Swallowtail: Mariposa Radiante

An Unwelcome Change

Swallowtail:

Chapter 23: An Unwelcome Change

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History: 99

Social Studies: 96

Japanese Language Arts: 96

English: 100

Mathematics: 95

Total Score: 486

Kaikane stared at his test paper as he leaned against the vending machine, sipping his Matcha Soda. It was a score he never thought he would see. Even though his week had been tough, he had still managed to keep up with his studies. He didn't know if that was going to be his personal best or not, considering who was at the top of the list. It was something of an achievement for him, but it was a bitter one. It had been a few days since Futraou had quit being the Quintuplets Tutor, the girls weren't even aware of it and he didn't want to be the one to break the news to them.

He had been mostly keeping his head down, and dreading a phone call from Maruo Nakano. He worried how Futarou's resignation would affect his own relationship with the Quints. He had befriended them, worked hard to make sure they passed their exams and even fell in love with one. He could only hope nothing bad came of this, but since Futarou had been absent from school, he figured he had just decided to take the last few days before the closing ceremony off. After all, once Finals were over and the scores were posted, people technically didn't have to go to school. It was mostly a formality, to review everything they had learned during the term and for people to prepare for the last trimester, which would start in January. It would be the final trimester of their second year. After which, they would be officially 3rd year students.

He swished the lukewarm soda around his mouth for a moment before swallowing it, briefly glancing at the ceiling. He shook his can a bit, realizing he had already drained it of its contents. He shook the last few drops out of it, tossing it into the nearby trash can. He shoved his results into his pocket, pushing himself away from the machine, heading toward the library. "I'm sure the Quints are there reviewing their answers."

"Ahem~ Sakamoto-kun, could I speak with you for a quick second?" a smooth, yet arrogant voice called out, causing him to look over his shoulder. Standing behind him was a rather handsome young man, dressed in a long sleeved white shirt, a black tie and a matching suit vest. He wore matching navy blue slacks and polished shoes. His copper colored hair was neatly brushed. He had an air of arrogance about him, the look on his face certainly screamed it. "I hope I'm not bothering you."

"It's not like I had anything important to attend to, or anything." Kaikane said, rather sarcastically. He turned to face the young man, shoving his hands in his pockets. "What's up?"

"I wanted to introduce myself to you. My name is Yuusuke Takeda, I happen to be the headmaster's son."

"Oh... okay? I'm Kaikane Sakamoto, feel free to call me Kaikane though."

"Of course, if that is what you prefer, Kaikane-kun. I couldn't help but notice your recent school achievements. It must have been difficult to raise your grades, the last time I checked, you were in 67th place, and now you shot into the Top 2. I'm certain you gave it your all during the finals."

Kaikane gave the young man a languid blink. "Sure. I had a stressful week but I managed to study. Nothing to it, really."

"Indeed, I heard the rumors. How you and Futarou Uesugi-kun were private tutors to the Nakano Quintuplets. Seeing as their own grades improved, you must have taught them well. Especially Nino Nakano. She went from such a low score to the top 20." Takeda said, smirking a bit as he leaned back, an unnatural amount of sparkles glimmering around him. "It must be because you two are dating, correct?"