Taro and Arata sat in the dorm's common room, studying for their upcoming exams. Taro's emotions still lingered from the previous day's breakdown.
As they packed up to head back to their room, Taro's heart sank.
His homework, due in two days, was scattered across the table, charred and smoldering.
Sira stood nearby, a sly grin spreading.
"Looks like your homework went up in flames, Taro."
Taro's eyes widened in horror.
"You...you did this?"
Sira shrugged.
"Just thought I'd help you get a head start on your inevitable failure."
Taro's face darkened.
"You have no idea what you've done. That was all my work!"
Arata stepped forward.
"Sira, that was uncalled for."
Sira snickered.
"Aw, bookworm defending the hothead."
Taro's panic set in.
"What am I going to do? The deadline is in two days!"
Arata placed a calming hand on Taro's shoulder.
"We'll figure it out. We can work together to redo the assignments."
Taro shook his head.
"It's not just that. I had most of it done. Now it's all gone."
Sira's laughter echoed as he walked away.
Taro slumped into a chair, overwhelmed.
"Why does he hate me so much?"
Arata sat beside him.
"Sometimes people lash out because they're struggling themselves."
Taro looked up.
"You think Sira's struggling?"
Arata nodded.
"We all are, in our own ways."
Taro sighed.
"I guess I need to redo everything."
Arata offered a reassuring smile.
"We'll do it together."
