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1. experiment

i hate this biology class with a passion. the only reason i am enduring it is that it will boost my grades, actually giving me a chance for college.

my grades are only low because i have an addiction — a gaming addiction of course. seriously, i am always on that computer instead of doing homework. it's gotten to the point where i have to take vitamin d because of the lack of sunlight.

at least i am not at risk of getting uv radiation, i guess.

i also dislike biology class because i have no friends to talk to. i mean, it's probably for the best considering my grades. but seriously, do you know how much it sucks to sit in a classroom for 70 minutes without speaking to anyone?

i prefer to talk as much as i can at school because as soon as i get home, i'm on that god dang computer, sitting in silence for at least 6 hours before my mother has to force me to go to sleep.

the class starts and i can see a smirk on my teacher's face. all of the students groan, including me. the reason why is because she always has that look when we have to do an experiment. and no, we don't get to pick our partners.

i slump over my desk, waiting for my name to be called out before having to put on a friendly act with some kid i don't even care about, nor want to talk to.

"yumi takashi and kenma kozume."

my eyes flicker over to the short boy who is standing timidly at a lab table, and i sluggishly walk over to him. this guy doesn't seem that bad; it could be worse.

"hey, i'm yumi," i say, putting my hand out for him to shake, but he just nods and walks to the front desk to get the equipment. i let out a sigh. so, he's that kind of guy.

as he returns, he puts his hand out, holding safety glasses. i grab them, and his hand retreats instantly. i look at the boy's face and can't help but notice his hazel eyes. they look almost yellow, like a cat's.

the boy puts on the safety glasses, and i laugh a little, causing him to furrow his eyebrows slightly.

"sorry, it's just... they look a bit silly?" i say, shrugging and laughing again.

"i'd like to see you put them on," he replies in a slightly harsh voice, but it is still quiet. i am caught a little off guard and just glare at him.

he must have taken it the wrong way since he tucks his head into his red nekoma jacket — that seems to belong to a sport he plays.

i put the glasses on, causing him to giggle a little. i don't say anything but just smile. at least i know there's no bad intentions between us. it's chill.

after sampling bacteria the entire class, the bell finally rings. i let out a pleased sigh and start packing up. the boy i have been working with takes his glasses off and wipes down the benches.

"hey, so... what was your name again?" i ask, grabbing the last of the supplies. the boy looks at me and then looks away.

"kozume," he responds in his usual timid voice. i nod. kozume... it sounds familiar.

"nice to meet you, kozume," i say, putting my hand out for him to shake, hopeful that he will greet me this time. he looks at my hand, puts the rag down, and places his hand on mine.

"nice to meet you," he says softly. as we shake hands, i can't help but notice how delicate his hands feel. they are so light and pale — but he has a bit of roughness to them.

i am snapped out of my thoughts when he retracts his hand and carries the rag to the bin. as i put the last of the supplies on the front bench, i make my way to the cafeteria.

~ kozume...