A week had passed since the mid-term exam. On this last day before summer break, the students waited nervously for their mid-term exam results.
Mr. Akihiko entered classroom 1F with a serious expression, making the students start talking quietly among themselves. "Why does Mr. Akihiko look so serious? Did many of us fail the exam?"
Eri and Shimizu waited anxiously.
Mr. Akihiko addressed the class. "You guys have disappointed me because none of you have failed this time," he said, then broke into laughter at his own joke.
"What?!" the students exclaimed.
"Surprised? Wasn't my act pretty suspenseful?"
"Geez, Sensei, don't shock us like that."
"You almost gave us a heart attack, you know."
"Does this mean we passed all our subjects?" Eri and Shimizu wondered as they looked at Mizuha, who smiled and nodded at them.
"Good job, everyone. Many of you improved this time."
Mr. Akihiko announced that Mizuha had earned first place in the entire class, with Zul taking second and also being the highest-ranking male student.
"Give them a round of applause!" The classmates clapped enthusiastically.
As I expected, those two got the top places, Shimizu thought.
I wonder what place I'll get.
The classmates weren't surprised about Mizuha's performance since she was known for her intelligence. But they were surprised that Zul had secured second place, since he was often laid-back and sometimes napped during class.
"We shouldn't underestimate him anymore," the classmates agreed.
Mizuha turned to Zul, who was sitting behind her. "Congratulations, Zul."
"Congratulations to you too, Mizuha."
Mr. Akihiko called students one by one to receive their exam result record books. When Shimizu's turn came, Mr. Akihiko said, "Not bad, Shimizu; you've improved, especially in Math."
"Thanks, Sensei," replied Shimizu, who had placed 15th.
When it was Eri's turn, Mr. Akihiko said, "Impressive result, Sakamoto! Not only did you pass your weakest subject, but you also scored high in others. I'm glad to see that."
"Thanks, Sensei! This is all thanks to my friends' support," said Eri, who had achieved 9th place.
Mr. Akihiko mentioned that the overall rankings for their entire year were posted in the first-year corridor. "And Mizuha, congratulations again! You earned first place among all first-year students this time; you make me and this class proud," he added.
"That's great, Yuki-san! First place among all first-year students!" her classmates cheered.
Shimizu leaned in. "As expected of my best friend Mizuha. As your friend, I'm proud of you."
"Good for you, Mizuha-chan."
The students of Class 1F were relieved they could enjoy their summer break without worrying about remedial classes.
Before leaving, Mr. Akihiko addressed the class. "I know you're all thrilled with your exam results, but don't forget the summer break homework your teachers have assigned."
A classmate sighed, "Geez, sensei, why did you have to remind us of that? We're just happy about the exam results right now."
During recess, students gathered around the information board Mr. Akihiko had mentioned, eager to see the overall first-year rankings.
"Look at that—Yuki-san from Class 1F got first place overall among the first-years," one student remarked, as Mizuha's name became a topic of discussion.
Another student wondered aloud, "Yuki-san? Isn't she the transfer student who arrived a month after school started? Isn't she also friends with that famous delinquent, Shimizu?"
"Yeah, and I heard she's really talented at drawing and also managed to tame Shimizu."
Shimizu appearing behind them, wearing a scary smile and touching their shoulder.
"Oh, she managed to tame me? That's a good story. Can you guys tell me more about it?"
"Erk, she's here! Let's get out of here," they said, quickly leaving the spot.
What do they mean by 'tame me'? Do they think I'm a beast or something? Shimizu wondered.
Shimizu sighed as she headed to the cafeteria. "Ah, some students still think of me as a delinquent. Looks like that rumor hasn't died down yet."
Meanwhile, Akemi and her friends approached the board to check their own rankings.
"Akemi-chan, it's amazing you got first place in our class!"
"I bet you got first place overall among the first-year students too."
Akemi replied confidently, "Of course, it must be. I worked so hard for this exam, you know."
"I bet your name will become well-known soon."
Akemi scanned the list intently. "Okay, let's see what place I got for the overall first-year rankings."
Her face turned pale suddenly. "What? I only got fourth place...? Then who got first place?"
Akemi quickly found the top name. It can't be... It's Mizuha-chan? she thought, confused.
That can't be right—out of all people, I lost to her...?
Why... why must it be her and not me?
She felt disappointed and angry as she gritted her teeth and clenched her fist.
Her friends leaned in. "Huh, Yuki-san from Class 1F got first place?"
"Yuki-san, you mean the one who's always with Hikaru-kun, right?"
"Yes, I've heard about her, but I didn't know she was so smart."
Her friend turned to her. "Akemi-chan, what's wrong? You suddenly went silent."
Akemi tried to appear calm. "Ah, it's nothing, don't worry about it."
Akemi then returned to her usual confident attitude to hide her disappointment. "Too bad, huh? I didn't get first place this time, but it's not important to me. I'll do better in the next exam."
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"You're right, this is just the first exam for us. There are many more to come, and I know you'll do even better and beat Yuki-san in the next one."
"Hey, Akemi, let's go to the cafeteria. We'll treat you for getting first place in our class."
Akemi’s mood improved immediately. "Really? You two are the best friends I've ever had!"
In the cafeteria, Akemi and her friends waited in line for food. Mizuha, who had just paid for her meal, walked past them.
Mizuha noticed Akemi and approached her. "Akemi-chan, it's been a while. How did you do on the exam?"
Akemi replied in a cold tone, not even looking at Mizuha, "Why are you here? Is it important to you?"
"But I... just wanted to ask you about it..."
"Enough! Please get out of my sight now. I don't want to talk to you about it."
Mizuha’s expression turned sad. "I see, you don't want to talk about it. That's okay, I'm sorry for asking. Please excuse me." Mizuha then left Akemi's group.
Her friends turned to her. "Akemi-chan, that was Yuki-san, right? You two seem to know each other."
"Well, I used to talk to her once when I was eating lunch with them."
Another friend chuckled. "But you completely ignored her just now. She looked disappointed."
Akemi then laughed too. "Yeah, let her be disappointed. That's not my problem."
I never planned to be friends with her anyway, especially after she took something important from me when she transferred here, Akemi thought.
"Oh, it's almost our turn. Go ahead and choose the food you want. We'll pay for it."
Akemi smiled. "Oh, well then..."
Mizuha returned to her group while thinking. What happened to Akemi earlier? Why was she so cold? Did I upset her somehow?
"Mizuha, you're late! Why did it take so long?" Shimizu complained.
Mizuha took a seat beside Eri. "Sorry, the line was very long."
"Mizuha-chan, you seem down. Is something bothering you?"
"No, nothing's wrong. I'm fine."
"Cheer up! You're today's star, Miss Number One."
Hikaru and Takeru then joined them suddenly. "That's right. All the first-year students are talking about you today."
Takeru turned to them. "That's impressive, Mizuha. You're the top student in our grade now."
Mizuha’s face lit up. "Hikaru, you came! And you too, Takeru?"
"Yeah, this guy wanted to join us, so I brought him along."
Mizuha turned to Hikaru. "So, Hikaru, how did you do? What about your results?"
"Me? Oh, not bad. I managed to get sixth place in my class, eighteenth overall."
"That's great! Sixth place is still a good result. How about you, Takeru?"
"I got seventh in my class, one place below Hikaru, and twenty-fifth overall."
"That's good, Takeru."
Hikaru elbowed Zul playfully. "Zul, I heard you got second place in the class. That's great, just what I'd expect from my best friend!"
Shimizu leaned in. "Of course, he's the top male student in our class."
Takeru felt impressed by Zul. "Woah, that's really impressive."
Zul just smiled at their praise.
"Don't forget about Shimizu and Eri. They both improved in most subjects. I'm glad I could help them study."
"Don't say it like that, Mizuha-sensei! You're embarrassing us!" Eri and Shimizu said at the same time.
"Ah!" they both exclaimed when they realized they'd spoken at the same time.
Mizuha laughed. "You both said the same thing together!"
Zul leaned in. "That's unusual coming from you two."
Shimizu suddenly grabbed Eri's shoulder. "Of course, we were friends, after all—right, Eri?" Eri just nodded and smiled in agreement.
All of them laughed together at that.
Mizuha was laughing now. She's not sad anymore, Shimizu thought.
"Anyway, thanks to you, Mizuha, we managed to pass our weakest subjects."
"We couldn't have done it without you, Mizuha-chan."
"Thank you very much."
"Stop it, you guys—you’re making me blush! It's nothing special. I only helped you a little. Your hard work is what made it happen."
Mizuha then turned to Hikaru. "Hikaru, can I ask you something?"
"Yes, what is it, Mizuha?"
"How is Akemi doing in this exam? What place did she get in your class?"
"Akemi? She got first place in my class, right, Takeru?"
"Yes, she was first in our class, but why are you asking? Did something happen between you two?"
"No, nothing happened. I just wanted to know. Thanks for telling me."
If she got first place, why did she look disappointed and act cold to me earlier? thought Mizuha.
Stop thinking about it, Mizuha. Don't feel sad about it or your friends will worry, she thought to herself.
Shimizu suddenly thought of celebrating their exam success after school.
"Hey, you guys, we all did our best this time, so let's celebrate our achievement after school today. What do you guys think?"
"That's a good idea, but where should we go?"
Shimizu laughed. "I didn't think about that, sorry."
"How about you, Mizuha? Do you have any ideas, Miss Number One?"
"Eh? You suggested that, but you never thought about it?"
"I also have no idea where to hold it, but I think I'll pass it to Zul for today. Let him decide our destination today."
Zul’s face turned surprised. "Huh, why are you suddenly passing it to me?"
"Before this, you passed your decision to me once; now I'm returning it to you," Mizuha said, recalling their previous outing in town.
"Oh, I remember that—it was when we went bowling, right?"
"Yes, that's it."
Zul sighed. "Oh, I see, so it's back to me, huh? Alright, let me think about it."
They waited while Zul considered their options. After a moment, he gave his answer. "Then, let's have it at the family restaurant nearest to the school. It's been a while since I've been there."
"So, it's decided, we're having it at the family restaurant after school today."
Just then, Takeru stood up, and Hikaru turned to him. "Umm, what's wrong, Takeru?"
"Sorry, you guys. I suddenly remembered I have something to do after school. I can't join you."
Mizuha felt a bit disappointed. "Oh, too bad. We thought you'd want to join us too."
"I'm really sorry, maybe next time, okay?" Takeru then left the group.
Sorry, you guys. Actually, I don't have anything to do today, but I think I'll just let you guys be together today like you usually do. I don't want to disturb your group. Sorry, Mizuha-chan, Takeru thought to himself.
After school, the five friends made their way to the family restaurant as planned. They discussed their exam results as they walked. Zul, Shimizu, and Eri walked in front while Mizuha and Hikaru followed behind.
Eri turned to Zul. "I can't wait to show this exam result to my mother."
"Yeah, I bet she'll be proud of you with this result since you managed to do so well in almost all subjects."
"I wonder if that old hag will say something good about my results."
"She might compliment you for that, Shimizu-chan, because you're doing very well."
Behind them, walking beside Mizuha, Hikaru observed, "They all seem happy with their exam results, right?"
"That's right, especially Eri and Shimizu, who managed to pass their weakest subjects and also improve in other areas. That's why they are happy."
"As their instructor, I'm proud of their performance this time."
Hikaru nodded thoughtfully. "It must feel good to see them do so well."
"So, Mizuha, what are your plans for the summer break? Are you going anywhere?"
"My family and I plan to visit my grandparents for a few days at the beginning of the summer break. How about you?"
"Hmm, I don't have any plans for this summer break. Maybe I'll just stay at home—unless our leader up front calls us to do some activities as usual," Hikaru said, pointing at Shimizu.
Mizuha chuckled. "You're right, Shimizu always plans the best activities for us."
Suddenly, Shimizu turned back to join them. "Were you guys calling me?"
Hikaru shooed Shimizu. "None of us were calling you. Go back to the front."
"Tch! I thought I heard my name," she said, then returned to the front with Zul and Eri.
A few minutes later, they arrived at their destination. "Oh, we're here already," Hikaru announced. "Let's go inside, Mizuha."
Hikaru turned to their group. "You guys just order what you want; it's all my treat today."
Mizuha felt hesitant as Hikaru offered. "Are you sure about this, Hikaru? We can pay for ourselves."
Shimizu leaned in. "Yeah, this is the second time you've paid for all of us. The last one was for the BBQ equipment rental earlier."
"Don't worry about it; it's my treat for today. Don't hesitate to order whatever you want, okay?"
"But...Takamiya-kun…"
Zul interrupted. "Eri, don't worry about it, just order what you want."
"Zul, you're very calm about this, like you're used to Takamiya-kun treating you."
"Well, nothing can stop him if he wants to treat you. He did it so many times for me in middle school."
Mizuha looked surprised. "Really!? Even Zul said that?"
"Then go ahead and order what you want." Hikaru encouraged them.
"Alright, thanks, Hikaru," Eri, Mizuha, and Shimizu said in unison as they began choosing their meals.
After the waiter delivered their orders, Hikaru turned to Shimizu. "Shimizu, do it. Let's begin."
"Huh? Why me? I'm not the star today; Mizuha is."
Mizuha chuckled. "But you're the leader, right? Then it's your job to do it."
"Alright, if you say so, then it can't be helped. Let me start it."
"Let's have a toast to celebrate today’s stars—Mizuha and Zul—as well as everyone who did so well on the exams, and for our upcoming summer break!"
"Cheers!" Shimizu announced, raising her glass.
"Cheers!" everyone responded in unison, clinking their glasses.
After the toast, the table came alive with laughter and conversation as they celebrated their success in the midterm exams.
After separating from his friends at the family restaurant and walking Mizuha home as usual, Hikaru was now walking alone on his way to his house.
"Many good things have happened recently. I wonder what's coming next."
As he neared his house, he suddenly encountered a woman wearing a coat, hat, and sunglasses walking past him.
"Who is this person? I've never seen her around this area before," Hikaru thought.
The woman suddenly said quietly to him, "I see, you've grown up, huh? It looks like that woman raised you properly. Good for you, right?"
Hikaru was shocked by those words and turned to look at the woman, but she was already gone.
"Huh, where did she go?"
Hikaru looked around but didn’t find her.
Suddenly, someone approached him. "Onii-chan, what are you doing? Your face looks pale, are you okay?" said the middle schooler who had just come back from the convenience store.
"Shiori? What are you doing here?"
It was Shiori, his little sister, who had approached him.
"I just came back from running an errand Mom asked me to do. What are you doing? Are you looking for something?"
"Oh, yeah. Did you see any strange woman walking past you?"
"Strange woman? No, I haven't seen anyone around here."
"This is so strange. Where did she go? Anyway, let's go back to our house now."
The two siblings walked together after that. Hikaru kept thinking about the mysterious woman's words and why she disappeared so quickly.
That woman, it can't be her, right? If that was her, what was she doing around here earlier? thought Hikaru.
Suddenly, his thoughts were interrupted by his little sister, who poked his face with a pack of popsicles she had bought earlier.
"Hey, what are you doing? That was cold, you know."
"Geez, Onii-chan. You spaced out suddenly. I called you many times, but you didn’t hear me."
"Ah, did that happen? Sorry about that."
"I've been worried about you. Are you truly okay? You still didn't answer my question earlier."
"Don’t worry, I’m fine, actually…"
"Is that so…? If you say that, then there's nothing I need to worry about."
Shiori then gave him the popsicle. "Here, take this. Eat it before it melts. It was delicious in this heat."
"Oh, thank you." He then ate it immediately.
"You're right, it was delicious."
Both of them had a little conversation with each other until they arrived at their house.
As they arrived at their house entrance, the Takamiya Residence, their family maid opened the door for them and greeted them, "Welcome home, Hikaru-sama, Shiori-sama."
"Thank you, Maid-san."
"Mom, we're home!"
"Oh, you came back together? That's unusual," replied their mother, who was sitting in the living room reading a book.
"Well, I met onii-chan when I was coming back from my errand earlier."
"Hikaru, you're coming home late today. Did you go somewhere?"
"Well, I went to a family restaurant with my friends to celebrate our exam results."
"Oh, your results were announced today? I totally forgot about that. How did you do? Can you show them to me later?"
"Well, I'll show them to you later."
"Ah, I know. I'm sure you got a bad result. That’s why your face turned pale earlier, and you want to show Mom later, right?"
"Hehe, just accept it, onii-chan."
Hikaru then laughed and smirked at his little sister. "Too bad, Shiori, your assumption is wrong—because I actually got a good result this time too."
"Tch…I was wrong…" Shiori felt a little upset with Hikaru.
"Geez, you two…" Her mother looked at her children acting up.
Then she leaned in. "Understood, but don't worry. It's fine if you don't want to show me—I'm not forcing you."
"Don’t worry, Mom. I promise to show it to you later."
"By the way, I heard that Shiori said your face looked a bit pale earlier. Did something happen?"
"Ah, nothing happened, actually. Maybe I'm just too tired today because many things happened earlier with my friend at school. Then, let me rest in my room for now."
Hikaru smiled at her, hiding the fact that he was actually thinking about the strange woman they had encountered earlier.
"Understood. Go back to your room and rest. If you need anything, please ask me, okay?"
"Okay, Mom. Thank you for your concern." Hikaru then left for his room on the upper floor.
Even though he seemed cheerful and happy lately, something about him made her worried, thought his mother.
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