Megumi didn't say anything more, just quietly looked at Yusei, as if trying to see a flower blooming on him.
Even Yusei, with his mind tempered by practicing swordsmanship, couldn't hold her gaze for long, 'Was it because her talent was too good?'
The teacher who had finished lecturing the other students now walked over and came to Yusei's side.
Of course, she had to address a student in her class she didn't recognize.
"This student, you are...?"
"I am a student in this class. It's just that I haven't been able to come to school for half a year due to some reasons."
The female teacher's mouth twitched slightly. She told the class to 'self-study' and then said to Yusei, "This student, could you please come with me to the office?"
"Of course."
Megumi looked worriedly at Yusei as he stood up.
Yusei gave a faint smile and said to Megumi, "Do your best. I believe you can definitely get into Tokyo University. Maybe we'll even have a chance to be desk mates again then."
They were both lonely people back then. He wasn't lonely anymore, but this girl still seemed the same. Yusei of course couldn't bring himself to be cold to her.
After all, in the past, 'his' only friend had been this girl.
Arriving at the office, Yusei was surprised to find someone else already there.
It was a girl with long, straight black hair, a face showing clear fatigue, dark circles under her eyes, and wearing black stockings.
Without a doubt, it was his acquaintance, Kasumigaoka Utaha.
She was being lectured by her homeroom teacher, and the content was very simple.
It was about the mock exam results handed out today. Utaha's grades had fallen completely, and she was no longer the top student she used to be.
Falling from first in the whole school to several hundredth place... she must not have been studying much at all.
Utaha also saw Yusei come through the door. Her expression suddenly became animated, filled with utter astonishment.
Before the teacher could continue her 'frustrated with the unpromising student' speech, Utaha actually walked directly over to Yusei.
Yusei still didn't know what was happening when he saw her directly embrace him.
Tears were already streaming down Utaha's face, leaving wet trails.
"Thank goodness... thank goodness..."
The two teachers in the office stared at this scene in complete shock. But then, Utaha's homeroom teacher became furious.
'Ah, so that's it! No wonder the top student in my class has seen her grades plummet! It's because she's dating!'
She was just about to shout, to scold Yusei and Utaha, but Yusei's eyes shifted, fixing on her.
After simply hypnotizing the other party, Yusei looked helplessly at Utaha who was holding him.
Fortunately, Utaha also seemed to realize the situation and didn't continue.
She slowly released Yusei, looking at the familiar face, seeing the lingering surprise on it, and couldn't help but smile.
However, immediately after, she looked at Yusei with a playful expression.
"Don't misunderstand. I just thought my novel was saved. After all, I still need your help."
Yusei finally regained his composure. He had indeed been startled by Utaha's sudden embrace.
His luck with women had indeed been flourishing lately. Kaguya seemed to be sending unclear signals, and now Utaha was acting like this too.
He rolled his eyes and said helplessly, "Senpai, I hope you'll pay attention to your behavior. Please behave. Even if you want to pursue me, you can't be so bold in public... and right in front of teachers, can you?"
Utaha smiled, but a vein bulged on her forehead.
In response, Yusei could only smile wryly.
Yusei's new teacher cleared her throat, "There are some things I'd prefer you discuss after entering university. Alright, this student, come with me for a moment. I need to check if there's documentation for your leave of absence."
"Okay." Yusei nodded and followed.
And Utaha seemed completely different from her state just moments before, having regained her confidence.
The teacher who had been briefly hypnotized by Yusei also came to her senses and wanted to continue the previous topic, to scold Utaha.
"I understand. I will get first place in the class on the next exam."
Leaving behind these calm words, Utaha had already left the office and returned to her own class.
She had a lot of coursework to catch up on. Since she aimed for first place next time, she needed to start studying now… she couldn't afford to waste a single second.
The teacher was slightly taken aback and didn't stop Utaha. She wasn't sure if it was her misconception, but she felt Utaha had changed.
She had become like she was at the start of the school year, supremely confident, believing she could easily take first place just by studying a bit.
Over on Yusei's side, the teacher had also looked up the reason for his half-year absence... SAO.
Seeing this information, the teacher's gaze towards Yusei held a bit of sympathy. After all, anyone who suffered that misfortune would feel unlucky.
"Cough, Kazami-kun, my suggestion is for you to restart classes from the second year. After all, you've missed half a year, and your previous grades weren't too ideal to begin with."
Yusei chuckled and shook his head, "No need, Sensei. Did you see in my file that I also have the title of National Youth Kendo Tournament's Champion? I think with that honor, I should be eligible for a recommendation, right?"
And the matter of the recommendation had already been settled, with the notification had been sent to the Kazami Household. There was naturally no need to repeat high school courses.
"Ah... I'm sorry, I only recently started at this school, so I'm not fully familiar with all the students' situations yet."
"It's fine."
Upon learning that Yusei had a recommendation, the teacher didn't press further.
Regardless of the reason for the recommendation, a recommendation was a recommendation. It was always something to be envied.
The morning classes passed quickly, and Yusei returned to his class to attend lessons with his classmates.
Since he hadn't brought a lunchbox, he went to the cafeteria.
But to his surprise, he found two people accompanying him.
One was Megumi, the other was Utaha.
Their hairstyles were extremely similar, making them look like sisters.
Megumi walked on Yusei's left, Utaha on his right. She looked at Megumi with a knowing smile.
"I really didn't notice before. So Kato-san has been right next to Kouhai-kun all along. Is that it?"