Chapter 49: Various Discoveries
However, fortunately, Kaede and Eriri didn't continue like that. For the next hour or so, they each focused on their studies, and occasionally Kaede would help Eriri with some English knowledge points.
Takasu Ryuji, after his initial nervousness, gradually relaxed and began discussing math problems with Uchimaki Subaru.
Usami Mizuki, who had initially been a bit scared of Takasu Ryuji's appearance, now realized that Takasu Ryuji's personality was vastly different from his looks, which put her much more at ease.
Half an hour later, Kaede finally finished his math homework.
After stretching his arms, Kaede picked up his cup, only to find that the coffee was already finished.
Glancing at Eriri's equally empty cup, Kaede quietly asked, "Your drink is finished. Shall I get you another one?"
"Hmm? Oh, it is. It's finished." Eriri turned her head and also noticed her drink was gone, so she put down her pen and said, "I'll go too."
"Okay."
The two of them stood up together and left their seats.
Usami Mizuki also paused her actions at this moment, looking at Eriri and Kaede as they left, feeling a slight curiosity in her heart.
And seeing these two leave, Kitamura Yusaku, who had been unable to contain himself for a while, immediately said with a smile, "Usami-san, I have a question for you."
"Eh? What?"
Even though they weren't there, Kitamura Yusaku still lowered his voice and quietly asked, "What do you think the current relationship between Asakura and Sawamura-san is really like?"
"Why are you asking that?" Usami asked somewhat confusedly, then quickly realized, "Are you saying...?"
"Hehe, don't you think it's quite interesting?"
Usami Mizuki immediately understood. She had always felt something was a bit off, so this was it?
As soon as this topic came up, the girl's cheeks couldn't help but turn red.
Meanwhile, Uchimaki Subaru looked up and asked curiously, "What are you talking about?"
"..." x3
This guy, seriously?
On the other side, Kaede and Eriri also arrived at the drink machine. Kaede refilled his coffee. His condition wasn't great today, so one or two cups of coffee were essential.
Eriri, on the other hand, poured a cup of cola. She had orange juice earlier and was ready for a change of flavor.
Just as Kaede was about to go back, Eriri tugged on his sleeve and quietly asked, "Asakura, Asakura!"
"What's wrong?"
"I just noticed, Takasu-san, does he have a crush on Kushieda-san?"
"...Eh?"
"Hmph hmph!" Eriri looked at Kaede's astonished expression, revealing a triumphant smile and saying, "I guessed right after all! When Kushieda-san came over to deliver the food just now, only Takasu-san didn't dare to look at her much, and his ears were a little red!"
"You're really observant."
Kaede thought about it; it seemed he hadn't even noticed so many details just now.
"Of course! I'm a popular artist, so my ability to observe details is excellent! What do you say, it's Kushieda-san, right?"
Eriri had already noticed, Kaede thought, even if he didn't say it now, Eriri and Takasu were now acquainted, and in future interactions, she might also discover it.
So he nodded and said, "Just know it yourself, don't say it out loud, and don't show it too obviously, okay? Takasu is quite thin-skinned."
Eriri had no intention of spreading it around; she just wanted confirmation and immediately agreed: "But I really didn't expect it. Takasu-san actually likes Kushieda-san. From how they seemed just now, they probably haven't really had a proper conversation, have they?"
"That's true. Perhaps it's because she possesses qualities he doesn't, so he's attracted to her."
"Hmm~~~ Then, as a friend, have you never thought of helping him out?"
"This kind of thing, outsiders can't interfere," Kaede shrugged, took a sip of coffee, and said, "At most, I can give him one or two suggestions, but that guy, he saw Kushieda-san working at the fast-food restaurant before and didn't even think to go a couple more times."
"I see, then he's really timid," Eriri said, touching her chin. "I haven't interacted much with Kushieda-san, but she's a very lively and cheerful girl. Will Takasu-san succeed?"
Shaking his head, Kaede said, "Who knows? It's up to him. Alright, we shouldn't stay here any longer, or they'll start wondering where we ran off to."
After the two returned to their seats, Eriri didn't notice and continued her homework, but Kaede found that the atmosphere here was a little off.
Not rushing to take out his Japanese homework, Kaede stroked his chin, observing the two guys opposite him.
After a full two minutes, still unable to find the problem, Kaede could only continue with his homework.
At noon, they had a simple lunch together at the family restaurant, and in the afternoon, they continued to study.
Most of the morning was spent doing homework, and by the afternoon, with most of their homework done, everyone began reviewing for the upcoming Midterm Exams.
"Honestly, Eriri, I always find it strange that you're half-British and half-Japanese, yet you can't even learn English properly. It makes no sense no matter how I think about it."
While explaining the key review points to Eriri, Kaede couldn't help but start complaining.
"Are you really not inheriting your father's English ability?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Eriri stomped hard on his foot.
"Urusai, you talk too much! If you don't want to teach, don't waste my time!" After stomping, her long twin tails also brushed Kaede's shoulder, and she said huffily, "I told you not to bring that up with me. Do you think I want to be like this?"
"Everything has to have a reason. After all, you're mixed-race. Logically, with a language environment from childhood, your English shouldn't be this bad."
Grinning, Kaede said, "Like me, I'm not mixed-race, but I've learned English quite well since childhood."
"Ugh..."
Eriri frowned and said softly, "I can't help it. It's been like this since I was little. I guess I really don't have a talent for languages."
Seeing Eriri's dejected look, Kaede couldn't tease her anymore and could only comfort her softly, "Alright, anyway, after learning English, unless you go abroad, the opportunities to use it really aren't that many. I'll help you with more tutoring here. If it's just to deal with exams, it'll definitely be fine."
Eriri nodded repeatedly: "Mhm mhm, as long as I'm okay with the exams, that's all that matters."
And to Eriri's right, Usami Mizuki, who was explaining a math concept to Uchimaki Subaru, saw the two of them once again immersed in their own world, and while gossiping, she also felt a considerable amount of envy.