Bathing in the hot spring was always the high point of the day. Su would be splashing about, trying to catch Tama and cook her for dinner. Shinobu would try to stop Su. Motoko, Kitsune, and Narusegawa would sit in one corner of the bath, telling stories about grown-up stuff like studying for the Tokyo U exam or other things that may be happening in the house at the time. They just relax, with the warm mist hanging in the air, the sun shining down on them as they soak themselves in the warm, soothing spring water. Somehow, being in the spring made them feel good.

Lately, the residents of Hinata Sou have been using the bath more often. The atmosphere in the house over the past week has been very tense ever since Naru and Keitaro had that fight. They needed to get away from all that, and the spring was the perfect hiding place.

"It would've been better if the argument was lively and loud, like the Naru-yelling-at-idiot-boy and Naru-punching-Keitaro's-lights-out stuff that used to happen on a daily basis," said Kitsune, as she waded, looking for a particularly warm portion of the spring. "But this time, it's a serious fight. They won't even talk to each other. I've never seen them like this." Having found a nice spot, she steadied herself on a boulder, and lowered herself slowly into the water. "Ah, that feels good!"

"From what I heard, Keitaro yelled at Narusegawa when she was trying to teach him the right way to solve a calculus problem," Su chimed in, as she squeezed in next to Kitsune. "Keitaro wasn't able to do it by himself, and he was always coming up with the wrong answer. When Naru tried to help, Keitaro just snapped! I didn't think Keitaro was such a sore loser!"

Kitsune sighed. "Stupid thing to argue about, when you think about it. They've fought over more important things than that in the past, and they've always been able to make up. It's sad to think that the biggest fight they've ever had was because of something so trivial." She put her right elbow on a rock, and held her head in frustration. "Right now, Narusegawa is sitting alone in her room, studying and practicing for the exam. She's been doing that for days, and I'm getting worried. I tried talking to her about it, but she gave me the silent treatment. It's like she's dead to the world or something."

"Loser! Loser! Keitaro's a loser!" Su half-sang, half-said as she bobbed her head in rhythm. Then she stopped singing. "Keitaro sits around all day, too, except he spends his time sketching pretty girls or staring at nothing. He doesn't care about anything anymore. Now both he and Naru are too sad to play with us."

Nobody said anything. They just all looked into the water, watching the sunshine reflecting on the surface. Tama-chan swam by lazily, and the light danced upon the ripples in her wake.

Everyone was in deep thought.

"But," Motoko said, breaking the silence, "this isn't just about the homework. Urashima may be half a man, but he's still a man. And like all men, he still has his pride."

"What do you mean, Motoko?"

"Is that why Keitaro doesn't want to play anymore?"

Motoko's eyes were fixed on the ripples."Didn't you notice how quiet he was before the fight? I think Urashima has a problem, and he thinks that he can deal with it on his own. Whatever it is, I think the fight may have something to do with it."

"I know what it is."

They all turned. "Haruka-san?"

"The mock test is coming up in three weeks. He's been trying to get into Tokyo U for three years, and he's failed every time. He and Narusegawa have been studying harder, but Keitaro doesn't seem to be doing any better."

Haruka stopped. She turned to Su-chan, who was once again splashing through the bath, trying to catch her main ingredient for turtle soup.

Not even the steam could protect Su from Haruka's cold stare. "Stop that, or you'll have no bananas today."

Su hesitated. "No bananas?"

She thought about it. She wasn't sure what turtle meat tasted like, but she really liked bananas. Therefore, she decided, it wouldn't be advisable to risk giving up her daily rations for something that might taste icky.

She abandoned the chase, and sat down. Haruka glared at her for a few more seconds, making sure her point had come across. Then she cleared her throat.

"Keitaro's nervous about the exam, and he pressures himself unnecessarily. He's becoming more unsure about his chances, and he's distracted from his lessons. That's why no matter how hard he studies, he can't retain any information, and keeps freezing up when he has to solve a problem or answer a question. He gives the wrong answer, and he gets even more depressed."

Motoko nodded. "Urashima has been very sensitive about his errors. When Naru-san pointed them out, he perceived her comments as a personal attack on his shortcomings."

Kitsune snapped her fingers."And that's when he yelled at Naru."

"Yep. Keitaro said a lot of stupid things in the heat of the moment. What happened was just the outpouring of emotions after weeks or months--maybe even years--of locking them away. Naturally, the pressure had been building up inside him, and he just snapped."

"Poor sempai..." Shinobu said while she half-heartedly stroked Tama-chan, who was panting with exhaustion. "It doesn't look like they're going to talk anytime soon. Keitaro-sempai is feeling awfully guilty about the things he said, and is too ashamed to smooth things over with Naru-sempai."

Kitsune nodded in agreement."Narusegawa, meanwhile, is much too angry and hurt to apologize, especially since that role had always been played by the three-year ronin." She turned to Haruka. "By the way, Haruka-san, why are you here in the hot springs all of a sudden?"

Haruka looked at her, irritated."What? Are you saying I'm not allowed to enjoy this water once in a while?"

************************************************************************************************

This isn't working.

I've been doing nothing but drawing for three days straight. I've already used up two pencils, and my hands are starting to blister. I don't feel like going out. I'd study, but I'm too depressed to take anything in. Besides, I wouldn't be able to understand the lessons.

Not without her help. And she's too mad at me right now.

We've had lots of fights before: there's the hot springs incident, when we first met; there's the time I accidentally read a page off her diary; there's the vacation incident, where we bumped into each other in Kyoto and got stuck in the same room; then there's the ghost-ship incident; and there was also the Christmas incident. Stupid misunderstandings, childish arguments. It's all water under the bridge now, and we've become very good friends since then.

Until recently, that is. Why'd I have to open my stupid trap?

I was frustrated. I was angry, I wasn't thinking. I just attacked the nearest person.

I can't face her. Not after what happened.

There's a knock on the door.

Could it be Narusegawa?

"Come in!"

Looks like she wants to talk things over! I'll just explain why I yelled and apologize profusely. Then she'll just sock me right in the kisser, and I'll fly into orbit. After I've recuperated, everything's going to be...

"Ara ara, Keitaro?"

...perfect.

"Oh. Mutsumi-san."

She closed the door behind her, and sat down across the table from me. "It doesn't sound like you're happy too see me. Did I catch you at a bad time?"

"No, not at all. Gomen... I was being rude back there."

"Oh, don't worry about it. I know what happened between you and Naru-san, so I understand if you're upset."

"Did you go into Narusegawa's room?"

She nodded. "Yes, but she looked like she wanted to be alone, so I decided to come here instead. Besides, it seems you two haven't studied together for a while, and you might need some help."

I grinned. "Arigato, Mutsumi-san."

"No problem at all," she said, and she grinned back. "So, shall we begin?"

"Yeah. I've got a lot of catching up to do."

While Mutsumi was unpacking her stuff, I reflected on what she said.

"Narusegawa doesn't want to be with anyone right now?"

"Yes. She seemed awfully quiet."

"I see."

No doubt about it...

I'm the biggest jerk in the planet.

************************************************************************************************

This isn't working.

I've been studying for four days straight. I've used up three pencils, solved two hundred and twenty math problems, and read through two hundred years' worth of Japanese history. My fingers are getting blisters. And my right leg's starting to fall asleep.

To heck with it. Guess I should lay off the studying for a while. I'm way ahead of schedule anyway, and I've earned a break. I'll pack up my stuff, put away the books, and put my notebook in the drawer. Then I'll just unroll my futon, lie down and take a nap, and I'll wake up feeling much better.

Then I won't have to think about that jerk.

I pack up all my stuff, unroll my futon, shut the windows to lessen the glare of the afternoon sun, and lie down.

But instead of falling asleep, I find myself staring up at the ceiling.

A minute passes, then two, then three. And before I know it, twenty minutes go by, and I haven't slept a wink.

It's no use.

I can't get it out of my head. It's been a week since it happened, and considering how fast the days go, a lot of stuff happens in a week. By my normal standards it should be ancient history by now. But it's still bothering me.

Stupid Keitaro.

Why'd he have to yell at me like that? I was just teaching him the right way to solve the problem. He was doing it wrong, and I was just giving him a little guidance. What's so bad about sharing one's knowledge to help others?

And I didn't say he was an idiot. Sure, in the past I've called him an idiot, a moron, and a loser, but I only say those things to him whenever I'm mad. That's not what I think of him at all. He could be extremely stupid and clueless sometimes, sure, but not all the time.

Most of the time he's a great guy. Despite his limitations, he always does his best to help others. He doesn't take life too seriously, and that may be percieved as irresponsibility on his part. But at least he takes time to smell the flowers, and he always manages to do the right thing when he needs to.

I roll over, trying to find a comfortable position. The pillow was getting too warm, so I turn it over.

If he has a fault, it's the fact that he doesn't have enough confidence in himself. I know that he has it in him to succeed, but he gives up before he even starts. I was just trying to tell him that if he tried a little harder, he could do anything. I even told him that he got that problem ninety-five percent right. I wasn't saying that he was wrong. But apparently, that's how he interpreted my comments.

He's been overly sensitive lately. He finds criticism in practically everything I say, even when I don't mean it. Why does he have to do that? I wasn't putting him down, and I wasn't trying to tell him that I'm smarter than he is. I was just teaching him how to do it properly, and he shouts in my face.

Now he won't even talk to me. He's acting like he's the victim, when he should apologize. If he's not going to say sorry for what he did, then why should I?

Come to think of it, why should I apologize at all? He started the fight. He completely ignored me when I tried to teach him, then he yelled at me for no reason at all. What was it that crawled up his butt, anyway? Why'd he have to take it out on me?

It's been a week, and he still hasn't apologized.

Doesn't he want to make up with me?

Doesn't he want to go to Tokyo University with me anymore?

Doesn't he like me anymore?

I get up, and I walk over to the middle of my room, where the hole is. Right now it's covered up, and I've watched it every day now for the past three days, hoping that he'd climb up and talk to me. I really want to make up with him. But if he isn't willing to apologize first, then I'll just wait until he does.

HE should apologize, it's HIS fault, I tell myself. But I wonder... am I saying it because I'm right?

Or am I saying it because I can't accept that it was my fault?

Liddo-kun is sitting on top of the lid covering the hole. I pick him up, walk back to my futon, and I lie down.

I curl up around Liddo-kun, and I squeeze him as tightly as I can.

Damn you, Keitaro! I'm sorry, all right!?

I'm really sorry.

I just wish you'd tell me what I did wrong.

************************************************************************************************

"Keitaro?"

I was wrestling with a physics problem, and didn't look up from my notebook. "What is it?"

"When are you and Narusegawa going to talk again?"

I stopped writing. I looked up at the ceiling, hoping that the answer would fall into my lap. When it didn't come, I rested my chin on my right hand, and thought about it. "I honestly don't know, Mutsumi-san. Why do you ask?"

"Well, it's nice to be able to study alone with you... but it's not as much fun. I'd gotten used to having all three of us sitting around a single kotatsu and working together for the dream of getting into Toudai." She sighed. "The Ronins Club isn't the same without Naru-san."

"Well, that's true. But it's not that easy this time."

She looked at me inquisitively. "Don't you two want to get back together?"

I blushed, and suddenly I diverted my attention to a tiny white spot on the floor. "Who says we were together?"

"You mean you're not?"

I felt the blush spreading. "Well... I wouldn't say we weren't...I mean, we *were*, but it's gotten more complicated than that..."

"Oh, I see..." she says. Her head was cocked to one side, and she looked at me with furrowed eyebrows. Although she claims to have understood, her features betrayed her puzzlement.

Oh, well. I really need to get things off my chest, anyway. And it doesn't seem like anyone else is in a position listen to me, since they're too bummed out about this themselves.

"I mean, we did have something going for a while. We were studying together every day, and it had been weeks since Naru propelled me into the upper reaches of the stratosphere. We were laughing together, eating together, just sitting together and trading stories. We were starting to genuinely enjoy each other's company."

"And then we had that fight. I didn't mean to yell at her, but something had really been bugging me for a while..."

She moved closer, and patted my back sympathetically. "I know exactly what you mean, Keitaro."

I blinked in surprise. "You do?"

She nodded. "I've been through the same thing, you know."

I blinked again. "Really?"

Her lips widened into a smile. Then her eyes softened, assuming that patented older-sister-type expression that made me feel like a little kid with a boo-boo who's been bawling his lungs out. I wasn't a kid anymore, but in her eyes, I think she still sees little Kei-kun in trouble, and she's giving me sisterly advice.

"I think everyone has that same problem once in a while."

I pause, and thought about it. Well, it made sense. Everyone has to question their sense of self-worth once in their lives.

"And you do, too?"

She nodded."Sometimes I'd see a really tough physics question, and I have no idea to solve it. I'd try solving the problem on my special kotatsu, and I'd try using my lucky pencil, and my lucky calculator with the turtle-shell buttons, but I really couldn't figure it out..."

What was she talking about? "Mutsumi-san..."

"I'd even put on my special Liddo-kun thinking cap, but I still don't know how to solve the problem, even after twenty minutes! So I know how frustrating it must've been for you, Keitaro."

"That was bothering me too, Mutsumi-san, but that wasn't why..."

"You know what I do when I've got a problem?"

"Well, no...but right now it's my problem we're talking ab-"

"I usually go out to this place called 'The Melon Rind', and I order myself a tall glass of their patented Watermelon Washer... it's really very delicious, and when I drink it I feel much better about whatever it is I was worrying about before."

This conversation was going way too fast. "I'm sure you do, Mutsumi-san, but I stil don't see how..."

Mutsumi stood up. "We've studied enough for today, I think. I could take you to the Rind, and we could have ourselves a little snack. In fact, you could even try out their Watermelon Washer! I'm sure you'll like it. If that still doesn't drown your sorrows, then maybe you could tell me about this big problem of yours."

I thought about it. Well, this day could only get better, so I guess it wouldn't make much difference. It's become too quiet, too uncomfortable around here since the incident. I can't think clearly while I'm in this house, and this would be a good excuse to get out.

Besides, I've been thinking about it for days, and I'm no closer to a solution. Maybe if I explain things to Mutsumi, she'd be able to help out. They say that the answer to a problem is most obvious to a person looking from the outside.

"What the heck. I suppose a drink wouldn't hurt."