Before Furry

Chapter 6

Warning: The previous warning still applies in this chapter.

***

"Kevin, let me say it again. You need to pay attention to your studies if you want to improve your grades."

Mrs. Morrison, my homeroom teacher, and also my math teacher sat on the chair with legs crossed. The pinnipedia stared at me that stood in front of her while looking down.

Right now I was in the teacher's room, having been called for whatever reason. The room looked clean and neat as always. Some of the teachers were sorting their paperwork, while there was one that was busy receiving a telephone.

"Are you listening to me?" She asked while folded her arms. "You need to put in more effort, at least like you did in the first year. What happened to you this year?"

I hung my head in silence. Why should I tell her? There was no use anyway.

I was not a bad learner you see. I could get [C] or [B-] in some subject if I tried hard. But that was impossible right now because Bronte and his lackeys kept bothering me every day.

Why did I have to end in the same class as them this year? Why did he have to pick me as his plaything? Why did I have to get through all of this?

This was so frustrating.

She tapped her fingers on her arm. "Originally I wanted him to help you study, but since he is busy with his preparation for the competition right now you need to wait."

"Him?" I asked.

"Troylen Roberson, your classmate." She adjusted her glasses. "I'm sure a bright student like him is the right person to help you."

Hearing the familiar name, my ears perked up. Did she just say the name of the class president?

"He is currently busy preparing himself. When he is done with the competition I will arrange for you two to study together."

My tail wagged a little. Perhaps our homeroom teacher was not that bad.

***

I walked back to my classroom with light steps. I couldn't believe I had the opportunity to study together with the class president, a person I have always admired.

He always seems to be alone. Nobody ever deliberately approaches him because he always looks busy reading and studying. Our classmates feared that we would just disturb the pride of our school. He looked like someone who had no interest in making friends anyway.

But there was a chance that that was not true. The experience with Rannier had already taught me not to judge a book by its cover. Even though he was the ace of the basketball club who was admired by everyone, his life wasn't all about basketball. He had his own hobbies and preferences, and he also had an unexpected side too.

Who knows? Maybe he also felt lonely like me. Maybe he wanted to have friends but didn't know how.

I wonder if we could talk casually like normal people do and open up to each other. I would have a chance when we studied together, and when the time comes, I hoped I could become friends with him like Rannier, then the three of us could walk home together after school like others did.

As I was deep in thought, suddenly a voice came over the intercom.

"Announced to Kevin Atkins from class 7B, please go to the principal office. The principal wishes to see you. I repeat. Announced to Kevin Atkins from class 7B, please go to the principal office. The principal wishes to see you."