*Sigh*

All done for the day!

I better get ready to leave so I don't keep Kohane waiting!

Hahaha! An, you always get so happy the second school is out.

You're right. It's like the joy of freedom from the classroom floods her whole being.

What do you mean? It's a totally normal reaction, thank you.

Anyway, don't you guys have club to get to? The second years won't be happy if you keep dawdling.

Oh my gosh, you're right! See you tomorrow, An!

See you! Good luck with club!

(Now then...)

(It's time for me to get going. What was it again that we're practicing today?)

Hiya, An!

Whoa! Mizuki?!

C'mon, don't jump out at me like that. What's up?

Hehehe. Do you wanna walk home together today? Someone I know told me about this place with amazing apple pies!

They're supposed to have amazing texture! Soft on the inside and crispy on the outside! Plus, the filling is really sweet, and they're not stingy with it.

Wow, that does sound good...

But, sorry! I have singing practice with the others today.

Oh, really? Oh well then.

Sorry. But thank you for inviting me.

No, you're fine. Let's hang out another—

Shiraishi. Akiyama. May I have a word?

Yes? What's the matter?

There's something we need to discuss. Follow me.

Here should be fine.

Um, so what is it you need to “discuss”?

Since you took us all the way here...

I'm guessing it's something you don't want the whole world hearing?

Well, yes...

Shiraishi. Do you remember how you did on the tests we had the other day?

Huh?

I, um... Well...

I don't think my grades were high, exactly...

B-But, I'm sure they weren't all low! Like, home ec...

Home ec...?

Oh yeah! And I didn't fail math either!

It's true that you achieved good results for math this time. However... What about classics and chemistry?

Um, well... The thing is...

A-Anyway! Was there a problem with my test results?

Shiraishi... You are a high schooler now.

You need to show that you have the academic ability of one to advance to second year.

Huh?! Y-You don't mean—

Starting Monday, you'll be going to supplementary classes for a week.

S-S-Su...

Supplementary classes?!

B-But, no! You've gotta be kidding!

I mean, supplementary classes...

I am not kidding! This is no laughing matter.

Rules are rules.

If you don't score high enough on tests, we have to fail you.

That said, we teachers don't want any of you to be held back. We'll be giving you supplementary classes specifically in order to prevent that.

*Groan*

Now that we're clear on that...

I expect you to show up every day on time, starting on Monday.

O-Okay...

Ahaha... That sure sucks, An.

But, it'll be worth the hard work to make sure you go into second year.

What's this Akiyama? It looks like the pot is calling the kettle black.

Huh?

You're taking those supplementary classes too.

What?! Wh-Wh-Why?!

But, my test scores were totally fine, weren't they?

Yes, I can't deny your academic achievement. The issue is your attendance.

No no no! I did a ton of worksheets the other day 'cause I was told it would make up for my low attendance!

Yes, you did.

However, you had a string of absences after that.

That's true...

But, I made sure they were all days that it would be okay to skip and—

(...? Hang on...

Didn't the teacher get sick one time, and math got swapped with English the next day...?)

(Wait. If that's true, then...

My English attendance is—)

It seems I've jogged your memory?

Uh... Umm... Well...

Yes...

Well then, have I made myself clear?

Shiraishi. Akiyama. I expect you both to attend all of next week's supplementary classes.

N-Nooo!

...and, so...

I'm sorry, you guys!

I have to take supplementary classes all next week!

Oh, An...

I really am sorry!

I've gotta stay back after school every day to study...

But, I promise I'll practice as soon as I get home!

It can't be helped.

Being held back would be terrible...

Have you talked to your dad yet?

Y-Yeah...

He told me to knuckle down and study hard so I don't get held back...

I see...

Then, there's nothing for me to say. If there's anything I can do to help, let me know.

Good luck, An!

I don't really know much about school...

But I'll do anything I can to support you!

Me too, me too!

I'll make you lots of tasty coffee to keep you energized!

Good idea. I'll make lots of sweet snacks for you too.

You guys...

Thank you! I'll do my best!

So, I guess it's just going to be the three of you at practice until An finishes her supplementary classes.

True. Akito, Azusawa, let's just do what we can for now.

*Nod*

...

Akito?

Huh? Come to think of it, Akito, you're oddly quiet today. Is something up?

Akito. Don't tell me...

...too.

What?

I...have supplementary classes too.

Y-You too, Shinonome...?!

Akito...

Hey, why didn't you say so?!

Sorry...

I-I see... Akito and An, we're rooting for both of you!

It'd be a disaster if neither of you got to go into second year!

Oh... So Akito's taking supplementary classes too...

Well, that checks out.

It'd be crazy if I had to take supplementary classes but not you...

Huh?! What's that supposed to mean? I'm smarter than you, and—

What? No you're not.

I only failed two subjects.

The same as me, then. And for the record, I scored higher than you in world history.

So what? In math, I—

B-Both of you, please calm down...

Yes. Pointlessly arguing over such things changes nothing about the fact that you both failed.

*Wince*

The important thing now is for you both to make the most of the supplementary classes.

Okay...

Point taken.

(Toya's right...)

(These classes are going to be tough, but...)

(I've gotta study hard and make sure I get into second year!)