Chapter 1, Roommate

Ten minutes to go… Nine… 

If I stay any longer Mr Akira will make me stay late again. I don't have time for that. Especially when my new roommate is coming this evening. I have to tidy up. Eight… 

“As you can see here, the homework…”

Seven…

“Is very important for you to pass next week's test…”

Six…

I don’t care about some stupid homework. If my new roommate doesn't like it there then I'll have no choice but to move out too. 

Five…

Hurry up you stupid clock…

Four…

“Anyone who fails to pass the test next week will have to take private tutoring lessons with me…”

(Girls scream excitedly.)

Three…

I slowly start to put my stationary in my bag.

Two…

I'm gonna make it!

One…

Drrriiiinggggggg

Everyone gets up and begins filing out of the classroom. I dash to the door, almost there!

“Oh, and Hinata can stay behind. I think we are due for a little chat.” 

Dammit! I pause. Wait… I can just pretend I didn't hear. Yes! That'll work. I'm so smart. 

I continue my escape from the classroom when I feel a hand wrap around my arm loosely. “Nice try.” I feel his breath on the back of my neck. Ugh, I was caught again. He keeps his grip on me until everyone has exited the classroom. “You can let go now. Everyones gone.” I roll my eyes as he loosens his hand. Not quite letting go. He pulls up a chair for me and sits at his own. A warm tingling rests on the wrist he touched. 

“Now, let's talk about your grades. Hinata.” 

I'm not sure what to say so I stay silent. 

“It appears your grades have been dropping quite dramatically over these past months.”

With my work I haven't been able to study much. But I'm not telling this asshole anything about my personal life. “Sorry. I've been busy. I'll try to improve.” 

“Remember, you're a senior so this year counts. You must study hard. If you don't pass next week's quiz you'll have to start tutoring.” 

I fight the urge to roll my eyes. Don't you think I know that? 

“Yes, I know. I'll try my hardest to raise my grades.”

I'm starting to move to the edge of my seat at an agonizing pace. 

“You'd better raise them. We don't want you getting in trouble with the school now, do we?”

He gazes at me with his stormy eyes. A piercing yet humble gaze. 

“N-no, of course not. Mr Akira.”

ugh . What am I thinking?! This isn't a shoujo. Besides, we are both men. Not to mention that I HATE Mr Akira. He always thinks he’s so entitled. Not to mention that he’s the school heartthrob that everyone talks about. 

An awkward silence passes between us, for a moment we do not break eye contact. I look away as I feel my cheeks flush. I truly am an idiot. 

“Is that all, teach?” 

“Yes, that'll be all. You may leave now.”

I bolt up from my chair and scoop up my bag. This guy usually messes with me. But maybe fortune is on my side today?

“oh, and hinata. Just one more thing.”

I turn around, my hand on the door which is now half open. His piercing gaze settling on me again.

“I’ll always be watching you…” all I see is a stupid looking wink before I feel my cheeks grow even redder. Stupid teacher! Stupid! 

I barrel through the door and down the hallway. I know it's rude not to say anything, but how can I reply to something so embarrassing?!

Oh well, just dont think about it. 

I have to get the house ready for my new roommate. He should be arriving tomorrow. I wonder what he's like? All I know is that he's tall with dark hair and is apparently very tidy and well mannered? I guess the landlord couldn’t share much personal information. It'll be so weird living with someone after all this time. Well, it's not like I don't like living with peo- 

I stop walking when I hear a soft meow come from behind some rubbish bins. What is that? I slowly approach the bins. There's something nestled behind them. Sandwiched between the wall and the smelly garbage. I reach down to pick up the shivering kitten. It's ice cold. If I don't get it home quickly, it'll definitely die. Without thinking I cradle it in my arms as I run home. Why wasn't its mother there? Was she killed? No, that’s highly unlikely. It didn't have any siblings. The likelihood of its mother just abandoning it is low. Oh well, that can be a problem for tomorrow. All that matters now is that I get it inside so it doesn't die. 

I can feel my heartbeat racing more rapidly as I approach the apartment building. 

I can't just abandon this poor kitten. Not like I was abandoned! I need to save her! 

I sprint up the stairs, praying. 

PLEASE DON’T DIE! PLEASE DON’T DIE!