Life As Tomoya Aki Chapter 5: The Talented Literary Girl

Chapter 5: The Talented Literary Girl

Utaha Kasumigaoka, the literary prodigy of Toyogasaki Academy, is probably what people would call a model student. Since enrolling, she has consistently held the top spot in her year.

With a white hairband in her long, silky black hair, a tall and curvaceous figure, and an elegant demeanor, she is the epitome of a serene beauty.

Her black stockings, in particular, highlight the curves of her legs perfectly, making her a sight to behold.

Tomoya wasn’t surprised to see her here.

After all, she’s the renowned literary genius who has garnered the attention of the entire student body and faculty at Toyogasaki Academy.

"No need. I don't want it."

Her casual tone, as if giving away her recommendation spot was no big deal, left her teacher in a difficult position.

Though Tomoya wasn’t the type to eavesdrop on others, with so few people in the office and standing relatively close, he couldn’t help but overhear the conversation.

Hearing someone like Utaha nonchalantly refuse such an opportunity made Tomoya want to laugh a bit.

"If you don’t take the recommendation, it’s not like anyone else can."

While Tomoya wasn’t sure which private university was trying to recruit her, given his knowledge of the school, even if that university was just barely first-rate, they likely wouldn’t bother with anyone else from Toyogasaki aside from Utaha.

Would prestigious schools like Keio University or Waseda offer recommendation spots? Of course, but certainly not to anyone other than Utaha.

Tomoya knew full well that a school like Toyogasaki wouldn’t catch the eye of these elite institutions.

In fact, the only person from this school who even stood a slight chance of being noticed by a top university was Utaha, the literary prodigy.

Tomoya didn’t want to speak ill of his alma mater. After all, it was his school.

But the truth is, the graduation rates were average, and the baseball-centric sports clubs hadn’t achieved any notable results in the past five years.

Thanks to Eriri, the art department had seen some improvement, but even that was mostly due to luck, wasn’t it?

It’s neither an academic powerhouse nor a school with prestigious athletic achievements.

The only thing the school has to boast about is Utaha, the literary genius who somehow ended up here.

Toyogasaki Academy's school culture emphasizes "freedom," but because of this freedom, the school feels rather mediocre.

There are very few students like Utaha, who can maintain the top spot in her grade with a deviation value around 70, even without being in the advanced classes.

Yet, it's precisely this environment that allowed Utaha to gain the title of literary prodigy.

A deviation value of 70 is impressive anywhere, but talented individuals are plentiful in other places.

It's often said that the atmosphere or "air" in Japan is important.

That’s what this is about—Utaha stands out particularly here, but if she were at a more prestigious high school, she would still excel.

However, could she maintain the same level of fame as the literary prodigy of Toyogasaki? That’s less certain.

Unless Utaha were to give up writing light novels and devote herself entirely to studying at a school where everyone is aiming for elite universities, her distinction might not be guaranteed.

What Tomoya admires most about her isn’t the title of literary prodigy.

What impresses him is that despite her academic prowess, Utaha has dedicated much of her energy to something else: writing light novels while still a student.

It must be said, Toyogasaki Academy has had some good fortune in recent years.

This year, they have a talented student who has a high chance of getting into the prestigious literature department at Keio University.

And they also have Eriri, who received awards and praise in art exhibitions.

The school is thriving in both literary and artistic fields.

All that’s missing is an achievement in sports. But so far, the athletic clubs are stagnant, a reflection of the school’s "free" spirit—a freedom that is quite pervasive indeed.

This is why Tomoya believes Utaha's decision to decline the recommendation is the right one.

Why settle for a second-rate university’s recommendation when you can rely on your own ability to get into a top-tier private university?

"I understand your decision, Utaha. However, in your previous career survey, you listed your first choice as Waoi University, didn’t you? But your mock exam results before last spring break dropped quite a bit. If you’re facing any difficulties, it’s best to talk to your teachers or parents as soon as possible."

The teacher didn't push further but looked at Utaha with concern. If her scores hadn’t dipped in the last mock exam, he wouldn’t have brought up the recommendation from another university.

Tomoya, upon hearing the words “Waoi University,” was momentarily dumbfounded.

Waio University?

What the heck is that?

Did some random third-rate school combine the names of Waseda and Keio Universities?

Tomoya knew about Keio University and Waseda University, but "Waio University" was completely unfamiliar to him. Was there really a school by that name among Japan’s top universities?

However, he didn’t have the time to dwell on this. His homeroom teacher was calling him over.

Pushing up his glasses, Tomoya slowly made his way to the teacher.

"Aki-kun, you've been working hard lately. Keep it up! If you have any problems, feel free to talk to me."

The teacher gave Tomoya an encouraging smile, generously praising him for his recent efforts.

Tomoya simply nodded, responding with a couple of polite remarks.

He didn’t think the teacher called him over just to offer some words of encouragement.

He had already noticed the career survey form on the desk, which belonged to him.

"Shortly after school started last week, we had everyone complete a career survey. Aki-kun, you really gave me a big surprise with yours!"

The homeroom teacher flashed a wry smile, as if recalling some troublesome matter.

He pulled out Tomoya’s survey form, his face showing a slightly awkward expression.

"Aki-kun, your first choice is the University of Tokyo’s Faculty of Science, Class III. I didn’t read that wrong, did I?"

The University of Tokyo, Faculty of Science, Class III…

Although the teacher spoke in a low voice and deliberately kept it down, the mention of "The University of Tokyo"—especially with the "Faculty of Science, Class III" suffix—was like a firefly glowing in the darkest night, impossible to ignore.

In an instant, all the teachers resting in the office looked up in Tomoya’s direction.

Even Utaha and her homeroom teacher, who were in the middle of their discussion, couldn’t help but glance over.

"The University of Tokyo? That guy?!"

The teacher holding Utaha’s report card trembled slightly, not even noticing when the paper slipped from his grasp.

He stared in disbelief at the bold student who had the audacity to write "University of Tokyo" on his career survey form.

As for Utaha, upon realizing that the boy standing there was Tomoya, her hand instinctively tightened, and an odd expression flashed through her eyes.

Suddenly finding himself the center of attention, Tomoya’s expression remained calm and composed.

He appeared indifferent to all the scrutiny, his attitude one of complete disregard.

"My first choice is the University of Tokyo, Faculty of Science, Class III. It's clearly written, right? Did I make a spelling mistake?" he asked, his voice filled with nonchalance.