It wasn't as though Honda was avoiding Kaiba. He just did not enjoy the looks he had been getting from him for the past handful of days. Clearly he had done something wrong. So while he didn't go out of his way to avoid being close to the guy, he was working on avoiding eye contact.
Kaiba hadn't said anything to him outright, so he must have assumed that Honda already knew what he'd done. He had absolutely no clue. He'd never really seen Kaiba angry at anyone before. Most of his issues with Honda seemed to come up during sixth period. That was an even bigger question. Sixth was nine times out of ten just a free study period because their teacher was too lazy. He didn't know what problem Kaiba could have had with Honda during that period.
Honda tended to study to himself or finish up whatever assignments he could as early as he could. Free time was important to him. Napping was important to him.
Maybe he needed help? Or, did he want someone to talk to? Everyone else talked during sixth. Kaiba didn't seem to have many friends, and the other students tended to avoid him.
A few too many failed attempts at getting close would do that.
However, they were older now. Maybe Kaiba regretted chasing everyone away? It must be lonely, being alone.
He somehow put the idea into his head that Kaiba only wanted a friend to waste the down time with.
He felt sorry for the guy. He knew how it was, making a mistake like that which couldn't be taken back. Even if he had wanted to be left alone at the time, that wouldn't last forever. No one could handle being alone all the time. That was why Honda at the least kept good ties with his fellow classmates. They liked him well enough, maybe not enough to see him outside of school, but that wasn't too far off. Give it time and effort, and he could have plenty of good friends here.
He had called up his mother the night before, asked her for some help. She knew how to handle everything. He trusted her with his life. However, all of her solutions focused on food gifts, mainly sweets. She had plenty of recipes that she wanted him to try out. They way to anyone's heart was through their stomach, man or woman.
He didn't get much of a chance to speak with Kaiba during the day. Too many classmates hounding him for help and advice. He was glad to be of use, but felt terrible for completely ignoring the one person who might need his company, or any company, the most. He wasn't the kind of guy who knew how to say no.
They day stretched on.
Even through lunch he was tossed from group to group.
Once he finished with one, he'd hear a: "Oh, Honda, you free? I need your help on this assignment." or a: "Hey Hiroto, how does this function work?" to which he would promptly correct them for the misuse of his given name, and give his help.
He was an approachable guy, and he was smart. Of course he would be the first person they asked. Others demanded something in return for their aid, Honda did this in the spirit of helping others.
At least he knew he'd have sixth for Kaiba.
The students in that class ignored any and all suggestions of studying or preparing for just about anything. They viewed the class as too easy and hadn't thought to get ahead on their other subjects.
Kaiba was there early, already in his seat, taking notes, doing whatever it was he did during this time of the day. Honda didn't know much about him, or anyone else. He didn't have any personal connection, although that was about to change, maybe.
Honda slid into his seat behind Kaiba. He could see the guy's posture stiffen up. He was probably just nervous. Kaiba didn't socialise much, it was likely that he didn't have a clue on how to strike up a conversation. All those looks must have been an attempt to get Honda to say the first word.
He didn't mind that so much. Honda was an outgoing guy, and he did like to converse with his peers.
He pulled a tupperware full of cookies which he had made with his brother-in-law, Jun ho, the previous night. They hadn't been able to make them from scratch due to the short notice, but Honda had added some extra chocolate so they wouldn't taste too much like the shit you just pop in the oven, even though they were.
Kaiba was getting ready to go through his own bag now, and Honda could not have that happening, he knew what Kaiba was about to get, and this would only make it harder for them to talk. It was already hard enough to hear in here, he didn't need Kaiba blocking off his ears too.
"Wait, Kaiba."
Hesitation.
Kaiba turned his head, but didn't say anything in response. Honda at least knew he had his attention.
"I… uh, I brought these for you." Now he was feeling a little nervous. Those eyes just seemed to be screaming murder. He gestured toward the tin he'd just taken out.
There was a moment, one that didn't last long, but one that Honda took notice of. A moment where Kaiba's mind seemed to lag. Just a moment, barely a second.
"Why?" Nothing more, nothing less. Honda didn't get much from that. He couldn't tell what emotions Kaiba might have been feeling.
Honda took the lid off for Kaiba, he didn't even think to consider that maybe Kaiba would get in trouble for eating in class. Honda never did.
"It's a gift, who doesn't like cookies?" Nothing came from Kaiba, so Honda was forced to continue on. "I thought we could be friends?"
He was sure this wasn't a mistake.
