Furuichi had really been enjoying his last week of middle school. Oga hadn't got in any big fights lately, and exams were pretty much over. He had been having a nice, relaxing week, until he got called to the Principal's office over the intercom.

Oga grinned at him from his desk. "Idiot... I bet you failed all your exams and have to repeat this year."

"Shut up, Oga." Furuichi muttered, rising and walking to the main office. He paused for a couple seconds, nervous, outside the door, before entering the room.

The principal of the school motioned silently for him to sit down before staring seriously at him for a few seconds.

"I think you know why I called you in here today." The Principal said gravely.

"Oh... is it because Oga broke that window on Friday? I already told the gym teacher, that gang member fell, he wasn't thrown..." Furuichi looked at the Principal's blank expression and rapidly closed his mouth.

"No... that wasn't it... I wanted to talk to you about your High School choice. Frankly, I do not see why you would go to Ishiyama. Your grades are remarkable, and that's with your work ethic. I know that you could easily pass the scholarship exam of any local private school, if it's a matter of money."

Furuichi grinned awkwardly. "No, sir... I just think that Ishiyama is the best choice for me."

"Ishiyama is a famous 'delinquent' school. There isn't even a prerequisite for marks. You're a gifted young man. Why are you throwing that away?"

"I guess... I don't see going to Ishiyama as throwing anything away, sir."

The Principal sighed. "Is this about... Oga?" He winced a little just at the name, possibly recalling all the property damage and battles he had created on school grounds. "Do you really think a friendship is worth that much?"

"I assure you, Mr. Principal, this choice was entirely about me. Now, if you'll excuse me..." Furuichi rose and fled the office before the Principal could object.

He walked back to class, smiling to himself, and plopped himself back down beside Oga.

"Stuuupid Furuichiii... what was that about?" Oga asked.

"Oh... paperwork." Furuichi grinned widely. "Let's go to the mall after school, I bet the girls will all be wearing shorts again. Come on, I'll buy you a soda."

"Yes! Free soda!" Oga cried happily.

"I hate you so much." Furuichi laughed. "So much."

"Idiot Furuichi."