Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818622172789075625/episodes/16818622175523573524
I no longer felt the need to teach Reisa how to study.
That’s only natural, when you think about it.
At first, she came to me to ask for help with her studies, saying she wanted to get good grades on her math tests.
After that, we started studying together, but it was just a natural progression.
She seemed to be struggling with failing grades, and I was also benefiting from studying with Reisa, so I helped her out.
But how about now?
She’s now consistently among the top students and has honestly developed academic abilities that are far removed from failing grades.
Judging from her, it seems she’s quite intelligent.
Her previous failing grades were likely due to skipping class, and if she continues to study on her own, she shouldn’t need to sacrifice her free time to join our study sessions anymore.
Unlike me and Nagisa, Reisa isn’t aiming for top grades.
Plus, she has many friends.
I don’t want to cause any cracks in her existing friendships by hanging out with us.
I didn’t want to force her to join us, so I asked her.
She stared at me with wide eyes and froze.
“Hey…what’s wrong?”
“Am I bothering you?”
“No, why would you think that?”
I smiled wryly at her strange question.
“Reisa, I thought you might want to hang out more since you have so many friends. You know, since we started studying together, we haven’t been able to hang out as much, right? Of course, I enjoy being with you, and I’d like to keep studying together, but I don’t want to force that on Reisa, who isn’t aiming for top grades.”
“Huh?”
“I’m just wondering if I’m getting in the way.”
It’s not that I think Reisa’s presence is a hindrance.
I’ve never even considered such a thing.
It’s true that I do most of the teaching in our study sessions, but her output, like in the mock exam the other day, helps reinforce my knowledge, so she’s a big help.
Of course, if she were like some childhood friend who constantly chatted and got in the way, that would be a different story, but Reisa listens carefully and concentrates when we’re studying.
I’m so grateful.
When I explained this, Reisa let out a big sigh and glared at me.
“You’re making me nervous ! Think about how you say things !”
“I’m sorry…”
“The way you said that was wrong, Tsukushi kun.”
“I’m really sorry…”
Even Nagisa, who rarely speaks up, gave me a stern look and made me apologize profusely.
I guess I’m not very good with words.
But no matter how you look at it, there’s no way I would say something like, “You’re in the way, so I don’t want to study with you anymore.”
I’m the guy who dragged out a relationship with my childhood friend until she broke it off.
…….
What’s wrong with me?
As I was thinking about strange things and feeling awkward, Reisa shook her head in exasperation.
“Come on, if you don’t say everything from the beginning, I’ll misunderstand.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Fufu, Tsukushi kun, you’re not very good with words. …But this is also a test of your ability to communicate, isn’t it?”
“Huh !? So this is my Japanese language ability…”
I was impressed by Nagisa’s playful remark.
She may have been joking, but this is the essence of it.
Indeed, that’s true.
Even in Japanese essay exams, I’ve lost partial points countless times because my explanations were insufficient, relying on the assumption that “it will be understood.”
Don’t underestimate conversation.
Everything is part of exam preparation.
“Hmph, I’m with Tsukushi because–well, it’s fun ! That’s why I’m here ! Don’t worry about it !”
“Ah, yeah. But honestly, what should I teach? From here on out, it’s not about advice to avoid losing points, but about how to aim for high scores.”
Scoring 70% on a mock exam is already at that level.
We need to change our approach from before.
Moreover, the midterm exam is surprisingly only a month away, and considering the cultural festival in between, there’s not much time left.
How should we study from here on out?
Reisa, who is looking puzzled, is approached by Nagisa.
“Actually, I won’t let you get away with it.”
“How much do you hold a grudge over my Japanese score?”
“No, that’s not what I meant ! Besides, that sounds rude !”
Nagisa, who is angry, is cute.
Compared to the beginning, her expressions have become much richer.
Before we became friends, she had a quiet image.
I’d never seen her angry before.
I feel like I’ve started laughing more since I started hanging out with the two of them, and I realize that friendships are important.
To be honest, I used to think, “If I had the time to make friends, I’d rather study,” but I was completely wrong.
“Well, studying aside, Nagisa is our enemy, you know.”
“What do you mean?”
“The cultural festival. Our class is doing a male butler café, so the maid café group is basically our enemy.”
“….Don’t remind me of that unpleasant thing.”
When the topic turned to the cultural festival, Nagisa held her head in her hands.
Seeing her blatantly upset, Reisa laughed.
She had been looking forward to it so much, but Nagisa’s expression was gloomy.
“I’ll come visit on the day of the festival.”
“Tsukushi kun !? Well, that’s…”
“I’ll go too. Make sure to serve the customers properly, Miss Maid.”
“…Ugh, I really don’t want to.”
Seeing her face turn red and her eyes well up with tears, it’s clear that she really doesn’t want to wear the maid costume on the day of the festival.
I think it suits her, but it’s understandable that she’s embarrassed.
Moreover, considering her popularity at school, Nagisa will definitely be the center of attention.
“But you’re gonna be dressed as a man on the day, aren’t you? Aren’t you embarrassed?”
“Not really. I always wear that at home, and unlike a maid outfit, it’s not frilly or anything. It’s not like I’m being forced to wear something with excessive exposure or a miniskirt.”
“Ugh…! Um, if it’s okay, could I borrow a maid outfit from the Nanamura family for the day…?”
“Eh? …It’s impossible because she’s there. Nagisa will feel awkward.”
“…I see.”
I don’t really understand what they’re talking about, but Nagisa hangs her head in resignation.
Maybe I shouldn’t go see this after all.
I was excited to go see Nagisa’s maid outfit, but seeing how reluctant she is, I think I’ll skip the teasing.
However, after the conversation, Nagisa slapped her own cheek.
Then she raised her face and showed a determined expression.
“Alright, I understand ! If it comes to this, I’ll seriously play the role of a maid ! I won’t lose to Reisa san !”
“But, Tsukushi.”
“Oh, okay. Do your best on the day.”
“Y-yes. …Um, please come too, Tsukushi kun.”
“Eh? Is that okay”
I thought she didn’t want me to see her in a maid outfit, but I was surprised by her unexpected suggestion.
Nagisa blushed bright red as she said,
“It’s okay. I’ll serve customers properly. Besides…well, I want you to see me anyway.”
“Buh ! What are you talking about !?”
“Well, you’re the one who challenged me to a competition, right? I want Tsukushi kun to see us and decide which one of us looks better.”
“Has the purpose changed somehow?”
It feels like this is no longer a cultural festival performance competition, but just a cosplay battle.
Well, if they’re having fun, that’s fine.
I’ll just be working behind the scenes on the day anyway.
As I thought this, I suddenly noticed something odd.
For some reason, it was completely dark around us.
That’s strange.
Looking at the clock, it was already past six o’clock.
We had been released from class around five o’clock, but before we knew it, an hour had passed.
…What are we doing?
The two of them seemed to have realized the situation as well, and exchanged glances with a wry smile.
“……Let’s study outside the school for a bit and then go home.”
“Yeah, that’s a good idea.”
“Sorry about that.”
It’s something to think about when the conversation gets lively.
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