NO, THAT'S WRONG! ~~Naegami~~

Chapter 6: Now I Understand

Makoto was standing in front of Byakuya's room, clutching his textbook to his chest. Byakuya had no idea what was going on, but Naegi looked up at him with a sheepish smile on his face.

   "Hey, Togami. S-sorry to bother you this late, but I really don't get any of this homework, and you helped me out a lot with understanding this morning. I was hoping you could give me some pointers?" Byakuya felt himself turn slightly red. Naegi wanted to ask him for help? He knew what his father would say.

   "A real man takes responsibility for his own shortcomings. Asking for help shows weakness. And a Togami isn't weak."

   Byakuya didn't want to go against his what his father had taught him. But, at the same time, there was a part of him, a part of him larger than he'd like to admit, that wanted to help Makoto with his work, and sit with him at lunch, and confide in him about his troubles. That part of him was growing every day, but the only question was, was it big enough yet? And as soon as Byakuya thought that, the answer came to him clear as day.

   "Sure thing, Naegi. Come on in."

***

Makoto had only seen the inside of Togami's room once before, and that had been incredibly brief. Just thinking about how rude he'd been yesterday sent a shiver down his spine. But he couldn't think about that now. He gazed in awe around Byakuya's room. It was so neat and tidy, yet felt very lived-in. There was a pad of paper on the desk with an uncapped fountain pen on top of it. The bed was made neatly, yet had an open textbook on the pillow. On the walls, hung up, were different clocks, each with a label. Tokyo, Japan; London, England; New York, USA; Sydney, Australia. Togami noticed him staring and spoke.

   "Those clocks are for the different timezones. The Togami corporation is a worldwide operation, I have to know what time it is everywhere at all times, in case I'm needed."

   "B-but some of these are over six hours different to our timezone! How do you get any sleep at all?" Makoto asked incredulously.

   "I'm not needed for everything, you idiot. That's why I hire people to take these problems for me. These clocks are for the rare event that something so serious happens that it requires my immediate attention." he responded with his usual cavalier attitude. "Well? Are you going to stand there gawking all night? You had something to ask me, yes?"

"Ah, yes!" Makoto said, "I'm really stuck on these problems, and you helped me earlier, so I was wondering if you could help me out a bit?" Byakuya inclined his head, then looked at Makoto seriously and spoke.

   "Only if you get on your knees and beg."

   For the life of him, Makoto couldn't tell if Byakuya was joking. The guy was hard to see through. Makoto could normally read people like a book, but Togami could have been written in a different language for how well he hid his emotions. Byakuya was looking at him expectantly. Makoto, seeing no other option, decided to give in. He sighed and got down on his knees. He opened his mouth to talk but was cut off with a laugh from Togami.

   "I can't believe you actually did it! God, you are weak-willed, aren't you? I was clearly joking." There wasn't anything clear about it, Makoto thought, but didn't bring it up. He slowly stood up, face burning. "Oh, you don't have to blush about anything, Naegi. If it makes you feel any better, I appreciate your complete willingness to do exactly as I say." Byakuya was obviously immensely enjoying this, so Makoto decided to play along.