"What is it Sherry? You nervous for the exam?" Shin asked while smiling
Sherry, "No not that, it's about Ren"
Because they've gotten closer, she doesn't stutter as much anymore
"What about him?"
"When he first went to the library, Sir Vern asked why he wanted to pass"
"Oh~ did he change the topic like he always does?" He said a bit irritated at Ren
"Sir Vern said he wouldn't teach him if he doesn't say a good reason"
"I'm surprised you know this"
"I overheard, they weren't exactly quiet"
"What's the reason then?" Shin asked, being genuinely curious
Ren has been avoiding that question for more than a week now.
"Because of...you"
"What? Sorry I didn't hear you that well"
Be doubted whay he just heard
"Ren said that he wanted to pass so he could have a chance to be with you. He knows passing won't guarantee it but...he's trying really hard to pass"
"I just wanted to tell you that, since it looks like he isn't planning to tell you, ever" Sherry added
'Because of me...? But why?'
'Now that you mention it, that guy appeared when I was in trouble too.'
Shin decided to brand Ren with the title 'most suspicious guy I've ever known'
Poor Ren
When they got back to the library, they saw Ren who looks to be in a good mood while being head patted by Vern.
Shin, "...."
Vern, "it's almost time for exams so you have to focus. You still have 2 stacks to go"
He felt a bit pained seeing Ren look like a zombie while studying, all to go with his master
'I can't be soft'
He just sighed and continued to help teach Ren
He didn't get enough sleep because of this as well
'those old geezers don't pay me enough for this shit'
These past few days have been hell for Ren,
filled with torturous studying
But finally, the day after tomorrow is finals
When the day ended, Vern said to review everything at night
Ren was a walking zombie at this point.
When he and Shin were riding home, Shin called out his name
"Ren"
"Yes master?"
Shin reached his hand out towards Ren's head
"What are you-"
Shin patted Ren's head
It felt relaxing to Ren, but he was still confused to why he did it
"Good luck, Ren"
"Thanks..."
It was a bit awkward after that
••••
Shin's room :
When Shin went in his room he was a bit flustered remembering that he headpatted Ren, who was taller than him at the moment
It was just that he remembered Ren's teacher doing it and seemed to like it, so he just wanted to do it as well
All he could do was sigh
••••
Ren's room :
"...fuck I think I'm addicted tp getting headpats now"
"Hmm but Shin's headpat definitely felt better for some reason. Wish he'd always be that sweet haha"
"well time for my reviews"
｡:ﾟ(;´∩';)ﾟ:｡
"These past few days are hell compared to my days on my original world..."
Sigh
*Talking to himself again*
•••
The next day came and went just like that
Vern, "good luck, and don't forget what we studied okay?"
He said while headpatting Ren
"Thanks for helping me Sir Vern, just one more day!"
"You better pass"
••••
It was finally the day of the exam
Good luck on the exam Sherry!" Ren said mustering all his energy
"Good luck to you too Ren" she smiled
"I'll definitely pass this test and- uh be happy" Ren decided to cut out the last part
"Ren" Shin called out
"Yes, master?"
Shin once again reached out his hand and headpatted Ren
'his hair is so soft' he thought
Recently Shin has started taking a liking to headpatting
"Ahhh!" A familiar screaming voice appeared and seemed to head towards them
"You- how could you- get away from Shin!"
"I don't have time to deal with you right now, Alex"
"You're just a servant!"
"Shut up"
Just as Ren was about to leave, he also said good luck to Aria
"Thank you, Ren. Good luck to us all!"
Written exams are on the first day, while combat was on the second.
Of course, servants only have basic combat exams, while the nobles will fight using spells and such.
But that didn't matter much to Ren. The written exams are the most crucial to servants.
When only a few minutes were left before finals began, whispers and murmurs could be heard everywhere.
"Hey, do you know Glen Erald? I heard he was the cause of that 'earthquake' a few weeks ago!"
"For real? I thought he just got hurt during that and decided to rest for a while..."
"Didn't we just see him a while ago???"
"I think he got lucky when he became an infected...he didn't go beyond the "no return" stage"
"What triggered it...."
"Everyone, quiet! The final exams will bow begin!" The teacher said
'Damn, he didn't die? Too bad. Who the hell spread that rumour though? Ahh focus, focus...or you'll die' Ren thought
••••
The exams were dreadful
But all the notes Vern gave to Ren all appeared!
All the beasts, spells, incantations, history- everything!
'this'll work, I can do this!'
••••
When it was over, all he had to do was wait.
It took almost 2 weeks of hell for that. Because he had to focus, he couldn't even eat lunch.
When he went out the classroom, he felt like collapsing immediately. But he knew he couldn't.
So he just drank some water and decided to wait for Shin.
When Shin finally came out, he looked sullen.
"Master Shin...are you okay?"
Seeing the complexion of Ren, he just sighed
"You should really get some sleep"
"You don't know how badly I just want to collapse right here and now"
In the direction going to the library, almost no one could be found. It was obvious because exams ended, and it was time to train.
Ren couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for Shin. He didn't even like hearing the name Glen, but now rumors and even the guy himself came back...
"Master Shin" Ren called out
"What is it" Shin replied still looking Sullen
Ren imitated Shin and headpatted him
"It'll be fine"
"..."
Once again Shin was annoyed that Ren was taller than him
"Don't headpat me"
"But you do it to me"
"Even your teacher does it to you"
"That's different"
When they arrived in the library, it was empty. Except one man was still there.
Ren, (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*.✧
" Sir Veeern, I think I really did well today!"
Vern, "calm down, results won't be out till next wednesday"
Shin, "so, what exactly made you work so hard that you couldn't even eat well these past few weeks?"
Vern, "Eh? I thought you-"
Ren, "Sir Vern, look at the time we should go now. I'll give you a gift next week! Ahaha..."
"....Master Shin let's go"
He was amused at his reaction
Shin, "Where did you aloof personality go?"
"....Master, I don't think someone like me who hasn't slept properly in 2 weeks can do that. Anyways, shouldn't you train?"
"A good rest is what you and I need right now"
"Where's Sherry and the others?"
"It looks like Aria took them both to try and get along. It's good so that he can't do anything." He said coldy
'uwah... He sure is scary. But at least he softened up now'
Just as they were about to go out, there was a crowd forming, and in the middle was... Glen
Shin's killing intent was obvious
Ren immediately grabbed Shin and went into a blind spot
'nope, nope, I am too tired for this shit'
"... let's just go around them? Don't worry, they won't see us" he asked, pleading
Shin softened a little
This guy spent 2 weeks living in hell so he could go with him.
He sighed
"Alright"
Ren was in a good mood again
"Match" he said quietly
Sylvie's Brooch activated
Time remaining : 1 hour and 30 minutes
He quickly held Shin's hand and walked around the crowd
"Don't look at him" Ren said
They went to another blind spot to deactivate
Ren was a bit slow
"Sorry Shin, I really just feel do sleepy... let's just go"
When they finally got to the carriage, Ren's eyes couldn't keep open, but he always tried staying awake
"... just sleep already" Shin said, headpatting him again
"Mn...just for a little bit then"
....
Shin sighed
'I should stop with the headpats'