(It was nice to get to work with everyone today after so long...)

(But because of that, I wasn't able to go through the section that I planned to. I need to study when I get home...)

...

I need... To study...

(I also need to review these sorts of problems again. I made too many mistakes on my final...)

(I have to do better next time...)

Mafuyu, how are you doing?

Oh...

I'm doing okay.
Is there something you need, Mom?

I hate to interrupt you while you're studying, but there's something I forgot to ask you during dinner.

No, that's okay.
So, what is it that you need to ask me?

It's about your finals.

...!

I feel that you should've gotten them back by now.

Oh, um...

No, I haven't gotten them back yet...

Oh, is that true...?

Yes, but I should be getting them back soon. Again, the teachers are all very busy with...

That's strange.
Your teacher told me a different story.

Huh...?

I went over to your school to talk to them today.

About you and about how you did on your finals...

What...?

A-About...

How I did on my finals...?

Yes.

Oh...

Um, so...

I'm sorry...

Why didn't you tell me sooner...?

Because...

I did so poorly that...
I was afraid to tell you...

Mafuyu...

I see...

Thank you for being honest with me.

But I'd really rather you told me these things without hesitating. There's no need to hide anything from me.

Mom...

I understand that it must've been a little difficult to get a hold of me recently since I've also been busy with things. I'm sorry about that.

N-No, it wasn't that.

I'm really sorry, Mom...

What's done is done...
So, let's discuss your plan moving forward.

My plan...?

Yes, since you'll need to study even more to make up for the ground you've lost.

For the time being, you may want to reduce the time you spend on extracurricular activities.

What do you think...?

Oh...

(Right...
I was thinking the same thing in terms of making up for what happened.)

(I just have to study harder...)

Okay, I'll do that...

In that case, I doubt you'll be needing your phone.

What...?

My phone...?
Wh-Why...?

Why...?
Because it's a distraction. It'll keep you from focusing.

No, I'll be fine...
My phone shouldn't affect how I study.

I promise to keep my grades from slipping even further...!

Mafuyu...

I'm actually very worried...

About what...?

I called your cram school teacher and they told me that you missed class the other day because “you weren't feeling well”...

...!

From what I recall, you didn't come home until quite late that day.

Huh...?

I... U-Uhh...

I understand your desire to spend time with your friends. When I was your age, all I wanted to was go out and do things with them.

However, those sorts of distractions will prevent you from focusing on your studies...

That's what I'm worried about.

At this rate, you may not do very well on your next mock exam... Which means you may not do well on the real thing. If that were to happen...

You won't be able to make your dream come true.

My dream...?

Yes. You wouldn't want that to happen, do you?

So, I'll be taking your phone for safekeeping.

In exchange, I'll give you a phone that can only make calls. You'll still be able to reach me with that.

But... I...

(What do I do?)

(Isn't there anything I can...?)

(Fight back...?)

(But... If I do...)

Don't worry, Mafuyu.
I'll return it to you when it actually becomes necessary.

So, I'll be taking this from–

*Gasp*

No...!

Mafuyu...?!

Please, stop...!
Anything but this...!

Mom, I beg you...!

I promise to study and do better! So please! Anything but my phone...! Because without this, I...

Mafuyu...

What's gotten into you...?

Like I just said, this won't do you any good right now. Why can't you see that...?!

My friends have nothing to do with my grades slipping! That happened because I...

No, I know that's not true.
Because nothing like this ever happened until recently...

Which means... It's her fault! That Yoisaki girl...!

...!

Wait...

How do you know about Kanade?

I felt the need to see what your so-called friend is like...

Does that mean you met her...?

Why?
What did you even talk about?

None of that matters right now.

So, give me your phone!

No, stop...!
Please, anything but this!

Let go!
Mafuyu...

*Gasp*

(It fell into my aquarium...)

Mafuyu, stop!

(Got it... But the battery...)

It won't turn on...

Why...?

I'm sorry, Mafuyu...

I didn't mean for this to happen...
I wasn't hoping that your phone would break...

...

I'll make sure to buy you a new one by the time you've taken your mock exam...

So, let's both just try to calm ourselves down. For now, you should rest.

...