Second Chance

Chapter Five

"Is there an issue, Ren?" Mrs. Fujioka cocked her head towards him, noticing his deathly expression.

Blushing, Ren stammered, "uh, well, I, um, there isn't an issue. I just, uh—"

"Then you should have no problem helping Haruki." Mrs. Fujioka's firm gaze expressed that this was not negotiable. "You've seemed to be down for the past couple of days, so I was wondering if you've started to grow bored. I'm letting you take care of Haruki because you're responsible and you need something extra to do, so I hope you take on this task with grace and dignity."

"I...Well...fine." Ren sighed. "How long do I have to do this?"

Smiling, Mrs. Fujioka said, "as long as I see fit, okay?"

"Tch." Ren turned his head towards the wall.

"Um," said Haruki, "where should I sit?"

"Right next to Ren is fine."

As Haruki made his way over to the back of the classroom, he heard the girls whisper.

"Oh my god, he's so pure."

"And with Ren, too?"

"It's gap moe."

"Totally."

"Ugh! I ship it."

"Kinda wanted him for myself, but I agree."

"I know, right?"

Haruki sat down in the seat next to Ren. He could just feel the animosity rolling off his skin. There were practically demons crawling up and down his skin.

Ugh, creepy. Thought Hana. He is a bit hot, but that doesn't really redeem his hostile attitude. His nickname's probably Kacchan or something.

"Well then," said Mrs. Fujioka. "Is there anything else to discuss?"

The class was silent. Hana noticed that everyone was staring at the clock. Oh yeah, there's a ten-minute home room before regular classes. They're probably waiting for the bell to ring.

Mrs. Fujioka smiled. "So, since we're about wrapped up, how about we—"

Bong! Bong! Bong!

Everyone jumped up, grabbed their things, and ran out of the classroom. Flustered, Haruki kind of sat there watching people rush by. He felt someone grab his wrist.

"Dude, are you crazy? We only have two minutes to get to class, so hurry up!" Ren yanked on Haruki's arm, and started to drag him out of the classroom.

"Wait, my bag!"

Ren reached over and plucked it off the floor. "Here, kid. Now what class do you have, hurry!"

"Uh, I..." Hana wracked her brain. What do I do? I never saw a schedule, Umaran never said anything, I...

"Science." Haruki's mouth moved on it's own. Thank you, fates, for giving me some memories!

"Oh, same as me." Ren almost smiled. "Oh crap, we gotta go. I'm gonna get yelled at if I'm late again!"

And so, Ren dragged Haruki about all day, helping him find his classes and the lunchroom, introducing him to teachers, and even protecting him from the thirst fangirls. However, Haruki noticed that something was off.

Why won't Ren look me in the eyes?