Chapter 73 - Group Studying

There was the upcoming midterm exams that everyone was studying hard for.

Freshmen usually didn't have to worry about them too much, since the true test (college exams) was still a ways off.

However, most students at this prestigious school were diligent people who didn't neglect their studies.

This was no different for Takei and his group of friends.

Somehow, a group study session was planned to be hosted at Takei's house on the weekend.

It was mostly Helena's idea with Akari being forced into accepting it. Eiji, Rikka, and Ryuto also were going.

Akari was initially against Ryuto going, but she relented after Takei showed her the new and improved Ryuto Inuzaki.

Putting that aside, Takei was dumbfounded at how the owner of the venue wasn't even asked if the study session could be held there or not.

Noticing a fidgeting Akari in the corner of his eye, Takei assumed that she was probably coerced into letting them use his house as a venue.

Once he realized this, Takei just sighed and accepted the outcome.

If Akari wanted to do something, then he would abide willingly.

The date for this study session was set for this Saturday.

After having learned this, Takei texted his mother and got the go-ahead for the group to come over.

Making sure that everything would be good beforehand, Takei steeled himself for the upcoming storm.

***

It was now Saturday morning.

Akari had come over earlier in the day and helped Takei clean everything in his house.

Now, the house was entirely presentable.

Yuuto had left for work earlier in the morning, while Airi went to her friend's house to join a study group.

Flora was currently on standby at the kitchen making some lunch for the whole study group.

A little before the designated time, everyone showed up in one group.

It seemed that everyone had met up at the nearby train station in order to make sure that no one got lost on the way to Takei's house.

Entering through the front door, the group was amazed at the size of Takei's house.

Since Takei had lived here for a considerable amount of time, his senses were dulled as a result. He didn't think that the house was anything special.

Everyone sat down at the table in the living room and brought out their textbooks.

"Oooh, let's get started!"

Helena clapped her hands and formally started the group study session.

Since everyone were already diligent students, they all focused on the textbook and questions in front of them without getting distracted.

The silence lasted only momentarily though, due to the difficulties of the questions.

"I don't really understand this one..."

"Yeah, the second part to that one has me stumped."

"Right? The sixth question is not clicking for me at all."

Rikka, Eiji, and Ryuto voiced their troubles at the ridiculously hard questions.

Seeing their plight, the number one student in the whole school stood up.

It went without saying that the student was Akari.

"Alright, I got this!"

Since she already studied every day very diligently, Akari was far ahead of everyone else in the curriculum.

Therefore, she could afford to use her time leisurely and become the teacher they needed.

One by one, Akari went to each person that needed help and taught them.

By the afternoon, everyone was fully caught up with all of the material that the test covered. As a result of this however, everyone was drained and needed a recharge.

Using her superhuman intuition, Flora came in with lunch and refreshments for everyone.

She had made small tea sandwiches along with some lemonade in order for everyone to have a full stomach after a hard studying session.

Flora also brought in some chocolate bars for everyone, since she read a tidbit online about chocolate helping memorization and the studying process.

After serving everyone, she promptly left the room with a satisfied smile on her face.

"Aah, I'm so full~"

Helena had surprisingly eaten the most, even though there were three high school boys in the group.

"You're an athlete, so it's no wonder why. Your body just naturally needs more calories for your uptime."

Takei precisely explained why Helena needed more calories than the average person.

Hearing that explanation, a malicious smile appeared on her face.

"Oh, really? Have you been eating more food then? I've heard you started working out."

Somehow, Helena knew that Takei had recently started muscle training.

Having gained a sixth sense, Takei turned towards the culprit.

Expecting this beforehand, Akari turned the other way and started whistling.

Seeing the comedic interaction between the two, Helena laughed and patted Takei on the back.

"Don't worry, your efforts are paying off. I've noticed that your posture and build have been getting better. As a plus, you also look a lot happier now."

Takei raised his hand and placed it on his face to check his face muscles.

Indeed, they did feel a lot less tense and felt more loose now.

Maybe as a result of his weight training, Takei had begun to see the fruits of his labor.

There were stubbles of muscle in the place of the fat that was once there.

"I agree! You look really good now!"

Quick to voice her opinion, Rikka gave Takei a thumbs up.

"My lord will always look great."

"Oi, stop with that."

Ryuto had accidentally called Takei by his title, instead of his name. This prompted Takei to get a migraine as a result.

"Hmm, you're beginning to look like someone who could one punch anything."

As expected of the otaku, Eiji praised him with a reference to his favorite anime.

"So, what does Akarin think?"

Passing the torch over to Akari, Helena had a nasty smile on her face.

"Um..."

Akari looked shaken due to the conversation suddenly being turned over to her, but she quickly recovered.

"I think he looks handsome no matter what..."

In a meek and shy voice, Akari bashfully announced her attraction to Takei.

In response to Akari's answer, Takei's soul was leaving his body due to all of the shame that he was feeling.

"That's a critical hit!"

Of course, Eiji found the perfect time to use a video game reference to describe Takei's condition.

---

Akari's Final Affection Meter: 33 -> 35%

Wow, she likes every version of Takei. How heavy are her feelings?!

Sugar-san: You'll get suffocated if you find out.

Serious-san: Roger that.

Side Note: I finished writing chapter 90 last night, and it turned out to be one massive chapter (3000 words) as a result of the events in that chapter. If you want to see that moment happen earlier than the public release, I'll have it released on patroen in a few days for my supporters to read.