That afternoon, the students' transcripts were posted, revealing their grades for each subject that semester, as well as their results in residential and field training.
At the time, Sui was busy experimenting with a new dish in his research group, with Megumi assisting him.
"I heard the transcripts are out. Let's go check them!" Megumi suggested.
"Really? Let's go take a look," Miyoko replied eagerly. "I'm sure I'll make the top 15 this time. How about you, Megumi?"
"Me? I'll be happy as long as I'm not expelled," Megumi laughed softly. She didn't have high expectations; simply staying in Totsuki was enough for her.
When they arrived on campus, the bulletin board where the transcripts were posted was already surrounded by students.
"As expected, Tsukasa-senpai is still at the top of the third year grade. He's really incredible," one student commented.
"Well, he's the First seat after all."
"Whoa, check out this first-year! It's insane!" another voice exclaimed.
"No way! Every subject is an A, and their overall grade is an S? Isn't that just freakishly good?"
Even before reaching the board, Sui could hear the excited chatter. When he finally saw the report card, there was his name—ranked first among the first-year students.
"Not only did he get A's in every class, but he also came first in both field and training camp! This guy is unbelievable," someone said.
"Right? He even beat Miss Erina, who came in second."
Students nearby continued discussing in awe.
"Wow, Sui, you're amazing!" Megumi said, her face full of admiration.
"Yes, really impressive," Miyoko added, her eyes shining with respect and a hint of adoration.
"It's not a big deal," Sui replied modestly, though a smile crept onto his face as he noticed Erina's name just below his, her score trailing his by a narrow margin.
At that moment, Erina and Hisako walked over.
"What?" Erina muttered in frustration as she saw the rankings. For the first time since junior high, she had been surpassed. Being second to Sui, of all people, irked her competitive spirit.
Since her childhood, she had always ranked first in her grade. Now, seeing someone else in the top spot unsettled her—even if that someone was Sui.
"Megumi!" Yoshino, Ryoko, Sōma, and the others joined them, looking for their own names.
"We all made it into the top 50! What about you?" Yoshino asked, flashing a victory sign with a wide grin.
"I haven't found my name yet," Megumi said nervously, scanning the list from the bottom up. After a while, she still hadn't found herself.
Suddenly, a few students nearby gasped.
"Wait, isn't that the girl who ranked last in junior high? How is she in fourth place this semester?"
"No way, it's Megumi? Fourth?!"
"Wait… I'm fourth?" Megumi exclaimed, stunned. Her eyes landed on her name, just below Alice.
"Whoa, Megumi! When did you get so good?" Yoshino and the others were immediately in shock.
"I guess it's all thanks to Sui," Megumi said with a shy smile, having recovered from her surprise. With Sui's help, she had received an A in every course, making her total score sky-high.
"Damn, she's so lucky, clinging to someone strong for an entire semester," one jealous student muttered.
"Yeah, that's just unfair," another added.
"But Sui is really something. He managed to help a girl ranked last to rise to fourth," a third student remarked.
Megumi's face turned red as she lowered her head, a strange but sweet sensation bubbling in her chest.
"Hey, Megumi, let's swap partners next semester," Yoshino teased, patting her on the shoulder.
"Switch with me!" Ryoko chimed in, playfully flipping her hair.
"No, I don't want to!" Megumi replied, her face flushed as she spoke in a low voice.
"Seriously though, you two academic geniuses are unbearable," Yoshino joked, sticking her tongue out at Sui and Erina. "First and second place—are you two a couple or something?"
"Wh-what? Who said anything about us being a couple?" Erina stammered, her face turning red in an instant.
"That's right! Don't say such ridiculous things!" Hisako interjected, rushing to defend her master.
Everyone laughed, casting knowing glances at Sui and Erina. Though no one said it aloud, their expressions spoke volumes.
Erina, embarrassed, tried to set the record straight. "We're still students. Romance is a distraction—we should be focused on cooking. Stop spreading nonsense."
Sui, too, felt a little awkward under their gazes. But as he reflected, he realized just how impressive Erina was as a student. Since childhood, she had dedicated herself fully to her studies, without indulging in distractions like hanging out with friends, playing games, or watching TV. The only guilty pleasure she had was secretly reading romance manga from time to time. She was truly remarkable.
"Focused on studies, huh? Then why are you still 'dating' Sui?" Yoshino teased with a playful wink.
"I-I'm not dating him!" Erina's voice grew smaller and smaller, her face even redder.
Megumi and Hojo stood silently off to the side, both feeling a bit conflicted.
"But speaking of which," Megumi suddenly remembered, "the final exams are coming up soon, right?"
At the mention of exams, the group's mood visibly shifted, particularly Yoshino's, who lost her enthusiasm for teasing Erina.
The final exams were a serious matter at Totsuki. Failing any subject could mean expulsion, and the final test wasn't limited to any single course.
"Mis Erina, do you know the theme for this semester's final exam?" Miyoko asked.
"The exam changes every semester," Erina replied, relieved the conversation had moved away from her relationship status. "This time, there are three parts: snow, forest, and fire."
----
If you want more chapters, you can read 30+ advance chapters on my patre0n [patreon.com/Fanfic69]!
----