Shima's Light

Chapter 6

     Akari went through the day, thankful that the other teachers were following through with going easy on her until she's caught up. She admitted to herself that she couldn't wait for the end of the day so Shima could teach her her first real lesson.

    As the last class finished up, Akari relaxed back and didn't worry about leaving right away. She was thankful that she felt more comfortable now in the cram school, and that was only because of Shima. She cast a glance his way as the final bell rung and the teacher let the class out. Shima was packing up his things so she moved to do the same.

     "Are you ready?" Akari wasn't surprised to hear Shima's voice. She had seen him walk over from the corner of her eye.

     "Of course." Akari stood up and smiled softly at him, "I've been waiting all day."

     Shima smiled and led the way out of the classroom and down the long hallway. Akari walked beside him in silence, glancing up at him a few times before they reached Mr. Okumura's classroom. "Hey teach." Shima called as they entered.

     "Perfect timing, I just finished the topics you must cover tonight." Yukio picked up a small stack of papers and handed them to Shima.

     Shima took the papers, his eyes narrowing. "This much in one night?!" He questioned in disbelief.

     Yukio pushed up his glasses, "this is the most in one night, but there is a lot to cover before the semester ends."

     Akari looked at Shima, "do you think you can cover it all?"

     Shima looked over the pages, beginning to look a little unsure.

     "If you two need help studying, why didn't you just come to me?"

     Akari stiffened at the voice and turned to look who it was. She shifted uncomfortably under the gaze of the tall male with brown hair and a blonde streak like a mohawk.

     "Bon, I could really use your help man." Shima said and showed him the papers. He then looked at Akari, "is it alright if he helps out for tonight?"

     Akari shrugged, "that's up to you, Renzou." Something changed in Shima's eyes for a second before he nodded.

     Bon looked up at Akari and Shima for a moment before lifting his head and sighing, "alright, but we need a good place to study. It wouldn't be very polite to assume we are using Ferin's house."

     Akari's eyes lit up slightly, "we could go to the diner." She glanced at Shima.

     Shima nodded, "yeah, it's nice and quiet there, and we can have some drinks while we work."

     Bon glanced between them, "whatever, just lead the way. We should get started as soon as possible."

     Akari nodded, leading the way out of the room and down the hall. Shima handed the papers to Bon and jogged slightly to walk beside Akari. "Bon is the smartest guy I know, besides Mr. Okumura of course. I'm sure it's best he gets this started than me. We want you to understand all this stuff right?" He smiled.

      Akari glanced at him then smiled softly, 'he sounds nervous...is he really confident enough to teach me?' "Right. As long as you're okay with it."

     Shima looked at her, "why wouldn't I be okay with it?" His gaze changed for a moment before he looked away, perhaps to hide it.

     Akari watched him closely as they walked, 'definitely nervous...maybe guilty or unsure. Maybe he-' her thoughts were cut off as the earth didn't match beneath her feet. Her eyes widened as her foot missed the step down and began to tip.

     'Wha-' Her body jolted to a halt and pain spread through her wrist. She blinked as she looked at the steps beneath her then turned to see Shima holding her up.

     "Akari, be careful!" Shima said as he pulled her back onto her feet.

     Akari looked up at him as he righted her then blinked and looked down, "S-sorry..."

     Bon jogged slightly, "you guys okay?" His gaze was mixed with confusion and concern.

     Akari hesitated then took a step back from Shima and nodded, "I'm fine I just...got a little...distracted."

     Shima let go of her wrist and nodded, "let's keep going."

     Akari glanced at Shima then went down the steps. She raised her wrist up to her chest and rubbed it with her other hand, 'maybe I'm the one who's nervous.' She noticed that Shima now remained back with Bon, seemingly unsure of himself.

     Akari stopped when she reached the diner and opened the door, "I'm back." She called to Mr. Hakura.

     The owner looked up and smiled, "my, and you brought yet another friend! Making friends so fast now I see." He spoke loudly, there were no other customers in the diner.

     Akari nodded, "yes well, with the new classes, it's kinda good news to bring friends everywhere." She walked over and sat in a booth. Shima and Bon both sat across from her.