Clearing his throat, Ren won’t let himself flustered. “If you are awake now. Please hurry and return to the class. Nakamura sensei needs everyone to be present” Ren said while averting his gaze, but when he checks on Kaito from the corner of his eyes, he finds the latter blinking hard and lazily rubbing his eyes - doing his best to be awake.

“‘S that so?” he yawns and stretches his limbs like a kitten after their long, deep nap.

/’S that so????’ I go through the trouble, sticky because of sweat and have to wander around in class hours because of you and your response is only ‘S that so???’ it was not even a proper sentence!/

Inhaling deeply and looking above at the sun flare seeping through the gap between leaves and branches of the cherry blossom tree, Ren prays to the god of wind so they would blow the steam off his head. Making sure his smile stretches widely and his eyes disappear into a crescent moon like usual, Ren hums, “Yes, that’s why Sato-Kun, can you get up now?”

Ren wishes he can return to the class as soon as possible and get this annoying task over. 

“Heup!” Kaito suddenly jumps to the stand position with movement that wouldn't be possible to be pulled by a normal person. Sending Ren to stumble - almost toppling back as he thought Kaito would send him flying with his deadly karate move. “Seriously geez…” Kaito abruptly scratched his hair with a sour face. 

Ren was ready to be cursed at, after all, he just disturbing Kaito’s sleep - normal people wouldn’t even dare meet his sharp gaze, and here he is, poking at a sleeping lion - Ren gulped and brace himself for harsh words or slice in his neck, or jab on his stomach, or kick on his shin, or-

Kaito swivels his head only to offer Ren a cold glare that could freeze hell. “If you weren't up to the task, you shouldn't have said yes. Nakamura sensei or whoever it was - it’s not like you owe them or something. Pretend you don’t feel well and order someone to do it on your behalf - aren’t you supposed to be smart?” With a sarcastic tone, Kaito clearly expresses his displeasure.

Ren may have prepared for the insulting words - but he is still taken aback by Kaito’s complaint. - or advice? - or nagging?; He’s not even sure why Kaito looks offended just now.

Still, it’s not like Ren can admit he hates doing this. “What are you saying, Sato-Kun? Of course, as a class president, this is my duty to make sure all of my classmates are well informed with all announcements”

Ren pulls his lips from ear to ear with much effort, making sure they don't twitch from how much impatience he endures right now. 

/Shut up, just come with me. What’s with this ‘play hard to get’ for?/ 

Squinting his eyes with a face Ren described as distaste mixed with pity, Kaito turns around to snatch his uniform shirt from where he laid down and slips his arms into it without bothering to button it on. He walks past Ren without a glance while muttering under his breath, “That Okame mask…let’s see how long you can keep it on”

Okame is one of Japan's traditional masks - the character itself from the theatre Noh since the Edo Era. Always painted as a cherub-faced woman with childish features. Though Okame is considered a symbol of good fortune and joy, many believe that the real character has a tragic story behind it. 

Okame believed as a real-life woman in 13^th-century Japan who committed suicide because she thought she failed to be a perfect wife. 

There are some other versions behind the Okame’s history - But, one thing for sure is that the Okame mask is always depicted as a cheerful face with a big smile.

Ren still has no clue why Kaito suddenly brings about the Okame mask out of nowhere. What does it have to do with him?

However, something about the way Kaito talks and regards him feels odd. As if those obsidian eyes can see through him, Ren got the feeling Kaito can see him through his shell. Perhaps because Kaito weirdly knew Ren doesn’t like the task Nakamura sensei gave to him; was it a mere coincidence? Or Kaito in fact could sense the lie behind his smile?

Either way, it left an uncomfortable feeling lingering on Ren.

Other than Kaito’s distasteful gaze. The way he talks to him is almost like he picks a fight with Ren.

/I didn’t wake him up by causing a ruckus. I barely do anything! He woke up on his own. What the hell is his problem?/

Despite the notorious rumour about Kaito, Ren never once finds him bullying other kids in this school. /Could it be that I will be his first victim? But why? What did I do???/

Biting on his nail, Ren recalls the last time he interacted with Kaito since that’s also when he might be doing something Kaito despised. Kaito always ignored him before this. Whenever Ren asked him to submit the assignment to him, Kaito’s answer was either an incoherent hum, or the longest one would be ‘okay’. They never had a proper conversation until….

Ren gasps, /Could it be he was mad because I told him he was unapproachable? That makes sense as he keeps glaring at me since then. Oh no, what do I do? Why should I blab my mouth like that? I was usually pretty good at holding myself. I’m screwed!/

“...dent…president…Class president!” 

Ren jolts, rattled when his homeroom teacher suddenly calls his name out loud from in front of the class.

“Uh?” He looks around to find his classmates who have settled on their respective chairs, staring at him with a concerned gaze.

“What are you spacing out about?” Nakamura sensei asks with the same worried manner as the others.

“I’m sorry Sensei…I was uh…thinking about um…ah Fujiwara Teika’s poems, Sir!” Ren answers with cold sweat and he’s sure he can hear a subtle snort from Kaito’s desk on his behind.

“Hm? Well, they said genius people like to think about random things. That must be true, huh?” Fortunately, Nakamura sensei buys Ren’s half-assed excuse and moves on. “We are about to start the class, please lead the greeting”

“Ah!” Ren immediately remembered his duty before every lesson began. He quickly stands with a straight posture and speaks with a firm tone. “Kiritsu!” All the students stand in unison, mirroring Ren. “Rei!” Everyone bent their bodies into a polite bow toward the teacher while chanting. ‘Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!’. Then Ren ends the greeting with instructs the class back to sit on their chair, “Chakuseki".

After the greeting, Nakamura sensei begins with his announcement. “So considering that everyone in this class will continue to university then we will form a study group in pairs” 

Boisterous chatter mixed with childish whining comes from every direction; nobody is happy with the idea of studying no matter what method it takes. Out of impulse, Kaito checks Ren’s reaction, who sits across from him. He wonders who’ll be in the same group with the perfect Ren. Without realising it, deep down in his heart, Kaito prays whoever it is won’t use this study group for taking advantage of him. 

On the other hand, Ren also clasps his palms to pray. Study group won’t be the problem, he’s willing to be paired with everyone in this class - everyone except one person who likely will bully him for the whole semester. 

/Jesus…Buddha…Kami-sama…anyone…please…./