「Unn, I was just stating the truth though… Ah, but come to think of it, isn’t it after school? Don’t you have to go to club activities today? You’ve had club activities every day recently, right?」
I asked, remembering that she had mentioned during lunch break that she was busy with club activities every day.
「Ahh, yeah. Actually, club activities are on break for a while starting today. You know, midterm tests are coming up in two weeks, right? So club activities are suspended until the tests are over.」
「Eh? Ah, I see. Come to think of it…」
I remember hearing something like that from Natsue a while ago. So, are those two having a study session together now? If so, I’m quite envious.
「I see, that’s how it is. Then, let’s both work hard on our test studies so we don’t get any failing marks!」
「Eh? Ah, ahh, yeah. T-That’s right…」
「? What’s wrong? You look a bit gloomy.」
For some reason, Sasaki-san suddenly looked a bit gloomy, so I asked out of concern.
「Well, actually, I always used to study for tests with Haruka, but this time she said she wanted to study with Natsue-kun. So I’m a bit anxious about having to study alone this time…」
「Ahh, I see. I heard from Natsue a little while ago that he was going to have a study session with Sakurai-san. Still, Natsue and Sakurai-san seem really close, they’re such a lovely couple.」
「Yeah, yeah, that’s true. Haruka always talks about Natsue-kun happily, so he must be a wonderful guy.」
「Haha, of course, he’s a really good guy. I can guarantee that as Natsue’s best friend.」
「Hee, is that so? Fufu, that’s a reassuring endorsement. Well, I hope those two stay happy together for a long time.」
「Haha, yeah, me too.」
And so, we got excited talking about our close friends who are a couple. After all, it’s natural to want your friends to be happy.
「Well, but having to study alone from now on is a bit daunting. I mean, I just have to do my best…」
「Yeah, that’s right. And for those in club activities, it would be troublesome if they get failing marks and have to attend supplementary lessons, so they have to work even harder. Ah, by the way, how do you usually do in tests, Sasaki-san?」
「Me? Well, I’m usually about average… ah, but.」
「Hmm? But what?」
When I casually brought up the topic of tests, Sasaki-san’s expression darkened a little again.
「Well, you see, I can get decent scores in English and other humanities subjects… but I’m terrible at math. So I always take tests with a sense of dread when it comes to math…」
「Hee, is that so? I see, so Sasaki-san is only bad at math… Ah, that’s it!」
「U-Unn? That’s it… what?」
Hearing about Sasaki-san’s problem, I immediately thought of something, so I decided to share it with her right away.
「Yeah, so how about I help you with math?」
「Help with math… Eh? You mean Yamada?」
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「Yeah, that’s right. I’m actually pretty good at math and science subjects. So if you’re okay with it, I can help you study math.」
So I boldly made that proposal to Sasaki-san. I’m really glad I’ve been working hard at studying all this time.
(I never thought there would be such a good way to repay the favor!)
I’ve been thinking about how to repay Sasaki-san for a while now. And now, at an incredibly good timing, a chance to repay her has come, so I was a little happy inside. However…
「U-Umm, no, I appreciate the offer… but you have to study for yourself too, right? It would be too much trouble for you to take care of me on top of that…」
However, Sasaki-san said that to me with a very apologetic look on her face. And I somehow felt that she might reject my proposal.
(Ah, but I see. Come to think of it, Sasaki-san…)
That’s right. Until now, I thought of Sasaki-san as a very straightforward, cool girl who could be like a male friend, going along with jokes and pranks.
But over the past few days, as I’ve gotten to know Sasaki-san better by spending time with her every day, I’ve realized that she’s actually a kind-hearted girl who cares about others and doesn’t want to be a burden.
That’s why she’s taken actions to step away so many times, so as not to disturb Sakurai-san and Natsue who are just starting their relationship.
(Alright, then… let’s go with this strategy!)
So I said this to Sasaki-san with a smile.
「No, no, don’t worry about it, it’s totally fine. Actually, I’ve been in a bit of a bind myself.」
「Eh? In a bind?」
As I said that with a smile, Sasaki-san looked puzzled and asked me.
「Well, actually, I’ve been studying with Natsue since our first year.」
「Eh? Is that so?」
「Yeah, that’s right. But now that Natsue is going to have study sessions with Sakurai-san, I’ve been a bit troubled. To be honest, I don’t really feel motivated to study when I’m alone… I tend to slack off if there’s no one around…」
「Ahh, I see. Yeah, it’s true that it’s hard to get motivated to study when you’re alone. And the more we talk… fufu, it seems like we’re in similar situations, aren’t we?」
So I said that I was also troubled because I didn’t have a friend to study with. My strategy was to reduce Sasaki-san’s feeling of guilt by showing that I was in the same situation.
And if I can convey that there are mutual benefits, I think Sasaki-san will go along with my proposal. Well, as long as she doesn’t dislike me…
「Haha, that’s right. So, as fellow sufferers, I thought it would be nice to have a study session together. That is, if Sasaki-san doesn’t mind being alone with me.」
「Ahaha, why would I mind being alone with you now when we’re alone together every lunch break? Of course, it’s totally fine with Yamada. Well, it seems we’re both in a bit of a bind… yeah, I’d definitely like to have a study session together.」
「Ahh, that’s great. Then, when should we start?」
「Hmm, let’s see… how about starting tomorrow?」
「Yeah, got it. Then, I’m counting on you!」
「Yeah, same here.」
And so, it was decided that Sasaki-san and I would have a study session. I’m really looking forward to interacting with Sasaki-san after school starting tomorrow!