Chapter 79 - A Silent Listener

After the incident with class 1C and Hiyori Shiina, since they're all live in the same dormitory, they're inevitably left to head back together.

Ryou walking behind the 4 of them, because he is the oddball, a class 1B student between class 1D students after their group study. That's why he decides to silently walk behind them.

"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?" Hasebe asked

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

"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's 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." Hasebe shocked by the news.

"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?"

Ryou just keeps his silence, since this is a talk between friends from class 1D and he has nothing to say. At least not if they're not asking him something.

"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." Hasebe said.

"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." Miyake said while scratching his cheek.

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

Hasebe seems to have her own ideas. Suddenly, a question not usually they heard from Ayanokouji was heard.

"Hasebe, I have something to 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? What about it?"

"Erm-"

"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."

"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?" a question mark appeared on Ayanokouji's mind.

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

"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?" Miyake said to them.

"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."

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

"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." Ayanokouji explained while thinking, 'Where did this came from?'

"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. It's like a gift from God to the creature called women.

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

"Me too! You two come as well. Ah wait, it's three. Sorry Hiroki-kun, I almost forgot that you're together with us, you're walking behind us all this time after all!"

Feeling sorry like they're forgetting Ryou, Hasebe offers her apology.

"It's okay, this is a talk about you guys problem and I think I have nothing to say about that." Ryou said to them with a smilenon his face.

"Yeah, sorry Hiroki-kun. We're talking all the time, even forget that you're still with us."

"It's just we got a different side of you, in the sports festival you look conspicuous. But I didn't notice you at all when you together with us." Hasebe was a little bit surprised.

'There's no way right if I'm suddenly buŧŧ in on your conversation when I knew that has nothing to do with me.', he thought.

"No problem, let's go to the convenience store, I want to buy something too."

Ryou was silent all this time like Yukimura, although Yukimura said something once in a while. He was really an oddball between them.

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A/N: It's like when a friend of yours takes you to his friend's group. You only can listen to their talk silently, but you got a lot of information from them with their talks.

"Gimme a Hi-Five!"