Chapter 27: I’ll study.

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Translator: Soafp

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“Now try solving the problem using this formula.”

“Hmm? Didn't we already do this one?”

Sora operated the laptop, printed a worksheet, and handed it to Ginji.

They had been repeating the process of Sora creating problems, Ginji solving them, and the two reviewing the answers together.

“It's a little different this time. Just give it a shot.”

“Fine, but… isn't it just me doing all the studying here?”

Still dressed casually with one leg crossed over the other, Sora continued creating problems, brushing off Ginji's complaint without concern.

“Don't worry about it. Teaching you is the best form of study for me.”

“You better actually be able to score in the top ranks on the test. If you don't, all this is pointless.”

“I promise. Oh, and Ginji, the formula here is a bit different. In the test scope, everything with double brackets is easier to solve using this version of the formula.”

“…Alright, alright.”

Ginji, being naturally obedient at heart, kept solving the problems Sora handed him without further protest.

The next problem was a bit harder, and Ginji focused intently as he worked through it.

“…”

While watching him, Sora quietly closed the laptop and began sketching in a notebook with a pencil.

The ticking of the clock on the wall and the sounds of Ginji's mechanical pencil and Sora's pencil filled the room.

“I'm done.”

“Okay, let me see.”

Sora took the worksheet from Ginji and began grading it. Ginji, now taking a breather, glanced at Sora's notebook—and burst out laughing.

“Pfft! What the hell are you drawing?”

“H-Hey! Don't look without asking!”

What Sora had been drawing was Ginji studying diligently. It was a quick sketch with few lines, but the way the posture and habits were captured—like how he held the pencil—showed Sora had been observing him carefully.

“You little—while I thought you were studying, this is what you were doing?”

Ginji reached out and squeezed both of Sora's cheeks, stretching them from side to side.

“Nggh—s-sorry, I'll behave, I'll behave!”

After giving Sora's cheeks a good stretch, he finally let go.

“Geez… Still, your cheeks are really smooth, you know?”

Ginji was surprised at how fresh and soft Sora's skin felt—nothing like a typical boy's. Sora was unusual in many ways, but smooth skin too? He wondered if the boys in class knew about this.

“I've always had sensitive skin, so I take good care of it. I even handled ordering Aika-chan's skincare products.”

“The more I hear, the more I think Shiki never truly appreciated how amazing you are… Mngh…”

Now it was Sora's turn to reach across the table, grabbing Ginji's cheeks and giving them a squishy massage. Perhaps because he had done the same earlier, Ginji didn't resist.

“Your skin's pretty smooth too, actually… Ginji, do you do skincare?”

“Huh? Nah. I just wash my face, that's all.”

“Ehh, that's such a waste. I'll look up some men's skincare products for you.”

“Wait… the stuff you use isn't men's?”

Sora froze at Ginji's question.

“Uh… well, I've been using Aika-chan's stuff too, so… I guess I don't have much in the way of men's products…”

Her eyes darted nervously, but since Ginji wasn't that interested in beauty talk, he didn't think much of it.

“Well, whatever. We got sidetracked—aren't you gonna check the worksheet?”

“I am. Okay, I've got a good sense of where your weak points are now. Let's take a break.”

“Yeah, I'm beat.”

Looking at the time, they had apparently been studying for about two hours straight. Ginji stretched and relaxed his body.

“I don't have anything fancy, but I've got some cookies. What do you want to drink?”

“I'm in the mood for green tea.”

“Sorry, I don't have any. Do you like green tea?”

“Yeah, I drink it a fair bit. It's usually coffee or green tea at home.”

“Hmm, I'll make sure to have some next time.”

Sora put a finger to her lips, clearly making a mental note about the tea.

“You don't have to go out of your way. It's not that big of a deal.”

“No, I want to know. The things you like. I'll study up on good green tea, okay?”

Seeing Sora say that with such genuine joy, Ginji responded:

“…Focus on studying for the test.”

And so, he gave her a good-natured jab.