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With summer now in swing and Mitsuri Kanroji’s birthday behind them. All of the schools in Japan were beginning to prepare for the first set of exams for the year before summer break could commence. The build up was slow once summer started. It started with teachers mentioning it every so often. Then the extra homework started coming in. After that, it was full blown lectures on the expectations and standards for the exams. Halfway through the month every student was starting to buzz about it with study groups and prep. The anxiety eating at all of them.
And Giyuu. Was not coping.
He was already barely keeping up with homework, getting it done last minute. Hell at this point he focused better on the train then he did in class at all. So to pile study homework on top of the minimum amount of time he had for homework.
It was too much.
So Giyuu simply didn't do it. Didn't even touch it. If he could, he tried not to think about it at all as it nipped at the back of his neck. People always say it's healthy to take breaks! So that's what he was going to do. He treated it like everything was fine. He rolled his eyes at every lecture. Put his head on the desk when they talked about planning things like a study timetable. And just ignored every reminder of his inevitable doom.
He just wanted to forget and move on. It made him sick.
This cycle continued through June. one by one different members at their table would be spending time in the library or somewhere quiet for lunch. They would walk off in groups to talk to teachers. Even when they were there, all they did was talk about planning and studying together.
He couldn't even bring himself to eat those days.
Soon enough, by halfway through the month. No one was at the table except himself and Muichiro Tokito of class A 1. It made him a little bitter and resentful that the kid was so smart. He could probably do his homework in seconds. But Tokito never brought up anything about school, or tests, or even homework. A lucky gifted kid.
He wasn't much of a talker at all. When he did, it would always be something to do with animals or origami. He was content with that. Because he was the only one at the table, he would walk Tokito to class. They seemed to put that whole job on him. But they still didn't seem to have any luck finding those bullies.
Giyuu found that he couldn't even have a day's rest because of one fine, warm day in Japan. The summer heat was really kicking in, causing him to itch and tingle in his own skin. They sat out under the sun. Both of them clearly regretting the choice with their black hair and pale skin. Giyuu was smart enough to take his jacket off but Muichiro chose to do no such thing.
“How come you still sit here?” The question was asked in a flat tone while he seemed to mindlessly chew on some rice. not even looking him in the eye when he asked. The weight of the question struck Giyuu right into the stomach. And like the floodgates got struck, anxiety seeped into Giyuu’s mind and stomach. He couldn't bring himself to eat. Or even touch his food now.
“W-what do you mean?” He asked, trying to hide the beads of sweat on his face. Was it from the heat or anxiety? He couldn't tell. He tried to swallow down the bile creeping up his throat, but his spit only seemed to add to it.
The first year seemed completely unaware of his panic as he spoke. His words were cold, hard, facts. And they stung. “Everyone else is busy studying. Your a third year too shouldn't you be joining them?”
…
A part of Giyuu wanted to blame it on the heat.
Maybe there was something bad in his lunch? It was left overs but his sister would never poison him. Though right now he wished she did.
Giyuu was swelling in such anger at those words glaring at the bento in front of him. He tried to calm himself, he swears he did try to calm himself. But more bitter and worse thoughts kept swelling inside of him. He didn't even notice his hands were shaking.
He slammed his bento box shut not caring how the younger teen flinched. Who was he to tell him what to do!? He didn't even care about school! He didn't care about any of this! He didn't even want to go to university! What's the point of making people into robots. All the same with no purpose in life!?
There was so much frustration, confusion and anger in his head. He just left. If Tokito didn't want anything to do with him then he’ll just leave.
This. Was. Fine.
He just walked back to class ignoring the eyes on him. Most students were eating inside under the safety of the air conditioner. So Giyuu didn't get his sweet freedom and isolation. But being away from that annoying little first year made it easier.
Like he was one to talk!! The boy doesn't do anything in class!!
He groaned, falling into his seat and pulled himself into his desk. He dumped his bag on the hook by his desk and folded his arms on the table, stuffing his face in and closing his eyes. His arms provided shelter from the light, and if he shifted to just the right position, he could cover both of his ears to muffle everything out.
He wanted to leave. He wanted to climb up that old tree and just leave the school grounds. He wanted to go to the warehouse, he wanted to go to the car park, the house in the woods, the cat art alley, the distant dock, the park on the hill…
He didn't want to be here.
He wanted to hide away in shame. He didn't want to face his sister and he knew his grandfather was going to be even angrier at him. ‘How dare you disrespect your family, you ungrateful child! You have nothing to be upset over!’ He could hear the lecture in his head now.
“Tomioka…”
His sister would be even worse. She probably wouldn't even look at him. Maybe she'll stop feeding him all together and kick him out. He does deserve it anyways.
“Tomioka.”
Where would he even go on the streets? Well he definitely knew a few places to stay. Maybe she would let him keep a blanket? No, he didn't really want it anyways, he deserved to suffer in the cold. Maybe he would get eaten alive by bugs. He could already feel them poking and nipping at his arm.
“Tomioka!”
Giyuu was smacked over the head, ripped from his thoughts as his forehead slapped on the table. Girls in their class around him were laughing at the thunk that rang out. He froze still, waiting for the giggles and mutters to quiet. When he deemed it safe for his ego, he shifted his head to look at Shinobu Kocho, standing over his desk with that same plastic fake smile she wore everywhere. A pen in her hand looking all too proud of herself. She probably drew on his arm. Nothing out of the ordinary but he didn't see why she had to talk to him. He wasn’t in the fucking mood right now.
Their eyes finally met when she opened hers from that ‘sweet innocent smile’ but quickly came to a pause. No quip, tease or insult. She just stared for a moment. She hesitated.
“Class is about to start.” She seemed to force the statement out of herself as she stood frozen.
Giyuu squinted at her in a lazy attempt at anger. He just felt way too shitty to do anything so he put his head back down and let out a hum to let her know he heard her.
From the safety of his arms, he watched the girl's feet. She seemed to stay there for a little while, before fleeing to her own chair in front of him, since he sat in the far corner of the back. He could feel Mitsuri staring him down. It only made the bile in his throat sting more.
When the teacher came in, he didn't raise his head until the lecture started. He didn't want to deal with the dirty looks. Most of the class probably hated him anyways, since he most likely brought everyone's collective grade down. He was rather known in the school after all. Much like his friends.
He kept his head up when the old man started explaining stats and a certain kind of graph that used a certain kind of formula that they had to remember but different letters meant different things and came from different areas and…
Giyuu tried to pay attention. He really, really tried. But nothing made sense. It was like he was in a completely different world, listening to an entirely different language. He could hear soft breathless chuckles distantly in his ear. When he looked out of the corner of his eye, he could see his classmate and table neighbour snickering at his demise.
This was hopeless.
Giyuu put his head down and ignored the mumbles of the teacher. He didn't get out a book when the class subject changed. He stayed like that for the rest of the day.
When the bell went, he slugged his bag over his shoulder and left ignoring Mitsuri’s, cries. He was easily lost in the crowd of people and left the school building before any of them could stop him. He just wanted to be alone and forget about this…
He will get to it eventually right?
Right?
Shinobu didn't know what to do when she saw her friend's face. As much as she loved to tease her classmate, she also considered herself his best friend. She was good at bringing him out of his shell and earned his trust like he was a stray cat. Their friendship was a little shaky sure, and she knows she has taken a joke too far once or twice. But today? She felt her stomach drop.
She didn't do anything that big either. She simply thought he was asleep, so while his jacket was off she used a purple pen to poke him a few times before drawing a small smiley face on his shoulder just under his sleeve. When he didn't respond and the teacher was about to come she called his name in hopes of waking him up. She didn't want him in trouble after all.
She just wanted a funny reaction.
She wasn't ready to see that look in his eyes. His eyes were red like he had been crying. He stared at her with such venom and squinted at her as if to show how little he cared for her. Then, he just put his head back down. Like she wasn't even there.
Giyuu Tomioka got mad, sure. He would roll his eyes and pout like a child normally. At his worst, he would look away from her or avoid her. She had never faced his venom head on, and it left her feeling like shit. She wanted to be mad at his audacity but she knew him too well. Something was WRONG.
When she finally tore away from the top of his head she sat down back in her own seat. Getting out her books when Mitsuri looked at her. “Are you ok?” Sweet, kind Mitsuri, looked so worried that Shinobu was fast in collecting herself.
“Yeah it's ok, I’m alright… I just don't think Giyuu is having a good day Though.” She explained, waving the attention off herself.
“Maybe we can talk to him after class?” Mitsuri offered, looking back at the teen who kept his head down when the teacher came in.
“Sure.” Shinobu was quick to wrap up their conversation and focus on class. They were just revising today before they moved onto the new graph and formula tomorrow. So there was no real worry for notes. Unfortunately, it only gave her time to let her mind wander.
The air was stiff around her. She could tell that only really Mitsuri could feel it, every other student oblivious to their current drama. Good. More eyes the worse. They all had enough rumours around about them.
Soon the final bell rang. Both girls were quick, trying to collect their things but Giyuu just lugged his bag onto his back and left in the wave of the crowd of those who were in a rush to get home. Mitsuri tried to run after, abandoning her half packed school bag for Shinobu to watch over. She made chase, but in a sea of at least three hundred kids. He got away pretty quickly.
Shinobu could only look as defeated as Mitsuri when the girl came back to the room. Shinobu had generously finished packing her bag for her, so they could leave together now. “No luck. He just blends in so much.” Mitsuri glared at her shoes with puffed cheeks, angry at her own failure.
Shinobu ignored the urge to make her usual jokes to simply nod. She was too worried to make fun of Mitsuri today. “He still sits with Tokito, right? Maybe our favourite little first year knows what happened.” She smiled trying to think positive.
“Oh Yeah! Besides, he's such a smart cookie, I’m sure he could help figure this out!” Mitsuri’s mood was easily picked back to its usual positive grin. That was good enough for now.
When they got outside they looked around, no sign of the others. They all went home to study. That's how it’s been for a week or so now. They were all too busy getting prepared to hang out anymore. After a few minutes of waiting there was no sign of their favourite little airhead. He normally walked out by now, zoned out or not.
“Let’s try the flower shop. Maybe he already left and we just missed him. He doesn't really have a need to stick around after all.” Mitsuri kept smiling when the other agreed to the idea. But something about this left a bitter taste in Shinobu's mouth. She had a hunch Mitsuri could feel it too.
They walked the streets together silently. Not too worried about the train since both of theirs came a bit later. Mitsuri barely spared a glance at a candy store down the street. After all, ‘friends before stomach.’ Neither of them said a word.
Not even when they came up to the cute hand loved flower store and saw a sign out front. “Closed?” Shinobu muttered furrowing her eyebrows, puzzled at such a rare sight.
“I don't think I’ve ever seen this place closed in the afternoon. This is weird.”
Ahh so she did sense it too.
“You know what. I'll try to Message them. Don't worry about it, Mitsuri. I’ll fill you in later. You head home. I’m gonna… Just go for a walk ok?”
Mitsuri was a wizard sometimes. She looked over her smaller figure for only a second, before pulling her into a hug. “Ok. I'll leave you alone to think. I know that smart head of yours will figure something out.” The gesture was appreciated, as was the warmth.
They held each other close for a moment before parting ways. Giving each other encouraging smiles before Mitsuri left for the train station. Clearly planning on taking a snack break along the way. Stress eating was a bad habit Mitsuri had.
Shinobu sighed, sitting on the store step, taking a deep breath. She simply needed to think. She sat there on the step relaxing her breathing before pulling out her phone.
Mosquito added @ Tiny Astronaut to chat.
Mosquito- Tokito, are you free? I need to ask you something.
She waited a few minutes there on that step but when nothing came through, not even a look at her message she sent another. She hated how impatient this made her feel.
Mosquito- Giyuu seemed upset today. I was just wondering if you have any idea what may have caused it?
- Message me when you can, there’s no rush.
She put her phone away back into her school bag.
She sighed into her hands, calming herself down. She was overreacting. It's fine. Maybe something happened. Maybe he was just having a rough day. She can't read minds, she shouldn’t have to take care of everyone’s mood. That's not her job. She can figure this out in time. It could just be a whole misunderstanding.
She sighed again, finally lifting her head to see a man standing in front of her. A familiar, kind face, two actually. “Oh Mr and Mrs Ubuyashiki! I'm sorry, was I in your way?” She stood up collecting herself back into a smile even if she didn't really need to.
“Oh it's quite fine Kocho. Amene just informed me that the flower shop is closed. Such a shame. I'll have to talk with Yoriichi tomorrow then. What are you doing out here in such a strange place?” He asked, smiling at her, happy to listen. His wife Amene hugged his arm at his side, but said nothing.
“Oh no it's nothing, I was just hoping I would be able to ask Tokito Something.” She explained loosely, adjusting her bag on her back.
“Muichiro Tokito?” He tilted his head, always talking so calmly, though he didn't seem to try to hide his curiosity. “So you’re one of his friends from school?” He asked.
She shouldn't have been surprised that the man knew Tokito, especially if he visited the flower shop. “Oh, yes sir. I guess I am.” There wasn't really any pride that came with it anymore, it was just a fact of life at this point.
“Well I'm glad to hear he is friends with someone as reliable as yourself. Be sure to keep an eye out for him. And whatever may be troubling you, Kocho. I’m confident you will make the right decision. There is no need to worry.” Such a sweet smile, that saw right through her matching plastic one. She wasn't surprised that the man knew something was wrong. He worked with children after all.
“Thank you sir. Your encouragement means a lot to me. However, I must be going. My train will be arriving soon.” She bowed a little before walking off with a wave. Both he and his quiet wife waved her off until she was out of sight.
Shinobu sighed, making her way to the station at a fast walking pace. Summer was here so the sun was up much longer now, though she didn't want to risk it on the trains so it was best to head home.
Still no message from Muichiro means she was going to have to try to get in contact with Giyuu herself. The universe was asking the impossible from her now.
As she waited for her train, her mind began to wander all over again. There were a few people and kids from school at the station so she wasn't in much danger.
The more she thought about what happened today, the more she started to think about what she should actually do. As much as she wanted to press and pry her friend for answers, he probably wasn't going to open up. Especially when he was in such a mood. It was Giyuu she was talking about after all.
Right now it would be smarter to let him rest. It could've just been a rough day. After all, they don't really see each other outside of class anymore. Who knows what could have happened at lunch. And that thought only made her feel even more guilty.
She sighed off those thoughts, putting her headphones in and got on the train. That was enough over thinking today. As she rode the train she hoped to let herself relax sitting on the cheap worn, plastic chairs. The music carried her all the way home to her quiet house, too big for her own good. “I’m home.” Shinobu called out into the house, listening to who was home.
“Welcome home.” Kanao greeted from the kitchen as she came out with a small ice cream cup sitting at the dining table where her own homework sat. From the safety of the dining room chair she stared at her sister, observing. “Father will be late coming home today so you will have to cook dinner. Mother will also be coming home this weekend.”
“That's good to hear. How are you going with your homework?” Shinobu asked, pulling off the cloth from under her collar, loosening it so she didn't feel like she was overheating. She made her way to the kitchen grabbing a piece of fruit while looking at what food was available in the fridge.
“It's simple.” Her little sister wasn't a big talker but she was also a lot smarter than most gave her credit for. When it came to academics she was a genius. Shinobu would call it genes but they aren't related.
She nodded, sitting down at the table eating her own food and unpacked her bag. She didn't have much homework since she did a lot of it through lunch, but she did have a bit of maths and overall study.
Both sisters organised their work neatly like they were taught years ago. The two of them stayed at the table for a while relaxing to the chill of the fan and got their work done. Shinobu got so wrapped up in work, still getting used to how much brighter he was getting. She only realised what time it was when-.
bzzt.
There was their sister with her daily 8 pm rant about university life. Shinobu opened the text reading it over with a heavy sigh.
Flower sister- Hey Shinobu! I hope you had an outstanding day! How's studying going? I'm sure you have it all under control! After all, you're pretty use to having to lecture me to work! Remember to help Kanao when she needs it! She has a bad habit of not speaking up after all. Anyways, tell Mum and Dad I said Hi! I'm gonna do my best to make sure I can come down this summer to see you!
By the time Shinobu could process the first text, the next came.
Flower sister- ANYWAYS!!! I really have to rant!!! You remember my really cool dance teacher I told you about? The traditional one? Turns out he used to live back around home near you! Isn't that weird?! We spent the lesson on dance drills so we ended up playing 21 questions and the class did NOT hold back haha!! Turns out the dye in his hair is actually completely natural! And apparently that weird guy in my class has a cute little sister in middle school.
- anyways it was just so much fun I had to get it out! Sorry if your working ^-^”
Shinobu found herself choked up at the words. She didn't know how long she was staring at her phone. But the youngest spoke up. “You should relax. I can make dinner tonight. Would it help if I played with your hair?” She asked, seeming to think on her words as she watched Shinobu like a hawk, waiting for any changes in body language that said no.
Her older sister let out a long and tired sigh, closing her phone. “Honestly, that sounds really lovely. Thank you Kanao. Here I'll get some music on the Tv and we can sit on the couch. Just make some instant Ramen tonight” As Shinobu stood up to get her hair brush and to get changed for the night. Kanao stood up aw well. Making her way to the kitchen to get the ramen packets out.
The evening for them ended in a calm atmosphere where they both got a break from the chaos and fuss from school. The sisters didn't talk much but they were close. As Kanao calmly brushed through her sister's much shorter hair. Shinobu couldn’t help but smile letting her worries leave her so she could recharge.
The next day seemed the same as always. She caught the train to school. Met up with Obanai and Mitsuri, they waited for Tokito’s train but he didn't show up so they went to school. Mitsuri got glued to her phone, spamming the missing teen for answers.
“I didn't see you online at all yesterday. What was that about?” Obanai asked, walking on the other side of Mitsuri making sure the girl didn't run into anything.
“I was having some quality time with my sister. Is that so bad?” Shinobu hummed, smiling a little more honestly as she deflected the question.
“Kocho Shinobu took a break? The world must be ending.” Obanai mused as they came to the school where the others waited.
“Oh ha, ha. Says the person who's still behind with their science homework.” She grinned when she was given a dirty look. Obanai continued to glare the rest of the way. Like he wished for the black plague to resurface and kill her alone. Tengen chuckled when they came into the school grounds.
All of them stood around talking about what they were going to work on. Asking each other for help in different subjects as more and more of them came. Sanemi even came in before the gate closed for the morning but something was off.
“Where's Giyuu?” Sanemi asked, looking over the group with a raised eyebrow looking as mildly annoyed at the mention of the teen as always. Even though he was the one to ask.
The group paused, all of them looking at Shinobu for a moment. When she looked just as worried as them, they knew something was up. “Do you think he's sick?” Mitsuri asked as they all walked into the school. There was no point being late after all.
“Unlikely. Giyuu has come to school countless times with all sorts of illnesses to keep his track record rather clear. I don't see why that would stop now.” Gyomei spoke up as they continued on through the building.
They did end up having to part ways for class, but they promised to keep talking over lunch. They all could hardly think, taking loose notes of their morning lessons. As much as they loved to poke fun and mess with Giyuu, he was really important to them. All of them, not just Shinobu.
So at lunch instead of going to the library, they came to their usual lunch tables. trying to ignore the heat on their backs and in their faces. “So he didn't show up late to class?” Obanai asked, noticing the empty spaces. There was just too much arm room for any of them to be comfortable.
“Not at all. You're all sure he wasn't online yesterday? His name wasn't on the writing bar at all?” Shinobu asked as she nibbled at her food. At this point no one really knew what to do. After all, Giyuu was just sorta like this sometimes. But never this bad.
“Didn't see him at all.” Tengen shrugged “Me and Mitsuri were up late talking about some recent drama in America after all. Not a sign of him.” Tengen shrugged as if to play it off as cool. They could all see the worry in his face as he would turn away, looking off at the distant gates of the school.
A few of them clearly just wanted to ditch to run straight to Giyuu’s house and drag him out of bed. “I think I'll visit him this afternoon. Before I head home. I’ll have to let Kanao know. Sanemi, are you working?” Shinobu asked. She was finally making a game plan for the group as she looked over to her aggressive friend who didn't look too pleased at the idea.
After a scratch of the neck, A bite of his cold leftovers and a bit of grumbling and humming. Sanemi let out a gruff noise, finally coming to a solid decision. “Yeah sure. I’ll drop you off there before I head home. I gotta talk to a teacher first so I'll meet you outside the school k?”
“Secretive as always.” Tengen made a slightly disgusted face. “So un-flamboyat.”
“My business is my business and you know it pretty boy. Keep sticking your nose where it doesn't belong and I'll make sure everyone sees those photos of you making out with your phone” The malice on his tongue was clear as the two of them glared at each other from across the table. However the tension was quickly broken when Mitsuri burst out with laughter, remembering the origin of that moment from last year. She was clearly trying to hold it back but her face was completely red.
Somehow. Like an infection, they all just started giggling. The tension of the group table easing with familiar smiles. Suddenly for just a few minutes all of them were together. It was like the exams that would determine their future no longer existed. Talking filled the table. Episodes of their favourite shows, memes, drama. They could all just smile, relax. And be kids.
Shinobu left the table early before lunch could end, to let her sister know what was happening. The rest of the class was simple, easy and calming. PE was pretty easy as well. Mitsuri, like always, stole the spotlight and they ended up just having more fun than stressing over the teachers instructions.
By the time school was over Shinobu was smiling on her phone waiting for Sanemi as kids and classmates left the building in a flood. There were no new notifications on her phone. But before Shinobu could let her mind start wandering again, Sanemi came and picked her up. Looking as unhappy as usual as they walked in an uncomfortable silence.
“S-so. How's studying going?” Sanemi asked as they walked through the streets. They could feel the heat on the their skin finally starting to cool down as the ocean breeze came, cold enough to welcome a shiver through their uniforms.
“It's been alright I guess. I have no idea if I'm on the right track for Japanese. I have the quotes memorised but I'm not really sure of how to organise them. It's a pain.” She sighed dramatically, happy to vent about her little woes if it helped ease the others tension. It seemed to work too.
“Are you kidding? Japanese is one of the easier subjects.”
“Yeah to pass maybe. I need these grades, Sanemi.”
“Look, I'll stop poking fun at you when you help me with my homework.”
“You could just say please~”
“Over my dead body!”
They glared at each other. Smiles growing on their faces as they broke out in laughter walking down to the platform. She followed Sanemi’s lead calmly.
“I take it by the amount of times you have been seeing and talking to different teachers you're falling behind again?” Shinobu asked as they came to the platform and waited.
“Yep, basically. The teacher is a dick like always but he's ya know. Trying to put in the effort to help me? It's a nice break from last year. We have been going over notes from class and things like that. Making sure I understand it. Unfortunately it also means extra homework.” Sanemi scrunched up his face while talking about his work load.
Shinobu had to cover her mouth so as not to laugh at his face. She knew he genuinely struggled academically, though he did seem to find some kind of work school life balance. They still had time to hang out too. She was proud of him. “Well I'm glad. Lets hope you can pass all your classes this year. I was thinking of making our last summer together a bang. We could go to the festival. Maybe a beach house.” She hummed watching a train pass.
“I wouldn't be able to go out to the beach because of work but the festival sounds cool. We could also hang out around the docks. Go shopping. I think I'm more looking forward to the lazy days though.”
“Such an old man~” Shinobu snorted, interrupting his own summer fantasies, smirking. Happy to get a familiar angry reaction from him.
“Shut up you witch!” He hissed trying to keep his temper under control in public. “I would hit you if I could.” He whispered his blood threats to her but she only continued to smile.
“Whatever you say grandpa. Don't worry I’m happy to have you all…” She trailed off in thought.
She couldn't have them over this summer. She couldn't stay home this summer either. She… Wasn't ready to face her sister.
“Shinobu you good? Trains here.” Sanemi had her wrist in his hand, gently pulling to the train that seemed to have just magically appeared.
“Oh sorry. I just got lost in my own head. But yeah, don't worry.” She smiled picking up where they left off as they got on the train. Making sure to stand close and not take up too much room. “I think those lazy days are the best ones too.” She finished her sentence in a more hushed voice for the other passengers. She noticed Sanemi’s much more calm smile at her words.
She chose not to think about it too much as she rode the train in silence. Both of them are much more relaxed after a long day of school.
The train ride was a bit longer but Sanemi pulled her off and they made their way out of the train station and up on the streets once again. The packed apartments filled the streets. The air felt colder now, the tall buildings blocked the sun and left small puddles in the corners and within potholes.
She knew better than to comment.
Sanemi guided her through the rather empty streets. Through the maze of apartments until they came to the much smaller older looking apartment complexes the government paid for. It looked so unkept you could probably find mold outside if you looked hard enough. People were drying their washing outside on the railing and a few kids' toys littered the edges of the car park, forgotten and worn white from the sun.
She ignored all of this to make her way up the steps but Sanemi no longer followed. His delivery mission was complete so he shoved his hands in his pockets and walked off. A silent wish of good luck was heard but none of them said a word.
Shinobu watched him leave down a different street, probably the complete opposite direction to his house. Ignoring that sting from the lack of trust, she continued the rest of the way up the stairs to the top story. It was only three levels so it wasn't that far off the ground.
She walked down the end of the small hall of houses till she came to her the little metal sign that held the inscription she was looking for.
‘Tomioka.’
With a satisfied smile, she calmly pressed the button by the door listening to the faint rhythmic ring of the electric doorbell. Such a cute, irritating sound. However, that didn't seem to summon the teen. So she rang again.
And again.
And Again.
“Tomioka, open up!” She knocked on the door, a little harder than intended. She ignored the sting on her knuckles and kept going till she heard shuffling in front of the door. After the clunky click from the door she stopped watching it be pulled open by the person she was looking for!
Giyuu stood there in the flesh, and in Pyjamas. Hair unkempt and undone. The mats of a week or two of abandonment were clear. Despite his height over the girl he stood hunched over and tired. Staring down at her with more sleep and dread than the original anger.
“What do you want Kocho.'' The usual anger was particularly venomous today but by the look on his face she could tell she had woken him up from an afternoon nap. So it was justified.
“I just came all the way out here to check on my friend and this is how you repay me? So much Attitude Tomioka.” Adding a playful pout with a hand on her hip, she could the usual eye twitch from the other. There was a pause before he walked away leaving the door open for her.
“Whatever.”
She followed him in, closing the door behind herself and undid her shoes not to be rude. Leaving her bag by the floor of the ganken. She skipped into the house making sure the teen had not fled to his genuinely gross bedroom. To her pleasure, he was in the kitchen making refreshments. It was hot chocolate, which really wasn't suited for the warm weather outside but the apartment did have a chill to it.
So she watched him make the mugs before he slid hers over and stood in the kitchen, the counter/table being the only thing that separated them. Giyuu didn't look at her, just stirring his drink with a small metal spoon. The clinging being the only real noise before Shinobu spoke up.
She had taken her seat at one of the stools watching the boy who acted like a kicked puppy. Looking away, hunching over and fiddling to avoid the inevitable. There was an urge to tease him for this behaviour but she decided to keep it formal. “So you seem to be well physically. Why didn't you come to school?” The question was simple, as she folded her hands on the table letting her drink be too cool.
“I was behind on homework so I took the day off.” He muttered looking up at her for only a moment. When their eyes met he looked down at his drink in some kind of shame.
Such a shitty excuse. “How much did you get done?” She asked leaning into her arms more. It was as if, if she lowered herself enough she could see his face. It didn't work, but it did get Giyuu to turn away. A reaction meant he was listening.
There was a mutter as the boy talked into his shoulder.
“I'm a bitch, not a witch Tomioka. I can't read your mind.” She sat up leaning into the palm of her hand, using it to hide the shit eating grin at her own joke.
Giyuu was just silent, not willing to face the facts just yet. But he knew he had to rip it off like a band-aid. “I didn't get any done.” He sighed in defeat, hunching over in front of his mug clearly exhausted as he held his head in his hands. “I sat at my desk all fucking day. I didn't even touch my phone. I had a list of what to do. Text book open, page for notes. EVERYTHING. And I just SAT THERE.” He was yelling now as he curled his head into his elbows, hands sliding into his greasy hair.
She sat there stunned, watching the boy who stayed curled into his arms. Muttering softly enough that she couldn't make out a word of what was happening. This came completely out of nowhere but the more she thought about it. The more all of these loose puzzle pieces started to click.
“School’s got you stressed?” Keeping her voice steady, she wanted to calm the other down. This was not a time to joke and tease. She knew he was genuinely upset.
There was a soft nod from the teen and she sighed. “Do you want some help with it?” She wasn't really sure how she could actually help yet, but she was willing to try.
To her surprise and annoyance. Giyuu shook his head no. “Why not?” She blinked owlishly at the top of his head.
“Because every time someone tries to help me I always end up feeling like I’m fucking stupid! I should know how to do this. I shouldn't need help for this bullshit.” He pressed his face into the cold of the counter. His yelling was luckily muffled.
Shinobu watched him. Letting him take deep breaths to calm himself down. She could only sigh, watching Giyuu mope. The struggle there was real. She can't lie with the idea she hadn't had anything like that before. When Giyuu finally started to go quiet she spoke up again. “This ‘bullshit’ is difficult, Giyuu. And there's a lot to know. It’s no surprise you're so overwhelmed. You go through this struggle every year. At least you found it early instead of right before exams this time.” She wasn't sure if her words were meant to be soothing.
Shinobu pushed herself up off her stool, navigating her way to Giyuu’s room. Ignoring the musky smell of rotting food and probably mold. She stepped over laundry and plates, cringing and muttering to herself as she came over to the work desk. Giyuu, like he said, had gotten everything out ready to work but not a word was written in his book. No real distraction in sight except for maybe a forgotten water bottle that had hardly been sipped at. She rummaged around the desk a bit before finally finding what she was looking for, tucked between pages of work.
His ‘to-do’ list.
Crumpling the paper in her hand, she made a beeline straight to the door, not wanting to stay in the foul room. It already made her feel like she was experiencing some weak form of vertigo. She came back out to see her friend thankfully calming himself down with his warm cup of hot chocolate. He sipped at it miserably like he just got told the world was about to end.
Ah yes she could always enjoy the dramatics of her cliff-faced friend.
She sat back down having a sip at her own drink enjoying the warmth before looking at the list. She stared at it down for a moment. There was a lot to work on.
“You have a good grip on English and History right?” She asked, looking up from the list. She was trying to figure out how she could spread this out for him in the span of less than a month. When she got a nod from Giyuu who just stared down, moping in his doom. She sighed.
“Alright. I know you struggle with Maths and science. I can help you with that no problem. Rengoku could help you with History and I can steal Japanese notes from Obanai if you want. Mitsuri can help you in home ed class too. As for organising your notes… Do you think you would be willing to join us at our lunch studies in the library?” She asked, putting the paper down and got up to get her pencil case from her bag. Ready to turn this to-do list into an actual plan.
“I guess. I don't think I would actually get much done.” The sting of abandonment was still a little hard to get over. But it wasn't a no. Meaning Shinobu would probably just drag him there, not a problem at all.
“I know you won't want to go to the teacher for help so going to use it is the next best thing. We don't even have to actually help you. I’m sure that they are all happy to just share notes and stuff. There is no need to worry.” She hummed letting him watch as she noted down who could help with what subject.
She then started to write what days to work on what subjects. Keeping all of the times kept in lunch. That was easily around an hour per subject. “We're going to keep your study at lunch. If you feel you're behind you can do extra at home, no pressure. Though I would say use time at home to get the usual homework done.” She explained with a hum looking over everything. The paper was a mess now but it made sense to her, the question was did it make sense to him.
She slid it over to her friend who looked over the different colour glitter pen lines. Scribbled all across his cheap black pen writing. The more he stared, and the more he thought about what Shinobu offered. The more this felt, if only slightly, more do-able. He wasn't very sure about doing things at home. But he did feel like he might be able to at least get a bit done around his friends.
“I… I think I can try. Maybe not everyday. But do-able.” Giyuu confirmed sipping his now warm drink.
“That's good. If you can at least remember enough to get a passing grade, I don't really see the problem. After all, you just want to graduate and run your own business doing woodwork right?” She asked, sipping her own drink.
The mood from when she arrived completely shifted. They just talked. They caught up. They talked about what happened in class the other day. The apology was quick and mutually understanding. They talked about what Giyuu missed in class today. What's been happening through the lunches they spent apart and a bit on what she and Sanemi talked about.
They would have kept talking till probably 4 am if they could but Shinobu had a little sister to take care of and Giyuu had to tidy the house. So they parted ways at his front door and promised to both see each other at school tomorrow.
Finally the last bit of drama before the July exams seemed to be organised and their lives could go back to their way of stressful peace as they all worked for their summer vacation. Everything was back in place where it belonged.