Chapter 59: The only good thing

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Translator: Soafp

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[――“Hajime-kun, you always score 100 on tests!”――]

[――“You're so smart!”――]

Back in elementary school.

I was happy to hear those words, so I spent my lunch breaks studying instead of playing.

[――“He's at it again.”――]

[――“How much does he love studying?”――]

In middle school.

I convinced myself that sitting at a desk was the coolest thing I could do.

[――“He's trying way too hard.”――]

[――“I heard he didn't even join any clubs.”――]

[――“He's always by himself.”――]

My grades were always among the top in the school.

But the way people looked at me was the complete opposite of how it had been in elementary school.

It was as if they were looking at something “out of place.”

Of course they would. And during my second year of middle school――no, I don't want to remember what came after that.

[――“So anyway”――]

[――“Let's hit up karaoke after school!”――]

By the time I got to high school.

I had almost no presence at all.

Days spent at my desk.

Because that was all I had to do.

The only thing I had left――my only redeeming feature.

[――“Let's ask Icchi, who ranked fifth in the grade, to teach us!”――]

That's why.

When I heard those words.

[――“You're so smart!”――]

It felt like, for the first time since elementary school.

I could use that “talent” of mine not for myself, but for my friends.

To be honest, I think I went overboard.

I spent the entire weekend before the test not on my usual advanced problems, but on the basics.

I even ordered all kinds of materials and carefully prepared lessons from different angles.

So I could teach the two of them in a way that made sense.

…But I don't regret it.

Because they were both happy about it――

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“…(Woke up)(Despair)”

“Zzz… (Kanon-chan still sound asleep)”

So why am I asleep right now? (Pale as a ghost).

“……”

“……”

Both of them are studying so seriously!! (Tears in my eyes).

And here I am, all cozy in a futon.

It's warm and feels nice (IQ of 5).

Am I messing around? (Furious).

…Ah, no use thinking like this. It's not going to change anything.

“…A-absolutely, I'm so sorry (My Japanese is failing). I fell asleep (Bows deeply).”

“Whoa!?”

“Hey, Toumachi-kun!”

From a lying-down position to a deep bow in one smooth motion (Aha moment).

Kisaragi-san comes toward me.

An angel is approaching (Dead).

“I committed the grave sin of falling asleep while the two of you were studying. Please forgive me (Bows deeply).”

“…We were sleeping too, so don't worry about it, okay?”

“Yes! (Revived)”

Her voice was like it was wrapping me in a warm embrace.

Oh man, what's with this angelic power?

It erased all of my negative thoughts――This is seriously incredible (Respect).

“…Ah.”

Sitting across from me, Hatsune-san was watching.

Her expression was gloomy.

“Hatsune-san?”

“…! Ah, n-no, it's nothing! I should probably head home, it's getting late.”

“Yeah, you're right. It's already 6 PM.”

“That's true… Do you have anything else you need help with?”

“…Ah, sorry. There are a few things.”

“Of course, no problem――”

“A-Ayanon! I feel bad for Icchi! Let’s go home?”

“Huh?”

“Huh?”

While the two of them were talking, Hatsune suddenly cut in with a shout.

…What’s going on?

“Don’t worry about it. This study session was meant for that.”

“But—”

“Hatsune-san, are you alright now?”

“…Nothing else.”

“I see. If you’re sure then…”

Her face clearly showed she was struggling.

Even so, if she says that, I can’t push any further.

The test starts on Wednesday. If there’s anything they need, they can always ask at school.

But I had a feeling that wasn’t really the issue.

“…Can I ask about this part?”

“Leave it to me! (enthusiastically)”

If I can help them, it makes me happy.

I might be exaggerating, but it feels like I’ve been studying just for today.

[—”You’re really smart!”—]

It felt amazing to finally use my brain for someone else, and that feeling was addictive.

…That’s why.

I couldn’t help but be bothered by the dark expression on Hatsune-san’s face.

☆

“—Are you sure you don’t need me to walk you home?”

“It’s fine! It’s your precious Sunday, Icchi. You need to study too… right, Ayanon?”

“…? Yeah, we’ve been relying on you the whole time.”

“That’s how it is!”

“Well, if Momo says so… goodbye, Toumachi-kun.”

At the front door.

It was already 7 PM.

Kanon’s asleep on Kisaragi-san’s back.

She must be heavy, so I thought about walking them home, but…

Hatsune firmly insisted, and we parted ways there.

“Bye-bye, Icchi.”

At the security gate of the apartment.

The two of them were walking away.

“…”

I watched them go and returned home.

“Did I mess up…?”

At the entrance, withered paper cranes greeted me.