For someone who isn't good at studying, endless oceans of problems were like a time machine that infinitely slowed the flow of time, making them suffer in prolonged agony.
But for someone who excelled in academics, knowledge flowed like an endless spring. Like a sponge soaking in clean water, they could enjoy the pleasure of self-growth at any moment.
Two hours later, Yuigahama had slumped her face onto the table, her eyes vacant and expression blank, as if completely shattered.
"I can't... I can't go on anymore..."
"Not done yet? Yui, you still have a long way to go." Gently tapping her investment textbook on Yuigahama's head, Yuu sipped his melon soda and emotionlessly commanded, "I'll give you a short break. Then solve one more problem before lunch. We'll check the results while your memory is still fresh."
Yuigahama let out a dying groan. "Yuu is a demon..."
"What kind of demon is this considerate?"
Suddenly, an idea flashed in his mind. Yuu smirked, imitating one of the archbishops from the Sect of Magicians. He smiled warmly, yet with emotionless eyes.
"Oh really?"
"You worked so hard to get into Sobu High, worked so hard to survive until your second year, and worked so hard to ask me to help you with your midterms... and now you look so defeated, ready to give up anytime..."
He praised her wholeheartedly, as if a passerby facing an unknown hero who sacrificed everything. Though they didn't know each other, he still admired her from the depths of his heart.
Then, he mocked and dismissed all her efforts from the past two hours.
"You're truly lazy."
"Iiih—"
A raspy voice, like chewing on bone fingers, made Yuigahama shiver, as if doused in ice water from head to toe, like a slimy worm crawling from her feet to her brain. Instinctively, she straightened her back and rubbed the goosebumps on her arms.
"So gross, so gross!"
At the words spilling from his mouth, Yuigahama frowned sadly, remnants of fear and anger in her eyes. She glared at Yuu. "Besides, I didn't say I was giving up—I just wanted to complain a little! Even if you're trying to 'motivate' me, don't use that perverted tone!"
"Really? I think it's unique. I really like the voice actor who says that line." Yuu returned to his normal expression, leaning back in his chair, laughing cheerfully. "By the way, I once met a TV crew on the street. They invited me to join. I didn't end up on TV, but I got the director's business card. Seems I can audition anytime."
"Eh? Really?" Yuigahama immediately became interested. She leaned in, eyes sparkling like a child. "Tell me quickly! What happened? I want to see the director's business card too!"
Yuu gazed into the distance, sighing softly. "The business card's gone, but I remember the process clearly... I remember that evening, the sunset like fire..."
"That evening?"
"Actually, it only happened during summer break."
Just as Yuu was about to fabricate an exciting, thrilling story from his experience performing Perfect-Level Acting to satisfy Yuigahama's longing eyes—
A slightly surprised, melodious voice suddenly came from behind:
"Tenkuji... san?"
The woman used polite language. Her voice felt long-unheard—unfamiliar, yet not entirely strange.
Yuu turned around. A woman with braided hair, wearing large round glasses, exuded a simple, calm aura. Yet her figure was slender and graceful. Holding a drink, she looked at him as if unprepared.
"Mizu... no, Ichinose-san?" Yuu was also slightly surprised. "What a coincidence, meeting you here."
"Eh? What's going on?"
Yuigahama blinked rapidly, glancing back and forth between the high school student and the adult woman in front of her. For some reason, she suddenly wanted to call Masuzu to take control of the situation.
(No, that girl is just a fake girlfriend. Isn't I, as his best friend, far more important than her?!)
"I came here to eat with a friend..."
Chizuru glanced at the high school textbooks on their table, then at Yuigahama's serious gaze, carefully observing everything. She immediately smiled with understanding.
"Are you studying with your girlfriend? Sorry for interrupting. I'll leave now."
Yuu waved his hand. "No need to worry. She's just a close friend. I was just about to tell her about my experience filming a TV show—never expected you, the actual person involved, would show up right on time."
Yuigahama's expression shifted from bright to cloudy. But she seemed used to it and not too disappointed—just a slightly gloomy look on her small face.
"...I see. What a coincidence."
After a moment of thought, Chizuru wasn't sure about their relationship, but she knew exactly what to say and do now.
Reading the room was her specialty. If she couldn't handle such a simple task, she wouldn't be a five-star-rated rental girlfriend with a perfect record of no bad reviews.
And now, without further explanation, she only needed to maintain the right distance in tone and attitude to perfectly handle any emergency situation.
So, she stepped back toward her seat, smiling. "I should find my friend. We'll talk again another time, Tenkuji-san... Good luck on your exams."
"Ah, thank you..." Yuigahama was startled when their eyes met. She obediently placed her hands in her lap, nodding slightly and replying in a soft voice.
After Chizuru left, Yuigahama turned back to him. She exhaled in relief, relaxing her tense shoulders, speaking emotionally: "She looked like such a beautiful woman, but she deliberately hid it... And she has such a good aura. She doesn't have that gloomy vibe like literary girls."
"True."
Yuu shrugged, not bothering to explain that the woman had a brighter side too.
"Then, how do you know such a beautiful woman, Yuu?"
The topic shifted. Yuigahama's eyes sharpened. She stared intently, showing jealousy and dissatisfaction.
"Based on what you two said earlier, did you meet while filming a TV show? Why does she use polite language with you?"
Yuu stared at her wordlessly. "...I should be the one asking—why does your brain work so fast on things like this? Can't you use that intelligence for studying?"
"Don't change the subject!" Yuigahama lightly slapped the table, like a puppy trying to threaten a human fiercely. Her bright, wet eyes widened, reflecting only his image.
"Don't distract from studying!" Yuu didn't budge at all. He simply mimicked her tone and placed another problem sheet on the table. "I've changed my mind. Solve this, and then I'll tell you about my experience meeting Ichinose and filming the TV show with her."
"...Alright, I'll do it!"
Her eyes instantly lit up. Yuigahama snatched the paper and began writing rapidly.
Seeing her so enthusiastic, Yuu couldn't help but roll his eyes. He held his forehead as if drained of energy, unsure what to say.
Teenage girls were truly strange creatures...
"This is also to learn more about Yuu—Yuigahama Yui, bring out all your strength!"
"..."
Correction.
Yuigahama was the strangest of all.
An unconscious smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Yuu shook his head, picking up his investment textbook again. As he studied, he also listened to the sounds of the girl's struggle.
Sunlight streamed through the window, as if two years had passed. From the library window, it warmly and brightly shone upon the two of them.