Studying

Arata furiously ran around his house. He had to make sure that everything was in place for his planned study session with Yogi and Erina. It wasn't so much as to make sure the place was clean, but rather to ensure that no secret items were scattered for just anyone to find.

When he had told Erina of the plan, he didn't think she could've looked happier. Maybe a little too happy, seeing as he got stuck with having this at his place. Yogi told him that it couldn't be at his house because of some renovation happening. It was too late to back out, so he had to accept.

But if Erina's reaction wasn't enough, when he told his mom about this. That was a different story. His mom was so elated that he was bring over friends. She acted all proud about it, but he believed that she wouldn't feel that way if she knew why he was doing this. It certainly wasn't for friendship reasons.

He couldn't possible allow either of them to enter his room. Well specially Yogi since Erina already knew, but it would be suspicious if only she was allowed in. For once this week, luck shone on him. Since his sister had recently left for college, that meant her room was free game for studying. Everything had finally been set up, when he heard the doorbell.

"All right, showtime." He said to himself. Preparing himself, he opened the door to greet his guests. "Hey Yogi and… Huh?" His mouth dropped to the floor when it wasn't only the pair that he was expecting. In fact, the whole gang was here.

"Hey, uh, funny story actually." Yogi nervously laughed. He explained that he mentioned their plans to Akaki, who apparently, along with Akiba that they also needed to study for a test. Erina told about this little study date to Misei and Misao. Arata assumed for gloating purposes. And thus, the planned get-together got a little bigger.

Arata was furious. He wasn't to scream and shout obscenities. A lot of them. But he kept his composure, for this was neither the time nor place for that.

"Wait, but what about you Yuriko?" Oddly she was left out of all this.

"Well I just happened to live around here and saw them walking here. I can't believe this idiot would think that I wouldn't want some help studying either." She insulted Yogi as usual.

"Really, I've never seen you around here." He asked. Of course, what she was saying was probably true. It's not like he ever explored outside his house that much.

"Well I do. So you can just back off." She got defensive. It was a little frightening to him.

"Oh I'm not saying you're lying or anything." He didn't want to make things worse, but the look on her eyes made it seem like that was not the best thing to say. "M-maybe we should just get started."

"Great, so where's your room?" Yogi asked.

"Yeah, where is it?" Erina chimed in. She obviously knew, but she was teasing him.

"Actually, we're not going to my room." They looked at him, confused. "Uh, we have another room that's a little bigger. Since, you know, because there's a lot of us here." That sounded like a good excuse. If it was just Erina and Yogi, then it'd be easier to hide his secret. Since she had a stake in keeping it that way too, for now. With all these people though, that was a bit harder, to say the least.

"Oh my, I didn't realize you were having so many friends over." His mom walked by. Other than pretty much everyone not named Yogi or Erina, his mom was the last person he wanted talking right now.

"Ah, yeah. I guess this is a bit more than what I said." He wanted her to go off and do something else. This was getting sad for him. "Here, I'll show you guys where we're studying at." He pointed them over to his sister's old room. However, before entering himself, his mom grabbed his attention for a bit.

"Oh I'm so proud of you." He didn't think it was so special, mostly because this not from his doing. "Oh and those girls are cute, aren't they."

"Mom." He replied aggravated. "Please don't tease me like that." Sure, pretty much all the girls were pretty. Not that it mattered to him, someone else had their attention. "And can you please not disturb us while we're studying." He begged her.

"Oh of course, you won't hear a peep out of me." She went back into her own room. He hoped for a while, but he wasn't going to be optimistic.

"All right, I guess we can get started." He wasn't really sure what the others would need. They were in different classes, in fact thinking about it. They probably lied about going because they heard that Erina was going to be alone with him. If that's the case, it's time to get to work then.

Of course at the same time, being right next to his room filled him with more stress than what he felt when he met Erina. He had to keep it together, this wasn't the time to be panicking. As of recently, it doesn't seem like it was the right time for anything. But it seemed like Akaki thought this was the right time to make his move.

"Hey, Yogi, maybe you can help me and Akiba with our math homework?" Doing nothing was going to be a bad idea, thankfully Arata had the right move to make here.

"Actually, I can help with that." The two stared back at him, confused. "I'm pretty good with math, so maybe it's better that I help."

"Oh yeah, he's much better at math than me. Thanks Arata." Getting Yogi to side with him on this was nice. Lucky for him that the kid wasn't a whiz at pretty much any subject.

"Also, by the way. Our test is mostly on history. I think that Erina can help you on that. I've heard she's pretty good on the subject." Was that true? Probably not. It was just another move in this chess match.

"I'm also knowledgeable in that subject." Misei made her own move. "Perhaps I can help as well."

"Actually, if that's the case. Then maybe you can help me with that." He cut in. "I'm taking that same test, so some help would be very nice." If he could occupy them as much as he could, then his plan could go about as well as it could get.

"S-sure." He said, that hint of irritation was not lost on him. She moved over to him, but it looked like Misao went towards Yogi and Erina. He figured this was about the best he could do. Thankfully, it looked like Yuriko wasn't going to speak up, either out of shyness or pride.

This was working out so far, but how long could he keep this up. It felt strange to him to be working with these people. Normally, he'd never dream of asking Misei Jingu, the school president for help with studying of all things.

Actually, thinking about it now. Anytime he ever saw her at school was from afar. Sitting beside her, they were really close. He never paid attention to her appearance, but right now, that was all he could focus on.

Her long straightened hair, with bangs cut perfectly above her forehead. If her haircut didn't show how mature she'd gotten in school her outfit definitely did. Her tight pants, along with her white blouse. He wouldn't blame anyone if they thought she was a college student.

"Are you paying attention?" Her question broke him out of his trance.

"Huh?"

"Akiba just asked you a question."

"Oh, sorry I guess I didn't hear you." He cursed himself. Getting distracted like that embarrassing. "So that's the problem you need help on?" He turned his attention to the other student, when a knock at the door grabbed it back. He got up to check it, knowing it was his mom. "Mom, I thought I told you..."

"Oh, but I was just wondering if any of your friends would like some refreshments."

"Hmm, good point." Well if it was for this, he didn't mind. "Hey does anyone want some treats? Maybe some tea to drink?" They answered in approval, seemed simple enough. "Yeah sure mom, I guess we can..."

"Well go get it yourself. I can't do everything for you."

"What?" But you asked." She left him without answering anymore questions. There's no way he could get everything for everyone here on his own. She must've known that, trying to get him to ask friend, preferably a girl, to help. Well, not gonna waste this opportunity, he thought.

But who should he pick? Two seemed to be the most reasonable he could take without it seeming odd. It would be simple to take a couple of girls from the harem, but those helpers though. But if he took girl and supporter, then no one would stop that.

"Shinshiro, Miyatani, could you two help me grab some things from the kitchen." They replied positively, seeing as rejecting would make any sense on their end. Thus, he led them to the kitchen.

"I can start on the tea, if you'd like." Akiba asked. He let her, figuring that she must be pretty good if she's offering. Leaving her to the pot, he took Akaki to grab some snacks. Arata's family kept treats such as cookies and chocolate in the living room. This was because he usually took care of many kids during Saturday, another job he held on to to fuel his hobby.

So far, they didn't seem against him, not like Misei was earlier. Probably trying to keep up appearances he believed. Still though, not talking felt even worse for him. He'd rather they insult him then keep this awkward silence.

"It's pretty nice that you're helping Yogi with school." It was Akaki to break the quietness that filled the room. "I was a little worried, since Akiba and myself weren't in the same class this year."

"Oh yeah, well he's a pretty nice guy and all." He responded. Glad they were at least talking, but this conversation was going to veer away from what he was hoping for.

"But I know that your intentions are so pure."

"What are you talking about." He tried to play dumb, but there was no fooling anyone.

"We all know what you're doing. You're supporting Erina, right?"

"Fine, I guess you got me. What are you going to do about it?"

"Nothing, of course." That response wasn't what he was expecting, was Akaki not going to expose him. "It's not like I don't know about Misai either, and I haven't told Yogi about that. It's be hypocritical of me, wouldn't it?"

"Right, because you're supporting Shinshiro. I guess that makes us rivals in a sense."

"Correct. I guess that's fine though. So you must support her because you love her too."

"Oh no." He was getting tired of this accusation. The thought was irritating to him. "Love? I don't even like her. I think you misunderstand my intentions. Wait a second..." What Akaki just said, there was something important in it. "Did you say, too? Are you supporting Shinshiro because of your feelings."

"What? Th-that's not what we're t-talking about." That reaction was all he needed to confirm his gut feeling.

"You are, aren't you. You're in love with her." So what he originally thought was simply helping a friend, was because of love? Before having the chance to say anything else, Akaki covered his mouth.

"Be quiet, don't say it so loud." This was a revelation, the others probably don't know. It'd definitely complicate things for him if this got out.

"Okay, fine. You're secret's safe with me." Arata told him, getting the chance to calm down, Akaki backed off.

"Really, that easy?" he was surprised at the lack of blackmail coming from Arata.

"We all have secrets, myself included. Your secret is yours to tell. It's not my business to reveal that to anyone." It seemed that the other believed him. Thankfully, because he didn't feel like trying to convince someone of the truth for once. "Here, just grab this box here. I'll just go check on Shinshiro."

"What, why?"

"Well to make sure she doesn't burn the kitchen down. It is mine after all." He chuckled. Leaving the boy to handle what the task given to him, he walked back to the kitchen to make sure things were still fine.

"Oh, hello Kashimura." She greeted him very formally. Scanning the room, seemed everything was still where it should be. It looked like she already poured a cup, it say on the counter beside the stove. "I already poured one for you."

"Oh thanks." He wasn't going to drink it yet, he didn't want it to burn his tongue.

So this was the girl that Yogi grew up with. Along with Akaki, seemed those three were always together. It certainly felt that way during their last year. He didn't want to speak up, but for some reason she always sat on his table without asking. Though, as a person, Arata was pretty easy to ignore.

At school, she looked like some average girl to him. Her brown hair, with one side slightly longer than the other, made her not stand out from other girls. He never knew what she wore casually, but it was as simple as her school outfit. A yellow dress, with no other features to speak of.

"You know, you're pretty good at brewing tea." He didn't want to get lost in thought this time. It'd be much weirder with only one girl with him.

"Yes, my mom taught me actually."

"Really? That's pretty cool. I'm hope the others like it then. I know Yogi will."

"Why do you say that?" He thought that was an odd question.

"Um, because he loves tea. At least that's what he told me."

"Really?" Her demeanor seemed to change before his eyes. Instead of that welcoming smile, she seemed to acting as if she was interrogating him. "And when was that."

"I don't know when, but he mentioned it to me during class one day."

"Oh, okay. That's fine." Her grip on the spoon she was holding tightened. He was pretty sure she didn't say anything wrong, did he? "Well I'm done now. Maybe we should bring this back to the others."

"Yeah sure." Before he went to grab some cups. He decided that it was a good time to take a sip of tea. He lifted it up to his lips, but that was when he felt a push from behind. This caused him to lose balance, and knock the tea all over his shirt.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry." Akiba had knocked into him. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah I'm fine. It's not that hot." It was pretty hot, but fortunately not enough to burn him. So not a big deal, it was just an accident. Or did she do that on purpose. That thought briefly crossed his mind before he waved it away. Surely she wouldn't do that to him.

"That won't leave a stain, will it?"

"I doubt it, but I definitely need to change." They rejoined Akaki and returned back to the room. "Hey sorry guys, We just had a little accident in the kitchen, so I'll be right back." He hoped that Erina wouldn't get to mad at him. Quickly grabbing a shirt from his room, he went into the bathroom to change and leave the dirty clothes in the hamper.

He took a moment to relax. It was only a simple studying session, but it drained him of so much already. This was probably the least fun thing he's ever done in his life. Sadly, it was far from over. Opening the door, he was greeted with Misei and Misao.

"Oh President, Vice President. Um, sorry for making you wait. Here, go ahead and..." But before he had the chance to allow them into the bathroom. Misei shoved him back in, pushing herself in, and shutting the door. Misao, on the other hand, stayed out. Guarding the entrance.

For what felt like forever, she gave him a stare that would bring down Satan. But this was one pointed at him, as if he had just committed a heinous crime.

"I don't know why you're doing this, but we all know your game." Very direct. He wanted go hide, but stuck in this room. There was nowhere to go.

"An-and what are you go-going to do-do about that." He couldn't stop himself from stammering if he wanted to. It felt as if he was about to be killed in this very instant.

"Nothing, but I have no clue why'd you off all people want to help her of all people."

"Well I'd prefer not to fully explain why. But if I said that I wasn't all in on it, would that make it better?" She released him from her grip, he slunk down to the ground in relief.

"A little..."

"Okay. Good." He spoke, breathing heavily from the fright of his life. "I think this was a bit much for some guy you like."

"L-like?"

"Well yeah. You love Yogi, right?"

"Well, uh, I." All of a sudden, the voice that spoke so directly was gone. Replaced by a bumbling mess.

"Don't try to deny it." He regained his feet. "Erina already told me. Plus it was kind of obvious with Shitara's actions."

"So what if I do, there's nothing wrong with it."

"I wasn't saying there was?" The way she responded to him was odd. Was she embarrassed? There's no reason to be embarrassed about love, he was certain that it was fine to be in love. Then again, her reputation at school. People talked about her as some cold fox. A mature lady, so was she worried about being viewed as immature because of some crush.

"If you tell anyone about that. I'll, uh, make sure that your school life is hell." She threatened him. Thought he doubted she'd follow through on it.

"It's fine, I'm won't. But there's really nothing wrong with it."

'Whatever. I'm going now." It was weird seeing this side of her. Did anyone else ever have to live through this, or was this an exclusive for his life? He let her leave before him, waiting a little bit to catch his breath. It was a frightening experience after all.

He left the room, hoping to be able to get back to the rest. What he found, nearly gave him a heart attack. Yuriko was about to open the door to his room. Acting fast, he rushed her, grabbing her wrist.

"Stop." He said, a little louder than he meant to. She was petrified from the scare he just gave her. She froze, the two standing still for a short while. Once she regained her composure, she hastily ripped her arm from his hand. She turned her anger towards him.

"Geez you idiot. That's wasn't funny, you know." She scolded him.

"What are you doing trying to get into my room?"

"We were wondering where you were. Misei said that you were still in your room, after her and Misao went to check on you." Well, if her definition of check on him was to threaten him, then that must've been that.

"I was just in the bathroom, we should get back soon."

"Actually..." She started, unsure of how to approach the subject.

"What? Do you need something?" He wasn't expecting anything from her. Or more accurately, he really didn't want more from his night than what's he's gotten so far.

"What's your deal?"

"My deal?"

"I mean, why did you just decide that hanging out with us was cool. Or that you act like you've know Yogi for a long time?"

"Well I have known him for a long time." He answered. The two never met, so it was fine she was unaware that relationship. Though admittedly, it wasn't a really close one.

"S-so? I've probably known him longer than you have." She got defensive. Odd, since he wasn't attacking her. He also knew that statement wasn't true either. She stood there, pouting at him. Waiting for his response. He looked at her, taking the time to size her up.

She was the smallest of the bunch. Some might even believe her to be a middleschooler, if they didn't know better. Her jacket and skirt also looked like she hadn't grown out of them since those days either. He doubted she'd be a threat.

"I don't know, with the way our classes are, I think I'll be the one that knows him better." He joked, chuckling softly. She didn't take it as one. Her face red with rage, steam coming from her ears. Caught off guard, he took a left hook from her. Sending him into a spiral.

"Like I care about that! It's not like I care who he likes better anyway." She yelled at him. A moment passed, she didn't know what to do next. In her panic, she ran back to their study room, leaving him to slowly pick himself back up.

"I-I forgot about her tsun part. Too bad, I won't ever see that dere." He sulked. Slowly making his way back to the room.

"Oh my gosh. Are you all right?" Upon his return, Yogi saw he had seen much better days.

"Oh, I'm not feeling too well right now. I think you guys should just go home." He was exhausted. In his mind, this day just needed to end as soon as possible.

The others listened to him, gathering their things and leaving. Saying his goodbyes to them, he weakly went back to his room and plopped straight to his bed. Falling asleep in record time.

The next day, the two took their test. One did great, the other, not so much.