A/N:

Part 2 of the short series. I do apologize if the main characters are a little OOC.

Disclaimer: I own nothing but my ramblings here.

Exam Week: Pep Talk [Part 2/4]

"Man, that Art history exam is really something else!" Toru Ishikawa said, flexing his fingers in front of me, looking stressed. His normally gel-styled hair look rumpled from lack of sleep. Slumping on the cafeteria table, seemingly bumping his forehead on the solid surface, his breath rustled the pages of the open textbook he was reviewing before the start of the exams. The bottled green teas rattled in reply.

I heaved a sigh, thinking about my own test results. I did not do so bad. Maybe. Or not!

"I think the answer to question number 26 is C." Toru let out a groan.

I cringed. "Shut it, Toru. You're not the only one who thinks he did poorly."

He was about to open his mouth again when a couple of people interrupted us, sling bags and purses making dull thudding noises on the table. I looked up, bracing myself for the familiar thumb-

thumping on my chest.

"Gahhhh!" Yuki Yoshikawa slumped beside Toru. "That art history test is a killer!"

I watched, Kyoko Hori sat down on the empty space beside my chair, nodding blankly. "It was an absolute nightmare." She echoed. "I think I'm gonna cry when I see the results."

I could see there were dark, purplish shadows under her eyes. It appears she had a sleepless night too, cramming for the exams. "Why? What happened?"

Yuki jerked her thumb over to her friend. "Miss absent-minded skipped one page."

"You did what?" Toru's jaw dropped.

My forehead knotted in concern. "How did that happened?"

Kyoko looked worried. "The last two pages were stuck together, and I didn't realize it until after I handed it over."

A little alarmed, I stood up halfway. "We can talk to Professor Arai. I'm sure he will understand." But as I was ready to sprint to the faculty office, one hand touched my elbow, sending shivers down my spine. My heart responded in an even louder heartbeat.

"Don't bother, Izumi. The professor left for his two day conference immediately after collecting the test papers." She said in a resigned voice.

Dejected by her circumstance, I instinctively patted the top of her head, feeling a little embarrass at my boldness when I eyed our two-member audience watching us intently.

"Don't worry, I'll help you to talk with the professor about your paper. And if he refuses to let you answer the final page, I-" I caught myself, "Err, that is, we," I gestured frantically, "will help you with your studies. We can study over to my place." I offered awkwardly.

For a moment, she looked stunned at my proposal. I could feel my ears warming up in embarrassment as if I had just popped a rushed marriage proposal or something.

I swallowed.

"Really? You would do that for me?" she brightened up a little. "that would be loads of help." She breathed out a sigh of relief. "I feel much better knowing you would be supervising my art history reviews. How can I ever repay you!"

I let my awkward smile plaster on my face a little while longer. How about a kiss?

Toru and Yuki looked at each other, and for a moment, I thought I could see a thread of understanding flash between the two's faces, as if they read what went through my mind earlier. I hope I did not blurt it out loud.

"Hmmm. You can help Miyamura with his maths, Kyoko." Toru smirked. "He's quite lousy with it. "

Kyoko Hori seemed revived at the mention of her favorite subject. "But of course! I would only be too glad to be of help! I've noticed he fumbles a little on some parts, but I can get it smoothen out." she flashed a brilliant smile towards me, and I felt my knees weaken. "He's an excellent student. I envy him for being good in everything!"

I felt warmth settle on my stomach, absolutely flattered by her words. I wanted to give her a small pep talk, instead she did the opposite and made me feel confident and special. I just normally go about my way trying my best to fit in and keeping all my grades up. I never realized that she noticed all that effort.

My fingers previously resting at the top of her head glided down, running through the silky strands with ease, until it reach the smooth ends, where I tugged at it gently using my thumb and forefinger. I couldn't resist; the urge to monopolize her attention towards me is so great.

"I'm looking forward to our study sessions in the future, Kyoko." I said huskily.

A/N: Let me know what you think.