AFTER SCHOOL AT THE cafe. I usually felt calm here, but today, my heart was rapidly beating, albeit faintly.
It must be because the end-of-year special exam was announced.
It was dangerous to be optimistic, but depending on how things unfold, we might end up moving up to Class A.
When I first learned what being in Class D meant, I wondered what would happen to me, but I've made it this far.
I think I've been able to contribute to the class in my own way, but I shouldn't be conceited.
The results so far were because of my classmates' significant cooperation.
As the appointed time approached, he arrived.
"Is something wrong?"
His first words upon arriving were unexpected.
"...What do you mean?"
"I just felt like you might be worried about something. I hope I'm mistaken."
Apparently, what I had been thinking about so deeply had shown on my face.
"Is it that obvious?"
"It is."
"I see. No, I was just thinking about next week's exam. Sorry if it bothered you."
I apologized and tried to regain my composure.
"Are you nervous about it already?"
"It can't be helped, right? The fluctuation in class points will be significant. It's a major turning point whether our class moves up or down."
I couldn't help but think about the exam. However, continuing to touch on that topic here wouldn't solve anything... I searched for a different subject to discuss.
"By the way... have you noticed there are fewer first years around?"
"Yeah. It seems the first years are finally facing the challenges of the end-of-year special exams."
"Time seems to pass slowly, yet flies by so quickly. It's already been a year since they enrolled in this school."
Two years ago, following my brother, I enrolled into this school as well. Back then, I hadn't even thought about making friends or having fun. I was just focused on pursuing my grades. Recently, however, I found myself spending more and more time idly with Kushida-san and Ibuki-san.
Well... I wonder whether counting those two as friends is appropriate.
And the Ayanokōji-kun in front of me—I felt like we had been together for quite some time.
I could now confidently say that the everyday life I had grown accustomed to had become indispensable.
I felt a little embarrassed yet proud of my changing self.