--The final exams are finally over.
At Hakuun Academy, where we attend, summer vacation begins immediately after exams. Perhaps because of this, grading is done quickly, and the tests are returned the day after the exams.
As a result, the teachers who are busy grading the papers look busy. On the other hand, the students who have just finished the test all look full of energy. With summer vacation just around the corner, it's no wonder they're in high spirits.
I too was filled with a sense of relief at having finished the test.
(Phew... I guess I got an average score after all.)
The test results were pretty good.
As in previous years, students received around average marks in all subjects.
There was a lot of time to study, but most of that time was spent teaching Kiyoshi, so I wasn't studying myself.
(People don't change that quickly after all.)
I tried my best.
However, the results were not good. I tried my best to make Hime happy, but it's unfortunate.
Well, humans aren't creatures that can change suddenly.
It seems that cramming for a short period of time was pointless. Perhaps I should put more effort into studying from now on.
Being an ordinary person, I'm not a person who changes much.
Since he's not a special person, he'll need to put in some serious effort.
And then I faced him, feeling remorseful.
There, Kiyoshi was in high spirits, munching on french fries.
"Ahh. It's delicious! Eating junk food to avoid failing grades is the best meow."
Kiyoshi has a big smile on his face as he gobbles down the potato sticks.
Unlike me, her efforts paid off. She successfully avoided failing the exam.
"Hijiri-san, you're amazing. I think I've started to have a better opinion of you."
Today, we get to celebrate her efforts.
They came to the fast food restaurant to celebrate that Kiyoshi didn't fail the exam.
By the way, Hime has gone to the bathroom, so it's just the two of them now.
Sitting across from me, she was munching on french fries with relish.
"What do you mean, changed your mind?! Yo-hee, you were making fun of me a little."
I don't think he's stupid, but I do think he's a little bit out of it.
"Well, I'm Hime-chan's older sister, so I can do it if I try."
I think that Hijiri, like Hime, is also someone who can be classified as "special."
It's something that can change with will, and a little effort can bring immediate results. It's something that's far from ordinary.
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't jealous.
If only I was as "special" as her, maybe I would have more confidence in myself.
But there's no point in comparing yourself to them.
Of course, I'm not jealous or anything like that. I'm not denying myself. I'm just recognizing that I am that kind of person, and I'm trying to keep my feet on the ground and move forward properly.
"Mmmm, these potatoes are so delicious."
"...If you don't mind, you can have some of mine too. It's a celebration."
"Is that okay?! I did it, thanks~"
For now, let's praise Hijiri.
Thinking that, I handed my fries to her...and just then Hime came back from the bathroom.
"I've just returned... Ah, Onee-chan? Aren't you eating too much?"
"Shock"
Hime, who was sitting next to Kiyoshi--no, next to me, immediately said something to Kiyoshi.
"If I get any fatter, it'll be a problem."
"Stop it! Let's not talk about weight right now!"
The harsh words left Kiyoshi half in tears, but as expected, he still couldn't stop eating the fries.
Or maybe appetite is simply winning out over reason.
"Yohei, please listen. My sister seems to have gained weight because she ate too many sweets."
"Really?"
"Yes. I've grown quite a bit, so Mei-san has been telling me strictly to refrain from snacking... but at this rate, I think I'll get in trouble again today."
...It was good that I didn't get any failing marks.
"This summer vacation will be all about dieting, not homework."
The price to pay may be quite high.