Chapter 34: The First Appointment with the Ice Lady

“Alright, ASAHI. Tell me how to improve my grades.”

 

“Just study.”

“…What else?”

“There is no other way to get good grades than studying.”

“No way…”

In the corner of the classroom, Chiaki made a pathetic sound.

Even though the winter break had started after the closing ceremony, his expression was not that of happiness.

The reason for his unusually gloomy face was the report card he held in his hand, on which were engraved horrible numbers that made him want to disregard it.

All of his scores were far below average, but he wasn’t a man to be discouraged by just this.

The problem was the red text that stood out from the rest.

In other words, it indicated a score that was subject to remediation.

“I never thought I’d see the day when I’d get a red dot…”

“I’m actually surprised that you didn’t fail before. If you learn from this, how about you spend time studying rather than hanging out with Hinami?”

“…Are you telling me to die?”

“Anyway, if you want to improve your grades, you have to study. There’s no such trick that will make your grades improve on its own.”

“I guess you’re right… It’s really convincing when you say it, ranked tenth.”

“…If you’re gonna poke fun of me, I’m leaving.”

 

“No, no , no! That was just a compliment!”

I lightly slapped him, who for some reason was speaking in a fake Kansai dialect, and looked down at the report card on my hand.

In contrast to Chiaki, the scores were much higher than the average.

Highly notable were the high scores in Mathematics and English, which were my weakest subjects.

These two subjects were undoubtedly the reason why my rank climbed up.

And if I trace it back, It was thanks to Fuyuka, she taught me until I became good at a subject I was not good at.

“Hey, does having someone teach you really help you get better grades?”

“…What’s with that question?”

“You said so before, when I asked you the secret of your high scores.”

The topic was rather timely, and Chiaki’s expression changed when I delayed a response.

As if his earlier sadness had been a lie, he was now grinning and smiling happily.

“Hey, what’s with the smile?”

“Nothing really, I just thought your grades started to improve after the summer break.”

“…I’m leaving.”

 

“Wait, just wait a sec―”

“Sorry for the wait, Chi-kun! Oh? You’re still here, Asahi?”

 

I shook off Chiaki and stood up from my seat and then a lively and cheerful voice echoed in the classroom.

The group of boys who remained in the classroom looked at the source of the commotion… And immediately, their eyes turned to astonishment and envy.

“Are you also going on a date with someone after this, Asahi? Oh, could it be…”

“No, Asahi kept me company while waiting for you, Hina.”

“But rumor has it…”

“Don’t say anything any further, Hina! Don’t mess with Asahi right now!”

Chiaki took the liberty of siding with me in some way, forcefully covering Hinami’s mouth with his hands, and Hinami began to mumble in an unknown language.

The boys in our class gave us a look that meant ‘I’m not happy’.

Since I was used to seeing these two like this, I couldn’t feel the same way as them, but I feel sorry for them.

Today was the end of the school year, the day for returning the tests, and the beginning of the winter break.

And it was the holy night – Christmas Eve.

“See you next year, I guess. Bye, Asahi.”

“Yeah, see you next year.”

“Let’s go on a Hatsumode visit together!” [First shrine visit of the Japanese New Year.]

“Mhm, I’ll keep my schedule open.”

I waved goodbye to the two.

It was still before noon, but it seemed they were going to play until night with their uniforms on.

I’ll save my personal clothes for Christmas, they said.

Date, I thought of these words but immediately disregarded it.

What Hinami said was half right and half wrong.

After this, Fuyuka and I were to go out together, but it was not a date.

I’m just using the annoying invitation my parents forced upon me.

While looking up to the bright sky, I headed home a little early so that I wouldn’t be late meeting up with my friend.

The electronic beeping sound rang quietly, announcing the arrival of a visitor.

It was supposed to be the same sound as always, but it was accompanied by a strange sense of tension.

Perhaps it was because I am dressed for going out, and even for a prestigious place, my whole body was moving somewhat awkwardly.

Perhaps it was because I had waxed my hair to make it look better than it was, but I also felt an indescribable sense of discomfort on my head.

Anyway, I’m feeling restless both physically and mentally today.

“…Sorry for the delay.”

When I twisted the doorknob with my slightly heated palm, the first thing I heard was a clear voice.

After that, a cold winter wind caressed my cheeks.

Finally, I caught sight of a girl with her glazed hair dominating her gaze.

A navy satin dress that shone in the night, with makeup applied lightly.

The moon and stars in the background lit up Fuyuka’s figure, and she instantly caught my eye.

“…Beautiful.”

Such words naturally leaked out.

From the beginning, I knew that Fuyuka was a person of extraordinary beauty.

She had a mature beauty that lived up to her nickname, “The Ice Lady.”

Hidden behind it was an innocent cuteness appropriate to her age.

I had almost said something in praise of Fuyuka’s beauty several times before.

However, this was the first time I had actually put it into words.

Half unconsciously, I found myself saying those words.

That was how beautiful Fuyuka’s reflection was in my eyes.

“…Ah, thank you.”

Fuyuka’s cheeks were slightly tinged with red as she spoke while looking down.

This time, the word “cute” popped into my head.

However, before the four letters could take shape as a voice, Fuyuka muttered quietly.

“Asahi-kun, also… looks really cool.”

“…Thanks.”

Fuyuka slowly turned over, and her cheeks turned even redder.

To be honest, I couldn’t think of anything else to say in response to the sudden compliment.

It was only now that I finally felt a sense of shame about the words I had spoken.

This was definitely not a date between lovers.

I’m just using the annoying invitation my parents forced upon me.

Yes, I know that in my head.

I knew, but I can’t put my thoughts together and my body doesn’t move the way I wanted it.

“…Shall we go then?”

“…Yes.”

It was only a few seconds in real time before Asahi urged and Fuyuka complied.

However, the time seemed very long to Asahi.