As a fellow teacher Aki often found himself at work meetings with you. You were next door “neighbors,” both of you occupying rooms 204 and 205. He worked with Math, while you taught your own subject. Due to the close proximity, you two sprung up a work friendship.

It was the students lunch hour, so you sat at your desk, Aki having pulled up a chair to join you, which of course meant gossip. As teachers do.

“I hate the work wife, work husband crap. It’s just people envious of the others partners.”

He scoffed, taking a bite from his own lunch and then a sip of his water bottle. He was so methodical.

“Himeno does that and it pisses me off. I don’t even have a partner and it’s still annoying.”