It was time for recess. Kazuya, Hikari and Miyu were hanging out on the rooftop. After what happened last time, Kazuya and Hikari got a scolding for about 30 minutes. As a punishment, both of them had to fulfill the wish of her to spend some times studying together after school.
"Do you get what I said, Hikari-chan?"
"Yes!"
"Minamoto-kun?"
"Sorry, but I don't have time after school. I've got a part time."
"Well then you're an exception, this punishment is originally for Hikari-chan anyway."
"H-hey that's not fair!"
"Just so you know you're the slowest one here." Kazuya ruthlessly slapped the reality onto her face.
"Guh.... Fine! I'll study hard!"
Hikari bowed down in embarassment, gripping her fist tightly. She was aware of her own capability. She finally built her resolve after remembering the consequence of failing the next test.
"Then it's decided. I'm looking forward for this week, Hikari-chan!"
Miyu was in full of spirit. She grabbed Hikari's hand. Hikari looked into Miyu's eyes that scream "You can do it!". Somehow this helped Hikari to build up her confidence more, now she felt like she could pass the upcoming exam.
"Sorry to break it but can I leave now? I'm hungry."
Kazuya who couldn't bear a dramatic sight asked permission to leave.
"...."
****
"Nomoto-senpai, please manage the order for table 3."
"Okay."
It had been 3 days since the punishment for Hikari began. Kazuya had underwent his days like usual, go to school, sleep, go to work and go home. Nothing much differ than before besides studying in between during school time.
"Thank you nii-chan."
"You're welcome."
A kid approximately in his 4-5 years old thanked Kazuya for serving him foods, whilst being watched by his parents. They seemed very proud of their kid. One thing to be sure they taught him well.
'I wonder how Hikari's doing.'
Seeing the child reminded him of Hikari.
****
*Scratch
*Scratch
"Um.. Hikari-chan I think it's better if you take a break for a while. You've been studying for 3 hours straight."
"No, I got this."
The full of determination Hikari ignored her best friend's advice. Her eyes said it all of how passionate she was on her study this time, just to show her dad a big "FUCK YOU" on his head.
"Hikari-chan, do you have any problem?"
"Eh?"
"Are there perhaps something I don't know?"
"N-nothing, really. What made you think that?"
"It's just... You seem different. I know you can sometimes be so passionate, but this time... how can I say.... it's as if you're doing it out of pressure... you seem forced... it's not the same passion you usually had where you smile and confident..."
Miyu was concerned of her best friend's sudden change of spirit, thus arising her feeling of doubt. For a smart girl, it was impossible to conceal things from her. Her guess was precisely hit the mark.
"Guess there's nothing I can hide from you. Actually Kazuya challenged me, saying I can't pass this test, it pissed me off so I'm desperate to show him my capability."
Hikari lied as she breath.
"I see, so it's like that. Well then, do your best!"
Miyu knew there was a mixed of lie in Hikari's words, but couldn't convince herself to throw any more inquiry. She assumed that Hikari probably had a secret she didn't want anyone to know.
****
A week passed in the blink of eyes. The most awaited day had greet its welcome. All students had prepared themselves for this day, although it seemed normal for others, but for Hikari, it was a judgement to determine her future.
"Hikari-chan, do your best!"
"Ofcourse!"
Miyu adorably clenched her fist and formed a cute gesture while cheering on Hikari. Everyone along the corridor was stunned by her cuteness. At the moment, they all had the same thought: 'What an adorable creature.'
"Poor Takahashi. Is she being threatened to say that?"
"Sshhhh.... She can hear you."
Nonsense mumbling could be heard vaguely, but Miyu caught all of that clearly. Ignoring was the best thing for her to do.
"Kazuya-san, good morning. Ready for the test?"
"Yea."
Kazuya who was heading towards the classroom came across Keisuke along the way. To be expected, he was not alone.
"Good morning, Kazuya-san."
"Sup! Kazucchi!"
"Morning."
Yamamura Shinji also greeted him followed by Kai Ayako, a cheerful gal in the same grade but different class. Yamakawa Toshiko was standing behind them, remained silent. She was an unfriendly type, similar to Kazuya.
"Hey, Toshiko-chan."
Shinji lightly pinched her cheek, persuading her to be friendlier.
"Uh, I know. I'm just trying to recall who's this guy. Um... Good morning, Kazuya-san."
She thought it was rude to call a recently known person by their given name, but she couldn't help it as everyone had called him Kazuya since the beginning.
"So he has friends after all."
Hikari saw them in front of the class. The corridor was pretty crowded with students chatting and loitering around back and forth.
"Nakano-san, Takahashi-san, morning."
"Oh, morning."
"Good morning, Minamoto-kun."
Hikari startled after Kazuya unexpectedly greeted her. Meanwhile Miyu responded with a smile, enough to make any man head over heels for her.
"You good?"
"Hmph, who do you think I am? I assure you I can pass this time."
"Don't jinx it."
Kazuya asked as a confirmation of her mental health, hoping that what happened in the past didn't bother her too much.
"Don't worry Minamoto-kun, she surprisingly exceeded my expectation when we were studying last week. I'm sure she can do it."
"That's good to know."
Miyu convinced him of the development that befell upon Hikari. Certainly she had made a progress throughout the past week.
"Good luck to you too, Minamoto-kun."
Last words Miyu said before entering the classroom. At the same time, Kazuya found himself being the center of attention.
"Woaahhh Kazucchi who're you actually?!"
"To think that you got a goodluck wish from Takahashi-san, a surprise to be sure but a welcome one."
Kazuya got why Ayako and Keisuke would react like that. The famous beauty being buddy buddy with an ordinary student like him, surely would attract jealousy among students.
"Well well now let's get inside before the teacher comes."
Shinji wrapped his hands around Keisuke's and Kazuya's shoulders, going inside and left the other two by themselves.
"Ayako-san, let's head to our class too."
"Okie dokie!"
****
****
****
*A week passed
The class was in post-exam state where everyone was delightful and cheering outloud. Some were discussing the answers eventhough it's a pointless thing to do but that's how a human nature works.
"Haaaa.... Finally ended!"
"Hikari-chan did her best, alright."
"Thanks Miyu-chan for teaching me." Hikari hugged her tightly like a little girl who hug a stuffed doll.
"Hehe~ you must thank him too."
Miyu pointed towards Kazuya who was still sleeping at his seat. Too tired after busying himself for the whole week, he finally got a long nap.
"He's sound asleep. Maybe later." she smiled.
"Heeeehh~ you care for him?"
"I-I mean he must be exhausted too. Working while taking care of his family and maintaning his study.."
Miyu didn't let off the chance to tease her best friend. She noticed slight change of her since she met Kazuya. She was grateful to see this side of Hikari.
'Ah! The task.'
Hikari suddenly reminded of the challenge.