The Delinquent Shimizu-san Sitting Next to Me Has Dyed Her Hair Black-Chapter 4Volume 2 .5 - Shimizu-san and the Midterm Exam

Shimizu-san and the Midterm Exam 5

“We have a major announcement today!”

About two weeks after the midterms, with all the club members gathered in the room, Ai-san suddenly exclaimed with enthusiasm.

“What is it? Speak quickly.”

“Don’t rush me. I just received a report from Yuasa Sensei… Since all the Astronomy Club members ranked within the top forty overall, we’ve been officially granted permission for rooftop stargazing! Yay!”

Ai-san was jumping up and down with joy.

“Congratulations!”

“Well done, Ai-senpai!”

“Thank you, my dear juniors! Wait, aren’t we missing one voice from my dear juniors?”

Ai-san stares at Shimizu-san.

“…Well, that’s good, isn’t it?”

“Wow! Even Kei says so! Onee-chan is so touched!”

“Annoying. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“Don’t be like that, Kei. Your efforts played a big part in realizing this stargazing event, you know?”

“Huh? I didn’t do anything.”

“You went to ask the teachers questions. Apparently, that left a good impression on them.”

It seems Shimizu-san’s efforts unexpectedly bore fruit.

“…I didn’t go ask questions just to leave a good impression.”

“That’s probably why it worked out even better. Of course it’s thanks to Mio-chan and Daiki-kun’s hard work too! Yuasa Sensei praised the two of you for your improved grades and was happy!”

Hearing that made me relieved.

It seems I could contribute a bit to the Astronomy Club’s success.

“That’s why, we’re planning to decide on the date for stargazing soon after keeping an eye on the weather. If anyone has plans on the proposed dates, please let me know in advance. That concludes our stargazing discussion! Let’s move on to the next topic.”

“There’s more to discuss…?”

Shimizu-san looked at Ai-san with an exasperated expression.

“Next up is the reward everyone has been looking forward to. First up is me!”

“You?”

“While the student council officers aimed for a total score increase of thirty points for mission completion, the result is…”

“Get to the point. Just say it.”

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“I did it! Mission accomplished!”

Ai-san thrust her right arm energetically upwards, expressing her joy.

Seeing this, Yousuke-san gently smiled and applauded for Ai-san.

“Congratulations on achieving your goal. Well, Ai did work exceptionally hard for this exam. Let me know later what you want as a reward or if there’s something specific you desire.”

“Thank you, Yousuke! Be prepared to give me my reward later!”

“I’d appreciate it if you could tell me what the reward is in advance.”

“That’s a surprise for later! Now, let’s move on to the much-anticipated reward for the juniors! Everyone, you already know your overall rank from the midterm exams, right? Let’s share our ranks one by one and see who’s on top! By the way, I ranked eighteenth this time! Impressive, right?”

That’s true, ranked in the eighteenth is quite high.

It seems Ai-san must have studied quite hard.

“Don’t suddenly brag about it.”

“I don’t want to hear that from the first ranker, Yousuke.”

“How do you even know my rank…”

“The teacher praised you in class. This Ai-chan has very sharp ears.”

“Those devilish ears…”

“It’s your bad luck to have talk about it near me. Anyway, who wants to announce their rank first?”

“I’ll do it.”

Surprisingly, the one who raised her hand was Seto-san.

“Oh, nice one, Mio-chan!”

“I worked hard for the dorayaki.”

“I see, such dedication to dorayaki is commendable. What’s your rank, Mio-chan?”

“Thirty-third.”

“Wow! Your hard work paid off!”

Judging by Ai-san’s reaction, it seems Seto-san’s score was better than usual.

“Alright, who’s next to share their rank?”

It appears Shimizu-san isn’t ready to speak yet.

“Then, can I go ahead?”

“Of course! What’s your rank, Daiki-kun?”

“…I’m ranked twenty-seventh.”

“This is it! Mio-chan narrowly loses!”

“So close…”

Seto-san’s expression seems normal, but upon closer inspection, she appears slightly disheartened.

“Now, only Kei is left! Will it be Daiki-kun who wins, or will it be Kei? It’s the final battle!”

The excitement has reached its peak.

Although it seems like Ai-san might be the only one truly excited.

“So Kei, what’s your rank?”

“…th place.”

Her voice was so soft that her rank was inaudible for me.

It seemed to be the same for everyone else.

“Sorry? Could you please say that again?”

“…Third place!”

Shimizu-san announced her rank loudly enough for it to echo down the hallway.

“What?! The rankings are set! The winner is Kei Shimizu! A dominating victory, far ahead of second place Daiki-kun!”

Ai-san is buzzing with excitement.

Honestly, I was quite surprised to hear third place too.

“Congratulations, Kei. I’ll present you with a victory hug!”

“I don’t want it. Just make sure to give me the proper reward.”

“You don’t want my hug… Oh, you mean you want to hug when it’s just the two of us? Or perhaps with Daiki-kun instead…”

“If you say another word, I won’t guarantee your safety.”

“I’ll stay quiet!”

What was Ai-san about to say?

“Fine then, I’m leaving now.”

“What?! You’re leaving already?”

“I’m very tired today.”

With that, Shimizu-san picked up her bag and started walking towards the door.

“Shimizu-san.”

“What, what is it?”

“Congratulations on getting third place in the midterms. Shimizu-san, you really are amazing.”

“Wha… What are you talking about? …I’m going home.”

“Okay, see you tomorrow.”

When she opened the door, Shimizu-san’s face seemed a tad red.

Was it just my imagination?

***

“Alright!”

Once I got home and was in my room, I struck a triumphant pose, savoring my joy.

It’s not like I usually slacked off during exams, but my serious approach to this midterm was sparked by one comment from Ai.

『If you get the best grade among the second-year students in the Astronomy Club for the midterms, I’ll make sure you get a perfect moment alone with Daiki-kun during our stargazing.』

Those words were too enticing for me.

Even considering it was a remark by the playful Ai, it was enough reason for me to work hard.

“…hmmph, If there’s no reward as promised, I won’t forgive her.”

The decisive day will be the day of the stargazing event. There, I’ll create unforgettable memories with Hondō.

I made up my mind.