COTE:SHATTERED BONDS

[11] THE FIRST QUIZ

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The First Quiz
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The day had finally arrived for Class D to face their first quiz in Kazue's newly introduced subject. The classroom buzzed with anticipation, the air thick with both excitement and anxiety. Students exchanged glances, whispering about the quiz format, unsure of what to expect.

As the clock struck the beginning of class, Kazue entered the room, his presence immediately commanding attention. His white hair caught the light, making him look almost ethereal, and his golden eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief.

"Good morning, everyone," Kazue greeted with a smile. "Are you ready for the quiz?"

With a swift motion, he began distributing the quiz papers. The students looked down, and a collective gasp echoed through the classroom as they saw only four questions on the sheet.

Kazue couldn't help but chuckle, his laughter lightening the mood. "Close your mouths, everyone. Was that so shocking?" he teased, his eyes twinkling. "I assure you, it's not as daunting as it seems."

The students remained tense, their eyes wide with disbelief.

Kazue continued, "These questions are designed to test your understanding, not your ability to memorize facts. The other classes have already completed this quiz, and I expect you to finish it in just thirty minutes."

A wave of uncertainty washed over the students, their brows furrowing in worry. Kazue could see the anxiety etched on their faces, but he remained calm, exuding a quiet confidence. "Just follow your instincts. You've got this," he encouraged.

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As the students began writing, the classroom fell silent, the only sounds being the scratching of pens on paper and the occasional rustle of pages. Kazue walked around, casually observing their progress, occasionally stopping to offer a few encouraging words or a subtle smile.

Thirty minutes ticked by slowly, the tension palpable as the students scribbled furiously, their minds racing against time. Finally, Kazue clapped his hands together to get their attention.

"Time's up! Please put your pens down," he announced, and the students released a collective sigh of relief. Kazue gathered the papers, his expression composed as he prepared to mark them.

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Kazue stood at the front of the class, methodically marking each quiz paper, his sharp golden eyes scanning for errors and noting the nuances in their responses. The students watched him in silence, anxiety mounting as they waited for his feedback.

Kiyotaka, sitting toward the back, observed the scene closely. He noticed how Kazue's demeanor was focused yet relaxed, a stark contrast to the nervous energy that filled the room. *What's going on in his mind?* Kiyotaka mused. There was something about Kazue's careful approach that both intrigued and reassured him.

Horikita Suzune sat beside him, her brow furrowed in concentration as she analyzed Kazue's every move. "He seems so calm," she remarked quietly, a hint of admiration in her voice. "It's impressive."

Kiyotaka nodded slightly but remained silent, his gaze fixed on Kazue as he continued marking the papers with a steady hand. The atmosphere in the room was thick with anticipation, and Kiyotaka could feel the tension coiling around them, tightening with each passing moment.

After a lengthy period, Kazue finally set the last paper down, his lips curving into a faint smile. "You all did quite well!" he announced, his tone upbeat. "However, I won't reveal your individual scores until after summer vacation."

A mixture of relief and disappointment washed over the students. They were pleased to hear they had performed well but anxious about waiting to find out how they individually fared.

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As the school year approached summer vacation, the students buzzed with excitement about their plans. Kazue, however, would be absent during the break, returning to his family home. The students chatted animatedly about their upcoming trips and activities, and Kazue's absence became a topic of conversation.

"Have you heard? Kazue-sensei is from a really well-off family," one student whispered, leaning over to another. "I heard he lives in a mansion."

"Yeah, but he's so nice and approachable," another replied, their tone a mix of awe and admiration. "It's strange for someone from a background like that to be so down to earth."

As the students continued to discuss Kazue, Kiyotaka listened quietly. He, himself found comfort in the admiration they expressed for Kazue, recognizing that despite their differences, Kazue had already begun to earn the respect of his students.

As the bell rang to signal the end of the school day and the beginning of summer vacation, Kazue prepared to leave. He glanced back at the classroom, a sense of fulfillment washing over him. Despite the challenges ahead, he felt a growing bond with his students, especially with Kiyotaka.

Kazue stepped outside, the warm sun shining down as he made his way toward his family home, thoughts of his brother lingering in his mind. He knew that the path ahead would require patience and understanding, but he was determined to foster a deeper connection with Kiyotaka, no matter the obstacles in their way.