A/N: Hey everyone! Don't worry, I haven't forgotten. New semester just started, so I'm just getting back into the swing of things. And I will be starting some more... intense romance between Byakuran and Aynai soon. I think I've set the stage well enough to go a bit deeper into the relationship. :)
Reviews are love.
Sweet Tooth
Chapter 37: Tutor
She hadn't forgotten her studies. Even though she now worked for a mafioso, she continued to study and take online college courses.
Aynai heard that once you get involved with a mafia, there's no going back. That's all well and good, but she still wanted to feel like she accomplished more than crime in her life. She set out to Italy with a goal in mind, and just because she met Byakuran doesn't mean that goal was just thrown to the wind.
He knew this, too. He watched Aynai in her downtime as she studied and did her assignments. He was impressed by her fortitude, if not her persistence.
"Need some help, Aynai-chan?" Byakuran questioned after hearing her curse to herself for the eighth time. She sent a disgruntled look his way, knowing that he was teasing her.
Naturally being a mafioso would require some form of inherent knowledge, but she doubted he could help her in this sense. She'd have much better luck with Shoichi.
Shoichi.
"That's it!" She jumped up and gathered her stuff, trying to get to the door as quickly as possible.
Byakuran called out, "And where are we off to?"
"I'm going to see if Shoichi-kun can help me with something," she responded without missing a beat. She was sure Byakuran would understand.
"Aynai-chan." The tone of his voice sent a slight chill down her spine, causing her to look back at him cautiously. He hadn't moved from his spot on the couch, but his posture seemed tense. He patted the space next to him, clearly demanding that she sit down. Slowly - hesitantly - she walked over and took a seat.
"Yes, Byakuran-san?" She asked quietly.
"Show me what you're stuck on," he demanded. "I'm more than enough to teach you."
And teach her he did.
Tutor - n. a person who instructs another in some branch or branches of learning.