章 88: Upcoming Winter Exam
Tension hung in the air, a subtle but persistent presence in Yasushi's classroom whenever Catherine entered. Furuya and Catherine's relationship, bold and unmistakable, shifted the dynamics of the room. Furuya, once the unchallenged leader of the "Singles Squad," now walked hand-in-hand with Catherine, leaving a sour taste among the other boys who had looked up to him.
Yasushi found himself in a peculiar position. While he understood the discomfort his classmates felt, he couldn't deny a certain relief. The focus had shifted from him and Jingliu. Their own connection, discreet and careful, no longer drew the same level of scrutiny. Furuya and Catherine's romance blazed brightly enough to cast shadows over everything else, providing Yasushi and Jingliu a chance to move through the school with a little less notice.
"It's funny," Xinyi mused, perching on Yasushi's desk. Laura and Jingliu were close by, listening. "Catherine was so panicky about this whole thing, and now look at them."
Xinyi's observation floated in the air, mingling with the unspoken thoughts of those around. The group watched as Catherine and Furuya navigated their newfound attention, while Yasushi quietly appreciated the reprieve it granted him and Jingliu.
"The guys tend to forget Furuya's history," Yasushi remarked, his eyes flicking over his phone screen. "He dated someone once. Then he got dumped and somehow became the leader of the singles in our class. Now he's in a new relationship, and they're all bitter. High school life, I guess. Always shifting."
Laura, munching on some candy she had brought for breakfast, chimed in, "It's been a week, and we've found our rhythm for after-school studies. It's no big deal. Catherine's been late because she watches Furuya's baseball practices." She shrugged, popping another candy into her mouth.
Her words carried a truth they all recognized. Furuya and Catherine had shared their news two days after they started dating. Since then, Catherine often stayed after school, watching Furuya and his team on the baseball field. Xinyi had granted her permission, with another maid taking over her duties during that time. It had become a routine, a new element in the complex web of their school lives.
+-+
"Hey, did you hear? Some students are planning to mess with the museum event this year because they think we're too uptight," Laura remarked, chewing on a sandwich as they sat on the school's rooftop.
With the heavy snowfall blanketing the field, there was no baseball game for lunch, so Furuya joined them. The rooftop, typically a neglected space, had been cleared of snow through the combined efforts of Xinyi and Jingliu's staff, creating a cozy haven for their group.
"I heard about it," Furuya replied, leaning back against the railing. Catherine, beside him, fed him a bite of her lunch, their public displays of affection a constant reminder of their new relationship. "It's mostly some rebellious first and second years. They're unhappy with how the events are organized. Instead of talking to the event planners, they're resorting to causing trouble."
"Let the staff handle them," Yasushi said, his tone pragmatic. "We'll have our usual security in place, plus the museum staff. They won't get far. But we should still be vigilant. They might try to sneak in or blend with the visitors."
The group nodded in agreement, the gravity of the situation sinking in. The museum event was a significant responsibility, and they had to ensure it went smoothly despite the potential disruptions. The rooftop, with its clear view of the snow-covered campus, felt like a brief escape from their responsibilities, but reality lingered just below the surface.
"We also have our exams to focus on, so let's leave it to them unless it directly affects us," Jingliu said, her voice calm and measured as she ate beside Yasushi. She then glanced around and asked, "Where's Reina?"
"She's studying during lunch too," Furuya answered, a hint of admiration in his voice. "She mentioned she's supporting her siblings alone since her parents are mostly abroad. When you think about it, her situation is like Yasushi's but on hard mode."
His remark earned a sharp look from Jingliu and Xinyi.
"What? It's true…" Furuya mumbled, eyes shifting awkwardly. He turned to Catherine for support, but she simply frowned at him, reinforcing the collective disapproval. "Ugh…sorry," he conceded, sighing.
The group resumed their lunch, the earlier tension dissolving into the rhythm of casual conversation. They discussed their study plans, determined to pass their exams without the burden of retakes or sacrificing their winter break.
+-+
Furuya collapsed onto his back with a dramatic sigh, letting out a groan that echoed in the quiet room. "I can't… my brain… it stops here… I need food."
The clock ticked past six in the evening. They had been studying since four, their session undisturbed by the usual baseball practice thanks to the inclement weather. Furuya, grateful for the break, had joined them at the appointed time. However, the long hours of intense concentration had taken their toll, and he was the first to tap out.
Yasushi looked up from his book, glancing at his phone to check the time. He nodded in agreement. "Let's order something. I'll grab drinks and snacks too," he said, rising from his seat.
"I'll help," Reina offered, standing up. Jingliu, always quick to assist, followed suit.
The three of them left the room, the murmur of their conversation fading into the hallway. Behind them, Xinyi picked up her phone to order pizza, her voice efficient and calm. The distant sound of Reina's siblings cheering at the mention of pizza added a touch of warmth to the otherwise studious atmosphere.
"Reina, why not join us for dinner? We can get Yinhaie to drive you home afterward, so you won't need to worry about that for tonight," Jingliu suggested, her tone unexpectedly warm.
Yasushi looked at his girlfriend in surprise. Jingliu, typically more reserved and reticent, usually left such invitations to him. Seeing this side of her felt like witnessing a small but significant shift.
"A-are you sure? I wouldn't want to intrude, Jingliu… we're fine, really. Our parents send us money every month, more than enough for us," Reina replied, clearly taken aback by the sudden offer.
"It's fine," Jingliu insisted. "We always have more food than we can eat. We usually end up giving it to our staff or donating it to shelters in the city."
This was the first time Yasushi had heard of this, and he stared at Jingliu in shock. He had often wondered about the fate of the excess food, but the thought had never lingered long. In their current house, they didn't prepare as much since the staff was smaller, and the meals were primarily for three: Jingliu, Yasushi, and Yinhaie, the head of their household staff.
"You donate it all? I never knew," Yasushi remarked, his voice tinged with genuine surprise.
"We never told you? We still do it at our old house. My parents occasionally return there, but for now, it's mostly given to the staff who live and maintain it. They're well taken care of," Jingliu replied calmly, her eyes meeting his with a serene openness.
They reached the kitchen and requested drinks and snacks from the staff, who responded with cheerful efficiency. Within moments, they had everything they needed. One of the staff members offered to carry the items for them, but Yasushi and the others politely declined, wanting to handle it themselves.
As they made their way back to the study room, Yasushi reflected on what Jingliu had said. It was a glimpse into a part of her life he hadn't fully understood before, a subtle but meaningful act of generosity that spoke volumes about her character. She wasn't just the reserved, somewhat aloof girl he had thought he knew; there were layers to her that he was only beginning to uncover.
They eventually returned to the room, setting out the drinks and snacks. The air was filled with the comforting clatter of plates and the rustle of snack bags. A few minutes later, the pizza arrived, the scent of melted cheese and fresh toppings quickly filling the room.
Reina helped her siblings with their food, ensuring they had their portions before taking her own. Furuya and Catherine, wrapped up in their world, fed each other with a tenderness that bordered on theatrical. Laura and Xinyi ate in a more straightforward manner, though Xinyi couldn't help casting bitter glances in Furuya's direction, clearly irritated by the overt display of affection.
Jingliu and Yasushi leaned against each other, silently observing the scene unfold before them. Both wore subtle smiles, a shared amusement coloring their expressions. The transformation from their early days in this world to the present moment felt almost surreal. They had never anticipated finding themselves in such a scene, surrounded by friends who brought laughter and warmth into their lives.
It was a moment that felt almost miraculous, a delicate and rare convergence of paths that had led to this room, these people, and this shared experience. Yasushi doubted they could recreate such a moment if they tried, the spontaneity and genuine connection making it uniquely precious.
Jingliu tightened her grip on Yasushi's arm, her silent gesture communicating something profound and unspoken. He sensed the depth of her emotions, even if he couldn't fully decipher them. It was clear that the friends they had made were a significant part of her thoughts.
He placed his hand over hers, meeting her gaze with a smile that conveyed his understanding and shared appreciation. In that small, intimate moment, surrounded by the cheerful chaos of their friends, they found a quiet connection. The room buzzed with conversation and laughter, but for Jingliu and Yasushi, time seemed to slow, allowing them to savor the simple, profound joy of companionship.
クリエイターの想い 
Haruki_Murakami
Haruki_Murakami "En boca cerrada no entran moscas." -Spanish proverb
"Flies do not enter a closed mouth."
Meaning: This proverb advises that it is often wiser to remain silent and avoid unnecessary trouble or conflict, highlighting the value of discretion and thoughtfulness in communication.
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