Most middle schools in Japan can easily give people the impression that students don't need to study seriously. However, anyone who sees the entrance examination questions of some prestigious Japanese universities would quickly abandon that notion.
For Japanese students aspiring to enroll in a renowned university, relying solely on the limited classes offered at school is not sufficient. Therefore, attending a cram school has become a crucial part of their academic preparation. Japanese cram schools are highly specialized and staffed with excellent teachers, although the tuition costs can be quite high.
Yukinoshita Haruno is a senior this year. Her family has chosen Chiba University as her target school. While gaining admission isn't overly difficult for her, she still needs to put in significant effort. She doesn't attend cram school because her family arranges for a tutor to come to their home directly, saving her time.
"The results this afternoon are very good, Yukinoshita-san. I believe that even if you went directly to the entrance examination for Chiba University in your current state, you would have a good chance of passing," said her tutor, Mr. Tsubota, a well-known cram school teacher in Chiba. He generously praised this top student.
Mr. Tsubota had always believed that with Yukinoshita Haruno's current abilities, gaining admission to Tokyo University after more than half a year of study would not be difficult. However, he kept this thought to himself, understanding that a prestigious family like the Yukinoshita family must have carefully considered their child's academic path, and it was not his place to offer opinions.
"Thank you for your compliment, Mr. Tsubota. You are an excellent teacher," Haruno replied, bowing slightly as she watched him get into his car and leave.
Initially, Haruno had felt resentful about her mother's insistence that she apply to Chiba University. Although she would never disobey her mother, she regretted not being able to attend a more prestigious institution. However, ever since she learned that her good junior, Hikigaya , also aimed to study at Chiba University, she became extremely grateful to her mother for that decision. Even if they were only classmates for one year, she looked forward to it.
At that moment, Haruno thought of her beloved sister, Yukino. As someone who deeply cares for her sister, she desires for Yukino to be more sensible and independent. Thus, her approach to Yukino can sometimes be affectionate and at other times cold or harsh.
However, Haruno envied something about Yukino—her sister shared the same grade as Hachiman. This concern was why Haruno intentionally minimized any possibility of contact between the two. If Hikigaya Hachiman and Yukino developed a relationship, there was a strong chance that Yukino would quickly become attached to him, even if she didn't initially know his true identity.
Haruno made this judgment based on her familiarity with her sister's character. Yukino seems to be an independent thinker who does not follow the crowd, but when she encounters someone who can guide her through difficulties, she tends to become increasingly dependent on that person over time, eventually surrendering herself entirely.
Now, Hikigaya had completed the first step in establishing that connection. Haruno firmly believed that, given Hikigaya's personality, even if he and Yukino were physically distant and could only communicate via phone or email, Yukino's feelings would likely start to resemble those she had for Hikigaya upon returning to Japan.
Haruno hoped to delay Yukino's emotional attachment until at least after high school, benefiting both herself and Yukino. This way, she could enjoy Hachiman's company for a while longer, and Yukino could retain her independence.
"Alas, I am so good to Yukino. I always think of her. Where else in the world can you find a sister as thoughtful as me?" Haruno reflected, moved by her own careful consideration.
However, Haruno also knew well that no matter how much she gained now, she would eventually lose everything. When Yukino returned from the United States and enrolled in Sobu High School, there would be nothing Haruno could do to prevent her sister from meeting Hikigaya. The thought of what would happen next plagued Haruno's mind, and she found herself grinding her teeth in worry.
"Forget it, let's find an opportunity to reveal Mr. Hachiman's true identity."
Haruno has been planning this for some time. While it might be fun to keep their current relationship a secret, her main motivation is to obtain some unpublished manuscripts from writer Hachiman for her own enjoyment, which she finds much more meaningful than teasing a junior high school student.
After several months of investigation, the only public appearance of Mr. Hachiman is expected to be at the Japan Mystery Writers Association Awards ceremony, which takes place at the end of May. This award ceremony is never broadcast live, and no photographs are allowed. The winners will only be announced on the association's official website after the ceremony concludes.
These conditions align perfectly with Mr. Hachiman's low-key style, so it's guaranteed he will attend the awards. Haruno just needs to show up at the venue that day and create a chance encounter with him, and everything will fall into place.
May 20th is just a week away from the Mystery Writers Association Awards.
"Okay, okay, I understand. Thank you very much. Well, I wish you a happy life. Goodbye."
Hikigaya ended the call. It was a staff member from the Japan Mystery Writers Association informing him that he needs to arrive at the Tokyo Arts Theater in Toshima Ward, Tokyo, before 5:30 p.m. next Saturday to attend the 60th Edogawa Ranpo Award and the 67th Japan Mystery Writers Association Award ceremony.
That's right; these two prestigious awards in the Japanese mystery genre are presented together because they are both hosted by the Japan Mystery Writers Association. He is familiar with the Tokyo Metropolitan Theater, which is situated near a bustling commercial district in Ikebukuro.
"Let's go early that day and do some shopping in Ikebukuro with Editor Imamura. I'd like to buy her a thank-you gift," he planned. Whether before or after his debut, Editor Imamura has been incredibly helpful to him. Especially after his publication, she has been so busy that she hasn't been able to respond to emails promptly.
"Is it really possible, Mr. Hachiman? I'm so happy, wuwuwuwu ... No, I'm just pretending to cry. But I truly believe all my hard work has been worth it, and even the overtime isn't so painful now," Naho Imamura remarked when she discovered that Mr. Hachiman had invited her to go shopping in Ikebukuro next Saturday. She felt renewed hope in her life as a corporate employee and threw herself into her work even more enthusiastically.
Hikigaya also mentioned during the call that he wanted to buy a gift for her. He believed there was nothing to hide and that it was perfectly fine to be open about buying a gift for someone older.
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