<div class="floatleft">(http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/322/f/8/mashiro_shiina_render_by_nekoryocatsan-d5lg0n6.png)</div><strong>Name:</strong>Tachibana Hanako<br/><strong>Location:</strong>Cafeteria<br/><strong>Tagging:</strong>Sakurai-san<br/><br/><hr/><br/>Anyone who had been paying even the slightest bit of attention to the ranks of their peers would certainly have known the name Sakurai Yuuji. Though he had some stiff competition occasionally, he still remained at the top of the class, all without so much as breaking a sweat. Hanako recalled being in class several times, nervously chewing on the clip of her mechanical pencil while re-reading the same question on a test for the hundredth time, only to glance at Yuuji, to find him appearing completely relaxed and entirely unfazed. He never seemed worried about grades or tests, never seemed concerned about compromising his academic prowess.<br/><br/>It had never occurred to Hanako before now; the possibility that perhaps Yuuji was to his grades, as Hanako was to her art. Maybe he didn't need to exert every bit of his effort in order to maintain his average, maybe he barely needed to apply himself at all, maybe it all came rather naturally to him, regardless of the energy he poured into his studies. It was difficult for Hanako to picture that, especially considering just how very disciplined and bookish Yuuji appeared.<br/><br/>The silence that followed Hanako's brazen compliment was almost deafening, until Yuuji's lips found the straw to his milk once more, breaking the lull with an unceremonious slurping sound, signaling the completion of his drink. With flushed cheeks and anpan crumbs stuck to her face, Hanako's gaze returned to observe him once again, just in time to hear him speak. Her tongue scraped over her lips as he responded, leaving a slick trail behind in the process, which made the corners of her mouth glisten.<em>"I appreciate your words of kindness, Tachibana-san. I wish I could do something to help you in your studies."</em>She smiled brightly at his articulated gratitude, grateful that he hadn't misunderstood the matter and didn't seem to get the impression that she was being too overt.<br/><br/>To his offer about reporting any harassment or bullying to the teacher, Hanako shook her head, tearing off another piece of anpan in the process. "No... that's not it. But thank you for offering," she managed another smile before averting her gaze, chewing the sweet bread in her mouth. To her surprise, Yuuji went on, commending her artistic talent, even expressing his fondness for the craft. His argument was one she couldn't think to rebuttal against, for he had a fair point. If she was gifted enough to get noticed, how would she not be taken seriously? Gulping down the remnants of that last bite, Hanako's expression changed to one of awe as she regarded Yuuji once again, listening to his offer for assistance.<br/><br/>"I think I've always believed that in order to be successful at something, it needs to take a certain amount of effort and practice. Something that comes so naturally to me can't be the thing I'm meant to do." She muttered, looking rather pensive as she confessed it aloud.<br/><br/>Her grin widened even deeper then, as she considered his words, fingers brushing the wrapping of her dessert. He made it all sound so simple, with his eloquent way of communicating. Could it really be that easy? If she took herself seriously, would others just follow suit? "You're amazing, Sakurai-san... thank you for saying all of that, and for offering to help." Her head tilted as she considered the extent of his offer, perking a brow while conjuring up an idea. "Actually... I think you can help me!" Suddenly her tone returned to an excited squeal, twisting within her seat to face him more fully. "You can tutor me!" The enthusiasm radiated off of her, brightening her features to a new degree, already looking beyond hopeful that he would agree.<br/><br/>"Please, Sakurai-san? I would do anything to have you tutor me. Just name your price! Please?" Whatever it took in order to convince him, Hanako was willing to consider, albeit a bit preemptively.