[@Renny]

Sakamori smiled tiredly at the use of her first name. She’d always remind him to use her family name on school grounds, but she knew how much he despised formalities so she always let it slide. He took some time to stand, obviously stalling to think up an excuse or false explanation for his sombre state. The way he smirked bothered her. The positive sentiment absolutely refused to meet his sad eyes. It felt more like a wall than a friendly gesture. She hated the way he avoided looking at her too. Did the presence of a teacher really make him that uncomfortable?

[color=8493ca]“If your father lays a single finger on you, he’ll be the one getting slapped,”[/color] Sakamori vowed bitterly.

[color=8493ca]“Yes, it’s about the test. Partially anyway. You were actually doing a great job, before you gave up completely.”[/color]

That wasn’t the direction she wanted the conversation to go. There was no need to make him feel even worse about his poor grades.

[color=8493ca]“The reason I’m really here is because I’m worried. You seem to be distracted, upset even, as of late. I … understand if you would prefer not to discuss it with a teacher, but there are always people at school who are willing to listen and help.”[/color]

Sakamori hesitated, wondering if she should recommend the guidance counsellor. She knew that school-appointed counsellors operated quite poorly when it came to mental health, or just sympathising with students in general. But any help was better than none, right?

[color=8493ca]“The guidance counsellor’s office is always open, though I’m not sure how much assistance they’d provide, given your circumstances. And there’s no shame in asking me for advice with your studies or anything else that is bothering you.”[/color]

She probably should have suggested his friends too, but she wasn’t sure if the young man had any positive relations with his fellow students, considering the way he left Kenji in the classroom. She kept a firm gaze, hoping that the student would heed her advice.