On a Monday morning, sunlight streamed through the gates of Sobu University, casting neat shadows on the flagstone path. Okabara Kyogumichi walked into the campus with his backpack, his ears already filled with the chatter and footsteps of students, as a new week of school life began as usual.
As soon as he entered the classroom, he heard the students in the front row discussing something animatedly. Kyogumichi put down his backpack, and Kawasaki Saki next to him handed him a notebook: "The teacher announced in the group yesterday that there will be a monthly exam in 14 days, and the results of this exam will affect class placement next semester."
"Monthly exam?" Kyogumichi was startled for a moment, then remembered. As a frequent occupant of the tenth spot in his grade, he had never felt much pressure about exams; no matter how he performed, his grades always remained steadily in that position.
"You don't seem nervous at all." Kawasaki Saki looked at his composed demeanor and said with a hint of helplessness, "Many people in our class have already started reviewing, especially those hovering around the passing line."
Kyogumichi smiled and opened his textbook: "I plan to just attend classes normally; I won't do any special reviewing."
For him, maintaining his current grades was just right. It wouldn't attract too much attention, and it would keep the system's "Honor Student" mission in a completed state. There was no need to expend extra effort to compete for first place. (This was a long-term mission issued by the system over the past three years.)
No sooner had he finished speaking than a groan came from the back row. Fujiwara Chika was sprawled on her desk, clutching her head and complaining, "Why do we have another exam! I just managed to forget all the knowledge points from last semester!"
Kaguya Shinomiya, sitting not far away, was elegantly flipping through review materials. Hearing this, she glanced at her indifferently: "What's the use of cramming at the last minute if you don't work hard normally? I started reviewing ages ago."
Her desk was neatly arranged with notes for each subject, the handwriting meticulous, and key content highlighted with different colored pens.
"Kaguya-senpai, of course, you don't have to worry, you're the top student in our grade." Fujiwara Chika sat up, looking at her pitifully, "When it comes to the exam, can you...?"
"No." Kaguya Shinomiya interrupted her without hesitation, "Cheating is a desecration of knowledge and will result in a demerit from the student council."
Kyogumichi watched their interaction and couldn't help but chuckle. Kaguya Shinomiya was always so self-disciplined and proud, with strict demands on herself and others; while Fujiwara Chika was like a child who would never grow up, always remembering to review only before exams.
In the hallway outside the classroom, Chitanda Eru was holding a stack of Classics Club materials, discussing something with the club members. Hearing the news of the monthly exam, she said seriously, "Then we need to arrange our time reasonably for the next two weeks, both to complete club activities and ensure our review progress."
She took out her planner from her backpack and began to meticulously plan her daily study time, with a clarity that was admirable.
By the sports field, members of the basketball club were having their morning practice. Kawasaki Taishi, Kawasaki Saki's younger brother, was dribbling the ball and joking with his teammates, completely unconcerned about the monthly exam: "We can talk about exams next week, let's finish this game first!"
"If you keep this up, you'll be held back a year." Kawasaki Saki walked over and mercilessly tapped her brother's head, "At least review the basic problems, don't get single digits again."
"I know, sis, you're so nagging." Kawasaki Taishi grumbled, but still obediently put away the basketball, showing that despite his complaints, he still listened to his sister.
During lunch break, Kyogumichi met Natsume Takashi in the library. The boy was sitting by the window, quietly reading his textbook, while Nyanko-sensei dozed on his lap. Sunlight streamed through the window, falling on them, creating a warm and peaceful scene.
"Natsume, are you also reviewing?" Kyogumichi walked over and sat down.
"Yes, I want to read a bit more during lunch break." Natsume smiled and nodded, "Some subjects are a bit difficult for me, so I need to spend more time." His notes were filled with dense annotations, showing his diligence.
Nyanko-sensei seemed to have been woken up, stretched, and said discontentedly, "Humans are so troublesome, always having exams."
Kyogumichi and Natsume exchanged a smile and continued reading their respective books. The library was quiet, with only the rustling of turning pages and the sound of pen tips scratching paper.
Not far away, Hitori Bocchi was wearing headphones, listening to music while memorizing vocabulary, her fingers unconsciously tapping a rhythm on the table, apparently reviewing in her own way.
On the way home from school, Kyogumichi saw Kitagawa Marin carrying her backpack, still holding a sewing club material kit, excitedly discussing the details of making clothes with a classmate.
When her classmate mentioned the monthly exam, she stuck out her tongue: "Oh no, I almost forgot about the exam! But it's okay, I'll just pull an all-nighter to review the day before the exam!"
Looking at her energetic demeanor, Kyogumichi smiled helplessly. Everyone's attitude towards exams was completely different: some were calm, some anxious, some crammed at the last minute, and some didn't take it seriously at all.
Returning to the apartment building, Kyogumichi met Shiina Mahiru downstairs. The girl was carrying freshly bought groceries and showed a gentle smile when she saw him: "Okabara-san, I heard there's a monthly exam? Do you need help reviewing? I can help you organize your notes."
"Thank you, but it's not necessary." Kyogumichi smiled and politely declined, "I'm quite confident in my grades."
"Even so, you should pay attention to rest and not stay up late studying." Mahiru earnestly reminded him, "I'll bring you some nuts that help with memory tomorrow."
"Alright, thank you."
Watching Mahiru's retreating figure as she went upstairs, Kyogumichi felt a warmth in his heart. The news of the monthly exam was like a stone thrown into a lake, creating different ripples across the campus. Everyone was dealing with the upcoming test in their own way.
For Kyogumichi, however, it was just another ordinary exam. He had neither the ambition to compete for first place nor the worry of failing; he simply wanted to maintain his current pace and smoothly navigate this period of school life.
As for the varied lives of others, they were like scenery along the road, rich and interesting, but they wouldn't affect his forward steps.
As night fell, the lights on campus gradually came on. Many students were still studying in classrooms, some were still playing ball on the sports field, and the library was full.
The news of the impending monthly exam added a touch of tension to the calm campus life and brought more vivid colors to this painting called "Youth."