The test ended faster than I expected. I sat twirling the pen in my fingers while Hirasawa—Miyako—folded the paper carefully, as if it were a letter and not a math paper.
When she put an end to the last equation, I noticed her lips twitching a little. Not a smile, no. It's something between "I did it" and "I wonder how he's doing?"
I finished too, but last. Usually the first one.
Hmm.
— What are you, Kurume, you passed it later than everyone else? Takao peeked out from behind. — Listen, and this new girl is not a simple fairy in a skirt, but a mathematical goddess, right?
"Shut up,— I said.
- what? I'm just jealous of your new partner. She'll probably hit you in all subjects. Wow, how romantic...
I nodded without looking at him.
Romance?
More like a challenge.
The next day
In literature class, Miyako raised her hand before me.
She answered clearly. Calmly. The voice was shaking only at the beginning.
Sensei praised it.
I looked to the side and saw how she slightly pressed her fingers to her lips. It was as if she was afraid of her own boldness.
I raised my hand and completed her answer. Calm, dry, but accurate.
Miyako glanced at me briefly. There's no anger in his eyes. Rather... surprise.
Another day later
Grades for the control:
Kurume Sajo — 93
Hirasawa Miyako — 98
Five. The damn ones. Points.
I couldn't help but look at her.
She looked down, but... The corners of his mouth twitched slightly.
A smile? Barely noticeable. Maybe I made it up?
Takao slapped me on the shoulder:
"It's starting, man. It's not just a war. It's flirting with intelligence.
"She's simple... Diligent," I muttered.
"And you're falling in love."
—I... don't."
But that "no" sounded uncertain even to me.