Author's Note: I forgot to mention that this is set in high school. All the third-years in middle school are now second-years, and all the second-years in middle school are now first-years. I'm… not that comfortable writing them in middle school partly because there may or may not be sexual implications in the future.

And yes, haphazard updating is a thing with me. Later on, the chapters will get longer. Next one will be the actual date.

Chapter Two: Getting Advice First

"Renji…! Renji!"

The data master didn't look up from his book but did stop walking as his kouhai dashed over to him, his feet noisily stomping against the tiles. As the secretary of Rikkai, he should chastise Akaya for causing a ruckus. Each footstep - to put it lightly - echoed through the halls. Class had ended exactly 10 minutes ago, so the halls were more or less empty, save for a few students (he counted three so far).

But he knew what it meant for Akaya to disregard public peace. 100%, Akaya had something important to tell him.

"What is it, Akaya?"

"Have you ever been on a date?"

Although Rikkai were well-known for its close-knit tennis team considering how everyone refers to each other by first name with the exception of The Gentlemen Yagyuu, Renji believed their closeness should not extend outside of tennis.

However, being the analytic and observant one, this is untrue. He couldn't help but see what was in front of him as much as he didn't want to. For example, he did not need to know Niou's and Yagyuu's escapades in the locker room when they thought everyone had gone home. But he knew.

It never helped his case when he offered advice from time to time since he seemed so reliable, and he did have a soft spot for Akaya, knowing full well of his potential and what could hinder or bolster it.

But dating…?

"Yes, but-"

"How'd it go?"

Renji actually had to think about that for a moment. His love for tennis and data stifled his social interactions even though he had received the occasional love letter. Not many girls met to even 50% of his ideal type, so he had more experience in rejecting a female's advances rather than accepting them. The first date he went on was also his last. He didn't know she wasn't a fan of literature houses even though she desperately wanted him to give her a chance and allowed him to choose the location. Admittedly, girls confused him and the data.

"It never went as planned."

"Oh, that's too bad." Akaya awkwardly shuffled his feet. "Do you think you can help me anyway?"

Well, Akaya obviously didn't approach him to talk about Renji's lack of romance in his life.

"You should consider that everyone has had different experiences."

"Gotcha." His green eyes lit up with hope though, and that worried Renji even more. "Sooo… how'd your first date go?"

Renji felt the exhaustion already settling in.

"Hiyoshi's head has been in the clouds all day," Gakuto remarked with a huff, keeping a low voice for only him and his doubles partner to hear.

Oshitari followed the redhead's gaze until Hiyoshi came into his line of sight. "Odd…" The black-haired male pushed up his glasses and inspected the first-year further. "He wasn't faring very well in practice, so I'm going to have to agree with you for once."

Scoffing at his remark, Gakuto asked incredulously, "What are you getting at? I'm always right."

Oshitari simply shrugged.

That was always an annoying quality about him. One thing Gakuto learned from almost exclusively playing doubles was how he can read his partners. It came in handy outside of tennis. For example, sensing that Hiyoshi was being absent-minded was entertainment he couldn't afford to pass up.

"What's he asking Ootori?"

"I may be considered a tensei, but I'm no lip reader."

"Then let's get closer." Gakuto grabbed his tennis partner and dragged him over to where they could remain hidden but within earshot.

"What's wrong, Wakashi-kun?" Choutarou looked down at his childhood friend with a quizzical expression. "You look distressed."

The worry was evident in Choutarou from his eyes to his posture, and Hiyoshi was beginning to regret going to him for advice. But he really needed some advice.

"I have a date on Friday…" He spoke much lower than a typical whisper, eyes casted down. This was beyond humiliating.

Choutarou leaned forward. "What was that?"

His teeth ground together because Hiyoshi really did not want to repeat himself. He darted his head back and forth, making sure no one was listening. As far as he could tell, Shishido was checking something on his phone and his captain was in his office with Kabaji. The others… they had to have gone home by now, or so the male hoped.

Quickly, he pulled Choutarou closer to him by the collar so he wouldn't have to speak louder. "A date. I have a date on Friday. I don't know where to go."

'Uh oh…'

At this moment, Ootori's mind chose to go blank. He stared at Hiyoshi, barely able to follow all of the words that rapidly came out of his friend's mouth. There was never a moment where he would refuse to help, except for this. Dating? No, no, no, this was way out of his comfort zone. The topic of whatever happened between two people romantically involved with each other was not something he enjoyed talking about; he couldn't even say the four-letter word that would sum this whole matter up in.

"Uh… why don't you ask where she wants to go?" Really, this was all Ootori could give him.

Hiyoshi paused. The silence was starting to scare Ootori, and his back was cramping from his bent over position. Maybe his advice wasn't the help he needed?

"I'm no expert, Wakashi-kun. I'm sorry." This was a lame enough excuse for Shishido-san to say so. Ootori had to think of something better, partly because he didn't want to talk about dating or anything. Instead, he thought of someone else who probably knew better.

"Why don't you ask Atobe-san?"