Karate class went by as usual; same with my daily match against Kawasaki—same result, my victory. Though I can't deny it's getting harder each day.
Since it's Christmas, only about half the students showed up, so class ended earlier than usual. According to Sensei, it was so we could "enjoy our youth," but I overheard him mumbling something about wanting to get home early to watch an anime marathon on TV. I really hope I misheard that…
So now, I'm walking back home with Kawasaki.
"Tsurumi."
"What is it?" I replied, as always.
"What high school are you planning to apply to?"
A pretty normal topic, considering the entrance exams for Chiba's high schools are just a few months away.
"I'm thinking of applying to Sobu High," I said without much hesitation.
It's an idea I've had since I was a kid. There's not much more behind it—Sobu High is a well-known school, and if you've got the ability, it's best to aim high to secure your future.
That probably sounded mature of me, but having already been a university student in my previous life, I know what a student should be.
"I didn't expect you to be aiming for that school too," she said thoughtfully.
"You too?"
"Why does it sound like you're insulting me!?"
To get into Sobu High, there are two requirements: the written exam and the interview. And since it's a prestigious school, it's safe to assume the exam's no joke.
I mean, she's kind of a delinquent—I doubt she could pass the test, let alone the interview.
"Just your imagination."
She narrowed her eyes at me but let it slide.
"So, what are you going to do about the entrance exam?"
"I don't think I'll have any problems. I trust what I've learned so far."
My biggest advantage over everyone else is that, having been a college student before I died, I take studying seriously—paying attention in class and reviewing at home.
Well… I used to, a few years ago.
I'm not as intense as those who stay up all night studying, but I trust myself. Do I get extra credit for that?
Confidence is important in anything you do. A lesson I learned through training.
"I see…"
Her tone sounded a bit down. It wasn't hard to guess why.
"Don't tell me… you're bad at studying?"
Not that it surprised me—you can kind of tell just by looking at her. Too shallow of me? Maybe.
"I'm not very good at some subjects…" she sighed.
"What's your average?"
"Barely a 3. What about you?"
"Five," I said flatly.
"Wait, what? A five? You're kidding, right!?"
In middle school, grades go from 1 to 5. Roughly like this:
90–100%: Grade 5 (Excellent)
80–89%: Grade 4 (Good)
70–79%: Grade 3 (Satisfactory)
60–69%: Grade 2 (Insufficient)
0–59%: Grade 1 (Poor)
To advance to the next year, you need at least a 3, which is the passing mark.
Japan takes academics very seriously.
Of course, it's not like I score a perfect 100 on every test—my average's around 90 to 92. I'm not as dumb as I look.
Well, maybe a little.
If Kawasaki barely manages a 3, getting into Sobu High sounds more like a distant dream.
"I've got no reason to lie."
"Are you… smart?"
That hurts. I know I don't look like someone with top grades, but it still stings when someone says it to your face.
"Enough to get an average of five," I said with a teasing tone.
"Tch, show-off…"
"Hard work always pays off. If I had to put it another way, it's like training in martial arts — you can't expect good results if you don't practice consistently."
That's the best way to explain it so Kawasaki gets it.
"That makes sense."
"So, if you want to improve, all you need to do is study."
"You say that like it's easy."
"Of course it's not. In fact, I hate studying. I wish I could just work and never go back to school again, but life's not that simple…"
To have a better chance at landing a well-paying job, you need the right education. Even to start in a low position at a company, the requirements are high.
Some people would say that's not always the case — and they're right. There are people who never went to college and still became successful, even millionaires, thanks to their talent. So saying that college guarantees a bright future would be wrong.
"You sound like an old man."
"I'm not that old! I'm fifteen!"
Though if I add my current age to my previous one, I'd be over thirty-five — about the age of a father.
"So grumpy. Are you sure you're not an old man on the inside?" Kawasaki said with a mocking smile.
"Then that means an old man's been beating you up ever since he joined the karate academy. Kids these days are pathetic," I muttered, glancing at the sky.
"Hey, old man! I think you need a lesson!" she said, cracking her knuckles.
"Honestly, the youth these days are so disrespectful to their elders." I tilted my head side to side, pretending to lecture her. "It's the adults' duty to educate insolent youngsters."
We locked eyes, waiting for the other to make the first move — but after a few seconds, we both burst out laughing.
Being able to talk and joke around like this with Kawasaki feels oddly comforting. Back then, I never would've imagined doing something like this with her.
With the relaxed atmosphere between us, we kept walking as if we hadn't almost started a fight. Of course, I would've won.
"By the way, what did Keika say when she got her present?"
Ever since that day, I'd been curious about how a little girl like Keika would react to a gift.
What can I say? I'm an older brother — Keika reminds me a lot of Rumi when she was little.
"She thanked Santa Claus while hugging her present with the biggest smile," she said, her voice soft and content.
There's nothing better than seeing your little sister smile.
"I know exactly what you mean."
In my case, I left Rumi's present under our Christmas tree this morning.
She already knows Santa Claus isn't real, but to me, she's still my little sister.
Rumi didn't hesitate to open the box I'd wrapped, revealing this year's new Christmas Pan-san model. For a big collector like her, it was a perfect gift.
My cute little sister's room is filled with Pan-san plushies — more than I could ever count — so ever since the Christmas model was announced, she'd been dropping hints that she wanted it.
And being the great older brother I am, I didn't hesitate to buy it for her.
Rumi thanked me before heading off to school, and followed it with a hug.
What can I say? My little sister's smile is priceless. If she asked me for the world, I wouldn't hesitate to give it to her. Where should I start — which country first?
Putting my future world conquest aside, Rumi means too much to me. I wouldn't let anything happen to her, even if I had to get hurt in the process.
That scar on my shoulder came to mind...
If someone asked whether I'd do it again, my answer would be yes.
In my previous life, I was an only child, so having a little sister was something completely new — and she's helped me more than she realizes.
That's why I have no problem spoiling Rumi.
"We both share one thing in common — we care about our little sisters," Kawasaki said casually.
"Of course, I love Rumi way more," I said proudly.
"Hey, those are some big words! I love Keika way more!" Kawasaki shot back without hesitation.
And so, we kept arguing over who loved their little sister more until we reached Kawasaki's house.
"Well, see you later," she said as she reached her door.
"See you, Kawasaki."
Just before I left, the scrunchie she used for her ponytail snapped, letting her hair fall loose.
I've got to admit, she looks really good with her hair down—it gives her a softer, more feminine look. Still, that ponytail of hers suits her style in its own way.
Kawasaki sighed when she noticed her scrunchie had broken.
"Guess it was about time to change it…"
Her words reminded me of something, so I pulled out the box I had in my backpack.
I don't usually carry one, but today was an exception.
"Kawasaki, here," I said, tossing her a medium-sized box.
She caught it easily—her reflexes are sharp.
"What's this!?"
"Well, it's a gift box. I think that's pretty obvious, isn't it?"
She squinted at me.
"I can see that. I meant why."
"It's Christmas, so there's not much to think about."
"If you say so…"
Kawasaki opened the box to find a set of hair accessories inside—
you know, all the daily essentials a girl might need. Among them was a pink scrunchie.
Back when we ran into each other at the mall, I'd noticed hers looked pretty worn out. So that was the first thing that came to mind for a gift.
But just giving her a scrunchie felt too plain, so while I was browsing, one of the store clerks suggested I get a full hair accessory kit instead.
"You're more thoughtful than you look."
Why do I feel déjà vu?
"Sometimes I can be," I replied.
Kawasaki took the scrunchie out of the box.
"Hold this for a sec."
I held the box as she tied her hair back again.
With a quick, fluid motion, she returned to her classic ponytail style.
Even though her loose hair gives her a fresh new look, I have to admit—I'm kind of a fan of the classic one.
"How does it look?" she asked, sounding shyer than usual. Maybe she hadn't expected to get a present.
Déjà vu again?
"It looks good. Your hair down isn't bad either, but I've gotten used to seeing you with a ponytail."
I meant what I said. Kawasaki might not come off as very feminine, but she's still a girl—a girl who could probably send you to the hospital with a couple of punches if you tried flirting with her.
"Can't argue with that," she said, giving her ponytail a little swing. "Thanks for the gift."
I was speechless.
When she said that, her expression softened, and a faint blush appeared on her cheeks. If I ever said she wasn't feminine, I take it back completely—because right now, one of the most beautiful girls I've ever seen is standing right in front of me.
When she wants to, she can look incredibly feminine—nothing like the tough, delinquent-looking Kawasaki I'm used to.
"It's nothing…"
I tried to say what was on my mind, but I was so caught off guard that the words barely came out.
Am I just some teenager going through puberty? Oh wait—yeah, I am.
For some reason, the atmosphere between us suddenly felt different, ever since she dropped her usual delinquent act.
This can't be good for my heart.
Before either of us could say anything, my phone buzzed, breaking the weird tension. It was a message from my adorable little sister—reminding me I still needed to buy the fried chicken.
"…I should get going. You know, Christmas dinner and all," I said casually.
"Good luck with that," Kawasaki replied with a small, supportive smile.
The strange atmosphere between us vanished, and we went back to talking like usual. Still… that was weird. Really weird.
I handed the box of hair accessories back to Kawasaki—it was her gift, after all.
After saying our goodbyes as normally as we could, I started walking off to buy tonight's dinner.
Today was a strange day—but in the best way possible.
Seeing two cute girls smiling at me can't be good for my heart.
Thinking back on everything that happened with Yumiko and Kawasaki, I drifted off into my thoughts.