But when Isogai found out that his science notebook wasn't in his bag when he was walking home from work, he went all the way to the classroom to get it.
You could say that he was surprised to see Kayo asleep in the classroom, hours after class ended.
Isogai quickly and quietly went to his table and got his forgotten science notebook. He was about to run for it when he caught sight of Kayo's face.
She was smiling in her sleep.
She looked so... peaceful. So beautiful.
Isogai didn't notice he was staring until Kayo suddenly jolted awake. Without warning they were face to face.
They both blinked their eyes at each other.
Kayo visibly relaxed and so did Isogai.
"Oh... It's just you..." She stopped as if she was remembering something. "Isogai-kun. What are you doing here?"
"I forgot my science notebook." He scratched the back of his head. "What are you doing here Akabane-san?"
"It's okay if you call me by my first name. Akabane-san is too... formal." She paused. "I was just... studying. I fell asleep halfway though. I guess I failed at studying." She yawned as she finished talking.
"Why are you studying here then? You can just study at home." He tried to ask.
"Nah. That's no fun." She waved a hand.
He blinked his eyes. "... Is that so?"
"Yeah..." She looked down at her desk.
"…" He shifted from side to side. 'Awkward!'
"…" She played with pencils. 'Oh great... I just have to kill the mood.'
"Sooo... What are you studying?" He tried to revive their conversation. 'It was too awkward.'
She was glad that Isogai tried to make small talk. "Social Studies. I just hate that subject."
"Well excuse me... I happen to like Social Studies." He crossed his arms.
"Well you're good at it. You might be the best even." She tilted her head, a ghost of a smile on her face.
They both froze.
"..." He stared at her, shocked. 'Wait... Was that a compliment? Did she just compliment me?'
"..." She stared at him, also shocked. 'A compliment? Really? I'm an idiot... Still too awkward!'
"Umm... You know... I could… I could help you study S-Social Studies if you like Akabane-san." He looked down.
'Why was I shy all of a sudden?'
"I told you Kayo is okay, didn't I?" She almost snapped at him then her face suddenly brightened. "Really? You would do that?"
He nodded.
This time, she really did smile. "Thanks. You're being a huge help."
"Well... I can't bare seeing a classmate struggle." It was his turn to smile.
"I'm not struggling." She pouted ever so slightly.
"Really?" He looked at her like she was joking.
"Just stop talking. Please." She buried her head in her arms.
You know, after all that awkwardness, you could say that it was a rather good conversation.