Chapter 127 Academic Struggles - Part 4 [Kanako Hanae]

These arcade booths were seriously decked out. It's like walking into a real casino, but instead of cash, you use your points. It seems like they added them in a few days ago. They've got something like Poker and even Roulette. It's like they're trying to offer more options for people to have more fun, or maybe to rack and suck up some points.

I decided to have some fun by closing my eyes and blindly walking to one of the booths.

"Ouch!" I squeaked, feeling a bump against my body.

Ugh, why did I have to make such a stupid decision... closing my eyes and walking around like an idiot? I cautiously opened my eyes and saw a tall, rough figure standing before me. Despite feeling a little intimidated, I guess I could try to apologize...

"Um, s-sorry."

The person didn't seem to want to respond any further, so I quickly turned around and made my way to the roulette booth. I stared at the large wheel spinning in the middle of the booth. I noticed how it's divided into numbered sections with alternating red and black colours. I could hear a soft clicking sound as a tiny white ball was being bounced around the wheel.

The table was surrounded by students, who seemed to be deeply focused on placing their bets on numbers or colour combinations. I could see their expressions filled with excitement and anticipation as the wheel kept spinning. I was curious about the round plate in the centre of the table, with different coloured chips stacked around it. I wondered if that's where they place their bets or something.

After observing the roulette, I admitted to myself that I had no idea how to play. Well, let's just see how it goes...

I nervously approached the roulette table, unsure of how to play the game. The receptionist at there kindly explained the rules to me and I placed my first bet on a whim, choosing a random number. To my surprise, the ball landed on my number and I let out a small scream of excitement.

The receptionist pushed stacks of chips towards me and I couldn't believe my luck. I continued playing, relying on a mix of intuition and beginner's luck, and ended up winning a considerable amount of points. I left the table after the receptionist transferred me the points.

"But well…"

700 points just won't cut it to cover the extra mark points. And what was the point of risking losing even more by playing the Point Games?

I left the arcade feeling tired and made my way to the dormitory. Upon arriving at my dorm room, my mind was fixated on the comforts of my bed. I reached my room and twisted the door handle, pushing it open with a soft creak.

"Oh, you're pretty late, Hanae."

A voice called out, my roommate's tone hinting at her surprise at my arrival. I glanced around the room but she was nowhere to be seen, most likely already tucked into bed.

I made my way to my bed, collapsing onto it without a second thought. My eyes drooped closed slowly.

**

I was jolted awake by the blaring sound of my alarm. I rubbed my sleepy eyes and slowly sat up in bed.

"Ah..."

I let out a yawn as I remembered something from yesterday. Why didn't my alarm go off? I shook the thought from my mind, deciding to focus on the present moment instead.

I stood up and stretched my arms, releasing a little yawn as I felt my muscles wake up.

"Ah, good morning."

As I left my room, I was greeted by my roommate, who had apparently already risen for the day.

"Good morning."

I responded as I made my way to the bathroom. My morning routine began as usual, with a refreshing shower to start the day. After my routine, the day proceeded as it usually did. I attended my classes where the usual pre-midterm chatter filled the air.

I then retreated to the library to spend the rest of the day studying alone, as I often did and as often I dislike.

While I was buried in my studies, a sudden loud slamming noise shattered my concentration. I tore my gaze away from my book to find the source of the disruption. It appeared to be coming from a reserved library room, but after a moment of silence, I figured it was just a one-time occurrence and returned my focus to my work.

With a sigh, I put down my pen and pushed back my chair. The monotony of studying for hours on end was taking its toll on me. I rubbed my eyes, feeling the weight of fatigue press down on me. Studying wasn't my cup of tea, and the feeling of being forced to do it just added to the exhaustion.

Gathering my things, I neatly packed away my notebooks and textbooks, making sure to leave the library table in the same condition I found it. As I slung my bag over my shoulder, I couldn't help but think how relieved I was to be done for the day.

I was considering studying with Hasegawa. It would be a productive and enjoyable way to spend my time, but first, I needed to check her availability.

"Hey Kanako, feeling up for some karaoke?"

Just as I was leaving the library, some of my friends called out to me asking if I wanted to go sing some karaoke. I figured, why not? Could use a break from all the studying. So, I nodded and hummed in agreement and followed them to the karaoke.

I wasted away all 700 of my earned points in the arcade. Although, I suppose it's not a big deal since I didn't put much effort into acquiring them. I mean, I'm tired and even the most fatigue-resistant people need to refuel their energy with food, right?

"See you later then."

They said as we wrapped up our hangout session. I simply tossed them a little wave in reply. It was only a short 10 minutes, but it was a decent little break from reality.

Ah, now what should I do… I don't think my studies are going that well.

I can only hope for the points.