Soft Light

"Thanks again Hisao. This tutoring has already paid off. I can actually feel myself getting smarter. I'm sure Miki feels the same way."

Haruhiko's gratitude is genuine as he opens his textbook to the page. Waiting for everybody in our small circle of desks to do the same. The girl beside him is still staring out the window, her chin resting on the stumped end of her left hand.

"Yeah well... it takes a robot to understand a robot.."

It's been nearly a month since I started at Yamaku. And only a couple of weeks since this strange practice began during study periods. Initially it started with Misha asking for some help in her science homework. Apparently Shizune thought I would be better equipped to teach Misha in this subject than her.

I initially thought this was one of Shizune's little games considering she kept watching us intently, Misha instinctively signing everything both she and I said. However, it seems whatever I did worked. Misha's results during the pop quiz a week ago were apparently enough of an improvement that Mutou asked Misha what was going on. Ever the stoic, she instantly told him of my assistance. Mutou called on me after class and asked if I would be willing to help some other students struggling with Science during these study periods. I saw no reason to say no.

So now I am leading my own little Science study group during these periods. The group consisting of Misha, of course, Haruhiko Suzumiya, Miki Miura, who Haruhiko confided had to be dragged kicking and screaming and Suzu Suzuki, who has right now lost her battle with Narcolepsy and is currently using the open textbook as a makeshift pillow and is soundl asleep.

"Sorry Miura, robotics are out of my field of expertise."

This elicits a chuckle from the tomboyish track star. I look over to Shizune who has moved her desk over by the window where I normally sit. She has a rather modest smile on her face as she continues watching us. I give a small wave which she returns.

At first I was a little weirded out at her intense interest in this study group. Enough so that I asked Misha about it. She told me it wasn't a worry and that Shizune was just impressed at how quickly I caught on to teaching this stuff. I just have a feeling I'm not getting the whole picture here. A part of me wonders whether this is some game to her or not.

As I am explaining some of the equations required for our homework to Haruhiko I notice Kawana standing beside us.

"Excuse me Mr Suzumiya. Would I be able to borrow Nakai for a moment?"

Haruhiko looks at me rather confused for a moment but he nods. I am unsure why the talkative Haruhiko would be struck dumb by the request. My friendship with Kawana is hardly a secret, and even though she barely interacts with anybody apart from me, Komaki and Shizune and Misha (when chewing her out) it's hardly an odd request. Nonetheless I accompany Kawana into the hall. We don't engage in our usual morning greeting, having already talked to each other that morning before class.

"Nakai, I have a favour I would like to ask of you."

Pulling me out of class to ask a favour. This must be serious, especially for somebody as straightforward as Kawana. I simply nod, urging her to go on.

"I am going into the city on Sunday, I want to take some photos and. Well... I need somebody to help me with carrying some things, some lights, and some refreshments and such. I was wondering if..."

"I would love to help."

I cut her off. It's unusual seeing her struggle like this so it seemed the right thing to do was put her out of her misery. It's not really a big deal. Just a friend helping another friend help out with a hobby she's passionate about. I'm not sure if her condition makes carrying a lot of things difficult. And I think better than to ask. However, Kawana's sudden bow makes it seem like a bigger deal.

"Thank you very much. I will be happy to treat you to lunch while we're out. As a way to thank you for your help."

I shake my head refuting.

"It's no big deal. Anyway, I should get back. I don't trust leaving the peanut gallery to their own devices."

With that we silently re-enter the classroom. I can already see Miki standing on the desk, loudly re-enacting what appears to be an impassioned speech from some TV show that was on the other night. Without a word I take my seat at the desk and quietly watch as Miki also sits back down.

"So, Hisao. What did Kawana want?"

Haruhiko is surprisingly the first to enquire. I fully expected Misha to be the one to ask.

"Oh nothing, she just wanted me to... You know. Never mind. It's no big deal."

I hesitate and decide against telling them. Looking at my company I realize as harmless as me helping Kawana with her photography is. With Misha and Haruhiko in the circle, it would have as subtle an effect as pouring gasoline on a fire.

I continue on with the tutoring, somehow managing to steer the group away from empty gossip. I notice that Shizune seems to have lost interest and now has her head buried in a textbook.