120 - Ayaka Tojo's Struggles⑤

RAW

The end-of-summer vacation periodic exam.

If I scored over 80 points in every subject, Haruto-kun promised me a reward.

“Alright, I'll hand back your tests now. Come up when your name is called.”

At the math teacher’s announcement, I clenched my hands tightly under the desk.

I had studied diligently throughout summer vacation to ensure I earned that reward from Haruto-kun. So far, every test returned to me had been above 80 points.

Now, as long as this math test was also over 80 points…

“Next, Tojo.”

“Yes.”

Called by the teacher, I walked toward the desk with a hint of nervousness.

As the teacher handed me the test, they spoke.

“You did a great job this time.”

I immediately checked the score written in red ink.

It read 97.

The moment I saw that number, I nearly jumped in place with excitement.

*97 points!!* This was the highest score I’d ever gotten in math!

Back at my desk, I confirmed the score once more.

Yes! This means I’ll definitely get that reward from Haruto-kun!

While I was mentally patting myself on the back for my hard work, the teacher called Haruto-kun’s name.

“Next, Otsuki.”

“Yes.”

I reflexively followed Haruto-kun with my eyes as he walked from the back of the classroom toward the desk.

“Well done, Otsuki. A perfect score—100 points.”

“Thank you.”

The teacher’s words drew a collective gasp of admiration from the class.

Haruto-kun gave a polite nod in response to the praise before returning to his seat.

Haruto-kun’s amazing, scoring a perfect 100. And he doesn’t even boast about it.

Sigh My boyfriend is just too perfect…

Oh, that’s right! If Haruto-kun is the top scorer again this time, I promised to give him a reward too.

What kind of reward would he want, I wonder?

I thought about what he might request, my heart pounding slightly.

Maybe he’d want me to pat his head? Haruto-kun’s hair is so soft and nice to the touch.

I remembered the time when I practiced being a girlfriend by giving him a lap pillow and stroking his hair.

Or… could it be something else, like… a kiss?

The thought made my face heat up instantly, and I couldn’t help but recall the Pocky game we played not too long ago.

How he suddenly pulled me close, his intense gaze locking on mine before stealing the Pocky from my mouth.

Remembering that sensation, I buried my face in my test paper, squirming in embarrassment.

“Ugh…”

“…What are you doing, Ayaka?”

While I was quietly flustered at my desk, Saki, seated diagonally behind me, called out in exasperation.

“Huh? Oh, it’s nothing!”

I almost let Haruto-kun’s name slip, but quickly clamped my mouth shut. If I blurted out “Haruto-kun” in the middle of the classroom, it’d be a disaster!

“Hmm? You’re acting suspicious…”

“N-No, I’m not!”

I shook my head furiously, trying to avoid Saki’s prying gaze.

“Hmm? Well, I won’t press. I can already guess, though—Miss Ayaka, the closet romantic.”

Saki smirked teasingly.

“Ugh, Saki!!”

“Tojo, keep it down during class.”

“Y-Yes… Sorry…”

In my irritation at Saki, I accidentally raised my voice and earned a scolding from the teacher. Embarrassed, I bowed my head before shooting a glare at Saki.

She raised one hand in mock apology, mouthing, “Sorry, sorry.”

Sigh Lately, Saki and Shizuku have been teasing me nonstop…

I puffed out my cheeks in protest, then turned back to the lesson, determined not to draw any more attention from the teacher.

After math class, it was time for PE. Saki and I headed to the girls' locker room to change.

“So, how’d the tests go? Did you hit your goal?”

“Yep, all subjects over 80 points. Actually, this might be my best performance ever.”

“Whoa, that’s awesome! Guess having a top-notch tutor paid off?”

“Yeah, it really did.”

Saki laughed, noticing my evident delight.

“Alright, since the tests are over and you nailed your goal, how about we celebrate with karaoke?”

“Great idea!”

I beamed at her suggestion.

As we started discussing which karaoke place to go to, a group of girls surrounded me.

“Hey, Tojo-san. You were grinning so much during math earlier. Were you thinking about him?”

“Huh? Oh, um, no. I was just happy about my score…”

“Tojo-san, you’re dating him, right?”

“That’s a secret.”

“Is he a student at this school?”

“Who knows~?”

As usual, I dodged their questions with a polite smile and exchanged a quick look with Saki, signaling, We’ll talk later.  

Saki nodded in understanding.

Later, after PE, I naturally glanced toward Haruto-kun’s seat in the back by the window.

Even though I tried not to, my eyes always sought him out, especially during moments like returning from a different classroom.

Today, too, my gaze instinctively landed on him.

To my dismay, several students, including some girls, were gathered around him, chatting animatedly.

“Amazing, Otsuki-kun, scoring 100 in math!”

“Oh, I just got lucky with some familiar problems.”

“Is Otsuki at the top of the year again?”

“Not sure yet; we haven’t seen the rankings.”

“You’ll definitely be number one again, Otsuki-kun!”

“Haha, thanks.”

“Can you help me with my studies sometime…?”

“Well… maybe during a break…”

“Really?!”

This is bad! At this rate, things could get out of hand!!

The girls talking to Haruto-kun looked like their eyes were practically heart-shaped.

I can’t let this happen! Haruto-kun is so kind and talented; it’s no wonder people fall for him.

But I can’t let him tutor them alone—it’s my duty as his girlfriend to stop this!

…But how?

If I talk to him now, everyone might figure out he’s him. Still, I can’t just sit here…

I clenched my fists and made up my mind. Approaching Haruto-kun’s desk, I called out.

“Uh… O-Otsuki-kun?”

Everyone, including Haruto-kun, turned to me in surprise.

“…Ayaka, I mean, Tojo-san, what is it?”

“I just… wanted to say thanks. I scored really well this time, and I think it’s thanks to your help during our study session.”

“I’m glad to hear that. Great job, Tojo-san.”

His smile carried a faint awkwardness, and his use of “Tojo-san” felt distant, reminding me of when we first met.

It made me realize how much closer we’d grown.

Suppressing the urge to hug him right there, I took a deep breath and spoke again.

“So… um, if you’re free, how about joining us for karaoke? Saki, Akagi, Shizuku, and I were planning to go as a group.”

Haruto-kun glanced around briefly before answering with a gentle smile.

“Sure, let’s all go to karaoke.”

“Great!”

His agreement made me beam with happiness, though I couldn’t ignore the curious murmurs filling the classroom.

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Ayaka's worries: There are other girls around Haruto!!