All Beautiful Girls Want to Stick with Me

”Tsk~ I thought it was something serious, but it’s just the midterm exams?”

Upon hearing that Chihiro Sengoku’s so-called big news was merely the upcoming midterms at the end of the month, Kotomi Izumi immediately dismissed it, as if midterms were nothing more than a small classroom quiz in her eyes.

”Just the midterms? Wow, Kotomi, I never realized you could be this cocky,” Chihiro Sengoku was genuinely surprised by Kotomi’s nonchalant attitude.

”Because midterms aren’t much of a challenge… But just hearing the word ’exam’ already feels like a hassle. If only the midterms could be moved up a few days and held on the 19th. That way, while everyone is busy taking exams, I’d be on the Shinkansen to Kyoto, heading to the first-phase art exhibition.”

”If you switch to a higher pillow, maybe you can actually dream that into reality.”

”Alright, stop daydreaming and focus on what’s in front of you. The reason the first phase of the National Art Exhibition is scheduled for the 19th is precisely to avoid conflicting with your midterms. After all, most participants are high school students.”

”Even if you think your studies are solid, don’t forget to review over the next few days. From what I gathered during the teachers’ meeting, the difficulty level of the midterms will be raised compared to the monthly tests.”

”Even for second-years?” Hibiki Naegi asked cautiously.

”All three grades. The difficulty will increase across the board.” Chihiro Sengoku confirmed.

”Ugh… Suddenly, I don’t feel like going to Kyoto anymore. I just want to stay here and study. Besides, even if I go, I won’t be able to see the cherry blossoms at the castle tower.”

”Well, don’t be so pessimistic. This year, you can visit various Kyoto landmarks, scope them out, and then come back next year when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. It’s not that far from Chiba to Kyoto. Save up your New Year’s money, set aside some of your allowance, and maybe take up a part-time job during winter break. That way, whether you go alone or with someone else, you can easily cover transportation, accommodation, food, and sightseeing expenses.”

Chihiro Sengoku chuckled. After hearing that, Hibiki Naegi suddenly felt excited about Kyoto again.

After finishing their meat buns, the three were promptly chased out of the art club by Chihiro Sengoku. Morning reading had already ended, and if she allowed them to slack off any longer, they’d probably stay in the art room until the fourth period.

Back in Class 1-F.

Kotomi Izumi and Mashiro Shiina entered the classroom together, immediately drawing the attention of many. Since neither of them had been present for morning reading, their arrival naturally sparked curiosity.

Being beautiful, they naturally attracted a lot of attention.

Megumi Kato, who had left early that morning for some unknown reason and hadn’t waited for Kotomi, noticed her return. Seeing Kotomi enter alongside Mashiro after skipping morning reading, she maintained a faint smile. Meanwhile, the mechanical pencil in her hand ”accidentally” snapped another piece of lead.

”Good morning, Megumi, Yui, Yukino.”

Kotomi greeted them out of habit after returning to her seat.

Yukino Yukinoshita asked curiously, ”You and Mashiro were gone for the entire morning reading session. Was there something important?”

Scratching her head in embarrassment, Kotomi laughed, ”Actually, we had something to discuss with Naegi-senpai, so we came to school early and went straight to the art club to find her. It was about the art exhibition...”

Hearing Kotomi’s words, Megumi Kato’s hand, which had been writing, suddenly moved more smoothly. The smile on her face seemed even more genuine than before.

”Could it be that the selection letters for the art exhibition have arrived?” Megumi Kato asked casually, though she was clearly very interested.

”That’s right. I received the acceptance letter for the first-phase exhibition yesterday. We’ll be heading to Kyoto on the 19th.”

Upon Kotomi’s confirmation, Megumi Kato’s smile deepened as she continued, ”That’s amazing! I really wish I could go to Kyoto to see your artwork, Kotomi~ Too bad we still have classes that day.”

”I’ll see if I can take some pictures. If it’s allowed, I’ll definitely send them to you, Megumi.”

As soon as Kotomi finished speaking, Yukino Yukinoshita interjected calmly,