Night fell, and the Shinomiya family study was brightly lit.
Kaguya Shinomiya sat in a velvet armchair, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the smooth mahogany desktop. The monthly exam report was spread before her, but the words "Okabara Kyogumichi - Grade First" stung her eyes like needles. She had read them over and over, yet her mind still refused to accept it was true.
Outside the window, the rustling of the evening breeze through the leaves did nothing to dispel the heavy atmosphere in the room.
"How could Okabara-san have surpassed me? Something must be wrong!" Her voice held a slight tremor, a feeling of defeat she had almost never experienced since childhood.
"Young Mistress, you've already done very well," Hayasaka said, walking in with freshly brewed matcha. Her tone was gently comforting.
She was dressed in a proper maid's uniform, a stark contrast to her delinquent attire at school, and she exuded an air of quiet efficiency. The professional, fake smile had faded from her face, and her eyes held a hidden worry for her mistress.
Shinomiya turned her face away, her ears slightly red. "What's the use of being second? A Shinomiya is always first!"
She took a deep breath, trying to maintain her composure, but couldn't help raising her voice. "Look at his history score! It's a full five points higher than mine! The grading teacher must have favored him!"
Hayasaka placed the matcha in front of Shinomiya and picked up the report card to examine it carefully. "Young Mistress, you did lose a few more points on the history subjective questions, especially that essay on the economic system of the Edo period…"
"My view was more profound! Japan can no longer be obsessed with the current bubble economy…" Shinomiya immediately retorted, her cheeks growing even redder. "Those grading teachers don't understand my insights at all! Okabara-san's by-the-book answers can only fool these mediocre instructors!"
Despite her words, her fingers were tightly gripping the tablecloth, a silent admission that Hayasaka's statement held truth. In previous exams, Shinomiya had lost points in history for the same reason: her theories were often too advanced. Geniuses are seldom recognized in their time.
Hayasaka shook her head helplessly. Her mistress was always like this; she would acknowledge a gap in her heart but never admit defeat aloud.
She softly said, "Actually, Okabara-san's learning methods do have their merits. I heard he's been studying with his classmates in the library these past few days, and his notes are very detailed."
"Hmph, just a bunch of people wasting time together," Shinomiya snorted, though her eyes flickered with curiosity. "What good method could there be? It's just luck." She picked up the matcha and drank it all at once, trying to hide her concern, but choked as she drank too quickly.
"Young Mistress, drink slowly," Hayasaka said quickly, handing her a tissue and gently patting her back. "Actually, losing to someone else isn't a bad thing; it allows you to discover your shortcomings."
These words seemed to hit a sore spot. Shinomiya looked up, her eyes slightly red. "How could I lose to a student from such an ordinary background? Since childhood, whether in academics or talents, I have always been first!"
Seeing this rare display of vulnerability, Hayasaka softened her tone. "Young Mistress, Okabara-san is indeed very hardworking. I heard he studies until late every night and helps many classmates with their homework." She paused, then added, "And his physics and chemistry scores have improved very quickly. Before, he wasn't even as good as you in the mock exams."
Shinomiya's expression softened slightly, but she still retorted, "It's just last-minute cramming. Such sudden improvements aren't stable at all." Yet her body involuntarily leaned forward, her interest clearly piqued.
Hayasaka saw through her thoughts and smiled. "I've already collected some of his study materials. Would you like to take a look?" She took out a few papers from her folder. "These are his math notes from studying with Shiina-san; the thought process is very clear."
Shinomiya glanced at the notes dismissively. "What's so good about such basic stuff?" But her eyes honestly lingered on the paper, and her fingers couldn't help but reach out. When she saw the key points and common mistakes Kyogumichi had marked in different colors, her gaze became complex.
"Hmph, it's just barely passable," Shinomiya said, putting down the notes and lightly coughing to hide her surprise. "But since he dares to challenge the authority of a Shinomiya, I must let him know his place. Hayasaka, we must formulate a counterattack plan!"
Seeing her mistress's fighting spirit reignite, Hayasaka breathed a sigh of relief. "How do you want to proceed?"
Shinomiya stood up and paced the room, her eyes growing firm. "First, I need to comprehensively analyze his weaknesses! Although his chemistry scores are good, there must be gaps in organic chemistry. I'll break through there!"
"I've already compiled his collection of incorrect problems; he does lose more points on organic synthesis questions," Hayasaka said, producing another document.
"Very good!" Shinomiya nodded in satisfaction. "Starting tomorrow, I will increase my study time!" Her tone was full of determination, as if she could already see her victory in the next exam.
Hayasaka looked concerned. "Young Mistress, you've been sleeping very little recently. If this continues, your health will suffer."
"For victory, what is this small sacrifice?" Shinomiya waved her hand, dismissing the concern. "I also need to observe his study habits. Doesn't he like to study in the library? In a few days, I'll 'casually' meet him there and see what his secret is!"
"Do you need me to arrange it?" Hayasaka asked.
"No!" Shinomiya immediately refused, her cheeks flushing. "It must be natural. I'm just going to study and 'observe' the situation of my competitor." She wouldn't admit she was actually curious about how Kyogumichi studied.
Hayasaka suppressed a smile. "I understand. Also, there's a subject competition next month. If you can get first place there, you'll be able to completely prove your strength."
"That's a good idea!" Shinomiya's eyes lit up. "I'm going to participate in both the physics and chemistry competitions! Let Okabara-san see what true strength is!" She walked to her desk and began to formulate a detailed study plan; the previous disappointment had been completely replaced by a fierce fighting spirit.
Looking at Shinomiya's focused profile, Hayasaka allowed herself a relieved smile. Although her mistress was tsundere and fiercely competitive, this unyielding spirit was her most charming quality.
It was late, and the lights in the study remained on. Shinomiya was focused on the competition materials, her pen moving quickly across the notebook. She would occasionally frown at a difficult problem, but her expression would quickly smooth out.
Hayasaka gently draped a blanket over her shoulders, thinking to herself: The next exam will surely be very interesting.