Checkmate

2

"...And that will be it for today's Modern Japanese. Remember to review your notes so you won't get caught like a deer in headlights when I decide that I've had enough of your slacking off and bring out a surprise test for you all. Class dismissed, go enjoy your lunch break, but make sure you're on time for mathematics." Hiratsuka-sensei's words seemed to echo in and out of my mind as I emptily stared at the blackboard, not paying attention to her as more pressing matters occupied my mind, until I was suddenly interrupted by the feeling of something hard colliding with my head.

"Ow! Hey, what was that for?" I cried out in pain and glared up angrily at the person who had dared to interrupt my thoughts, only to freeze in my tracks once my eyes met those of Hiratsuka-sensei, her face twisting into a smirk as she tapped me on the head with some rolled-up paper – gently, this time. Is that the study material for this course? Do you have no respect for this magnificent learning institution that pays your wages?

"If you continue to daydream during my class, we're going to have to have a talk, Hikigaya." Hiratsuka-sensei replied and crossed her arms under her more than ample bosom – which I was not looking at, mind you. "In all seriousness, though, you know you can come to my office at any time if you've got something troubling you." She then continued with a reassuring smile.

"Ah, no, I..." I was about to refute Hiratsuka-sensei's assumption that something was troubling me, but looking up at her confident and compassionate expression made me falter, and I had to avert my gaze from her. Damn it, sometimes her acting cool actually works. "...Thanks, sensei."

"Don't sweat it, Hikigaya. Now, you better get a move on if you want to have enough time to eat lunch – I won't have you using me as an excuse for being late to mathematics." Hiratsuka-sensei gave me another light tap on the head, then walked back to her desk at the front of the classroom to pick up whatever she had left there. It's not like I was planning on doing that anyway, though I won't deny the ingenious of that idea. I smirked to myself and glanced around the classroom as I got up.

Nearly everyone had left already, with only a handful of people left in the classroom. Tobe, Ooka and Yamato were in the midst of making their way out, while the rest of their clique (excluding Ebina, who seemed to be absent) stayed behind. Miura was talking about something or other with Hayama – quietly enough that I couldn't hear it – while simultaneously motioning for Yuigahama to leave. At least, that's what I guessed, given that the pink-haired girl began to make her way over to me, after giving Miura an awkward smile. Alone time with Hayama, huh? I wonder when she's going to open her eyes and see the real him. Not that I care that much.

"Hikki!" The pitch of Yuigahama's normally ear-shattering voice was a tad bit lower than usual as she approached me while holding a bento box in her hands. Has she finally learned that us loners have sensitive ears? No, that can't be it – it involves learning. I stifled a chuckle while Yuigahama looked at me with a confused expression, then narrowed her eyes. "Hikki? You're thinking of something mean, aren't you?" What?!

"Since when did you become a mind reader?" Yuigahama pouted at me, before proceeding to lightly punch me on the arm.

"Don't admit it, Meanie-Hikki!" The pink-haired girl continued giving my arm punches, and out of the corner of my eye, I caught Miura glancing in our direction. Okay, I know you're not putting much force into those punches, Yuigahama, but when there's many of them, it racks up in damage.

"Could you stop that, Yuigahama? I'm not fond of going out via lingchi." Yuigahama stopped at my request, then tilted her head in confusion, clearly not understanding what I had meant. "'Death by a thousand cuts'doesn't ring a bell? Never mind. What's up? Aren't you going to eat with them?" I asked and gestured towards Miura and Hayama, the latter of which noticed us and gave me a smile from the distance.