After School Date with Yandere

"Wait, Minamoto-kun. You got it wrong here."

"How so?"

"For this question, we can't use ordinary quadratic equations, use this instead."

Tsukinaga-san starts writing formulas that looked more like ancient symbols. I feel like I've seen it in class but am not sure either.

"First, we need to identify which one is a, b, and c. Then we input it into the formula. After that, we just need to simplify it until we find the answer."

"Eh... I don't know Tsukinaga-san. Is 0<x<1 even an answer?"

"Yes. This is the final answer and cannot be simplified any further.

"Ugh... Why is math so hard? It's like a mind game, we have to guess the intention of the person who made the question to solve it. Why are we doing this in the first place? I've never seen anyone buy things in a shop using complicated equations like this."

"Well it's true, we never use it in everyday life. But we still need to learn it because it's part of our curriculum. Furthermore, we still have to deal with mathematics at university, especially if you are majoring in science."

"I'm not going to college then."

I put my head on the table. Smoke seems to be coming out of my brain from thinking too much. While I was sulking, Tsukinaga-san speaks in a sad voice.

"Then, don't you want to go to the same college as me?"

I immediately raise my head. Tsukinaga-san looked dejected as she looking down at her book.

"Of course I would love to! But I don't think I could make it to the same university as you. You are smart, Tsukinaga-san. Unlike me, you are always at the top of rankings."

This time, I'm the one who feels dejected. Tsukinaga-san excels in every area. I don't want her to lower her level just for me, but I don't think I could make it to hers.

"It's fine. I know you can do it. You keep getting better than before, Minamoto-kun."

"It's all thanks to your teaching. I wouldn't be able to do it by myself."

"I know. Because of that, I will remain by your side till the end."

Tsukinaga-san silenced me as I tried to make excuses. Her choice of words made me blush. I know she's talking about studying, but I can't help but think of another meaning.

While we were chatting, the librarian teacher came and talked to us.

"Tsukinaga-san, can you help me for a bit?"

*Tsk*

For a moment, I heard a clicking tongue. However, when I looked at Tsukinaga-san, she was already standing up while giving me an apologetic smile.

"Sorry, Minamoto-kun. I'll be back ASAP."

"O-Okay."

I stared blankly at Tsukinaga-san who left me. My mind was still empty even after she disappeared behind the bookshelves.

Maybe just my imagination.

While waiting for her to return, I tried to solve another question.

Come to think of it, having an after-school date like this takes me back to the days when we weren't officially dating.

Back then, I often came to the library to find a quiet place to read novels or manga. I pretended as if I was working on my homework while there was actually another book lying behind the textbook. As for Tsukinaga-san, she was always behind the front desk. She occasionally stepped out from that place to do her duties as library prefect.

Tsukinaga-san had a gloomy aura looming around her. She has a long jet black hair. She also wears glasses which made her face even more difficult to see. She rarely talk and only responded in a low voice and efficient way.

At first, I didn't have any special feelings for her either. But my feelings changed when I saw the hidden gem she had been hiding all along.

Behind her bangs, she had pretty face. I saw it by accident when she took off her glass to put some eye drops. The sight of water flowing from her closed eyes was breathtaking. I know it sounds trivial, but it made my heart skip a bit.

After that incident, I worked up the courage to talk to her. Starting from cliche reasons like borrowing books, I was able to have a normal conversation with her.

After a full month, I decided to confess. You could say I was testing my luck. We don't know each other well enough. I should have waited a bit more until I raised every flag to guarantee my success. But I just couldn't help myself.

After trying to get to know her, I concluded that I won't understand her. I know it sounded silly, but it's the truth.

Every time we talk, she's like a puppet putting up a front. She always spoke in a way others wanted to hear. Even when I asked about her hobby, she answers without any excitement in her eyes. Just like a soulless person without any interest in anything.

Even so, her mysterious personality only made me curious more. With that being said, I thought there was no way for me to raise romantic flag with someone like her. Thus, I depended on my luck and just confessed to her. But the answer I received was unexpected.

"Okay. Please treat me well," she said as she bowed.

With the consent of both parties, we started going out. Tsukinaga-san didn't suddenly change just like that. She slowly but surely opened her heart to me. The current Tsukinaga-san is much different from before. She has become more lively and started talking a lot lately. I'm glad I confessed to her back then.

"Sorry to have kept you waiting."

After finishing about five questions by myself, plus reminiscing about my past, Tsukinaga-san returned.

"No, it's fine."

I automatically squinted when I see Tsukinaga-san returning with a slightly disheveled appearance. Her cheeks were dirty and her hair a bit messy.

"What did you just do?"

"Just moving newly arrived books to the shelves."

"Was it much? Why didn't you call me?"

"It's only a box. Besides, it's my job as a library prefect. I can't just toss it away to you."

"But there's nothing wrong with asking for help. I'm your boyfriend after all, or do you find me that useless so you don't want to rely on me?"

"No! It's not like that."

Tsukinaga-san suddenly snapped. But I calmly approach her.

"Then just ask me if you need to do any heavy job."

I took a facial tissue and wiped the dust off her cheek. Then I stroke her head to tidy up her hair a bit as much as I could.

Tsukinaga-san remains silent while I'm doing all of that. Her head was facing downwards so I couldn't tell what expression she was making.

"You are scary, Minamoto-kun. Have you ever dated someone before?"

Tsukinaga-san suddenly asked something out of nowhere.

"No, you are my first girlfriend. Why do you ask?"

"That's...just makes you scarier."

"How so?"

"Are you seriously unaware or just playing dumb?"

"What do you mean?"

"Sigh... Forget it. Let's get back to studying."

"?"

I don't know what got into her, but I don't think asking any further will do any better.

"Thank God I was his first. Which means I don't have to eliminate anyone, yet."

When I was already sat on my seat, I heard Tsukinaga-san muttering.

"Did you say something?"

"No, nothing at all."

She answers with a bright smile. I'm not convinced yet, but she doesn't let my suspicion linger as she starts teaching me another magic formula.