บท 18: Chapter 18 – Hiyori Shiina's little happiness
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With only a week left until the crucial midterm exams, the library study room was increasingly crowded, everyone seemingly engrossed in revision.
Kikyo Kushida idly flipped through her textbook, more a form of quantum reading than actual studying, aimlessly turning the pages.
Occasionally, she stole glances at Yoritaka Yukio in the distance, her eyes filled with complexity, yet unable to find an opportunity. The girl with Yukio, Shiina was it? A top student from Class C.
Ever since their last encounter at the school lake, with the leverage in Yukio's hands, Kushida had been eager for a private talk to prevent her true nature from being exposed.
But she never found the chance to speak alone, as Yukio, akin to the boss of Class C, always seemed to have two followers, constantly at his heels.
The library was somewhat an exception. In the library, Yukio's two followers would obediently study, not clinging to him.
Yukio, preferring to read novels rather than revise, found the library a place of respite. Kushida had thought she might find an opportunity there, but noticed that Shiina, the girl from Class C, seemed to stick close to Yukio in the library.
This made it difficult for her to approach.
Kushida, who had built her reputation as a social angel aspiring to be friends with everyone in school, couldn't afford to be linked romantically with anyone.
She knew all too well about boys; if she were rumored to be involved with popular ones, some might refuse to be friends with her.
Even more so, girls, out of jealousy, could cause trouble if she was linked with popular boys. It was a cardinal sin in friendship building.
Therefore, Kushida was always cautious about her interactions with the opposite sex, making it impossible for her to approach Yukio and have Shiina leave, without ruining her carefully constructed persona.
Thankfully, as days passed and Yukio showed no signs of exposing her, Kushida's life, filled with anxiety and dread, gradually eased. Her urgency to speak with Yukio alone diminished.
Yukio, indifferent to Kushida, was absorbed in a novel recommended by Shiina in the library - Hemingway's "For Whom the Bell Tolls." Immersed in the story of the guerrilla warfare, he found it somewhat familiar.
As he closed the last page, Shiina passed him a note with her neat and pretty handwriting: 'What do you think? Isn't it a moving story?'
Yukio almost laughed. The silent communication through notes was so student-like that it momentarily brought him back to the reality of being a student himself, a role often overshadowed by the unique educational policies of Advanced Nurturing High School.
After pondering, Yukio wrote his thoughts on the note and passed it back to Shiina.
Her joy was evident, her usually composed demeanor now radiant with happiness.
As Yukio watched, he felt as if a deer was prancing across his heart, each step rippling across the calm waters of his mind.
In the library, the two silently communicated through notes, basking in the warm sunlight filtering through the windows, a scene of beauty and dreamlike serenity.
To Kushida, however, this scene was infuriating, each pleasant interaction between Yukio and Shiina amplifying her disgust. Her hatred for Yukio grew with each gentle gesture he showed Shiina.
Unable to remain seated, Kushida realized she couldn't study that day. Despite being among the top students, she decided to leave, unwilling to stay in a space that disgusted her.
Her departure, however, raised curiosity among her classmates in Class D. Known as the little angel of Class D, she was adored by all.
Claiming to feel unwell, she excused herself, a believable reason as she had been seriously ill with a cold just two weeks prior in May.
The commotion in Class D went unnoticed by others. Yukio was waiting for another note from Shiina when he saw two girls from Class C looking expectantly at her.
Shiina hesitated briefly before apologetically glancing at Yukio, her amethyst eyes conveying a silent apology.
Yoritaka Yukio waved nonchalantly, signaling Shiina not to worry, and said in a low voice, "This was the task I set for you, so give it your best."
Shiina, seeing Yukio's understanding, nodded her small head with joy and turned to diligently help two of her classmates.
Although Class C now had the answers for the midterms, ensuring a pass, Yukio had made it clear in class that this was a one-time deal. For the final exams and subsequent terms, anyone who failed would face expulsion.
Under such pressure, Kaneda's workload had skyrocketed, with a swarm of Class C students seeking his guidance, especially the clueless duo Ishizaki and Albert, who made his head spin.
Shiina had a lighter load, only needing to tutor a few girls. After explaining the problems to the two girls, she quietly wrote on a paper: "These are the three approaches to solving these problems. Make sure to solidify your understanding, and you'll easily tackle similar questions in the future."
"Ah, so that's how it is! Thank you, Shiina-san~"
"We're so grateful, Shiina-san. Without you, we'd be lost." The heartfelt thanks of the two girls filled Shiina with deep satisfaction.
Meeting Yukio had changed everything for her.
Even someone like her could now befriend others in the class! From primary school to the present, Shiina, who never had friends, was now able to interact confidently and make friends.
She even took the initiative to invite some girls out for shopping and chatting in cafés, something unimaginable for her in the past, but now a reality, not just a dream.
As these thoughts crossed her mind, Shiina turned her head gracefully, her long light blue hair tracing a beautiful arc in the air, as if seeking something, someone incredibly important to her.
Without that person, her current small yet genuine happiness wouldn't exist.
But when Shiina's gaze turned to Yukio's usual spot, she was unexpectedly met with his absence.
In that moment, Shiina felt a slight loss, as if a small part of her heart had suddenly emptied, an awkward and uncomfortable feeling she didn't like...
"Here." Just then, as she lowered her head, a can of hot coffee suddenly entered her limited field of vision.
Recognizing the familiar voice and the refreshing scent of sunshine close at hand, Shiina looked up in surprise and saw Yukio's smiling face.
"Don't just stand there. This is a reward for your hard work in tutoring."
Shiina joyfully accepted the coffee, whispering a soft thank you. As she watched Yukio go to deliver coffee to Kaneda, she sneakily lifted the can and took a small sip.
Like a cute little hamster, she squinted her eyes in delight. So sweet~! So delicious~!
In the distance, Kaneda's complaint could be heard: "Yukio, please, I really can't stand sweet coffee!"
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