Twisted-Wonderland: Our Precious Treasure (Part 2)

(79) TMotDS: When You Have a Problem, Think, Think, Think!

"Alright, you dogs. The time's up. Submit all your answer sheets."

Jonah let out a groan as he slammed his forehead onto the table, weakly raising his answer sheet for Grim to take. He let out a loud yawn as he rubbed his eye. That was only the second test and he was already so exhausted. He had been pulling an all-nighter repeatedly that he was sure his eyesight had gotten worse.

"Captain?"

Jonah looked up toward Ace and Deuce who walked toward his table. "Hey, guys..." he gave him a weak wave.

"How was it for you?" Ace asked.

Jonah yawned. "I don't know... I sort gave up by the time I reach the gargoyle part."

Ace and Deuce exchanged a glance with each other. Then, Ace perked up. "How about we study at Heartslabyul today? I'm sure Trey can make us some tea."

"Yes!" Grim cheered. He shook Jonah's shoulder. "We need to feed that brain of yours some vitamin."

Jonah lifted his head and ran his hand down his face. "Tea sound nice..."

Ace nodded eagerly. "That's right. Tea and cake. That'll lift your spirit."

Jonah hummed as he gathered his stuff and walked with the boys out of his classroom. Maybe if he wasn't so tired, he would notice how Ace kept his hand on his shoulder or how Deuce was walking a few steps behind him just in case he would suddenly fell from exhaustion. Grim was flying in front of them, leading the way. However, he suddenly stopped and Jonah nearly crashed into him if it weren't for Ace pulling him. That surely woke him up.

"Guys, what's wrong?"

He felt Ace grip on his shoulder tightened and Grim's tail swishing dangerously. Looking past the cat, Jonah noticed a familiar group walking toward him, the one in the center greeted him with a nod. "Jonah."

Jonah nodded back. "Hey there, Senior Azul."

Azul looked at him from up and down. "You don't look so fine."

Jonah chuckled weakly before he was cut off by his own yawn. "I was... Tired. My brain is steaming."

Azul chuckled. "Ah, working hard, are we?"

"Yeah." He then realized something. "Oh, and Senior Azul."

"Yes?"

"Umm..." Jonah rubbed behind his neck sheepishly. "I don't think I can go to work today."

"And why is that?"

Jonah winched. Azul didn't sound like he was judging him, but he still felt bad for this. "Look. I really need to pass this! So, uh... I promise I'll work overtime once we finish the test."

Azul laughed. "Why do you act like I'm about to fire you?" Azul walked toward him and put an arm around his shoulder, pulling him slightly away from the group. "So, you are asking for some days off." Jonah gave him a small nod. Azul chuckled. "That wouldn't be a problem."

"Eh?"

"In fact, how about I give you an order: I don't want to see you in Mostro Lounge until the next semester."

Jonah frowned. "Are you sure you're not firing me?"

Azul laughed. "Of course not~ Why would I fire my favorite employee?"

Maybe it was just his imagination but Jonah felt like Azul gained some height slightly because his shadow completely covered his small figure as he towered over him. "In all seriousness, Mister Argentum?" Did his voice also become deeper? "For the next few days, I don't want you to enter Mostro Lounge. I have some personal business these days and I don't want anyone to get involved."