My new Neighbor's an Idol!?

Can't Catch a (Summer) Break

If there was one thing that Ishi was looking forward to the most ever since Rinse became a part of his life. It was certainly the Summer break they were about to enjoy once this school day ended. A month away from everyone was paradise to him. Even with an idol living next door, there was no reason for him to have to interact with her. His excitement was overflowing.

"You're looking pretty happy." Rinse took note of it, with mere minutes left in the school day. "I don't think I've ever seen you this upbeat."

"Ishi's just looking forward to the Summer break more than anyone else." Otoya answered for him. "Over a month of not being forced to see any of us must be like winning the lottery for him."

"More like winning 10 lotteries." Ishi spoke up. "It's kind of funny. With how late you transferred in. By the end of the break, you'll have spent more time away from the school than being at it." Rinse had only been attending this school for a couple of weeks before the break began. Though at this point she had become rather acclimated to everything this place had to offer. Especially when it came to those attending along side her.

He eyed the clock right as it was one minute away from putting his life back on the right track. The long hand ticked and the bell rang. Ishi wasn't alone in the joy of the break. The rest of their classmates also cheered in excitement now that this day was over. "All right." he said out loud. "Time to enjoy this break."

"Ishi Hirose, I'd like to speak with you before you leave for the break." That crushed the boy's hopes and dreams. He lightly slammed a fist down onto his desk. His life really was going to do this to him, wasn't it?

"Yes sir." He spoke formally as the people behind him left the classroom. "Did I do something wrong?"

"Don't worry, you're not in trouble." His teacher assured him. "The staff would like to ask a favor from you." Words like that pretty much made this a punishment to him. Since what they were going to ask of him was much worse than that. "I'm sure you're aware of a certain... 'Troubled' student in the class next to ours.

"You mean Chinae Kamagata, from class 3-2?" He had no qualms in guessing who was the subject of their conversation.

"Yes, that young lady." His teacher was being polite about her, but Ishi knew that this was the single worst person they could be talking about. "Her grades haven't been reaching the standard, and we're all worried if she'll be able to graduate at the end of the year."

"And you want me to spend my Summer break tutoring her?" It wasn't hard to figure out what they wished him to do. Of all people they wanted to ask, why did it have to be him? The boy was smart, sure. But it wasn't as if he was at the top of his class.

"Believe me, I wouldn't have suggested you if I didn't think you were up to the task. You're free to decline our request though. I promise that none of the staff would hold it against you." Even though that was what he said, Ishi knew they must've been desperate if they were going to him for aid. After all, his reputation went beyond just the chatter of the students. Since adults also were not immune to gossip.

What was so special about him anyway? All he wanted to do was spend his days idling about, maybe read some books or watching some movies. Having to tutor someone, especially that girl of all people, was going to be pure torture. However, he understood where his teacher was standing on this matter. It would be a shame if someone ended up failing and either dropping out or repeating the year.

"I'll do it." Ishi answered with a respectful bow.

"Good thing you accepted." His teacher chuckled. "I would've had to threaten your grades if you said no." He couldn't believe what he was told. There was no choice in this matter after all. "Anyway, she should be arriving here soon so you can exchange contact information to meet up during the break.