Hikari

After I got back to class, I noticed that Sakamaki-kun hadn't gotten back to the classroom yet. I was relieved that I wouldn't have to find out which personality he would have when he got back, but, at the same time, I couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed, as though I actually wanted to learn more about that borderline nutcase.

What a silly thought, I shook my head and tried to think about other things by checking the schedule for our class. I groaned when I realized that our next subject would be math, my worst subject.

Why me? And why does it have to be in front of Sakamaki-kun?

Wait, what? My own thoughts surprised me. I had never really cared what other people thought of me. After all, when you're a girl who often mistakes strangers for another group of strangers, you tend to develop a thick skin in order to keep all the rumors and gossip from getting to you.

So, why did I care if Sakamaki-kun knew that I struggled in math? He helped me earlier, so that should have at least dissipated my fear of him, but he was just too unpredictable for me to relax. When he got back to class, would he glare at me again, or would he treat me with the same kindness that he displayed in the hallway earlier?

As I was trying to figure out the answer, the subject of my thoughts walked in and sat down behind me. He didn't get the chance to say anything to me before the teacher walked in to start my own personal version of hell.

I listened to the teacher for an hour, but, by the end of it, I felt as though I might as well have been slamming my head against a rock when I saw the homework that the teacher had assigned us for the next day. Looking at it, I could tell that there was no way that I would be able to finish it. Hell, I couldn't even understand it.

"Ugh," I groaned as I let my head fall against my desk. Hey, maybe the hit would be enough to knock some knowledge for math into my head.

. . .

Yeah, I'm screwed.

Before I could completely give up the hope of passing this class, I heard someone say, "Hikari-san."

Just go away. I know that I wanted to make friends here, but I just don't have the energy to do that know.

Wait a minute, that voice sounds familiar. Almost like . . .

I looked up, and sure enough I was staring right into the eyes of Sakamaki-kun. He didn't look as angry as he had when I first met him, so maybe I'll be speaking with his kinder persona. But why does this scene seem so natural to me?

I was so wrapped up in these thoughts that Sakamaki-kun had to clear his throat in order to get my attention. Realizing that I had been staring at him for who knew how long, I blushed and finally said, "Er, sorry about that Sakamaki-kun, I was in my own little world. What can I help you with?"

"I noticed that you seemed to be having quite a bit of trouble with the assignments that we were given earlier. Would you like me to help you with them?"

This caused a small war inside of me. If I accepted his offer then, based on the whispers that I had heard around me, I would probably pass the class. At the same time, if he had another mood swing, I wouldn't be able to leave him easily. After a moment, I decided to put some faith in his kinder side, especially since I knew how much a bad day could cost someone.

"If you wouldn't mind tutoring me, then I'd really appreciate it. Math has always been my worst subject, though, so it might be a little difficult."

"That's fine," Sakamaki-kun said. "Where would you like to work on this? I assume that it would be soon as that assignment is due tomorrow."

"Y-yeah," I stammered slightly, shocked by the kindness of the gesture. I guess that he really is as kind as he seems. "Um, I don't know this town that well, so I'm not sure where a good place to study would be. Is there a public library or something in town, Sakamaki-kun?"

"You may call me Reiji." Upon seeing my surprise at that statement, he explained, seeming reluctant, "I have five brothers who also attend this school. It gets rather confusing when we are all called Sakamaki."

"Oh, that must be nice. I always wished that I had siblings, but I'm an only child. Are you close to your brothers?" I asked excitedly.

I regretted asking as he looked almost pained by the question, but quickly said, "My brothers and I have . . . our differences, though we are closer now than we were several years ago. Now then, this town mostly has cafes and restaurants, so I do not believe that they would be good places for us to study. My home would also be a difficult place as my brothers would doubtless attempt to distract us. Would your home be an option?"

"Um, well I don't mind if you come over, but I should warn you that I just moved in yesterday, so it's still a little messy. But if you don't mind that, then could you come over around noon tomorrow, Reiji-san? I'll make us lunch."

I managed to surprise both of us with my suggestion, but I couldn't bring myself to regret it. For some reason, I desperately wanted to be able to talk to his man. I wanted to know him, and I felt like sharing a meal would help with that.

Before I could let my doubts about our new relationship take over, Reiji-san agreed to my proposal and the next teacher came in.

The rest of our classes passed by uneventfully, but one thing had changed. The foreboding presence in back of me had changed to a more welcoming atmosphere.

So, I finally got you guys a decently sized chapter. My schoolwork has hit a bit of a lull since the new semester started, so I might be able to give you a couple of double updates over the next few weeks. That's not a guarantee, just a possibility.

I was asked why I needed a beta for this story. The way that it was phrased, I figured that it would be something that all of you are wondering so let me say this. I have always been good at grammar, so that isn't an issue. What is an issue, is keeping all of the brothers in somewhat realistic characters. I don't mean that they really care about Yui, because you can see a lot of signs about that in the games and a few glimpses in the anime, but I meant their personalities are tricky for me, so I'd appreciate some help with that. If you're interested, then let me know in a review or PM.

Finally, the current poll results for this story are:

Ayato 37%

Subaru 37%

Shuu 12%

Raito 12%

Reiji and Kanato are not on the board yet, so if you want that to change, then vote for your favorite 3 characters. Also, I should warn you that 50% of my decision for the pairing is based on the poll and the other 50% is based on the flow of the story. Meaning, if you guys vote for Ayato but he end becoming a villain or something in the story, then I'll probably use the second highest. You get me? The poll does affect my decision, but it doesn't guarantee a won for your choice.

Alright, so that's all I've got to say. Hopefully I'll see you guys again tomorrow, or, if not, then I'll post another chapter next week.