ring ring


    The bell officially marks the end of class. As I was packing my things, I got an idea. I faced my left and looked at Chizuru-chan with my eyes gleaming in excitement. "Chizuri-chan, wanna study together tomorrow for our test?"


    She looked at me with her lips forming a small upward curve. “Sure. So I guess it’s still gonna be the usual? Going to the maim library before classes, huh?”


    I quickly nodded. “Yeah!”


    ???


    I groggily opened my eyes and stared at the ceiling. It didn’t take me long to realize that today was the day that I''d be studying with Chizuru-chan. This isn’t exactly the first time that it happened, but my heart couldn’t help but beat faster than usual. I quickly got up and prepared for school. After several minutes, all I needed was to eat breakfast. At the table, Shizuka was standing right next to a seat with her usual stoic face. I ate my food as fast as I possibly could.


    “Fuyuki-sama, you need to slow down and chew your food properly.” Her voice was laced with concern.


    I pouted. “But I wanna go to school early.”


    She deadpanned at me and spoke. “As if you don’t come to school early ever since you befriend a girl named Chizuru.”


    I whined. “I’m too excited for our study session.”


    Her eyes of concern were replaced with a more gentle expression. “Ever since you befriended her, there is no time of the day where you don’t have energy. I also didn’t need to drag you out of bed anymore.”


    I started to relax and reminisced about our times together. “It’s just that she feels so familiar and comforting, but I also don’t remember seeing her anywhere. She’s also kind and gentle… She would also pay attention to everything I say, even if it’s pure nonesense… She’s just perfect in every way possible...”


    "Ah, it sounds like someone finally captured the heart of Fuyuki-sama’s locked heart.”


    I whined again. “Hey! You make it sound like I’m some sort of distrusting ice queen who finally melted.”


    She chuckled. “Isn’t it true? You may not look like it at a glance, but deep inside, you are.”


    I rolled my eyes. “Whatever. Well, I’m done eating now, so I’ll go now.”


    “Stay safe, Fuyuki-sama.” Her eyes gazed at me in a gentle manner.


    ???


    It didn’t take me a while for me to arrive at the almost empty gates of our school. I walked as fast as possible to the main library. I managed to shorten the typical 5-minute walk there to only 3 minutes. I went inside the familiar but massive traditional building that was filled with a lot of books. I went to the reading area, and sure enough, I was able to spot her wearing headphones while reading the latest volume of my manga. I couldn’t help but feel uneasy over the sight of the manga, but then remembered that we''d be having a study session, which made my heart leap in joy. I went up to her table and sat on the seat across her.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    “Chizuru-chan!”


    She placed her headphones into her neck and stopped what she was currently doing. “Oh, you’re here, Fuyuki; I guess we should start studying.”


    I happily nodded. We took out our textbooks and notes and started reviewing. I noticed her struggling with an equation and asked. “Are you having trouble with it?”


    She nodded. I stood from my seat and walked up to her. “Basically, you use this formula and maneuver it a bit; plug in the values you got earlier and there!”


    “Ohhh, so that’s how it’s done. How are you so good at studying? Not just math, but with all subjects. What’s your secret?”


    My cheeks started to turn red. I played with my hair and said, “I don’t know; I just listen to our sensei, and yeah. Do you need more help?”


    “It’s okay, I get it now.”


    “Well, just tell me if you need help.”


    We then continued studying by ourselves. It didn’t take long for me to finish studying, so I excused myself and looked for something to read. I went back to our table and started reading the shojo manga I found. I couldn’t focus on what I was reading and sneekily took glances at Chizuru-chan, who’s earnestly studying. My heart warmed at the sight.


    The expressions that Chizuru-chan makes while she’s studying are so cute! The way she furrows her eyebrows while trying to understand the lesson… Her unwavering gaze…


    ???


    While I was reviewing my notes, I noticed that it was incomplete, and there were unfinished formulas. I decided to ask Fuyuki, whose eyes seem to be dilated.


    "Uhh, Fuyuki, can I borrow your notes?”


    She jumped from my question and tried to compose herself. “O-oh sure!”


    She took out a notebook that’s covered in pink leather from her pink bag and handed it over to me.


    “Thanks”


    She smiled at me and said, “Do you need anything else?”


    “No, I’m good.”


    I opened the notebook. It was filled with random drawings. My eyes widened in realization. On there was the first ever design of Yuki from Kurai-sensei’s manga, with her art style. My eyes widened in realization.


    “Fuyuki, a-are you… Kurai-sensei?”


    Her eyes were wide open, and she was left speechless. Her body started trembling.


    Fuyuki… is Kurai-sensei!? That explains why she reacts weirdly with the mention of Kurai-sensei… That must’ve been awkward for her when I told her that she’s my favorite author. Still, I can’t shake off the feeling that something happened… Fuyuki… Knowing that she’s Kurai-sensei, that explains why her manga feels so familiar… Wait, SHE’S TREMBLING!


    Just as I realized that she was trembling, she was already gone. I looked everywhere but failed to find her.


    ???


    I felt my soul leave me when I realized that I accidentally gave her my drawing notebook. When she asked me if I’m Kurai-sensei, I brought my things and ran as fast as I could.


    No… no no no no no!!! Chizuru-chan, I… She knows… She knows! What do I do? Please don’t leave me, please! I… uhh uhh uhh


    I ran aimlessly around the campus until I thought of going to the clinic. I then went there as soon as I could. I arrived at the clinic, panting. I was struggling to breathe after running for so long, knowing that I have asthma. The nurse‘s face was filled with concern.


    “What happened!”


    I continued panting, struggling to catch my breath.


    “Do you have asthma?”


    "Yeah," I said while panting.


    She helped me sit down and asked. "Do you have your inhaler?”


    "Yeah, but can I go home after this?”


    “Okay, I’ll call your parents.”


    “I’ll just call my driver.”


    She gave me an understanding look and helped me with my inhaler.


    ???


    As soon as I got home, I went to my room and locked the door. Tears instantly flowed down my face.


    Chizuru-chan probably hates me now… as if I can do anything about it. But still, I… I can’t let her go… Chizuru-chan, I’m sorry for being like this. I’m sorry for being cringe and geeky. I’m sorry for being a mangaka. I… I should’ve just stopped, or else this wouldn’t have happened; she wouldn’t leave me. Well...  maybe she would''ve, but the chances now are way higher. Why did I not stop? YOU SHOULD’VE STOPPED, FUYUKI! WHY DID YOU STILL CONTINUE BEING A MANGAKA? WHY? Chizuru-chan, please don’t leave me...