Chapter 6: Unlikely Connection

(So this scenario is after the first chapter when Akira goes to sleep in his dorm so the first chapter is in February 6 then this chapter is in February 7 . The chapters 2-5 are for world building and plot mostly but my writing style is like that I may include a detailed clarification of a characters past or a event in random chapters. Sorry if you got confused) 

(Year:2058 ,Month: February, day:7)

(The context here is that Akiyama and Akira are roommates.)

Akira Ryu lay in his dorm room, staring lazily at the ceiling. The hum of the academy's infrastructure was ever present and strangely soothing to him a background noise to the thoughts in his head. He shifted slightly in bed and tried to get comfortable; as this place wasn't built for relaxation after all.

In his mind, he ran through the layout of the academy:" Dormitory Blocks, Central Courtyard, Training Grounds, Academic Complex. All designed to train and hone students into obedient tools for the system."

The door to the dorm creaked open, and Akira's thoughts were interrupted by the familiar sound of footsteps entering. Without looking up, he knew exactly who it was.

"Akiyama," Akira grumbled, not even bothering to turn his head as the young economist came in, still with his assumption of self-assurance.

"Still awake?" Akiyama's voice had that tired edge to it, like he hadn't had a good night's sleep in weeks. He dropped his bag onto the floor with the deliberate care of someone trying to prove they were too cool for this place.

"I sleep just fine," Akira replied, eyes still on the ceiling. "It's just that my mind refuses to cooperate."

"Uh-huh." Akiyama raised an eyebrow and slowly walked over to Akira's bed, eyeing the minimalistic room." You really need to stop pretending you're some kind of misunderstood genius. Just admit it—you're too lazy to do anything."

Akira burst out laughing. "Says the guy who spends his entire day buried in spreadsheets and economic reports. Do you even know what real sleep is, Akiyama?"

Akiyama shrugged and collapsed onto his bed with a melodramatic sigh. "You know, I've been thinking about something," he said, his voice taking on that calculative tone of his.

"Yeah? What's that?" Akira asked, still staring up at the ceiling.

Akiyama grinned. "I could help you out with your homework. For a price."

Akira turned his head slowly, raising an eyebrow. "What?"

"Look, I'm swamped with all this extra reading they're assigning us," Akiyama went on, as if this was the most natural thing in the world. "And you. well, you barely open a textbook. I'm sure I could knock out your assignments for you while you focus on whatever ridiculous plan you've got cooking."

Akira blinked, his expression slowly shifting from surprise to amusement. "You want to do my homework? For money?"

Akiyama's grin spread further. "Exactly. I'll take care of the homework, you take care of my… how should I put this… 'essential expenses."

Akira sat up in bed, his voice thick with sarcasm. "So, let me get this straight. You're offering to do my work for me. for money?

Yeah. Pretty cut and dried, if you ask me." Akiyama slouched back against the wall, crossing his arms behind his head. "I save time, you save work. Everybody happy."

Akira chuckled. "You're one of a kind, Akiyama. Only you would try to sell cheating as if it were a business deal.

Akiyama said, easing himself up onto his elbow, looking down at Akira mock-serious, "I am not cheating; I am facilitating your education. You cannot really put a price on this sort of service." "Oh, I see, so it isn't just because you're nice? Akira replied with a smirk.

Of course not," Akiyama said, grinning. "I'm no saint. But I'll make sure you get a top-grade performance. For the right fee, of course."

Akira shook his head, laughing. "I don't know whether to be impressed or horrified by your shamelessness."

Akiyama just shrugged. "Impressed, of course. I'm a professional, after all."

"Right," Akira said, still chuckling." I guess it's a deal then. But you better not slack off, or I'll be demanding a refund."

Akiyama raised his hand in mock solemnity." You'll get exactly what you paid for, Ryu. Trust me."

Akira smiled wryly. "I guess I'll get to work on. not working, then. Thanks, Akiyama."

"No problem," Akiyama said, lying back down, totally unbothered. "You can pay me later. I'll start with the math assignment. It's the easiest, but I'll make it look complicated enough for you to not get caught. Just don't tell anyone where you got your answers from."

"I won't if you don't," Akira replied, leaning back in his bed and closing his eyes, feeling a strange sense of satisfaction.

This was Akira's way of playing, and if Akiyama wanted to join him as an unwitting accomplice-or more like a temporary underling-so much the better. At least this was despite from his dull school work.

The night wore on with silent due, both working their way in their fashion Akiyama, the tireless schemer; Akira, the manipulator. Neither of them put any trust in the other, and neither could deny their requirement of the other.