Chapter 25: So as long as I come out on top, it's fine?

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Translator: Soafp

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After classes ended for the day, the two of them sat across from each other at a table in their usual hangout—the reference room. For today, Sora had prepared a slightly bitter gâteau au chocolat to match Ginji's taste. Naturally, it was homemade by her.

“Isn't cake a bit overkill? I mean, it's good, though.”

“You think so? Hmm… I fixed it in place really well, but it still got a little messed up.”

“Probably because I stuffed your bag into the basket.”

Without touching her own piece, Sora watched Ginji eat with a cheerful expression. After taking a big bite of cake, Ginji leaned heavily on the table with his elbow.

“Alright then, strategy meeting—this is Phase Two.”

“Phase One was just greeting the boys? Sure, I got familiar with about twenty of them, but… if anything, the bullying from the girls and some of the guys is probably gonna get worse.”

The lunchtime incident with Aika had already spread around as gossip, and even people who weren't present were now whispering behind their backs. Some girls even said things loud enough to be heard, but the two of them didn't seem bothered at all.

“At worst, the gossip just got more intense, right? But compared to that, we actually achieved something big. The next step is showing off your skills.”

Maybe because Ginji had finished his cake, Sora picked up her own smaller piece and took a bite using a plastic fork.

“Nom… Mmm, I'd love to add some brandy to this, but I can't buy any since I'm underage… Skills?”

“Like I said before, you're only getting low scores because Shiki told you to, right? You're actually smart. So for the monthly test coming up in a week, go all out and get a top score. Ideally, beat Shiki. Being good at studying is an easy way to show how ‘amazing' you are—especially at this school. The more attention you get, the less likely people are to attack you. Plus, when you decide to go all in later, it'll give you more credibility.”

The school they attended, Eimei High, was an academically focused institution. Every month, students were tested in selected subjects, and the top rankings were posted for all to see.

“Got it. So I just have to go all-out on the test, right? By the way, what rank did you get on last month's test, Ginji?”

“Me? I did well in history, since I'm good at it—came in 90th out of 200.”

“O-oh. That's… pretty borderline.”

In truth, for a decent academic school in the prefecture, placing 90th was actually respectable. But Sora didn't seem convinced.

In fact, she grinned mischievously like she had just thought of something fun and pointed a finger at Ginji.

“Then I'll teach you how to study.”

“Like how Shiki tutors people based on what's going to be on the test? I'm not looking to use you like that, Sora.”

“That's not it. I wouldn't do something so half-baked with you. I'll teach you properly—from the fundamentals, thoroughly.”

Her hazel eyes sparkled brightly. It seemed like Sora’s “caretaker mode” had just switched on. Ginji felt a cold sweat run down his back from a bad feeling creeping in.

“N-no, this time it's important for you to stand out, so focus on your own studying. I'll handle mine on my own…”

Sora puffed her cheeks in protest.

“…Then I won't go all out. I can only give it my best if you're trying too, Ginji.”

“What kind of logic is that… Fine, okay. It's not fair to make you carry all the weight. But you're still the priority, got it?”

“Don't worry.”

Sora declared confidently, and Ginji raised an eyebrow.

“If I really try, I can get a perfect score.”

“Haha, now that's the spirit, partner.”

“Hmm, you don't believe me, huh.”

It wasn't unreasonable for Ginji to think she was joking. The monthly tests had narrower scopes than the regular exams, but they also always included at least one tricky question that reflected the teacher's personal tastes. Scoring a perfect mark was far harder than just placing first.

“Well, now that we've decided, let's get studying. I'm good at memorizing, but I suck at math.”

“If you're good at memorization, you'll get better at math too. So, should we start studying today?”

“Sure, sounds good. But where? I'm broke, so how about my place?”

At Ginji's suggestion, Sora looked up at him and shook her head.

“Let's do it at my house this time.”

“Really? I thought you didn't want anyone seeing the second floor?”

“That was… because it was sudden. But now I've, you know, planned ahead and tidied up… for various reasons.”

“Alright then, let's switch off between our places until the test.”

Sora's face was slightly red, but Ginji didn't really notice anything strange and accepted her offer without question.

“O-okay.”

“…Also, try not to bribe me with snacks too much while we're studying.”

“Who says snacks are all I've got planned?”

“What are you trying to do to me!?”

Sora fell silent at that, her thoughts spinning. Then, without warning, she started lightly kicking Ginji in the shin.

“Ouch—what the hell?”

“You perv.”

“How!?”