Published at 17th of August 2019 9:05 am

Volume 17, Chapter 4: Ending Summer Vacation and Never Ending Homework

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

Part 1

Monday, August 30

The problem revealed itself on August 30.

“I-I forgot my homewooork!!”

The problem in question was Yurika's summer homework. Being a normal high schooler, Yurika had been given homework over the summer. Moreover, the summer vacation would only last for two more days. It would be difficult to complete all of the homework before the vacation ended.

“Please help me, Satomi-san! I haven't done any of my homework!”

“Wait a minute, Yurika, you've been studying every day!! And you haven't done anything!?”

“Those were the drills you brought for me! Because I was studying every day I forgot I had homework to do!”

“Whaaat!?”

Yurika had forgotten about her homework because of her everyday studying.

A while back, Yurika started wanting to properly study. She wanted to go to the same university as Koutarou and Harumi. With a clear goal, Yurika's motivation flared up. Since she was showing motivation, Koutarou was teaching her. He wasn't that knowledgeable himself, but Yurika was just so incompetent that even he could serve as her teacher.

Yurika was currently studying the material of a few school years beneath hers. Koutarou's decision was that the basics were important. Yurika was taking this seriously and studied every day. Thanks to that, her scholastic attainments were improving and she was now completely different from what she had been last year.

However, that proved to be a pitfall. Since she studied every day, nobody could have suspected that she hadn't even touched her real homework, not even Yurika herself. As she completed the drills and problems Koutarou prepared for her, she convinced herself she had done her homework. As she went through her backpack in preparations for the new semester she found her homework, completely blank.

“Please help me, Satomi-san!”

“I want to help, but... I still haven't finished my own.”

In regards of this failure, Yurika wasn't at fault... she was properly studying after all. It would be cruel to blame Yurika for a simple miss, and she had been studying so ardently. Koutarou would love to help, but he still hadn't completed his own homework.

“Work on your own for now. I'll come help once I'm done with my own.”

“Please do... you're my only hope right now.”

So, Yurika began the difficult undertaking of completing her summer vacation homework all alone in just two days.

Part 2

The remaining time was a mere two days. The homework was completely untouched. Her only hope, Koutarou, had his hands filled with his own homework. Yurika was in a hopeless situation. A year ago she probably would have broken out into tears from being in such a situation. It would be a lot easier to endure the teachers anger for a while then completing her homework. However, she was different now. Though she had tears in her eyes, she wrote down the answers, one after another. If she cheated she might have been able to keep up appearances, but in the end it would just have been for show and she would not have gained anything. Ever since Yurika had decided that she would attend the same university as Koutarou and Harumi, she stopped cheating when it really mattered.

“Uhm... if you beat your pocket a biscuit turns into two, and if you beat at a pace of once every ten seconds, that's six times in one minute. Since the problem says ten minutes, that's a total of 60 times. Which means... uhm, the cookies increase by 60 so... a total of 61? But... that's a lot but I feel like that's too few... ahh, I know I'm getting something wrong, but I don't know what!”

Yurika was currently working on her mathematics homework. Though she was bad with math, she was especially bad with problems written with words. She had no idea of what she needed to calculate. That was the kind of finding and solving of problems that one would require, but Yurika was awfully bad at it.

“Yurika, how about you improve how fast you can think? My indigo magic is good at that kind of thing.”

Seeing Yurika struggle, Maki offered a helping hand. She was her ally this time. Maki was impressed with Yurika's recent efforts so she believed a little bit of cheating would be fine.

“I can't do that. I'm a magical girl of Rainbow Heart after all. I can't use magic for myself.”

It was an attractive proposition but Yurika shook her head. Personal use of magic went against Rainbow Hearts commandments. It wasn't a method Yurika could use.

“Even if you say that, if you flunk everything will be for nothing right?”

“That's true, but... people can't progress if all they do is smooth over their problems. I want to graduate using only my own powers.”

What backed Yurika up more than her commandments as a magician was her promise with Koutarou. She would devote herself to studying and graduate school so she could go to the same university as Koutarou and Harumi. Yurika had for the first time in her life decided to live like a normal girl. For that sake, she wouldn't cheat. If she cheated, she wouldn't learn, and when she would come across something that really mattered, cheating often wouldn't help. Doing things the roundabout way would eventually become a shortcut. The current Yurika was well aware of that.

“Nice spirit, Yurika-chan!”

That was something Shizuka liked hearing, having poured so much time into karate in her childhood. Martial arts wasn't something you learned in a day. Taking the long way was the fastest way to become strong. Rather than focusing on power-type or acrobatic-type moves, repeatedly practicing simple moves would have a bigger meaning in the future. The talent a master needed was the lack of fear to take the long way. Comparing that to Yurika's way, she was making the correct decision. It was only obvious Shizuka would be happy.

“That said, let me know when you are stuck, okay? I think giving some hints would be okay.”

“Thank you very much!”

With a refreshed expression, Yurika got back to her homework. Seeing that, Maki's eyes were wide open. Yurika was likely completely different from the person she knew a year ago.

“...That Yurika who only used to run away...”

“Everyone grows up. A lot of things happened over this year after all. Didn't you change too, Aika-san? You're actually worrying about Yurika-chan right now you know.”

“I... you might be right.”

Listening to Shizuka, Maki nodded convinced. It was strange to her that she was gradually understanding love, but she was certain that was helping her grow. As proof, she smiled at Shizuka.

Part 3

With Shizuka's and Maki's support and hints from time to time, Yurika was smoothly working through her homework. However, she had lots of homework. A person can usually maintain a high level of concentration for an hour or so. But the amount she had wasn't something that would be done in an hour. From that point on, her concentration gradually decreased, her mind began running on a lower gear, and she was now solving problems at half the speed of what she had at the beginning. When that happened, pain accompanied the problems and feelings of wanting to stop and run away began pressing Yurika.

“...I-I can't... my head isn't working anymore...”

Yurika muttered and collapsed on the tea table. It took about three hours until Yurika fell into this state. It was a splendid effort, but she was still only a quarter of the way through her homework. If she continued lying down on the tea table, she would without a doubt never finish her homework. She'd get a scolding from the teacher once school began.

Seeing her like that, Shizuka paused the movie she was watching and went to encourage Yurika.

“Yurika-chan, if you don't do your homework, you'll regret it.”

“Even if you say that, my head can't solve the problems anymore. I tried encouraging myself several times, but I can't think anymore.”

Yurika understood the reality as well. The longer she did nothing, the more the noose around her neck tightened. But despite Yurika's wishes, her brain was fatigued and wasn't working properly.

“It's not the kind of amount you can do in two days.”

Maki who was watching the movie alongside Shizuka dropped her shoulders. No matter how she looked at it, there was more homework to deal with than Yurika was capable of. It was a near impossible challenge without magic.

“Yeah! Maki-chan is right! I'll solve as much as I can and give up on the rest. I'll just have to endure the teacher getting angry!”

Having lost all willpower, Yurika jumped onto Maki's words and raised a white flag. It's not like Yurika had forgotten on purpose, and she had also tried to finish it. This time there was just nothing she could do. Yurika had already begun thinking of how she should apologize to her teacher.

“What do we do now, Aika-san?”

“It would be easy to just let her give up here...”

“But I do want to her to finish her homework, for her own sake as well.”

“Then, should we go call him?”

“Yeah, that's all we can do.”

Shizuka and Maki nodded at each other. The situation was already out of their hands, so the two decided to call for backup. They knew there was only one person who could motivate Yurika now.

Part 4

Shizuka and Maki went out to call for Koutarou. He was at Clan, borrowing her wisdom and technology for his final piece of homework, but upon hearing of Yurika's situation he interrupted his work and returned to room 106.

“Yurika. Wake up.”

“...Satomi-shan... I can't go on... I did my best...”

Yurika showed Koutarou her partially-finished homework. Only a quarter of it all was done. Considering Yurika's intelligence and the time spent, she had indeed worked hard.

“Are you going to give up here?”

“...Yes... I'll just have to endure the teacher getting angry at me...”

The exhausted Yurika spoke with tears in her eyes. She didn't like this outcome either, but having reached her limits, she had no other choice.

“I see. So that means you're free now?”

“...Well, yes... but I don't want to move...”

Exhausted and resigned, Yurika was leaning over the tea table in a sleepy state. She had a sorrowful and tired expression, completely opposite from when she had first begun her homework.

“You don't have to move, just go along with me.”

“...What are you doing...?”

“We'll play some professional wrestling. There's a couple of new moves I want to try. You don't have to do anything, just take the hits, I'm sure you're tired after all.”

“Nooooooo!!”

However, the moment Koutarou brought up wrestling Yurika flew straight up and desperately shook her head. Her hair flew around the air.

“Why? You've got free time since you're done with your homework right?”

“I'm not free! I've decided to continue with my homework!”

“I see... then I'm sorry for forcibly inviting you.”

Yurika had been afraid that she'd forcibly be put into various wrestling techniques, but Koutarou obediently withdrew. Seeing her chance, Yurika pressed on further.

“That's right! I have the great goal of finishing my homework!”

Wrestling with Koutarou was something that should be done at the start of a long weekend, not just before the start of a new semester.

“Alright, then call me when you're tired of doing homework.”

“I won't get tired!”

“Knowing you, you'll lose your motivation soon enough.”

“I won't lose my motivation! I'm going to be busy doing homework all of today and tomorrow!”

“But I want to try these new moves out, all day long.”

“I refuse!! If you get it then just go!! You're in the way of my homework!!”

“Okay, okay. But if you get tired of your homework―”

“I said I won't get tired!!”

After putting her all into rejecting Koutarou's offer, Yurika began solving problems again. She looked like a soldier fighting for her life on the battlefield, and she solved problems at the same rate as she had at the start.

Part 5

Even after Koutarou left, Yurika fiercely continued her homework. If she tried to cut any corners Koutarou would come back and use various wrestling moves on her. Yurika continued doing her homework, desperate to avoid that. Being a coward, she was sensitive to danger.

“...Haa~h, Satomi-kun is amazing.”

Seeing Yurika restarting her homework, Shizuka let out a sigh. She thought it was impossible to get Yurika to continue her homework. Yet, Koutarou had suddenly appeared, motivated her in mere seconds and left just as quickly. He handled Yurika with unbelievable ease.

“Satomi-kun knows us better than anyone... If that had been any of us working on the homework instead, I'm sure he would be able to motivate us too.”

“Yeah, you're right...”

Shizuka nodded at the point Maki was trying to make. A while back when Shizuka had visited her parents' graves, she had been depressed, and Koutarou had been the one to cheer her up. Having experienced that, Shizuka felt like Maki was right.

“...We're being treasured, aren't we... it's like a dream...”

“...Yeah... I feel nothing but gratitude at having been able to meet such a person...”

All the girls of room 106 had experienced similar things to Shizuka. That's why Koutarou would surely have been able to cheer up any of them had they lost heart.

Part 6

Yurika's fear of Koutarou's wrestling move was strong and she desperately continued her homework. There was no other means to protect herself. However, a few hours after restarting on her homework, Yurika was reaching her limit again.

A loud thud echoed through the room.

“Kyaaa!? Y-Yurika!?”

As she was watching a tense scene from the movie, Maki was truly surprised when Yurika collapsed and instinctively let out a cute scream.

“Kyuuuu~”

Yurika had fallen on her backs and her eyes were spinning. Last time she had stopped because of mental fatigue but this time it was completely physical. Yurika had used up all of her energy. She had run out of battery.

“Phuwah...”

Aika-san, what should we do?”

“Hmm... let's call Satomi-kun again.”

“I don't think even he can do anything this time...”

“But we should still show him how much Yurika tried.”

“You're right.”

The two nodded at each other and decided to call for Koutarou again. He was currently onboard Clan's Hazy Moon, so they headed towards the transportation gate on the innermost wall of the room. As they approached, the wall began glowing blue.

“Please take us to Clan-san's place.”

In response to Maki's voice, the gate turned from blue to orange. In order to make it easy to use, the gate was divided by color. Blue was Blue Knight, and orange was Hazy Moon. By the way, the Higashihongan family was purple and the Sakuraba family was white.

“I've started getting used to this mystery transport...”

Shizuka found it mysterious that she was getting used to this strange style of life. Just a little over a year ago she had been a normal high school girl, but now she was living the life of a character from some fictional story.

“You have?”

“You mean you haven't, Aika-san?”

“I'm a magician you know.”

“Ah, right. I completely forgot.”

“Just go on to forget it, please.”

“Ufufu, I'm planning on it.”

Maki and Shizuka wanted the same thing. That's why they would stay the same no matter how much their lifestyle changed or how much power they had, and so, the two ordinary high schools jumped through the gate with smiles on their faces.

Part 7

Yurika's eyes were still spinning when Maki and Shizuka brought Koutarou back to room 106. Koutarou picked her up and gently laid her down on the tatami mat. As he was doing that, his eyes were very gentle and calm.

“You did good, Yurika...”

Yurika had gone past her mental limit and reached her physical limit. While she hadn't completed her homework, her efforts were worthy of praise. Using all of your power in an effort and not reaching the goal was not the same as breaking your oath. Yurika splendidly upheld her own oath.

“What should we do, Satomi-kun?”

While envious of Yurika who was getting her head patted by Koutarou, Maki asked him about what they should do now. Determining what Yurika should do now was an important problem.

“For starters, let's let her rest a little.”

“At this rate, she'll be scolded by the teacher. She's already at risk of having to redo a year...”

Shizuka anxiously looked at Yurika. She had already been late and missed homework a lot, and before the summer vacation she had received a warning that she might have to redo a year. Not submitting her summer homework was quite the dangerous situation.

“After resting for awhile, I'm sure she'll regain some energy and can continue for a little longer.”

“I hope so...”

Shizuka believed it would be difficult for Yurika to do any more of her homework. She couldn't imagine that there was any more Yurika could continue after exhausting all her strength.

“It's okay, landlord-san. Yurika's the kind of girl that will pull through when she has too.”

However, Koutarou firmly believed in Yurika, and it showed in his eyes.

Part 8

Yurika woke up as the smell of her favorite food tickled her nose. She would surely not have been able to wake up for any other reason.

“I smell ramen!”

What woke Yurika up was the smell of instant noodles. The smell of the artificial seasoning stimulated her appetite and blew away her drowsiness. As a result, a few seconds after smelling the food, she was completely awake.

“Thank you for the foo~d!”

Yurika picked up the instant noodles off of the tea table and skillfully split the chopsticks with just her right hand.

“Wait a minute!”

However, before she could start chowing down, she was stopped by Koutarou. As he did, she looked up at him with a dissatisfied expression.

“Why are you bullying me?”

All of the instant noodles in room 106 exists just for her. To Yurika, having someone interrupt her meal was the worst she could imagine.

“You can eat, but promise me one thing first.”

“I promise. Thank you for the food!”

Not even listening to what Koutarou has to say, she made a promise and began eating the noodles. The reason for that was because of her appetite for the noodles in front of her and because she trusted that Koutarou would only make promises for important things.

“Don't forget you promised.”

“Yes.”

“Once you're done eating, make sure you continue on your homework.”

“...Eh?”

Yurika froze on the spot.

“T-That's impossible! I can't continue!!”

Yurika completely forgot about eating and shook her head. As she did, the noodles still hanging down from her mouth were swung around splashing soup on her surroundings.

“But you promised. And you've already started eating.”

“Ugh!?”

Yurika was at a loss for words. Having thoughtlessly made a promise completely backfired.

At this rate she would be going back to hell. Having realized that, Yurika quickly slurped down her noodles and appealed to Koutarou.

“I-I can't go on! I'm not making up excuses, it's really impossible!!”

She couldn't finish, even if she fully exhausted herself. She didn't have enough willpower or stamina left in her to face down her remaining homework. She was desperately trying to get Koutarou to understand, she was sad that it ended this way too.

There, Koutarou reached out with his hands and placed them on Yurika's cheeks.

“Yurika, face this way.”

Koutarou gently turned Yurika's face towards his own. As he did, she slowly glanced upwards towards him.

“Yurika, you certainly worked hard. You worked until you reached your limit. Well done, Yurika.”

“Eh...?”

She never expected that she would get praise, so Yurika's eyes opened wide. Ignoring that, Koutarou continued speaking.

“But knowing that, I still ask you.”

With a short introductory remark, Koutarou posed his actual question.

“...Yurika, is it really impossible to go on?”

“Satomi-san...”

The Yurika that Koutarou knew was a really irresponsible girl. She always tried to slack off and dodge the subject. She was someone whose future you'd worry about.

“You're the kind of girl that can go one step further after you think it's impossible. I know you can.”

However, on the other hand, Yurika would never give up when it really mattered. Like when Sanae was still a ghost and started disappearing or when she threw herself in the way to save Harumi. There were plenty of examples. That's why Koutarou expected Yurika to show that kind of spirit here too.

“So Yurika, why not try a little more? You only have to go for as long as you can. If you really can't continue you can stop. How about it?”

“I...”

Koutarou stared directly into Yurika's eyes. As he did, she felt like he was staring in the depths of her mind. His eyes were telling her that she should be able to do even more.

This is because Satomi-san has high expectations for me, isn't it...

Yurika knew of Koutarou's faults. Yet that Koutarou was expecting Yurika to try her best. Looking at the bigger picture, one could say that he was expectant of their future together. The moment she realized that, Yurika made up her mind.

“I understand. I will try a little more.”

Yurika said and nodded. Since Koutarou had taken a step forward, she couldn't reject him. She didn't mind how irresponsible she was in regards to herself, but she couldn't give up when others got involved. Yurika had matured to the point that the title of magical girl was suitable for her.

Shizuka and Maki silently watched over Koutarou and Yurika. They were sure that not even Koutarou could do anything this time, but going against their expectation, he had successfully convinced Yurika.

“What a surprise. Satomi-kun really does understand Yurika-chan...”

“That looked more like Yurika was being considerate of Satomi-kun's feelings to me.”

“I think it's both. Satomi-kun asked Yurika, and she responded. Those two don't have a one-sided relationship...”

“I'm a little jealous though.”

“Yeah, it's like they're using the homework to get along better.”

Shizuka and Maki smiled. Koutarou's and Yurika's bond further deepened through this matter. The two weren't sure if they were doing homework or just playing.

“That's right, Aika-san.”

“Yes?”

“Let's try if we can get Satomi-kun to do the same to us next time.”

Having come up with a plan, Shizuka grinned as she glanced at Koutarou from the corner of her eye. He was unaware of Shizuka's intentions and was currently helping Yurika solve a problem.

“I don't think there's a reason to try... ah, but, there might be differences on the surface.”

Maki was convinced that Koutarou would do the same for them. That's why she felt bad for putting Koutarou to the test.

“It's those differences that you enjoy.”

“You can be surprisingly mean, Kasagi-san.”

“We want to enjoy our youth too, right?”

“...Yes, I think so too.”

The two girls cheerfully chatted away as they watched Yurika working on her homework again and Koutarou helping her. Koutarou's and Yurika's bond wasn't the only one to deepen through this matter. The same was true for Maki and Shizuka as well.

Part 9

Yurika solved her final problem 36 hours after she had begun, at the evening of August 31.

“...I-It's done... I'm done...”

Yurika dropped the pen in her hand and it rolled away.

“Good work, Yurika-chan.”

As if waiting for that moment, Shizuka put down a glass of barley tea in front of Yurika. Having sent glances from time to time, Shizuka had a rough understanding of the progress Yurika was making. The same was true for Maki and she smiled as she peeked at the homework.

“There's a lot of mistakes, but you've finished everything. I'm impressed you could be so obstinate, Yurika.”

“T-Thank you very much, Shizuka-san, Maki-chan.”

Yurika drank her barley tea with tears of relief streaming down her cheeks. This was the first time barley tea had ever tasted this good.

All of the hardships are now over... I better have Satomi-san praise me later♪

Yurika felt a sense of accomplishment as she sipped on her tea, but here Shizuka said something completely unexpected to her.

“Now all that's left is the integrated studies report. Good job, Yurika-chan. Ah, or do you already have something ready for that?”

“Eh!? Integrated study?”

Those were words that didn't exist in Yurika's head. She was convinced that the problem sheets she had gotten was all of the homework, so this hidden homework suddenly appearing meant trouble.

“W-What kind of homework is that!?”

“You forgot, huh, or maybe you were asleep? Either way, during the last integrated studies class we were told to write a report on a topic of our choosing. Most people seem to be writing about the occupational training we had before summer vacation though.”

This homework consequently become homework over the summer.

Just before the summer vacation of the second year in Kitsushouharukaze high school occupational training was held. This was a variant of a school excursion and students got to experience joining a company for a short period of time to learn the mindset for working. They were then asked to submit what they had experienced as a report, but this year the occupational training had cut really close to the summer vacation, so the report would be submitted at the start of the new semester.

Therefore, Yurika would have to write a report to submit as well. Yurika still hadn't finished all of her homework.

“...T-The occupational training... what did I do again... uhm...”

Yurika desperately tried to recall what she had been doing a month and a half ago. However, she wasn't certain of her memories. Completely oblivious to the fact that she had to submit a report, Yurika simply worked without a thought, and she hadn't bothered to commit anything to memory. That's why even if she tried to remember it, it was now buried beneath her memories from the summer vacation. She had completely forgotten.

“I can't remember! Shizuka-san, Maki-chan, help me!”

With her own memory being unreliable, all she could do was rely on others. So to begin with, Yurika implored the nearby Shizuka and Maki.

“We'd love too, but...”

“We were in a different group from yours. That's why we don't know what you did.”

“No way!!”

But unfortunately Shizuka and Maki had been at a different company and were unable to help Yurika.

“Aaahhh, what should I do!?”

Yurika held her head in pain. She felt like everything was over.

“Calm down, Yurika. Start by remembering people who trained with you.”

“The people with me... that's right I was with Satomi-san!!”

“So you should ask Satomi-kun what you were doing and write that on your report.”

“I'm going to Satomi-san right away! Maki-chan, where's Satomi-san now!?”

Koutarou was nowhere to be found in room 106. But Maki who was a self-proclaimed vassal of Koutarou's should know where he is.

“He should be at Clan-san's place today as well.”

“Okay!”

Having gotten information from Maki, Yurika hurried towards Koutarou. Right now, he was her only hope.

Part 10

After jumping through the gate in the inner room, Yurika was already in the passage of the Hazy Moon. As Yurika stepped on the floor a dry sound echoed through the passage. Unlike the cramped room 106, the white and beautiful passage seemingly continued on forever.

“Clan-san's room is... ah! That should be it!”

Clan's room were a few meters from where Yurika had landed. In front of Clan's room hanged a wooden plate to make it easy to find even for a first time visitor.

'Princess Clariossa's Room☆' was written on the plate. Koutarou and Sanae had made that plate and its design differed quite a bit from Clan's personality. Koutarou and Sanae had hoped that its cheerful design would rub off, but sadly it still hadn't.

“Clan-san, Clan-san! Please give me Satomi-san!”

Yurika burst into Clan's room at full speed, and had the door not been automatic she might have broken right through it.

“That's unusual, you hardly ever come here, Yu― kyaaaaa!?”

“Clan-san, please give me Satomi-san! Please!!”

Ever since she passed through the gate, Clan knew that Yurika was coming. However, her momentum and pressure came as a shock and Clan almost jumped backwards.

“W-What's the matter!?”

“It would take too long to explain, but I can't finish my homework without Satomi-san! So please give me Satomi-san!”

Yurika gave Clan a brief explanation and put her hands in front of Clan, as if telling her to put Koutarou in them.

“I see, so that's what it is. I don't mind, it's not like I have any business with Bertorion.”

Clan obediently accepted Yurika's demand. Koutarou had only come here to borrow her help, Clan herself had no business with him in particular. That's why she had no objections if he was taken away.

“Thank you very much! So, where is Satomi-san!?”

“Bertorion is over there.”

“Satomi-san!”

Yurika ran in the direction Clan pointed her to. In that direction was a sofa and a desk, and Yurika could see Koutarou's back as he sat on the sofa. Koutarou had been working on his own homework there yesterday and today.

“Satomi-san, please help! Please tell me what we did during the occupational training!”

Yurika ran around the sofa and desperately pleaded with Koutarou.

“Satomi-san! Ah...”

But as she saw his face she lost all of her momentum. Instead despair filled her expression. The moment she saw his face, she had realized that all hope was lost.

“...It's over... my homework... this is just too cruel...”

Koutarou was leaning back on the sofa and sleeping. He was deep in sleep, and he didn't budge a muscle as Yurika called out to him. Yurika knew from experience that he wouldn't wake up for a while. In other words, he couldn't help her.

“...Haahh... and I tried so hard... to trip up at the finish line... this is just...”

Yurika lost all strength from her hopelessness. Just as she was about to complete her homework, her last hope was crushed. Because she had tried so hard these two days, the disappointment was even worse.

“Oh, I thought he was being quiet, so he's sleeping. But I guess it can't be helped. He's been working on that report since yesterday after all... what's the matter, Yurika-san?”

“...It's nothing... I was just thinking that Satomi-san looks so happy as he sleeps...”

Tears flooded out of Yurika's eyes, that was all she could do.

“I don't really get it, but... Yurika-san, have this.”

“What's this?”

Yurika received something from Clan. She couldn't see clearly because of her tears, but judging from her sense of touch it was most likely some papers.

“Bertorion told me to give this to you... it seems like he knew this would happen.”

“Satomi-san did...?”

Yurika wiped away her tears and looked at the papers again. On it, the following was written:

'Occupational training report, insect caretakers at a pet shop, a collaboration between Satomi Koutarou and Nijino Yurika'

That was the occupational training report that Koutarou had written. Normally he would only have to write his own report, but upon seeing the progress Yurika was making on her homework, he decided to write a collaborative report. Since the description of Yurika's participation also had to be taken into account, he had spent all this time writing it. This had been the reason as to why Koutarou had been absent from room 106.

“Satomi-san... you really are..”

The tears she was supposed to have wiped away began overflowing again. A deep sense of relief and gratitude filled her chest. Koutarou had believed that Yurika would complete her homework and worked on this report. Without any basis to go on, he had simply believed in her. The joy Yurika felt from completing her homework didn't compare to the joy she felt now.

“...There's so much I want to say, but... I'm almost at my limit too... so I'll just say this one thing...”

Yurika muttered and collapsed down on the sofa as well. She had fallen down right next to Koutarou and she leaned on him. In that position, Yurika whispered into his ear.

“...Satomi-san, just like I promised, I'm done with my homework...”

After Yurika whispered that, she quietly shut her eyes. She was already past her limits. Being even more exhausted than Koutarou she fell asleep mere seconds after closing her eyes.

“I don't like being treated like some side character after spending two days helping, free of charge, but―”

Clan pulled a blanket over the two and left the room after turning off most lights.

“―out of respect for your hard work, I'll let you have Bertorion for today, Yurika-san. Fufufu.”

The door closed behind Clan and silence returned to the room. Only two sounds could be heard in the room. They were the breaths of Koutarou and Yurika. Clan had no intentions of returning to this room for a while, so this would continue for the time being. While that supposed to be a great thing for Yurika, she herself was completely unaware.

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