Gifted Academy: The Perfect Student

I was late for class the next morning, and I had my roommate to thank for waking me up. However, even with her help, I was still running late. She too was running behind schedule, but not as far behind as I was.

"I'll go first then!"

She had left ahead of me, and as I rushed to get dressed. Hearing the door shut, I hurried out after her, but I was still too late. The teacher hadn't arrived yet, but the classroom was already filled with students.

"Ah..."

The thought of the study groups came to mind and I remembered overhearing some of my classmates expressing their distaste for the idea. Despite this, I still considered joining one. Studying with someone else seemed easier than working alone, as I had experienced with Hasegawa the previous day.

However, the notion of being paired with someone who might not know the answer to my questions was disconcerting. The idea of studying with someone who was intelligent, like Hasegawa, was far more appealing.

"Kanako, what's wrong?" asked my friend.

"Oh, nothing. Did you guys form a study group?"

"Eh? What group?"

"The study group, of course."

"Oh, that..." she trailed off, "actually, we think it's better to study alone and have the freedom to manage our own time."

"Ah, I feel you..."

I couldn't help but feel a little bit disappointed. Their response wasn't very convincing and my hope was slightly dashed. Well, it's not like I can't study without someone accompanying me.

"Just leave if you can't bear to listen…"

Uh-oh. The teacher's voice boomed across the room. I quickly sat up straight, trying to make it look like I was fully focused on my book. I couldn't believe the teacher had caught me chatting with my friends.

I took a deep breath and tried to calm my racing thoughts, focusing my attention back on my studies.

*

The class was over and I headed back to the library. I couldn't help but wonder why my classmates didn't want to form a study group, despite complaining so much about the upcoming midterms.

Most of the time, I didn't even see them in the library, but that doesn't mean they weren't studying elsewhere. It was a pointless thought. I needed to focus on what I should do next.

I arrived at the library, which was filled with a few people. I went straight to the bookshelves to retrieve the same reference books I had used the day before.

As I made my way through the bookshelves, I couldn't help but be drawn to a particular book. I wasn't much of a reader, but the cover of the book seemed to call out to me. I added it to my stack of books, noticing it was a work of literature, which was unusual as it managed to grab my attention even though I usually don't enjoy reading.

I settled down in a quiet corner, placed my books on the table and started my studies.

After about twenty minutes of attempting to understand a particular formula in math, I decided to take a brief break and read the literature book. I grabbed it, and placed my math book aside, leaving it open on the table.

As I read the book, time slowly ticked by. I found myself struggling to maintain interest. Despite my lack of enthusiasm for reading, I was drawn to a few of the quotes that I could relate to on a personal level but they failed to hold my interest after a second read.

I guess reading just isn't for me. If it's about chess, then maybe I'd give it a try.

My boredom with the book was thick as I closed it, placing it aside and reaching for my math book once again. Though I struggled to find the motivation to continue.

Math has never been my strong or even normal suit and the thought of studying it made me groan inwardly.

I'd rather study history or biology first, but chemistry and physics are on the horizon, and I know that it too, involved math. But, what can I do?

**

As I took in the fading hues of the setting sun, I realized that the day had slipped away, consumed by my studies in preparation for the midterms. Exhausted, I couldn't help but feel that I was being forced into this situation, rather than pursuing it of my own will.

With a sigh, I closed the books and gathered my belongings, slinging my bag over my shoulder and balancing a stack of textbooks in my arms. Despite my efforts to walk carefully, my fatigue got the better of me, causing me to stumble and drop the books with a loud thud, drawing the attention of some library-goers.

"Uhm…"

..that was embarrassing.

I came to the arcade to escape the stress and maybe, earn a few points. Exiting the library, I made my way quickly to the arcade, where I was met with a crowd of people. A substantial number of the patrons were familiar faces from class 2-D, my own classmates.

Despite this, I didn't pay it much attention, as I was aware they were here for nothing more than leisure. With my sights set on some fun or maybe…some points too, I made my way to the Point Games section, to distract myself from the pressure of the midterms and studies.

The Point Games were bustling with activity. I took in the scene, noting that there didn't seem to be any special events or bonuses like there have been in the past.

I wonder if there would be any opportunities to earn extra points, particularly in light of the upcoming midterms, perhaps a sudden special exam that would provide a substantial boost to my points? Nevertheless, I resigned myself to searching for alternative means to earn more points other than on this arcade.

I was aware that this was not the best decision, as it had the potential to cost me valuable amounts of points. The thought of potentially losing points weighed on my mind as I approached the booths. However, I steadied my nerves with the notion that if things took a turn for the worse, I would simply throw in the towel and call it a day.

Ah, that's the classic refrain of the addicted, isn't it?