Episode 10: Mid-Term Exams

Today marks the final study session before the exams.

Endo-san was focused as usual.

I have this habit of procrastinating when it comes to the day before exams, figuring cramming doesn’t really help much.

“Endo-san, why did you want me to help you study?”

She didn’t seem like the type to give a proper answer, but I asked anyway, something that had been on my mind for a while.

“Didn’t we talk about it before? I said I wanted to grow up quickly.”

As expected, I didn’t get the answer I was looking for, so I changed the question and asked her again.

“So, why do you want to grow up quickly?”

“Hmm… I guess I want to become a working adult sooner and gain the strength to live on my own. I figure if my grades are good when I graduate, I won’t struggle to find a job.”

　I’d heard from Mai before that Endo-san lived alone. To me, she seemed perfectly capable of managing on her own. Unlike me, who had no choice but to live off my parents’ money.

Endo-san peered at my face with a forced smile.

Her features were regular, but I didn’t like that doll-like, artificial expression. It was frightening not knowing what lay behind it.

“Takizawa, if I finish within the top thirty in this test, I want a reward.”

Endo-san had the audacity to demand a reward on top of me tutoring her. I couldn’t help thinking she was utterly shameless.

“No way. Why should I have to give you a reward?”

I knew I looked thoroughly displeased. Ignoring my reaction, Endo-san rattled on.

“Honestly, without some kind of reward, I just can’t get motivated, can I? You’re giving up your own time to teach me, Takizawa. Surely you want me to get good results?”

Admittedly, she had a point. Teaching someone and seeing it put to good use would make me feel useful, at least a little. She was trying hard, and maybe I could grant her one small request.

“Just for reference, what kind of request?”
“…I want you to kiss me.”
“Absolutely not. Pervert. No rewards.”

The refusal came out before my brain could process it. I wanted to smack myself for even entertaining the sweet notion of indulging her whim.

“I was joking!”
“Even jokes have boundaries.”

When I got angry, Endo-san, unusually, started talking frantically. I hadn’t seen much of her face beyond that fake smile, so it felt a bit fresh.

　And in that change of expression, I sensed a hint of humanity in her.

“After the tests are over, I’d like you to tutor me on days when I don’t have club activities…”

The unexpected request made me freeze slightly. I didn’t mind tutoring her, but it felt like I wouldn’t gain much from it, so I decided to steer the conversation towards refusal.

“Isn’t that a bit too long a period for a reward?”

　When I replied coldly, Endo-san looked troubled. Seeing that expression made something stir deep within me.

“Then, on the days you tutor me, I’ll grant one of Takizawa’s requests.”

Endo-san flashed her usual fake smile again. I didn’t have any particular request I wanted her to grant, and it still felt like I’d gain nothing. I figured I’d just say something unpleasant to make her give up.

“I might ask you to strip completely naked.”
“Fine.”

She answered instantly to that unbelievable demand. I hoped she’d refuse, but Endo-san looked at me with eyes like a discarded puppy, pleading. It felt unfair to ask that with that face.

“I’ll consider it if your ranking is good.”

In the end, unable to refuse, I gave an ambiguous answer and the mid-term exams arrived.

　Endo-san kept saying unnecessary things, so I couldn’t concentrate on the test at all. I took the test hating her, thinking if I didn’t get first place, it would all be her fault.

A few days later, I was studying in the library as usual.
Why was Endo-san standing right in front of me?

She was smiling brightly at me, interrupting my studying.

“I came twenty-fourth. Best score I’ve ever got. Thanks, Takizawa.”
“That’s good.”

I replied curtly, hoping to keep her at bay, but my efforts seemed futile. This situation wasn’t changing.

“Remember our promise?”

How could I forget? That promise had made me dread the test period and ruined my concentration.

“I don’t remember.”
“Eh? Are you the type to break promises, Takizawa?”
“I said I’d think about it. After thinking, that’s off the table.”

I desperately wished this situation would end. I didn’t want anything more to do with this person.

“I was so happy today, I rushed here after club activities!”

She grumbled loudly in the quiet library. I wished she’d refrain from such behaviour; it was disturbing others.

“Let’s step outside for a moment.”

　Unable to endure the current situation any longer, I decided to leave the library.

Honestly, Endo-san had been working really hard, so I was genuinely pleased her marks had improved and her efforts had paid off. However, that doesn’t mean I’ll continue tutoring her.

Fundamentally, I’m not friends with Endo-san, nor do I wish to be. I’m not keen on this type who seems to live under the sun. I also want to avoid getting entangled with the similar types who hang around her, so I’d rather have nothing to do with her.

“Why do you need me so much? Couldn’t you just go to cram school or study with other friends?”

When I said that, the smile vanished from Endo-san’s face, which had been beaming no matter what I said until then.

“I’ve been to cram school before, and I’ve studied with other friends too, but my marks never changed. Takizawa’s explanations were really easy to understand, and studying was fun. That’s why I want you to teach me again. I’d be happy to pay you, even if it’s just as a tutor.”

　I didn’t understand why Endo-san was pushing herself so hard with her studies, wanting to grow up so quickly, but with her pleading like this, I couldn’t find a reason to refuse. Reluctantly, I replied.

“I don’t need money. If you have a free day, why not come to the library here? I don’t have anything else to do anyway.”

My tone might have sounded cold, but I was only stating facts and what I could actually do. Glancing at Endo-san, her eyes were sparkling brightly.

“I’ll make sure I can come even on club activity days! And I’ll do whatever Takizawa says!”
“No, you don’t have to come. And I don’t really have anything specific to ask of you, Endo-san.”

And so, our study arrangement was settled.

“I want to thank you for this test. Would you mind having dinner somewhere together today? It’s fine if you have dinner at home!”

　Endo-san’s innocent words made my chest ache. Going home meant no dinner waiting for me; I’d planned to just grab something from the convenience store again today. I hadn’t done anything worthy of thanks, so I should decline.

“I’ll just grab something from the convenience store, it’s fine. And you don’t need to thank me.”

When I said that, Endo-san looked terribly bored.

“Well then, tomorrow? Or the day after is fine too?”
“Eating out is expensive, and I don’t really fancy anything in particular.”

I felt bad accepting an expensive meal, and I wasn’t particularly interested in food anyway – anything that went in my stomach was fine. So, the simpler option seemed best.

“In that case… come to my place. I’ll cook. That way it won’t cost you anything.”

Well… that wasn’t quite the point.

　But I gave in to her persistence, and now I’m standing in front of Endo-san’s house.

I only just realised, but my house and Endo-san’s house are very close. I’d guessed they were near since we’d met in the park, but it’s within a fifteen-minute walk. Maybe we’ve even passed each other at the local supermarket.

It’s the first time I’ve ever been to someone’s house from school, so I stepped inside hers feeling nervous.