Everyone Laughed Together

After that… my phone records and messages were thoroughly checked.

From mid-January, the common test began, and Marin, Kai, and Kiyoto, who were all preparing for university entrance exams, focused on their studies.

◇ February 12

While receiving acting guidance from the director, he said, “It’s understandable to be concerned.”

“Oh, no… I’m sorry.”

“No, no, that’s natural. But, knowing Marin-chan, I don’t think there will be any problems.”

“…Yes.”

After a short break, I anxiously checked my phone, and a call from Marin-chan came in.

I answered immediately, and Marin-chan reported in her usual cheerful tone, “I passed!”

“…That’s great.”

“Heeheehee, don’t underestimate Marin-sama!” Her voice, though on the phone, clearly conveyed her smug expression, and I couldn’t help but be moved to tears from relief.

Although Marin-chan said this, I knew from hearing her repeatedly talk in her sleep about failing that she had been studying diligently every day. I was truly happy and relieved for her.

“Congratulations, Marin-chan.”

“Yay! Alright! I’ll be partying until graduation! I’ll contact Mom too, so talk to you later! Oh, what time do you think you’ll be home today?”

“Uh… Probably in the evening?”

“Got it! Then I’ll make a delicious meal and wait for you! Oh, or  if you’re up for it, we can cook together!”

“Sure.”

After ending the call, the director told me, “You can go home today.”

“…Huh? But…”

“What’s important for an actor is having a relaxed state of mind. That relaxation will expand your acting range. Rest properly when you can.”

“…Yes.”

So, I ran home quickly.

I wanted to see Marin-chan soon.

I wanted to hold her and embrace her.

As I pushed through the crowd, I kept running.

When I finally reached home, I heard voices from inside.

“Ahaha, Marin is always so cute.”

“Well, yeah?”

That voice…

Drenched in sweat, I went into the living room and saw the familiar, relaxed figure sitting there.

[Philosopher: Kanade-san]

“Well, well, to run home like this is quite commendable.”

“…Hah, hah… Marin-chan… congratulations.”

“You came back!”

“Yeah. The director said it was fine to leave early today…”

“I see! By the way, I also met Umi-chan, and she passed as well!”

“…I see.”

Both of them passed the entrance exams for Tokyo University…

It’s really amazing.

Now, there’s only Kiyohito…

Considering that I haven’t received any contact from him…

Then, my phone vibrated.

“Shit, just woke up now.”

He was still the same as ever…

Five minutes later, I received the report that he had passed.

I was surprised that Kiyoto had passed. It was clear he had been putting in a lot of effort behind the scenes.

“Hey, let’s call everyone and have a party today!”

“Ah, yeah. Let’s do that.”

I’d preferred to celebrate just the two of us, but Marin-chan probably enjoyed having fun with everyone.

Soon, Honjo-san, Umi-chan, Kiyoto, and a few classmates arrived at the house.

“Who is this handsome guy?”

“Ah, it’s nice, isn’t it? Though, I’m actually a girl.”

“I never thought Chisato would go to a cooking school.”

“Do I really look the type that can’t cook?”

“Oh, Umi-chan passed too! Good, good!”

“Ah, thanks… And Kiyohito-kun… congratulations.”

“Alright! Let’s have a great time today!”

“How about you, Aoi? Still practicing with the director?”

“Yeah, pretty much.”

As we were all enjoying a small party with food and drinks, Honjo-san kept grinning at me.

“…What?”

“It’s an S size! LOL” (TL: lol bro)

“What do you mean? The clothes?”

“Nope! This!” Honjo-san then flaunted my favorite condom, which he had somehow found.

“Wait! Where did you get that from!?”

“It was just next to the TV. Haha, S size! S size!” He ran around the room with it.

“Give it back! Give it back!”

“No way! Haha, Aoi with an S size despite being a masochist!” 

“…S…size, huh…” Umi-chan blushed.

“Yep. Aoi-kun’s is cute,” Marin-chan said nonchalantly.

“Wait!?”

And so, everyone laughed together and enjoyed a happy time.