Digimon Re: Integrate Vol. 1

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

The cafeterias at Visions University were set up in a buffet style. On top of that, they stocked to-go containers which you could fill up with even more food, so you could always get as much as you wanted and then some to make dorm life a little easier. Needless to say, it was normal for students to walk out of the kitchen with more food than they could be expected to eat in one sitting. Nonetheless, the cashier gave me a funny look as I approached her with a full tray and two to-go containers stuffed beyond closing with food—mostly chicken nuggets.

"Extra hungry today?" the cashier said.

"You know it," I said as I placed the food on the counter between us. "Studying sure works up an appetite."

"That's true, I guess. Just remember to take care of yourself...alright?"

"Sure thing."

After I paid for my food, I found an empty table smack in the middle of the cafe. I sat down, set the to-go containers aside, and dropped the tray in front of me and began to dig in. After I'd gotten through about three chicken nuggets, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

"Mmff?" I mumbled as I turned around, still stuffing chicken in my face.

It was Maya, who covered her mouth and giggled quaintly. "I do believe I am experiencing déjà vu."

I stared for a few seconds before swallowing with a loud, painful gulp. "You're not here to...'wham me in the brain,' are you?"

Maya scowled. "I certainly will if you bring that up again."

I tried to smile in as friendly a way as I could, but it came out more like a smirk. I gestured to the seat across from me and said, "Would you care to join me, my lady? I've got lots of chicken nuggets."

Maya laughed, shaking her head. "I'm not hungry, but there is something I'd like to discuss if you would pardon the intrusion."

"Dear, dear...I think I could be inclined to pardon this intrusion if you would not mind my company, miss."

Maya sat down across from me. "If you keep talking like that, it may also be grounds for disciplinary action."

I laughed and did my best to keep my mocking to a minimum. "So what's up? More computer issues?"

"No, not this time." Maya drew in a breath, held it for a moment, then let it out. "I need a tutor."

"A...A tutor...?"

"Mhm."

"Okay. So...what do you want me to do about it?"

"I want you to tutor me, of course." The phrase "of course" struck me as more of a "duh," given the tone with which she said it.

"Me...? Why? I don't know anything about English Language Arts or whatever it is you study."

"They don't really call it that anymore."

"See what I mean? I'm no bookworm, so I can't really help. I get why you came to me for the last thing, but why would I even come to mind for a problem like this?"

"Well, I hear that a lot of people who have trouble with their classes go to you, and then their grades improve."

"Hrk!" I flinched and choked on a piece of chicken. "Th...That's..."

Maya tilted her head. "It's true, isn't it?"

"I guess you could say that. But they had...different problems which needed different solutions."