Ablaze

Seven

Ashling's POV

It's been almost a month since I've stopped training, and my doctor's appointment is coming up in a few days.

I've been going to the healing springs almost everyday, and I'm just praying that they actually worked.

Kaen hasn't said much to me at all, this past month. And anything he has said to me was in his cold and hostile tone. I only really see him in class, and very rarely in the hallways.

He sat with us at lunch a couple of times, but even then he doesn't say anything to me. It does suck, because I thought we could become friends... but I guess not. He even talks to Akita and Ziva more than he talks to me. I know he's known them longer and they were already friends... but still.

I don't know why it even bothers me so much.

"Okay, you guys. Here are your test results from the other day." Mr. Asano says as he passes out our tests.

The one good thing about not being able to train is that I've had more time to study, so I've had nothing but straight A's. I've always been pretty smart, but this is the best I've ever done in school.

"Some of you did amazing, but the rest of you... not so much." He continues handing out the tests.

"A+ again for you, Ms. Ninomae. You're a rockstar, keep it up." I smile as I receive my test back, but then over hear what he says to Kaen.

"Kaen... I don't know what's up with you lately but you gotta pick it up."

I glance over at his test, and see that he got an F.

"Whatever." He grunts.

The bell rings, signifying that class is over.

"Ash, Kaen— hold back for a minute."

Oh, great.

Everyone else leaves the room, leaving just the three of us. "Look, Kaen, I'm just gonna come out and say it— your grades suck. You've barely been turning any work in and you've failed almost every test we've had."

"I don't care."

"Kaen—"

"Why is she here, too? I know she didn't fail— you gloat about her after every test we take. It's annoying. Sorry we can't all be like Miss Perfect over here."

Far from perfect, Kaen.

"Don't be a jerk, Kaen." Mr. Asano rolls his eyes, "Anyway, she's here because I was going to ask her to tutor you."

"What?" We say in unison.

"Wow, did you guys plan that?"

"Seriously? A tutor?" Kaen snaps.

"Yeah, seriously. You need to get your act together."

"Umm... Mr. Asano... why did you pick me of all people?"

"Easy— you're the top student out of all my classes."

"Wow, really?"

Kaen scoffs, "I don't need a tutor."

"It's not optional, Kaen. If you don't pass this semester you're going to fail my class, and you won't be graduating."

"Shit." He pauses, then looks back and forth between Mr. Asano and me. "Does it really have to be her?"

"Gee, thanks."

"Be nice, Kae. And yes, she's the only one who can help you, so stop complaining now. I don't care where you two plan to study, but I suggest you start over Christmas break. This one's gonna need a lot of help." He says while pointing at Kaen.