"Midterms - Part 1"

The days that followed after the karaoke trip were pretty solid, not too much drama occurred in my school life. Although my personal life at home remained unchanged, I didn't really mind much, as I felt that my life was slowly beginning to change for the better. That was until our teacher made the announcement that every student fears... our midterm exams. Immediately following the announcements, the cries and complaints of the students rolled in. Everyone hated exams, but despite that fact, students began making study groups with friends from our class along with the other classes. Many students tried to group up with people like Seira or Takada but were surprised when they decided to group with me instead.

"Takada! How come you're grouping with him..."
"Because I want to, and he's a pretty chill person."

As he said this, everyone was shocked, with the exception of the classmates that went to karaoke with us. A couple of the people who went with us also joined our group, including the girl who also watched anime. To no surprise, I felt the stares of other students looking down on me, as not only did I have Seira, but now Takada hanging out with me. Although some people probably wanted to say something, no one did today. I guess the stress of the upcoming exams, were enough to deter any possible insults they could throw at me.

"Class listen up! For the next couple of days, class won't be held. We've decided to let the students have these days to study for midterms. With that being said, it's completely your responsibility to stay on top of your studies. No matter if you're studying alone or with a group, these next couple of days, and your exam scores, are completely dependent on how you operate these two days."

After the announcement, classes throughout the entire school were suspended until after midterms. Students and their study groups began exchanging information and planning their schedules. My study group consisted of Takaka, Seira, the girl, and another guy. I looked up at the other two and said:

"I'm sorry, I never got your names when we were at karaoke"

Both of them giggled and at the girl said:

"You must have really been in the zone Shiro... going to hang out with people and not even know their names."

I looked down as I did feel bad for not asking their names when we hung out, before I could say anything else, she said:

"I'm just messing around with you, it's really no big deal, but thank you for asking now. My name is Hiyori, it's nice to meet you Shiro."
"My name is Ryuma, but you can just call me Ryu."

Now that I was acquainted with everyone, it was easier to talk to them and get to know them. We then set plans to meet at the nearby coffee shop to start studying. Once the plans were made, everyone went home to change into more casual clothing. About two hours later, everyone began showing up at the coffee shop.

"Okay! So for the midterms, the subjects we have exams over are English, Math, History, Science, and Health."

Takada said to everyone as he pulled out his notebook.

"So... what are everyone's strongest subjects? I really enjoy math, but that's about it."

Hiyori had said to us, pulling out her math textbook. After some discussion about everyone's strong points and weak points, we decided on Seira being the groups lifeline for English, Takada for health, Ryu for History, Hiyori for math, and Science was me. We stayed at the coffee shop for a few hours as we looked through our notes. Although this was a stressful time for every student, our group enjoyed it as it was a great bonding experience for everyone. I felt happy studying with everyone, I loved being able to talk with more classmates in a friendly way. After studying for a while, as it was now getting dark, Seira said:

"It's getting late, should we call it for tonight and pick up tomorrow?"

Everyone nodded in unison as I asked:

"Are we meeting here again, or did we want to find a place closer to our neighborhoods?"

This question seemed to spark interest in everyone's eyes, before Hiyori asked:

"Well... how about we meet at someones house? Does anyone here have enough space for our study group?"
"I-I do... and I'll be home alone, so you guys can come by whenever you like."

Seira had said softly.

"Okay cool! Where do you live? Could you send us the address?"

Takada asked as Seira nodded. She pulled out her phone as she began sending out the texts to everyone. As we talked a little more, we all decided to meet at Seira's house at 10AM. After finalizing the plans, we all started to leave to head home for the night.

"Goodnight everyone! I had fun today!"

Hiyori said, as she ran the opposite way from everyone else. Leaving us four walking slowly down the sidewalk.

"Ryu and I are actually neighbors, so we're turning off on this street. I'll see you guys tomorrow, lets ace these exams guys."

Takada said with a bright smile. I admired his confidence, as I wanted to have that level of confidence one day. Since Seira's house was on the way to mine, like always, I made sure she got home safely.

"Goodnight Seira, I'll see you tomorrow okay."
"Night night Shiro!"

As she said that, I noticed she said it with a more lively tone than usual. I thought to myself:

"What was that about?"

But didn't think much of it and continued walking home. The next morning, I walked downstairs and made myself breakfast. In the corner of my eye, I notice Eika walk into the kitchen. I ignored her presence as I finished making my breakfast, and sat down at the table. She was also sitting at the table, but we minded our own business and ignored each other. As I finished eating my breakfast, I put my plate in the sink as I headed to the front door. No words were exchanged between Eika and I as I walked out the house. I was honestly happy about that, because I hated hearing her voice. But, this was no time to be thinking about how much I hated her. I had a full day with Seira and the others, so that kept my mind busy. I was the first to arrive at her house since we lived so close to each other. As I knocked on the door, the door opened almost immediately as if she was waiting for someone to knock. 

"Shiro! Hi!"

She said in an even more lively tone than last night. 

"Good morning Seira, can I come in?"

She nodded as she stepped aside to allow me in. This was my first actual time inside her house, her house smelled nice and was so clean. 

"It's a beautiful home Seira"
"Thanks!"

I couldn't put it together on why she was acting so excited over studying, but at this time, I was too dense to pick up on the signals. It wasn't too long after when everyone else started to show up. As everyone arrived, no time was wasted on setting up our area in the living room. Everyone was wearing comfortable clothing, as we sat around the table.

"Okay, lets get started! Does everyone have their textbooks?"

Hiyori asked, as everyone nodded in unison. With that, we began looking over our notes, and our study session began. A couple hours went by since we started, as Ryu looked up and asked:

"Hey can anyone help me with this math problem? I don't exactly understand it..."
"Sure! Let me see what it is."

Hiyori said happily, as she scooted closer to Ryu. Everyone seemed to enjoy studying in a group, it was a great way to relieve some of the stress that exams brought. Normally, I would study by myself in my room and it would be pretty stressful at times, but studying as a group put a lot of my stress at ease. Looking around the table, it seemed that I wasn't alone in this feeling. Everyone seemed more lively and we were all enjoying ourselves.

"Hey is anyone hungry? I most definitely am..."

Takada said, laughing slightly as he did.

"Yes!"
"I'm starving!"
"I didn't eat breakfast... so yea."

With that, Takada had offered to order pizza for delivery. Everyone instantly agreed, as we all loved pizza. The pizza Takada ordered arrived about 35 minutes later, as we got up for a lunch break. We all sat in the dining room as Seira went into the kitchen and brought back some juice she had. As we ate lunch, we didn't talk much as everyone's nerves were still somewhat elevated from exams. After eating, we still sat for another 20 minutes or so before going back to studying.

"Lets see... it's 2PM right now, so do you all want to go at it for another four hours?"

Hiyori asked us while twirling her pencil around.

"Yea that sounds like a good idea."

Takada and Ryu said almost in unison. With that, we got back to studying and reviewing. As we looked through our notes, we picked out the things that looked the most important. We had figured out that it was more likely for the more talked about things in class would be on the exams. It seemed like the next 4 hours went by like a flash, before I knew it, it was time for everyone to head home.

"Tomorrow's the big day huh..."

Hiyori said with a nervous look.

"Yep... I guess so."

Noticing the stress of everyone was rising rapidly, Seira attempted to lighten everyone's spirit with some words of encouragement.

"I know everyone's stressed out about the exams, but we have nothing to worry about right? We all were here working hard... I have faith and every single one of us, I know we can pass them guys."

Her words did put everyone at ease a little, as we started to leave. After everyone left, it was only Seira and I standing there.

"Ready for this Seira?"
"As ready as I'll ever be I suppose..."

We stood there talking for what seemed like forever. As I looked at my phone, I realized it was almost 9PM.

"Well... Seira, it's getting late, I should probably head home. I really enjoyed hanging out with you and everyone else today. We should hang out more some time..."
"Yes! I'd love to do that Shiro! Well, you have a good night okay? I'll see you tomorrow when we ace this thing!"
"Goodnight Seira."

With that, I left her house and walked by home. I was by no means ready for midterms, but Seira had faith me... in all of us. I had to pass this, or else all the time we spent studying would be for nothing. The next morning in class, the air was filled with quietness as students looked like zombies. For many of them, they studied non-stop with no breaks in between. I looked to my side as Seira smiled at me with a thumbs up. Our teacher walked into class about 15 minutes later with a stack of papers as she spoke:

"Alright class, please clear your desks, the midterm is closed book. If you are seen with anything other than a pencil and the test, you will automatically be given the grade of a 0 and sent to the principals office. Good luck everyone, I hope everyone studied fruitfully."

With that, she began passing out the tests.

"I have to pass."