“And autumpne stirreth it most of al, oft it hath bin said.”

Um, so...

Everyone says that things are most charming in fall...

“Forsooth it may be so, yit nought can enflame the herte as can...”

That may be true, but nothing is as moving as...

Ooh, look at you, An!

You've come so far since yesterday.

I guess. Well...

I do have to check the textbook for vocabulary and conjugations, but I'm getting there.

I looked at my vocab list in the bath last night, but it was stressful since I couldn't really memorize much.

Really?

Well then!

I have an exciting present for such a hardworking student!

Huh?

Here you go!

It's...a notebook?

Yup! I made it last night. I put together a whole bunch of study notes like important words to learn and conjugation crib sheets.

Wow... You went to all this trouble for me?

This is...impressive.

Your notes are very clear and concise.

They are, aren't they?!

Feel free to keep praising me!

Yeah, you really took it seriously. What brought that on so suddenly?

Um, rude.

I just want An not to get held back a year.

An, I'm rooting for you to make it into second year armed with this!

Thank you, Mizuki! I'll make good use of it!

Yes! I solved it!

Good work, Akito.

Everyone, how about we stop for a while? Breaks are important for maintaining concentration.

Yes! I've been getting thirsty, so I'll go grab a drink.

How about rock paper scissors then? Loser buys for everyone.

Ooh, I like that! Let's do it!

That's fine by me...

However, it will be a lot for one person, so how about the last two people go?

Okay!

Here we go.

Rock...paper...

Scissors!

*Sigh*

I can't believe I lost...

Not to mention how they all asked for snacks and other food on top of drinks, so the bags are stuffed to the brim.

Hehe, I suppose they're just that tired. I could take your bag?

Oh, that's fine, Kamishiro!

You already took the heavier bag.

Actually, are you fine carrying that?

It's no trouble.

I wouldn't want to tire you out since you need to save your energy for your studies.

Hahaha, you're exaggerating.

But... Thank you, really.

Not just for carrying the bag...

For teaching us, too. You explain things so clearly, and it's all so helpful.

There's no need to thank me. I've been having fun myself with things being so lively.

Really? That's good to hear!

Also... Mizuki seems to be having fun.

I certainly wasn't expecting that notebook.

Yeah, I was surprised too!

That was such a thoughtful gesture.

And yesterday, when I said thank you for helping us with studying, Mizuki just said, “Don't mention it!” and “It was fun.”

I see.

I'm glad.

Oh, that reminds me... Didn't the two of you go to the same junior high school?

Were you close back then too?

I'd say so... We'd meet up and chat from time to time.

But, Mizuki...

Mizuki seems to be having much more fun now.

These study sessions are proof of that.

Really? I guess I only know the Mizuki we have right now.

Hehe. I think it comes down to having friends who are good influences.

And I believe you're one such friend, Shiraishi.

Me?

I think having friends like you is a big help for Mizuki.

Friends like me...?

Hmm... But I really haven't done anything.

I mean, I just enjoy spending time with Mizuki, so I wanted to be friends!

So, I don't feel like I've done anything to help. Oh, but...

If Mizuki is glad that we became friends, I couldn't be happier!

I see.

We're back! And we bring drinks and snacks!

About time, guys!

I'm starving here.

Sorry!

But we got the French fries you asked for.

Ooh! At long last!

Got my cheesecake?

Yes sirree. Is this the right one?

Yeah, thanks.

Thanks for waiting, Tsukasa, Toya. Shiraishi has the food, and the drinks are in my bag.

Got it! Many thanks, Rui, Shiraishi!

Let's see, this coffee is yours, right Toya? It's hot, so be careful.

Thank you, Tsukasa.

Here's your orange juice, Shiraishi.

Be sure to eat plenty and get ready to study more.

Okay!