Chapter 71

The next day.

The groups were going to be decided by everyone's placements on a practice test in a few days.

When Kushida's partner was going to be decided she instantly jumped at the chance to pick Syl.

A few people complained but it was all relatively mild.

Then an unexpected hand went up.

"Actually, I think that Kushida could team up with someone else, maybe Yamauchi?" Ayanokoji spoke up.

Horikita nodded in agreement but before he could say anything Syl intervened.

"Actually, I think I really need my angel's help this time."

"But you scored the best on the first midterm." Horikita pointed out.

Syl laughed nervously. "That was only because I had, Kiryu-" Kushida glared at him. Syl coughed "Ahem, someone else's notes. I'm actually not that good at academics, I'm only confident in English, I feel like I might fail…"

Kushida smiled and looked at Horikita. "I don't want to see Syl get expelled, can't we team up together? Please?"

Horikita looked frustrated but eventually relented. "Fine. But you better go for the top spot on this exam."

Kushida laughed graciously. "Of course!"

Syl nodded with a huge smile on his face.

Ayanokoji looked at Syl, not sure what was happening.

After class that day Kei approached Syl.

"Hey doggie. Come with me. I need to talk to you." Kei ordered.

Syl got up to follow her.

A moment later, Kushida was in both of their faces.

"Hey guys! What's up?"

Syl shrugged. "Kei asked to talk to me."

Kushida paused for a moment. "Kei?"

Syl started sweating. "Umm, I mean, Karuizawa. Haha."

Kei rolled her eyes. "Sorry, I need to talk to Syl alone."

Kushida had a scary look in her eyes.

Syl looked away and started whistling.

Kei huffed. "I'm not doing anything to him. I already have a boyfriend, remember?"

Kushida smiled. "Alright, I'll see you later darling~!"

"Yup! Can't wait, Angel!"

Kushida walked away and went to talk to some other people in the class.

Kei practically dragged Syl to the roof.

"What's going on?" She asked him when they were finally alone.

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Why are you with her? You hate her."

Syl pointed at himself. "Eh? Was it that obvious?"

"So you admit it."

"Wha- wait, so you didn't know?"

Kei shook her head. "I just guessed. Woman's intuition."

Syl gulped. "Women are scary."

Kei smirked. "I know."

Syl sighed. "What do you want?"

"What's going on? Why are you dating someone you hate?"

"How could I ever hate my angel?" Syl asked innocently.

Kei frowned. "You almost made me believe you with your act this whole time, if I hadn't noticed that you hated her before I never would have guessed."

Syl chuckled. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Kei sighed. "Are you alright?"

Syl smiled. "Great."

Kei shook her head. "You know, I can tell when someone is lying about being okay. You're like totally lying… Nevermind, just remember that you can ask me for anything. I'll help you out."

Syl was silent for a moment. "... thanks. I'm glad you have my back."

He walked away without saying anything else.

Kei frowned at his back. "Something's up… is that why Ayanokoji…"

She picked up her phone and texted an unregistered number.

The message was read and ignored.

Kei pouted. "Stupid idiot, does he think he only as to answer when its convenient for him? Ugh! So annoying!"

Syl walked home and grabbed something from his room.

He walked down the hall to the elevator and went to floor four.

He knocked on door 401.

A moment later someone opened the door.

Syl smiled and handed him a box with a bow. "Happy birthday man."

Ayanokoji looked down at the present.

"Is that for me?"

Syl chuckled and nodded.

Ayanokoji took the gift from Syl and went to walk in and close the door.

Syl slid his foot in the door frame and stopped it. "Aren't you going to open it in front of me?"

Ayanokoji looked back. "Is that what you're supposed to do?"

Syl smiled and nodded. "The best part about giving a gift is seeing their reaction."

"I see." Ayanokoji tore off the wrapping perfectly and opened the gift.

Ayanokoji looked at the gift which was a huge flag that said. 'Nobody's perfect, don't beat yourself up!'

Ayanokoji looked at the note attached to it.

[To a future friendship.]

"Thanks." Ayanokoji said.

Syl smiled and looked over Ayanokoji's shoulder. "I figured you wouldn't have anything to decorate your walls, looks like I was right."

Ayanokoji nodded. "I don't need any decorations, the room looks fine."

Syl chuckled. "That's why you personalized it, give it a little pizzazz! I thought this was a good fit."

Ayanokoji looked at his walls wondering where to put it.

Syl chuckled and walked away. "Hopefully the next time I'm over you'll have already hung it!"

Ayanokoji watched his back as he left. "My second birthday wish… and first gift. Maybe I really can make a friend here…"