Camp Criminal (SFW)

Chapter 3

(June 15)
It's Saturday and Teshima arrived after lunch again. She checked our homework and graded it. She went over corrections but I only missed one question. It looks like Kentaro missed a lot and he was frustrated. Gin missed a few too, but less than Kentaro. Matsu didn't even answer most of the questions. Hisashi got a full score. I seriously underestimated him, but how is he so smart anyway?? How does he remember how to do all this crap from high school when he's already graduated?? I guess he's just naturally talented and I hate to see it.

We begin our lessons and work for today. Even though I was irritated when Gin gave me the cold shoulder when I was helping him last time, I couldn't stop myself from lending a hand to Gin again today. He's still struggling with a few things and still isn't catching Teshima's attention. I guess I have to help this pitiful boy even if he doesn't like me. Not like I really like him either.

As I help Gin, I sketch the work for the problem on the paper to show Gin how to solve it. He writes next to my sketch and understands it finally. As I pull away since he's solved that problem, he suddenly grabs my pencil to stop me. I'm stunned for a moment. What's he doing now...?

".....ks....."

Huh? What was that? Is he trying to say something? Is he not mute after all???

"Huh??" I say, moving closer so I can hear.

Gin has his head down. He's still gripping my pencil. There's silence. Then...

".....thanks......" I hear a quiet voice coming from him.

Holy shit.... He just talked... He said thanks... And it's really freaking cute... Wait, shut up, Akiara. Who cares if he sounds cute? That doesn't matter even one bit. What matters is that apparently he's been appreciating my help. I feel a little better about helping him now...

I can't help but smile. "No problem!" I say.

Gin slowly glances up at me, in between his white hair. Then he turns his head away and lets go of my pencil. Now that he said that... Has he just been shy this whole time? So it's not like there's any problem with me? I'm relieved. And the smile on my face won't go away.

"Akiara~"

I turn my head to see Hisashi standing up. He smiles at me.

"Kentaro refuses my help so I wondered if you could help him~ I could help Gin in your stead~" Hisashi explains.

I look at Kentaro. He seems irritated and doesn't want to meet anyone's eyes. I glance at his paper. He scribbled on his paper with force, clearly showing his frustration. I glance over at Teshima. She's occupied with Matsu as usual. I guess... I have no choice... For some reason, I exchange places with Hisashi to help Kentaro.

"You didn't want help from Hisashi?" I ask. Not that I blame him, but what am I supposed to say now? Why did I agree to this?? It's been one second but I already regret everything.

"I just..." Kentaro starts. "I just don't need help from him... I don't need your help either..." Kentaro made a sound like a low growl and aggressively scratched his head.

I blinked. That growl... Is he a dog...? Wait, never mind, that doesn't matter. He doesn't want our help. What should I do now?

I see Kentaro tries to attempt the problem again. Oh well... At least Gin is off my hands now. Although, I would have liked to hear more of his voice... Ugh, I need to stop thinking things like this. Ignore whatever these boys do, and everything will be alright. Even if I did want to make a move on Gin, would he even want it? I'm definitely not about forcing myself on him. He's covered from head to toe anyway, I doubt he likes being touched. Yeah, let's stop this train of thought here.