The day after we overcame the fateful term-end exams arrived.
Since the teachers began returning the tests today, the classroom was wrapped in a sense of tension far greater than usual. However, that tension wasn’t uniform. There were those like me who were purely anxious to see their scores, and those who were simply terrified. Then there were those for whom the results dictated everything—those facing the grim prospect of make-up exams for failing grades, or in some cases, supplementary classes during winter vacation.
...Well, there were also a few who didn’t seem to care at all.
"You’re definitely in the 'want to know as soon as possible' camp, Takanashi," Kawamura said, striking up a conversation.
"You’re the same way, aren't you?" I replied.
Kawamura was probably my closest friend in this class. The reason Yamakawa didn't hold that title wasn't out of any ill intent; it was simply that Kawamura and I were more on the same wavelength, making him easier to hang out with. In high school, that kind of compatibility was vital.
"Well, you’ve got the world's best tutor looking after you," he added.
"I don't want to hear that from a guy who's consistently in the top tier of the grade."
Kawamura was exactly what you’d expect: his grades were among the highest in our year. But he wasn't a typical shut-in bookworm; he had an active, social side to him as well. Personally, I found his personality quite likable.
"Oh ho, look at the high achievers acting all relaxed," Yamakawa grumbled as he and Tanaka joined us. "Meanwhile, I'm fighting for my life just to avoid a failing grade."
"Takanashi is so lucky," Tanaka chimed in. "He has Satsukawa-senpai practically glued to him while he studies. And when he goes home, it’s just the two of them, flirting and flirting and flirting away every single day... Damn it all!"
"Shut up," I snapped.
These two were the same as ever. Especially Tanaka—did he feel some physical need to shout about Sara-san once a day just to stay sane?
"Kazunari’s grades are the result of his own effort," Hanako-san interjected, looking at the two with undisguised annoyance. "People who haven't put in the work have no right to envy him."
"Gwah!?"
Yamakawa collapsed to his knees as if he’d been struck by a physical blow. It was a blunt, logical takedown. I’d secretly thought the same thing, but hearing it in Hanako-san’s flat, clinical tone clearly dealt massive damage.
"Haha... Still, Takanashi, you really did start grinding since the second semester began," Kawamura noted. "Your quiz scores shot up too. Did you find a specific goal or something?"
"Ah... well, that's..."
"Oh, come on," Yamakawa groaned. "Everything this guy does is basically centered around Satsukawa-senpai, right?"
"Exactly," Tanaka agreed. "He probably just wants her to praise him more..."
"Don't lump me in with you," I said.
While it was true my motivation involved Sara-san, I didn't want to hear it from Yamakawa, who used to "pretend" to study hard just to get Hanako-san’s attention. My efforts were for our shared future and for my own growth as a man—truly noble reasons.
"But seriously, you clearly had a reason to change, right?" Kawamura pressed.
"Well... you're not wrong that it involves Sara-san," I admitted.
"I see. I figured you wouldn't push yourself this hard just to look cool. Most likely, you need to hit a certain GPA for your future goals?"
"Spot on."
When I nodded in confirmation, Kawamura’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. He looked like he wanted a more detailed explanation, but unfortunately, I wasn't about to go deeper here.
Why? Because...
"Hey, hey, Takanashi-kun! Was that talk just now..."
"A future goal... so you're definitely talking about marriage with Satsukawa-senpai, aren't you!!??"
"Whoa, whoa, have you already decided on the details!?"
The Romance Jun—no, the Love Maidens who had been eavesdropping nearby suddenly swarmed around us. Their predatory instinct for this kind of gossip was honestly terrifying.
"Wait, what? What happened?" another girl asked, joining the fray.
"Takanashi-kun is talking about his wedding with Satsukawa-senpai!"
"Hey, don't change the story on your own!" I protested.
"Kyaaaa!"
"What’s this!? Tell us! We want to hear the juicy details too!"
"No, listen to me!"
Once it reached this point, my words meant nothing. They were already playing a frantic game of telephone, distorting the story as it spread. This was exactly why I tried to keep talk of Sara-san to a minimum in the classroom, yet here we were.
"Takanashi... sorry," Kawamura whispered.
"N-No, it wasn't your fault." It was those two idiots who brought her name up.
"So, Takanashi-kun! When is the ceremony!?"
"Satsukawa-senpai’s wedding dress is going to be legendary!"
"No, no, for her, a Japanese-style outfit would be perfect too!"
"I totally get it! Just imagining her in a shiromuku appearance is insane!"
"Hey, Takanashi-kun, which one do you prefer!?"
"Eeeh... No, even if you ask me... Wait, nobody said we were getting married yet!"
I mean, I didn't even need to be asked. Sara-san would look better in either of them than anyone else in the world... but that wasn't the point! Kawamura and I were just talking about my grades. Why did these girls have to link everything back to romance?
"Kazunari was only talking about his scores. He wasn't talking about his wife."
Hanako-san finally stepped in to bail me out. As expected of my big sister—honestly, she was a lifesaver.
"Huh? Just grades?"
"Oh, how disappointing..."
"But I still want to know his preference..."
Ding-dong...
"Alright, get to your seats."
The chime rang out with perfect timing, and the classroom door rattled open as our savior, the homeroom teacher, walked in. The Love Maidens retreated to their desks, looking utterly dejected.
Phew... saved.
Still, Sara-san in a wedding dress, huh? I’d heard that wearing one was a woman's dream. I wondered if she felt the same way. Maybe I’d ask her... if the right moment ever came up.
Fourth period.
The fourth test to be returned today was math. In a sense, this was my biggest hurdle. It was my weakest subject, which was why I’d poured the most effort into it. I sat there, wondering if the results would reflect the work.
Personally, I felt like I’d done okay... I hoped.
"Takanashi."
"Yes!"
The math teacher called my name. I walked to the front with a mix of intense anxiety and a sliver of hope. The teacher's expression wasn't just neutral—he actually seemed to be suppressed a smile. What did that mean? Please, let it be good...
"Here. You really put in the work."
"Thank you very much!"
I took the sheet and returned to my seat without looking at it immediately. But "you worked hard" sounded promising.
"Kazunari," Hanako-san whispered.
"I know, I know."
Since she was the one tutoring me, she was naturally curious. She kept poking my arm with her finger, urging me to show her. Alright, I’m ready. Here goes!
"...!"
I steeled my resolve and spread the answer sheet on the edge of the desk so Hanako-san could see it. The number written there was...
74 points!?
"O-Ohhh..."
This was a happy surprise. Scoring 74 in my worst subject meant that my overall average this time might actually hit 80. I never thought the day would come where I’d be happy to look at a math test. I wanted to tell Sara-san immediately!
And I needed to thank my tutor properly.
"Hanako-san, I—"
"You did a great job."
"Th-Thanks..."
"Good boy, Kazunari. There, there."
"Hanako-san..."
With a gentle smile that made it obvious how happy she was for me, Hanako-san reached out and stroked my head over and over. Her small hand glided across my hair in a way that was ticklish and a bit embarrassing... but mostly, I just felt happy.
"...Haa, haa... This is what I live for..."
"...Hanako-chan's smile is so precious..."
"...Smartphone! Where's my smartphone!? Camera, now!!"
"...Ta-ka-na-shi-iiii..."
"...Damn it allll..."
"Alright, Hanasaki is next... Wait, what are you people doing?"
While we were occupied, it had become Hanako-san’s turn. The teacher tilted his head in confusion. Only the homeroom teacher was truly used to our antics, so maybe we’d overstepped a little.
"Hanasaki, come get your test."
"Yes."
Surprisingly, he didn't scold us. He seemed perfectly normal.
"Keep up this pace," the teacher said.
"I will."
He showed her a wider smile than he had given me. Hanako-san gave a curt reply and returned to her desk. I wondered how she’d done—not that she ever got bad scores. Her results so far were all in the 90s.
"Hanako-san?"
"Regrettable. Just a little more..."
"Eh?"
She muttered that with a look that wasn't exactly frustrated, but certainly focused. She spread her test out for me to see. The score was...
89 points!?
"You're as incredible as ever..."
"It’s vexing... I thought I might actually beat the wife this time."
"Eh? A-Ah... well, Sara-san is a tough opponent."
I hadn't realized she was actively competing with Sara-san's grades. But as far as I knew, Sara-san had never scored below a 95 in any subject. No matter how smart Hanako-san was, that was a mountain that wouldn't be easily climbed.
"...I need to work even harder."
"I think maintaining this level is more than enough..."
"No. For the sake of the future, I want to at least reach a level where I can rival the wife."
"Th-That much...?"
I didn't know exactly what Hanako-san had planned for her career, but if she needed Sara-san-level academic prowess, it must be an incredibly high goal. If that was the case, I shouldn't give her half-baked comfort.
"Good luck, big sister."
"Yes, I'll do my best. For you, Kazunari."
"Eh? Really?"
Well, everyone has their own reasons for trying hard. If that was her motivation, I wouldn't pry. I would do my best for myself, for Sara-san—who supported me more than anyone—and for Hanako-san, who was cheering me on.
Lunch break.
Starting today, we’d given up on our usual lunchtime at the flowerbed in favor of the Student Council Room. We’d used it secretly on rainy days before, and while using it for private lunch wasn't exactly allowed, more than half of us were Student Council members. With both the President and Vice President present, we hoped people would look the other way. We always made sure to tend to the flowerbed after eating, anyway.
"Then let's get going today toooo!!"
Minamin’s high-energy, anime-style voice boomed through the speakers. Rinka High School’s mascot character and self-proclaimed idol was at it again. Since we usually ate behind the school building, it was rare to hear the midday broadcast unless it was raining.
"Phew... what a relief. I was wondering how much longer we were going to keep up that outdoor endurance contest in this weather," Natsumi-senpai sighed.
"Fufu... It was getting quite cold. I would be very troubled if Kazunari-san caught a cold," Sara-san replied.
"Haa... I'm always impressed by how you base every single decision on Takanashi-kun," Natsumi commented.
"Of course. My basic standard for judgment is centered around Kazunari-san."
"The fact that you say that with zero irony or joking is what’s so terrifying... honestly."
"Fufu... It’s nothing special."
"I wasn't praising you!"
Seeing Sara-san acting as unfazed as ever, Natsumi-senpai turned her exasperated gaze toward me. But it was far too late for that; I was the same way regarding her.
"...This like-minded couple."
"I’ll take that as a compliment. Right, Kazunari-san?"
"Y-Yes, definitely."
"Fufu..."
When I agreed, Sara-san gave me a soft, happy smile, while Natsumi-senpai "gifted" me the scornful look I’d grown very accustomed to lately. Come on, you should be used to this by now.
"Wait, what is this presence!? I'm feeling the waves of a powerful stupid couple today!?" Minamin shouted over the broadcast.
"What are you even saying, Minamin?" the other announcer asked.
Seriously, what was she talking about? There was no way she was talking about us... right? Haha, of course not.
"So, how were everyone’s tests?" Natsumi-senpai asked as we enjoyed our post-lunch relaxation.
It was the topic on everyone's mind, but it was funny coming from her, considering she’d been the one complaining the loudest about her lack of confidence. Maybe she was just being defiant now.
"How about you, Natsumi-senpai?" I asked.
"Don't ask."
"Roger..."
Her tone had a mysterious weight to it that precluded further inquiry. It seemed my "defiant" theory was correct.
"I was the same as usual," Hanako-san said first. She always got top marks, so that was clear enough.
"I’m... probably the same as usual, too. Ahaha," Hayato said.
"Um... me too," Todo-san added with a small sigh.
Since we knew their previous scores, we could guess they were hovering just around the grade average. Personally, I didn't think Todo-san needed to look so dejected about that.
"I was also the same as usual," Sara-san stated.
"No surprise there," Natsumi-senpai remarked with a dry look. "You're already pulling ahead of the entire grade. Talk about consistent."
I was relieved Sara-san was doing well. This was a critical time for university prep, yet she was still doing all the housework and spending time tutoring me. It was incredible that she could maintain those scores with that schedule. She was more than just talented.
"And finally..."
"Fufu... it's Kazunari-san's turn."
"Right."
I was the only one left. I wasn't trying to be dramatic, but I wanted to savor the moment since the news was good. Sara-san seemed to have already guessed the result from my face.
"My average is up by about ten points from last time."
"Ten points!? So you're near eighty?" Hayato asked.
"Yeah, pretty much."
"That's great, Kazunari!"
"Takanashi-kun, that’s amazing!"
Hayato and Todo-san were genuinely happy for me. It was only the mid-way point, but being praised like this made me feel a surge of pride. Even if I hadn't done it alone...
"Whoa, that’s quite the jump. In the first semester, you were..."
"Yeah, it’s not even comparable."
I’d been below average back then. My current grades were basically fifty percent better. If the remaining subjects followed this trend, the final result would be unbelievable.
"Fufu... Congratulations, Kazunari-san," Sara-san said.
"Thanks, Sara-san. But we're still only halfway through."
"Even so, it proves your studies are bearing fruit. Especially with math coming back today."
"Yeah, math went okay."
"Based on your daily progress, I had the impression you were handling most subjects well. As long as you overcame math, your average was bound to rise. Your effort is being rewarded, Kazunari-san."
"Sara-san..."
I knew I was being simple, but hearing her say that gave me an incredible sense of relief. It made me feel like the remaining tests would definitely be fine.
"It’s all thanks to you, Sara-san. Thank you."
"Fufu... Supporting my husband is a wife's most important role, after all."
"Ahaha..."
I couldn't help but smile at her playful tone. She really was something.
"Hey Sara, how does he stand overall?" Natsumi asked. "He's aiming for a designated school recommendation, right?"
"Yes. His grades are rising steadily, so he should be in the safe zone soon. Plus, he has the positive evaluation from serving as Vice President and his future presidency..."
"Um... do those 'positive evaluations' really matter that much?" Todo-san asked curiously.
I noticed Sara-san had already listed "Student Council President" as a done deal. Well, I was planning to run anyway, so I didn't object.
"I shouldn't say it too loudly, but recommendation criteria include more than just grades. They look at your daily school life. Serving in the Student Council as a Vice President or President is seen as being a role model, so those titles are definitely taken into account."
"I see... That makes sense."
"I took my position with a bit of ulterior motive myself," Sara-san admitted, "but titles do carry weight externally. Of course, the downside is that if you don't perform, the negative evaluation for being 'incompetent' or 'disappointing' is much harsher than it would be for a regular student."
She was right. Having a title meant you were judged by a higher standard. Sara-san had built a wall of visible achievements to secure her evaluation, whereas someone who did nothing would be seen as a failure.
"Well, I doubt high school politics get that intense, but it sounds like Takanashi-kun is on the right track," Natsumi said.
"Yes. We can't be complacent, but he'll be fine. He works hard every day, and effort like that doesn't go unrewarded."
"True. Especially with Sara and Hanako-san backing him up."
"That's not it," Sara-san corrected. "No matter how much people support him, nothing happens without his own drive and effort."
"The fact that this test started so well is because Kazunari pushed himself," Hanako-san added. "We're just the assistants."
"Exactly," Sara-san said. "This is the result of Kazunari-san’s own hard work."
Her eyes seemed to be telling me to hold my head high. And she was right—even if I’d had help, I was the one who sat at that desk every night. I could afford to be a little proud.
"Still... why are you so worried about his grades, Natsumi-senpai?" Hanako-san asked.
"Hmm? Well... it's hard to explain, but I feel like if Takanashi-kun isn't doing well, nothing in our group will go right."
"...I see. I think I understand," Hanako-san said, nodding. Hayato and the others seemed to agree.
Wait, was I the only one who didn't get it?
"Fufu... It means you're the central figure of our group, Kazunari-san."
"If our leader is struggling, we can't get into our rhythm either," Hayato added.
"I-Is that it?"
I wasn't sure if I followed, but if me working hard helped the group stay in a good mood, then I was happy to do it.
"Alright, let's clean up and head to the flowerbed."
"Agreed. We’ll be short on time otherwise."
"Let's all pitch in and finish quickly."
"Yeah! We haven't had much rain, so the flowers need a good watering..."
"Shall we get ready, Kazunari-san?" Sara-san asked.
"Yes. It’ll help me wake up for the afternoon."
"Fufu... Oh, you."
Regardless of the specifics, if my efforts had a positive effect on everyone, that was enough for me.
"Alright, let's go!"
Time to switch gears and get back to our daily routine!