The chapter opens with the narrator lamenting that he has not been able to catch up with his friend, Kijima. Kijima has been spending all his time studying, but he never seems to have the energy to do so. The narrator wonders if he could take control of Kijima's study and make him study harder. He tells Kijima that he will bring him a "care package" , which he will then give to Kijima in return for some food and a kiss. The two men discuss the manuscript, and Kijima tells the narrator that he is taking a long time on the manuscript because it is so important to him. He asks the narrator to stay with him the next day to help him with his studies. The young narrator promises that he can do better than Kijima, and he asks Kijima if he would like to watch him study while he himself is studying. When Kijima refuses, the young narrator tells him that he means more to him than his own lust.