The weekend has finally arrived and Shujinkou could not be any more confused. Usually he wakes up to the smell of his mother's home cooking, but he instead woke up to find a note addressed to him tucked neatly in between his arms.
"'Dear son, I will be gone on a personal trip for the entire weekend. There are several cooked meals in refrigerator if you get hungry. Stay safe and good luck on your study session.'," Shujinkou read aloud. "Huh."
He read through the note three more times, but it didn't change a single important fact; his mother was gone did not specify where she went. Along with the fact that he was never aware that she was going somewhere in the first place, Shujinkou couldn't help but feel a little suspicious over the entire situation.
"Not like I can do anything about it anyway…" he said, scratching his right cheek.
Putting the note behind him, Shujinkou jumped out of bed and quickly got dressed. Monika texted him the directions needed to find her house and that he could show up whenever he wanted. Knowing that he needed as much help as he can get, Shujinkou grabbed the bag he packed the night before and rushed out of the house to begin his journey.
He followed the instructions that were given to him And eventually found himself standing in front of a house that a lot of boys his age wished they could enter. It was no different from the other average houses in the neighborhood and yet it also had a certain presence to it that distinguished it from the others.
"Shujinkou?"
A quick turn to his left and the slightly nervous student found himself face to face with his tutor.
"I didn't know you'd be here so early," Monika said.
"Well, I need as much help as I can get so…" as he scratched his right cheek, he noticed several bags dangling from her fingers. "Whatcha you got there?"
"Just some stuff I got while shopping," Monika answered with a small giggle. "Hope I didn't make you wait long."
"No. I just got here," Shujinkou replied as he reached for the bags.
"Thanks," Monika said, her voice layered with genuine appreciation.
Once the bags were secured around his fingers, Shujinkou followed Monika inside a rather clean looking house.
"Hope you don't mind the mess," Monika apologized.
"Mess? What mess?" Shujinkou thought.
Glancing around the immediate area, the only thing he noticed that could be considered a "mess" was a few dirty dishes and an unfolded blanket. But the "mess" wasn't the only thing that caught his eye. One of the walls in the room was decorated with shiny trinkets that signified winning their designated competitions.
"That's a lot of trophies," Shujinkou said aloud.
"Hm? Oh, I guess so. I don't really pay that much attention to them that much," Monika said.
Shujinkou found it strange that Monika would respond in such a way towards recognition to the physical proof of her accomplishments. He didn't expect her to brag, but he did expect a more positive response at the very least.
"You said you needed help with Chemistry, right?" Monika's voice snapped Shujinkou out of his thoughts and reminded him of why he was there.
He then watched her grab a nearby piece of paper and followed her to a nearby kotatsu.
"What is that?" Shujinkou asked.
"It's just a short little test I made," Monika answered. "It's so I can see what you're struggling with."
"Everything," Shujinkou stated in matter-of-fact tone.
"I'm sure that's not true," Monika assured him.
Despite his appreciation that Monika actually believed such a thing, he knew very well that what he said was true. But he also knew that he couldn't let Monika's work go to waste. Wasting no more time, Shujinkou kneeled down and quickly got to work.
Using all of his mental faculties, he powered through the test in no time flat and slid it over to Monika. Normally a person would be nervous when someone grades their test, but that kind of feeling is pointless in regards to his situation.
"I did terrible, right?" Shujinkou chuckled.
"Well, you did get them all wrong, but…" Monika looked at the paper and then back to him. "It's kinda like you had no idea what you were reading."
"Mm-hmm," Shujinkou nodded.
"Shujinkou… You don't still space out in class do you?" Monika asked.
Shujinkou silently stared into Monika's eyes. They were filled with concern.
"Sometimes," Shujinkou solemnly admitted.
"Why do you do that?" Monika inquired.
"I…" Shujinkou closed his eyes and sighed. "I don't know. I just do."
"Okay then…" Monika looked down at the heavily marked sheet of paper once more. "I guess we'll have to start with the basics."
"Basics?" a curious expression replaced Shujinkou's solemn one as he wondered what Monika had in mind.
"Mm-hmm. Let's start with the atomic structure," Monika happily announced.
Just by hearing the word "atomic structure", Shujinkou knew that he was in for a very long study session.
Several hours later, Shujinkou felt as if his brain was close to bursting as he stared at the ceiling.
"So much cramming…" Shujinkou moaned. "I'm not even sure we learned some of the stuff you brought up."
"Really? I guess I went a little overboard then," the tutor chuckled as she turned her head towards her pupil. "Still, you seem to have grasped some of the concepts pretty quickly."
"It probably helped that you had me rope play as a brilliant scientist. That was a really fun idea," Shujinkou complimented.
"Thanks," Monika beamed. "I thought that it would help get rid of any hidden doubts and be a more entertaining learning experience."
"It did and it was," Shujinkou replied, scratching his right cheek.
Suddenly, a familiar awkward feeling made itself known to him as he finally realized something he was blind to. He quickly turned to his left and was stunned to find that his face was only 5 inches away from Monika's. Her hot breath caressing his red cheeks was enough for him sit up at the speed of lightning.
"Okay then! So…" a sudden growl emanating from his stomach quickly interrupted what Shujinkou was about to say.
"If you were hungry, you should have just said so, Shujinkou," Monika giggled. "I'll whip us up something."
"You don't have to do that," Shujinkou said.
"It's no big deal." Monika insisted. "Besides, I wouldn't be a good host if I didn't offer any food."
Remembering his owns family's policy on hosting others, Shujinkou decided not to argue and reached for the sketchbook in his bag as Monika got to work. After spending an hour drawing in silence, Shujinkou frantically closed the sketchbook and stuffed it back into his bag.
"Hey, Shujinkou," said Monika. "Can I ask you something?"
"Huh? Oh, sure," Shujinkou nodded.
"Have you ever been to one of those really popular conventions or events centering on a certain franchise?" Monika asked.
"Uh, yeah, I've been to a few of those," Shujinkou answered as he scratched his right cheek.
"What are they like?" Monika queried.
"Um, they're usually just a bunch of fans coming together to perform activities that celebrate their love for whatever the convention's for. People can wear costumes of their favorite characters, win prizes and gain limited edition collectables. Overall, it's a place where no one can judge you for liking what you like," Shujinkou answered. "Why do you ask?"
"Just asking," Monika said. "I always wanted to see what those kinds of events were like."
"Really?" Shujinkou was surprised to hear that. "Why?"
"The concept kind of interested me to be honest," Monika said. "But I've never got to check them out myself since I've always been really busy doing other things."
"Oh…" Shujinkou said, scratching his right cheek.
A theory instantly popped into his brain, but he decided not to try and find an answer to it. Suddenly, a plate of freshly made food was placed in front before Monika sat down beside him.
"Hope you like it," Monika said.
"Thanks," Shujinkou said as he took his first bite.
His eyes widened with surprise as a surge of culinary delight coursed throughout his entire body.
"It's so good!" he thought.
The sight of her club mate attempting to hold back the tears showcasing his utter delight was all it took to put a smile on Monika's face.
"You don't have to exaggerate," she said. "It can't be that good."
"But it really is that good," Shujinkou praised. "Really, really good."
"Thanks," Monika beamed. "To be honest, I never served anyone out of this house, so I never knew if my cooking skills were really good or not."
"You don't have to worry about that anymore," Shujinkou chuckled. "When did you learn how to cook?"
"I think when I was about six," Monika recounted.
"What?!" Shujinkou exclaimed. "Why that early?"
"My parents said why not," Monika replied in a casual manner.
"That's still a pretty young age," said Shujinkou.
"I guess so," she acknowledged. "Still, it's was a nice skill to learn back then."
Shujinkou glanced at the trophy wall. His mind was starting to put the pieces together.
"You must have had a really busy childhood," said Shujinkou.
"Yeah. Really busy," Monika chuckled. "What about yours?"
"Mine…" Shujinkou somberly scratched his right cheek. "It was pretty eventful to say the least."
"Oh right… Sorry for bringing it up," Monika apologized.
"You have no reason to apologize," Shujinkou insisted. "None at all… Plus, what guy can stay down when he's eating such good cooking?"
"Trying to change the subject?" Monika smiled.
"Desperately," Shujinkou chuckled.
"Want to talk more chemistry?" Monika suggested.
"Something else, please?" Shujinkou begged. "My head can't take any more at the moment. I can't even make the usual chemistry between two people joke."
"Okay then… How about we play a game?" Monika suggested.
"What kind of game?" Shujinkou asked.
"Well, yesterday I found an app that gives out random dares and challenges," Monika said. "How about we play a best out of 8 game?"
"Are there any stakes?" Shujinkou asked.
"Hmm…" Monika closed her eyes and contemplated that very question. "How about this? If you win, I'll tell you about the story I'm working on. But if I win, you have to show me the drawing you were working on the other day. If we happen to get a tie, then no one has to reveal their secret projects."
Shujinkou silently turned away from Monika to consider the terms she laid out. On one hand, he really wanted to know about the story Monika was working on. But on the other hand, he wasn't too comfortable revealing the drawing she was referring too. He spent the next 5 minutes thinking until he finally reached a decision.
"Alright," he said with a confident grin. "Let's do this."
"Okay and remember, if you can't complete the challenge, then the opponent gets the point for that round," Monika explained.
"Right. What's the first challenge?" Shujinkou asked.
Monika glanced down on her phone and opened the app that was vital to their game.
"Your first challenge is to beat your opponent in a staring contest," Monika said.
"Okay," Shujinkou nodded.
From a simple count of 5, a game between two literature club members has begun. Despite just beginning, Shujinkou was filled with anxiety as he stared into Monika's eyes. They were the eyes of someone who wasn't going to give in to the challenge. It did not take long for Shujinkou to blink and lose the first challenge.
"Good game," Monika congragulated.
"I didn't even last a single minute…" Shujinkou sighed.
"Don't get down," Monika beamed. "We still have 7 more games."
Monika looked down at the phone again and announced her first challenge, "'Beat your opponent in a round of rock-paper-scissors.'"
"So, a game of luck," Shujinkou thought.
Despite the fact he had a 50/50 chance of winning, Shujinkou felt as if the game was already his. The two wasted no time in beginning the second round. Shujinkou choose paper as Monika picked scissors.
"Ugh…" Shujinkou moaned.
He was already starting to lose hope that he could win the game.
"Don't give up so soon, Shujinkou," Monika grinned. "We still have 6 more games."
"You know, I'm starting to think that you're going to win 4 to 0," Shujinkou sighed.
5 games later and Shujinkou was leading the game 4 to 3, a fact that, truthfully, he was having a hard time believing.
"Alright, time for the final challenge," Monika declared. "My final challenge is…"
Shujinkou watched the normally calm Monika become a flustered mess. What did the app say that could have such an effect on her?"
"What's the final challenge?" Shujinkou asked.
"I have to…" Monika silently stared at Shujinkou with bright red cheeks, causing his curiosity to skyrocket. I have to… kiss my opponent."
Shujinkou stared at Monika with a blank expression on his face as he tried to process what he just heard. 5…4…3…2…1…
"WHAT?!" his cheeks changed shades to match Monika's. That was the power the thought of Monika actually going through with the challenge had. "T-That's…"
He didn't know what to say. The prospect of sharing a kiss with Monika just didn't seem real. Just then, a thought of relieving properties entered his mind. He was sure Monika wouldn't go through with the challenge. Seeing the uncomfortable expression on her face reinforced that thought. He truly believed Monika would not kiss him, meaning that he would win the game and finally learn what kind of story she was writing.
But just as he was finally able to calm down, his anxiety rose to new heights as he felt Monika's soft lips firmly pressed against his own.
Soon, every thought in his head was washed away as all he could focus on what was happening right then and there. Forever seemed to pass by before their lips part, leaving Shujinkou in a mixed state of denial and acceptance. He looked away from her as he tried to think of something he could say that could break the awkward atmosphere.
"You… You really don't want me to know about your story, do you?" he finally said.
"Not yet," Monika smiled. It looked like her other smiles, but Shujinkou could sense that there was a hint of awkwardness behind it. "Looks like we have a draw."
"Mm-hmm…" Shujinkou awkwardly nodded. "I guess I'll still have to wait to find out what that story is."
"At least no one lost," Monika pointed out.
"Right…" Shujinkou mumbled.
He came over to receive help with Chemistry. He never expected to find himself in the position he was in now. The atmosphere was still very tense and he was unsure how to move forward.
"So, do you want to continue studying?" Monika asked.
"Sure," Shujinkou instantly replied. "To be honest, I think that everything I learned today was knocked out of my head just now."
"Sorry," Monika apologized.
The two continued to study until night fell. Through sheer force of will, Shujinkou was able to give most of his focus to learning the material and raised his initial score of 0 to a 52.
"This is great, Shujinkou," Monika congratulated.
"But I still failed the test," Shujinkou sighed.
"That's true, but it's still a massive improvement;" Monika pointed out. "If you continue to apply yourself, then you'll be able to pass the class no problem."
"You really think so?" Shujinkou queried.
"I'm sure of it," his tutor assured him.
"Well, if you say so," he chuckled as he scratched his right cheek. Even though he got a bad score on the test, Monika's belief in him allowed a new kind of confidence to develop inside of him. "Well, I guess I better go before your parents come home."
"Actually, my parents are out of town," Monika corrected.
"Yours too?" Shujinkou marveled at such a coincidence.
"You mean your mother is also gone?" Monika replied.
"Yeah. She left while I was sleeping," Shujinkou answered. "It's kinda weird. She's not really the going away type. Plus, she didn't tell me she was going anywhere in the first place."
"So both of our parental figures are gone…" Monika noted. "You want to sleepover so that we won't be all alone?"
"What?!" Shujinkou exclaimed once more.
"Just kidding," Monika chuckled. "We couldn't do something like that."
"Right…" Shujinkou awkwardly nodded in agreement. He wasn't sure if his heart could take anymore shocks.
Monika personally escorted Shujinkou to the front door and opened it, allowing the cold night air to welcome them.
"Good night, Shujinkou," Monika waved goodbye as Shujinkou walked out her house.
"'Night Monika and thanks for the help," her appreciative student grinned.
Once Shujinkou was out of sight, Monika closed the front door and tidied up the 1st floor before heading up to her room. The moment she stepped inside, the normally calm and collected girl dived into her bed and tightly hugged a cat shaped pillow.
"I can't believe I did that," she said as she gently caressed her lips. "I know it was to avoid losing, but still… I wonder if he thinks that was too forward of me."
Monika eventually lessened her grip on the pillow and sighed.
"At least I was able to help him out like I promised," she said. "That's good."
Meanwhile, Shujinkou recounted everything that happened as he continued his journey home.
"Kissing me so she wouldn't lose a game… I should probably give up and just wait for her to tell me about that story of hers," he sighed.
But just as he came across some form of closure on that topic, he then remembered that would be returning to an empty house.
"Really wonder where mom went," he thought. "I wonder if Granny Hisa knows. I should probably give her a call."