Chapter Text
“It’s finally over!” Shohei declared as he leaned back on his chair and stretched his fingers backwards, eliciting cracking sounds from the popping of his joints. “That was so tough!”
“I know right? Now I’m afraid I won’t pass,” Ayato groaned in despair. “And I put in so much effort this time.”
The boys had just finished the last paper of their finals today. While normally something to look forward to, they were panicking at the moment over the possibility of failing the exams.
“I don’t want to have to go for lessons over the summer. I’m going to be busy,” Shohei complained.
“And my mom told me she would lock up my video games if I failed any of my subjects,” Ayato added.
“Well, not as if we can do anything right now,” Saku pointed out as he walked over to their desks. “All we can do is hope for the best and prepare for the worst.”
“Hey Saku, what answer did you put for question 6? If I remember correctly, it was asking for the angle of the trapezium,” Shohei asked. As the smartest of the four, it was likely that Saku’s answer was the correct one.
“37 degrees,” Saku simply said in his monotonous voice.
“Ahh! I got it wrong!” Shohei groaned.
Seeing his friends panicking like this, Rintaro decided to try distracting them from the finals. “The girls should have ended their examinations too. Why don’t we celebrate together at my house for a well deserved break?” He suggested.
It seemed to have worked, as Shohei’s and Ayato’s worried expressions disappeared and were replaced by excitement at the idea of gathering with their friends.
Even Saku’s usually dull face brightened up when he heard that. “That sounds great. Let’s invite them now,” he suggested. He took out his phone and typed out an invitation in the group chat they had created.
Meanwhile in Kikyo, students were streaming out of the classrooms. They were discussing their answers for their final exams, but more importantly, also discussing their plans for the upcoming holidays. The summer holidays were approaching, and the girls were looking forward to it.
Kaoruko, Subaru and Madoka were the only ones left in their classroom. Kaoruko was on class duty, and Subaru and Madoka decided to stay behind to help their friend.
“Thanks for your help you two,” Kaoruko said appreciatively as she swept the floor. “You didn’t have to stay behind. I’m the one on duty today.”
“You’re welcome Kaoruko,” Subaru smiled. “We wanted to hang out with you after school anyway, so might as well get this done as quickly as possible.”
“And this is the least I can do after all the help you gave me to prepare for finals,” Madoka added. Kaoruko had guided her closely during the preparations for the exams, and it seemed to have paid off as she was able to answer many questions confidently.
Their phones sounded off, alerting them to a message. Taking out her phone, Kaoruko read the message Saku had sent them.
“The boys are inviting us over to Rintaro’s house today for lunch and to play video games together,” Kaoruko informed them.
“Perfect, we can all hang out together then,” Madoka nodded. “Will you two be going?”
“Of course I will.”
“Me too.”
“Here’s to a fun and relaxing summer!” Shohei declared as he held out his cup over the table.
“Cheers!” The others shouted happily in agreement.
The group of seven were eating their lunch in Rintaro’s house. They were in the privacy of the upper floor, where no one could see them together. Given the reputation of Chidori, as well as the attitude of Kikyo’s students and teachers towards the school, they didn’t want to attract any unnecessary attention.
“So what are your plans for summer vacation?” Ayato asked.
“My family’s going to Okinawa for a week near the end of July,” Madoka said. “I can’t wait to go diving there. I’ve been told the ocean at Okinawa looks stunning!”
“You’re so lucky Madoka! Have a fun trip!” Kaoruko beamed.
“And I have a temporary job at a daycare for children,” Shohei announced. “I’ll be looking after them during the day until their parents come to pick them up.”
“You got a job?” Rintaro was surprised to hear that. “Congratulations then. How long will you be working there?”
“For two weeks, from the last week of July to the first week of August.”
“Are you sure you’re up to it?” Saku asked, skeptical that Shohei could do the job well.
“I’ll be fine. I have taken care of my younger siblings for years. I’m sure it’ll be no problem,” Shohei insisted.
“That reminds me, will you still need to help out at the bakery Rintaro?” Ayato asked.
“I do. My parents are expecting business to increase since students will be out of school, so I’ll have to take even more shifts,” Rintaro explained.
“But…that means we won’t be able to spend time together for a while,” Subaru said in slight disappointment. The mood at the table fell a little at the revelation. They had thought they would be able to use summer vacation to hang out with each other often, but now three of them would be away.
“Come on guys, don’t feel down,” Kaoruko told her friends. “We can still make the best of the summer, it’s not as if we’ll be away for the whole of the holidays.”
“I guess you’re right,” Subaru nodded. Thinking to herself for a moment, an idea suddenly came to her mind. “I know, how about we celebrate Kaoruko’s birthday at the beach? It’ll be a good way to start the holidays, and I think all of us will be able to make it.”
“Good idea Subaru. I hope I can spend my birthday with all of you,” Kaoruko beamed.
“Sounds like a great plan. I’ll be free on that day,” Shohei replied.
“Me too,” Madoka agreed.
Kaoruko looked hopefully at Rintaro. Her wide, greyish blue eyes and her smile were just as adorable as when they had first met all those years ago. His heart melted and he couldn’t bring himself to refuse.
“Of course I’ll be there,” Rintaro readily agreed.