Volume 15.5, Chapter 4: The Growth in Each of Us, Part 1

After that, I took turns playing in the pool with my group of friends, enjoying myself to the fullest.

After playing two-on-two water volleyball, we were now in the middle of first to five points, one-on-one matches. First up was a battle between Keisiei and Airi, which Keisei won 5-2. Then me and Akito fought, and Akito won by 5 points to 3. Airi, who lacked physical strength, was sat down by the side of the pool to rest, probably tired from just the one match she played. Seeing this, I called out to her.

You look like youre having a great time.

Ah, Kiyotaka-kun. Yeah, its really fun. Though I wasnt much of an opponent at all

For some reason she tried to stand up, so I stopped her and decided to sit down beside her instead.

To be honest Im still surprised. That you had the courage to do something like this, Airi.

Thatsyeah. I thought Id take the plungeThough Im still really embarrassed about it.

Why did you decide to be brave?

She cant have decided to do something like this on a whim.

During the uninhabited island exam we were always with our group for 24 hours every day, right? So Haruka-chan and I spoke about all sorts of things. About when we were little, about middle school. And then after coming to this school, about how we started getting along.

If youre together for long periods of time, small talk just wasnt going to cut it. With that being the case, its no wonder that they delved into the deeper stuff. Probably because of the intense time they spent together, the two of them must have come to understand each other like theyd been best friends from way back.

I thought maybe I can change nowIt might be the only time

Change? Youre not just talking about looks, right?

Yeah. I cant say it clearly yet, but Ive started to think that I should change, that I have to change. Its not good enough for me to be bad at both studying and sports.

Even though her cheeks were flushed and she felt embarrassed, Airi expressed her determination.

So the start is your appearance.

Haruka-chan scolded me, saying that its not good to be deliberately inconspicuous.

By nature, Airi doesnt like to stand out because of her personality.

Thats why she lives her life keeping her hairstyle modest and wearing unnecessary fake glasses. As for posture, she often rounds her back and keeps her head low. She cant improve her studies or sports abilities overnight, but she can fix her appearance. As Airi gazed at the pool, she saw that in the new match, the ball had been smashed into the water and Akito had scored a point against Haruka.

This gave Akito a lead of 3 points to 1.

Its too lateI guess.

After telling me everything, Airi looked up at me anxiously.

No, its not too late.

I wanted to praise her honestly for making that decision.

Im rooting for you.

T-thank you, Kiyotaka-kun. Ill try my best.

Ah, yeah, yeah, I forgot to tell you earlier but Airis image change is still a secret, okay? Well be unveiling it to everyone when the second semester starts.

It would be better to do it in a classroom with all the students present. At any rate, if shes going to be nervous, the fewer times, the better.

So what did you think, Yukimuu? When you saw Airi.

Haruka, who was serving, stopped what she was doing and spoke to Keisei, who was watching the match.

D-dont ask me.

We wont know unless we ask, will we? Let us hear your unreserved opinion.

After being told that, Keisei looked directly at Airi and observed every inch of her body.

Naturally embarrassed, Airi tried to run away.

You cant run away, Airi.

Haruka did her best to hold Airi down as she growled and flapped her legs.

And after completing his observation, Keiseis evaluation was

Itsnot bad, is it? I mean, no, its totally attractive

Keisei, who doesnt usually show much interest in girls, replied, his body tense.

Oh, if Yukimuu reacts like that, then Im sure its perfect!

Haruka, as pleased as if it were her, jumped high into the air at that moment.

She then slammed her serve towards Akito, who had been watching Airi after having his attention caught.

Whoa!

With that its two points to three!

Thats not fair, Haruka.

Its your fault for gawking at girls, Miyacchi. Dont let your guard down, carelessness is ones greatest enemy.

Dont be absurd. Buthow can a girl change so much just by taking off her glasses and changing her hairstyle a little?

It means the original material was already top-notch. Didnt you know that much?

Even if you say that

Akito and Keisei looked at each other and nodded at the same time.

Oh dear. Well, its because you guys are like this that Im comfortable hanging out with you.

Akito shook off his worries and concentrated on his own serve.

With the game resumed, Airi let out a sigh of relief.

When it comes to studying, how do I improve? Or rather, how do I get smarter I wonder

Although Airi and the others prepare when tests come around, they dont study from the ground up, unlike Horikita and Sudou. That part is essential when it comes to raising your academic level.

Keisei overheard something related to studying, so began to explain in front of us.

The first step is to find out what you can and cant do, isnt it? Beginning with the 1st year of elementary school, we all start running side by side. But gradually our strengths and weaknesses when studying start to emerge. Do you know why?

Um

Individuals have different abilities regarding learning and absorbing content, as well as different levels of concentration. There are those who cant stand it for even one minute, and there are those that can get through an hour of class by resourcefully controlling their concentration. That alone will start to make a difference in your ability to learn, but how much you study outside of class is also a big factor.

Thatsyeah. Its true that the kids who went to cram school were smart.

Although it was obvious, Airi nodded her head as if she were convinced.

Rah!

The ball bounced off Harukas attempt to catch it and he won the 5th point. The result was a 5 points to 2 win in favour of Akito.

Alright. With that I guess its my win.

Bummer. But I was a little curious about what those two were talking about and couldn't concentrate, so that's why I lost.

So with that analysis and excuse, Haruka came up to the pool side.

Why dont you teach her how to study, Kiyopon?

Hearing the flow of the conversation, Haruka came up with an idea.

Sorry, but Im not very good at teaching. Besides, theres a teaching specialist nearby, right?

To shift the gaze away from me, I turned to Keisei as if to urge him on.

Wellif Airi says its okay, then I dont mind.

No, but Yukimuu, you know, I was thinking you could take care of me and Akito from now on. Wouldnt it be hard to teach all of us if we added Airi, who is at a different level?

Uh, that means Im an idiot, right?Ugh.

Ah, thats not it! Thats not what I meant!

No, you know, thats the only meaning I could take away from what you just said, Haruka.

Unable to defend her, Akito muttered under his breath.

Im just, you knowAh geez, Im very sorry, I was out of line!

She bowed deeply to Airi, and at the same time, the two lumps became bigger

And dont lookIf I do, my concentration will be uprooted and taken away.

After that, there was a lot of laughter and the atmosphere became more relaxed.

Then, its time for the Airi and Keisei revenge match.

Ehh? I wont win no matter how many times I try~!

You dont need to worry, Ill join you as a helper.

W-wait, Akito. Im at an overwhelming disadvantage then!

Even while complaining, Keisei went into the pool without hesitation. He was very serious about it.

I-Ill try my best.

Airi, who had gained a reliable companion in Akito, clenched her fists slightly.

Haruka and I decided to watch the novel two-on-one battle from the poolside.

Hey, can I ask you something?

Hmm?

Shortly after the match started, Haruka spoke to me with her gaze fixed on the match.

I hope its not my imagination, but arent you a little cold towards Airi, Kiyopon?

I dont mean to be.

But you couldve taught her one-on-one. You can do that much, cant you?

If I had to choose between being able and not being able, then I would say I could do it without any problems.

Im just trying to be fair to everybody.

Really?

Ive never really favoured anyone except for pretense.

Does that mean youd be as fair to your best friend as your girlfriend?

Thats right.

Isnt that a little strange? Its like the distance between us is too far. Ill take this opportunity to say, right from the start youve been watching us while keeping your distance, right Kiyopon?

Apparently, that idea has gotten through to Haruka.

Ive never seen you smile or anything.

Saying that, she reached out her right arm and pinched my left cheek.

She played with it, pulling it with some intensity.

I wish we could at least make you smile, Kiyopon.

Its not like Im not smiling on purpose though.

She removed her fingertips from the cheek she had been pinching and crossed her arms in displeasure.

There are more reasons that I cant tell you directly. The distance between Airi and I was too close from the beginning.

Whats that supposed to mean?

I think its not me, but the environment surrounding her that is making her grow.

The environment surrounding her?

Theres you, theres Akito, and theres Keisei. Growing surrounded by her best friends is the most important factor for Airi. In fact, Airi is about to undergo a major change thanks to you, Haruka.

I think the one most important to Airi is you though, Kiyopon.

If she were the type who thrives on romantic entanglements, that might have been a good idea.

You told me that you were aware of Airis feelings once before, Kiyopon, but, how can I put this? What youre saying is a little harsh, dont you think?

She looked at me with complicated eyes, as if she didnt know how to express herself.

Since our first year, Airi has been thinking about me in no small way. That makes me happy. Its just

She looked at me with anxious eyes, as if she were a girl waiting for a reply to her confession.

Airis love. It is an undeniable fact that she's a close friend whos success I pray for.

What Airi needs right now are friends that she can trust.

But, but you know what? It might be good if there were also a romantic element. She might be able to work harder.

Indeed, there could be some synergy.

But the trouble is, love is not something that you can have for more than one person in parallel.

Basically, if the seat is occupied by one person, if you want to bring in a second person, youll have to take action to cut off the first. Of course, its not impossible to do it with two or three people at the same time if youre good at it, but Id say its not suitable in the closed environment of this school and the demerits should you get exposed are far greater. I stood up from the poolside.

Going forward, Airi will undergo a bit of a psychological shock. At that time, Haruka, I need you more than anyone to be there by her side to encourage and cheer her up.

Whats that? What do you mean?

Sorry, but I cant answer that right now.

Airi is the least valuable person in the class.

Academic ability, physical ability and other factors. Looking at her comprehensively, thats the only way to judge it.

This is not only true for the OAA, but its also my own personal opinion.

However, depending on Airis willingness to change from here on out, she will surely grow, albeit slowly.

Maybe in six months, maybe in a year, at that time, she might be able to climb out from the bottom of the class.