(x)

"And Sunbae, you're probably just overthinking this. Trying to impress Mei? I don't think that's necessary anymore. Sohee likes you, doesn't she? Mei will feel obligated to like you too. And trust me, Mei can learn just fine with me chattering in the background."

Once again, Shizuka makes a solid point, justifying her behavior with her usual nonchalance.

But I shake my head. "You're seeing this all wrong, Shizuka. I'm trying to create a study environment here, something that works for everyone."

She rolls her eyes. "Not me. A 'study environment' would kill me."

"No, it wouldn't."

"Yes, yes it would."

"No."

"Yes."

"Would."

"Wouldn't."

"Not."

Shizuka pauses, momentarily at a loss for words. I pump my fist silently in victory. But she catches me and murmurs something under her breath before turning back with a fixed stare.

"I won't cooperate with you," she declares.

"You will cooperate."

"I won't."