Vol. 1 Chp. 5: Midterms

': Writing

'': Sign language

May 1st came and went by, and before we knew it, the school week was over. Ike and the others started paying attention in class. Only Sudou continued sleeping in class, but no one tried reprimanding him.

It was lunchtime, and I was leaving the classroom to go to my usual spot.

"Kagurazaka-kun!" I turned my head only to see Horikita. She looked slightly angry and perplexed.

"Come with me," she said.

Cafeteria

She could have told me that she wanted to eat lunch with me. We walked over to an empty table and took our seats.

"I'll treat you to anything, so... order anything..." Horikita trailed off as I placed my large bento on the table.

I pushed the premium lunch set over to her and started eating.

Horikita clicked her tongue, but she kept a composed expression.

"I was planning on starting a study group. Since you got 0 points on your test, I wanted to get you to join," she said.

I shook my head, declining her invitation.

"This is a dire situation for you, Kagurazaka-kun. You need help with the upcoming midterms," she told me.

She's right... I am in a dire situation but I don't need help with the upcoming midterms.

'Horikita... I barely know you, but getting called a defective has been messing with your head.'

"Aren't you frustrated, though? Our class is treated like we're at the bottom of the barrel," Horikita's tone shifted to anger.

'I'm not going to get upset over the fact I was placed in the right class,' I continued eating my lunch, ignoring Horikita's perplexed expression.

Horikita's POV

He's confused as Ayanokouji. I don't understand either of them. Why don't they want to strive and reach Class A?

He even saw through the plan that I used against Ayanokouji.

Did Ayanokouji tell him about it? No... Kagurazaka has been keeping his distance from us.

Why should I be worried about him? If he fails, that's his fault.

Evening

Kagurazaka's POV

I was lying in bed when my phone started ringing. I checked to see who was calling; it was an unknown number.

...

Hang up.

I placed my phone down and closed my eyes.

...

RING RING RING

I hung up my phone again.

...

...

...

RING RING RING

Hang up.

Number blocked.

I'm not going to answer a random number.

Next day

I arrived at the library looking for the person who invited me. It didn't take long for me to find Ayanokouji. He wasn't alone, though. Horikita and Kushida were with him.

"I wasn't expecting you to come," Horikita said.

Ayanokouji texted me and asked me. He even told me who was going to be there.

"Alright, let's begin!" Kushida said.

Begin what?

I raised an eyebrow as I sat down.

Horikita placed a piece of paper on the table, "Now, we will check what you lack and what you're good at."

I grabbed the paper and started answering the questions.

"It seems like you're not trying," Kushida pointed out.

Yeah, I wasn't trying at all.

It didn't take long before I finished the test and handed it over to Horikita. A surprised expression appeared on her face.

"Are you mocking me? Most of these questions are from 6th-grade middle school," she said.

I shook my head.

"Why aren't you taking this seriously? Why do you have to write down random answers?" She asked.

I shrugged.

Ayanokouji's POV

"Wait!" Kushida called out to Kagurazaka, but he was already leaving.

"I'll go after him."

"Let him be. I hate him," Horikita said.

"Horikita-san, you shouldn't say that," Kushida reprimanded her.

Kushida ran after him.

"He did it intentionally, and I want to know why."

The way he wrote those answers they weren't normal. He already knew the answer but intentionally put the wrong one down. Horikita managed to notice.

Although I came to this school to live an everyday and peaceful life, it made me slightly curious.

While I couldn't rule out that he didn't take the mock test seriously, it couldn't be the case. He even got a zero on that.

That begs the question... Did he know that the school wouldn't expel students on this test?

It's still too early to decide when there's not enough information. He may have screwed up on the mock test, but we will learn more about him when expulsion is on the line.

"So, what are you going to do?" I asked.

"About what?"

"About Kagurazaka and studying."

"Nothing, I will not help him. I will leave him be if he wants to mess around and doesn't take it seriously. It's better for a lost cause like him to get expelled."

She was clenching her sleeve in frustration. It looks like you care more than you let on.

Is this an example of a tsundere?

"Oh, you three are finally here," Horikita said.

The idiot trio arrived.

"Wait, where's Kushida-chan?" Ike asked.

"She'll be back," Horikita said.

Kagurazaka's POV

It looks like I managed to get on Horikita's nerves. The study group would be a disaster with Horikita, Ayanokouji, Kushida, and the idiot trio.

"Kagurazaka-kun!" It was Kushida, and she was heading straight for me.

Well, I'm going to run away.

Night time

I decided to go for a nightly walk. I left my room and started walking down the hall.

I spotted Ayanokouji heading to the elevator. I didn't have my notebook on me. I better use my second option of communication.

I catch up with him and tap him on the shoulder.

He turned around and sighed, "Oh, it's you."

Fair reaction.

He didn't say anything else as we walked side by side. We head into the elevator.

It was awkward since I was mute, and he wasn't talking.

We both exited the elevator and headed toward the vending machine. The gentle breeze felt amazing.

"Hey, Kagurazaka. Look at the CCTV footage real quick," Ayanokouji said.

What is so interesting about what was on the CCTV footage?

Oh, it's Horikita.

She might be mad at me still for what I did.

Ayanokouji was hiding behind the vending machine. I ran and hid behind a corner.

Horikita exited the building. After she disappeared into the dark, Ayanokouji went after her.

I could go on my nightly or follow Ayanokouji and see what Horikita is doing...

...

It looks like I'm going to see what's going on. Besides, I'm curious.

I made my way over and hid with Ayanokouji.

Horikita stopped moving. There was another person's figure.

"Suzune. I didn't think you'd follow me all the way here."

A rendezvous with a guy...

"I'm different from the useless me that you know. I've come here to catch up to you," Horikita said.

"Catch up to me, huh?" It was revealed to be Manabu.

How scandalous... A rendezvous with her older brother.

"I heard you are in class D; it doesn't seem like anything's changed in the last three years. Because you've always been looking at my back, you've never been able to see your flaws. Choosing to come to this school was another one of your mistakes."

"Th-that's not it. I'm going to rise to class A. And then..."

"That's impossible. You'll never reach class A. Rather, your class will crumble before that. This school isn't as easy as you think it is."

"I will reach class A..."

"I already said it's impossible. You're an unreasonable younger sister."

Manabu takes a step forward. His expression showed no emotion, as if he was looking at an existence that didn't interest him.

He grabbed his younger sister's wrist and pushed her against the wall.

"No matter how much I avoided you, you are still my younger sister. If people start to learn about you, I will be disgraced. Leave this school immediately."

"N-no... I will; I will rise to class A...!"

"Foolish. Do you want to relive the painful experiences of the past?"

That doesn't sound ominous at all...

"Nii-san... I will..."

"You have neither the power nor the qualifications to aim for class A. Understand that."

Manabu's body drew forward as if he was about to take action. The situation looks dangerous.

Ayanokouji stepped out from my corner and approached the older brother.

He grabbed Manabu's right arm.

"What? Who are you?"

Oh, is a fight going to break out? I'm going to record it.

Ayanokouji's POV

Looking at his arm, he looked at me with a sharp glint.

"A-ayanokouji-kun!?"

"You were trying to throw her to the ground, right? It's concrete here, you know. Just because you're siblings doesn't mean you can do anything you want."

"It's not admirable to eavesdrop."

I feel a camera on me.

I internally sigh to myself.

I hope you know what you're doing, Kagurazaka.

"Just let go of her hand."

"That's what I should be saying."

It was silent while we glared at each other.

"Stop, Ayanokouji-kun..." She said with a strained voice.

This is my first time seeing and hearing her like this.

Reluctantly, I let go of his arm. At that moment, he aimed for my face with a quick backhand.

Feeling danger, I instinctively leaned backward. A nasty attack with a thin body. Furthermore, he aimed for my vitals with a sharp kick.

I understood that it could make me lose consciousness in one hit. With a confused look, he let out a breath and extended his right arm toward me.

He would probably throw me onto the ground if I grabbed his hand. Instead, I slapped his arm away with my left hand.

"Good reflexes. I didn't think you would avoid every single one. You also understood what I was trying to do. Were you taught in some way?"

Finally stopping his attacks, he asked me a question.

"Yea, I did piano and calligraphy," I answer, "Oh, say hi to the camera."

Kagurazaka stepped out behind the corner, holding his phone.

He waved at us.

"I was too focused on the fight to notice someone recording," I heard him mutter to himself.

3rd POV

"Are you both in class D? What unique individuals," Manabu said.

"Suzune, you have friends? I'm honestly surprised."

"They... are not my friends. They are only my classmates," Horikita denied it.

"As always, you're mistaking solitude for isolation. And you, Ayanokouji. It looks like things will become interesting with you," Manabu said.

He turned his focus to Kagurazaka, "So, what are you going to do with the video?"

Kagurazaka stood there like he was thinking, 'Blackmail.'

'Sign language? Is he mute? Well, it's a good thing I understand," Manabu thought.

"Name your price," Manabu said, ignoring Horikita's wide eyes.

'300,000.'

"That's doable, and I will delete the video off your phone," Manabu said.

Kagurazaka handed his phone over to Manabu. He deleted the video and transferred the points.

Kagurazaka's private points - 393,587

Manabu handed Kagurazaka's phone back to him, "What's your name?"

'Kagurazaka Norogumi.'

"I see... I recognize you now. Kagurazaka Norogumi, the same guy to get a perfect score on the entrance exams."

'You can't casually drop that information without hesitation,' Kagurazaka frowned.

Horikita was surprised, while Ayanokouji's curiosity slightly increased.

"It looks like this year will be the most interesting for me," Manabu said before turning and walking away.

Ayanokouji glanced and saw Kagurazaka walking away, 'I'm not going to stop him. The student council president dropped a giant bomb on us.

~Timeskip~

Kagurazaka's POV

I decided to head to the library and find a book to read, but fate had a different idea.

"Kagurazaka-kun, it's nice to see you again."

Ichinose waved at me with a bright smile on her face.

It seemed that she had a study group for the upcoming midterms.

I saw Andou, who flashed me a smile.

"What brings you here? Are you here to study?" Ichinose asked.

I shook my head, 'No, I'm looking for a book to read.'

"This is your secret boyfriend, Ichinose-san," a girl with purple hair tied in a ponytail teased her.

"B-b-boyfriend...!" A bright blush appeared on her face, "He isn't my boyfriend. He's just a friend."

A girl with short hair let out a sigh of relief.

My gaze traveled to the study guide on the table. It seemed different than the one our class had.

I returned my attention to the girl, who continued teasing Ichinose.

"Oh, I'm Amikura Mako. It's nice to meet you, Kagurazaka-kun. Ichinose talks about you a lot," a teasing, sly smirk appeared on her face.

Ichinose looked like she was going to explode while she covered her face.

'I'll see you later.'

"Aww, you're leaving so soon. It was nice meeting you," Amikura said.

I walked away and went into the mystery section.

"I almost... have it," I heard someone say.

In the mystery section, a silver-haired girl struggled, reaching a book out of her grasp.

I made my way over to her, grabbed the book, and held it toward her.

"Ah, thank you..." She slightly bowed.

"Oh, do you also like to read?" She asked excitedly.

I nodded.

"What are you going to read? I could give you a few recommendations if you like," she said.

She must be passionate about books if she seemed excited about it.

"O-Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bother you," she said with a slight, sad smile.

She assumed she was bothering me because I didn't respond to her. I was getting a feeling she didn't want me to leave yet.

How should I cheer her up?

...

...

...

I pat the top of her head.

"Eh?" She looked slightly surprised.

She didn't stop me, so I patted her head several times before pulling my hand away. She looked like she was in a daze with a slight blush.

I pull out my notebook, 'Do you want to be friends?'

She seemed shocked before a cute smile appeared, "Y-Yeah! My name is Shiina Hiyori."

'Kagurazaka Norogumi.'

A curious expression formed on her face, "Are you mute?"

I nodded.

She slightly panicked, "I wasn't trying to be rude! You pulled out a notebook and..." She trailed off as her face turned beet red.

She cleared her throat, "Do you perhaps... want to read a book together?"

I nodded, causing an excited expression and a sparkle in her eyes.

What a cute girl.

~Timeskip~

Chabashira's office

"Tea or coffee."

'Tea.'

"So, what did you want to talk about?" She asked, handing me a cup of tea.

I sipped before setting my cup down, 'Did you give our class the wrong material to study for the midterm exam?'

"The topics covered on the test were changed last Friday. Sorry, I forgot to tell the class," she said without batting an eye.

She kept eye contact with me. Her expression didn't change at all, staying calm and severe.

'Did you forget, though? Are you testing the class?'

"What are you going to do with this information?" She asked, ignoring my question.

'Nothing.'

"Oh?" Chabashira-sensei seemed intrigued: "Withholding information from your classmates would be bad."

...

...

...

'When am I going to do the rewrite?'

"Never, I already know the results," a confident smirk appeared on Chabashira-sensei's face.

Of course, she does...

~Timeskip~

It was the day before the midterm exams. I arrived early at the classroom, "Huh? Kagurazaka-kun?"

I wasn't expecting someone to get here before me.

"What are you doing here early?" The girl that asked was Mori Nene.

She's usual with Karuizawa, Sato, and Matsushita. Seeing her alone is slightly strange to me.

'I sometimes come at this time.'

"Ah, is that so?" She lets out an awkward giggle.

'What are you doing here?'

"Don't mind me. Just pretend I don't exist," she said before turning away and working on something.

I was curious about what she was doing and decided to check it out. I see numbers spread out on the paper.

'A budget plan?'

"I'm surprised you could tell," she said, shocked.

My eyes slightly narrowed, 'What's that supposed to mean?'

"I mean, I'm not calling you stupid... I'm just... I'm just surprised you know what a budget plan is...! I mean... ugh! Please ignore me..."

I'll ignore what you said.

'Are you interested in finance?'

She seemed to perk up, "Yeah, when I get interested in something, I know a lot about it. I dedicate my time to learning about it. Sometimes, I forget to eat," a nervous chuckle escaped Mori's lips.

'You should be more careful and not skip your meals.'

"Aww, are you worried about me? That's so sweet! Not a lot of people think that way about me."

"Maybe those rumors about him aren't true..." She muttered.

I'll pretend I didn't hear that.

'How do they see you?'

"Well... they think I'm a slut because of how I act," she brushed it off, but I could see the pain in her eyes.

It was affecting her more than she was letting on.

'How did you find out?'

She was silent briefly, "My friends... they are the ones that say that about me..." Mori shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

'Why do you hang out with them?'

"I don't have a choice... We are in the same class, and I don't think the other classes want to be friends with a defective..."

'I can relate, though. I'm pretty sure some people say bad things about me.'

"Yeah, the people in my group do," she looked down in shame.

She lifted her head, "Don't worry; it's Karuizawa most of the time. Nobody else comments," She paused, "Ah, there was this one time when Kayano-san defended you."

"Do you know what's up with that?" She asked.

I wouldn't have any idea. Maybe she's returning the favor after I saved her from getting hit by a volleyball.

"Are you two perhaps secretly dating?" A playful smirk appeared on her face.

I shook my head.

"Oh," I couldn't tell if she was disappointed or relieved.

'Besides, I don't think anyone would want to date me because of how ugly I am and my appearance.'

"Don't say that. I'm slightly surprised where you're ranked on the most attractive guy polls," she said.

I shouldn't be surprised there is a poll like that.

At that moment, a few girls walked into the classroom.

"Ugh... How low can she go?" Karuizawa muttered, "She's going after someone as stupid as him."

Even though she mumbled it, I heard it. Reading Mori's expression, it seemed she heard it.

"Karuizawa, he isn't that bad of a guy. Yes, he's quiet but isn't good at socializing," Onodera tried to defend me.

Karuizawa scoffed, pulling out her phone.

~Timeskip~

After school

After Chabashira-sensei left the classroom, Kushida walked to the front of the room.

She had papers and brought them with her to the podium.

"Sorry, but can you guys listen to me before going home?"

Sudou also stopped and listened.

"I hope everyone has been studying a lot for tomorrow's test. I have something that can help with some final studying tonight. I'll hand them out now."

She started handing out the questions and answer sheets to the front row.

"Test... questions? Did you make them, Kushida-san?"

"These are old test problems. I got them from a third-year senpai last night."

"Old test problems? Eh, eh? Are these actual valid questions?"

"Yeah, two years ago, the midterm had nearly the same questions as the one on this problem set. So, if you practice, I think we'll do better."

"Woah! Seriously? Kushida-chan, thank you!"

Ike hugged his test in happiness. All the other students also couldn't hold back their emotions.

I watched as Koenji declined the paper and discussed being a perfect being that doesn't need it.

I glanced at Kushida; she walked by me without offering the paper.

That is strange...

She even made eye contact and deliberately ignored me. Is she butthurt because I ignored her and ran away?

I don't want to think about it right now.

~Timeskip~

Midterm exams

"No absences; looks like everyone's here," Chabashira-sensei said.

In the morning, Chabashira-sensei walked into the classroom with a smile.

"This is the first obstacle to being able to stay in school. Does anyone have any questions?"

"We have been studying diligently for the past few weeks. I don't think there will be any dropouts in this class, you know?"

"You have a lot of confidence, Hirata."

All the other students also had a look of confidence. Lining the tests by tapping them against the table, she passed them out. The first period is social studies. You can call it the most straightforward test among all the subjects.

If anyone trips up here. Honestly, all the other tests will be a difficult struggle.

"If no one fails on this midterm and the finals in July, everyone will get a summer vacation."

"Vacation?"

"Yea, that's right... You'll be on a dream-like vacation on an island surrounded by the blue sea."

That's oddly specific...

~Timeskip~

Break time

"This is an easy pass!"

"I feel like I'll get a 120 this time!"

Ike was pretty relaxed. From the smile on his face, Yamauchi also looked pretty relieved.

While smiling, they held the old test questions for a final review.

"Excuse me," Horikita left her seat and approached me, "Kagurazaka-kun."

I turned my head, and she held the old questions and answer sheet before me, "Here, take it."

Everyone was looking at us.

"You didn't study at all, did you? I'll give you my paper, so in the meantime, try to memorize the problems worth many points. I want to reach Class A with everyone."

It seemed others were shocked by how nice Horikita was. My eyes stared at the paper before I turned away from her.

"Haha, it looks like Silent-kun doesn't need some measly paper to pass," Koenji laughed.

'I appreciate the offer, but I'll be fine.'

"I see..." I could hear Horikita walk away from my desk.

~Timeskip~

Ayanokouji's POV

Walking into the classroom, Chabashira-sensei looked around the school in surprise. Everyone was waiting in suspense for the results of the midterms.

"Sensei. I heard the results will be released today, but when exactly?" Hirata asked.

"You do not need to be that excited about it, Hirata. You probably passed."

"When will they be released?"

"Well, now is a good time. There isn't much time for certain procedures if we do it after school."

At the words 'certain procedures,' some of the students had a visible reaction.

"What do you mean?"

"Don't be confused. I'll explain it now."

She stuck the paper with everyone's names and scores on the board.

"Honestly, good job. I didn't think this class would do this well. There were over ten perfects in math, Japanese, and social studies."

Looking at the row of the 100s, the students were cheering. However, one group of students wasn't smiling.

I analyzed two particular scores.

Four of Sudou's grades were a solid 60 points. His English score was 39.

The other one was Kagurazaka... His scores weren't too bad.

76 in mathematics, 63 in Japanese, 84 in chemistry, 71 in social studies, and 55 in English.

"Woohoo!!"

Sudou stood up and shouted in relief. Ike and Yamauchi stood up at the same time and cheered.

"You saw it, right, Sensei? When we put our minds to it, we can do it!"

Ike had a triumphant smile.

"Yea, I recognize that. You did well. Sudou, you're rather lucky that the passing grade was 39.2. If it were any higher, you would have failed," Chabashira-sensei nonchalantly says, causing a look of horror on Sudou's face.

His entrance exam results weren't a mere fluke. I told Kushida not to give him one. I wasn't expecting Horikita to go out of her way to try and help him, but he declined her offer.

His results were bothering me, though.

I slowly got out of my seat.

"Where are you going, Ayanokouji-kun?" Horikita asked.

"To the bathroom."

I exited the classroom and quickly walked towards the staff room. While wondering whether or not Chabashira-sensei had already reached the staff room, I saw her looking out the window, standing still in the hallway as if she was waiting for someone.

"Ayanokouji, the class will start soon."

"Can I look at Kagurazaka's test scores?" I asked.

I wasn't going to mince my words.

"Yes, I would also like to see," I look behind me to see Horikita.

Chabashira-sensei burst out laughing, "Hahaha, that's rather interesting. Do you not believe he deserves the scores he got?"

"I don't believe it," Horikita said.

"Fine, but you better hurry up," she handed Kagurazaka's tests.

At first, I thought Kagurazaka would tell Chabashira-sensei not to allow anyone to look at his test scores, but that wasn't the case.

"W-What...?" Horikita's eyes widened in shock.

I glanced at the paper, and he deliberately got some answers wrong, but he wrote the correct answers to the side.

He aced the midterms.

"If that's all, then I'll be on my way," Chabashira-sensei snatched the papers from Horikita and left.

-------------------------------------------------