His Equal

Sleepless Nights

I was in my room, finishing up my math work that was going to be turned in for tomorrow. I just needed to finish this up before I head to bed, then I'd be good for tomorrow. I just couldn't focus for some reason, which honestly sucked. I don't even know why I'm struggling so much right now, it's like my mind wanted me to do anything else besides math homework.

But I need to get this done before tomorrow, otherwise I'd have to clean up my homeroom. I sighed, rubbing my face. What could help me focus better? I thought of what would work, and the conclusion I came to was a bit concerning. I picked up my phone, dialing the number I had memorized from putting it in so many times.

"Asuka? Why are you calling so late?"

"Hey Gakushu , I just need your help with something at the moment. I've been trying to focus on my math homework, but I just can't focus for some reason. So, knowing you, I thought you would be the best option to make sure I focus so I can finish up my math homework. You know how to keep me on track."

I heard a quiet chuckle from Gakushu, and I knew that he would help me. Sure, he's a selfish guy, but when it comes to getting good grades, he makes it a point to ensure that anyone he associates with gets some of the top marks. 

"Alright, I'll do what I can. How far have you gotten?"

I picked up my pencil, while I put my phone on speaker mode so I could continue talking to Gakushu while I did my homework.

"I finished the first half, I just need to get the last problems done. What's the formula for twenty one again?"

Soon, after just having Gakushu help me focus, and remind me a couple of formulas that I may have forgotten, I finished my math homework, which caused me to sigh in relief. That is something that I needed to get finished before tomorrow.

"Thanks Gakushu, I appreciate you helping me out! Anything that I can help you with?"

"No, you already know that you never have to help me with my grades. You just stick to helping with school events, and that will make up for it."

"Alright then, I guess I should let you go then, since we both have a long day tomorrow. I'll see you tomorrow morning, alright?"

"Wait!"

"Hm, what's up?"

I heard silence for a moment, then a sigh come from the other end of the phone. 

"Would you mind just staying up with me for awhile?"

"Yeah, I don't mind, did your dad do something today?"

"No, no, no, nothing like that. I just can't seem to fall asleep."

"That would explain why you answered my call, I wasn't even sure if you would be awake at this time."

"Well, seems like it worked out for the both of us then."

"Yeah, I guess it did."

⊱ ────── {.⋅ ♫ ⋅.} ───── ⊰

I heard my alarm going off, causing me to groan into my pillow. Why couldn't it just be Saturday? Then I could sleep in. I began feeling around for my phone, when I heard a grunt, causing me to furrow my brow. 

I opened my eyes, and I didn't see anyone in my room. I looked at my phone, turning it on to see that my phone call with Gakushu didn't end. 

"Asuka? Did we both fall asleep last night?"

I yawned, grabbing my phone putting it up to my ear, where I heard the hoarse voice that belonged to Gakushu. I never heard his voice like this before, so this is definitely interesting.

"I think so. I don't even remember when I fell asleep."

"Neither do I. Might as well get ready for the day, don't forget that the party is today, and you have to take pictures as well."

"Got it. Bye bye Gakushu."

I heard a pause, and I had no idea why. I was too tired, and I can't even think right now.

"Goodbye Asuka."

I hung up the phone, falling into my pillow cuddling into. Just five more minutes, for the children who stay up all night like idiots.

⊱ ────── {.⋅ ♫ ⋅.} ───── ⊰

I was a freaking zombie by the time I arrived at school, and somehow I managed to wear matching socks. I don't even know how I managed to get here. I don't remember what happened after I ended the call with Gakushu.

"Asuka. Take this."

I turned around, and felt a circular object thrust into my hands. When I looked down, I saw that it was a cup. I took a deep drink of it, feeling the warm and bitter drink slide down my throat. This was coffee, with no sugar, or creamer. 

"Sugar. I need sugar."

I heard Gakushu sigh, then he grabbed me by my shoulder, taking me to the faculty lounge. He waltzed in, while I waited outside. He soon came back out with a packet of sugar, pouring it inside my coffee.

He mixed it in, then he arched a brow at me. I took a drink, sighing at the sweetness. I smiled at Gakushu, while he just stared at me.

"Thank you Gakushu. I don't even know how I got to school, I don't remember even getting ready. How are you even somewhat normal right now?"

"Black coffee, the bitterness helped wake me up. Think you'll be able to focus on taking photos of the party today?"

I nodded my head, taking another sip from my coffee.

"I'm just going to need two cups of coffee, then I'll be good to go. But I have to get back to my classroom, I'll see you after school, okay?"

"Alright."

I waved goodbye, drinking my coffee, waving to the other people that passed by me. I was more awake than I was a couple minutes ago, that's for sure. Thank you Gakushu Asano for getting me a cup of coffee this early in the morning. This bad boy is going to help me thrive.

I bumped into someone, and almost spilled my coffee all over them.

"Oh god, I am so sorry. I didn't get much sleep, so I wasn't paying attention. Sorry!"

"It's alright, you're one of Sakura's friends right? Teruhashi?"

I looked up to see flaming red hair, and I felt my eyes widen at what I saw. This guy was Karma Akabane, Sakura's boyfriend, and Gakushu's academic rival.

"Yeah, I'm Teruhashi. Hopefully you and Sakura are doing great, I have to get to class before the bell rings, so I'll see you around Akabane."

I walked away from him, feeling odd at the encounter. Kind of weird that he would remember my name, considering that I'm not even in the top fifty for academics, or popular. I eventually arrived at my classroom, sitting down in my seat enjoying my coffee. I smiled, looking at my cup. That was actually really sweet of Gakushu, getting me a cup of coffee for the morning.