Book 2: Chapter 6: 21st of June (Tuesday)
There must have been a significant problem with earth’s gravity today. Since the flow of time was so much slower than usual, I was certain of it. If someone told me that this was a reality-changing phenomenon caused by the progress of humanity’s scientific standard, then I might actually believe them and become an environmentalist as a result.
Classes finally ended, after I’d felt like they’d never arrive. In other words, it was time for the supplementary exams. Since tomorrow was the end-of-term ceremony, everything we discussed in class went into my left ear and out of my right. I don’t even remember what I talked to Maru about during recess, let alone the taste of the bread I ate. I suppressed the urge to immediately ask Ayase-san about her results, and I remained alone in the classroom until I finally came to my senses.
…No, this is definitely too much meddling. I’d just be a bother. Over these past few days, I tried my best so that Ayase-san would do great for this exam. That being said, immediately running over to ask her for the results was bad manners. I’ll meet her at home anyway. It’s not like I only see her at school, so there’s no need to rush.
“I’ve got my part-time work as well, so time to head home.” After my head calmed down a bit, I muttered these words to myself in the empty classroom.
Of course, I don’t often talk to myself like that, but it was necessary to get me to move from this classroom. Feeling a bit bashful, I grabbed my bag and left the school.
In the end, even during my time at work, I was unable to focus on anything, which ended awfully. I made mistakes at the register, and I made other novice mistakes, which hasn’t happened since I started working here. It’s been a while since I’ve had to apologize to a customer.
“Junior-kun, are you okay?”
“…Probably. I’ll be taking my leave now.”
Even when Yomiuri-senpai called out to me with a faint glimmer of worry in her voice, I gave a brief response, nothing more. Of course, I knew that I had to be a bit more careful when riding home on my bicycle, but I somewhat made it home safely. Even so, I found myself pedalling harder, almost like I was trying to get home as quickly as possible. I wonder why? I wasn’t even that curious about my own exam results.