I came to ask Tsukasa if he wanted to eat lunch together, but...

It seems he's hard at work ahead of our session after school.

But I'm not surprised that Tsukasa's already started studying by lunch break.

I'd hate to distract him, so I suppose I'll go to the school store alone.

Kamishiro!

Oh, hello Aoyagi.

Excuse me for approaching you out of the blue. Do you have a moment?

I do indeed. How can I help you?

There's something I'd like to ask you about.

Ask me? Hm... Would you care to share?

Certainly. Akito and Shiraishi have been placed in supplementary classes, and they're at risk of being held back a year.

The classes will be held every day this week after school, starting today. I know that they've brought this on themselves by being inattentive to their studies.

If possible, I would like to make sure they enter second year alongside me, not only as my teammates, but also as my cherished friends.

I see.

And for that reason...

I'm here because I would greatly appreciate it if you could help me, Kamishiro.

Why me?

For one thing, you're far more intelligent than I am. Also...

You have taught me many things in the past, and always in very easy-to-understand terms.

Is that so?

Yes. Take, for example, the time I was an extra in that wedding ceremony.

Ah, yes. We put on a wonderful show thanks to all of you.

I think so too.

I had no acting experience, but I carried out that role thanks to your guidance, Kamishiro.

I believe that the ability to give such guidance is an innate talent of yours.

And that's why, if it's not too much trouble, I'm asking for your help.

Thank you, Aoyagi. Any praise of my work is always welcome.

(I want to help him if I can. He's been my junior for almost a year now.)

(But I have a previous engagement... It might be difficult to help Aoyagi too.)

(But, no...)

Kamishiro?

Oh, sorry about that. I was lost in thought.

As it turns out, Tsukasa has also been placed in supplementary classes.

Tsukasa has?

Yes. And I've already promised to help him study, so I was thinking just now that it may be hard to also help you out this time.

I...see...

Which is why I have a suggestion...

You do?

What if we all gather in one location for a study session?

A study session...?

It would be easy to meet up after school since we'd have access to empty classrooms.

Of course, I'd have to be the one helping Tsukasa as I'm in his year, but I'd still be able to help you three.

But, wouldn't that be asking a lot of you?

Think nothing of it. Besides...

The school year is almost over, which means we'll soon be third-years, and you'll all be second-years.

I think it might be a good occasion to make some memories.

Making memories...

Yes, you're right. It's a wonderful idea.

Hehe, isn't it just? However, let's keep what I just said between you and me.

The stakes are high for the others, with the threat of being held back looming over them. If they knew what I was thinking, it might not be well received.

Yes, I agree.

Will you tell Tsukasa about the study group?

Yes, I'll speak to him later. We can hammer out the details when we meet after school.

Understood. Thank you for agreeing to this.

(Well... It really isn't like me to suggest something like making memories with a study session.)

Well then, I'd better go prepare. After all, our friends' academic futures hang in the balance.

I know I said all that, but...

With their grades at stake, I need to be responsible.