*Sigh*

Today's lesson was so hard...!

Yeah, I'm glad that they're increasing the difficulty a little to help us get ready for our trip to the US... But I'm exhausted.

You two do look tired.

But you both seemed even more motivated compared to last time.

Yup! I think it's because we know we're actually going now!

Yeah, we gotta get to a level where we can at least get by okay over there.

It is easier to work hard when you have a clear goal in mind.

Exactly!

Still, writing in English is really hard...

Yes, speaking and writing do pose different challenges.

I'm just barely managing because Toya's been helping me, but I feel like I'm never gonna get the hang of it.

Yeah, since the spelling for some words is so tricky...

That's the thing! You can mime your way through conversations, but you can't do that when you're writing...

But I guess I don't have time to be complaining right now.

We've just gotta keep doing our best to make sure that we do fine when we go over to the US...!

...

Um, An...?

Hm?

You don't have to if you don't want to, but...

Pardon me.

Welcome!

Sorry for having you come over like this.

No, that's okay. After all, this was my suggestion.

So, anyway...

Can you show me what you've written, An?

Here you are, Ms. Kohane!

M-Ms. Kohane...?!

I asked my teacher yesterday about how to improve our English writing skills. I was told that it's best not to plan what you write in Japanese too much.

Don't plan it in Japanese?

Yeah, because word order differs greatly between Japanese and English.

Which is why things can turn out really funny when you try to translate Japanese text word for word.

Right...!

“If I could speak English better, then I'd be able to become friends with more people.”

Hmm... I feel like we covered this sentence structure during one of our lessons.

Oh, then... What if I turned this into a grammar quiz?

Yeah, that'd be really helpful! If you don't mind!

(I feel like I'm really starting to get the hang of this thanks to Kohane.)

(Alright, last problem...!)

Done...!

Can you check to see how I did, Kohane?

...

Kohane?

*Gasp*

S-Sorry, I didn't mean to doze off...

(Come to think of it, she mentioned something about practicing speaking English more in preparation for our trip...)

(She's so busy that she's losing sleep, but she's taking the time to help me like this.)

If you're sleepy, Kohane, do you wanna lie down for a bit...?

N-No, I'm okay.

I can't sleep knowing that you're still hard at work.

I had a feeling you'd say that.

But let's take a quick break.

I'm getting kinda hungry from all the concentrating!

Oh, I suppose.

It has already been three hours.

Then, let's take a break!

I actually bought some cookies just for today. Also, I'll go grab us some refills.

I'll help.

Really? Then, let's go.

After we've recharged our batteries with some sweets, I'll get right back to work, Ms. Kohane!

P-Please stop calling me that...!