2025-10-10: Puzzle Theory
- Log: 2025-10-10 Puzzle Theory
- Cast: Hazuki Nakao, Ren Amamiya
- Where: Shujin Academy, Tokyo
- OOC Date: October 10, 2025
- IC Date: July 24, 2012
- Summary: Hazuki and Ren, in the midst of first term finals, do their best to get some last-second studying in together.
<Pose Tracker> Hazuki Nakao has posed.
It is EXAMS WEEK, Tuesday to be precise, at Shujin Academy. Students are struggling (or succeeding at) getting their last-minute studying done, trying to cram as much info as they can in as little time as they can.
Shujin's library is spacious, with many tables and many bookshelves. Students are taking their work seriously today, and almost all of the tables are full of friends and study groups working!
Except for one near the back.
Hazuki Nakao is alone as usual, trying to cram through as much as she can. She's done little on English besides some preparation work, because she's pretty sure she'll ace that in her sleep given her hobbies and her fluency, but math has clearly destroyed her.
"<No more numbers...>" she mutters aloud in English, her accent bleeding through, getting some weird looks by passing-by students. Seems she doesn't have any study partners (or friends, in general)... and also seems like she could *eagerly* use a distraction from the crushing weight of algebra.
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
Ren did a bunch of last-minute studying last week! But honestly, if you aren't studying steadily and regularly, you probably aren't retaining anything you're reading about. After what Akechi said to them last week, maybe they'll have to change their study habits... but for right now, exams are now, so cramming is their only choice.
They don't have any study partners right now either. They are, after all, the infamous delinquent. They're used to this by now, and are okay with the single-person cubby seats towards the back, near where Hazuki is seated. Being alone means being able to focus, and anyway they're just doing a quick review for tomorrow's subject: algebra.
This one is at least one they're feeling confident in. Umie helped them break through on the topic during their tutoring session on Saturday.
...Maybe that's why they're being bold enough to text a girl instead of focus on their textbook. Breaks are important! ...and anyway, Minako abruptly stops texting after sending an alphabet soup. Ren frowns at their phone in concern, but it's probably nothing serious, so they leave it be. They need to get back to it anyway.
Which is, of course, when a familiar voice mumbles in English about numbers.
Ren's English is pretty good, actually. Reading is one of their hobbies, so language skills are important, even on extremely mundane topics, and so they don't hit the same stumbling block of 'this is boring and irrelevant to my interests' as they do many other subjects. They look up to see Hazuki, the other transfer student, looking and sounding distressed about numbers.
"Are you okay?" they murmur, and then just because they can, repeat themself in English. (Their English isn't as good as Ann's, but Ann is also a native English speaker.)
<Pose Tracker> Hazuki Nakao has posed.
Hazuki escapes her hell reverie at the sound of Ren's voice, raising her head fully and looking around. English! She turns towards Ren, shaking away the surprise with a gloomy smile. "Oh, Amamiya-san!"
Unlike many students... Hazuki's impression of Ren is no longer 'oh he's a bad guy who's going to get me in trouble'. They played pool together once! That means he's nice and obviously just made a mistake. (This girl is way too trusting.)
"There's letters in my numbers and numbers in my letters, Amamiya-san..." she says in Japanese, as she looks over to her algebra textbook, before sighing as she turns back. "What about you...? Doing okay with your studies? Sorry if I bothered you..." Her gloomy countenance is noticeable, but she's trying to break through it and be compassionate to another student anyways!
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
Maybe she is too trusting, but Ren does appreciate that she's basing her treatment of them on actual interactions rather than rumors. Besides which, they aren't the delinquent all the rumors say they are, so it'll work out for her besides.
He gives her a rueful smile when she laments the crossover of numbers and letters. "Algebra, huh?" they murmur back in Japanese, following her gaze. "I'm not that great at math either, but recently I had a friend teach me a trick to make it easier to grasp. I can share, if you want."
How are they doing with their studies, though? "I'm confident I'll ace them," they say assertively. They pause and glance at their phone. "That's a joke, by the way. But I've got a pretty good feeling about it, at least." They type in a very quick response to something, then tuck their phone in their pants pocket and return their attention to Hazuki.
<Pose Tracker> Hazuki Nakao has posed.
Hazuki nods twice at the algebra, considering Ren's words. "I'm better at English, since it's native, but I've never been good at math... back in London, I had people to study with, but..." She smiles it away, shaking her head again. She's gonna burden him! Instead, she nods again. "Please! I'm in your debt."
About his studies, though... she looks impressed when he assertively says he'll ace them, and then he confesses it's a joke and her face returns to default, musing as he continues his texting for a second. "Oh. Well! You're probably doing better than I am... I sometimes wonder how I passed the entrance exams..."
It was partially money, Hazuki.
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
Ren gives her an awkward smile. For their part, the entrance exams were the least of their concerns at the time. They definitely got into Shujin Academy because of money, or at least influence... but they aren't going to say that.
"OK, let's sit down, then," they reply, and move to sit with her at her lonely table. "You don't like studying?" they add in curiosity. "Me neither, but recently a guy I know said something about how he's sure I'll pass without trying, and I'd hate for him to make fun of me because I let him down."
He shakes his head, thinking back to that conversation. They're still struggling to study, but that did help light a fire under them. Akechi is just like that for him, somehow. "Anyway, about the algebra... Do you like puzzles? The way it was described to me is like trying to find the solution to a puzzle..."
Ren will take an example problem from the textbook to show Hazuki what he means. It's a tactic that's working for them, since they like puzzles and other brain teasers, but will it work for Hazuki too?
<Pose Tracker> Hazuki Nakao has posed.
When Ren joins Hazuki, she waves a hand. "I like studying... frame data?" She gives a goofy smile at that one. "But not like, smart people stuff... it's so boring." A sigh, though she'll pay rapt attention to Ren. "Oh no... it'd be mean for him to make fun of you! I hope you have a study group who can help you beat him!"
Though, then comes the puzzles. "Oh, I do! Like a game?" That gets her eyes to light up, as he starts explaining the problem. Hazuki takes a long moment, reorienting her brain to Gamer Mode and considering it as a puzzle rather than 'smart people stuff'...
It works for this example problem! She's actually really good at solving puzzles, based off the language and approach she takes, though she'll still need to study and practice this skill to use it in Actual Exams.
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
"Frame data?" Ren echoes. He plays video games--he has a retro console in their attic room--but he's not that into gaming. The topic of Akechi, however indirect, gets her an ironic little smile. "Thanks. I definitely won't beat him this time, but... maybe next time." This time is too little, too late... but if they get better study practices and continue at it diligently... then maybe they could beat him at grades and pool.
And nighttime activities. That's the really big one. The idea gets a broad smile to cross his face momentarily, until they shake their head a bit.
"Right," they said of games. It turns out that's the better approach for both of them--Ren might not be a gamer in the sense that they're super into video games, but they do like games in general. Teaching it to Hazuki and having it click so well for her helps them internalize it more too. At least their math exam is tomorrow so they can still use some of this new skill! A Rank 1 is better than no rank at all.
So they work over a few more problems after that. Ren just studies better with a partner anyway, so this is really good for them too. They might actually ace that particular exam, not just joke about it! ...Well, it's still a lot to hope for. But they'll definitely do better than they would have even a week or two ago. It really does help to change the way one thinks about these topics... Cognitive changes applied in real life.
Once they've gotten through a full set, Ren stretches and glances around at the rest of the library. They've been keeping quiet, but the others have been skirting further and further away from them all the same. "...Maybe I should start on my way home," they murmur. They don't want their bad reputation to rub off on her--though it might be too late for that at this point, and anyway, Hazuki can make her own decisions. "It was nice studying with you, Nakao-san." They crook a smile at her. "Normally it's really boring to me, but you helped make it fun."
<Pose Tracker> Hazuki Nakao has posed.
"Oh, like, in a fighting game! It tells you how quickly a move is performed in comparison to other moves." Hazuki hopes she explained that well.
The example problems go well! She probably won't fail her exams in Algebra now... she seems to really get it once she changes the way she thinks about it. "Thank you so much, Amamiya-san!"
Though, as Ren looks around, and says he should start on his way home... Hazuki realizes what's going on. People are avoiding them...
"Oh, uh, I'm glad! But don't worry about everyone else, okay? They're probably just judgy because of the rumors... but you don't seem bad at all, and I'd rather be seen around a so-called delinquent than a bully."
That gets a genuine smile out of her, as somewhat gloomy as it is. It's kinda sweet, and is definitely meant to be reassuring.
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
"Oh, interesting," Ren says, truthfully. They'd never really thought too deeply about fighting game moves, but they've played enough to tell that there is a difference from one move to another. So there's a way to track that... That makes sense. They wonder if there's a way to apply that to the Metaverse...
"You're welcome, Nakao-san," they reply, smiling back at her. She follows their gaze--and rather than let it drop, reassures them she'd rather hang out with them anyway. Ren blinks at her twice, before giving her a genuine smile back. Honestly... times like this make them feel like Shujin Academy isn't such a bad place after all. There are some jerks, sure, but most of the other kids are just trying to protect themselves by staying away--they don't try to pick on him or start fights with him, they just try to mind their own business. And those who do give them a chance... They've turned out to be really good friends. Haru, Kasumi... and maybe Hazuki too, if they give her more of a chance.
"Well... if you don't mind it, then I don't mind it either," they decide. "Besides, you're a transfer student too, right? We ought to stick together." Even if she's from London and they're from the sticks. That doesn't matter for either of them anymore. "We can do another set of problems--may as well, since math's tomorrow."
<Pose Tracker> Hazuki Nakao has posed.
Hazuki nods about the fighting games, but then moves on instead of nerding out and LOSING REN'S INTEREST. Instead, she keeps up on her smile for a moment.
He could be a bad influence. He could get her hurt. But if you don't trust people to be better than they appear to be, it's a sad lonely miserable life where you're only around shallow people. Or at least, that's what Hazuki believes.
"Yeah...! I think that's important. Being completely isolated just makes the world emptier, you know?" she says about being a transfer student, before shaking her head and moving to the set.
"Okay! Let's get to work."
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
Hazuki moves on from fighting games, so no applying no lessons to the Metaverse--yet. Besides, as Ren keeps having to remind themself, they really need to focus on their studies.
Hazuki's right, though. Isolation makes one's world a worse place. They nod in agreement, smiling, and hit the books with her.
And, once an hour or two have passed of review, and the library's grown emptier...
Ren shuts their books and stretches. "Whew. I think that's enough for today," they breathe. "No point in studying so hard we sleep through exams." They crook a slight smile at Hazuki. "If you're ready to wrap up, how about we grab some drinks and hang out for a bit before going home?"
It's late, but it's not 'the sun is setting' late. This is still the heart of summer.
There's plenty of vending machines at Shujin, too. Probably the best ones are in the courtyard between the classroom building and the practice building; there's seats there for just hanging out and chatting, too.
<Pose Tracker> Hazuki Nakao has posed.
As they finish their studies, and the library's going empty, Hazuki stretches her neck, moving her head back and forth. "Sure! I could use a Mad Bull."
She also likes the courtyard, so on their way there, she seems to have more of a spring in her step, clearly having the makings of a cheerful girl underneath that gloominess. She's feeling better than she was earlier today, at least... once they reach the machine, she pays for her Mad Bull and cracks it open.
"So, I know you play pool, but I think that was to play someone else... what do you do for fun?" She's making casual small talk, since she doesn't know him all that well... but she wants to change that, at least a little.
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
It's good to recharge after a whole day of taking tests and a solid afternoon of prepping for the next day's tests! It wouldn't serve either of them at all if they get so exhausted that they don't retain any of what they just learned and reviewed. Plus, soda's just tasty.
...Well, Hazuki doesn't get a soda. But Ren does--specifically, a grape Manta. (That's their favorite.) They buy one for themself, crack it open, and knock back almost half of it in one go. A loud sigh bursts from their lips as they pull the can back, and for a moment, they just sort of ooze on the bench.
Then Hazuki strikes up a conversation, and Ren rolls their head her way. "True... but I like pool so far. I'd been wanting to give it a try for a long time." They sit up and over, hunched with their soda can clutched between their knees. "A few things," they reply. "Mostly I read--I love books, especially fiction. I've been into the mystery genre lately, but I'm not too picky about what I read." As long as it's not school-assigned, anyway. "I've been renting movies and playing retro video games too. I love stargazing, but..." They shrug. "The big city's not the place for that."
They take another, slower sip of their drink. There's more, but... they don't want to dominate the conversation. Instead, they look at Hazuki. "What about you?"
<Pose Tracker> Hazuki Nakao has posed.
Hazuki is also kinda going hard on her drink. Teenagers! She considers what ren likes, listening intently... "Oh! I'm planning on joining the literature club... I mostly read...and, uh, write... fantasy, but mysteries are good too!" A cheerier smile, though, as he asks her the same question.
"I'm a gamer! I hang out at Gigolo Arcade a lot, mostly playing Night Parade... ehehe, I think I'm pretty good." She could easily win tournaments, but she doesn't say that. "I also enjoy fashion... it's hard finding things that fit my style often here, but I make do! Been thinking about looking into street scene, too..."
Oh no, she's just musing aloud. This girl's lonely, huh?
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
"Cool. I hope you have fun with that," Ren says of Hazuki joining the literature club. ...Not only are they not part of any clubs, they have no intention of joining any. They don't hold their schoolmates' fear of him against them, but they would also really rather not subject themself to the company of others who don't want to get to know him beyond what they've heard in rumors.
"Oh yeah? That's cool. I've been by before--they've got some great prizes in the crane game. I hear the odds are boosted on days of the month ending in 7? I keep meaning to drop by on one of those days; I'd love to get some of those deluxe prizes. Like the Jack Frost dolls. Maybe we could go together sometime," they suggest. "I haven't played Night Parade before, though. That's... let me think... That's one of those fighting games, right?" They're more interested in Gun About--something about holding a gun for a game adds a visceral enjoyment to it. They're a newbie at best on that, though.
They smile when she mentions her love of fashion, and nods as she chats about it. They'd love to expand their own fashion, especially with cute dresses and make-up, but it's hard to do when they're... well, on probation. Who knows what the school will use as an excuse to expel them...
They glance away and sip on their soda. It'd make their life a whole lot easier if Kobayakawa's heart were changed... but no. That isn't a power they should use just because life would be more convenient for them. They look back at Hazuki. "That sounds pretty cool. I have a friend who's a model, actually--and she's part American, too. Ann Takamaki? She's in Class 2-D with me. You've probably seen her around." They give her an encouraging smile. "You should say hi to her sometime, if you haven't already. She's a fantastic friend; I bet you two would get along."
This girl's lonely--so what better thing they can do than point them towards someone who could become a friend?
<Pose Tracker> Hazuki Nakao has posed.
"Thanks!" Hazuki says about the literature club, before they dive into arcades. "Oh! I'd love to go sometime. I heard about it, but I've never gotten one! They're so cute." Her eyes sparkle at the offer, lightly. "Yeah, it's the big classic, by the Motojima Corporation. They've made lots of games, I'm sure you've played some!" She doesn't mention her dad as an employee, because that'd feel like bragging to someone with worse circumstances.
Hazuki has no idea about Kobayakawa being corrupt, but she has heard of Ann. "Oh! I've seen her around! I've gotten nervous about talking to her... but if you're suggesting it, I'll say hello!"
Hazuki's nervous about talking to everyone, admittedly. But... maybe all it takes is one connection at a time. That's how you turn stars into a constellation.
Then, she gets a text on her own phone. She pulls it out to check, frowning. "Oh, sorry... <grandma> wants me to pick up eggs." She does not respond to the text, instead pocketing her phone for a moment. "I should probably go after we finish these... but it's nice getting to know you better, Amamiya-san!"
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
"Great." Ren has a decent number of friends, some who'd be more than happy to go to the arcade with them, but Hazuki has a particular enthusiasm for it that makes them want to go with her in particular sometime. It's just really nice to go someplace with someone who's really passionate about what you can find there--it makes it that much more enjoyable to experience.
Even if he's not really familiar with Motojima Corporation. The name sounds vaguely familiar...
Ah well, it's just another company. No big deal.
"Don't be intimidated. She's really funny and friendly," Ren reassures her. "Ann's one of my best friends since I moved here. I guarantee you don't need to be nervous."
That is how you turn stars into a constellation. As a fellow lover of the stars, Ren understands.
But then Hazuki gets a text and says she's got to go soon. Ren nods amiably. "No problem. I should head home myself soon." Sojiro probably won't have them help out at the store during the week of finals, but this is really not the week to go wandering around. ...not unless they really needed to. "Likewise. Good luck with the rest of finals, Nakao-san. Oh, and if I don't see you--have a fun summer vacation."