or anything, and in the first place, I don't like large groups, you know? If you're interested in Satō-san, wouldn't it be better to ask Karuizawa-san?"

If that was possible, then I wouldn't be having a hard time with this.

It's a difficult problem to talk about with someone who is involved in the situation.

"What about it?"

"Erm-"

I don't know how to say it, and I know that I can't tell the truth. Yukimura noticed that I was in a bind and said:

"I understand why you feel concerned since she's your partner for the finals. It's disturbing to not know their strengths and weaknesses."

"Aah, is that so? You said that some time ago."

"Even if I wanted to ask directly, we don't have much common ground, so I can't really do that."

Giving her condolences, Hasebe put both of her hands together.

However, she thought up a new idea and made a new proposal.

"If it's hard to ask Karuizawa-san, why not ask Kyō-chan? She and Satō-san are very close, and you should be able to ask Kyō-chan, right?"

"Huh? Kyō-chan?"

I had never heard the nickname she was using before, so I had no choice but to ask who she's talking about.

"I mean Kikyō-chan. Ayanokōji-kun, you talk with her a lot, don't you?"

So Kikyō turns into Kyō-chan? I didn't understand, but it makes sense now. Kushida is definitely qualified. She knows the class's internal circumstances well, and if it wasn't for the situation with Horikita, I probably wouldn't have hesitated to ask her for help. However, as things are now, I don't know if she's someone I can rely on.

Miyake offered his support after I had declined the advice to ask Kushida for help.

"Karuizawa aside, Isn't it alright to ask Kushida? She seems to be popular with both boys and girls. What do you think of her, Hasebe?"

"Yeah. I hate a lot of girls, but I like Kyō-chan. She takes on a lot of the hard work for the sake of the class, yet always manages to remain cheerful. I usually don't like consulting with people, but Kyō-chan is a bit special. She's willing to put herself in a position to listen, and would never go around talking about it to anyone."

"Do you even have problems warranting her consultation?"

"Wow, that's rude Miyatchi. Young girls at my age have tons of problems."

"Like what?"

"It... I mean, why should I tell you? You'd totally go around talking about them."

"No, I wouldn't... Well, I can't say for sure. It depends on the content."

It's clear that I won't be able to discuss my troubles with these guys.

"If there's anything you're worried about, it really is best to discuss it with Kushida. I agree with that."

"Right? I don't know if you've got a crush on Satō-san, but she would never leak it out to anyone."

"What? You like Satō, Ayanokōji?"

"I didn't say anything like that. I just asked Hasebe if they were on good terms."

"Isn't that suspicious? You've never been very close to Satō-san until now, have you?"

"Ayanokōji said that he was interested in Satō because they're a pair. Have you already forgotten?"

Even in the face of Miyake's words, Hasebe didn't withdraw.

"That's true, but it doesn't feel like that's all there is to it. The way he asked about it makes me think there's more to it."

From time to time, a girl will have an incomprehensible radar. This is the only thing I really can't beat.

"Ah, that's right. Is it okay if we stop by the convenience store for a second?"

The topic came to a natural end due to Miyake's abrupt proposal. It was a real lifesaver.

Nevertheless, it's clear that Kushida has become an indispensable existence for Class D.

Whenever you look back on what's happened so far, Kushida has always managed to become involved in it all. And yet, she never made any strong claims, and always devotedly worked on supporting others, engaging in self-sacrificing activities. And now that grassroots movement was steadily getting results.

She's one of the strongest members with a somewhat distinct personality, and none of her classmates speak ill of her.

When someone isn't around, the first things people usually say are negative ones that they can't say when they're around, but it's amazing to only hear good things.

"Ah, me too. You two come as well."

"You're like a child."

Yukimura says this, but he didn't seem to be that unwilling.