On Monday, Ichin and Utaha returned to school. Right after their first class, they were summoned to the office by Shizuka Hiratsuka.
Looking at the two students seated in front of her, Hiratsuka got straight to the point.
"It's already October. Midterms are next week—you two should be fine, right? Although your recomndation slots are pretty much locked in, don't ss up at the last minute!"
"Don't worry, don't worry."
Ichin, thinking it might be sothing serious, relaxed once he realized it was just about exams. He waved his hand casually and said,
"Relax, Hiratsuka-sensei. We didn't study much while we were on leave, sure, but we did so solid reviewing last night after we got back. We'll keep up a steady pace every day from now—won't let it slide."
Utaha smiled and added,
"That's right. I'm looking forward to stealing back the top spot in the grade from Ichin during the rest of senior year."
Seeing the two of them so composed, Hiratsuka, though she knew it was probably fine, still couldn't help but say a few words—just in case—after they returned from leave.
"Alright, as long as you're aware, that's good enough. I've got nothing else—go ahead and head back."
Just before leaving, Ichin leaned closer to Hiratsuka and whispered,
"Hiratsuka-sensei, while we were off, we picked up a few local treats on our trip with our families. We brought so back for you too—drop by the Service Club at lunch to get it."
Hearing that, Hiratsuka couldn't help but laugh.
"You little rascal, are you trying to bribe your teacher?"
"It's just so cheap local snacks—definitely not bribery. Just make sure you co grab it."
"Fine, fine, I got it. I'll co by at lunch."
—
At lunchti, after eating, Hiratsuka showed up at the Service Club as promised.
Whenever she had ti during lunch, she usually dropped by for so of Yukino's tea, so she was already quite used to the place.
This ti, she even rembered to knock.
"Co in."
After hearing Yukino's voice, Hiratsuka opened the door and walked in.
"Good afternoon. Did you all have a good lunch?"
Inside the clubroom, the four usual mbers were sitting in their usual spots, sipping post-al tea.
"Perfect timing. I'm a little too full—Yukino, make a cup too."
Yukino had expected Hiratsuka to show up, so without a word, she poured her a cup of tea.
"Thanks."
Taking a sip, Hiratsuka looked over at Ichin and held out her hand.
"So, where's my gift?"
Ichin stood up and went to the cabinet, where he took out a shopping bag.
"Here you go, Hiratsuka-sensei. So West Lake lotus root starch and a few sweet preserved snacks. Honestly, you should cut back on the smoking—maybe try these as a substitute, help you quit a little."
"Tsk tsk, why are you already acting like an old man, nosing into everything? Even nagging about smoking?"
Taking the bag and glancing at its contents, Shizuka smiled and said,
"Don't worry, I know how to manage my smoking. I only have one or two occasionally—not even close to those chain-smokers. Still, it's thoughtful of you. By the way, how do you eat this lotus root starch?"
Ichin gave her a simple explanation of how to mix and brew it, and she seed very pleased with the gift.
"Not bad, not bad. I can make so in the mornings."
After setting the bag aside, she took another sip of her tea and looked over at Ichin and Utaha.
"Almost forgot—after next week's midterms, we'll be organizing the senior class school trip. You two really not going?"
"Nope, not going," both Ichin and Utaha answered in unison.
Then Utaha added,
"Kyoto's honestly nothing special. We've been there already. And please, Hiratsuka-sensei, spare us the 'make so high school mories with your classmates' speech. That kind of line only works on kids. I've got a new novel coming out in mid-October, and I need to focus on that. Ichin also has company stuff to handle—the next livestream is already in prep. We don't exactly have ti to waste on a school trip."
"Why do you two students sound busier than I do as a teacher…"
Grumbling a little, Hiratsuka decided to drop the topic. She finished her tea, grabbed the gift Ichin had given her, and left the Service Club.
Once the clubroom door closed, Eriri looked at Ichin and Utaha and said,
"I thought you two were just joking… but you're seriously not going?"
Ichin nodded.
"Of course. We didn't even sign up. Like Utaha said, Kyoto isn't that exciting. If the school had picked a different destination, sothing more interesting, we might've considered it."
Yukino, who was sitting beside Eriri, also chid in,
"Kyoto really isn't that appealing. If our senior trip is to Kyoto too, I probably wouldn't go either."
"Huh? Really?"
Eriri looked at Yukino in surprise.
"I was actually hoping to room with you during the trip!"
"We're not even in the sa class, Eriri. How would we end up in the sa room?"
"That's easy!" Eriri grinned.
"Just put in a request. It's a school trip, not so military drill. I'm sure the teachers would allow it. Besides, Yukino, would you actually enjoy rooming with the girls from your class?"
"…"
Yukino was silent—because it really would be a hassle.
It did seem like if the trip weren't to Kyoto, maybe she could consider switching rooms to stay with Eriri. That way, she wouldn't feel so out of place.
Otherwise… she might just skip the trip altogether.
—
After finishing their tea, Ichin and Utaha returned to their classroom. Yukino and Eriri stayed behind to store the gifts Ichin had brought them. Once everything was put away, they locked the clubroom and headed back too.
They could just pick up the rest after school. They'd planned to study in the clubroom anyway to prepare for exams.
On the way back to class, Yukino glanced at Eriri and, after a mont of thought, asked,
"Eriri, it's not the third sester yet, but have you started thinking about college? After winter break, the pathway survey will start."
"College, of course. I'm definitely aiming for an art major… but I haven't decided which university yet."
Eriri couldn't help looking a little troubled as she spoke.
"You're probably aiming for Todai, right? The law departnt there is amazing—if you want to be a lawyer, it's the perfect fit. If you get in, you'll still be Ichin and Utaha's underclassman. Ugh, why doesn't the University of Tokyo have an art school? If they did, I might actually have a shot…"
She clearly wanted to go to the sa university as people she was close with—but Todai was a stretch for her field.
....
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