Rukawa Kaede || When Nuisance Turns Into Something

8

Rukawa notices Hibikara walking into the classroom. He can tell that she's tired from the lack of sleep, but he remains indifferent as usual. He watches her quietly as she makes her way to her seat.

"Shit! First class, Mathematics! I hate numbers!" Hibikara whispered, cursing herself.

Rukawa watched as she cursed under her breath about the upcoming mathematics class. He thinks she didn't like numbers, but he still couldn't quite grasp why she had been so distant the other day. He wanted to ask what was bothering her, but he remained silent, his expression almost emotionless.

The mathematics class began, and the teacher started going through the lesson. Everyone in the class, including Hibikara, seemed a bit bored. Rukawa, however, was actually decently good at arithmetic and was paying attention to the teacher's explanations.

As the teacher called upon Rukawa to solve the math problem on the board, he rose from his seat and approached the front of the class.

He looked nonchalant as usual, but there was a hint of confidence in his eyes. Rukawa had always been good at mathematics, so he started working on the problem quietly, using swift and precise calculations.

He did solve the problem on the board.

"Impressive, Rukawa!"

Rukawa simply nodded in response to the teacher's praise. He didn't show any indication that it was anything noteworthy to him. He just went back to his seat and settled down, remaining in his usual unbothered state. Rukawa caught a glimpse of her expression as he returned to his seat. He noticed the awestruck but annoyed look on her face, and a hint of satisfaction flickered in his eyes. Despite his usual aloof demeanor, he actually felt a small sense of pride in knowing he had impressed her with his mathematical skills.

Huh? but on prelims he failed this subject. I swear, I saw him with Sakuragi and the others got called in the principal's office! How? Is he just playing with us?

Rukawa noticed her puzzled expression and the conflicted thoughts playing across her face. He could almost guess what she were thinking.
Yes, he had been called to the principal's office before for failing a subject, but lately, he had been discreetly studying on his own, thanks to his determination to improve his grades.

The class transitioned from mathematics to the research subject. Komako-sensei appeared and started leading the class.

Rukawa sat in his seat, paying the appropriate amount of attention to the teacher, despite his usually disinterested demeanor.

After the discussion of Komako-sensei, everyone passes their chapter 2 paper.

"Here's our chapter 2, sensei. Rukawa did this part and I did this part."

Rukawa remained silent, trying to maintain his usual cool facade. Komako was happy because she can see improvements and can see that they really cooperate with each other now.

Finally, the bell rang, signaling the end of class. He started packing up his things, occasionally glancing in her direction, his expression a combination of confusion and disapproval.

Hibikara is on her way to the library to finish her assignments but then she heard voices, somewhat arguing.

Rukawa and Sakuragi were indeed engaged in a childish argument, with Sakuragi trying to push Rukawa back and forth. It was a pretty typical sight, given their personalities and history together.

Rukawa, though his cool demeanor didn't waver, was clearly frustrated with Sakuragi's behavior and was trying to maintain his composure in spite of the situation.