The class representative gave the signal, and homeroom ended. The classroom, which had been quiet until then, began to buzz with activity as if a dam had burst. Students stood up, chatting with friends as they filed out of the room. However, amidst the commotion, one student remained slumped over his desk, unmoving.

Atsumu Miya let out a deep sigh. His mind was occupied entirely by the upcoming periodic exams.

"I've gotta avoid those failing marks."

It wasn't just that. This school was strict with students who performed poorly; even if he avoided failing the main exams, he would be subject to retests if he didn't score near the average on small quizzes. And if he were assigned retests, he would naturally be forced to stay after school, which would interfere with practice.

However, he had already been halfway abandoned by his teachers. Thinking he might find help elsewhere, Atsumu had tried asking Osamu, only to be met with a flat "Do it yourself."

Atsumu raised his head, his brows furrowed in frustration. It was then that a girl entered his field of vision. She was sitting quietly in the corner of the classroom, her notebook spread open as she wrote something down. She was a famous honor student in the school. Whenever the exam rankings were posted, her name was always at the top. Her classroom behavior was exemplary, and she held the deep trust of the teachers. The moment he saw her, an idea flashed through Atsumu's mind.

"The teachers are no good. Samu's no good. Then I'll just have someone smart teach me."

It was an incredibly simple thought, but to him right now, it seemed like a brilliant plan.