It was close to two months that the androids attended school. They fit in rather well; their array of skills surprised the teachers and students alike. 9S caught up quickly to the syllabus like a sponge absorbing water. 2B, on the other hand, was very adept in sports, even if she were trying them out for the first time.
Their exams were coming up, followed by a one-week school break. Students were either studying zealously, or focusing on the fun they were going to have in the holidays. 9S belonged to the latter group.
"Should we go to the amusement park? Or would somewhere else be a cooler option?" mumbled 9S, his hand propping his chin up.
"Focus on the exams, 9S. It comes before your fantasies," chided 2B, her eyes focused on a particular Mathematics question. She let out a small grunt.
The afternoon weather was pleasant. A breeze rustled the leaves on the trees that shaded the androids. The school was so large, it even had a square with a fountain in the middle. Trees and flowers dotted around the area, splashing some colour to the otherwise dull concrete. Stone tables and chairs were prepared for the students' use, who tend to congregate there after school for studies or leisurely activities. The atmosphere was largely cathartic, especially after a stressful day of class.
"What a perfect time to nap," said 9S as he dozed off.
"Would you ever listen to my words, 9S? Anyway, help me solve this confounded question," 2B proffered her workbook at the boy, pointing at an equation with her pencil.
Taking a glance at the question, 9S opened his notebook, which was never open throughout their entire study session. He was not planning on studying, nor had he done so, despite 2B's chastisement. The book was only there for a symbolic reason.
"Voilà," said 9S as he put down his pencil, revealing his solution for 2B, presented in neat mechanical handwriting. The latter stared at the paper, preoccupied.
"I don't understand this part, and here as well,"
Two girls interrupted 9S's explanation. They sat down opposite each other on the androids' table.
"Sorry for interrupting your date," said Devola, removing some books from her bag.
"Please, Devola," said Popola before turning to the pair. "Pardon the interruption, 2B, 9S, but do you mind if we shared the table?"
"Well, you guys are already seated, so I don't see why not," replied 9S before he continued his explanation.
"Wait up, I'm stuck on this question too," said Devola. "Explain it to me as well,"
"Wait, I'm almost done with 2B,"
9S repeated the explanation to Devola. Popola noticed that 2B was still struggling to answer the question, despite 9S's tutelage lingering on the latter's mind.
"If you don't mind me, 2B, you just have to substitute this back into x," she said as she pointed at an equation.
2B nodded her thanks.
"There's actually a mnemonic," said Popola, producing a notepad from her bag. "It might help you answer this type of question,"
"That helps a lot, Popola. Thank you," replied 2B. She copied the mnemonic next to the solved question, hoping to imprint it in her mind.
"I don't think it'll be too difficult," commented 9S, in an attempt to lighten the mood.
2B pretended to hear nothing, preferring to reread her notes instead.
"Relax, 2B. We can ace this as easily as me hacking something," 9S wasn't ready to give up.
Stowing her notes away, 2B left 9S with an "If you say so."
The final paper was due in five minutes. There were bouts of panic where students were unable to finish their paper in time. 9S was snoring away.
"Time's up. You may pass your paper to the front," announced the examiner.
The tense air among the students dissipated immediately. Relief washed over every students' face, for the week was rather gruelling. Some of them were yelling freedom.
"It wasn't so difficult after all, right, 2B?" 9S leaned over to the other android.
"I didn't manage to answer question 6," murmured 2B. "After Popola and your efforts in teaching me, too,"
"It's okay, it didn't cost too many points anyway," consoled 9S. "Look at the bright side, 2B. The exam's over, and the holidays are finally starting,"
"Do you guys have any plans for the holiday?" asked Popola when the pair reached the school gate.
"We're planning to go to the amusement park this weekend, and we just so happened to have two extra tickets," added Devola. "It's not like you really have to go, though,"
9S lit up. "It's a definite yes from us,"
"See you on Saturday morning, then. We're looking forward for it," said Popola before she departed with her sister.
2B remained silent. The crucified androids flashed through her mind.
"You're thinking of Beauvoir, aren't you?" asked 9S, filling in the silence.
"It was nothing," denied 2B.
"Come on, we defeated her a long time ago," encouraged 9S. "If she does reappear again all berserk, we just have to defeat her once more,"
2B seemed convinced. "What are the chances of her reappearing, anyway?"
"That's the spirit," replied 9S with a smile as they made their way home.