Chapter 26 - JK Idol-san is Busy Studying for Exams
There's only one week left before the final semester exams.
Despite being busy, Sakurazaki takes some time to study during our phone call, so this time she should be able to succeed.
"Himahara-kun, let's take a short break from studying,"
"It hasn't even been ten minutes yet,"
"But... I'm already getting bored."
...Well, what can you do when Sakurazaki is fed up with all the recent subjects.
"Alright, we can take a break today. I've been pushing myself too hard too."
"Yay! There's a place I want to visit after the exams!"
Sakurazaki's spirit instantly recovers.
As usual, I just nod while she keeps talking rapidly like a machine, but Sakurazaki seems satisfied with that.
That night, all the stories Sakurazaki held back for so long come out quickly, and we talk on the phone for about two hours.
About studying for the exams, that should be remembered too.
"Hey, the problem here doesn't yield the correct answer even when I use this formula,"
During the morning homeroom period and lunch break, I tutor Nanamizawa.
She's also struggling to get grades above the red line, but her ranking is lower than Sakurazaki's.
Of course, after the 200th rank, the majority of students are members of sports clubs, so there's nothing to be done.
With all that going on, while accompanying Sakurazaki and Nanamizawa's studying, I'm trying hard not to let my ranking drop.
+×+×+×+
On the Sunday before the final semester exams, Sakurazaki calls me as usual after finishing studying, and our casual conversation begins.
"Oh, Himahara-kun, do you have any plans for the summer vacation?"
"Plans? Well, not really,"
"You're not going on a family trip or something?"
"Ah, no. My aunt is always busy with work."
"Oh, I see."
Because Michiko-san is very busy with her business, we rarely go on vacations.
That's why I try to cover and help out with everyday life, including cooking.
"What about you, Sakurazaki? Will you be busy again after entering August?"
"Yeah, there will be summer concerts. But... after that, maybe I can get a vacation."
"Well, that's good."
"...Maybe I can get a vacation,"
"Why did you repeat it twice?"
It seems she's really hoping to get a vacation.
I myself might just be lazing around due to having too much free time.
"Himahara-kun, try placing your hand on your chest and think,"
"Huh?"
"Alright? I... vacation... maybe."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Ah... You're hopeless, Himahara-kun."
Sakurazaki suddenly gets irritated.
...Ah, that's what she meant.
"If you get a vacation, would you like to go somewhere? This time, we can go to a place you want to go, since we went to a place I wanted to go before,"
"Really?"
"Well, since it's a long holiday, maybe we can go to a somewhat distant place."
"Alright, I want to eat seafood!"
...Huh?
"Why is that sudden?"
"A delicious seafood donburi! For example, to Hokkaido,"
"That doesn't make sense."
"Eh, but..."
"Try choosing a place more suitable for a girl. For example, Mouseyland."
"But I want to eat seafood donburi!"
It seems she's starting to follow my interests...
"There's no other choice. Although it's not too far, is it okay?"
"Eh? Is there one in Tokyo too?"
"Oh, yeah. I don't really know either, but at least there should be. So, let's do our best for the exams and the concert before that."
"Yes!"
+×+×+×+
(Preview for the next chapter)
"Hey, Himahara-kun, is Mouseyland fun?"
"That place is a place that someone like me would rarely set foot in, except in very rare circumstances."
"Oh, I'll go there for the next filming program."
"...We might not talk to each other anymore."
"Why?!"
Next chapter: "JK Idol-san and Exam Results."
Translator: Janaka