Reunion with Kushida Kikyo

The bell for the first afternoon class had just faded, and the classroom atmosphere hadn't fully loosened from academic focus. Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting long patches of light on the desks. Shimiya Kuki sat by the window, his fingers lightly tapping a pen against an open notebook, his gaze calm, as if the bustle of break was separated by an invisible barrier.

Just then, Ichinose Honami stood up from her seat and walked briskly to the podium. She took a deep breath, her face wearing her usual warm smile, but her eyes were brighter and more serious than usual.

"Everyone! I need a few minutes of your time!" Her voice was clear and forceful, instantly capturing the attention of all her classmates. Students who had been about to get up and move stopped, their eyes fixed on her.

"It's like this," Ichinose Honami said, scanning the class with a sincere and concerned tone, "A few of us have noticed that some classmates might be struggling with certain subjects, finding them hard to keep up with. As you all know, the school's assessments are strict, and we absolutely can't let anyone fall behind or face risks because of academic issues!"

Her words resonated with some classmates. Shibata Hayato scratched the back of his head, while Hino Yuki looked worriedly at Tsubaki Hitomi beside her.

"So," Ichinose's voice rose, filled with determination, "we've decided to organize a class-wide study session! The goal is to help those in need, solidify foundations, overcome difficulties, and improve together!" She paused, clearly explaining the format: "For this study session, we plan to focus on individual tutoring, targeting each person's specific weaknesses for precise help!"

Individual tutoring? A murmur rippled through the classroom—it sounded far more demanding than a group study session.

"I know you might have questions," Ichinose quickly reassured, "Individual tutoring requires more instructors. That's exactly where I need your help!" Her gaze swept over the classmates known for their strong academic ability, and finally, her eyes deliberately lingered on Shimiya Kuki, her voice carrying clear gratitude and emphasis:

"Here, I want to especially thank Kuki-kun! He came up with this more efficient plan and volunteered to handle all the math and science tutoring! He'll personally take charge of the subjects that need the most logic and skill!"

"Kuki-kun?!"

Ichinose Honami's intimate address was like a stone thrown into still water, stirring up ripples far bigger than the study session itself. Surprised, curious, and incredulous gazes all focused on Shimiya Kuki by the window, the gossip and probing practically spilling over.

Shibata Hayato's mouth fell open: "Huh?! Ichinose, you call Shimiya... Kuki-kun?!"

Ando Sayo covered her mouth and whispered to Tsubaki Hitomi, "Hitomi-chan, 'Kuki-kun'... what a close way to address him!"

Even the usually aloof Hino Yuki looked over, a hint of curiosity in her eyes.

Tsubaki Hitomi adjusted her glasses, her face slightly red, and murmured, "Th-this... it's so special..."

A few boys in the back row chimed in directly: "Whoa! Is something going on?" "Shimiya actually allows that?" "Ichinose is really something!"

Various whispers spread through the classroom, the focus completely shifted.

Shimiya Kuki remained in his original posture, as if the commotion around him had nothing to do with him. Only when he heard "Kuki-kun" did his fingers holding the pen pause almost imperceptibly, then return to normal, as calm as a statue.

Just then, Kanzaki Ryuji, passing by, leaned down slightly and said in a voice only the two could hear, his steady tone carrying a rare, almost imperceptible tease:

"'Kuki-kun'..." He mimicked the address, the corner of his mouth lifting in a tiny arc, his gaze sweeping over Shimiya's still, unmoving hand holding the pen. "Looks like even someone as calm as you can't resist Ichinose's enthusiasm."

The jab landed precisely at Shimiya's ear. The tip of Shimiya Kuki's pen hovered above the paper, pausing for an imperceptible half-second. He didn't turn to look at Kanzaki or give any physical response, but his overly straight back and slightly tense jawline were, in Kanzaki's eyes, the most honest answer. After speaking, as if merely stating a fact, Kanzaki straightened up, his face returning to its usual composure, as if the tease had never happened.

Ichinose Honami seemed to realize only then that her slip of the tongue had caused such a stir and... a close-range tease from someone. A faint blush quickly crossed her face, but it was immediately covered by an even brighter, more open smile. She cleared her throat, raising her voice to try to pull attention back:

"Ahem! Anyway, Shimiya-kun's proposal is very efficient! So, we need more partners to join as instructors!" This time she used "Shimiya-kun," but the earlier "Kuki-kun" and Kanzaki's move had already been shocking enough. Her gaze swept over the others:

"Kanzaki-kun! Your science and math are also excellent!"

"Hino-san! Your Japanese and foreign language scores have always been top-notch!"

"Tsuba-san! Your understanding of social studies and liberal arts is outstanding!"

"And myself," Ichinose patted her chest, "Japanese, foreign languages, and social studies—I'm confident too."

"So," Ichinose looked at the class with anticipation, "Kanzaki-kun, Hino-san, Tsuba-san, and any other classmates confident in their strong subjects—would you be willing to join us? You'd just need to help one or two classmates during coordinated time slots!"

Shimiya Kuki, who had been silent, suddenly spoke, his voice low but clear: "Efficiency first. Start by helping friends who are good at each other's weak points. If problems can't be solved or need specific tutoring, then consolidate." The meaning was clear: handle things internally first, then organize based on the situation.

"Ah, right! Shimiya-kun is right!" Ichinose immediately agreed, "Everyone, first help each other with friends you know well! If there's a problem you really can't solve, then tell us!"

Kanzaki Ryuji then spoke up at the right moment, his voice steady and reliable: "Count me in. Math and science, anyone who needs help can come to me anytime." His participation gave the plan a boost.

"Great! Thank you, Kanzaki-kun!" Ichinose said happily, "Then I and Shimiya-kun will mainly coordinate difficult problems and specific subject tutoring!"

She looked back at the class: "Students who need help or want to be instructors, come find me after school to register your subjects and times! Shibata-kun? Shiratori-san?"

Shibata Kaede scratched his head: "Oh! I'm terrible at math and physics! Please, Ichinose! Shimiya! Kanzaki!" Shiratori Chihiro quietly said she needed help with Japanese.

With initial intentions set, Ichinose sighed in relief: "Alright! I'll discuss the specifics with Shimiya-kun and Kanzaki-kun and then notify everyone! Thank you all! Let's do our best!"

The class bell rang right on cue, signaling the end of the short break. Most students returned to their seats with various thoughts, ready for class, the murmurs still ongoing. Ichinose began quickly communicating and registering with Hino, Tsubaki, Shibata, Shiratori, and others using her notebook. Shimiya Kuki calmly put away his pen and notebook, as if the earlier commotion had nothing to do with him.

The afternoon classes seemed like mere background noise to Shimiya. When the final bell finally rang, he didn't linger for a moment. He picked up his bag and headed straight to the quietest corner of the library.

He spread out his notebook and took out basic textbooks and problem sets for different subjects. The pen tip fell, and he began a staggering task. The scratching sound was steady and rapid, without a single pause or hesitation. Like a high-speed precision machine, he efficiently filtered, combined, and designed. Core concepts and typical problem types from math, physics, chemistry, and biology were broken down and reorganized into clearly graded diagnostic tests. Key points from Japanese, English, and social studies were quickly extracted as well. In just one afternoon of self-study, five clearly structured, solid, and targeted basic diagnostic exams were born under his pen.

When the school bell rang, he had just set down the final stroke. He closed his notebook, picked up the exam drafts, and headed to the print room.

The print room wasn't crowded. Shimiya handed the drafts to the student in charge and waited quietly. As the machine hummed to life, Kushida Kikyo walked in with a sweet smile.

"Good afternoon, Shimiya-kun? What a coincidence." Her gaze swept over the stack of exam papers and the sheets being printed. "Quite a lot of exams. Did the teacher assign them? They look very carefully prepared."

"For class use," Shimiya replied calmly.

"Class use?" Kushida Kikyo blinked, her smile unchanged. "Shimiya-kun is so helpful, preparing materials for your classmates? Class B really is united." She paused, as if casually suggesting, "Speaking of which, with Shimiya-kun being so capable, maybe Class D will need to consult you sometime too. Last time we parted, I hadn't added your contact yet? If it's convenient, could we exchange student terminal contact info? That way, if there's a study problem, I can ask an 'expert' like you in time." Her tone was natural with just the right amount of flattery, her gaze frank and expectant.

Shimiya Kuki glanced at her. Kikyo's smile was flawless. He was silent for two seconds. There was no reason to refuse, so he pulled out his student terminal from his pocket. Kikyo immediately took out hers, and they quickly completed the exchange.

"Thanks, Shimiya-kun." Kushida Kikyo put away her terminal, her smile sweet. "Looking forward to working with you."

Shimiya gave a slight nod. Just then, the exams finished printing and binding. He picked up the thick stack. "I'm off."

Watching Shimiya's calm retreating figure, Kikyo's smile remained on her face, but a hint of depth flickered in her eyes. She picked up her own materials and murmured to herself, "...A helpful and efficient 'expert.' Contact info... got." She operated her terminal with satisfaction.

Shimiya Kuki returned to his dorm with the exams. As he pushed open the door, the aroma of food already filled the air. Ichinose Honami, wearing an apron, was busy in the small kitchen area. On the table, two sets of utensils and simple side dishes were already laid out—this was part of the partnership he had agreed on with Ichinose, and since the kitchenware was in his dorm, he had given her a key.

"Ah, Kuki-kun! You're back! Perfect, dinner's almost ready!" Ichinose turned at the sound of the door, flashing a bright smile. This address felt perfectly natural in the private space of the dorm.

Shimiya hummed in acknowledgment, set down his bag, walked to the table, and handed over the thick, neatly bound stack of exam papers.

"Here." His words were concise. "Basic Diagnostic Paper. One per subject. After finishing, it can analyze your weak areas."

Ichinose Honami wiped her hands, took them with a puzzled look, and flipped open the Math Paper on top. After just a few glances, her eyes went wide in shock!

"These... you made all these this afternoon..." She flipped through the other equally high-quality papers in disbelief, her voice filled with amazement. "Kuki-kun! You... you produced five sets of these in one afternoon?! That's incredible! Lightning-fast! And the targeting is so precise! It's perfect!" She looked at Shimiya with pure admiration shining in her eyes.

"With this, we can pinpoint everyone's problems! Kuki-kun, you've been a huge help!" She held the stack of papers as if they were priceless treasures, her face brimming with surprise and motivation.

Shimiya Kuki simply watched her excitement calmly and said flatly, "Mm. Let's eat first." With that, he walked toward the kitchen to help serve the rice.