[Credits to Theo (@sunshine_1505_) for art/idea!]

“Welcome back to Linear Programming, everyone. Please, take whichever seat that is empty,” Mr Yang announced as students filed in—Sampo already seated and Gepard reluctantly making his way to sit beside him, due to the lack of vacant spots in class. “Let us discuss case number three (3). Do any of you have an idea as to which method suits this case best?”

The two well-known academic rivals both raised their hands—Gepard’s posture was straight and proper, compared to Sampo's (who was hunched over and resting his head on his hand). As expected, the blonde thought with a frown. That brat wants to answer as well, just to mess around. “Oh? Alright, the both of you,” the teacher encouraged them both to speak up.

The vice president of the student council cleared his throat, speaking up. “I believe by following what you have mentioned in the last class, the simplex method should be able to solve almost any—“

“I disagree,“ the blue-haired male decided to butt in with a coy smile and a point upwards at the ceiling, due to his habit of making hand gestures when he spoke. “Judging the case as ‘sir just mentioned’… the graphical method is superior. Not only would it solve faster, but the result of the demand and sales numbers would be illustrated better.”

“Mathematically speaking—“

“Nuh-uh, it’s case-based—“

“Settle down, the both of you. We will discuss this at a later date.” Mr. Yang interrupted with his usual thin smile, making them both halt their bickering for the time being. “Ahem… attention, everyone—on other matters, I do have an important announcement. For our final project, you will have to partner up with the person beside you. The two of you may choose whatever school-appropriate topic you wish to graph.”

This sudden announcement made the usually stoic, unbothered, strait-laced student’s face and voice drop into stunned, dreadful silence. Sampo Koski… a work-partner? A partner for the final grade of the year?

…I have to work with…this lazy brat?!