April 1st (Friday) Yuta Asamura

● April 1 (Friday)

The seasons, it seems, approach quietly on tiptoe, but once they catch up and overtake, they rush by in a flurry.

Before I knew it, March had come to an end. The cherry blossoms, particularly the Somei Yoshino, were just reaching their peak, and according to the television’s bloom forecast, today was said to be the day of full bloom. However, as for me, I had no time to enjoy that cherry blossom scenery; I was on my way to university to take an English test alongside other new students.

A placement test.

A test designed to assess the learner’s abilities.

At Ichinose University, this test is conducted to determine English proficiency. The English classes are divided based on the abilities measured here. The test covers everything from grammar and reading comprehension to listening.

Once the test was over, I rolled my pencil across the table and stretched.

I had done what I could.

Moreover, given the nature of the test, it was better to demonstrate my actual abilities rather than trying to cram for a good score. Achieving a sense of accomplishment without strain is important for learners, which is why class placement is determined by the test results.

Ayase-san and I had been diligently using English in everyday conversations and quizzing each other because we believed that mastering the language was important for our future, not because we were seeking temporary results.

To continue practicing English conversation, I wanted a nearby goal, at least for now.

It is said that some great person once remarked that deciding on a destination is what allows one to begin a journey. Since this was an opportunity to learn English conversation, I decided to make use of the test. Well, I did what I could, and I intended to keep at it.

After leaving the university, I headed home.

Outside the swaying train window, the moonlit sky still appeared faintly blue. The evening red was chasing after the blue hemisphere of the sky from the west. An announcement called out the name Shibuya. I exited the ticket gate before the surroundings were enveloped in twilight.

As I called out, “I’m home,” and opened the living room door, Ayase-san peeked out from the kitchen. She was wearing an apron, seemingly preparing dinner.

“Welcome back. How did the test go?”

“Pretty okay, I guess. I’m not as confident as you are, though. You have yours tomorrow, right?”

“Yes. Well, I thought it wouldn’t mean much to get a good score by cramming, so I prepared thoroughly and decided to just take it normally.”

“I thought the same, but…”

“But?”

“I still want to remember a bit more English. Today… I’ll take a break, though.”

I said this with a sigh. Even if I intended to act normally, people tend to get nervous when it comes to tests.

“You’ve worked hard. Congratulations!”

Ayase-san said with a smile. At first, I couldn’t grasp the meaning of the phrase “to be comforted” in English, so I had to slowly translate it back into Japanese. Wait… I can be comforted by Ayase-san? …How?

“Today, we’re having luxurious hand-rolled sushi!”

Indeed, that was a generous treat.