My New Life

Chapter 19: Study Plans

Kushida was back to her usual energetic self, and whenever I locked eyes with her, she'd send me a reassuring smile.

I'd smile back, but it never reached my eyes.

How could it?

She knows I can tell something is going on with her, but despite that, she continues to act like this.

In my head, I grinned.

Now I have a tight grasp on just how exactly she wants this to play out.

"The test that Chabashira-sensei mentioned is coming up soon. Everyone understand that they'll have to drop out of school if they receive failing marks. So, I think that it would be best if we form study groups."

Classes had only just ended for the morning before Hirata walked up to the front of the class, adamant on making sure everyone passed this test.

"If you neglect your studies, you'll immediately receive failing grades and drop out. I want to avoid that situation. Studying isn't solely for avoiding the situation, because there is also a high possibility that our test scores are reflected on our points. If we get high grades, the assessment of our class might go up. I asked some people who got good grades to help out. So, I would like people who are worried about their grades to come participate in the study group. Of course, everyone is welcome to join."

Hirata stared at Sudo, who just clicked his tongue.

He averted his gaze, crossed his arms, and closed his eyes.

It seems their relationship is still as bad as it has been.

"From 5 o'clock today until the day of the test, I plan to study every day for 2 hours in the classroom. If you have any thoughts of participating, please come. Of course, it's fine if you have to leave halfway for club activities. That's all."

Directly after saying that, many of the students who had failing marks, or almost failed, got up and went to Hirata.

Sudo, Ike and Yamauchi were the only three that didn't approach him.

Ike and Yamauchi looked like they wanted to, but ultimately didn't.

I felt someone's gaze, and looked back to see Horikita quickly turn her head to look at Ayanokoji.

Despite how she acts, she doesn't actually want to hurt anyone too deeply.

Honestly, it's a little pitiful how clear it is she still blames herself for what happened.

Well, it was her fault, but I already forgave her.

In the end, I just sighed.

...

Ayanokoji POV:

"Are you free during lunch? Do you want to eat together?"

During break time, Horikita asked me this.

"An invitation from you is unusual. I feel scared for some reason."

"It's nothing to be scared about, I can buy you the Vegetable Set if you want."

Isn't that a free meal?

"Just kidding, I'll seriously buy you whatever you want to eat."

"Definitely scary, is there some kind of catch?"

Considering she was the one who invited me out to eat, I couldn't help but feel suspicious.

I would feel suspicious if I was invited out of the blue. I remember Horikita saying that before.