Taking time off of studying was an infinitely better plan than doing something like taking time off of their bonding sessions as friends. Or was it that they were supposed to replace their friendship entirely with their new relationship? No... That sounded like the worst plan, and Kiyotaka wouldn't even open up the possibility. Quality time in both areas seemed like the right way to go! Probably.

To think he once dismissed the notion of such relationships as a useless exercise entirely. In reality, they sure required a lot of careful planning and forethought...

"Right! In that case, we can begin..." His first instinct was to schedule something ahead of time, but the words caught in his throat when he remembered that the opportunity was right in front of them now. "--Er. N-now is opportune, as we haven't begun studying yet! In fact, we can get it all out of our system before we begin so there are no distractions!"

That was a way better idea than maybe stealing a kiss or two between chapters like he was originally hoping. Score.

"Then I am definitely ready to begin when you are!" It was hard to keep the dutiful farce going when his ears felt like they were going to catch fire at any minute. He didn't notice the few stray particles of plaster snow down next to him as plant life writhed beneath the stucco ceiling.