Studying together, solving together

The library after school. Outside the window, the sky is dyed orange, and the quiet sound of pages turning echoes.

"...This looks like it might be on tomorrow's pair test, right?"

Mitsuki says, pointing at the handout while speaking to Ren, who is sitting next to her.

"Probably. But I still don't really understand it..."

Ren scratches his head, staring at the problem with a troubled expression.

"Explain which of the reforms during the Edo period had the greatest impact on economic policy."

Even though he is supposed to be good at history, he just can't seem to explain it well.

Mitsuki flips through her notebook and gives a small smile.

"Then, why don't you try explaining it as if you were telling me?"

Ren, though hesitant, slowly begins to weave his words.

"Um... the Kyoho Reforms were meant to stabilize the price of rice... wait, but did this actually succeed in the end?"

"It went well halfway through, but in the latter half..."

"Right, the price fluctuations became extreme, so it failed!"

Their eyes meet.

"You're right, explaining things to someone else really deepens my understanding."

Mitsuki nods triumphantly.

"See? Studying for a pair test is more efficient when you think about it together rather than alone."

"True. I hope we can keep helping each other like this tomorrow, too."

"Of course!"

Saying that, Mitsuki lets her pen glide across her notebook.

"Studying together, solving together. That's the strength of a pair test."

Surely, they will be fine for tomorrow's pair test as long as they are together.
Thinking this, they sit side by side and face their handouts.