He Said, Flashing A Grin

July 1st, 5:15 PM, Kiyohito’s House

It had been about two weeks since then, and nothing special had happened, just ordinary days passing by.

The only notable thing was that Marin-chan had been coming home a little later these past few days.

“It’s rare to have a school trip in our third year.”

“Now that you mention it, yeah.”

“It might be because of that, but I still can’t get into the mindset for exams.”

“…What’s with that excuse? Besides exams, there are tests before summer break, so if you want to enjoy your last summer break, you should study.”

“Ugh, tests are such a drag. And hey, isn’t it pointless to care about third-year grades for those not applying for recommendation? The universities probably decide based on test scores anyway.”

“Listen here… I came because you said you wanted to study for the tests.”

“Well, lately you’ve been distant.”

“That’s… well…”

“Is everything okay at home?”

“It’s fine. Nothing’s changed.”

“How about we share a house once we’re in college?”

“…If you were neat, I might consider it, but after seeing this room, I’m not feeling it.”

“Geez! Idiot! I like you, okay?! Don’t make me say it!”

“I’m sorry. I don’t like you.”

“Stop with the nonchalant replies!”

“…Alright, I get it! I’ll do it! Just leave it to me!”

And so, it became a daily routine to study at Kiyohito’s house before exams. Despite Kiyohito being carefree, his parents were strict, so the only times I could hang out at his place were during exam periods and long holidays.

“So, which university are you thinking of? Sei University? Hama University?”

“Well, considering my academic abilities, Hama University would probably be the safest bet. If I really push myself, I might have a shot at Sei University too.”

“I see. Well, if you go to Sei University, make sure to learn from the smart ones. In our class, the top two smart ones are Shiozaki-san and Umi-chan. Both of the top two are girls. Well, Shiozaki-san is probably going to Tokyo University, and Umi-chan could probably get into Waseda or something… They’re both so smart. I wonder why they’re even at our high school.”

“…Hmm.”

Now that I think about it, I’ve been getting stalked by those two… well, one of them is still ongoing…

“Hey, if it’s Umi-chan, maybe she’ll teach you, huh?”

“…Well, Shichiya-san is…”

“What’s wrong? Isn’t she great! Big-b**bed shy loli. It’s the second most popular type after the innocent b*tch, you know?”

“I dislike the innocent b*tch type, and as for the big-b**bed shy loli… I don’t dislike it, but…”

“I knew it! Haha, so you’re more into Umi-chan than Shiozaki-san, huh?”

“No, it’s not like that.”

“Oh, by the way, I found out who Shiozaki-san’s husband is.”

I accidentally snapped the lead of my mechanical pencil.

“Oh, seems like you were curious about it too, huh? You pervert!”

This reaction… sounds like it’s not my name that’s going to come up.