This fandom is slowly dying, but my feels for this are just as strong as they were last year.
For the few of you left who are still reading this, I hope you enjoy! Shiki is a bit out of character in this one.
Disclaimer: The characters are NOT mine.
Behind the Curtain
Act 3
Calculus
Summary: She has put in a lot of effort, but he still can't take the hint.
"I don't understand why Professor Ikemo insists that I turn in my calculus homework every time he sees me! How does he expect me to turn in something that I don't even bother doing?" Rima complains.
"You can always copy mine, you know?" Shiki suggests nonchalantly. They both walk in sync as they pass the wrought iron gates of the Moon Dormitory.
"Yeah, but you know I wouldn't request something so trivial from you. I can do my own work," she sighs. "It's not as if I don't understand the concepts."
He stops at the at the top of the concrete steps and turns to her, "Don't you get a one hundred percent on every test?"
"I missed a point for forgetting to include the minus sign in the final answer last time," she replies. She slows down and digs through her bag to find a pack of wipes.
"Don't get all technical, you know what I mean. Why are you even enrolled in this class again? I'm pretty sure you can get the credits if you just take that one exam," he looks up at the cloudless night sky as he waits for her.
"Oh, I passed that one; got a perfect score," she shrugs. She finally finds her pack of wet wipes and pulls one out, using it turn open the door handle.
She could never underestimate the viruses that lurked everywhere during flu season.
"This is exactly why I'm even more confused. There's a reason why you aren't taking a different math course, right? " Shiki shoves his hands in his pockets and follows her inside.
"Yeah, you've caught me," she flops onto the couch and sinks into the plush cushioning.
He walks around her and bends forward to pick up the stack of mail on the glass table. "Are you trying to avoid having class with Aido? He's pretty annoying when he tries to kiss up to the teachers. Well, he's always annoying, regardless."
"Aido is funny," she defends.
"Agreed," he nods as he sorts through the envelopes and magazines.
"You need to keep guessing," Rima reminds him.
He glances up for a moment to meet her eyes, "Oh, umm… did you not want to get Professor Paine? I hear that she's super strict when it comes to knowing your formulas and getting to class on time. Formulas are okay, but… who even comes before the late bell rings anyways?"
"Everyone except for you apparently," she counters jokingly.
"Well, I guess there is one last feasible explanation. Do you have a crush on Ikemo-senpai? His hair is a bit wavy for my taste, like ramen noodles almost, but I hear that perms are back in," he ponders.
She stops smiling. "Stop teasing me."
"What? You really like him?" Shiki's ears perk up.
"No, I don't," she frowns slightly.
He's confused. "Then who do you—"
"You, baka," she tosses a pillow at his head and angrily stomps up the stairs to her room.
"Rima, wait!" he calls after her, but she doesn't bother to look back.
He catches up and grabs her by the elbow. "Leave me alone, jerk," she turns away from him.
"I'm sorry for being insensitive. Thank you for taking calculus with me. You know how much I would struggle without your help," he hugs her from behind.
"And?" she urges him to continue.
"And I like you too. I like how you always carry extra lead because you know I never refill my pencils. I like how cute your expression is when you're daydreaming in class. I like how you can just bs the answer and get it right when the teacher calls on you. I like you so much that my feelings can't be put into words," he confesses. "I won't say anything else about Ikemo-senpai so please don't be mad."
"Hmpf," she crosses her arms across her chest. "If that's all you have to say then I would like to retire to bed for the morning."
"I'll work on my penmanship and do all of your homework," he bribes desperately.
Rima grins triumphantly. She knows that even though he would keep his end of the bargain, she wouldn't really let him do such a thing.
She concedes, "Okay."
"Okay?" he questions suspiciously.
"Okay, but next semester, we have to sign up for Professor Paine's earliest class," she slips out of his grip and disappears into her room before he has the chance to argue.
He doesn't bother to chase after her and instead trudges back to the living room.
Well, class was always more enjoyable when he could spend it with his favorite vampiress.
End.
If you enjoyed this, please REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, or FAVORITE so I can know your thoughts. Honestly, why would I keep on writing if no one even reads anyone? Even if you want to say "good job" or "this was cute," I would appreciate it more than nothing.
Like usual, please let me know if you spot any spelling/ grammatical errors.
Until next time!