On Sunday, the last day before the monthly exams, Yui Yuigahama studied diligently, her pen scribbling non-stop through problem after problem. Although she had morized the solution steps, concepts, and common mistakes, Yui still went over practice questions again and again. Each ti she reached an answer on her scratch paper, she carefully checked it before writing it down.
After finishing the practice exam, she flipped to the answer section at the back and carefully compared her work. When she saw her score t her expectations, her slightly furrowed brow finally relaxed a bit. After a twenty-minute break, she dove back into the next round of studying.
From breakfast until nearly ten at night, Yui sat at her desk studying, with only a brief break for lunch and an hour-long nap. Finally, around ten, she put down her pen, stretched her arms, and sighed.
"Ah, my pen's out of ink," she murmured, realizing her pen had run dry. She pulled a fresh refill from her desk drawer and replaced it. Her once-new notebook was now down to the last few pages, worn thin by her intense study routine.
Yui Yuigahama, caught up in her study fervor, originally wanted to complete two more practice tests. But then she rembered Kotomi Izumi's advice and obediently switched off her desk lamp, packed up her bag, and went to bed.
Taking a deep breath, she gazed up at the ceiling and murmured, "I hope I do well tomorrow. I don't want to disappoint Mom, Kotomi… or myself."
anwhile, having just returned ho after tonkatsu, Kotomi, who had freshly showered and was playing Azur Lane in bed, was also thinking, I wonder how Yui's studying is going? She asked a bunch of questions yesterday and said she'd be studying all day today. Motivation is great, but I hope she doesn't stay up too late.
She even considered calling Yui to check, but when she saw it was already 10 p.m., she dismissed the idea.
Just one more draw, Kotomi thought as she clicked on the ga's build pool, hoping for a lucky pull.
What ship will I get? Could it be a golden rarity?!
As the phone screen blinked, a powerful voice suddenly rang out:
"Hey, kid!"
Ahhh! Kotomi clenched her fist, feeling her blood pressure spike. Great, today's build pool is designed to send straight to rage!
The next day, Monday, 7:30 a.m.
Kotomi got up early. Since she needed extra ti to find her assigned classroom for exams, she miraculously resisted her usual habit of snoozing. Normally, she would keep telling herself to sleep just ten more minutes, unmoving beneath her covers.
After changing into her uniform and finishing breakfast, Kotomi left ho. She had thought she'd be early, but as soon as she opened the front door, she saw gumi Kato standing nearby—under a streetlamp, no less—waiting for her.
Kotomi was getting curious about what ti gumi arrived each morning to wait at her door.
Even though gumi had been looking down at a few neighborhood cats eating the treats she brought, the mont Kotomi stepped outside, gumi sensed her presence and looked up with a gentle smile.
"Good morning, Kotomi."
"Morning, gumi."
Kotomi walked quickly over, and as she did, the cats, who had been happily munching on the fish treats gumi had brought, suddenly turned their attention to her.
One little cat ran up and brushed against Kotomi's leg, wing affectionately.
Looks like all the neighborhood cats around here love rubbing up against for affection, Kotomi thought, amused.
"These little cats seem to really like you, Kotomi," gumi comnted, smiling.
"I guess they're just familiar with since they see a lot. But it looks like you've also gotten friendly with this orange tabby! I rember she wouldn't even let you touch her before."
"Take their snacks, and you take their hearts. This little guy here eats more than all the others every ti," gumi crouched down and reached out to pet the orange tabby by Kotomi's feet, her fingers brushing lightly, "accidentally" grazing Kotomi's ankle.
When gumi's fingers touched Kotomi's ankle, a strange tingling sensation shot through her abdon, her cheeks began to heat up, and beads of sweat appeared on her forehead.
What's going on? I just went to the bathroom before leaving, so why am I suddenly so sensitive?! Was it just from gumi brushing my ankle?
Kotomi's thoughts raced in surprise.
Thinking back, she realized her body had beco increasingly sensitive over the last couple of days. The slightest contact made her feel intensely aware, making her crave… sothing.
Or rather, so specific kind of action.
But Kotomi was too shy to even think about what exactly she wanted.
"Kotomi, are you okay?" gumi asked, noticing Kotomi's slightly flushed cheeks and looking genuinely concerned.
"I'm fine!" Kotomi responded quickly in a small voice. Then, she hurriedly added, "We should head to school. We can't be late for exams!"
"Alright," gumi nodded, standing up.
As she watched Kotomi's slightly flustered movents, gumi couldn't help but smile with an intriguing expression.
So, just brushing her ankle made her that sensitive? How adorable.
When they arrived at Sobu High School, many students had already co in early for exams, filling the campus with unusual early-morning energy.
The faculty coordinator was nearly in tears. Usually, he had to round up students who didn't arrive until nearly nine, but today, by 8 a.m., a crowd of students had gathered on campus.
"Kotomi, which room are you in?" gumi asked.
"Class 1-A. How about you?"
"I'm in Class 1-B, so I'll be right next to you."
The classrooms had already been set up for exams before the end of the school day on Friday. Once students arrived, they were expected to head straight to their assigned rooms, settle into their seats, and use the remaining ti to go over last-minute notes.
"Kotomi!"
Yui Yuigahama jogged over to them, looking a bit frantic. Only when she reached Kotomi did she relax slightly, bending over to catch her breath.
After a long pause, she finally spoke up.
"Oh, good. I thought I'd be late."
"The first exam doesn't start until 9:30, and it's only just after 8. No need to panic!" Kotomi reassured her, patting her back to help her catch her breath.
"I set two alarms last night—one for 6:30 and one for 7—but when I woke up, it was already 7:30! I was sure I'd be late!" Yui explained breathlessly.
"Even if you'd left the house at 8, you'd be fine. Did you have breakfast?"
"Yes! I had ran, a sausage, and two fried eggs!" Yui announced proudly, but then she lowered her voice anxiously. "But now I'm really nervous. I did so many practice problems yesterday and reviewed all the key points, but now that it's ti, I feel so tense."
Seeing Yui's worried expression, Kotomi gave a gentle smile and hugged her, offering so encouragent.
"Just relax—you've worked so hard studying. All you have to do is keep calm and take it one question at a ti. You've got this."
Maybe there was sothing magical about Kotomi's embrace because Yui suddenly felt her anxiety lt away.
With a light heart, she smiled back and said, "I think… I'm not nervous anymore!"
"Good! Keep that calm mindset. We still have about an hour until the exam, so why don't you go to your classroom and review the points I marked?"
"Alright! Kotomi, I'll go on ahead! And gumi, good luck too!"
With a quick wave, Yui headed toward her designated classroom.
"Looks like Yui will be fine." Kotomi turned to gumi and said, "Let's go and settle in, too."
But to her surprise, gumi didn't move.
"gumi?"
gumi slowly spread her arms, smiling up at Kotomi with a soft but direct gaze.
"Kotomi, I suddenly feel even more nervous than Yui. Could you hold for a mont?"
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