Today our homeroom teacher will give us the results of the surprise test.But today, another surprise happened before my morning even started.
"Tomoki, the car battery is dead. It'll take time to replace it, so it's better you skip class today." - mom said.
"No problem, I can take the bus." — I replied instantly.
"You're kidding, right?"
"Sorry, I answered without thinking."
Now what should I do? Well, let's send a message to Ryuichi and Ayame-san:
[Morning Ryuichi, I won't be able to go to school today. My mom's car broke down so… I won't make it.]
Well, Ryuichi takes time to open his smartphone.
Now to Ayame-san:
[Good morning Ayame-san, I won't be able to go to school today. My mom's car broke down so… I won't make it.]
[Good morning Tomoki-kun, that's sad to hear. I hope you can come tomorrow.]
[Thanks Ayame-san, see you tomorrow.]
She really replies fast. Well, I think I'll just relax at home today.
Notification received.
[If it's okay with you, I can give you a ride. Just send your location.]
[Are you sure? Here.]
Since she offered, I don't have a reason to refuse. I should tell my mother.
"Mom, my friend will pick me up. So I can make it today."
"Is that so? Now that you mention it, I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of friend you have."
"Hey mom, it's not a big deal. She's... ah."
"What happened?"
I forgot to mention that my friend is a girl. I hope she doesn't freak out.
Beep beep
"Oh my! That fast? Let's greet your friend!" — My mom happily went to the front door.
"Of course, mom..."
When we opened the front door, a sleek black S-Class was there… shining beautifully.
Then I saw Sasaki-san gracefully stepping out of the car and opening the passenger door.
Both mom and I were speechless.
Then Ayame-san stepped out and introduced herself to my mother.
"Good morning, madam. My name is Edomae Ayame. It's a pleasure to meet you, and I will make sure Tomoki-kun gets to school safely."
"Good morning, Edomae-san. My son TOLD me about you. I hope he doesn't cause too much trouble." — She said that while glancing at me.
"Not at all. I'm really blessed to have met such a friend."
"I see… I leave my son in your care." — then she glanced at me. — "Be a good boy and don't forget to SEND me a message when you get to school... okay?"
"Of course, mom! Goodbye."
Then Sasaki-san greeted me and opened the passenger door for me and Ayame-san.
"You have a wonderful mother."
If she doesn't kill me today.
"I'm glad you liked her." — I answered.
Right after Sasaki-san started driving, we both became quiet for a while.
It was kind of awkward, so I should try to say something.
"Ayame-san, thank you for giving me a ride."
"Don't worry about it."
"You're really my lifesaver. After all, it wouldn't be cool to miss the test results."
"You're exaggerating. Are you worried about your test?"
"Kinda. I mean, sometimes I could answer quickly, but a bunch of times I had to pray." — I said playfully.
"Fufu~ was it really that bad?"
"If you ignore the fact that I used my magic eraser to pick the answers, and then the teacher caught me—yeah, it was a good test."
"Fufu~ ahaha! That's awful."
"Right? And can you believe the teacher was trying not to laugh? If I got the answer wrong, I'd say it was her fault. She messed me up emotionally, spiritually, and maybe even financially."
"Pftt! How could she mess you up financially?"
"Of course she could. My scholarship depends on it."
"I don't think you need to worry about that. I mean it."
"Ayame-san, I want people to look back after I graduate and think, 'It was worth giving him the scholarship.' Wouldn't that be amazing?"
"It would. But why do you need to be acknowledged by others? You even mentioned that in your speech."
"Shh... Ayame-san. What if someone hears? Everyone will question my integrity." — I said while pointing at Sasaki-san.
"Pftt! You're awful, Tomoki-kun. So were you deceiving?" — She asked playfully.
"Haha... Of course not. In this case, I just want to be cool."
"You're already cool, you know?"
"Hey! You'll make me blush."
While we were having a cheerful chat, I think I saw Sasaki-san smile. Well, it could be my imagination.
♦♦♦
"Hey Ryuichi, morning."
"Tomoki? How'd you get here?"
"Ayame-san gave me a ride."
"No wonder everyone's talking about you. So how did it go?"
"Even if you ask... it was normal. We just chatted, that's all."
"Are you sure?"
"Why are you doubting me?"
"I mean..." — Ryuichi pointed at Ayame-san. — "Isn't she in too good a mood?"
When Ayame-san noticed we were looking at her, she spoke to us.
"Fufu~ Hello, Satou-san! Good day to you."
"Good day to you too, Edomae-san."
Then Ryuichi looked at me and started lip-syncing:
[See!]
[What?] — I replied the same way.
[I give up]
[Why?]
"What are you two doing?" — Ayame-san asked, having watched the whole thing.
"I want to know that too." — I replied, while Ryuichi just opened a book and started reading alone.
"Fufu~ You two are really close."
Now that he mentioned it, she really is in a good mood. Well, she laughed a lot while we chatted in the car. I'm glad I could lift her spirits.
Lately, I noticed she's been kind of down, especially after we visited the Sakurazai campus.
Maybe she's feeling pressured about her future, especially since her family runs a major company. I was honestly surprised when I found that out—from the internet and the news.
But, to be fair, I should be more worried about whether I'll even graduate from here.
Ding dong ding dong.
"Sigh~"
"Are you okay, Tomoki-kun?"
"I'm just a little worried about whether I passed the test."
"You don't need to worry. You always pay attention and take notes. Have faith in yourself."
"Thanks, Ayame-san. You're right."
I shouldn't worry that much. Just like Ayame-san said—I should believe in myself.
"Good morning, everyone. Before we start the lesson, I'll hand back your tests one by one." — the homeroom teacher announced.
While I was silently praying, she began calling names.
"Tachibana Himari, congratulations! Still, you almost failed. Be careful next time, okay?"
"Yes, teacher. Thank you very much!"
When she turned around to go back to her seat, we exchanged glances.
Even though we barely talk, that's no reason to be indifferent, so I gave her a thumbs up and smiled as a way to congratulate her.
She smiled back and returned to her seat.
And just like that, the homeroom teacher continued calling the rest of my classmates.
...
Everyone did well—some barely passed, but they still passed.
Now...
"Edomae Ayame, congratulations! You aced the test, so I have nothing to say."
"Thank you very much!"
Everyone was in awe. No wonder—she was the only one who got a perfect score. Not to mention she was the first to finish.
When she turned to go back to her seat, I gave her two thumbs up while nodding softly. I mean, she aced the test—how could I not be impressed?
[Thank you!] — she lip-synced with a smile.
"Satou Ryuichi, congratulations! Just a few things to pay attention to. You almost aced it."
"Yes! Thank you very much!"
When he turned to go to his seat, the guy gave me a peace sign with a serious expression.
I gave a crooked smile, the kind that says 'Seriously?', while slowly shaking my head in disbelief.
Now I'm the last one.
"Morikawa Tomoki… here. There are A LOT of things you need to improve, but I know you'll be able to... make it."
"Thank you very much!"
I looked at my score, returned to my seat with a serious expression, and opened my notebook.
The homeroom teacher started the lesson, and despite everything, the day moved on as usual.
♦♦♦
Ding dong, ding dong
"Okay Tomoki, spill it. How was your score?"
"Tomoki-kun... are you okay?"
"..."
"Was it that bad?" — Ryuichi asked.
"Tomoki-kun?"
...
"Ryuichi, Ayame-san. It was a short time, but I'm glad to have met both of you.I think… this is my end."