【Ａｔｅｌｏ】(Ishimondo)

The History Quiz

"He doesn't need to know anything. He's better off that way, don't you think?"

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Over the weekend, Ishimaru stayed inside and studied. He was left alone in the house most days, and weekends were no exception. His father was a hard worker, they'd be in trouble if he wasn't. They weren't exactly the wealthiest, far from it, actually. Especially with his father not allowing him to work over the weekends or after school. He had to focus on his studies.

Monday was pretty uneventful. Juro had continued to act strange at lunch, though. He sort of stared. He asked questions that Ishimaru didn't know what he expected to get out. Still, he answered anything he might be curious about. Once he started getting personal, though, Taka created distance, either refusing to answer or avoiding details. What did it matter to him? The good news, however, it turned out that Mayumi got the credit for that work last week instead of him.

The next morning, before the bell rang to start their first class, the classmate beside him leaned over to get his attention.

"Oh...! How's your face doing? Is it feeling better?" The brown-haired girl beside him asked in a whisper shout. It was just as good as speaking normally.

Taka's face grew red. He appreciated the concern, but that was almost a week ago. He was hoping people had forgotten about that already. Of course they didn't.

"It's feels much better. Thank you, Hina."

"Just making sure! I worry about you, y'know."

"You worry about me..? Why's that?" His confusion was written on his face. He didn't need anyone worrying about him. He didn't want anyone worrying about him.

"Well, you're a serious smart rules guy, right? You take yourself pretty seriously, and correct me if I'm wrong, but based on what I heard, you don't really have any hobbies outside of like... doing schoolwork and studying."

"Is that strange? I don't mind using my spare time to study. What else would I do anyways?"

"It's not weird if you like doing it, but, I dunno.. it feels like you're distant from the rest of us. I just wish we had more to talk about." She gave a small, friendly smile.

"I could-" Taka was cut off by the bell. Class was starting. He just gave Hina a nod before facing forward. They could talk about classes and different studying techniques. What else did other people his age like to do? He was stumped. Suddenly feeling lost in this building he knew so well, he pulled out his study review packet for the teacher to check.

Handing over his packet as the teacher passed, somebody caught his eye. Mondo was looking at him. Once Taka looked back, it seemed like Mondo didn't know whether to talk or quickly turn around like it was nothing. It ended up in a few long seconds of silence. Ishimaru turned to look away, but the other young man decided to speak up.

"Taka, check it!" Mondo waved his packet in the air so he could see. "Finished, easy fucking peasy! You're goin' down, nerd!"

Both the teacher and Taka had the same initial reaction, but only Taka actually said something. Probably because he reacted faster. It was almost instinctual at this point.

"Mondo Owada, that language is not welcome in a school environment! I am glad to see your completed work, but please refrain from using such foul language!"

Taka's fist hit his desk, feeling two polar opposite feelings at once. He was trying his best to be supportive while also keeping him in line. Everyone was watching, as they were speaking loudly to each other from a row away. Mondo didn't seem to take it the right way.