[Back to the beginning of the midterm exam preparation.]


    Once our papers had been collected, I was able to breathe a sigh of relief upon discovering that I had answered the majority of the questions correctly. Although the oue of the quiz had no bearing on my overall performance, it was still a source offort to have performed somewhat well.


    "Uh, yeah thanks, everyone. Don''t ck off because the quiz was easy, uh.. the midterm is not like this quiz. You can''tpare both of them."


    Following thepletion of the quiz, the atmosphere in the ssroom transformed into one of palpable air of trepidation settled over the ss as students began to engage in hushed discussions regarding the midterm. Theing threat of failure, with the dire consequence of expulsion, loomedrge over the minds of the students, creating a real tension that was discernible in the air.


    I''m not different, but I didn''t express it much to my face as my ssmates did.


    As the lessonmenced, I found myself struggling to keep up with the pace at which the teacher was delivering the material.


    Despite my best efforts to jot down every word and concept presented, I felt as though I was missing a multitude of important details.


    The teacher''s writing was quickly erased from the board, and my notebook was only partially filled with the bits and pieces I was able to understand.


    I often found myself flipping my notebook over to its final pages, where I would idly doodle as I struggled to focus on my studies. Despite my disinterest in academics, I knew I needed to make an effort and stay engaged.


    As the ss eventually drew to a close, I gathered my belongings and made my way to the library.


    As I walked towards the library, my mind was abuzz with contemtion on how I might be able to quickly and easily rue a substantial amount of points. I couldn''t simply ce my faith in Fukuda, as while he may have garnered an impressive number of points, there remained a distinct possibility that I might still fall short of my desired oue.


    I retrieved my phone from my pocket, unlocked the screen, and navigated to the exam notification, perusing it once more before starting to think.


    Hmm… to pass the exam I would need to score at least 150 points and get at least 20% in each subject. So, the minimum marks required for Mathematics is 20, English is 20, Biology is 18, Chemistry is 17, Physics is 16, Geography is 12, and History is 12. That makes a total of 105 minimum marks.


    But wait, the total marks avable in the exam are 575. So, I need to score an additional 45 marks to pass, which is 450,000 points.


    That''s an impossible amount…of points.


    *


    I settled into my seat in the library, lugging a small stack of books with me. I had forgotten about a few texts I had left here previously and was relieved to find them neatly stacked where I had left them. To my surprise, however, the library appeared to be devoid of any other students who might be studying.


    As I delved into my reading, my phone suddenly buzzed with an iing message. A twinge of irritation ran through me as I reluctantly tore my attention from my studies. I deliberated for a moment, considering whether to check the notification, before ultimately deciding to ignore it and return my focus to my studies.


    I chose some of the easier subjects first before the harder ones.


    **


    As I was deeply engrossed in my studies, a voice interrupted my focus.


    "Kanako?" they called out.


    With a start, I lifted my gaze from my book and turned to face the interloper. She was one of my ssmates.


    I muttered a confirming ''yes'', my annoyance at being disturbed evident in my tone.


    "What are you doing here? Did youe to the meeting?" she asked.


    "What meeting?"


    "Someone sent a message to everyone toe to the ssroom after ss ended."


    "Oh, I wasn''t aware of that," I said, realization dawning on me that I must have ignored the notification on my phone. "..I think I left my phone in my room."


    She gave me a nomittal shrug before informing me that the meeting was about forming study groups.


    "I''m not actually going to the meeting, I just heard the news from my friend," she added. "Thankfully, I was absent, the sender of the message falsely imed that the teacher was present, so I didn''t waste my time."


    "Oh, I see…thanks."<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Yeah, no problem," my ssmate said before turning to leave. "See youter then, Kanako."


    I barely managed a wave in return before checking my phone for the message I had missed.


    -


    To: ss 2-D


    From: Tamura Ritsu


    Pleasee to ss after the ss ends, our teacher has something to announce.


    It would be nice if everyone is present, thank you.


    -


    That was what was stated.


    I remained uncertain about the concept of study groups and the potential difficulties that could arise from studying in such a setting.


    Nheless, I returned to my studies.


    "Ahh..."


    I let out a deep sigh as I stretched my arms, feeling the stiffness in my body. ncing at the clock, I realized it was time to wrap up my study session. Despite my best efforts, I was unable to concentrate and make good progress.


    After all, it''s challenging to excel at something one dislikes. Gathering my books, I meticulously returned them to their proper ces on the library shelves.


    ***


    The following day after ss, my ssmates lingered in the ssroom, so I stayed as well. After a brief wait, someone stepped forward and stood before the whiteboard.


    "Some of us want study groups," they announced, "Um,e along if you feel like it," they continued.


    Amidst the announcement, they paused, scratched their head, and struggled to articte their thoughts.


    "Uh, for the groups.." they began again, before trailing off with a sigh. "You can either form your own or join one that has already been established."


    "Do we have to go?"


    A curious voice echoed in the room, masked by the low murmur of conversation. No one knew the origin of the question, as the inquirer had not arisen from their seat or signalled their intention to speak.


    "No, I guess. It''s just since some of us want to."


    A murmur of disappointment swept through the room, with some students grumbling and others simply shrugging their shoulders.


    "Is that all?"


    "Well, that was a letdown."


    "That wasted my time."


    The person chuckled awkwardly before the ss, one by one, began to stand up from their seats and make their way out of the room. I followed suit, and I made my way to the library.


    Abruptly, a familiar voice called out to me from behind as I arrived at the library.


    "Kanako, what are you doing here?"