Volume 2 - CH 21

The test is over and life in the new group begins.

I heard Takayama and Sugimoto’s test results and they were better than last time.

And after school, we are in the study room as usual.

“No way, we’re not going to study now, are we?”

Takayama talks to Anri while sitting on his knees.

I thought I was finally going to be released from studying for a while, but no way, right?

“No, I think we can take a break for a while. Cramming is not good.”

Takayama’s face softened.

Sugimoto, standing next to him, also looked relieved.

“But we need to take measures based on the test results from now on. Shall we discuss the countermeasures next week?

Anri is very motivated. If it improves my grades, then it’s not a bad thing.

I was able to get good grades thanks to her.

“So what are we going to do today?”

Well, it’s not like we’re going to study.

But we are gathering after school.

“I’m not really a classroom person, so it’s a little difficult to talk. Let’s go to the movies together.”

Anri talks to everyone with a smile on her face.

Everyone’s face, including mine, breaks into a smile.

“That’s right! We can go to the movie with our chests out! You did it, Tendo!”

“No, even Takayama won the first place for his subject. To be honest, I was surprised.”

Takayama was puffing out his chest. To be honest, I thought there was no other way but for me to win.

But Takayama won by sheer force. I admire that.

“Hmmm. Tendo, it’s memorization, memorization. Actually, I borrowed some questions from my senpai and memorized them! It was hard to memorize them because there were so many similar questions.”

It’s not cheating. But you don’t think he even borrowed past papers from his seniors and memorized them?

Was Takayama that good at memorization? I have an idea.

“Who did he borrow them from?”

“Ah, the senior member of the group who gave me the photo. Tendo would know, right?

Well, that group. The only thing that comes to mind is the fan club.

Did you borrow past papers from a senior member of the fan club?

“Well, that’s one way of putting it.”

I was completely engrossed in a conversation with Takayama.

“Gohon… Let’s talk about the results and how to deal with them next week. So, how about we decide on a rendezvous or meeting place or something?”

We can all go to the movies together. At first, I wasn’t sure what would happen, but we could all go.

After some discussion, we decided to meet in front of the Water Clock, a little closer to the station than the movie theater.

The preview starts at five in the evening. We decided to gather around 3:00 p.m. and go for a quick tour of the city before going to the screening.

“Then, don’t be late for the meeting.”

“I’m looking forward to it. Aren’t you looking forward to it too, Anri?”

“Yes, I’m looking forward to it. I’m probably more excited than I think I am.”

The two girls were smiling and talking to each other.

The atmosphere is so relaxing that even I feel at ease watching them.

“Oh, you see. I want to ask you something.”

Takayama began to talk, somewhat nervously.

This is very unusual from Takayama’s.

“How about we all have dinner after the screening? The movie finishes around 7:00 p.m., right? It’ll be late if we go home first, so what do you think? I’d like to thank you for your hospitality.”

I don’t mind going out to dinner, but how about Sugimoto?

“I have a curfew, but I’ll be fine. What about Ayane?”

“Well, I’ll have to check with my mom.”

“Tendo, of course, you’re okay with it?”

“Yes, of course, I am okay with that.”

Anri, of course, has no problem. She’s going back to the same house as me.

But I don’t have a curfew or anything. Did I set a curfew or something?

Sugimoto will have to check with his parents first, but we’re not kids, so it’s probably okay.

“I’ll call Takayama-kun when I get home and ask her.

“Oh, I’ll be waiting for your call. I found a good, inexpensive restaurant. Let’s all go there together!”

By the way, before the test, Takayama said something like, “I’m going to think about the plan for the day.”

Are you really thinking about things? Isn’t it okay if we go to a family restaurant around there or something?

“Then, as for after the movie, we’ll wait for Sugimoto-san’s call.”

“I’m sorry, I couldn’t give you an immediate answer.”

“No, that’s all right. Sugimoto has a lot going on at home, doesn’t she? Don’t worry about it.”

Takayama gave a fresh smile to Sugimoto.

Takayama’s behavior seems to be a little different from usual these days.

I don’t know how to describe it, but I feel something strange about it.

“Yeah, thanks. I’ll call Takayama-kun later.”

After all is said and done, our relationship is still good.

We’ll watch the movie as it is, have dinner together, and–

I’m going to tell you the truth about me and Anri.

It’s a bombshell after completing the mission given to us this time.

I want to spend at least the movie and dinner in peace.

How do I start this…?

I have to prepare a script now.