sidelines then skateparks (sk8 the infinity x male oc)

chapter 13

Nerine sat across from Nori at the library table, textbooks and notes spread out between them. Nori frowned in frustration as she attempted to solve a math problem.

"I just don't get it," Nori muttered, tapping her pen on the paper. "I've been stuck on this question for hours. My dad's gonna kill me if I fail my next test."

Nerine leaned in closer to take a look at the problem. "Let's see," he said, scanning the page. "Why are you struggling?"

Nori pointed to a part of the equation. "I don't understand how to simplify this fraction."

Nerine nodded. "F-First you need to find a common denominator for the two fractions in the numerator..."

As Nerine spoke, Nori's eyes widened in comprehension. "Oh! I see it now!" she exclaimed. "Thank you so much, Nerine!" She started writing down the first parts of the equation, then did the rest, ultimately solving it.

"No problem." Nerine sighed out. He felt a pound from behind his eyes, and held back a groan. "Let's... move on to the n-next question."

As the minutes passed, the two worked steadily through their homework, with Nerine patiently explaining concepts and Nori soaking up the knowledge. By the time they were finished, Nori felt much more confident in her abilities and thanked Nerine profusely for his help.

"I couldn't have done it without you," Nori said, beaming. "I'm really glad we're friends."

Nerine stood up. "Glad I could... help. Let me know if you need anything else."

Nori nodded, gathering up her books. "I definitely will. Thanks again, Nerine." she said and left the library.

Once she was out of the sight Nerine groaned, slumping forward in his seat resting his head on his arms on the table.

Don't get him wrong, he had no problem tutoring Nori, very sweet girl, but it was just his headaches. Every stump Nori seemed to come across made Nerine's head pound more, knowing he would have to explain it all over again.

As he was sitting there, trying to ignore the throbbing pain that spread throughout his head, his phone started to ring. He fumbled through his bag to find it, hoping it wasn't an urgent call. When he finally found it, he saw that it was his mom calling.

Nerine sighed as he answered the phone. "Hi," he said, trying to keep his voice even.

"Hi, angel," his mom replied. "How was it?" she asked, referring to the tutoring session.

"Mm, 's fine."

"Oh, what was that for?" Nanako asked, furrowing her eyebrows. "Do you have another headache?"

Nerine shook his head, even though his mom couldn't see him. "... N-No," he lied. "Just tired."

"I don't know whether or not I should believe you." Nanako said with a sympathetic frown. "Maybe you should come come home and rest," she suggested. "I can come pick you up if you want."

Nerine hesitated. He didn't want to leave school early and miss any important classes or assignments, or leave Reki and Langa without saying anything. But the pain in his head was becoming unbearable.

"I-I don't know," he said. "I'll tough it out."

"So you do have a headache. Nerine, you don't have to push yourself so hard. Why don't you come home and take a nap? I'll pick up some new medicine and something to eat."

Nerine thought about it for a moment. "Okay," he finally agreed.

"I'll be there in about half an hour. Just wait for me outside."