The Halloween break slipped through the students' fingers like sand, leaving behind the echoes of laughter and the faint scent of pumpkins. The school doors creaked open once again, welcoming them back into the routine of classes and corridors filled with murmured conversations and shuffling feet. Yet, a collective anticipation lingered in the air. The students had their eyes fixed on a distant horizon: the annual three-week holiday for Christmas, a beacon of light in the otherwise drab winter months.
But this respite was not to be seized without a struggle. Before they could bask in the warmth of the holidays, they faced the daunting Christmas exams, a series of hurdles that tested not just their knowledge but their endurance. Each exam loomed large, a shadow that stretched across their desks and notebooks, reminding them of the effort still required.
Simultaneously, another challenge beckoned — the upcoming school event tied to the local museum's Christmas festivities. This wasn't merely an extracurricular activity; it was a vital cog in their academic machinery. The event demanded their participation, each student assigned a role that contributed to the museum's holiday operations. It was a sprawling, multi-day affair, where teamwork and individual responsibility were key.
+-+
"When's the next break?" Furuya's voice emerged from the folds of his arms as his head slumped on Yasushi's desk, a muffled plea barely heard above the classroom din.
"Not too far from now," Yasushi replied, his tone reassuring but his eyes betraying a hint of the long weeks ahead. "But you know we'll be participating in the museum event, right?"
Furuya's groan was almost theatrical. He raised his head, just enough to start unwrapping a sandwich, his expression one of resigned exasperation. The crinkling of the plastic wrap seemed louder than usual, filling the pause in their conversation.
"But first, the exams," Xinyi interjected, her voice steady and pragmatic, a counterbalance to Furuya's despair. "We've got to get through those before the winter break. December's going to hit us hard. The first week's all tests, so we really need to start studying."
Furuya's eyes rolled dramatically as he took a bite of his sandwich. "God... kill me..." he mumbled, the words barely decipherable through a mouthful of bread and ham.
"How about a study group?" Reina's suggestion sliced through the air with unexpected brightness. "We can help each other out with the subjects we're struggling with."
The idea hung there, a small lifeline in the sea of impending academic chaos. Yasushi nodded slowly, considering. Xinyi's eyes flicked over to Reina, assessing the feasibility, already mentally organizing the group.
Furuya, still chewing, let out a long sigh. "I guess it's better than flunking out," he muttered, crumbs escaping the corners of his mouth.
"Then let's tell Jingliu and the others who aren't here," Xinyi said, her gaze shifting to Yasushi. "But where should it take place? I don't mind my house, and I don't think Jingliu or Yasushi would care if we went to theirs."
The rest of the group turned to Yasushi, who was focused on his phone. He was texting Jingliu, who had been pulled out of class to talk with someone. The unfamiliar presence worried him, but Layena had gone with her, so he trusted they'd be fine.
"I'll ask her," he said, his fingers flying over the screen, typing out their conversation. Almost immediately, his phone buzzed with a reply.
"She says it's fine," he relayed, looking up. "She doesn't mind where we meet. So... if it's our home, that's fine too."
Xinyi nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Alright, let's plan on that then. We can rotate houses if needed."
Reina chimed in, "It'll be good to switch things up. Keep it interesting."
Furuya, still chewing on the remnants of his sandwich, mumbled his agreement. "Yeah, as long as there's snacks."
The decision made, a sense of purpose settled over them. They would study together, supporting each other through the maze of exams and the museum event. The shared burden felt lighter now, dispersed among friends.
Lunch eventually ended. Jingliu and Layena rejoined them, slipping back into the rhythm of the day.
+-+
"We—"
Before Yasushi could finish his sentence, a firm grip on his shoulders yanked him backward, dragging him away from the group. Jingliu's irritation was evident as she watched the interruption unfold. School had ended, and just as Furuya was about to dash off to his baseball practice, he had pulled Yasushi aside, leaving their friends bewildered.
"Uh, what's up, man?" Yasushi asked, confusion lining his features as he tried to make sense of the sudden urgency.
"I need help," Furuya blurted out, glancing nervously between Yasushi and their group, who were all staring at them with curious eyes. "I'll be straight with you. I think I like Catherine. We have a lot in common, and we've been texting nonstop since the Halloween break. What should I do?"
"Ask her out?" Yasushi replied, his tone flat, giving Furuya a look that clearly communicated his thoughts on the matter.
"I know that, but I mean…when? How? Can you help? Like…can I do it during our study sessions when we take breaks or something? Your house is huge, so…getting into a room alone with her would help," Furuya rambled nervously, his words tumbling out in a rush.
Yasushi sighed, running a hand through his hair as he considered the request. "Alright, during the study sessions then," he agreed finally, albeit reluctantly. "But you better make sure it doesn't mess with our plans. We need to stay focused."
Furuya nodded, relief washing over his face. "Thanks, man. I owe you one."
As they walked back to the group, Yasushi couldn't help but chuckle at the situation. The rest of their friends still looked perplexed, their eyes following the duo with questioning glances.
"What did you talk about?" Xinyi asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Furuya and his period," Yasushi replied with a deadpan expression, earning him a smack from Furuya.
"Screw you too!" Furuya shouted before dashing away to his baseball practice.
"Anyway, when do you want to start this study group? Today? Tomorrow?" Yasushi asked as Jingliu linked arms with him, a small smile playing on her lips.
"It would be better if we start tomorrow. We can inform Furuya in the group chat," Xinyi said, turning to Reina, who had joined their group around the Halloween break. "Will it fit into your schedule?"
"Reina can bring her little brothers to our home if she wants. We have plenty of things to keep them occupied, and our staff can babysit them during that time too," Jingliu suggested, looking over at Xinyi. "Yours can too, right?"
Xinyi nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, that works. They'd enjoy it, I think. We can all meet at your place then."
Reina hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "That sounds good. They've been restless lately, so it'll be nice for them to have a change of scenery."
"Then let's hash out the details in our group chat later tonight. I'll see you guys later," Reina said, turning on her heel and walking away.
"Yeah, bye~" shouted Xinyi as her ride pulled up. Xinyi, Laura, and Catherine climbed in, but before they left, Xinyi popped her head out the window. "Oh, by the way, let's have the study group at your place first, Jingliu!" She disappeared back into the car, and it drove away.
Yasushi sighed, glancing at Jingliu. Her expression remained indifferent. "Do you mind?" he asked.
She turned to him, her gaze steady. "We're both the owners, so both our opinions matter. I don't mind, and I assume you don't, so it should be fine."
Yasushi was a bit taken aback but nodded. "Yeah, I guess you're right. I just usually see it as your home since, well, I didn't come from a rich family," he explained, making Jingliu laugh.
"It's fine. Anyway, let's inform Yinhaie once she arrives," she replied.
They stood there, waiting for Yinhaie and the car that would take them home. The school grounds were slowly emptying, the last of the students making their way out, the quiet settling in. Yasushi looked around, the familiar surroundings tinged with the anticipation of the upcoming days.
Yinhaie arrived, the car gliding to a stop in front of them. They climbed in, and as the cityscape began to pass by outside the windows, Yasushi felt a strange mix of nervousness and excitement. The car's interior was a bubble of calm, contrasting with the bustling streets they drove through.
+-+
Yasushi leaned against the balcony railing, gazing out at the snowy nightscape. The world outside was quiet, the snowflakes drifting lazily under the streetlights. Hours had passed since they had arrived home, and now he was taking a moment to relax before dinner. His phone buzzed with the start of a video call from his study group.
Jingliu was in the room next to him, her phone on speaker so he could hear the conversation. He chimed in occasionally, his voice blending with the others. They had decided the first few sessions would be held at their home, starting every other day, with guaranteed sessions on Fridays when no one had plans after school.
As the minutes ticked by, the discussion flowed smoothly, punctuated by laughter and the occasional debate about study topics. An hour slipped away, and the call ended with a sense of accomplishment and a plan in place. Dinner was fifteen minutes away.
Jingliu walked over to the balcony, her footsteps soft on the wooden floor. She joined Yasushi, leaning on the railing beside him, the cold air wrapping around them both.
"All set," she said, looking out at the snow-covered streets. "First session starts tomorrow. Fridays are a definite, and we'll rotate locations if needed, but our place is the main spot for now."
Yasushi nodded, taking in the details. "Sounds good. Everyone seemed pretty on board with the plan."
She smiled, a hint of satisfaction in her eyes. "Yeah, it went well. I think this will help us all stay on track."
The distant sounds of the city were muted by the snow, creating a serene backdrop for their conversation. Yasushi glanced at Jingliu, appreciating her calm presence. "Thanks for setting it up. It makes everything feel more manageable."
Jingliu shrugged lightly. "We're in this together. It's just a matter of organizing our efforts."
The warmth of the house beckoned them as they turned to go inside. The smell of dinner wafted through the air, promising a comforting end to the day. They stepped back into the house, closing the balcony door behind them, leaving the snowy nightscape to its silent vigil.