Chapter 24: Test Period
The chapter begins with Mio and Taki on the train, going to school. Mio is excited, because it's the first time she's been able to get a seat in the morning. Taki says that this may be the first time he's been able to sit, too. He explains that he doesn't sit, even when it's not crowded, so he can get off the train right away. It's usually not too crowded this early in the morning. Mio suggests they take this train for a while, and Taki agrees. As Mio thinks that she's making a sort of underhanded promise, Taki yawns. She asks if he's tired, and he tells her he's fine (with his eyes closed). Mio apologizes to Taki in her head for having him meet her so early. But she's afraid of what might happen if they were to accidentally run into Marui... She's considered telling Taki what happened, but if she does, she has a feeling it will make things more tense and only make her feel more guilty. She doesn't want to make Taki worry for no reason... As she's thinking it over, Taki's head drops onto her shoulder, and Mio notices how his hair turns a sort of light brown in the light. Taki's head starts to drift over onto the shoulder of the man on his other side, so Mio pulls him back towards her. Mio smiles, thinking it's nice they can let their guards down like this. She rests her head on his, and also drifts off. After some time, Akane finds them, and yells at them to wake up. Honestly, what did they think would happen if they both slept on the train? Mio tells her that she saved them; she never noticed that Akane took the same train. Akane explains that she gets on at a different door, and Mio tells her she should ride with them. A still half asleep Taki starts to wander into the road, and Mio yells at him to watch out for the cars. Watching them, Akane recalls that Marui told her he confessed to Mio. By the looks of things, Nao doesn't seem to know. However, Mio seems to be acting normally, too... Was Marui lying? Akane calls out, “Ah, Marui-senpai,” which causes Mio to panic and let go of Taki's hand. That seems to confirm it for Akane, and she says, “...I was mistaken.” (When Mio sees the guy Akane supposedly confused for Marui, she thinks that he doesn't look like him at all.) Akane runs off in the other direction, thinking, “He really did confess to her!” Mio is left wondering what just happened.
In the classroom, Yuni and Shii arrive to find Mio at Taki's desk. They say good morning, and ask if they're working on algebra. Mio tells them no; Taki is copying her literature homework. They point out that it's rare for Taki to do that, and he explains he fell asleep midway through. Yuni concurs: Literature puts her to sleep! As Mio comments that algebra does that for her, a feather flutters through the window. It lands in Taki's hair, and Mio starts to point it out to Taki. As she reaches to remove it for him, she hears Marui's friends call out to him (saying he's early). She withdraws her hand, and tries guiding him to it instead. He grabs the feather himself, and Shii wonders where it came from. Yuni suggests that maybe a pigeon flew by... Anyway, why is Mio distancing herself? Mio laughs, and says it's nothing... She thinks that she unconsciously did that when Marui arrived. At lunch, Mio spots Taki (who has just finished talking to his friends from the aquarium) with an unfamiliar drink. He tells her it's a limited edition tomato cola. She asks him what it's like – is it good? He tells her yes, and offers her some. She starts to accept, then sees Marui over her shoulder and runs off again. Leaving school, Mio and Taki are holding hands, and he tells her that he'll be meeting up with his friends tomorrow (who are shown as pictures in the speech bubble, since they haven't been named). Mio says she'll go home early, then, and spots Marui behind them on the stairs. She jerks away from Taki and smacks into the wall (with Taki saying it made quite a noise). Mio thinks that she was too conspicuous this time. Marui says “later” to them as he passes. Taki says good bye, and Mio eventually does, too. Mio thinks that she has to stop this; when Marui enters her line of sight... Taki seems concerned, and says, “...Mio?” She tries to explain that after the “idiot couple” scene they made with everyone watching on the train the other morning, maybe they shouldn't hold hands in public. Mio thinks that her desperate excuse doesn't sound good, either. When she thinks that they might be seen [by Marui], even just being with Taki like usual is stressful.
The next day, Mio is laying down on her desk, tired. She's thinking how bad it is that she's been unable to act like her usual self, when Ichii comes to ask if she's paying attention. He teases her about staying up late to study to avoid failing. He points out that if “that area” of the class (referring to Mio and Marui's desks) would do well, their class would be at the top for their year. There are about two weeks until the end of the term! If they don't do well, they will be missing out on summer break. After class, Yuni sighs. End of the term, huh... Mio asks Yuni what's wrong, as Shii points out that it's strange to see her getting down over tests. Yuni explains that her younger brother has hit a rebellious stage, and she hasn't been able to concentrate on her studies at home (as she pictures her brother and parents yelling at each other). Mio seems to recall that Yuni had four siblings, and Yuni corrects her: There are six of them, including herself. Yuni is the oldest, then there are: twin boys in their second year of middle school; another girl in her first year of middle school; the rebellious brother in his sixth year of elementary school; and the youngest brother in his second year of elementary school. As Yuni explains the unrest in her house, Mio thinks that she must be dealing with some tough things, too... Mio suggests that they all get together to study. This weekend, they could have something like an overnight training camp! Yuni agrees, asking Shii if she has volleyball. Shii says they're on break, so they decide they'll be studying together. As Mio is thinking it will be fun, since she hasn't gotten together with the girls like that in a while, Ishida overhears them and volunteers himself to join. He's saved; they've started construction in his neighborhood, and it's been far too noisy at his house, too. Mio stammers that that must be rough, and he agrees. So, this is perfect... Now, considering the number of people... Mio realizes that he really isn't kidding, and Ishida suggests they meet at Inoji's house. Inoji seems surprised (and Yuni looks unhappy, too), as Ishida explains that Inoji's house should be big enough for six people. Inoji tells him not to interfere with the girls, and addresses Shii. Shii explains that, this time, it was going to just be the girls (as Mio looks sick, figuring that Marui is being included if they're looking for room for “six people”). As Shii tries to explain, Yuni grabs Taki and pulls him over. She says that [Mio and Marui] studied at Taki's house before, so they should do that again! Taki still has no idea what they're talking about (as Ishida says that's fine with him). He turns to Mio, and she explains that she'd been planning with Yuni and Shii to get together and have sort of an overnight training camp to study this weekend... Yuni asks Taki if they can do it at his house, and Mio explains that they didn't stay over last time. So, it would be a burden for him... However, Taki smiles, and says they can. Mio asks if he's sure that it's all right, and Taki assures her that it's fine. Most likely, only Yuki will be there. Mio recalls that Yuki is Taki's sister (momentarily distracting her from her worry), but Yuni comments that Taki can teach Mio and Marui math again. Mio starts to panic; that would be way too much for her. Shii starts to suggest again that maybe it should be just the girls, but Marui tells them, “I'll pass.” Ishida protests that if they're all there, then they can help each other with their weaknesses and it will be more fun. He encourages Marui not to give up on summer break so soon, and Marui tells them not to make decisions for him. Didn't he already say he'd be working at the basketball club for as long as possible? They give up; they'll just do it without Marui this time. Shii seems relieved, while Mio thinks that was dangerously close. She was planning on a somewhat relaxed girls-only gathering, which turned into a very uncomfortable weekend...
After school ends, Mio goes to her shoe locker and hears Shii calling her name. Shii asks if she's on her way home by herself, and Mio explains that Taki is meeting up with his friends. Shii looks like something is bothering her, and Mio asks her what's wrong. Shii tells her, “Well, uh... I heard from Marui... He told me he confessed to you.” Mio panics, and asks if he's been telling people. Shii assures her that he hasn't; she thinks he's only told her. Shii explains that Marui probably doesn't want her to tell Mio, but he asked her to let him know if Mio seemed to be worried about how he was acting. He really does like her; Shii explains that she was a little surprised by how serious he seemed when he made that request. Looking down sadly, Mio says that she was also surprised (Shii tells her that she noticed). Marui said things could be the same as always, but she finds herself worrying about being close to and talking with Taki in front of Marui... Shii tells that she doesn't need to worry about that; she thinks it can be the same, like he said. But, Mio says, it might be painful for him. Shii agrees that it might be painful, but she thinks that it's the same as it has been for a while. He was probably prepared for that painful blow when he dared to confess to her. Mio's eyes widen, and she thinks back over the things Marui had done for her recently. She seems to realize that he probably felt the same way all along. Seeing Mio's reaction, Shii clarifies that she didn't tell Mio this to make her feel bad; rather, it's an awkward time, and Shii will back her up! Mio thinks about that, and asks Shii if that was why she was trying to keep the boys out of their weekend plans. She says yes, once she heard them mention three people... She was planning to firmly oppose it, until Marui said he would pass. Shii makes sure that was the only reason Mio minded that it wasn't girls-only, and Mio says it's fine. But, if the other girls are against, she can let Taki know. Shii says it's fine with her (and Yuni was the one who dragged Taki into in the first place). She realizes that she has to go, and says good bye to Mio. Mio thinks about how Shii was helping her out, and yells back to her, “Thank you! I love you!!” Shii laughs and waves back, saying, “Thank you!” On her way home, Mio thinks that she suddenly felt reassured, finding out that someone else knows what's going on and can share in her concerns. She'll do her best; there's no right answer. If it's a problem she can only worry about until she's able to get a handle on it... Mio looks up, and sees an airplane in the sky. She thinks, for now, she'll focus on what's in front of her.
The weekend arrives, and Mio, Yuni, and Shii arrive at Taki's for their study session. Taki welcomes them in, and Mio thinks that for now, what she'll focus on is passing her algebra final. Mio tells Taki that she brought a gift for his household, and Taki tells her that his sister said she won't be home today. So, since no one will be there, they can all just eat it. Mio starts getting nervous, thinking about how she'll be alone with Taki at his house overnight... (Yuni and Shii seem to guess what she's thinking, pointing out that they'll all be there, too.) Mio suggests that they put the desserts away until everyone gets there, and the girls go inside. They wonder if the guys are there yet, and Taki says they haven't shown up. As Yuni complains about the lack of organization, they see that Inoji and Ishida have arrived. They greet each other, and Ishida asks if everyone just arrived. They tell him they did, to which he replies, “So, all seven of us are present.” Mio and Shii correct him – it's just six, right? Ishida calls, “Hurry up, Marui...” The chapter ends as Mio realizes that Marui ended up coming for the weekend.
The chapter begins with Mio and Taki on the train, going to school. Mio is excited, because it's the first time she's been able to get a seat in the morning. Taki says that this may be the first time he's been able to sit, too. He explains that he doesn't sit, even when it's not crowded, so he can get off the train right away. It's usually not too crowded this early in the morning. Mio suggests they take this train for a while, and Taki agrees. As Mio thinks that she's making a sort of underhanded promise, Taki yawns. She asks if he's tired, and he tells her he's fine (with his eyes closed). Mio apologizes to Taki in her head for having him meet her so early. But she's afraid of what might happen if they were to accidentally run into Marui... She's considered telling Taki what happened, but if she does, she has a feeling it will make things more tense and only make her feel more guilty. She doesn't want to make Taki worry for no reason... As she's thinking it over, Taki's head drops onto her shoulder, and Mio notices how his hair turns a sort of light brown in the light. Taki's head starts to drift over onto the shoulder of the man on his other side, so Mio pulls him back towards her. Mio smiles, thinking it's nice they can let their guards down like this. She rests her head on his, and also drifts off. After some time, Akane finds them, and yells at them to wake up. Honestly, what did they think would happen if they both slept on the train? Mio tells her that she saved them; she never noticed that Akane took the same train. Akane explains that she gets on at a different door, and Mio tells her she should ride with them. A still half asleep Taki starts to wander into the road, and Mio yells at him to watch out for the cars. Watching them, Akane recalls that Marui told her he confessed to Mio. By the looks of things, Nao doesn't seem to know. However, Mio seems to be acting normally, too... Was Marui lying? Akane calls out, “Ah, Marui-senpai,” which causes Mio to panic and let go of Taki's hand. That seems to confirm it for Akane, and she says, “...I was mistaken.” (When Mio sees the guy Akane supposedly confused for Marui, she thinks that he doesn't look like him at all.) Akane runs off in the other direction, thinking, “He really did confess to her!” Mio is left wondering what just happened.
In the classroom, Yuni and Shii arrive to find Mio at Taki's desk. They say good morning, and ask if they're working on algebra. Mio tells them no; Taki is copying her literature homework. They point out that it's rare for Taki to do that, and he explains he fell asleep midway through. Yuni concurs: Literature puts her to sleep! As Mio comments that algebra does that for her, a feather flutters through the window. It lands in Taki's hair, and Mio starts to point it out to Taki. As she reaches to remove it for him, she hears Marui's friends call out to him (saying he's early). She withdraws her hand, and tries guiding him to it instead. He grabs the feather himself, and Shii wonders where it came from. Yuni suggests that maybe a pigeon flew by... Anyway, why is Mio distancing herself? Mio laughs, and says it's nothing... She thinks that she unconsciously did that when Marui arrived. At lunch, Mio spots Taki (who has just finished talking to his friends from the aquarium) with an unfamiliar drink. He tells her it's a limited edition tomato cola. She asks him what it's like – is it good? He tells her yes, and offers her some. She starts to accept, then sees Marui over her shoulder and runs off again. Leaving school, Mio and Taki are holding hands, and he tells her that he'll be meeting up with his friends tomorrow (who are shown as pictures in the speech bubble, since they haven't been named). Mio says she'll go home early, then, and spots Marui behind them on the stairs. She jerks away from Taki and smacks into the wall (with Taki saying it made quite a noise). Mio thinks that she was too conspicuous this time. Marui says “later” to them as he passes. Taki says good bye, and Mio eventually does, too. Mio thinks that she has to stop this; when Marui enters her line of sight... Taki seems concerned, and says, “...Mio?” She tries to explain that after the “idiot couple” scene they made with everyone watching on the train the other morning, maybe they shouldn't hold hands in public. Mio thinks that her desperate excuse doesn't sound good, either. When she thinks that they might be seen [by Marui], even just being with Taki like usual is stressful.
The next day, Mio is laying down on her desk, tired. She's thinking how bad it is that she's been unable to act like her usual self, when Ichii comes to ask if she's paying attention. He teases her about staying up late to study to avoid failing. He points out that if “that area” of the class (referring to Mio and Marui's desks) would do well, their class would be at the top for their year. There are about two weeks until the end of the term! If they don't do well, they will be missing out on summer break. After class, Yuni sighs. End of the term, huh... Mio asks Yuni what's wrong, as Shii points out that it's strange to see her getting down over tests. Yuni explains that her younger brother has hit a rebellious stage, and she hasn't been able to concentrate on her studies at home (as she pictures her brother and parents yelling at each other). Mio seems to recall that Yuni had four siblings, and Yuni corrects her: There are six of them, including herself. Yuni is the oldest, then there are: twin boys in their second year of middle school; another girl in her first year of middle school; the rebellious brother in his sixth year of elementary school; and the youngest brother in his second year of elementary school. As Yuni explains the unrest in her house, Mio thinks that she must be dealing with some tough things, too... Mio suggests that they all get together to study. This weekend, they could have something like an overnight training camp! Yuni agrees, asking Shii if she has volleyball. Shii says they're on break, so they decide they'll be studying together. As Mio is thinking it will be fun, since she hasn't gotten together with the girls like that in a while, Ishida overhears them and volunteers himself to join. He's saved; they've started construction in his neighborhood, and it's been far too noisy at his house, too. Mio stammers that that must be rough, and he agrees. So, this is perfect... Now, considering the number of people... Mio realizes that he really isn't kidding, and Ishida suggests they meet at Inoji's house. Inoji seems surprised (and Yuni looks unhappy, too), as Ishida explains that Inoji's house should be big enough for six people. Inoji tells him not to interfere with the girls, and addresses Shii. Shii explains that, this time, it was going to just be the girls (as Mio looks sick, figuring that Marui is being included if they're looking for room for “six people”). As Shii tries to explain, Yuni grabs Taki and pulls him over. She says that [Mio and Marui] studied at Taki's house before, so they should do that again! Taki still has no idea what they're talking about (as Ishida says that's fine with him). He turns to Mio, and she explains that she'd been planning with Yuni and Shii to get together and have sort of an overnight training camp to study this weekend... Yuni asks Taki if they can do it at his house, and Mio explains that they didn't stay over last time. So, it would be a burden for him... However, Taki smiles, and says they can. Mio asks if he's sure that it's all right, and Taki assures her that it's fine. Most likely, only Yuki will be there. Mio recalls that Yuki is Taki's sister (momentarily distracting her from her worry), but Yuni comments that Taki can teach Mio and Marui math again. Mio starts to panic; that would be way too much for her. Shii starts to suggest again that maybe it should be just the girls, but Marui tells them, “I'll pass.” Ishida protests that if they're all there, then they can help each other with their weaknesses and it will be more fun. He encourages Marui not to give up on summer break so soon, and Marui tells them not to make decisions for him. Didn't he already say he'd be working at the basketball club for as long as possible? They give up; they'll just do it without Marui this time. Shii seems relieved, while Mio thinks that was dangerously close. She was planning on a somewhat relaxed girls-only gathering, which turned into a very uncomfortable weekend...
After school ends, Mio goes to her shoe locker and hears Shii calling her name. Shii asks if she's on her way home by herself, and Mio explains that Taki is meeting up with his friends. Shii looks like something is bothering her, and Mio asks her what's wrong. Shii tells her, “Well, uh... I heard from Marui... He told me he confessed to you.” Mio panics, and asks if he's been telling people. Shii assures her that he hasn't; she thinks he's only told her. Shii explains that Marui probably doesn't want her to tell Mio, but he asked her to let him know if Mio seemed to be worried about how he was acting. He really does like her; Shii explains that she was a little surprised by how serious he seemed when he made that request. Looking down sadly, Mio says that she was also surprised (Shii tells her that she noticed). Marui said things could be the same as always, but she finds herself worrying about being close to and talking with Taki in front of Marui... Shii tells that she doesn't need to worry about that; she thinks it can be the same, like he said. But, Mio says, it might be painful for him. Shii agrees that it might be painful, but she thinks that it's the same as it has been for a while. He was probably prepared for that painful blow when he dared to confess to her. Mio's eyes widen, and she thinks back over the things Marui had done for her recently. She seems to realize that he probably felt the same way all along. Seeing Mio's reaction, Shii clarifies that she didn't tell Mio this to make her feel bad; rather, it's an awkward time, and Shii will back her up! Mio thinks about that, and asks Shii if that was why she was trying to keep the boys out of their weekend plans. She says yes, once she heard them mention three people... She was planning to firmly oppose it, until Marui said he would pass. Shii makes sure that was the only reason Mio minded that it wasn't girls-only, and Mio says it's fine. But, if the other girls are against, she can let Taki know. Shii says it's fine with her (and Yuni was the one who dragged Taki into in the first place). She realizes that she has to go, and says good bye to Mio. Mio thinks about how Shii was helping her out, and yells back to her, “Thank you! I love you!!” Shii laughs and waves back, saying, “Thank you!” On her way home, Mio thinks that she suddenly felt reassured, finding out that someone else knows what's going on and can share in her concerns. She'll do her best; there's no right answer. If it's a problem she can only worry about until she's able to get a handle on it... Mio looks up, and sees an airplane in the sky. She thinks, for now, she'll focus on what's in front of her.
The weekend arrives, and Mio, Yuni, and Shii arrive at Taki's for their study session. Taki welcomes them in, and Mio thinks that for now, what she'll focus on is passing her algebra final. Mio tells Taki that she brought a gift for his household, and Taki tells her that his sister said she won't be home today. So, since no one will be there, they can all just eat it. Mio starts getting nervous, thinking about how she'll be alone with Taki at his house overnight... (Yuni and Shii seem to guess what she's thinking, pointing out that they'll all be there, too.) Mio suggests that they put the desserts away until everyone gets there, and the girls go inside. They wonder if the guys are there yet, and Taki says they haven't shown up. As Yuni complains about the lack of organization, they see that Inoji and Ishida have arrived. They greet each other, and Ishida asks if everyone just arrived. They tell him they did, to which he replies, “So, all seven of us are present.” Mio and Shii correct him – it's just six, right? Ishida calls, “Hurry up, Marui...” The chapter ends as Mio realizes that Marui ended up coming for the weekend.
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