No More Stripes (Beastars)

Oh God, the Test

Aoba sniffed around, nostrils flaring up.

"Hey, Bill?"

"Yeah?"

"You smell... stronger than usual. Did you do any—"

"I didn't do anything. Just focus, man."

Pina scoffed. "You sure? It smells like you jac—"

"Focus."

"On what? The road?" Pina threw his arms forward. "We're walking in a straight line!."

Bill grunted, keeping his gaze straight. "Don't care, just focus."

The school building grew closer as they walked. Pina's words rang true; they didn't need to focus on the road. The only things in their way were fellow students. Some were busy reviewing their notes for the last time, some chatting with their buds, others doing whatever else students do on their way to doing exams.

"Even our leader gets nervous on the big day, huh?" said Pina.

Bill sighed, dragging his palm across his face. "It's just... I'm nervous we'll fail. I know everybody got a good grasp on it, but the feeling's still there."

"I've never seen you like this before." Aoba placed his hand on the tiger's shoulder. "You gonna be alright?"

"I'll be fine. Just nerves getting the better of me."

"We can tell," Pina said.

Aoba chuckled. "Guess it's a sign you really care about us."

"Ugh, stop poking at me. I have enough to deal with without you two fucking with me."

Pina smirked. "No promises."

Bill's phone buzzed in his pocket. As he fished it out, his face brightened as he realized who the message was from

Jack: Hey

Jack: Sorry I can't meet you, teacher called me in for some help

Bill: Wow, leaving me in the dust

Jack: Don't pout! I'm feeling the same here ~_~

Bill: Eh, not your fault the teacher doesn't have three hands

Jack: But alas, Mr. Anderson only has two

Pina peeked over his shoulder. He smirked as soon as he got a view of the phone's screen. "Jack?" he asked. Bill simply nodded and returned his attention to his phone.. "You know, it's odd the only times I've seen you smile like that is when you're texting him."

"So?" Bill shrugged him off. "A guy can't smile when texting a good friend, I guess."

"Damn, I'm not even a good friend then..."

"Oh, shut your trap."

His phone buzzed again.

Jack: Anyways, good luck :3

Jack: We've studied so much, I'm sure your head's full by now. We'll make it through!

Bill: You think my head's full just from that?

Jack: Yeah ;p

Bill: Wow

Bill: I have much more room to grow, thank you very much

Jack: You sure?

Bill: Very

Bill: And thanks. Good luck to you too, man