As I chat with Tetsuya,

  I notice that Ronin

  would stare at me

  more than once

  as he talks with

  the other two

  girls.

  I pretend not to

  notice, looking

  at Tetsuya,

  “I've gotten better

  at math thanks to

  you.” I grin in

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  admiration.

  “I'm glad to hear

  that.” Tetsuya smiles

  back.

  We both make

  direct eye contact

  for a couple seconds.

  I suddenly avert my

  gaze as I feel my cheeks

  heat up.

  Tetsuya's mom enters

  the dining room,

  being in high

  spirits.

  The table we all sit

  at is a very long

  black table.

  Before us plates, silverware,

  and glass cups are already

  decorating the table.

  One for each person.