Chapter 1
Here is Chapter 1 of Kazama's route! Translating was done by yuugs and shizuumi. Proofreading done by shizuumi, kuririn, yuugs, and dei-hime.
―― June ――
As the calendar turned to the next page, our uniforms turned to summer ones as well.
In April and May, I was so desperate to get used to high school life that the months just flew by….
‘Lately, I think I’ve finally made a place for myself in my life at Hakuo Academy.’
Of course, it was still an environment meant for boys, so I still felt a little out of place. But thanks to my reliable friends and teachers, I was living a fulfilling life at school——
Two months have passed since I began high school. It was a clear and sunny morning in June. When I came to school, immediately after entering the building, the first thing I felt was an odd atmosphere.
As I climbed the stairs, just as I turned onto the landing——
Chizuru Yukimura: "Wah!?"
???: "Ah!"
I collided with the student rushing around the corner, and ended up falling on my butt.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ow…"
Susumu Yamazaki: "Yukimura-kun? Sorry…"
Hajime Saitou: "I told you not to rush, Yamazaki. Are you alright, Yukimura?"
I looked up into two faces I recognized. Saitou-senpai was holding a textbook under one arm. He held out his hand to me.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ah… yes, I’m alright."
Trying not to overthink it, I grabbed his hand and he pulled me upright.
Chizuru Yukimura: "…Thank you for that."
Chizuru Yukimura:: "I’m sorry, Yamazaki-senpai. I wasn’t being careful."
As I bowed deeply to the two of them, I noticed a second year textbook had fallen to the floor.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Isn’t this your textbook, Yamazaki-senpai?"
Susumu Yamazaki: "O-Oh, did I drop it? …I didn’t notice. Thanks."
Chizuru Yukimura: "……"
Something was off. Yamazaki-senpai’s eyes had kind of a glazed look, and there were dark circles underneath them. Saitou-senpai also looked tired.
This seems…
[Are you alright?]
[Are you not getting enough sleep?]
Chizuru Yukimura: "Are you getting enough sleep?"
Susumu Yamazaki: "Well, um, that’s just how it is right now… It’s no big deal."
Hajime Saitou: "Right. The real pain will begin next week or so."
Chizuru Yukimura: "…?"
They smiled bitterly, and then turned away. As they did…their gait seemed uneven. They said it wasn’t a big deal, but it didn’t look that way.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I wonder if they’re okay…"
I was getting more and more worried, but I didn’t have much time left before homeroom. Without another word, I hurried off to my classroom.
All morning, the school had been filled with chattering students. The hallway before the classrooms was especially lively. Maybe it was because classes hadn’t started yet. Having gotten to know them over the last two months, I exchanged greetings with my classmates in the hall as I headed to my classroom. On the way, I saw familiar faces in the distance and suddenly stopped in my tracks.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Heisuke-kun and Okita-senpai?"
I thought that was a freshman classroom. Why would two sophomores be there? It would be time for Homeroom soon…
[Call out to them]
[Leave them alone]
Chizuru Yukimura: "Heisuke-kun, Okita-senpai!"
I called out to them, waving. Both of them noticed me and immediately came over.
Heisuke Toudou: "Yo, Chizuru. G’morning!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Morning, Heisuke-kun. Did you guys just come back from practice?"
Souji Okita: "Yep. Been working like dogs all morning."
They were part of the kendo club, which often met in the morning. On days when there was morning training, Heisuke and I couldn’t walk to school together. I got a bit lonely those days… But seeing him trying his hardest made me happy.
Chizuru Yukimura: "But why are you guys here? This is a first year classroom…"
Heisuke Toudou: "That’s… well, the thing is… We were just passing by…"
Souji Okita: "Why not be honest? This guy came by ‘cause he was worried about you."
Heisuke Toudou: "Ah! Hey, Souji!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Worried…about me?" I blinked in surprise. Heisuke rubbed his head and mumbled.
Heisuke Toudou: "I mean, you’re surrounded by a bunch of guys, right? I’m worried they might pick on you or something."
Chizuru Yukimura: "No, no, I’m alright. I’ve made a lot of friends in my class these past new months."
Souji Okita: "There you go. Yet here he comes anyway, worrying his little head off about you. Pretty stalker-ish vibes, don’t you think?"
Heisuke Toudou: "W-Who’re you calling a stalker! I’m not anything like one!"
I smiled at Okita-senpai’s and Heisuke-kun’s bickering.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Anyway, guys, I think the bell’s about to ring."
Heisuke Toudou: "Oh, crap! You’re right!"
Souji Okita: "Well, we’ll probably see you at lunch later."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yup!"
After seeing them off, I went back to enter the classroom…
When I did, I took out my textbook and notebook to get ready for class. The bell rang as soon as I’d finished, and I heard the sound of the door opening.
Sanosuke Harada: "Take your seats, guys. Homeroom’s starting."
As Harada-sensei came in, everyone rushed to their seats.
Classmate A: "Stand! Bow!"
Sanosuke Harada: "All right, morning!"
Everyone in class: "Good morning!"
Sanosuke Harada: "Time for attendance…is what I was going to say, but it seems like everyone’s here. Raise a hand if not."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "You can’t do that if you’re not here…"
Ibuki-kun startled me by suddenly speaking up. A laugh escaped me before I could stop myself. Harada-sensei did make jokes like this at times. He really was a friendly, kind teacher.
Sanosuke Harada: "Now then, you all started school two months ago, and now it’s June. With that being the case…Though you might already know this, our school’s midterm exams start in two weeks! Make sure to study diligently, you guys. Put your feet up and slack off, and who knows what horrors you might be tempting?" Harada-sensei smirked as if he knew something we didn’t.
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Horrors…?"
Sanosuke Harada: "If you think this’ll be the same as tests back in middle school, you’ll be in for a bad time. As you all know, Hakuo Academy has a teacher that’s much more passionate about educating its students than other schools do."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Passionate about educating, meaning–"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "…It’s Hijikata-sensei, isn’t it?"
Sanosuke Harada: "Well, so it goes. Following a certain teacher’s suggestion, there’ll be penalties for students with lower scores. Those scoring less than 50% in a subject will receive a special homework assignment, and must clean all the school’s windows."
Everyone in class: "……"
As Harada-sensei with his explanation, everyone in class got paler and paler.
Sanosuke Harada: "Below 30% gets you cleaning corridors on top of the additional homework… And below that, the punishments get extra special."
Chizuru Yukimura: "'Special,’ he says…"
Sanosuke Harada: "Below 20% means doing a problem set, weeding the school yard, and a week of additional classes!"
Classmate A: "Whaaaaat?!"
Sanosuke Harada: "Sorry, but it’s already set in stone. Don’t like it? Then study like there’s no tomorrow. I don’t think anyone should get lower than 50%. If you study then you’ll be in the clear, right?"
While listening to Harada-sensei, I recalled what happened this morning. The reason why Saitou-senpai and Yamazaki-senpai seemed so off was probably this.
Chizuru Yukimura: "……"
While I didn’t mind studying, there was no way I’d want extra homework.
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "What would that guy do to me if I got myself stuck in supplemental classes…?!" Ibuki’s face drained of all color, and he hung his head.
This was going to be difficult. I would have to brace myself… The midterm exams would begin the week after next. Although I thought June’s hardships were over, the real battle was just around the corner.
After morning classes had finished, it was finally time for lunch. ‘Am I worrying too much about the tests? I feel kind of weird today,’ I thought.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I should go to the cafeteria for the time being."
Heisuke-kun and Okita-senpai were probably waiting for me…After quickly putting my school supplies away, I headed for the cafeteria.
For Hakuo Academy students, there were essentially three ways to get lunch. Some students brought a bento from home, and some bought their lunches at the school store. But the most popular lunch choice was to buy a meal from the cafeteria.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Wow…"
The school lunches were all delicious and affordable. It was no wonder they were so popular. I usually brought a bento, but sometimes I didn’t feel like having one. Since it was so popular, it was jam-packed by the time I got there.
Genzaburou Inoue: "Hey, you there! Line up properly! There are plenty of meals to go around…Hey now…! Don’t argue over the rice! Remember your manners and share!"
The beloved school chef, Inoue-san, was also managing the cafeteria. It looked like he was doing a good job sorting the students out, as usual.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Heisuke-kun isn’t here yet, huh…?" ‘I’ll get in the way if I stand and wait here. What should I do?’ the moment the thought passed through my mind…
???: "You’re in the way. Move."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Huh…?"
A voice rang out from the other side of the crowd. Immediately afterwards, the masses parted, splitting into two. Imperious as ever, the figure which emerged between them was…
Chizuru Yukimura: "K-Kazama-senpai…"
Amagiri-senpai and Shiranui-senpai pushed away annoyed students left and right, creating an empty clearing in the otherwise crowded cafeteria.
Chikage Kazama: "Chizuru…? For us to meet here of all places… How serendipitous. As I thought, there is a strong bond of fate between us. Don’t you agree?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Wha–"
Kyou Shiranui: "Is it? You go to the same school with the same cafeteria. Wouldn’t it be weirder if you didn’t see each other?"
Kyuuju Amagiri: "It is strange, now that you mention it… That you have never encountered each other here until today is rather more mysterious."
Chikage Kazama: "……"
Kyou Shiranui: "Don’t sound like much of a bond to me."
Chikage Kazama: "……No matter. Whatever the peanut gallery says, rest assured that our meeting today was destiny. As such, I will have your lunch prepared. Order whatever you wish."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Huh?!"
Chikage Kazama: "What’s wrong? There’s no need to hold back. Even if you want everything on the menu, I won’t mind."
Chizuru Yukimura: "That’s not what I’m worried about…! At any rate, treating me to so much is unfair to you!"
Chikage Kazama: "That modesty is a virtue of yours, but I insist that it’s fine. ….Or is it something else? Does the cafeteria food not suit your palate?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "T-That’s not the case at all! It’s delicious! It’s just that……"
As I shook my head, the number of people waiting for food was increasing. Maybe because of how we stood out in the middle, other students couldn’t get in line…The people who were stuck around us were getting angry. ‘W-What should I do…?’ I was so conflicted that I could feel tears starting to form in my eyes. Then–
???: "You again, Kazama!!"
An ear-splitting yell descended upon us.
Toshizou Hijikata: "Just what do you think you’re doing, harassing the female student in the middle of the cafeteria? Can’t you see she’s about to cry!?"
Chikage Kazama: "Ha. How ludicrous… You say that as if I were the one who made her cry."
Kyou Shiranui: "…You say it, Amagiri."
Kyuuju Amagiri: "Well, I can say we never intended in the slightest to make her cry…"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Then why is she holding back tears? …And why is everyone packed like sardines in here? Out with it."
Chikage Kazama: "My wife’s eyes are full of tears due to her gratitude for my superb generosity. As to the cafeteria, it just happens to be crowded today. To falsely accuse a single student of being responsible is unbefitting of a teacher such as yourself."
Toshizou Hijikata: "There’s a suspicious clearing around you and you only! Put two and two together, and it can only be your fault!"
Hijikata-sensei and Kazama-senpai always fought like cats and dogs, and their terrible relationship was infamous at school. Sparks flew the moment they met, and it only ever grew more and more extreme.
Chizuru Yukimura: "……"
When I saw Hijikata-sensei coming earlier, I thought everything would be sorted. It relieved me from the bottom of my heart… But far from improving anything, the situation seemed like it was only going to get worse.
Chizuru Yukimura: "…W-What do I do…?"
[Stand and watch]
[Forcibly break them up]
I was a bit scared to intervene, but if I didn’t do something, they’d trouble even more people. Summoning my determination, I took a deep breath and called out to them.
Chizuru Yukimura: "U-Um, Hijikata-sensei, Kazama-senpai!"
Chikage Kazama: "Look now, Hijikata. Your quibbling has even annoyed my wife as well. If you’ve so much time to kill that you can stick your nose in other’s love lives, why don’t you go on and eat whatever you do for lunch?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Um…! The people around here are…!"
Toshizou Hijikata: "I was on my way to eat when I had to deal with the nuisance in the room… By the way, don’t get it twisted. She isn’t married to you, nor does she plan on marrying you."
Chizuru Yukimura: "……Please listen to what I have to say!!"
Hijikata ＆ Kazama: "———"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Anyway, let’s clear out of here!"
I forcibly grabbed both of their arms, and dragged them out of the cafeteria.
Chizuru Yukimura: "…Don’t you realize that making such a racket would bother everyone else?"
My heart was still pounding from raising my voice… But looking back at the cafeteria, the traffic seemed to smooth itself out thanks to the odd clearing going away.
Toshizou Hijikata: "…You’re absolutely right. When Kazama is involved, I tend to lose my head."
Chizuru Yukimura: "N-No… I’m sorry as well. I think I was a little too aggressive…"
Chikage Kazama: "…What are you whispering about over there? Hijikata, don’t stand so close to my wife. Put some distance between you."
Toshizou Hijikata: "……"
Chikage Kazama: "Hmph… It seems that you finally understand the position you’re in. Now, with you more at ease, I will permit you to eat with me, wife of mine."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Huh…?"
Kyuuju Amagiri: "As expected of Kazama-sama. The instant the conversation starts to simmer down, he brings it right back up to a boil again, toute suite."
Kyou Shiranui: "Why does that impress you?"
Amagiri-senpai and Shiranui-senpai had followed us out of the cafeteria and had begun a running commentary. But I wish they would help stop it, not play along with it…!
Chikage Kazama: "Hehehe, Hijikata… You’ve gone quiet all of a sudden. Do you have no further comebacks? If so, then leave my sight. Never speak up against my and my bride’s romance again!"
Toshizou Hijikata: "…You no-good little…!!"
Kyou Shiranui: "Hijikata’s irritated but he’s putting up with it well. Now that’s the response of a respectable adult."
Kyuuju Amagiri: "Although Kazama-sama is winning, I do wish he would reflect upon his childish behavior…"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Please, tell him something that important directly…!"
Although he has to keep quiet putting up with this, Hijikata-sensei looks ready to explode. And so, I…
Chizuru Yukimura: "U-Um!"
[Sensei! I have a question!]
[Please ask me next time]
[I promised someone else]
At this rate, this will never be settled. I need to express myself clearly!
Chizuru Yukimura: "Kazama-senpai, I'm very sorry, but please ask me again next time!!"
After I told him that while bowing, Kazama-senpai fell silent for a while.
Chikage Kazama: "......"
Chizuru Yukimura: "...?"
Chikage Kazama: "...Heh..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "U-Um...?"
Chikage Kazama: "Hehe... Ahahahahahahaha!!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Kazama-senpai...!?"
Chikage Kazama: "Chizuru. Your words just now were different from usual."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Just now...?"
Chikage Kazama: "Do you intend to play dumb? The 'next time' you mentioned. You clearly said that. In other words, although it is impossible today, you will definitely eat lunch with me the next time. What else could you mean?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "W-Whaaaat?! I didn't mean that all—"
Toshizou Hijikata: "...Yukimura. The rest is up to you. I'm going now."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Hijikata-sensei?! Please wait!"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Whatever I say will only be misunderstood as something else entirely. And it's a waste of time for you to associate with him. If you don't like him, don't meet up with him."
Hijikata-sensei turned and walked away, leaving me in the company of Kazama-senpai. I suddenly felt hopeless.
Chikage Kazama: "So when is this 'next time' you speak of? Tomorrow? The day after? If you so desire, I would not protest, were it to be tonight."
Chizuru Yukimura: "That's not even lunch anymore..."
‘What should I do...?’ ...As I thought that, a lifeline came in from a place I didn't expect.
Kyou Shiranui: "Kazamaaa. You can't expect her to say 'yep' after asking her so suddenly. Women have things they gotta plan around, yeah?"
Chikage Kazama: "...Hmph..."
Standing next to Kazama-senpai, Shiranui-senpai snuck me a wink.
Kyou Shiranui: "Isn't it also a man's job to anticipate the other's needs and wants? For starters… Don't ask questions like 'What should we do?' or 'What do you want to do?' when you have no game plan. Asking stuff like that's just lame."
Kyuuju Amagiri: "I believe that the more specific your proposal, the easier it will be for her to say accept it. Are you currently working out a strategy...?”
Chikage Kazama: "...Very well. I have already obtained a promise. Let us withdraw for today. Chizuru. Once you have decided a date for our rendez-vous, you must inform me right away."
Chizuru Yukimura: "It's not a rendez-vous!!"
As I lost sight of their retreating backs, my shoulders slumped.
Until now, I had several opportunities to talk to Kazama-senpai… But speaking with him isn't the same as getting him to understand me. He hardly ever does anyway...
As the days went by, the older students, who already knew how severe the penalties were, grew more and more desperate. Seeing them also made us grow more anxious as well, as freshmen. The strange tension that enveloped Hakuo Academy just kept growing stronger.
And then…
―― 7 days until the tests ――
While we studied for our tests day after day, Harada-sensei looked around at our exhausted faces and grinned from his podium.
Sanosuke Harada: "Looking good, guys. It looks like you lot finally understand how serious we are about our tests."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "What does he mean, 'looking good’? This is just agony…"
Sanosuke Harada: "Hey, don’t say that. It’s not like I don’t get what you’re going through. Just think of this as a rite of passage. This is what you signed up for enrolling into Hakuo Academy. There’s no turning back now. Anyway, just do your best."
Everyone in class: "……"
What he said was irrefutably correct. Everyone lost the will to argue, and went silent.
―― 6 days until the tests ――
That day, I ran into Kazama-senpai in the corridor without expecting to. Naturally, Amagiri-senpai
and Shiranui-senpai were shadowing him, as usual.
Chikage Kazama: "Chizuru. Less than a week remains until testing begins. Are you studying properly?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "I am. I’m working at my own pace, and it’s going fairly well, I think…"
'How about you, Kazama-senpai?’ …I felt like I didn’t even need to ask. Why? Because he seemed plenty calm, a smug smile spreading across his face.
Chikage Kazama: "These students growing so flustered over mere high school tests is truly unsightly. Don’t you think so?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Uh… T-That’s…"
Kyou Shiranui: "Uh, no, 'cause high school students are bound to freak out over high school tests. Rather than unsightly, it’s just normal.
Kyuuju Amagiri: "…Kazama-sama. If we do not depart soon, you will be late for your next lesson."
Chikage Kazama: "Hmph. Whether or not I attend any classes, there’s not a single thing the test will cover that I won’t understand… But very well. Let us show our faces in class for today. Well then, I bid you farewell."
I was left standing alone in the hallway, overwhelmed as Kazama-senpai swaggered off with an arrogant look on his face.
―― 5 days until the tests ――
Chizuru Yukimura: "Good morning, Saitou-senpai."
Hajime Saitou: "Is that you, Yukimura? Morning."
Chizuru Yukimura: "You still have disciplinary committee work in the mornings even though we only have five days until the tests. That must be hard…"
Hajime Saitou: "No, it’s important to accumulate knowledge on a regular basis in order to study properly. So there’s no point in panicking just before a test."
Just what you’d expect from Saitou-senpai…
Hajime Saitou: "However, all sports and culture clubs have suspended their activities for the tests. So since Heisuke’s not with you, he must be late. One strike for him."
Chizuru Yukimura: "N-No, he’s on class duty today, so he should’ve arrived before me!"
Hajime Saitou: "Come to think of it, he might’ve passed by a short while ago…"
Looking at him more closely, I could see the dark bags under Saitou-senpai’s eyes. On the surface, he looked as dignified as ever, but his grip on his pen looked a little shaky, too. Perhaps Saitou-senpai was staying up late studying too…
―― 4 days until the tests ――
On Saturday, I was studying in my room, when suddenly my cell phone rang.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Okita-senpai…?"
‘A message with a picture attached, as usual. Let’s have a look…’
He’s making a peace sign at the camera, with an odd-looking plushie hanging from his hand.
"I won a toy that I thought you’d like. I’ll give it to you at school. I’ll bring it up to your classroom for you."
Chizuru Yukimura: "……"
‘What kind of tastes does he think I have? Moreover…’
Chizuru Yukimura: "Even though it’s a Saturday with tests right around the corner, he still finds time to fool around!"
―― 3 days until the tests ――
It was Sunday morning.
I decided to do a little sweeping by the front door for a change of pace. At that moment, Heisuke-kun appeared, staggering.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Heisuke-kun?! Are you okay…!?"
Heisuke Toudou: "Chizuru… Mornin’…"
He had terrible, dark bags under his eyes and his eyes were hollow. He was so exhausted that he couldn’t even walk straight.
Heisuke Toudou: "I-I’m on the verge of falling asleep… So I’m running a lap around the block. Must…stay…awake…"
Chizuru Yukimura: "But if you don’t sleep a little, you won’t last until the test!"
Heisuke Toudou: "No way! I’m not done studying yet! I’ll totally flunk it!! Don’t stop me, Chizuru! Don’t stop me! I’m not ready to die yet!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Wait, Heisuke-kun! A whole lap around the block is too much no matter how you look at it—"
I tried to stop him, but he’d already run off… While watching his disappearing figure staggering in zigzags down the road, I could only pray for his safety.
―― 2 days until the tests ――
During recess.
I gathered my class’s printouts and brought them to the staff room…
Toshizou Hijikata: "……"
Hijikata-sensei, looking particularly annoyed, was sighing deeply. He looked no better than the students, just as exhausted by the pre-test frenzy.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Is something wrong, Hijikata-sensei?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Those guys are so tired from cramming that they sleep through my classes. Because of them, I’m screaming my lungs out every morning. Classes are a key part of test preparations. Their priorities are all backwards!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "…You’ve been working really hard…"
‘I think they just stay up all night studying out of fear of punishment…’ Even though I understood Hijikata-sensei’s concerns, I couldn’t help but smile wryly.
―― At last, the day before the test ――
Chizuru Yukimura: "Finally, it’s tomorrow…"
At the end of the school day, while I was putting away my textbooks, I glanced at the desk beside mine…
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "……"
Ibuki-kun sat here, engrossed in his studies, showing no signs of getting up to go home.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ibuki-kun, aren’t you going home?"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Ah… I wouldn’t be able to study even if I did. Since Serizawa-san’s there…"
Ibuki-kun often mentions him when we talk. It seems like he doesn’t get along with this ‘Serizawa-san’. With him looking so cornered, I could only bring a forced smile to my lips.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Do your best."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "You too."
He gave a little smile, and then, as if he were clinging onto his desk, dived back into his books for the test.
At that moment…
Chizuru Yukimura: "?"
I noticed my phone vibrating in my pocket and took it out. A message notification came up on my screen.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh, it’s from Osen-chan."
Osen-chan is my friend who attends Shimabara Girls’ High School not too far away from my academy.
—–
Sub: Will you be okay for the test?
Chizuru-chan, are you going to be okay for the tests?
I can’t take it anymore~!
I just want to run away from it all~!
But, after we get through these midterms, we definitely need to hang out!
I will survive them on your moral support, Chizuru-chan!!
—–
Chizuru Yukimura: "I see. They have tests at the same time as us. Shimabara High is a sister school to Hakuo Academy, come to think of it…"
"Jeez, Osen-chan…"
Having read her message, I decided to reply right away. ‘But what should I write?’
[I’m looking forward to it!]
[Let’s concentrate on studying!]
"'Don’t try to escape reality!’ …Send."
We had to concentrate on our studies right now. I told her that in a reply, and after a little while…
—–
RE: Will you be okay for the test?
Chizuru-chan, you’re too serious…
—–
Chizuru Yukimura: "…W-Well, I should study for tomorrow."
I messed that one up. My chest tightened a little. I’d properly make it up to her once the tests were over and done with. Having decided that, I left the classroom.
I was halfway to the entrance, and had just turned around the corner of the corridor.
Chikage Kazama: "Where are you heading, Chizuru?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ah! Kazama-senpai..."
Kazama-senpai had appeared out of the blue, blocking the path. I stopped walking out of necessity.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I was about to go home..."
Chikage Kazama: "Hold it. Before you go home, can I hear your answer for your promise the other day? You haven't fulfilled it yet, and I think I've waited long enough."
Chizuru Yukimura: "What promise...?"
Chikage Kazama: "...... I can't believe my ears… Do you mean to say that you forgot about a promise that you yourself gave?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ah—"
At his biting words, I finally remembered. During lunch break the other day, I said that we'd eat together another time. Or something along those lines, at least...
Chizuru Yukimura: "Kazama-senpai. I know I said that then, but it's not like I agreed to—"
Chikage Kazama: "That was tantamount to you having consented. Now, you're turning me down after having taken this long?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "That's..."
Chikage Kazama: "If you confess that what you said that day was perhaps a lie which you used as a stopgap measure… Then that's simply how it'll be. I'll also back down with no further complaint."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Kazama-senpai..."
Chikage Kazama: "There is no reason to be unreasonably forceful. I will simply keep on extending you invitations until you give me your assent once again."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
Maybe I was the one at fault for misunderstanding the way he put things… With Kazama-senpai having backed down, sounding more regretful than anything else, I was at a loss for words. Feeling guilty, I replied:
Chizuru Yukimura: "Um... I wasn't lying, before."
Chikage Kazama: "Then it was inevitable that we would meet here. This is a precious opportunity. Let's go out."
Chizuru Yukimura: "What?!"
Kazama-senpai grabbed my arm as if to walk off with me in tow. I shook my head in a panic.
Chizuru Yukimura: "But I can't! Today, I have to study for my tests!"
Chikage Kazama: "As my bride, you need not trouble yourself with such trivial matters. Fulfilling your promise with me takes priority over such a trifling affair, wouldn't you say?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "I can't!! They’re the first tests since school started and there'll be penalties if I get a low score...!"
Chikage Kazama: "What, are you this scared because you're stupid?"
I wanted to stand up to the way he said that… But I didn't have the confidence or the heart to say, "No, I'm smart."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
Chikage Kazama: "Then there's no way around it. Let us go."
Still gripping my arm, Kazama-senpai started walking in the opposite direction down the corridor. Just where was he taking me...?
Chizuru Yukimura: "U-Um, Kazama-senpai. Why did you bring me to a place like this...?"
Chikage Kazama: "A foolish question. It's obviously so that no one may interrupt our time together. No one can enter the student council room without my express permission."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
Chikage Kazama: "Don't be so tense. It's only the two of us here. You don't need to hold back."
Chizuru Yukimura: "No, um, it's more that it's because it's just the two of us that I'm so tense?"
Chikage Kazama: "Never mind that. Come closer. You can leave everything to me.”
(CG get!°˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°)
Chikage Kazama: “I'm saying that, as your senpai, I, the student council president, will tutor you. Be grateful."
Chizuru Yukimura: "I-I am grateful, but you're way too close...!"
For some reason, I ended up being tutored by Kazama-senpai in the student council room that he led me to. Although I had frantically protested against this while he was peering into a textbook...
Chikage Kazama: "Concentrate. Pay no mind to petty distractions. We'll begin doing some practice questions. Try reading them."
Chizuru Yukimura: "R-Right..."
I didn't think that being too close to Kazama-senpai was just a petty distraction… But my studies were definitely more important.
Chizuru Yukimura: "The first one says... '彼は優しかったらしい'"
Chikage Kazama: "You understand the 'らしい' structure, right? Try translating it."
Chizuru Yukimura: "...It's means 'to have the appearance of,' so it means 'it seems he was gentle.'"
Chikage Kazama: "That's it. This confirms the tense of the principal and subordinate clauses with this. It can be the source of careless errors too."
Chizuru Yukimura: "I see...!"
Before I knew it, I'd gotten serious. Seeing this, Kazama-senpai gave me a satisfied smile.
Chizuru Yukimura: "For the next question, '～さえすれば' means..."
I thought it meant 'if one is made to do this,' but that didn't make sense.
Chikage Kazama: "I'll give you a hint. This part isn't a causative passive expression, but used for establishing a condition."
Chizuru Yukimura: "!"
With Kazama-senpai guiding me, it immediately came to me.
Chizuru Yukimura: "So '～さえすれば' has to mean… The same as 'as long as,' right? So this can be translated as, 'as long as you're humble.' I think it can mean something like 'you'll be an upstanding person if you're humble."
Chikage Kazama: "That's my wife. I give you full marks."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......Um. I'm not your wife."
Chikage Kazama: "No need for modesty. There's no other woman as worthy of being my bride as you are."
Chizuru Yukimura: "I'm not trying to be modest or anything..."
Even though he stuck much too close to me, we managed to study in earnest for a while. I did feel grateful at the very least, so I made some tea for us.
Chizuru Yukimura: "You know, the way you explain things is very clear and easy to understand. Thank you very much."
It was a bit surprising, but Kazama-senpai was very helpful and caring… I felt like I discovered a new side of him today.
Chikage Kazama: "Did you fall in love with me all over again?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
I said nothing in response to his overconfident question and took a sip of hot tea. He really could've been such a wonderful person if he were a little more modest. Thinking that, I decided to ask him something that had been on my mind for some time now.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Um, Kazama-senpai… Don't you need to prepare for the tests?"
Up until then, I'd never seen Kazama-senpai doing anything remotely resembling studying. There was no mistake he had to be clever to act as the student council president, but still...
Chikage Kazama: "They’re no more than mere high school tests. They’re so easy for me, I don't even need to take them."
He was as composed as ever.
I said to him...
[No surprises there]
[Don't let your guard down]
Chizuru Yukimura: "Though I've no doubt that you're a clever person…"
That was exactly why he shouldn't let his guard down.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I think it's when we're most confident that we have to brace ourselves."
Kazama-senpai made a sour face.
Chikage Kazama: "...You sound like Amagiri lecturing me. I know that much."
Chizuru Yukimura: "I-I'm sorry..."
But, contrary to what he was saying, Kazama-senpai unconsciously broke into a smile.
Chikage Kazama: "Nonetheless, it's an important duty of a wife to rebuke her husband. You really do have a promising future."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
I had told him so many times that I couldn't be his wife if I wasn't even his bride, already…
After that, we studied for a bit again, but sure enough, we soon ran out of time.
Chikage Kazama: "Since this is also a rare opportunity, I'll walk you back to your home. I can only imagine how thankful you are."
I ended up smiling ironically at how Kazama-senpai spoke like his usual self, but I nodded without complaint.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Thank you so much for today, Kazama-senpai. Really."
I was surprised, myself, with the amount of progress I made in my studies thanks to him.
Chikage Kazama: "Rather than thanking me, show me the fruits of your labor. I look forward to seeing how you will meet my expectations."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes!"
I nodded firmly at him. I'd put my everything into tomorrow to repay him the favor...!
The day of the tests had finally arrived. It was time for the real thing at last. I studied as much as I possibly could, but I was worried…
I was still feeling nervous when I passed through the school gates.
The tests finally began…
Chizuru Yukimura: "Kazama-senpai tutored me on a lot of material in the end..."
My understanding had unmistakably improved. With all the tutoring I got, I expected that I could at least get a grade that wouldn't put Kazama-senpai to shame...!
Minigame Victory
Chizuru Yukimura: "Wow...!"
A particular question appeared just where Kazama-senpai promised it would. Thanks to him, I ended my tests on a high note.
Then, several days later… After I saw the posted test results, I paid a visit to the student council room full of vigor. Kazama-senpai ushered me into the room, and fixed his gaze on me with a look of triumph.
Chikage Kazama: "Chizuru. Don't you have something to say to me?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "I do. It looks like my studying bore fruit and I got a great grade. I also got away without getting any penalties!"
Chikage Kazama: "But of course. ...You should know who was to thank for that."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes!"
I got a grade that was higher than I was capable of getting before, and that was all thanks to Kazama-senpai… My heart was filled with gratitude, and I bowed my head deeply to him.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Thank you so much, really. This was all thanks to you, Kazama-senpai."
As Kazama-senpai nodded at me with a hum of approval, appearing next to him were...
Kyuuju Amagiri: "......"
Kyou Shiranui: "......"
Amagiri-senpai and Shiranui-senpai were dumbfounded, staring at our exchange.
Kyuuju Amagiri: "Are you alright, Yukimura-kun? Did Kazama-sama get ahold of a weakness of yours...?"
Kyou Shiranui: "You can tell us the truth if anything happened and we'll help you, yeah? Did he threaten you at all?"
Chikage Kazama: "You utter asses... Just what do you think of me?"
Seeing Kazama-senpai's face twist into an annoyed glare at the two worrying over me… I grinned unconsciously.
Chikage Kazama: "No matter. More importantly, I will see to it that you will really fulfill your promise."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Promise..."
Chikage Kazama: "Don't play innocent, my bride. You declared that you would share a meal with me, before."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ah..."
I felt Kazama-senpai was... How to put it? An extremely persistent person.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...I understand. I'm indebted to you and the tests are over, as well."
Kyou Shiranui: "H-Hold up! You're serious?!"
Kyuuju Amagiri: "Don't say anything you'll regret. It's in your best interests for you to retract your statement just now..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "N-No, I don't..."
The way they worried over me had the opposite effect, and I ended up feeling flustered.
It seemed I would need a fair amount of time to make them understand that he hadn't threatened me...
At last, the tests were over, and the results had been announced…The tension gradually seeped out of the school, and everything slowly went back to normal.
After school, after the test results were announced…I was on my way out of the school building to return home when…
Isami Kondou: "……"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Just now…was that Kondou-sensei?"
Kondou-sensei went around to the back of the school. When I saw that, I paused. ‘There isn’t anything over there, so where is he going…?’ I thought it was kind of mysterious. And so, egged on by my curiosity, I jogged after Kondou-sensei. I went further behind the school… I’d never set foot back here before. After reaching his destination, Kondou-sensei suddenly stopped.
Isami Kondou: "……"
‘What is this place…?’ Towering in front of me was an old gate, and my eyes widened. ‘To think there was such a place here, right on academy campus…’
Isami Kondou: "……"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Um…"
Isami Kondou: "Hm… Yukimura-kun? Why are you here?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "I’m sorry. I saw you heading this way, and curiosity got the better of me…"
Isami Kondou: "Ahh, so that’s what it was."
Kondou-sensei smiled in understanding, and turned his gaze back towards the gate. The old wooden door was shut tightly, looking like it hadn’t been opened in a long time. It had been two months since I began studying at Hakuo Academy, but I never knew such a place existed until now.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Um, Kondou-sensei. What is this place…?"
Isami Kondou: "‘The Shieikan.’"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Huh?"
Isami Kondou: "…That’s what it was called, at least. There used to be a swordplay dojo here by that name."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Used to be?"
Isami Kondou: "Yes. As you can see, it’s closed now. There are no students here; there’s no one at all. But the teachings of that dojo are certainly still being passed down… That’s what I believe."
There was a look in his eyes; almost as if he were lost in a different time, far from the present. I got the feeling that this must’ve been a very important place to Kondou-sensei.
Isami Kondou: "I always come here whenever I want to return to my roots…This place, the Shieikan, is Hakuo Academy’s starting point."
Kondou-sensei put his hand on the place where I expected the sign must have once hung, and his eyes shut, lost in nostalgia.
…'Shieikan.’ As if to confirm the word, I mouthed it to myself. That name… I felt as if I’d heard it before…
Chizuru Yukimura: "……"
Looking at me as I thought about it, Kondou-sensei smiled and kept talking.
Isami Kondou: "Yukimura-kun, it looks like the sun is about to set. Don’t you think it’s time for you to head home?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh, right. That’s true. It’s already so late…"
Isami Kondou: "By the way, I heard from Toshi. It looks like you got some magnificent test results this time around."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Hijikata-sensei said that?"
Isami Kondou: "Yes, you’re the most talented woman in the history of Hakuo Academy! It truly is magnificent!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "…Thank you very much."
There was no hint of lies or flattery in Kondou-sensei’s cheerful words… I remembered how he delivered them while walking away, and I felt a little embarrassed.
Isami Kondou: "A student has a duty to study, so I want you to continue trying your hardest! But of course, it’s not just your studies. If you also have fun living your everyday life at Hakuo Academy… As this school’s principal, I’d be very happy!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes!"
Returning his nod as he smiled, I looked back at ‘Shieikan’ only once. He had called it the ‘starting point’ for the school. I wonder what that meant…? Questions along those lines came to mind, and I couldn’t help but wonder at such a mystery…
Anyway, I would do my best from here forward. I smiled, in high spirits.