The next day, I met the ungrateful guy on the way to school again. “Oh, morning Senpai.” I said, rolling my eyes. “Oh! I better get to school! I don’t want to see anyone collapse in front of me and don’t even thank me when I help him. See you!” I smiled at him and walked even faster. Yes, smile.

“Wait.” He cleared his throat. I stopped and looked back. “What now?”

He walked closer. “I’m sorry for my attitude yesterday. Thank you for what you did.” “Ah…no problem…” “Let’s get going.”

Sudden change in attitude?

We walked to school and parted ways. Maybe he really was just tired yesterday.

After class, I headed back to the music room. “Ah senpai, good afternoon.” “Good afternoon.”

4 more days like this continued. We barely talked to each other, minding our own business, studying. But there really is something that has been bothering me ever since.

His laptop.

He’s been typing something in there like forever. He doesn’t look like he’s going to stop unless you go near him and take the laptop away.

“Ano…senpai?” I called to him. He didn’t respond. “Oi, senpai…” I said louder. Sigh.

I walked closer. “I’m going to borrow some books…” Still did not respond. I leaned closer and looked at his face. Still didn’t notice…?! Is he a stone or what?! Then I took a peek at his laptop.

Then he suddenly closed it. “What do you want?” I took a step back. “Umm, I just wanted to borrow some books. If you don’t mind.” “Go ahead.” “Arigato.”

I took three books. “S-Senpai, mind if I ask you something?” He looked at me. “What?”

“What is it that you have been doing all this time in that laptop of yours?”

He stared at me for a few seconds and went back to typing in his laptop. …

“Uh, thanks for the books.” I walked back to the corner of the room, but I didn’t take my eyes off of him.

Never mind. I read the book I borrowed.

“Work.”

I looked at him. “Work?” Then he looked up from his laptop. “Yes, work. Stressful work. I have no time for fun and games. My dad has high expectations. Sometimes it’s so high, it’s pissing me off.” Then he smiled at me bitterly. “I hate him.”

I just stared at him with the book in my hand.

He cleared his throat. “I’m going to the restroom for bit. Please excuse me.” Then he sat up and left the room.

I was left speechless. If he really has a job, and his father is expecting many things from him, then he really is a very intelligent person.

But…

He’s under pressure. He doesn’t even have time to enjoy himself like a normal high school student.