Unraveled Ties-Chapter 38: Between Lessons and Life

The school was buzzing with an energy that only came during exam season. Students huddled in small groups, discussing formulas, historical dates, and possible essay topics. The air felt thick with stress, but for some, it was just another part of school life.

Reiji sat in his usual spot near the window, idly flipping through his math textbook. He wasn’t a top student, but he wasn’t terrible either. He did enough to stay in the safe zone, which was fine by him.

Across from him, Kaito was dramatically groaning over his open textbook.

"Ugh, I swear, this is pointless," Kaito complained, dragging his hands down his face. "Why do we even need to know how to calculate the angle of a freaking triangle in real life?"

Reiji smirked. "So you don’t embarrass yourself when you have kids and they ask for help with homework."

Kaito sighed. "That’s what YouTube tutorials are for."

A chuckle escaped Reiji’s lips, but before he could respond, the classroom door slid open. Aoi walked in, looking around before her gaze landed on him.

"Reiji-kun," she called, smiling softly.

He straightened up, feeling his mood shift slightly.

"Hey," he greeted casually.

Aoi walked over, her steps light and graceful. "You’re studying for the math test, right? Do you understand question five? I keep getting the wrong answer."

Reiji blinked. "Question five?" He flipped to the page she held out, scanning the problem. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

He tried explaining, pointing out where the mistake might have been, but Aoi’s puzzled expression remained.

"I think I get it," she said, though her face showed otherwise.

Reiji couldn’t help but find it amusing.

"You... definitely don’t get it," he remarked.

Aoi pouted, lightly puffing her cheeks. "I *almost* get it."

*Cute.*

He quickly shook off the thought. "Here, let me show you again."

As he leaned in to explain, Aoi listened attentively, her eyes focused on his notes. She was the type who genuinely wanted to improve, which was something he admired about her. The way she nodded along, her brows slightly furrowed in concentration—it made him appreciate these small moments with her.

"Ah, I see now!" Aoi brightened, her smile returning. "Thanks, Reiji-kun! You explain things really well."

Reiji felt his chest tighten slightly at her words.

"It’s nothing," he said, scratching his cheek.

Aoi clasped her hands together. "I’ll repay you somehow!"

"Not necessary," he replied.

"But I want to!" she insisted. "Maybe I’ll bring you something sweet tomorrow as thanks?"

Reiji raised an eyebrow. "Bribing me with food?"

Aoi giggled. "Maybe~"

As she walked back to her seat, Reiji found himself watching her for a moment longer than he should have. *Aoi was just naturally charming...*

Kaito smirked beside him. "Man, you’ve got it bad."

"Shut up," Reiji muttered, returning to his book.

—

Later that afternoon, Reiji found himself once again in the empty clubroom with Sena.

Unlike the usual practice sessions, today was different. Instead of just focusing on their usual ‘lessons,’ they were also studying.

Sena, as expected, was more focused than he was. She had a sharp mind, easily flipping through pages and solving problems without hesitation.

"You’re pretty good at this," Reiji commented, watching her scribble down an answer.

Sena glanced up. "Of course. I actually study."

Reiji scoffed. "You say that like I don’t."

"You don’t."

She smirked before tapping the page in front of him. "Stop slacking. Solve this one."

Reiji sighed, grabbing his pen. As he worked through the problem, he felt Sena’s eyes on him. It wasn’t uncomfortable, but it was... noticeable.

After a while, she spoke. "Alright, now time for today’s actual lesson."

Reiji exhaled. "Yeah, yeah. What’s it this time?"

Sena held out her hand. "Hand-holding again."

He stared at her. "Isn’t this a bit much? We did it yesterday."

"And you still suck at it."

Reiji grumbled but complied, reaching out and grasping her hand.

The moment their hands connected, he felt that familiar warmth again. But this time, instead of pulling away, he let it linger.

Sena raised an eyebrow. "Progress?"

"Shut up," he muttered.

She smirked but didn’t comment further. Instead, she gently shifted their grip, making sure his fingers were properly intertwined with hers.

"See? It’s not that hard," she said.

Reiji glanced at their hands, then at her. *She really was confident about all of this.*

For a moment, he just focused on the feeling. Holding her hand while studying—it was a strange combination. But at the same time... it felt oddly natural.

His eyes traveled to her hand, noticing the little details he had ignored before. The slight warmth, the smoothness of her skin, the way her fingers fit perfectly between his.

*She’s actually got nice hands...*

He quickly shook off the thought. *Not important.*

Sena watched him carefully. "You’re thinking too much again."

Reiji huffed. "It’s called using my brain. Maybe try it sometime."

Sena smirked. "You’re just trying to distract yourself from the fact that you’re getting used to this."

"Tch."

They held the position for a few more seconds before Sena finally let go.

"That’s enough for now," she said, stretching. "Next time, we’ll do this while walking."

Reiji raised an eyebrow. "Walking?"

"You want to look natural when holding hands with someone, right?"

"...I guess."

Sena grinned. "Then get ready. Tomorrow, we’re taking this lesson outside."

Reiji sighed, leaning back. *What had he gotten himself into?*

—

As he walked home later that evening, he found himself thinking back to both interactions that day.

Aoi’s bright, innocent charm—the way she could make his heart race so easily.

Sena’s confident, teasing presence—the way she challenged him in ways no one else did.

His mind lingered on both.

But what confused him the most... was that he wasn’t sure *which* moment had left the stronger impression on him.

—