Tanaka Masao stood by the Sea, the Sea breeze ruffling his short hair.
He pointed forward, gazing at the endless Sea, his expression serious, his eyes deep, and he spoke in a low voice.
"Yukino, do you know what's on the other side of the Sea?"
Seeing Tanaka Masao so unusually serious, Yukinoshita Yukino was a little curious. Had he entered some state of enlightenment upon seeing the Sea?
She subconsciously asked.
"What is it?"
"It's Tokyo, don't you know?"
...
When people are extremely speechless, they truly become speechless.
Yukinoshita Yukino was so annoyed she laughed.
She also extended her hand and pointed in a direction.
"Then, Tanaka-kin, do you know what's on the other side of the Sea in that direction?"
"The direction of our home?"
"No."
Yukinoshita Yukino shook her head.
"On the other side of the Sea, there is freedom."
"Freedom?"
Tanaka Masao was stunned for a moment, then realized after thinking carefully.
"Freedom, America?"
"Exactly."
"Yukino, you're really humorous."
"Oh, not at all. Compared to Tanaka-kin, I'm still far behind."
"Yukino, you've changed. You've learned humility."
"I'm just speaking the truth. After all, in some aspects, I truly can't compare to Tanaka-kin."
"I always feel like those 'some aspects' you're referring to are all negative."
"I never said such a thing, but if Tanaka-kin wants to think that, there's nothing I can do."
The two stayed by the Sea for a short while, then quickly returned before nightfall.
The way back was much more difficult than the way there.
For example, the first challenge facing Tanaka Masao was a long slope.
He had ridden all the way down this slope to the Sea, feeling incredibly exhilarated.
And as happy and comfortable as he was then, that's how much pain he felt now.
His legs were already tired, and now he had to deal with this.
This made Tanaka Masao's subsequent journey even more arduous.
One hour to get there, one and a half hours to get back.
Two and a half hours of cycling allowed Tanaka Masao to overfulfill his training quota for the day.
At the intersection on the way back, Yukinoshita Yukino spoke.
"Tanaka-kin, starting tomorrow, we won't need morning exercises. Cycling after school every afternoon will be enough for daily training."
Tanaka Masao wiped the sweat from his face, revealing an awkward, stiff smile.
"So, I should thank Yukino for being so understanding?"
"It's nothing, no need to thank me so much. After all, I'm always like this.
Well, Tanaka-kin, go back and get some good rest. I look forward to your performance tomorrow."
"Okay, see you tomorrow."
...
The next day, because morning exercises were canceled, Tanaka Masao woke up a little later than usual.
"Ah, so this is what a bed feels like at around seven in the morning. It's truly captivating."
Tanaka Masao got dressed and slowly rode his bicycle to school.
Arriving at the school's parking area, Tanaka Masao happened to see Kawasaki Saki parking her bicycle. She usually rode her bike to school as well.
"Morning, Kawasaki-kun."
Tanaka Masao naturally parked his bike next to hers.
Kawasaki Saki yawned and nodded.
"Morning."
The two happened to be heading to the classroom together, and with such a rare opportunity to walk together, Tanaka Masao naturally took the chance to strike up a conversation.
"Kawasaki-kun looks very sleepy. Didn't she rest well?"
Through their interactions during this period, Kawasaki Saki could now chat with Tanaka Masao like ordinary friends. Hearing his question, she simply replied casually.
"It's nothing serious, I'm used to it."
"Kawasaki-kun shouldn't ignore such things. Getting enough sleep is still very important.
Studying is also very demanding, and it requires a good mental and physical state.
This is beneficial for thinking and memory."
Hearing Tanaka Masao's advice, Kawasaki Saki nodded, feeling that what he said made a lot of sense.
"I'll pay attention."
In the past, no matter how hard or tired Kawasaki Saki was, she believed that as long as she gritted her teeth and persevered, she would be fine.
Now it seemed that wasn't the case.
Indeed, recently she would occasionally lose focus in class, and her efficiency when doing problems also felt lower than before.
[Perhaps I haven't been getting enough rest lately. I'll just take two days off to rest.]
Although Kawasaki Saki's family had three children and her parents were both ordinary working-class individuals, their daily life wasn't difficult, and she didn't need to work to supplement the family income.
Her goal for working was very clear: to find a good cram school for herself, to attend a better school, and to seek further development.
Therefore, she wouldn't let other things interfere with her studies.
At this moment, Kawasaki Saki remembered something and asked.
"Oh, by the way, that cram school you mentioned before, I'd like to try it."
Hearing Kawasaki Saki's words, a faint smile appeared on Tanaka Masao's lips. For some reason, these words made him a little excited, and his blood began to boil.
It was like a female anime protagonist who, for various reasons, couldn't resist temptation and started trying new things, then couldn't stop.
[Perhaps it's because I like to play the role of a teacher that I feel this way.]
Tanaka Masao thought this to himself, suppressing his somewhat excited feelings. He cleared his throat and spoke.
"That's not a problem. However, Kawasaki-kun, you've actually already experienced this tutoring."
Kawasaki Saki blinked. How come she didn't remember experiencing it? Had she lost her memory?
Seeing Kawasaki Saki's confused expression, Tanaka Masao pointed to himself.
"The amazing teacher from that cram school I mentioned is me."
Kawasaki Saki was silent for two and a half seconds before nodding.
"I see."
"Kawasaki-kun is so calm. Don't you feel like you've been tricked?"
"Although I do feel a little deceived, Tanaka, your teaching level is quite good, so I can reluctantly accept it."
Hearing this, a smile appeared on Tanaka Masao's lips. As expected, his teaching was good enough to satisfy Kawasaki Saki.
"So, what do you say, Kawasaki-kun?"
"Okay, I'll rely on you for tutoring. Will the price still be as we discussed before? If you need it, I can add a bit more."
Tanaka Masao waved his hand.
"No need. What we discussed before is fine. Actually, even if Kawasaki-kun didn't pay at all, it would be completely fine. After all, we're classmates and friends, and helping each other out is normal."
"No, what should be given must be given."
Kawasaki Saki had no intention of getting free tutoring from Tanaka Masao. If she didn't give anything, she would feel a little bad, like she owed him.
After all, in this day and age, monetary transactions can give people a sense of security, while favors are difficult to repay.
Although even at the current price, Kawasaki Saki still felt like she was getting a good deal.
"Then how should we schedule the tutoring? I'm quite busy normally and don't have much time. I only have more time on weekends."
Hearing this, Tanaka Masao considered his own situation.
It turned out that he was even busier than Kawasaki Saki. Not only did he not have time on weekdays, but his weekends were also fully booked.
[So tiring.]