Chapter 2

—With that, we'll end class here for today.

…Aau~gh, I'm sore.

(I worried numerous times whether I should wake him or not, but…)

You really did sleep the whole way through.

Told you I would.

…Damn, those are some notes.

Hm?

Don't even need to read 'em to tell. That's the kind of attentiveness you only get from a goddamn diligent model student.

I suppose that's a compliment? You have my gratitude, Ryui-senpai.

Not really a compliment. And I'm not your senpai.

That said, senpai. During the lesson just now, there was a matter that even someone as "goddamn diligent" as I couldn't follow.

You were dreaming until a second ago, so… would you mind looking it over for me now?

Huh? …Guess I oughta. Can't say I'm not curious what's stumped Mr. "first place in national mocks". Lemme see.

Aah… minor's right to rescind, huh. It's a trick question, too.

Answer's number four.

…! So it is. You understand it?

Well, yeah. Think of it like this—

I see, I get it now…! I'm in your debt, Ryui-senpai.

Well, it's a full-fledged legal issue, not exactly common knowledge.

…I didn't realise just how intelligent you are, Ryui-san. I'm impressed. You even excel at teaching—you truly can't judge a book by its cover.

Oi. Stop running your mouth like that.

Ah, pardon me.

Heh, no worries.

…Then, would just a touch more bother be alright?

I can't envision you taking your studies in school seriously… so just how did you come to be so knowledgeable?

You're blunt as hell, y'know that?

Uu-chan can attest to my nerve.

…Well, it's nothin' much, just self-study. Way easier to concentrate alone than in a crowded school.

Self-study…! That can't have been a simple task either.

Nah, you get used to it.

Teachers can't get on your ass as long as you do enough studying.

I see… that's quite interesting.

Yes, sitting next to you today was the right decision indeed.

Where'd that come from?

Before this class, I assumed that even if we'd attended the very same school building, we'd never have interacted… but allow me to correct that.

Don't need to correct somethin' I'd never heard before…

With a senpai like you nearby, I'm sure every day would be inspiring.

…

Coming to know differing values can help one mature. And so, to have had this opportunity today… is a great honour indeed.

… …You really are so goddamn diligent.

Ryui-senpai. You shouldn't say "goddamn" so much, it's bad manners.

Hah, you're a hundred years too early to be lecturing me about manners. Now c'mon, next class is gonna start.

…Right.