Something's Off

4. Tutor

After finding out about their new situation, Reko and Kasper have been meeting each other at lunch for their tutor sessions. They even exchanged their contacts. But during their sessions, Reko wouldn't cooperate. He wouldn't look nor listen to Kasper's lecture. And he would take frequent breaks.

December 9th, Tuesday

12:00pm

__________

In the library.

"So here you'll be doing.... Reko?"

"..."

"..Reko."

"....."

"Reko!"

"Ah- what? What are you yelling for? Jeez, my ears."

"Gosh, you're going to get us in trouble with the librarian. Look, I'm not here willingly alright? I'm here to tutor you for Mr. Carves' sake."

"Ugh, whatever. I'm taking a break."

Reko got up from their table and went upstairs. As he went upstairs, Jade was about to say something. But he gave her a cold look and continued on his way.

He was now on the school rooftop. No one was there but him. He decided to smoke one again. He took out a cig, lit it up, and smoked.

"So this is what you do on your breaks? Pft-"

"Ah- aghagh- ugh... What are you doing here?"

"I went to look for you. And Jade told me where you were. So, why?"

"Jade...d@mn it. And why what?"

"Why do you smoke? Is it to look cool? Or do you just like damaging yourself?"

"I don't smoke to look cool. I don't care about people's opinions. And- it's none of your business!"

"Hm, I see."

Kasper walked closer towards Reko.

"What-?"

Reko was startled when Kasper took his cigarette out of his hand and stomped on it.

"What's your problem!? Do you know how expensive that one cigarette was?"

"Exactly. Cigarettes are not worth risking your lungs for. Give me that."

Kasper then took Reko's pack of cigarettes, and he placed a lollipop in Reko's mouth.

"Have this instead. You're taking two weeks off of smoking."

"You! Give that back!"

"You're not taking these 'breaks' anymore. Don't even try stealing your cigarettes back from me. If you have the urge to smoke, just use these lollipops as a substitute. And if you really need a break, whether you're going to the restroom or you're going somewhere else to eat, tell me. I'll need to keep my eyes on you."

"The f*ck? I don't need you to babysit me. You're just tutoring me. That's it. Leave my privacy alone."

"No. We're doing this, with or without your consent."

"That's messed up. Why are you even doing this?"

"I... No reason...."

"B*ll$hit. Whatever... and- where'd you even get these lollipops from?"

"Jade also told me you smoked. So when you went on your breaks, I figured you were doing exactly that. But I didn't know where. Thanks to Jade, I know now. I owe her."

"That wh#re... She's such a stalker and a snitch."

"C'mon. Let's not waste anymore of our precious time."

Reko sighed, feeling like the world was even more against him when he met Kasper. Reko walked back to the library with Kasper following behind. They continued their tutoring session. This time, Reko reluctantly paid attention.

December 12th, Friday

12:45pm
__________

Ever since, Reko has been doing better in math. He and Mr. Carves took note of this.

(After class)

"Reko! It seems you're doing better. I'm proud!"

"Heh, thank you... Mr. Carves, did you tell Kasper that he'd be tutoring me?"

"No. Well, I was about to. Until he accepted to help, I didn't think it was important."

"Oh, okay... Uhm- I'll get going now. Bye."

"Alright, see you next week!"

Reko nodded and left.

He got his bike and was about to ride off on it. But Kasper called out to him.

"Hey, Reko. Just wanted to ask, how'd math class go?"

"Uhm- it went alright, I guess."

"So you're saying...?"

"I'm saying that Mr. Carves said I was doing better."

"Hey, that's great! And, I was wondering... Could we maybe have our tutoring sessions on Saturdays too?"

"What? Uh no- you already occupy my lunch break. You want to meet on the weekends as well?"

"C'monnnn. It's not like we meet every lunch break. Sometimes I'd be busy. And, I let you eat your lunch before our sessions. Also, it's just Saturdays. I promise it'll take only one or two hours. Don't you want to be recognized more of your hard work by Mr. Carves?"

"Whatever... Fine, we'll meet up at your house. Bye!"

"Great! Wait- my house? Hold on-!"

Reko had already got on his bike and headed towards home before he could hear Kasper's calls.

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*See you in the next chapter!*