I paused in my steps, feeling a tap on my shoulder. I turned over and was met by the enviously comforting face of Hasegawa Mio.
"Oh, Hasegawa…"
Though something seemed lacking in her face.
"What's up?"
"Nothing much," I replied. "just realized that midterms are fast approaching and I need to study."
"Hmm."
She hummed in agreement.
"Well then, I'll be entering the library," I informed her before opening the door and stepping inside.
As I entered the library, a voice called out to me, pausing my steps once more.
"Hey Kanako, I thought you weren't a fan of studying?" Hasegawa asked, tilting her head.
I turned to face her, "I've got to pass this midterm, even if I don't want to."
"I see, would you mind if I join you?"
I couldn't help but think about how smart she already was. But even the smartest of people need to study, right? I considered taking this opportunity to ask for her help with my own studies. But before I could even say a word, I found myself nodding and agreeing to her request.
I advanced further into the library, pausing in my step as the door opened. Hasegawa made her way in, gently pushing the door closed behind her.
As we made our way into the library, a hush fell over the space. The atmosphere inside the library was quiet. As we walked through the rows of bookshelves. I would occasionally stop to take a book, while Hasegawa patiently waited and occasionally picked out a book of her own, though not as many as I had.
Finally, we arrived at a table, where we took our seats facing each other. As we settled into our seats, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement wash over me. After all, wasn't this supposed to be a study session together? And with Hasegawa by my side, could I finally ask the questions that had been plaguing me for so long?
I stacked my books on the table, a tower of information that I hoped would prove useful. Hasegawa, on the other hand, placed her smaller collection in front of her with ease.
"You seem to have brought a lot of books, Kanako."
I chuckled self-consciously. I wasn't as smart as Hasegawa, so I needed all the references I could get in order to study properly.
"I know, I need a lot of references to study," I explained, feeling a little sheepish.
"Well, don't worry," she said with a smile…? "I'll be here to help."
I raised an eyebrow, surprised by her offer. "Really?"
"Of course, we're friends, aren't we?"
I hummed in agreement, feeling a sense of relief spread through me. With Hasegawa's help, I was finally confident that I could study properly.
I began with history, as it seemed the simplest subject. Meanwhile, Hasegawa was busily preparing her own materials. I watched as she pulled out a notebook and pen from her bag, placing them on the table before reaching for the math book, from its place in the stack of books, one of the hardest and one of the highest marks subjects.
As I glanced at her stack of books once more, I saw that she had the highest marked books for subjects like English, Biology, and the Math book that lay open in front of her.
I lifted my history book to open it, but hesitated as I tried to recall the studies from yesterday. Despite my efforts, the information evaded me… only some of the knowledge remained in my mind.
"Kanako, you're starting with history?" Hasegawa suddenly asked as I began to open the history book.
"Well, I guess...?" I stumbled over my words, caught off-guard by her question.
"Is history one of your strong subjects?"
I felt a prick of irritation at Hasegawa's words but pushed them aside. Was she teasing me?
"No, not really…"
"In that case," she started, "you should start with your favorite subject. It's always easier to begin with something that you enjoy, don't you think?"
Oh, advice. I should have expected that.
"Thanks…I don't really have a specific favorite subject, though."
"Ah…"
"If only chess was a subject in here," I mused. "I'd ace every exam with ease."
"You certainly have a talent for chess," Hasegawa commented. "But that would only mean you'd excel in chess alone."
"Ouch," I winced. "That hurts."
"Sorry," Hasegawa offered a bland apology.
As we chatted, the sound of a door opening caught our attention. We both glanced towards the entrance, obscured by walls and bookshelves. For a moment, Hasegawa's expression shifted to something unreadable, but it was fleeting as she quickly masked it and returned her focus to the math book in front of her.
I followed her, focusing on my studies too. Hasegawa helped me by answering questions each time I asked but only gave me hints, not the full answers.
*
After what felt like only a mere ten minutes had passed, suddenly, she stood up, gathering her small stack of books.
'Wait, Hasegawa, you're leaving already?"
"Yeah, see you later, Kanako."
I was taken aback by how fast she was finished. I had noticed that her textbooks were filled with complicated equations and formulas, and some other page of the book was organized with neatly written sentences and formulas.
"Uh, yeah. See you later," I responded, a bit bewildered.
As Hasegawa gracefully strolled towards the bookcases, she meticulously placed each of her books back in its designated spot with care. It was then, as she made her way to the exit, that I noticed a sudden change in the atmosphere of the library. The once quiet and calm library was now filled with the presence of several people, their hushed conversations filling the air.
I was so absorbed in my own studies that Hasegawa's departure had broken my focus, allowing me to finally take in my surroundings. I continued to study, trying to retain as much information as I could.
But as the minutes passed, I realized that studying alongside Hasegawa was much more productive than studying alone. The thought of asking for her assistance crossed my mind, though I didn't want to burden her.
Eventually, I put my books away, trying to imitate Hasegawa's organizational skills, and made my way out of the library. As I stepped out into the fresh air, my thoughts wandered to find an easier and quicker way to earn points.
Fukuda may have collected a decent amount of points, but I still need more.
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