Sleep Tight, My Dear Kusuo

10. Capturing the Essence

It was another average day at PK Academy. Which unfortunately meant another sleepless night for Saiki. And by average, it's actually just the usual chaos that occurs within the school. Saiki eyed his classmates as they all toyed around with the cameras while giggling and chatting happily. Shuttering sounds echoed throughout the lively room, the repetitive sounds only tiring Saiki even more. The sounds in the room could mirror a runway show.

A student giggled. "Haha, stop taking pictures of me!"

"Nope! This is perfect for the assignment..."

Today's assignment was portraits, a task that was supposed to showcase the best side of a student only. The best three portraits would be hand-chosen by the teacher. Thankfully, it only required a photo of one person, which meant Saiki could avoid the trouble of asking multiple people. He didn't give a damn about placement either.

Saiki looked down at the camera in his hands. He carefully angled it, examining it before letting out a brief sigh. He didn't really care for the assignment, nor has ever really favored photography class. He could easily create picture-perfect images with his thoughts.

Deciding to get the assignment done, Saiki turned around, the sudden sound of a shutter catching his attention.

"...What are you doing?" Saiki asked after a moment.

Atsuki smiled like a fox as he viewed the image. "Oh, I've been caught."

Ignoring his comment, Saiki tilted his head. "Why are you wearing glasses?"

With a smirk, Atsuki adjusted his glasses. "It's called an accessory, dear. People are taking photos of me every second, and girls like glasses on guys." He answered playfully.

Saiki left it at that, mentally preparing himself as the inevitable was about to occur. He turned, right as Teruhashi waltzed over to him.

"Saiki! Hi," She waved, holding her camera in one hand.

Saiki responded with a nod, wanting to get away from all of the attention she was drawing. Unconsciously, he stepped closer to Atsuki. Not that it would make any difference since Atsuki had been drawing an equal amount of attention.

Now surrounded by double the students, Saiki had no choice but to listen to Teruhashi.

"I just wanted to know if I could take your portrait! I haven't been able to complete the assignment just yet." Teruhashi giggled, sending a flirtatious wink.

Unsure of how to respond, Saiki just stood there. He felt a light touch on his shoulder, causing him to look up.

"Sorry," Atsuki grinned as he pointed to himself. "But he's already got a partner. And don't you think you're stirring up a crowd? We should keep a distance. Or at least, tell them off."

'And remember to stay far, 'kay?'

Teruhashi placed a hand to her cheek. "Oh my, I suppose you're right. I guess it would be better if we drew a distance!"

'If you drew a distance with Saiki!'

Saiki frowned as their competitive thoughts flooded his head. The tension between them was almost visible as they had fake smiles plastered on their faces. Saiki wished that he could go home and sleep, not giving a damn about who his partner was. As long as he got the assignment done and was away from people for a minute, anyone should do.

Eventually, Teruhashi crossed the room again, this time pulling a few people from Atsuki's crowd. Saiki was only a little grateful for that part. She sat herself on a wooden stool, plotting her next move as she allowed perfect angles for any kind of photo. Knowing the number one spot was sealed for her, Teruhashi eased into a smile, radiating charm while changing up her pose every few seconds, the surrounding students basically drooling over her. Some might have even forgotten the assignment, and even the actual members of the photography club had taken their chances at an amazing photo, even if a bad photo was next to impossible.