Thorns & Roses || Kyoya Ootori x Reader

Ch. 5 - Difficulties

{— ~ —}

Y/N was usually good at any subject thrown at her. However, as she stared down at the various numbers and mathematical equations, she started to doubt herself the more time went on.

Was this even math? There was no way this was the right level for her, right?

The equations seemed to foreign to her and the lingo her teacher was spouting didn't help the confusion. Y/N had already been here for a full week and she could already tell that this school was amazing, but it was obvious that their education level was way higher than she was used to.

"Alright." Ms. Fushijima brushed off her chalk dusted hands before turning to the class. "Are there any questions?"

"Uh..." Y/N's brain was fighting between raising her hand or not. Would her classmates think she's dumb if she did? They're probably used to this type of education, but would she really let herself struggle just because of what other people would think?

Y/N's hand fidgeted for a moment only for the blaring sound of the bell to cut her action short. Great. Just great.

"Is it that time already?" Ms. Fushijima glanced at the clock before facing the class once more. "Alright, please finish up the rest of the problems on your worksheet. Tomorrow we'll go over it in class, but don't use that as an excuse to not do them! I'll be cold-calling tomorrow,"

Some of the male students joked around with her before making their way out to their usual lunch spots. Quickly, Y/N joined the crowd—trying to blend in. She wanted to get out of this classroom as quickly as possible.

"Ms. Y/N, do you have a moment?"

Y/N internally cursed to herself. She turned on her heels before making her way back towards her pleasant teacher. "Y-Yep! Is there a problem Ms. Fushijima?"

"Not at all." She reassured her by reaching towards a few papers on her desk. "I just wanted to talk to you about some of the assignments you turned in."

Crap.

Scanning through the pieces of paper, Ms. Fushijima gave Y/N the contents with a nod. She took the papers only to be shocked at the amount of red marks scattered throughout the pages. Was she really struggling this much?

However, she wasn't nervous about her struggling. She was nervous about what her teacher would say. Would she think she's stupid? Would she give her a hard time because of this? What is she going to do?

"Math isn't really your strong suit, is it?"

Y/N shook her head no as the terrifying thoughts roamed her mind. "At my old school I managed to pass my classes with the work I turned in, but this all seems more..."

"Complex?"

"Y-Yeah..." Y/N rubbed the nape of her neck while avoiding her teacher's gaze.

To her surprise, Ms. Fushijima let out a light chuckle. "It's ok if you're struggling. Ouran has a higher course system since the majority of the students are going into business and marketing. But you're not, are you?"

Y/N had never thought about it before. What was she going for?

"To be honest, I'm not sure what I want to do." Y/N admitted. "I never really thought about it before."

In her mind, she was just going to work at the flower shop till she was done with high school—but what came after that? Was she planning on going to a university or pursuing a different career path?

"I wouldn't worry about it to much. There's no rush." Ms. Fushijima reassured her. "I mean, I didn't find out I wanted to be a teacher till a year or two after I graduated."

"Wait. Really?"

"Mhm. I always brushed off the idea of going to a university, but here I am. Living a dream I never knew I had." She admitted with a cheerful grin.

For just a moment, Ms. Fushijima looked at Y/N with a sense of understanding. For once Y/N didn't feel rushed. She felt understood and equal to the people around her.

"Sadly, you can't wait to take this class since it's mandatory. However, we can take this slow to make sure you understand the material."

"Are you sure that'll be ok?"

Ms. Fushijima gave you a nod of approval. "I don't see why not. Most of the students know the material already, so it won't be a big deal."

Her offer did sound enticing, however it wouldn't just affect her. It would affect everyone.

"I think I'll pass on the offer." Y/N gave her a small smile. "Thank you though."

"Are you sure?"

Y/N nodded, siding with her conclusion.

"Alright then. If you need any help though, please let me know. I would hate for you to fall behind."

"ThanksMs. Fushijima, but I'll be fine." Y/N looked at her with reassurance. "I'll see you after lunch."

The teacher's eyes watched as the classroom door shut behind her last student. Letting out a sigh, she glanced down at various other assignments to grade. Maybe she couldn't help you, but there was someone that could.

That's when it hit her. Ms. Fushijima quickly scrambled through the various paperwork before pulling one out of the stack.

Bingo.

{—~—}

The bell chimed throughout the halls as it marked the end of the school day. Students began to make their way out of the classroom planning to either go home or hang out after school.

As he placed his notebook neatly in his bag, his ears perked up at the sound of his name.

"Kyoya, may I have a word?"

The boy, Kyoya, looked up with a questioning gaze before making his way over towards the front desk. What possibly could the teacher need him for?

"Yes?"

"You remember the new student, correct? Ms. Y/N?"

Her sweet smile seemed to make itself known as it always did. He wondered how she managed to keep up this cheery attitude all day.

Kyoya nodded. "I recall her name. Why do you ask?"

Ms. Fushijima walked behind her desk before pulling out yesterday's assignment. "I need a favor."