Kataoka was swimming a few laps around the pool as a trio of other girls sat bythe edge, talking.
"So you hear Kaho confessed to Isogai yesterday?"
"That stud from class _? Drat, I wanted a shot at him."
"You still have a shot, he rejected Kaho."
"For real?"
"Not surprised, I heard he rejects every girl who asks him out, something about not having the time."
"Must study alot..."
"Or he's just an insensitive guy who doesn't appreciate the feelings of others."
"I heard he's gay, and that he's dating Maehara."
"That's not true, I'm dating Maehara right now."
"Wait... I'm dating Maehara..."
Kataoka got out of the pool and looked at the other girls.
"Instead of gossiping you could be practicing for the swim meet!" Said Kataoka.
"We don't need to!" Shouted one girl. "We got you!"
"Well at least get in the pool while I'm gone, you're the swim team but I dont think I ever seen any of you in the water."
Kataoka made her way towards the locker rooms.
Following practice she had met up with Kokona Yagawa for another of their study sessions at a small cafe.
Kataoka groaned as she tried to teach Kokona Yagawa how to solve her math homework.
"Just remember to use long division and you'll be fine."
"Right... Oh Megu I gotta cut this short, I'm meeting up with friends at karaoke." Said Kokona
"But you're only halfway through."
"Oh we can finish it tommorow."
"But I have a test the day after..." Began Kataoka "I need to study that day, otherwise I risk failing history."
"Oh, so you're just going to abandon me then Megu, just like you abandoned me at swimming lessons, and almost got me killed!"
"I... But... No... I'll help."
"Great!"
Kokoma gave Kataoka a quick hug before running off.
"Also I forgot my wallet so pay for my food okay thanks!"
And with that she was gone, leaving an annoyed Kataoka.
"Well I wanted to buy that new book on the way home... Guess not."
Kataoka set her money on the table, her remaining allowance for the week.
"God if I keep having to help Kokona I'll be broke and in E Class..."
A waiter approached and set a mocca on the table.
"Um... I didn't order this."
"It's on the house."
Kataoka looked up at the waiter. It was a boy her age with black hair and yellow eyes.
"Why are you letting that girl boss you around like that?" He asked.
"I'm indebted to her..." Said Kataoka "I nearly killed her... It's personal."
"I see..."
"Say, you look familiar..." Said Kataoka.
"I get that alot."
Kataoka took her mocca and began stirring it.
"Having others depend on you is difficult..." Said Kataoka.
"Believe me, I know." Said the waiter. "I need this job to support my family and it eats up alot of time..."
"Sounds tough..."
Kataoka took a sip of the mocca.
"It's good."
The waiter smiled and bowed.
"Glad you liked it. I'll just leave you be for now."
The boy grabbed the money from off the table, "accidentally" dropping a bill or two as he left.
"I-is there anything I can do to thank you?" Asked Kataoka as she picked up the bills.
"Don't tell anybody that I work here."
Kataoka smiled.
"It's a deal."
Kataoka expected to fall into E class, helping Kokona had taken it's toll and ruined her grades. But the swimmer was determined to make the best of her situation, becoming the female class representative for class E.
"Then it's settled." Said Yukimura sensei "Kataoka you'll be our female class representative."
"Thank sensei."
Kataoka bowed and took her seat.
"Now we need a male representative, any volunteers?"
One boy stood up and as he did Kataoka's eyes widened.
"I would like to volunteer Yukimura sensei."
"Okay, any other nominations?"
Nobody else volunteered.
"Alright, since there are no objections or nominations then Isogai will be our other class representative."
Kataoka continued to stare at the boy she recognized from the cafe.
Kataoka was packing up her schoolbag.
"So im guessing things didn't go well for you and your... Friend."
Kataoka looked up and saw Isogai standing in the doorway.
"Not really... My grades plummeted, and she's still making me help her."
"I see..." Said Isogai.
"Looks like your grades didn't go so well either..." Said Kataoka
"Actually I'm here for another reason."
"Hm?"
Isogai sighed.
"Remember how I asked you not to tell anybody I worked here?"
"Yeah,"
"Somebody didn't do that... We aren't allowed to have jobs while attending school here so I got thrown in E Class."
"Sorry to hear..."
"It's fine." Said Isogai "Anyways I hope we get along Kataoka."
Isogai held out his hand. Kataoka smiled and shook it.
"I'll be in your care for the next year Isogai."
"And I yours."
And so they stood, a meeting that set in motion a long and complicated friendship, one that could potentially become something else...
