Chapter 2 | Here Comes Summer Vacation

“W-What’s that about? Asanagi-chan, you’re surprisingly mean! If you were going to reply today, you could’ve at least given me a heads-up.”

“Huh? Um… I did tell you, Nakamura-san.”

“…Huh?”

Umi tilted her head with a puzzled look, and Nakamura-san’s expression froze.

“…For real?”

“For real.”

“When?”

“Before morning homeroom, I think. Oh, and since Ryoko-san and Miku-chan were nearby, you could ask them too.”

“…Uh, hold on.”

Nakamura-san started fiddling with her phone in a corner of the student council room, but something about her seemed off compared to her usual self.

She’s eccentric, sure, but always so carefree and bold, giving the impression she’s immune to this kind of tension.

“—Ryoko, Ryoko! I’m in the student council room right now and just ran into Asanagi-chan… Huh? Oh, I see. Sorry for calling out of the blue.”

After confirming, Nakamura-san slowly turned her head toward us.

“…My bad. I got it wrong.”

“Alright, apology accepted. Thinking back, you’ve been acting weird all day, Nakamura-san. You’ve been spacing out, staring outside, barely listening to us—like you were half there.”

“Ugh… Well, you know, even a super healthy gal like me has an off day once a year… Uh, I mean, like a girl’s—never mind, kidding!”

She’s trying to slip back into her usual ‘Nakamura Mio’ persona, but it’s only making things worse.

Even with her head down, her cheeks are visibly flushed, and she keeps sneaking glances at the boy next to her—Takiwaza-kun.

I don’t know the full deal with their relationship yet, but it’s safe to say the rumors about this boy being the cause of Nakamura-san’s odd behavior are spot-on.

“I’m thrilled that you’re volunteering for student council president, especially since I scouted you… but could you maybe explain what’s going on, Vice President?”

In front of us, Seki-senpai smiles politely, but since it was her job to bring Nakamura-san here, she’s probably feeling a bit conflicted as the current president.

Catching the hint in Seki-senpai’s words, Takizawa-kun straightens up and bows with a serious expression.

“Yes… First, I apologize for approaching Mio—uh, Nakamura-san—without consulting you, President. I told myself to leave the new president selection to you and focus on my own duties… but I got too excited about seeing Nakamura-san again after so long and couldn’t help myself…”

“Mio-senpai is fine, Souji. Everyone here probably gets the gist, so there’s no point hiding it.”

“R-Right. Sorry, Mio-senpai.”

“Haha, you still apologize way too much, just like old times. You’ve shot up in height and turned into a jaw-dropping hunk while we were apart, though. I mean, I never would’ve guessed you’d enroll at our high school. You could’ve aimed for somewhere fancier!”

“It’s the closest to my house. Plus, you’re here, senpai.”

“Oh, so I’m just a bonus, huh? You’ve gotten cheeky. You could’ve told me you enrolled!”

“Sorry for keeping quiet. I wanted to surprise you, so…”

“Tch, the little bean from middle school is now a full-on player. I’m torn between sad and lonely.”

“My looks might’ve changed, but I’m still the same inside.”

From their banter, it sounds like they’ve known each other for a while.

Probably a senpai-kouhai thing from middle school.

…Though they seem awfully close for that.

“Sorry to interrupt your trip down memory lane, but can we get back to business? Nakamura Mio-san, just to confirm, you’re accepting the role of new student council president, right?”

“Yeah. Honestly, I’m still not super psyched about it… but if someone’s gotta do it, it might as well be me, Nakamura, the undisputed top of our grade, acing every subject on the finals (probably). Of course, I could’ve left it to Asanagi-chan, but her summer’s already booked solid with her boyfriend. Not in a weird way, mind you! Totally wholesome.”

“What else could it possibly be…”

Ignoring Nakamura-san’s near-miss innuendo, her tongue’s as sharp as ever now that she’s back in her groove. Umi mentioned that when Nakamura-san’s in a great mood, she refers to herself as ‘Nakamura’ instead of ‘I.’

“Haha, there’s the Mio-senpai I know. …I’m so glad.”

Takizawa-kun smiles warmly, clearly moved by seeing her like this.

That said, Nakamura-san’s quirky personality is undeniable, and the other student council members have mixed reactions. Still, with this, the minimum roster is complete.

Now Seki-senpai can focus on her entrance exams without worry.

“…Umi, our business here is done. Should we head out?”

“Oh, yeah. Seki-senpai, we’ll be going now. Sorry we couldn’t help more, but we’re rooting for you from the sidelines.”

“Thanks, Asanagi-san. And Maehara-kun, keep being good to my little brother, okay?”

“Yes, of course.”

We say our goodbyes to Seki-senpai and the other student council members before standing to leave.

I couldn’t properly thank Seki-senpai this time, but I’ll think about how to make it up to her later. Naturally, I’ll rope Nozomu into helping.

“Asanagi-chan, have a blast with Maehara-shi during summer break next week!”

“Thanks, Nakamura-san. If you need anything, just let me know. We’ll help out however we can with the others.”

“Appreciated. Though with me and Souji, we probably won’t have any issues.”

“Mio-senpai, you’re as confident as ever. …This is actually our first time doing student council stuff.”

“Haha… well, we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”

Listening to their exchange, I get a slight bad vibe about the upcoming sports festival, but with their skills and support from Seki-senpai’s old team, it should be fine.

So, Umi and I will just keep tackling things one step at a time, as always.

…Which brings us to the ‘friend’ who totally bombed the finals.

With first-semester classes wrapped up and only the closing ceremony left after the three-day weekend, it’s Friday afternoon. Normally, Umi and I would be chilling at home, but today we’re at a family restaurant near the station by our high school, gathered around a table.

It’s me, Umi, Amami-san, Nitta-san, and, for the first time in a while, Nozomu. We’re supposed to be planning what to do over summer break as a group of five… or that was the plan.

“Ugh… I’m so sorry, guys. This is all because I’m such a dummy…”

The restaurant is buzzing with our schoolmates, but our table’s vibe is noticeably gloomier, thanks to our mood-maker, Amami-san, slumping with her shoulders drooped.

The culprit? The answer sheets for Japanese (modern and classical) and English spread out on the table.

These are from the recent finals, and right next to ‘Amami Yuu’ are scores of ‘38’ and ‘39’ in red ink.

At our school, anything below 40 is a failing grade… meaning Amami-san narrowly flunked.

…In two subjects.

“H-Hey, Yuu-chin, don’t let it get you down too much. The finals were brutal this time—way below average—so they might go easy and skip the remedial classes. Especially for those two subjects.”

“Still, Nina-chi and Seki-kun managed to dodge failing grades… Sorry, Maki-kun, even after all your help.”

“No, I’m the one who should apologize.”

Amami-san’s overall grades aren’t that bad when you look at her averages. She did well in the math and science subjects Umi tutored, despite everyone struggling, and she aced art, music, and P.E.

During our study sessions, she worked hard in her own way, and I secretly thought Nozomu or Nitta-san were more likely to flunk than her.

I taught her the same way I always do, but as her humanities tutor, I can’t help feeling responsible.

Maybe my teaching just didn’t click this time.

“Let’s put the blame game aside. Looks like Yuu’s summer break is on hold for a bit. …So, when are the remedial classes for Japanese and English?”

“Japanese is right after the closing ceremony and the next day’s first period for a retest… English is remedial classes right after Japanese, with a retest that afternoon. If I score 60 or higher, I’m free to go… That’s what our homeroom teacher, Miki-chan, said.”

“You mean Yagisawa-sensei, right?”

“Y-Yes, that’s her…”

It’s no surprise, but at our school, anyone who fails finals has to attend remedial classes from the start of summer break through late July. According to Nozomu, who went through it last year, you’re good if you pass the retest (60 points this time), but if you fail, it’s a cycle of ‘class, test, class, test’ until you pass—sometimes dragging into August.

For both students and teachers, the goal is to clear it in one shot.

“From my experience last year, the teachers were like, ‘This is such a hassle,’ so if you actually pay attention in class, you’ll probably be fine.”

“…Pay attention…”

“…In class, huh?”

“Ugh! Why are you two, Umi and Maki-kun, staring at me like that!?”

As the ones closest to Amami-san, we know her study habits—or lack thereof—are hardcore. Even during our study group, she’d slip into nap mode the second we weren’t watching. Expecting her to stay focused for a full day of remedial classes, listening intently to the teacher, is a tall order. Especially since there’ll be more students in remediation this year, so the teachers won’t be able to babysit her alone.

With sports festival practice ramping up in August, July is the only truly free time to plan anything.

Whether it’s chilling solo to recharge, hanging with friends, or hitting the beach or pool with your favorite person for a change of pace.

To be blunt, Amami-san’s remedial classes don’t directly affect me. They don’t change a single thing about Umi’s and my plans. We could just enjoy our summer as planned.

But Amami-san is a dear ‘friend’ to me and practically Umi’s only ‘best friend.’

She was looking forward to spending summer with us and studied hard for it. If things go smoothly, it’s just two days, but while she’s stuck at school facing the blackboard, can we really brush it off as ‘not our problem’?

Could Umi and I—both hopeless softies—honestly enjoy our couple time knowing that?

The answer’s probably no.

Hanging out with all our friends and being a lovey-dovey couple without any guilt—that’s the ideal for both me and Umi.

So, if there’s a way to make that happen…

“For now, Yuu-chin’s just gotta tough it out, right? It’d be great if all four of us could stick by her side… Oh, what if we sneak into the classes to make sure she doesn’t doze off?”

“Joining classes we don’t need to? Nina, what kinda joke is that?”

“Just throwing it out there! Geez, Seki, no wonder you’re hopeless with girls.”

“Tch, shut it.”

The school’s open during summer, so tagging along with Amami-san shouldn’t be an issue, but actually joining the classes might be a stretch—considering it’d bother the other students and teachers.

Or… is it really?

“Hey, Nozomu, just to confirm based on last year…”

“Yo, what’s up?”

“How many people were in your remedial classes?”

“Uh… I did math, and there were maybe ten to fifteen? Some skipped or pushed it back for club stuff, though.”

“…So, there were plenty of empty seats.”

“““…”“”

My quiet mumble made all four of them freeze.

They must’ve sensed it—Maki’s (Maehara’s) about to suggest something weird. They know me too well.

…And they’re spot-on.

“Maki, let’s hear it.”

“Yeah. I know it’s a long shot, but… what if we joined the remedial classes too? If the classroom’s got space, it might work.”

Our school has about thirty students per class per grade. If math, which tends to have more remedial students, had ten to fifteen, humanities subjects probably won’t exceed twenty, even at most.

There should be some empty seats. Four of us shouldn’t be a problem.

I’ve got work shifts lined up, but I can adjust for a day or two.

“Knew you’d go there. It’s so Maki… Japanese might be tricky, but Yagisawa-sensei might at least hear us out.”

“Wait, Asanagi, you’re actually on board…? I’m out, just so you know. I studied my butt off to avoid summer classes—joining now defeats the point. What about you, Seki?”

“I’ve got club stuff… but if Maki’s set on it, I’ll help convince the teachers. The Japanese teacher’s our baseball club advisor, so.”

“…I can at least do that much too.”

With Nozomu out for club and Nitta-san opting out, it’s just me and Umi for the classes.

The teachers will probably think we’re nuts—top students (Umi’s third in our grade!) volunteering for this.

But that’s just who I am, Maehara Maki, and Asanagi Umi’s the girl who’s always by my side, no matter how crazy my ideas are.

I’m endlessly grateful for her.

“So, Yuu, we kinda got carried away and decided this, but you cool with it? If you’re fine on your own, we can start our summer plans tomorrow—”

“No way, no way! Please, Umi, come with me to the classes! Maki-kun, the three of us together will make it fun, right?”

“Uh, I don’t think remedial classes are exactly ‘fun’…”

Still, studying is a student’s duty, so joining in for a review isn’t the worst idea.

Even if we end up taking the retest with Amami-san, Umi and I could probably ace it blindfolded, letting us focus on supporting her. No slacking, though.

I know this is a bit nuts, but every now and then, something like this is fine.

It’ll make for a great memory, I’m sure.

“Hehe! With my two teachers there, remedial classes will be a breeze. Oh, I gotta text Sanae-chan and Manaka-chan! Umi, we can hang with them this summer, right?”

“Sanae and Manaka have summer tournaments, so it depends on their schedules. But if we can, I’d love to visit their villa again. It’s got a private beach, so we can go wild, swim, whatever.”

“And do fireworks! …Hehe, thinking about it’s getting me all excited. Hey, everyone else is coming too, right? Nina-chi, Maki-kun, and Seki-kun!”

“Wait, Yuu-chin, for real? I know Nitori-san from practicing for the class match, but we’re kinda outsiders.”

“It’s fine! I talked to them about summer plans, and they said a few extra people are no problem. Their family staff will chaperone, so no worries there either.”

“Seriously? …Man, talk about legit rich girls.”

Maids, villas, private beaches—words that feel worlds away from a commoner like me. But if we can enjoy the beach without crowds, that’s a win.

And the best part? I won’t have to share my girlfriend’s swimsuit look with a ton of strangers.

Nozomu’s the only other guy, but his eyes will probably be glued elsewhere.

…Like they are right now.

“…Hey, Maki.”

“Nozomu?”

“Maki, Maki, thank you, man, seriously. I owe you big time for this.”

“No clue what you’re talking about, but do whatever you want… Uh, could you not squeeze my hand so hard? It hurts.”

Do what you want, but I’ll make sure to stop you if you pull something crazy like confessing to Amami-san in a fit of passion, like last winter.

Anyway, summer break starts next week.

A summer I’m actually excited for… it’s my first time feeling this way.

The closing ceremony kicks off with the principal’s speech, followed by awards for clubs that did well in summer tournaments and pep talks from teams gearing up for big competitions. Everything’s going smoothly.

“—Tomorrow marks the start of summer break, but don’t forget you’re still representatives of our school. Behave responsibly and stay safe—no injuries or illnesses. Sports festival practice starts soon after.”

On stage, Seki-senpai, stepping down as student council president today, is addressing us students with reminders for the long break.

A bit away from her, Nakamura-san and Takizawa-kun wait nervously for their turn.

The new student council, officially starting in September, will introduce its president and vice president early at today’s ceremony.

“—That concludes the ‘former’ student council president’s remarks. Now, I’d like to introduce the two who’ll be taking over from us. They’ll give a brief self-introduction. …President, Vice President, you’re up.”

With a synchronized nod, Nakamura-san, the new president, steps up first.

“Hey, Umi, think Nakamura-san’s okay? Hope she doesn’t drop some weird innuendo and tank the mood…”

“She’s nervous, so probably fine. Plus, Takizawa-kun’s right there.”

Sitting side by side by chance, Umi and I watch Nakamura-san’s first official moment.

It’s so Nakamura-san that her being nervous feels reassuring. As we muse, she clears her throat softly and steps to the mic.

“Hello, everyone. I’m Nakamura Mio from Class 2-11, taking over as president from Seki-senpai. It’s my first time with student council stuff, but I’ll do my best without overthinking it. For starters, I’d like to shift the sports festival’s timing. I know I shouldn’t say this in front of the teachers, but sacrificing precious summer break for a sweltering event is just… oops, my bad, slipped there.”

The sports festival gripe resonates, and students murmur in agreement.

Despite her nerves, she’s nailing her signature charm.

That’s the top-scoring student for you. She must’ve rehearsed plenty behind the scenes.

“—That’s it from me. Vice President, you’re up.”

Amid scattered applause, Takizawa-kun steps forward as Nakamura-san steps back. The moment he does, a buzz ripples through some groups—mostly girls.

—Hey, he’s a first-year, right? Kinda hot, no?

—Yeah, insane. Wait, is he, like, a celebrity?

—Tall, and that face is too perfect…

Upperclassmen who barely paid attention to Nakamura-san are now fixated on Takizawa-kun.

He’s already a hot topic among first-year girls, and now he’ll be known school-wide (especially among girls).

Curious, I glance at Nitta-san in Class 7’s row. Tall, slim, cool vibe, and undeniably good-looking—Takizawa-kun checks every box for her type.

As expected, she’s reacting exactly as I predicted.

“— —”

“…Nina’s going nuts with the silent fangirling, huh?”

“Yup. Not sure if she realizes, but her face is redder than I’ve ever seen.”

Staring at Takizawa-kun with a dreamy look I’ve never seen, she’s probably mentally fist-pumping, Found him!

But based on Takizawa-kun’s behavior so far… Nitta-san’s springtime crush might take a while to bloom.

His speech continues, but how many are actually listening? He’s genuinely passionate about student council work, even as a first-year, but his looks are stealing the show.

It’s unavoidable, but it’s a shame if it makes him a target for jealousy.

Umi and I focus on listening to support him, and I catch his eye for a moment.

(Takizawa-kun, you did great.)

I mouth the words, knowing my voice won’t reach. Hopefully, my expression conveys it. I can tell him directly after the ceremony, too.

Standing out isn’t bad, but it’s tough when your message gets drowned out.

I feel bad for Takizawa-kun.

A teacher, fed up with the chatter, scolds the crowd, and the gym finally quiets down.

“—I’ve only been here a few months, but I’ll work hard with President Nakamura, the student council, and the committees. Please keep an eye on us.”

Takizawa-kun’s speech ends, and now it’s committee announcements, but some students are still gushing about him. Umi and I exchange grimaces.

We’ve seen this with Amami-san, and even if it’s predictable, it doesn’t feel great.

I glance at Amami-san, who’s supposed to be listening a few rows ahead.

“Yawn… I’m starving, Nagisa-chan, food…”

“Huh? I ain’t got any. …Oi, Yamashita, deal with her.”

“Me? Ugh, fine… Come on, Amami-san, just a bit longer, hang in there.”

Probably dozing off, she’s bobbing her head, supported by Arae-san in front and Yamashita-san behind.

Classic Amami-san, unfazed as ever.

After standing, sitting, and singing the school anthem, the hour-long ceremony ends, freeing us from the ordeal. We head back to our classrooms.

“—Alright, everyone, take your seats. I know you’re itching for summer break, but we’ve got sports festival details to cover, so bear with me.”

Yagisawa-sensei hands out sheets outlining the sports festival prep starting in August. The schedule’s about what I expected, but the team assignments catch my eye.

(Team Assignments, 2nd Years)

Red Team… Classes 4, 5

White Team… Classes 2, 3, 8

Yellow Team… Classes 1, 6, 9

Blue Team… Classes 7, 10, 11

“—Yes! Same team as Umi!”

Amami-san’s cheer comes just as I check the list. I’m not as loud about it, but I’m secretly pumping my fist under the desk, feeling the same thrill.

A moment later, I realize Nitta-san’s on our team too. It’s a bummer Nozomu’s in Class 4, separate from us, but with only three classes per team, that’s just how it goes.

“Oh, right, now that teams are set, we need to pick cheer squad members for the cheering contest. Anyone interested, guys or girls? It’s voluntary, and we don’t have to send anyone per grade…”

“Yes! We’ll do it! Me and Nagisa-chan!”

“Huh? Oi, Amami, don’t just decide for me. I never said I’m in.”

“What? But you said, ‘I’m busy either way, so I don’t care.’”

“Tch, that’s ’cause you wouldn’t shut up… Oi, Yamashita.”

“You two would rock the cheer squad’s long coats. Especially Arae-san—you’d be a total heartthrob. I’m too short, so I’ll pass.”

Thrilled to be on Umi’s team, Amami-san’s hand shoots up first. Arae-san’s dragged into it, but she’s not resisting too hard, so Yamashita-san can handle the cleanup.

“You two sure? The cheer squad’s just one event, so you can double up, but I hear practice is pretty intense.”

“Probably fine. I suck at studying, but I love moving my body. It’s a piece of cake for Nagisa-chan too, right?”

“…What, you trying to rile me up?”

“Not really~ But if you’re scared, I could teach you. If you’re worried, should we back out? I wanna do this with you, but I won’t force you.”

“…Bring it on.”

Amami-san’s textbook taunt hooks Arae-san, who scribbles ‘Arae, Amami’ on the board.

Usually aloof and snappy with everyone, Arae-san flips when Amami-san’s involved, charging in like her brain’s on autopilot.

It’s nerve-wracking, like they might brawl any second, but that’s just their dynamic—mutual respect beneath the surface. It’s their version of friendship.

Things are going smoothly, so I fire off a message to Umi as usual.

(Maehara) Umi

(Asanagi) Yup

(Asanagi) Same team, huh? Let’s do this.

(Maehara) I’ll try my best, at least.

(Asanagi) Nakamura-san said the final program will be set by the student council later, but what events do you wanna do? Two-legged race? There’s gotta be a mixed pair event, right?

(Maehara) Probably. Oh, what’s your class doing for the cheer squad? Ours has Amami-san and Arae-san hyped up.

(Asanagi) Yeah, bet Amami-san provoked Arae-san or something, right?

(Maehara) Nailed it.

(Asanagi) Hehe, knew it.

(Asanagi) My class is an honors group, so we’re kinda meh on spirit, but we can’t send nobody, so Ryoko-san volunteered.

(Maehara) Hayakawa-san, huh? Makes sense.

(Maehara) Tug-of-war and relays are probably locked in, so let’s decide the rest later.

(Asanagi) …Just us two?

(Maehara) Nah, with everyone.

(Asanagi) …Just us two?

(Maehara) Do I have to say it to move on?

(Maehara) Fine, I’d rather it be just us two, honestly.

(Asanagi) Ehehe

(Maehara) My girlfriend’s such a tease.

(Maehara) But first, we’ve got remedial classes.

(Asanagi) Right. It’s for Yuu, but since we decided to do it, we gotta take it seriously.

While most students are diving into summer break, we’re headed to Japanese remedial classes right after this. We got approval from the Japanese teacher and Yagisawa-sensei this morning, though pretty much every teacher in the staff room gave us weird looks—let’s just note that.

…If I were a teacher, I’d be like, What are these kids doing?

As I wrap up messaging Umi, everything we needed to do is done.

With a final warning from the teacher to ‘not go too wild,’ my classmates bolt out of the classroom, faces beaming with freedom.

“Maki-kun.”

“Amami-san. …We’re heading to Class 7 now, right?”

“Yup. Sorry for dragging you and Umi into this.”

“Don’t worry about it. As long as I’m with Umi, studying or playing doesn’t make much difference.”

“Gotcha. Hehe, you two are as lovey-dovey as ever. Seeing you guys makes me wanna try that too. I’m kinda jealous… Is that weird?”

“Nah, it’s fine. Totally normal.”

“Thanks, Maki-kun. Though, I’m nowhere near finding someone.”

Amami-san’s a high schooler like the rest of us, so it’s natural she’d feel that way.

She’s watched Umi and me go from friends to a couple, growing closer as a cheesy duo, closer than anyone.

She’s known Umi forever and has seen how much happier and softer Umi’s been since we got together. Wanting that for herself isn’t a bad thing.

Though, finding someone she likes comes first.

Cutting the small talk, we leave the classroom to meet Umi in Class 11. Their homeroom’s already done, and it’s as empty as ours.

“Umi, your escort’s here.”

“Well done, my knight. …Kidding, sorry, Maki. I’ve been making you come to me a lot lately.”

“It’s cool. I can tell you’ve been busy, especially with Nakamura-san right behind you.”

“Haha, busted. …Hey, Nakamura-san? We’ve gotta head to remedial classes, so could you let go of my uniform sleeve?”

“Ugh… You two are real weirdos, joining classes you don’t even need. …Go ahead, but at least leave one of your arms behind, Asanagi-chan.”

“That’d be totally pointless…”

While everyone else is in summer mode, Nakamura-san’s slumped at her desk, looking exhausted.

No need to ask why—it’s student council work. She just took over from Seki-senpai, but her initial enthusiasm’s already fading under the workload.

“Ugh, to think I’d be desperate enough to want a cat’s help… I knew the council ran on a skeleton crew, but there’s so much to do, my brain’s gonna explode.”

Regular students like us don’t see it, but with the sports festival coming up, there’s a ton of prep—big and small—happening behind the scenes.

Last year, it was the cultural festival and then the Christmas party. Coordinating with other schools, planning events, booking venues—Seki-senpai’s team juggled it all.

For students, an event’s just one day, but the council starts prepping days or even months in advance.

At our school, most events are council-led, so the student council room’s probably drowning in paperwork right now.

The other members must be just as shocked by the workload Seki-senpai’s team handled.

“Damn it, maybe I shouldn’t have said ‘I’ll be president’ so lightly… I could be at home, eating ice cream, zoning out to the TV… Though, that’s kinda sad for a high school girl.”

“Then you should’ve just said no like I did. …You’re not even that into council work, are you?”

“…Yeah. Let’s keep that between the four of us.”

She seemed pumped in the council room the other day, but it sounds like she’s not finding much joy or purpose in it yet.

She knows she can’t just quit after publicly committing, unless something major comes up. So why did she decide to take it on?

“Oh, hey, Nakamura-san, I saw him for the first time today—that Takizawa-kun? The new vice president? He’s super cool. After the ceremony, Nina-chi—uh, my friend—was more hyped than I’ve ever seen.”

“Oh, you mean Nina-chi? I get it. …Yeah, she’s super into pretty faces, right? For someone like her, our Souji’s a perfect bullseye.”

I half-ignored it, but our group chat was buzzing after the ceremony (mostly Nitta-san). She’d calmed down on her boyfriend hunt lately, but Takizawa-kun’s arrival reignited her spark.

“If you’re up for it, I could introduce you two. He’s a bit clingy, so he’d probably vibe better with someone a bit older.”

“Really? That’d be awesome! I don’t have any guy friends or kouhai, so it’d be cool to hang out. Nina-chi would lose her mind.”

“Got it. I’ll talk to him today. If schedules line up, you guys can hang out during break. Bring Maehara-shi and Asanagi-chan too—he won’t say no to a big group.”

Umi and I watch the plan come together, but is Nakamura-san really okay with this?

If it means connecting with Takizawa-kun, I’m all for it. Making a new guy friend besides Nozomu’s been a quiet goal of mine, and I bet Takizawa-kun would get along with me, senpai or not.

Same with Amami-san and Nitta-san.

But Nakamura-san must want to spend more time with her precious kouhai, Takizawa-kun.

“…Oh! Maki, Yuu, it’s almost time for remedial classes. We gotta go. Showing up late on day one would not be funny.”

“Crap, you’re right. Sorry, Nakamura-san. We’d help if we could…”

“Oh, Amami-chan, you sure? I’m not one to turn down offers right now. Show me a crack, and I’ll drag you into the chaos—that’s the kinda gal I am.”

“Hey, the new president shouldn’t talk like that. …If it gets really bad, Maki and I will help out, so hang in there a bit longer.”

“Got it. If it hits the fan, I’m counting on you. And Maehara-shi, who just got roped in.”

“Haha… well, I owe Nakamura-san, so.”

At this rate, I might end up doing odd jobs for the council soon.

All the more reason to make the most of July.

Especially my alone time with Umi.

The day after the closing ceremony—summer break’s first day. Most students are already soaking up their vacation, but we’re up early, heading to school for remedial classes in an unfamiliar classroom.

Day two’s schedule includes a Japanese retest soon, followed by English remedial classes and another retest.

If we (well, Amami-san) clear the retests, we’re officially on summer break. We’ve planned assuming a one-and-done pass, so Amami-san has to nail it.

“Ngh, nnn…”

“Yuu, no sleeping. Stay strong. Pass the retest, and we’ll all hit the beach together, right? Sanae and Manaka are looking forward to it.”

“Amami-san, you got this.”

“Ngh… I-I’ll try…”

With Umi in front and me behind, we’re propping up Amami-san as she battles classical Japanese and sleepiness. We’re too busy to listen to the teacher, but since the retest covers the same material as finals, it’s no big deal for us.

The morning remedial class ends, and it’s retest time.

(…Yup, Amami-san should handle this fine.)

The test questions scream ‘we want you to pass’—if she follows what we taught, she’s golden.

Judging by how fast she’s scribbling, the first subject’s in the bag.

“Wahh! I did it, Umi!”

“Nice, good job! Way to go, Yuu. Let’s crush English next.”

“Ugh, r-right…”

As Amami-san nods, a stubborn bedhead strand pops out sideways.

“Geez, Yuu, didn’t you fix your hair this morning?”

“Hehe, it’s summer break, even if we’re in class, so I stayed up a bit late.”

“Can’t help it… Maki, Yuu and I are hitting the restroom. Go ahead without us. We’ll be back before English starts.”

“Got it. I’ll let Yagisawa-sensei know.”

I warned her not to slack, but the retest isn’t too tough, so everyone’s a bit lax, including the other students.

Normally, mornings are loud with students, but the halls, courtyard, and cafeteria plaza are dead silent.

Everywhere feels like a ‘school on holiday.’ It’s oddly surreal.

Splitting from Umi and Amami-san, I head to Class 10 for English remedial classes.

There’s still time before it starts, and a peek through the window shows no one’s here yet.

Or rather, the door won’t budge.

“…Is the teacher late opening it?”

I figured Yagisawa-sensei would’ve prepped by now, but maybe she’s swamped or just not feeling it. Either way, I’ll grab the key from the staff room to check. Plus, standing in this muggy hallway sucks.

Fanning myself with a red study sheet, I head to the staff room where the teacher should be.

Despite the bright midday light, walking the hallway alone feels oddly eerie. My footsteps echo, bouncing back like someone’s trailing me—a quirk of big buildings like schools.

…Imagine if it were midnight.

“Even with Umi, I’d pass on a test of courage…”

We’re set to visit a villa co-owned by Nitori-san and Hojo-san’s families in late July or early August. Umi mentioned a shrine at the mountain’s peak—okay, let’s not think about that.

Pondering future plans, I reach the staff room.

“…Phew, here goes.”

Taking a deep breath, I open the door. I’ve been here alone a few times since last year’s cultural festival, but facing a room full of adults still takes some guts.

“—Excuse me. Uh, Yagisawa-sensei?”

“! Oh, Maehara-kun, sorry, sorry. The classroom key, right? I was about to head over, but I got caught up with a sudden call.”

Yagisawa-sensei’s desk near the entrance is buried under textbooks, files, and papers, with scribbled notes scattered around the phone. She looks frazzled prepping for class.

“Here’s the key. I’ll make it by start time.”

“Got it. …Summer break, but still busy, huh?”

“Well, unlike you kids, we adults don’t get real breaks. …If I’m late, handle things, Mr. Honor Student.”

“Uh, hard pass… I’ll just say you’re tied up.”

I give a quick bow as she picks up the phone again, then hurry out with the key.

With ten minutes until English class, Umi, Amami-san, and the others are probably waiting.

I already texted Umi that I’m grabbing the key.

“Excuse me—oops!”

“! Whoa…”

Rushing to get back to Umi, I nearly crash into a boy entering the staff room as I exit.

We bump lightly as we pass.

“Oh, sorry.”

“My bad too… Wait, Maehara-kun?”

“Huh? …Oh, Ooyama-kun.”

It’s my classmate, Ooyama-kun.

We haven’t talked much lately, but it’s odd to run into him here, now.

I’m here for remedial classes, but Ooyama-kun, who’s near the top of our class, should be enjoying summer break.

He’s not in any clubs, either.

“Ooyama-kun, what’re you doing here?”

“Just some errands… What about you, Maehara-kun?”

“Remedial classes. I don’t need them grade-wise, but I’m here for a friend.”

“A friend… Amami-san?”

“Yeah.”

I briefly explain the situation to Ooyama-kun, who doesn’t know the full story.

…He gives me a skeptical look but seems to get it.

“I see. Guess I’m a step behind, then.”

“? Behind… you’re here for a key too?”

“Yup. …Well, I’m not taking the classes.”

“…Not taking them, but getting the key?”

“Yeah. Let’s talk while we head back.”

Following Ooyama-kun’s lead, I return to Class 10 where Umi and the others are waiting.

Come to think of it, this might be the first time we’ve chatted while walking outside class. We talk sometimes in the classroom, but he always vanishes the second we step out.

“I’m here for a friend too. We planned to hang out today, so I figured I’d hit the arcade with them after their classes.”

“Cool. …So, about earlier?”

“Oh, one of the guys in the class told me, ‘You’re free anyway, so grab it.’ Happens a lot when you hang with them.”

“Huh… Really?”

None of my friends would pull something that random, but maybe it’s normal in some groups?

…Even Nitta-san—sorry, especially Nitta-san—has never asked me to do anything like that. Not Nozomu, either.

Ooyama-kun laughs it off like it’s no big deal, but are those really ‘friends’?

I hum vaguely to end the chat, and we walk to Class 10 in silence.

At the stairs, Umi and Amami-san spot us and approach.

Amami-san’s bedhead is fixed, thanks to Umi’s handiwork, back to its usual neat shine.

“Maki, good work. Where’s the teacher?”

“She’s got an urgent call in the staff room. Said she’ll try to make it on time.”

“Oh, got it. …Hehe, if she’s busy, maybe she’ll take her sweet time… Ow!”

“Yuu, no slacking.”

“F-Fine. Hehe.”

A gentle forehead flick makes Amami-san grin sheepishly.

She’d rather skip remedial classes, but being with Umi clearly makes her happy.

They’ll hang out during break, but compared to last year or the year before, those moments will be fewer.

Kind-hearted Amami-san forgives our selfishness with a smile, but deep down, she wants more time with Umi and everyone, making memories.

Most people thought we were nuts for joining remedial classes, but I’m glad we did.

“…Maehara-kun, I’ll head out. Seems like I’m in the way.”

“Oh, yeah. …See you on the next school day?”

“Maybe? You’re Mr. Popular, so you probably don’t have time to chat with a guy like me.”

“…Huh?”

“…Later.”

Ooyama-kun suddenly pulls away, dodging us three.

It was so abrupt, I didn’t react in time, but that felt like a snide jab.

“Hey, Umi, did Ooyama-kun seem off? He felt… darker than usual.”

“Really? I haven’t seen him in a while, so I didn’t notice… Maki, what do you think?”

“We’re not that close, so I’m not sure… But is it okay he left without checking on his friend?”

I scan the other remedial students, but no one seems to care about Ooyama-kun. Someone must be his friend, but I can’t tell who.

Sending him to fetch the key for their convenience, then not even a thank-you—Ooyama-kun’s ‘friends’… Are they really friends?

Later, Yagisawa-sensei rushes in just in time, and English remedial classes begin. Each teacher runs their class differently, and Yagisawa-sensei’s is way more laid-back than Japanese.

She’s clearly aiming to pass everyone in one retest.

“This sentence here? It’s coming up on the test, so memorize it. I’ll switch the words, but the structure’s basically the same.”

She circles parts on the board in red, emphasizing them. Not everything, but the circled bits alone should get you a passing score.

“Ugh, sleepy… hungry…”

“Yuu, lunch break’s coming up, so hang in there, okay?”

“Amami-san, you got this.”

“Ngh, I’ll try…”

Umi and I keep cheering Amami-san on, but between early classes and already knowing the material, I’m getting drowsy too.

Stifling yawns, we finish the first block and head to our usual lunch spot.

With fewer people around, we could try the courtyard, cafeteria, or gym, but our usual spot’s calming, shaded just right, and comfy without A/C.

“Whoa, Maki-kun, your bento’s huge today. For you and Umi?”

“Yup. It’s summer, so we thought, why not? Made it last night. Went overboard, so help yourself, Amami-san.”

“Yay, thanks! Don’t mind if I do!”

Sitting on a weathered bench, we dig into a big tupperware bento.

Mini rice balls, karaage, slightly sweet tamagoyaki, leftover dinner sides, and cherry tomatoes and broccoli for color.

“Mmm, it’s been a while, but I love your tamagoyaki, Maki-kun. It’s a meal on its own.”

“Yeah, Maki, have you leveled up your cooking?”

“Think so? Guess it happens when you cook every day.”

I woke up an hour earlier than usual, but seeing them eat so happily makes it worth it.

“Oh, hey, Maki-kun, try mine too! Mom made it, but pick anything.”

“Sure. I’ll take that spinach omelet.”

“Okay. Here you go.”

Amami-san grabs a wedge of omelet and places it on the tupperware lid I’m using as a plate—or rather, she holds it right by my mouth.

“…Uh, Amami-san?”

“? What’s up, Maki-kun? Here.”

“I mean, I can eat it myself.”

“Huh? …Oh!”

She finally catches on, but if I’d eaten it, we’d have had a full-on ‘ahh’ moment.

She probably meant it like she does with Umi, but with the opposite sex, it’s a bit awkward.

If it was Umi, it’d just be our usual routine.

Umi’s staring at us, and her face is a little scary.

“…Yuu, I’ll do that.”

“S-Sorry! Right, Maki-kun’s got Umi. Ugh, I did it again without thinking… Haha.”

Amami-san puts the omelet back, blushing and flailing.

When we first became friends, she kept her distance as her first guy friend, but after another year in the same class and more one-on-one time, those walls are thinning.

It’s flattering she trusts me more, but getting too close isn’t great.

…Because Umi gets jealous.

“Maki.”

“Y-Yes?”

“…Ahh.”

Umi picks up a piece of karaage and holds it to my mouth.

I could eat it myself, but I obediently take a bite to keep her happy.

“…”

“W-What, Umi? Why’re you staring?”

“Thoughts?”

“On… the taste?”

“Who knows?”

I knew it when Amami-san tried the ‘ahh,’ but Umi’s definitely not thrilled.

Pleasing one upsets the other… To outsiders, I’m living the dream with two girls, but it’s complicated.

“I made it, so it tastes great, but having you feed me makes it even better. Though Amami-san watching like a hawk is embarrassing.”

“Hmm. Okay, next one.”

“There’s more?”

“Yup, until I’m satisfied. …That’s okay, right?”

“Yes.”

And so, my lunch turned into a marathon of Umi’s “ahh” attacks until the bento was completely empty.

By the time Umi’s mood finally softened and we finished eating, I was quietly regretting going overboard with the bento prep the night before.

“Phew, thanks for the meal… So, we’ve got about thirty minutes of lunch break left. What do you two wanna do? Head back early and prep for class?”

“I’m fine either way. Yuu?”

“…”

“Yuu? You listening?”

“…Zzz.”

“Amami-san’s out cold.”

“Yup. She’s been going hard since morning.”

Maybe the cold tea and relaxing vibe got to her, but Amami-san, snuggled up against Umi, is fast asleep, breathing softly.

“Guess we’ll let her nap here until the last second. Maki, if you’re sleepy, you can lean on me. I’ll wake you when it’s time.”

“Nah, I’m good. …But can I scoot a bit closer?”

“Hehe, you big softie. …C’mere.”

“Thanks.”

I slide over, pressing close to Umi and resting my hand on hers.

It’s hot this time of year, but I’d rather stick to Umi than stay apart.

Call it a bit pervy, but I love everything about Umi—her scent, her sweat, all of it.

I’m a sweaty guy too, with beads forming on my neck, but Umi doesn’t flinch. She leans in, sniffing me playfully.

“Maki, you’re sweaty.”

“Sorry, Umi. …Should I wipe off with a handkerchief and back off?”

“Nope. Stay like this.”

“If you say so.”

Drawn together, we start sniffing each other. We’d never do this at school normally, but it’s so quiet, and with Amami-san sound asleep, we figure a little won’t hurt.

“Umi, sorry, but can I nap a bit too?”

“Go for it. I’m getting sleepy myself, so maybe we all just crash. I’ll set an alarm, so we should be fine.”

“…What if we all oversleep and get chewed out by the teacher?”

“Haha, could happen. We’ll deal with it if it does.”

“Fair enough.”

Wrapping our arms around each other’s waists, we press closer and slowly close our eyes.

Full from lunch and cooled by the breeze between the school buildings, sleep hits fast.

“Mmm…”

“Zzz…”

“Fnya…”

Each with our own sleeping sounds, we drift off for a brief rest.

The nap was barely ten minutes, but when the alarm woke us, all our exhaustion had vanished.

Oh, and since Amami-san didn’t wake up, Umi and I teamed up to carry her back to class—let’s keep that on the down-low.

Thanks to our (mostly my and Umi’s) efforts, the remedial classes wrapped up without needing a second retest, and Amami-san officially joined summer break.

Her scores were pretty borderline, though.

With that, we were finally free to dive into our long-awaited summer vacation.

The beach trip with Sanae-chan and Manaka-chan was already sounding like the perfect way to kick things off.

And, of course, I was already daydreaming about Umi in her swimsuit—our first summer as a couple was gonna be unforgettable.