Chapter 5: Study Camp

Semesters passed quickly, and we were now about to face our final exams.

As the nerd I am, I diligently committed all my time to studying.

There hadn’t been any special interaction between me and Mike since Sports Day.

Study Camp.

The words were written on the whiteboard by our class rep. Naturally, my gaze drifted toward him.

"Alright, students," Teacher Hanazawa said from the front.

"Our school has been given the opportunity to participate in a special three-day, two-night study camp conducted by teachers from Japan's top schools. Isn’t that great?"

"Yeah..." the class responded in a flat, half-hearted chorus.

"What’s with that response?" he scolded, frowning. "You’re in your final year! Take this seriously."

“Teacher!” one student raised his hand. “Is it… compulsory?”

“Why? Trying to skip out?” he shot back.

The class chuckled. Mike, still standing at the whiteboard with his hands behind his back, didn’t laugh.

He just kept that usual judgmental look on his face.

He really couldn’t hide his expressions.

"The session isn’t compulsory," Teacher Hanazawa continued.

"Several schools were invited, so it’s on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those interested, give your names to Mike. I’ll leave the rest to you." he tapped his shoulder and left the room.

"Those who wish to join, write your name here," Mike said to the class. "The rest of you, make up your minds by the end of class tomorrow."

Should I participate?

But if students from other schools are joining, there’ll be a lot of people.

I’m not really good at study group…

“Do you want to participate, Lissa?” Ayumi suddenly asked, approaching my desk.

We rarely spoke.

“Ah... I’m still thinking,” I said.

“Let’s join together,” she smiled. “Ana and Miyo are going too.”

Ah... The three of them were close friends.

Could I really blend in with them?

What if they found me boring?

But… we’re graduating soon anyway.

I guess it wouldn’t hurt to make a few memories.

"Alright guys!!" Haku’s loud voice grabbed the class’s attention from the front.

“Why don’t we all join the camp?” he grinned.

The class burst into sarcastic cheers.

“Wahhh, Haku wants to study, guys!”

“Woooo!! Let’s goooo!”

Then Mike stood up from his seat silent the whole class.

Without a word, he grabbed his book and left the classroom.

As soon as the door closed behind him, the whispering started.

“He’s so full of himself.”

“Ugh, I hate him.”

“He takes everything so seriously.”

The gossip grew louder, and I felt uncomfortable.

“Lissa.” Ayumi, still standing beside me, looked down at me. “What do you think about Mike?”

That caught me off guard. I wasn’t expecting that question.

“M-Mike? Why do you ask?”

“Well… you’re both the top students in school, but I’ve never really seen you two talk.”

“Ah… yeah. It’s just our grades that are close. Our personalities are completely different.”

“You think so too?” Ayumi nodded. “Right? I’ve always hated how rude he was. Just because he’s smart and rich, he acts so bossy. Unlike you, you’re always so humble.”

Wait.

She misunderstood.

“A-Ayumi, that’s not what I—”

“AYUMI!” Ana called her from across the room.

She turned and left before I could finish.

What should I do?

She completely misunderstood.

Ayumi was friends with everyone. It was always hard to talk to her since she was constantly ‘busy’.

The rest of the day passed, and I headed home.

Tomorrow. I’ll bring it up again to her.

The next day.

I failed again.

The day passed faster than expected, and before I knew it, it was already time to go home.

Mike walked to the front, scanning the participation list. Then his eyes flicked toward me, gesturing subtly between me and the list.

Ah, right. I haven’t written my name yet.

I stood up, walked toward him, and added my name to the list. The classroom buzzed with noise behind me.

A lot of names were already there. Looked like almost the whole class was going.

But... his name wasn’t on the list.

I looked up, only to find Mike staring at me silently.

He didn’t say a word.

He’s been quiet lately. Did something happen?

He raised an eyebrow as if asking, what?

“You’re… not joining?” I asked softly.

He gave a small smile.

“I’m not really a group person,” he said gently.

“Ah… I see,” I replied, a little disappointed.

“I’ll take the list to the teacher’s room,” he said.

“Ah, right.” I handed over the paper I was still holding.

“Enjoy your study,” he said before turning away.

Little did I know…

That was the last time I saw him.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***