Academic Success and Future Plans

It was night time when I woke up. Tokita-san called Tochaki-san dozens of times and each time there was no call. She was asleep after all. I had to explain to Tokita-san what happened at school today.

"What a troublesome boy Kenji is. Seems to have never changed since I was young."

"You know who Tachi is, Tokita-san?"

I was surprised Tokita-san knows who Tachi is. I've never seen Takita-san set foot in our school before.

"Ah yes. It was back when Tochaki was still in middle school. During the school festival I met Tachi's father and we talked for a bit and got to know each other. Back then Tachi was the same young man he was now. Always causing trouble and bullying others."

"I see…"

I didn't know how to respond to that except for an "I see". It was a surprise for me that Tokita-san knew Tachi but to think about it more, it wasn't uncommon for student's parents to know each other and get to know their child, especially if the child goes to a safe middle school.

"That's right! Tachi was the same old guy from before. Honestly I thought he would have changed a bit but it doesn't seem to be the case."

Tochaki-san vented as well. Seems like she's had it hard when it comes to Tachi.

"Well you guess I had a long day I assume. Please get some quality sleep for the rest of the night."

"Thank you Tokita-san."

I said my goodnights and the three of us went back to our own individual rooms. It's been a long day. I should go to sleep now…

The rest of the week passed quickly. Tachi was suspended for the rest of that week and the week after which so happened to be weeks of the midterm. He also had to volunteer at school during the weekend for his punishment. I studied every night with Tochaki-san and the test I had that week went the best I ever had. From being the lowest of the lowest in our grade ranking, I was finally able to hit around the middle of the first-years. During our first semester, I didn't pass a single exam and was ranked the lowest after the midterm exams. I was originally on track to have the same ranking until I had my fateful encounter with Tochaki-san this semester. Kanjiro and Tochaki-san both congratulated me for my improvement and I felt happy. The dream I've been having seems to diminish more and more. I wasn't able to let go of my past that traumatized me. But with those who cared for me supporting me, I realized that I can finally rely on someone else when I needed help. I don't have to be alone anymore.

midterms are coming up next week Juni-kun. Are you ready for it?"

Kanjiro asked me the question with a curious face.

"I don't know how you were able to do it but rising from scoring the lowest score to scoring an average score is one of the best improvements I ever seen!"

"Yea, I guess I just started studying very hard. With extra classes that were forced on me by Suiha-san as well as Tochaki-san's tutoring."

"Speaking of which…"

Suiha-san walked towards me the second we mentioned her name. I thought she was coming to talk to Kanjiro, but it seems that wasn't the case since she stopped right in front of me.

"Congrats on the huge improvement Ayanami-san. It seems the extra classes after school did some good for you."

"Yea. Thank you for offering me the extra lessons in the first place."

"No need to thank me. It's my duty after all."

Suiha-san gave me her appreciation and then immediately turned towards Kanjiro.

"Kanjiro-san…"

"Uhhh. Yes?"

"Umm after school… Would you like to go to karaoke with me?"

"Just the two of us?"

"Of course not, I have a few friends who you also might know that will be there"

It seems Suiha-san was inviting Kanjiro to a gathering later after school. Kanjiro greatly accepted the invitation.

"Ayanami-san, would you also like to come."

I thought about it for a few seconds but declined the offer. I wanted to get some rest after the test.

"I'm going to have to decline."

"Thats sad to hear. Anyways, I'll see you later Kanjiro-san."

She waved us goodbye and me and Kanjiro are now by ourselves again.

"I thought for sure you were going to decline the offer. Don't tell me you have a thing for Suiha-san now?"

"I can see her changing her twisted personality as time goes on. Inviting us to a gathering after school seems like she wants to change herself for the better. I would like her a lot more if she does change. Plus, it seems I already lost to someone when it comes to Kinai-chan."

Lost to someone? I wonder who that would be.

"Anyways, it seems Kinai-chan is a great tutor whose score improved that much in such a short amount of time."

Kanjiro was the only person other than Tochak-san's father to know about me and Tochaki's relationship. There was no hiding it after Kanjiro even indirectly reminded me of my promise to walk home with Tochaki-san. I had to tell him about everything that happened since the day I saved Tochaki-san to present day. I also told him about my past since it was not worth hiding it from him anymore. He became suspicious of my past ever since we met and I've never talked about my parents before. It only made sense since he even asked me to explain everything to him the day when Tochaki-san kissed me (it happened before the incident). It was good that he was the only one who actually saw me and Tochaki-san walk home the day she kissed me. Everyone else only heard the promise Tochaki–san made, but never saw it with their own eyes. They still think I live close to Tochaki-san, but not with her.

"Yea, she is very nice to me but also won't let me slack off. She is a great person."

"Also Juni, you should be more aware when you are with Tochaki-san."

"Yes of course, I don't want other people to get the wrong idea about my relations with her."

If my current relationship with her gets exposed to the whole school, I would have a bounty on my head until I graduate from this school.

"Not that! I mean like… you know?"

He wasn't talking about hiding our relationship? What else could it be then?

"I don't understand what you mean Kanjiro."

"I am seriously rooting for you. But you need to realize it yourself one day."

"But what do you mea–"

"I see, that's good to hear you're finally caring about your future. Keep it up for the final stretch as well! We will have a long Christmas break and the school festival starts right after! It's gonna be so much fun!"

He just acted like that whole conversation didn't happen and went back to our original topic huh. Kanjiro was very excited about the next few weeks to come. Not going to lie, but so am I. I've never been excited for something whether it was in school or not. I smiled at him as the bell rang and class started. Of course, I know I have to face these feelings by myself, just not now.

School ended and I waited in the classroom for about 45 minutes before leaving the classroom with Tochaki-san. Tokita-san's work is a few hours later than when our school ends, so instead of a car ride, we would walk home. It wasn't very far. Again, to avoid being seen with each other to avoid drama, we would wait for most students to leave school before me and her leave. I met up with Tochaki-san and we walked home, ate dinner, and started studying in my room. As always, she was teaching me things I have trouble with, especially math.

"Don't forget to cancel the X on both sides to get your answer in the end."

"Got it, thank you Tochaki-san."

We studied for a few more hours and Tochaki-san finally started feeling tired. I told her to go to sleep but it seemed like she wasn't satisfied with our study session today…

"Juni-kun… you should take a hint already!"

Hint? Like a trick to use in math? Or something else?

"I'm sorry Tochaki-san, I don't understand what you mean by hint…"

She was pouting away while folding her arm. Did I really make her mad? What did I do? I don't understand.

"Like, ahhh!. Nevermind…"

Seeing her pouting really is cute. I wonder what would happen if I really did become her boyfrie–. No. I can't even think of that. Someone like me doesn't deserve her at all. I really should just conceal these feelings to myself.

"Just really… do I really have to do all the work… how hard do you want me to work…"

"I'm sorry Tochaki-san. You're always helping me with studying, if this is what you mean by 'work', I will gladly do whatever you wish…"

It seems this sentence lit up her face.

"Really! The first day of break after midterms, I want you to go with me to an aquarium."

Such a simple task. Maybe there is something behind her actions… Nah it can't be. An Innocent girl like her can't be plotting something… right?

"That was a rather simple request Tochaki-san… I would of went to an aquarium regardless if you just simply asked me."

"Yea well… I want you to take pictures with me! Carry my stuff, and feed m–."

"Feed?"

Tochaki-san's face became red for some reason.

"Nothing! I'll go back to my room for today. Study more if you want to. Goodnight!"

Tochaki-san closed the door and I was left in my room alone. I told her to do that a few minutes ago though…