The homework

Kei's POV

'At last, the time when we had to turn in the homework came'

Huh. Today we'll have to read the book in class. Why do we have to do something like this in high school? This should be an activity done in elementary school. At least from how they described it. It'll be embarrassing and somebody will become the class' laughing stock for sure. Let's hope to not become the victim. Anyway, I've heard that in our highschool there's extreme competition even in the cultural festival, although only to get second place in the year. My big siblings are acing it, and I heard some boys say that they wanted to win to sit next to Chiyo-nee. It's kinda annoying. Completely changing topic, I feel weird being brought to school by mom, and it's almost time to ask her to leave me. If I'm seen going with these two celebrities, I'll definitely be bombarded with questions. "Mo~m, I'll keep going on my own from he~re""What are you on about?""I told you yesterday, I want to go on foot from this point on""Oh, I thought you were joking. You were going on foot 'till yesterday, then I offered to bring you to school with your siblings, and you accepted. Why if you were just gonna ask me to drop you here? Okay, today I'll let you, but when we're home we're going to chat a little bit, oka~y, my dear cute little child?". Oh no. She's mad. She's emphasising those weird names. Ok, I kind of expected it, but at least I could walk less and avoid unpleasant gazes, so~, the benefits are more! I hope. Mmh. Lately I've been feeling like my relationship with my big brother has been improving (though the roles are reversed) but now he's glaring at me. He isn't that bad, there's probably a reason, but I'm in a hurry. Well, see you later brother. And wow Chiyo-nee, I might be treating him a bit like a child but you are overdoing it. Where did that cup of milk even come from? Better not ask some questions. "See you later""See you later, and remember, you're on foot". Yeah. Thanks.

'Later, when homeroom was starting, Alex arrived. He was almost late. Then the teacher said "First group, come here" and as everybody read their book (Around ten pages each), time passed and our turn came.'

"I'll read it!". Wow, Alex, I keep wondering if you're brave or crazy. "Tch". Tanaka's just blatantly clicked her tongue. She definitely wanted Daisuke to read. Can't you be any more shameless? And Daisuke is looking away. I bet our classmates think this is a comedy show. Shizu-chan is the only one who looks clearly interested. Thanks, you're as kind as ever. Ups, I ended up smiling, it's better to keep my composure here. Half the class is laughing. Teacher, do something! "Ahem. I'll start reading then! It was December, and the snow was falling slowly from the sky..." Nngh. It's so embarrassing!!! Why did they have to push the writing part onto me? And why did I accept? The more he reads the redder I feel. Oh? The class has gone silent? What? This is unusual. Daisuke and Tanaka are widening their eyes too. Oh, it's true, because we were short on time (for someone's fault) they couldn't read it beforehand. Which means, if it goes badly I won't even have the excuse 'they said it was fine'! Please, work!

'Then Alex finished reading and we went back to our seats. We were the last group, so the teacher gave everybody a five minutes break.'

They're gossiping about it, aren't they? I need to hear! "Hey, that last book, don't you think it was a pity that the disaster read it?" Why am I listening to Alex's verbal bullies? The same guys I eavesd- heard last time! I should just listen to someone else. "Yeah, it was crazy, wasn't it? If it wasn't for that guy, we would have even tasted a parfait. I've never eaten one". What are they saying? But come to think of it, I was hungry while I was writing, and I might have written an accurate description of the parfait I wanted to eat. It happened almost subconsciously. "Yeah, but truly, what was up with their get up at first. Daisuke was evidently trying to avoid eye contact. He's too nice, going around with them". We're back to the same conversation as last time, seriously?! I remember seeing Yuki putting some tape on Aoki's mouth when he wouldn't stop bothering her about lending him a book, maybe that can work. No, wait, I feel like my thoughts are going in a weird direction. Am I being influenced? "Earth to Kei. Were you eavesdropping someone?" Ah. busted. Wait, no, Daisuke, you're wrong! I was just listening. "Ehh, what are you talking about?""Kei, you face went from determination to curiosity to perplexity to disgust to lost in thought to an unreadable, scary face in a minute. Just what were you doing if not eavesdropping?""Yeah, the last one was scary, though not as scary as the other time". Wait, Alex, I'm grateful that you changed topic, but what do you mean scary? Now I need to change topic again. "Kei-kun, you did a great job!". Shizu-chan, I know I keep thinking this, but you're the best. But why were you blushing earlier? Oh, well. "Thanks, Shizu-chan, though I just wrote, nothing more""I knew it! Well, as expected of you. Did you want to eat a chocolate parfait?" She read through it. "Ahah, I was a bit hungry""It's a bit of a pity that you didn't read, though I probably would have fainted""Ahh. Wait, what? Why?""For the sugar?""Eh?". Sugar, what is she on about? And I feel like Daisuke and Alex are staring at us. And not just them. Ah, right, I almost forgot that Shizu-chan is popular. I'd better be careful.

'Then time kept passing, and that Monday almost came to an end. Except for cram school.'