How bad was Eriri's English?
Just based on the first impression of being mixed-race, most people would think it's normal for mixed-race individuals to be proficient in two different languages.
But in fact, Eriri, who grew up in Japan since she was a child, had even worse English scores than the previous Aki Tomoya.
"Eririi Spencer Sawamura, you're mixed-race, so why is your English so bad?"
Kasumigaoka Utaha asked with a frown.
As a mixed-race person, shouldn't she have a natural advantage?
And she even had the setting of having a Father who was a diplomat from a certain country, so English could also be considered Eriri's other native language, right?
"That's completely a public misunderstanding! Who says mixed-race people must be proficient in two languages?!"
Eriri retorted excitedly.
Even though her Father was from a certain country and was a diplomat, they usually communicated in Japanese at home.
Eriri really hadn't practiced English much.
So, even though Eriri was mixed-race, there was basically nowhere in her life where she needed to use English.
Coupled with being an otaku, Eriri wasn't enthusiastic about studying. As long as she passed and didn't fail and have to stay for tutoring during the holidays, Eriri was satisfied.
Now responsible for tutoring Eriri, Kasumigaoka Utaha only realized how terrible Eriri's English was.
"That's nothing to boast about, Eririi Spencer Sawamura. Do you understand the saying, 'Know shame and then be brave'? Don't lose to others!"
Kasumigaoka Utaha said helplessly.
Eriri, who was across from her, asked somewhat suspiciously, "Are you sure you're not competing?"
Eriri said this, and subconsciously glanced at Aki Tomoya's table not far away.
It wasn't strange to encounter Aki Tomoya in the school library. Both Eriri and Kasumigaoka Utaha knew that he was a regular here.
As the end of the term approached, it was absolutely normal to run into him here while reviewing in the library.
The reason Eriri wanted to escape earlier was simply that she still didn't know how to face her childhood friend whom she had known for over a decade.
Since Aki Tomoya started school until now, especially the most recent interaction, it had given Eriri a considerable shock.
The current Eriri was feeling quite lost.
"You were the one who asked me for help. If you want to pass the English exam, I advise you not to think about unnecessary things!"
Kasumigaoka Utaha replied without changing her expression, a complex look flashing in her eyes.
Eriri blinked, her expression a little subtle.
It wasn't that she wanted to think randomly, it was just that she was still curious about what had happened between Kasumigaoka Utaha and Aki Tomoya.
At the same time, she was also a little confused as to why Kasumigaoka Utaha could be so calm now.
Amidst Eriri's confusion, Aki Tomoya was reviewing with his classmates, and she was also asking Kasumigaoka Utaha for help. Was Kasumigaoka Utaha being so strict now also related to Aki Tomoya being here at the same time?
But Kasumigaoka Utaha wouldn't give her too much time to think about other things.
The other party's strictness was even greater than Eriri had imagined.
After the review at noon, Eriri already had some lingering fear.
As if unwilling to be outdone, Kasumigaoka Utaha didn't know who she was comparing herself to, and sometimes couldn't help but be sarcastic towards Eriri.
"Is that guy really not competing with Aki Tomoya?"
Eriri couldn't help but think this in her heart.
As far as she knew, Aki Tomoya was helping two of his classmates with tutoring.
So in the afternoon after school, when she went to the library to meet with Kasumigaoka Utaha, she specifically asked, "Are you really not using this matter to compete with Aki Tomoya?"
"No!"
Anyway, that's how Kasumigaoka Utaha answered.
She would never do such a childish thing, and even explained, "I just want to motivate you. Without comparison, you won't know where you're lacking. As a dignified young lady from a wealthy family, please at least show some standard of the elite class, okay?"
"Hah, who are you looking down on?!"
Eriri's eyes widened, glaring indignantly at Kasumigaoka Utaha in front of her.
Kasumigaoka Utaha didn't respond, but felt that she had already spoken subtly enough.
"Did all the excellent genes go to those dexterous hands?"
Her gaze swept over Eriri's meager chest.
Stimulated, Eriri declared that she would let Kasumigaoka Utaha see that if she took it seriously, studying was actually much simpler than drawing.
This momentum moved Kasumigaoka Utaha a little, but in the end, when it was close to closing time, Eriri no longer showed that kind of momentum.
When it was almost time to close, Kasumigaoka Utaha elegantly stood up and said to Eriri, who was lie on the table as if her soul had left her mouth, "I'll take my leave now. See you tomorrow."
See you tomorrow…
After hearing this, Eriri shivered.
"Studying is really a headache, isn't it, Eriri."
After the others left, Aki Tomoya walked over and teased.
He couldn't have not seen her and Kasumigaoka Utaha reviewing here at noon and after school.
Seeing that she hadn't left yet, Aki Tomoya came over to say hello.
"…"
Eriri looked up in surprise, not expecting Aki Tomoya to come over.
And she didn't know how to answer Aki Tomoya's words just now.
An awkward atmosphere filled the space between the two.
"…If I fail the final exam, I won't be able to concentrate on the Summer CM."
Suddenly, Eriri said softly, while observing Aki Tomoya's eyes.
If it were before, when the Summer CM Doujin Exhibition was mentioned, the other party would definitely start talking endlessly.
But now, Eriri saw no ripple in Aki Tomoya's eyes.
"Then you have to work hard. It's getting late, go back early. Goodbye."
Aki Tomoya nodded, indicating understanding. Besides that, he didn't have much reaction.
After saying goodbye to Eriri, he was about to leave first.
And at this moment, Eriri suddenly stood up and asked, "If, just if, I hadn't asked Kasumigaoka, but asked you for help, would you refuse?"
Aki Tomoya stopped in front of her. He slowly turned around and seemed to answer slowly without much consideration, "From a friend's standpoint, I wouldn't refuse."
With over a decade of friendship, if she was just asking him for tutoring, Aki Tomoya seemed to have no reason to refuse.
"However, if Eriri comes to me for tutoring, doesn't that mean you're telling others that you know me? That doesn't fit your previous style."
Aki Tomoya suddenly laughed again. He didn't mean much, just simply teasing.
However, the speaker had no intention, but the listener took it to heart.
These words made Eriri bite her lip, her eyes dimming considerably.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/DaoistRoeoNQ
If you guys wanna check it out.