Chapter 43: Do I really need to prepare for the midterm exam? (2)

Today was a free activity period.

The teacher had us do some simple stretches and then let us do what we wanted.

Jihyun, Yejin, and I found a spot in the corner of the gym.

I like holing up like this, but I wondered if they were okay with it.

I was really worried that they might want to run around and play, but were stuck here because of me.

Some kids were sitting and chatting, but many were playing badminton.

I asked them about it, and they shook their heads.

“I like talking with Jia here more!”

“R-Really? Then that’s good….”

“…I just don’t feel like moving.”

“Ugh. So dishonest.”

Yejin gave a thumbs-down and booed.

I think I heard a grinding sound from beside me, but it must be my imagination…?

I hope it’s just my imagination.

I awkwardly laughed it off.

Still, I was happy to be with them during free time.

It’s nice to have someone to talk to.

The only uncomfortable thing was that my chest felt squished when I pulled my legs up to sit.

It was really hard to find a comfortable position.

When I was a guy, I thought bigger was always better, but now that I’m in this position, there are a lot of downsides.

I poked at my uncomfortable chest.

It’s just so uncomfortable.

“….”

Huh.

The area suddenly became silent, and I looked up.

Jihyun and Yejin had stopped talking and were staring at me.

…Did I do something wrong?

With that thought, I carefully spoke.

“Guys…?”

“Huh? Ah, don’t worry, I definitely wasn’t looking at Jia’s chest!”

“I didn’t even say anything yet…”

“That idiot….”

I blinked.

Is this what they mean by “the thief doth protest too much”? I stared at Yejin, who was rambling on by herself.

Yejin made a ‘hup’ sound and covered her mouth with both hands. But covering her mouth wouldn’t take back what she already said.

She must have realized that too, because she started sweating bullets.

I don’t know why they’re so interested in my chest.

Still, since they’re also girls, it didn’t feel that bad.

I stared for a moment and then giggled.

It’s not like it’ll wear out from being looked at, so it’s fine, I guess.

Although it’s a separate issue that I feel embarrassed.

Ah, and there was something I wanted to say.

I turned my head to look at Jihyun.

Jihyun tilted her head as if asking if I had something to say.

“Um, Jihyun….”

“What.”

“Um, uh… Never mind!”

I should just not say it. It doesn’t feel like it’s my place to interfere.

I shook my head.

Then Jihyun’s face instantly turned scary.

Eek.

“Kim Jia. One way to annoy someone is to start saying something and then stop.”

“Uh-huh….”

“So, what were you going to say?”

I gulped, feeling like I was facing a tiger.

At that moment, Yejin suddenly stood up and shouted.

“Ah! I think I know what Jia was going to say!”

“What is it.”

Right. I’m curious too.

I listened carefully to Yejin’s words.

“It’s because Jihyun, you curse all the time, so she was going to tell you to stop.”

Huh.

How did she know?

My thoughts were accurately read, and I was so surprised that my eyes started shaking.

At Yejin’s words, Jihyun quietly looked at me.

“…Is what she said true?”

“….”

It was true.

Instead of answering, I quietly nodded.

“…Why.”

“W-Well….”

If I say the wrong thing here, I’m dead.

I racked my brain and started talking nonsensically.

“If you curse, the person listening might feel bad, and also…”

“And also?”

I couldn’t think of anything else. I had no choice but to blurt out whatever came to mind.

“And cursing doesn’t suit that pretty face……!”

“I-I think Jihyun would look better with nicer language….”

Fidgeting with my fingers, I froze when I saw Jihyun’s expressionless face.

Did I… say something wrong…?

But this was my honest feeling.

I had a faint thought that it would be better if she only used nice words with that appearance.

To that extent, she was pretty.

Or maybe not.

Considering her yellow dyed hair, maybe cursing does suit her.

I shrank back and watched Jihyun’s reaction.

Is she angry? She must be angry….

Mom. This unfilial son… now daughter, is going first. I’m sorry.

With my eyes tightly shut, I waited for the death sentence to be handed down.

After a moment, I didn’t feel anything, so I slowly opened my eyes.

Thump-

“Huh!”

“If Jia says so. Okay.”

Jihyun said that with her hand on top of my head.

“It might be hard at first, but I’ll try to cut back.”

“…Okay!”

I’m alive.

For some reason, Jihyun accepted my request without any complaints.

I nodded with a joyful heart.

But why is she avoiding eye contact.

Come to think of it, her face looks a little red.

Is she sick?

I looked at Jihyun with concern, and she waved her hand.

“It’s not what you’re thinking.”

“How do you know what I’m thinking?”

“It’s not, anyway.”

Okay. If you say so.

Just as I decided to let it go, Yejin came between us.

“You two are talking only to each other!”

“Ah. What.”

“What do you mean, what!”

Jihyun looked at her coldly. Yejin, who received that gaze, started rampaging even more.

It was a good thing Yejin cut in at the right time.

Thanks to her, the air that was about to become awkward was instantly cleared.

Look at them being playful even now.

“Seriously, why does she get all the praise for being pretty…!”

“What? Say that again.”

“Why should I?”

Then again, maybe they’re serious…

At first, I thought I should stop them, but after spending time with them, you learn.

They’ll bicker like that for a while and then get tired and stop.

As expected, after squabbling for a while, they entered a period of rest.

Hehe. I’m starting to get the hang of it.

I smiled victoriously on the inside.

After the recent commotion, the atmosphere became quiet for a moment, and Yejin spoke first.

“Are you guys preparing for midterms?”

Uh.

“Already…?”

I blinked.

Even though this is a yuri school, I expected there to be classes and midterms, or tests.

But I didn’t expect that word to come up already.

“Already? There’s only a month left.”

“I haven’t.”

“I already expected that.”

“What was that, punk?”

I seriously thought about the two of them starting up again.

Since coming to this school, all I’ve done is eat lunch and sleep occasionally…

I tried to recall the contents of the classes.

I couldn’t remember anything.

Uh.

I’m screwed.

I spoke with a trembling voice.

“I… haven’t either…….”

“Jia, you too?”

“See? This is normal.”

Jihyun said something next to me, but I couldn’t hear her.

What do I do about this.

Are there penalties for failing the test?

“Hmm.. Maybe cleaning the school? I’m not sure either.”

“I think you have to get at least the minimum score on the test for that.”

Yejin lightly answered as if she had read my expression. Jihyun drove the nail in the coffin.

Cleaning!

Forget about home, cleaning this whole huge school.

It’s not a matter of liking it or not, it’s obvious that my body won’t be able to handle it.

I knew that this body was weak, couldn’t exercise, and had low stamina.

Cleaning with this body would be torture.

Even if the punishment isn’t cleaning, it’s still a problem.

I don’t even want to imagine what other, bigger punishment might be in store.

I shook my head.

Absolutely no cleaning.

“Well, then how about we all study together? Like a study group!”

Just then, Yejin made that suggestion.

Is she talking about that thing where friends get together and study?

I liked it.

I hadn’t listened to any of the classes, so I had a lot of questions.

I nodded in affirmation.

“Great! Then Jia will come to my house.’

“Huh. Is that okay?”

I thought we’d go to a place like the library at most.

I wondered if it was okay for me to just go into Yejin’s house.

But contrary to my worries, Yejin smiled innocently and said.

“We’re friends, so it’s okay!”

“Then… I like it too.”

“Hey. What about me?”

This time, Jihyun interrupted and came between us.

Her expression looked like she had a lot of complaints.

Yejin asked as if she really didn’t know.

“You’re not going to study anyway, right?”

“Huh. What do you know.”

“Guys…?”

“I think I know at least that you’re not going to study?”

“You *ss… don’t say weird things.”

They’re fighting again.

I tried to mediate, but they completely ignored me, so I gave up.

This too shall pass…….

After giving up and spacing out, I heard them coming to some sort of conclusion.

“Then we’ll do it together just today, and if it doesn’t work out, we’ll ditch you without hesitation?”

“Do whatever.”

What are they talking about.

Today?

“Jia, are you free after school today then?”

Wait a minute, isn’t today too soon?