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05 The Olympics

"The 2020 Olympics should've been canceled." Kanta's voice was blunt, tinged with irritation.

The blackboard bore a single phrase, written in large letters: **SELF STUDY**. It was clear no teacher was planning on showing up anytime soon.

"It's just a big brainwashing scheme—a total waste of taxpayer money. I pay, what, 15 yen in taxes every time I buy a cup of noodles, and this is how they waste it? My hard-earned money on some glorified spectacle," he added, leaning back in his chair.

Kanta and Kim were at their desks, Lada at hers, while Tanya sat on Lada's desk, one arm resting on it for support as she leaned forward, observing the conversation.

Lada furrowed her brow, her tone turning slightly defensive. "The Olympics are a symbol of unity, you know? Bringing the world together, showing strength, perseverance..."

Kanta waved a hand dismissively. "Unity, my butt. It's just a flashy show for politicians to pat themselves on the back. They should've canceled it, saved the money, and helped people directly."

Kim leaned back, considering Kanta's words. "I get it, but it wasn't all bad. The Olympics gave people something to look forward to, especially when everyone was struggling. It brought some positivity, right?"

Kanta paused, scratching his head. "Yeah, maybe. I mean, I guess it wasn't all bad. But still, not worth all that money."

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Throughout the exchange, Tanya stayed silent, her gaze distant. She seemed lost in thought, her eyes drifting between her friends. After a moment, Kanta turned to her, curious. "What do you think, Tanya?"

Tanya blinked, as if coming out of a trance. She hesitated, then said softly, "I thought the 2020 Olympics were canceled."

Kanta, Lada, and Kim exchanged puzzled glances. Kim furrowed his brow, while Lada's eyes widened slightly.

"Canceled?" Lada repeated.

Kim cleared his throat, glancing at Tanya. "It wasn't canceled, Tanya. It was postponed. Originally, it was supposed to happen in 2020, but they moved it to 2021 because of the pandemic. They still called it the 2020 Olympics, though."

"Oh... I remember seeing some sports on TV, but I didn't realize it was the Olympics. It was all a blur," Tanya said, her gaze drifting. "During all those online classes, being home all the time made me feel disconnected from the real world. I... I missed it. I missed a lot of things."

Kanta tried to lighten the mood, a smirk forming on his face. "What else did you miss? The Ukraine war? Abe Shinzo?"

Tanya looked at him, her expression genuinely confused. "What's up with Abe? Did he resign?"

Kanta opened his mouth but didn't know what to respond. Lada interrupted, putting a finger to her lips. "Shhh," she whispered, her eyes glinting with something playful.

Without another word, Lada leaned forward from her chair, resting her head on Tanya's lap. Her arms wrapped around Tanya's waist. Tanya stiffened for a moment, but then she relaxed, her hand instinctively moving to rest on Lada’s shoulder. Lada's voice was soft, almost conspiratorial. "We live in a peaceful world. Abe is still the prime minister, a pandemic never happened, and there are no wars in Eastern Europe."

Tanya's expression softened, a small smile appearing. "Right... a peaceful world," she murmured, her fingers gently brushing through Lada's hair.

Kanta let out a soft sigh, a fleeting smile crossing his lips before he pulled himself back. Kim's eyebrows rose briefly, a smirk tugging at his lips.