The headmaster's office was far less intimidating than Haru had imagined.
Warm morning sunlight poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the spacious room in a golden glow. One wall was lined with towering bookshelves packed with volumes from countless fields of study, while another displayed polished trophies, medals, framed certificates, and photographs of former students who had gone on to accomplish extraordinary things.
Beyond the glass, the academy grounds stretched into the distance. Students hurried between buildings, clubs recruited new members, and the first real day of the new term buzzed with energy.
At the center of the room sat the headmaster.
Despite the commanding voice that echoed through the academy's intercom every morning, the man himself looked surprisingly relaxed. Leaning comfortably against his chair, he sipped from a steaming cup of coffee while lazily flipping through a stack of documents as though he had nowhere else to be.
Without looking up, he gestured toward the chair opposite him.
"Take a seat."
Haru did as instructed.
The headmaster closed the folder in front of him and folded his hands together.
"You probably have some idea why I asked you to come here."
"I have a rough guess, sir."
"I'm referring to your friend."
He opened another folder.
"Elara."
Haru nodded.
"Yes, sir."
Silence settled between them.
The headmaster studied Haru for several long moments before speaking again.
"She made quite the... enthusiastic entrance yesterday."
Haru scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"That's... one way to put it."
"You do realize she trespassed onto academy property?"
"Yes, sir."
Haru lowered his head apologetically.
"I sincerely apologize on her behalf."
"No need."
"...What?"
Haru blinked in disbelief.
The headmaster chuckled softly.
"Last night my niece barged into my office demanding that I create space for one more student."
He pinched the bridge of his nose.
"I've learned through painful experience that it's much easier to simply agree with that girl than argue with her."
A smile tugged at Haru's lips.
That definitely sounds like Kia.
"And judging by what I've been told," the headmaster continued, "that request was made for Elara."
"That's right."
"Good."
The headmaster leaned forward slightly.
"I assume yesterday's... incident has you worried I've changed my mind?"
"A little."
"I was afraid she'd caused too much trouble."
"On the contrary."
The headmaster smiled.
"She impressed me."
Haru raised an eyebrow.
"Impressed you?"
"I've read every report."
He tapped the folder.
"She evaded security."
He flipped a page.
"Escaped the disciplinary committee."
Another page.
"And somehow managed to keep pace with our academy's fastest runner."
Haru's eyes widened.
"...Wait."
"You mean Celeste?"
"The very same."
"...Wow."
Even Haru couldn't hide his surprise.
Celeste wasn't simply fast.
She was the fastest athlete in the entire academy. She'd broken multiple regional sprint records and was practically untouchable during sports festivals.
The thought of Elara nearly outrunning someone like her was... honestly terrifying.
The headmaster couldn't help laughing at Haru's expression.
"Impressive, isn't it?"
"It really is..."
His smile slowly faded.
"Haru."
"Yes, sir?"
"Tell me."
The headmaster spread his arms toward the large windows overlooking the academy.
"Why do you think I built this school?"
Haru frowned thoughtfully.
"...To nurture talented students?"
"Why?"
"...So they can succeed?"
The headmaster slowly shook his head.
"No."
He stood and walked toward the window.
"The average person's life is painfully predictable."
His reflection stared back at him through the glass.
"They're born."
"They're sent to school."
"They're trained to become obedient workers."
"They spend decades making someone else rich."
"And before they know it..."
"They're old."
He sighed.
"Their talents."
"Their dreams."
"Their potential."
"All buried beneath routine."
He looked back at Haru.
"They call it the rat race."
Haru remained silent.
"I despise it."
The headmaster's voice carried an unusual weight.
"This world is overflowing with extraordinary people."
"Artists."
"Inventors."
"Athletes."
"Leaders."
"People capable of changing history."
"And yet society teaches them to settle."
He smiled faintly.
"I refuse to let that happen here."
His eyes drifted toward Elara's file.
"That girl possesses something extraordinary."
"I don't know exactly what."
"But I know talent when I see it."
He closed the folder.
"I want her enrolled as soon as possible."
Relief washed over Haru.
"Thank you, sir."
"No."
The headmaster smiled.
"Thank you."
"If not for you, we might never have met someone like her."
Haru scratched his cheek awkwardly.
"I was just trying to help."
"And that's exactly why you're one of my finest students."
The headmaster glanced at the clock.
"Now run along."
"Classes begin in a few minutes."
Haru stood.
"I appreciate your time, sir."
He reached the door.
"Oh..."
The headmaster called after him.
"Haru."
He turned.
"Keep up the good work."
"Your ascension will take place soon."
Haru frowned.
"...My what?"
The headmaster blinked.
"...Ah."
"I meant..."
He smiled.
"...Graduation."
For some reason...
That pause felt far too deliberate.
"You almost sounded like those were two different things."
The headmaster simply chuckled.
"Tell me, Haru."
"What do you believe is the limit of the human body?"
"I..."
"I guess... reaching your physical peak?"
"Correct."
The headmaster's smile deepened.
"And what if I told you..."
"There was a level beyond that?"
A chill crept down Haru's spine.
"...There is?"
The headmaster only smiled.
"You'll find out soon enough."
Before Haru could ask another question—
Click.
The office door gently swung shut in front of him.
"..."
"...Did..."
He stared blankly.
"...Did he just dismiss me with dramatic timing?"
Shaking his head, he looked up.
The clock above the hallway froze his blood.
"..."
"Oh no."
His eyes widened.
"I'M LATE!"
---
At almost the exact same moment...
Mr. Bernard entered Class A.
The stern mathematics teacher adjusted his glasses before reaching for the classroom door.
Just as he began sliding it shut—
"WAIT!"
A hand shot through the opening.
The door bounced back.
Haru stumbled inside, breathing heavily.
"I..."
"...Made it..."
Mr. Bernard stared.
"...You're late."
"I was meeting with the headmaster."
The teacher sighed.
"...Take your seat."
"Thank you, sir."
The moment Haru reached his desk, Mr. Bernard picked up a marker and turned toward the class.
"Good morning."
"Good morning, Mr. Bernard."
The teacher nodded.
"Since certain individuals decided yesterday should become an unofficial holiday..."
A bad feeling spread throughout the room.
"...We'll begin today with a pop quiz."
Silence.
Then—
"EEEEHHHHHH?!"
The entire classroom erupted.
"No way!"
"Come on, sir!"
"It's only the second day!"
Mr. Bernard remained unmoved.
"You are the elite of the elite."
"A simple quiz shouldn't trouble you."
A student raised his hand.
"Sir."
"Yes?"
"The difficulty isn't the issue."
"We simply hate surprise quizzes."
Several classmates nodded enthusiastically.
"Exactly!"
"Pop quizzes are evil!"
"They should be illegal!"
Mr. Bernard smiled.
"Unfortunately for you..."
He began writing on the board.
"...They're perfectly legal."
Collective groans echoed across the classroom.
Books opened.
Pens clicked.
Students reluctantly began copying the questions.
Haru did the same before noticing something strange beside him.
Mai...
Was asleep.
From a distance, nobody would ever notice. Her long bangs hid most of her face as she rested quietly against one hand, looking for all the world like she was simply reading.
It was...
Honestly a brilliant strategy.
Haru smiled.
He gently tapped her shoulder.
"Hey."
No response.
Another tap.
"Mai."
Her eyes slowly opened.
She looked at him.
Then—
"Hmph."
She looked away.
"..."
Haru blinked.
"...Did..."
"...Did you just 'hmph' me?"
"No."
"You absolutely did."
"I didn't."
"You even puffed your cheeks."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Haru stared at her.
Then suddenly froze.
"...Oh."
"...Oh no."
He smacked his forehead.
"The library."
Mai slowly looked back.
"...Now you remember."
"I'm so sorry!"
"I completely forgot!"
She folded her arms.
"I waited until five o'clock."
"..."
"...Five?"
She nodded.
"School ended at three-thirty."
"I know..."
"I had books to keep me company."
"...But it still hurt."
Haru lowered his head dramatically.
"I have committed an unforgivable crime."
"...You have."
"I'm guilty."
"...You are."
"I deserve punishment."
"...Probably."
For a few seconds...
Neither of them spoke.
Then Haru suddenly smiled.
Mai blinked.
"...What's so funny?"
"I've never seen you this expressive before."
"..."
"Usually you're so calm and collected."
"But today..."
He laughed softly.
"...You're actually pouting."
Mai's face immediately turned bright red.
She quickly buried herself in her answer sheet.
"D-Don't get used to it."
"I'm only angry."
"I think it's cute."
She gripped her pen so tightly it nearly snapped.
"...You're impossible."
Haru chuckled.
"Tell you what."
He leaned closer.
"You can ask one favor from me."
"Anything."
Mai's eyes sparkled.
She grabbed both his hands before she even realized what she was doing.
"Really?"
Haru blinked.
"...Y-Yeah."
Then he smiled awkwardly.
She really does remind me of Elara sometimes...
Mai hesitated.
Twisting a loose strand of hair around her finger, she spoke so quietly he almost missed it.
"...Then..."
"...Would you go on an after-school date with me?"
Haru froze.
"A... date?"
Mai nodded rapidly.
"B-But don't misunderstand!"
She hurriedly dug through her school bag before pulling out a notebook.
"It's only for research!"
"I'm writing a romance scene..."
"And..."
"I've never actually been on a date before."
She looked away.
"So I thought..."
"If someone experienced it with me..."
"It might help..."
Haru's expression softened.
"So you're writing a novel?"
Mai nodded.
"I..."
"I wanted to tell you eventually."
Haru's eyes lit up.
"Can I read it?"
Immediately—
Mai hugged the notebook tightly against her chest.
"No."
"...Why?"
"You'll laugh."
"I've never experienced romance."
"So I don't know if it's realistic."
Haru laughed.
"I seriously doubt that."
She peeked at him through her bangs.
"...Why?"
"Because..."
He smiled.
"You're gorgeous."
"..."
"So I can't imagine people not falling for you."
Mai's entire brain shut down.
Her cheeks turned scarlet beneath her bangs.
She opened her mouth...
Closed it...
Opened it again...
No words came out.
Unfortunately—
Click.
Someone behind them clicked their tongue.
Both of them looked up.
Mr. Bernard stood over their desks.
Arms crossed.
Expression unreadable.
"I assume the two of you are finished flirting."
"..."
"..."
Haru slowly held up his completed answer sheet.
"...As a matter of fact..."
"I finished a while ago."
Mai hurriedly offered hers as well.
"M-Me too."
Mr. Bernard inspected both papers.
His eyebrow twitched.
"...Perfect scores."
"...As usual."
Whispers spread throughout the classroom.
Haru straightened his tie proudly.
"What can I say?"
"As class representative..."
"I must lead by example."
Mr. Bernard walked away muttering something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like, "Insufferable children..."
Mai covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.
Haru grinned.
"That was fu—"
He stopped.
His smile disappeared.
For a split second...
He instinctively turned around.
"...Sasha?"
Silence.
There was...
No one there.
Mai frowned.
She had turned around too.
As though...
She had expected someone to be standing there as well.
The strange feeling vanished almost immediately.
Haru forced a small laugh.
"...Weird."
Mai quietly looked down at her notebook.
Without saying a word...
She wrote a single name.
Sasha.
Then she stared at it...
Unable to remember why.
Meanwhile, chaos had already taken over Mika's classroom.
It all began with what should have been the simplest task imaginable.
Ms Georgia stood at the front of the room, arms folded neatly behind her back.
"Amanda."
The blonde girl looked up.
"Please continue reading the passage."
Amanda stood confidently, cleared her throat, and began reading from the history textbook with perfect posture.
"...The pandemic's worst effects occurred during the year twenny twenny—"
"Stop."
The interruption was immediate.
Amanda blinked.
"...Yes?"
Ms Georgia slowly lowered the pen she'd been holding.
"I'm terribly sorry..."
She removed her glasses.
"...would you mind repeating the year?"
Amanda looked confused.
"The pandemic's worst effects occurred during the year twenny twenny."
Silence.
Ms Georgia inhaled.
"No."
"...No?"
"It is pronounced twenty twenty."
Amanda frowned.
"...That's what I said."
"No..."
Ms Georgia pinched the bridge of her nose.
"...you said twenny twenny."
Amanda nodded confidently.
"Exactly."
The teacher stared.
"So..."
she said carefully,
"...say twenty."
"Twenny."
"No."
"Twenny."
"Twenty."
"Twenny."
Ms Georgia slowly looked toward the ceiling.
"Dear Lord..."
A few students snorted.
Someone failed to hold back a laugh.
Within seconds the entire class erupted.
Amanda looked around in genuine confusion.
"What?"
"You all heard me."
"I said twenny twenny."
"I don't understand what's funny."
Ms Georgia rubbed both temples.
"There is a T after the N."
Amanda blinked.
"...There is?"
"Yes."
"So pronounce it."
"I did."
"No..."
Ms Georgia sighed.
"...Try again."
Amanda took a deep breath.
"...Twenny."
A desk slammed.
Ms Georgia's forehead met the tabletop.
The classroom exploded into even louder laughter.
Just then—
The classroom door slid open.
A woman wearing a white lab coat peeked inside.
"Georgia?"
Mrs Olivia raised an eyebrow.
"I could hear laughing from two corridors away."
"Everything alright?"
Ms Georgia immediately pointed at Amanda.
"Olivia."
"I need another opinion."
"The year COVID reached its peak..."
Mrs Olivia answered without hesitation.
"Twenty twenty."
"There!"
Ms Georgia said triumphantly.
Amanda looked genuinely surprised.
"But..."
"...that's exactly what I said."
Mrs Olivia froze.
"...No..."
"...you said twenny twenny."
Amanda crossed her arms.
"That's literally the same thing."
The two teachers exchanged exhausted looks.
Mrs Olivia walked toward the board.
"Okay."
"Let's solve this scientifically."
She picked up a piece of chalk.
Writing carefully, she printed one word across the board.
TWENTY
Then she underlined the second T several times.
"There."
"Read this letter."
Amanda looked.
"...T."
"Excellent."
"Now..."
Mrs Olivia smiled encouragingly.
"...read the whole word."
Amanda took a breath.
"...Twenny."
Mrs Olivia's smile disappeared.
"...You're doing this deliberately."
"I'm not."
"That's literally how everyone says it."
Margaret, Amanda's best friend, leaned over from the next desk.
"Girl..."
"I think they're talking about your slang."
Amanda shrugged.
"My slang is perfect."
She pointed confidently at the teachers.
"It's these old-timers that can't keep up."
The classroom collectively inhaled.
Ms Georgia slowly turned.
"...Old-timers?"
Amanda nodded.
"Yeah."
Mrs Olivia smiled.
It wasn't a friendly smile.
"Oh?"
"So we're old now?"
Amanda suddenly seemed to realize she'd stepped onto thin ice.
"...I mean..."
"...experienced?"
Before she could finish—
A familiar deep voice came from the doorway.
"What exactly is going on here?"
Everyone turned.
Mr Benjamin—the academy's intimidating PE teacher—stood there with one hand resting against the frame.
His broad shoulders practically filled the entrance.
The moment Ms Georgia saw him...
Something incredible happened.
The stern English teacher instantly became flustered.
"Oh..."
"M-Mr Benjamin."
He smiled warmly.
"Morning, Georgia."
"I heard laughing."
"I figured someone finally snapped."
The students chuckled.
Mrs Olivia's eyes moved between the two teachers.
Then...
A slow grin spread across her face.
"Oh?"
"What impeccable timing."
Mr Benjamin looked confused.
"What?"
Mrs Olivia folded her arms.
"So..."
"...how are things after last night?"
Every student immediately stopped breathing.
Amanda slowly looked toward Margaret.
Margaret slowly looked back.
The classroom had gone so silent someone dropping a pencil would've sounded like thunder.
Ms Georgia's face turned bright red.
"M-Mrs Olivia!"
Mr Benjamin scratched the back of his head.
"Oh."
"Last night?"
He laughed.
"Georgia, I already told you not to worry about it."
"You did great."
The classroom collectively froze.
Mrs Olivia covered her mouth dramatically.
"Ohohoho..."
"So that's how it is."
Amanda whispered loudly,
"Teacher's got game."
Several boys nodded in agreement.
Ms Georgia waved both arms frantically.
"N-No!"
"Everyone has the wrong idea!"
Mr Benjamin looked puzzled.
"What?"
"I meant what I said."
"You handled yourself surprisingly well."
"I honestly didn't expect you to keep up with me."
Several students nearly fell out of their chairs.
Mrs Olivia leaned closer.
"So..."
"...should we expect a tiny Benjamin sometime soon?"
The entire classroom exploded.
Ms Georgia looked seconds away from fainting.
"NO!"
"THAT'S NOT WHAT HE MEANS!"
Mr Benjamin blinked.
"Huh?"
"What did you think I meant?"
Mrs Olivia pointed accusingly.
"You literally said she kept up with you!"
"Yeah."
"During the drinking contest."
"...Drinking contest?"
Everyone echoed.
Mr Benjamin nodded.
"Last night."
"The staff had a welcome-back party."
"Georgia challenged me."
"She got completely drunk."
"I've never seen someone so aggressively affectionate."
The room became silent.
Mrs Olivia's expression flattened.
"...Alcohol?"
"Yeah."
"What else?"
She stared at him.
Then slowly turned toward Ms Georgia.
"...I spent two whole minutes imagining your future children."
Mr Benjamin tilted his head.
"Our what?"
Mrs Olivia groaned so loudly several students jumped.
"You two are impossible."
She pointed between them.
"You're both grown adults."
"How have you not figured this out yet?"
"Figured what out?"
Both teachers asked simultaneously.
Mrs Olivia simply stared.
"...Hopeless."
Absolutely hopeless."
She threw her hands into the air before storming out.
"I refuse to help anymore!"
Mr Benjamin watched her leave.
"...Did I miss something?"
"No."
Ms Georgia answered immediately.
"You missed absolutely nothing."
"...Okay."
He shrugged.
"Anyway."
He smiled at Georgia.
"You really were adorable yesterday."
"I've never seen you laugh that much."
Georgia's brain officially stopped functioning.
"T-Thank you..."
Mr Benjamin waved casually.
"See you later."
Once he disappeared down the corridor—
The classroom remained completely silent.
Then—
Amanda slowly raised one hand.
"So..."
"...are you two dating?"
Ms Georgia slammed both hands onto the desk.
"BOOKS!"
"EVERYONE OPEN YOUR BOOKS!"
Nobody moved.
"NOW!"
The class scrambled so fast chairs nearly tipped over.
Only once absolute silence returned did Ms Georgia finally breathe again.
She straightened her glasses.
"As I was saying..."
She looked directly at Mika.
"You seemed to enjoy laughing far more than everyone else."
Mika immediately sat straighter.
"...Maybe?"
"Wonderful."
"You can continue reading where Amanda left off."
Mika stood with the biggest grin imaginable.
She deliberately exaggerated every syllable.
"...The pandemic's worst effects occurred during the year..."
She looked directly at Amanda.
"...Twenty."
A pause.
"...Twenty."
Several students buried their faces in their desks.
Amanda clicked her tongue and looked away.
"...Show-off."
Mika smirked.
"What was that?"
"...Nothing."
"Thought so."
She continued reading.
This time...
Without any unexpected pronunciation disasters.
Even so—
Every now and then someone would glance toward Ms Georgia...
Then toward the door Mr Benjamin had left through...
And quietly snicker.
Each tiny laugh caused the teacher's eye to twitch just a little more.
By the time the lesson finally ended...
She had developed the thousand-yard stare of someone questioning every life decision that had led her to becoming an English teacher.
The final bell echoed throughout the academy.
Almost instantly, the once orderly hallways transformed into a sea of students. Conversations overlapped, lockers slammed shut, chairs scraped against the floor, and footsteps filled every corridor.
Another school day had come to an end.
Mika stretched her arms above her head as she stepped out of her classroom.
"Freedom at last."
She glanced back through the doorway.
Amanda happened to be walking out as well.
The two girls locked eyes.
Amanda clicked her tongue.
"Tch."
Mika smiled sweetly.
"Try not to pronounce tomorrow as tomorrah, princess."
Amanda's eye twitched.
"At least I can spell."
"Really? Because your pronunciation had me worried."
"You wanna say that again?"
"I'd be happy to. Twen—"
Amanda lunged.
Mika burst into laughter and sprinted away before the blonde could reach her.
"GET BACK HERE!"
"Catch me first!"
Several students quickly stepped aside as the two tore down the hallway.
Amanda eventually gave up after realizing Mika was deliberately slowing down just enough to stay within teasing distance.
"...Coward!"
"You couldn't catch a cold!"
Mika shouted over her shoulder before disappearing around the corner.
She climbed a flight of stairs, humming happily to herself.
"I should probably go find Haru."
A few moments later she reached his classroom.
The door was already open.
Inside, students were busy packing their bags and chatting amongst themselves.
Her eyes immediately found Haru.
Without a second thought—
She quietly crept behind him.
A mischievous grin spread across her face.
"Perfect..."
She raised both hands.
"...SURPRISE!"
THWACK!
She smacked both palms squarely into his back.
The impact sent Haru stumbling forward.
He barely caught himself before falling face-first into his desk.
"Ow..."
He rubbed his shoulder.
"That one actually hurt."
Mika blinked.
"...Huh?"
She slowly looked beside Haru.
Standing there...
With one hand still resting on Haru's back...
Was Kia.
"...What are you doing here?"
Kia smiled sweetly.
"I was just about to ask you the same thing."
Electricity seemed to crackle between their gazes.
The air suddenly felt several degrees colder.
Neither girl blinked.
Neither looked away.
Around them, several classmates instinctively scooted their desks farther away.
One whispered,
"...Should we stop them?"
Another shook his head.
"I value my life."
Oblivious to the invisible battle taking place behind him, Haru finished dusting himself off.
"I'm fine, thanks for asking."
Mai, who had been standing beside him the entire time, gave him a worried look.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm alright."
He smiled reassuringly.
"I've survived much worse than Mika."
"Hey!"
Mika protested without taking her eyes off Kia.
"I heard that!"
"I intended for you to."
Mai nodded after seeing he really wasn't hurt.
"...Good."
She hesitated.
Then quietly reminded him,
"It's time."
Haru blinked.
"...Time?"
"Our date."
Silence.
The temperature in the room somehow dropped even further.
Mika slowly turned.
"...Your what?"
Kia also turned.
"...Excuse me?"
Mai innocently tilted her head.
"Our date."
The silence became deafening.
Both girls disappeared.
Or rather—
They moved so fast it looked like they disappeared.
The next instant—
They were standing directly behind Haru.
Each placed a hand on one of his shoulders.
Both smiles looked perfectly friendly.
Neither felt friendly.
"Haru."
Mika squeezed his shoulder.
"...Did my ears deceive me..."
"...or did she just say something about a date?"
Kia's grip tightened just as much.
"I was wondering the exact same thing."
"I'd recommend choosing your next words very carefully."
Haru immediately broke into a cold sweat.
"...This feels familiar."
His brain worked at full speed.
Then—
An idea struck.
"I've got it!"
He slipped out of both their grips before either could react.
Digging through his bag, he pulled out a small laminated card.
He quickly scribbled something on it before presenting it proudly.
"Mai earned this."
The two girls leaned closer.
Written across the card in bold letters were the words:
MAKE-ME-DO-ANYTHING CARD
Mika blinked.
"...That's legal?"
Kia frowned.
"...I want one."
"So do I."
Haru folded his arms.
"They're earned."
"How?"
Both girls asked simultaneously.
He smirked.
"I'll give one to whichever of you is smarter."
Silence.
Then—
"Tsk."
Mika folded her sleeves.
"You've already lost, Kia."
"Oh?"
Kia smiled.
"What makes you so confident?"
"I'm smarter."
"I know π to the tenth decimal place."
Mika shrugged.
"I know Avogadro's constant."
"I know Planck's constant."
"I know Hess's Law."
"I know Kepler's Laws."
"I know the periodic table backwards."
"I know tensor calculus."
"I know quantum field theory."
"I know—"
Haru raised both hands.
"STOP!"
The classroom fell silent.
He looked between them in disbelief.
"Since when did one little card turn you two into walking encyclopedias?"
Neither answered.
Instead—
Both looked at him with complete seriousness.
"It lets us make you do anything."
They spoke in perfect unison.
"It's worth fighting for."
Haru slowly took one step backwards.
"...Those are not the faces of sane people."
The competition only intensified.
Mika pointed proudly at herself.
"I know the cure to every disease."
Kia folded her arms.
"I know the complete formula for space-time travel."
Mai finally looked up from her book.
"...Okay."
She closed it.
"...Now you're obviously lying."
Both girls froze.
"...Huh?"
"The cure to every disease?"
"And space-time travel?"
"...Seriously?"
The two geniuses immediately realized what they'd just admitted.
Their faces lost all color.
Kia laughed awkwardly.
"Hahaha..."
"I meant... hypothetically."
Mika nodded so fast her ponytail whipped around.
"Yeah."
"Purely hypothetical."
"Obviously."
"Who would believe something that ridiculous?"
Both laughed with the most forced laughter imaginable.
Mai stared at them for several long seconds.
"...You're both weird."
"We get that a lot."
They answered together.
Haru sighed.
"You two are tied."
"So here's the tiebreaker."
"The higher homework score wins."
The atmosphere changed instantly.
"...That's it?"
"...Seriously?"
Both girls turned toward the door.
"I've got homework to finish!"
Mika shouted while running.
Kia wasn't far behind.
"May the smartest woman win!"
Within seconds—
They had vanished down the corridor.
Silence returned.
Mai looked toward the doorway.
"...That was strange."
Haru shrugged.
"That's just another Tuesday."
He suddenly straightened his posture.
Brushed back his hair.
Softened his expression.
Then gently offered her his arm.
"My lady."
Mai blinked.
"Hm?"
He bowed dramatically.
"Shall we commence today's date?"
She couldn't stop herself.
A small laugh escaped her lips.
"You're so silly."
"I prefer charming."
"Hmm..."
"I'll allow it."
She gently hooked her arm around his.
Several students passing the classroom collectively froze.
"...Is that Haru?"
"...With Mai?"
"...Holding arms?"
Kei nearly dropped his school bag.
Mark stared.
"...Boss man..."
"...actually did it."
Kuze wiped away an imaginary tear.
"Our boy..."
"...has grown up."
The three bumped fists against their chests in silent respect.
Haru noticed them.
Without saying a word—
He returned the gesture.
The three boys nodded solemnly.
It was a conversation only the four of them understood.
Mai tilted her head.
"...What was that?"
"Hmm?"
"Oh."
"Bro code."
"...I understood absolutely nothing."
"Exactly."
She laughed again.
As they stepped through the academy gates, Haru noticed people whispering as they passed.
Mai's grip loosened slightly.
"...Maybe..."
"...we shouldn't walk like this."
"They're staring."
Haru immediately released her arm.
Mai's heart sank.
"...Oh."
She hadn't realized how much she'd enjoyed walking beside him until that warmth disappeared.
Before she could hide the disappointment—
A gentle hand rested on her shoulder.
Then...
Haru pulled her closer.
Far closer than before.
Their shoulders touched.
She could even feel the warmth radiating from him.
"W-What are you doing?"
"I'm correcting the problem."
"But..."
"...people are still staring."
He smiled.
"Let them."
She looked up at him.
"They're probably jealous."
"...Jealous?"
"Of course."
"I get to go on a date with someone who's basically school goddess material."
Mai stopped walking.
"...School goddess?"
She pointed at herself.
"Me?"
"Yes."
She shook her head immediately.
"I'm nowhere near that pretty."
"Hmm..."
"I disagree."
"You're biased."
"I'm observant."
"No."
"You're teasing me."
Without warning—
Haru gently brushed aside the bangs covering her eyes.
Mai froze.
Her heartbeat skipped.
He looked directly into her eyes.
"...See?"
She immediately looked away.
"I-I don't see anything."
"I do."
"There are two beautiful emeralds looking back at me."
Mai's brain completely shut down.
"...W-What?"
He leaned in slightly.
"I was beginning to wonder why you hide them."
"They're gorgeous."
Mai's face turned scarlet.
She lightly punched his arm.
"...Jerk."
"I really thought something was on my face."
"There is."
"What?"
"A beautiful smile."
She covered her face.
"...Stop..."
"You'll kill me."
"I thought you said we were only doing research."
"We are..."
"...You're making the research very difficult."
He laughed.
"Mission accomplished."
Mai couldn't help smiling behind her hands.
"...You're impossible."
"I've been told that before."
They continued walking beneath the warm evening sky.
For a while...
Neither of them spoke.
Surprisingly—
The silence wasn't awkward.
It was comfortable.
The kind shared by two people who simply enjoyed being together.
Eventually, a row of colorful tents came into view.
Banners fluttered gently in the breeze.
Books lined dozens of display shelves.
A long queue stretched across the plaza.
Mai's eyes lit up.
"...We're here."
The plaza buzzed with excitement.
Rows of colorful tents stretched across the square, each one belonging to a different author or publisher. Books of every genre decorated neatly arranged shelves while readers wandered from booth to booth with bags full of newly purchased novels.
The line before the largest booth was easily the longest.
Mai smiled softly.
"Looks like we're just in time."
Haru looked toward the queue and whistled.
"...That's a lot of people."
"It usually is."
"She's one of my favorite authors."
"I can see why."
As they approached, Haru noticed something strange.
Instead of joining the back of the line...
Mai simply walked past everyone.
Several people looked at her in confusion before quickly returning their attention to the books.
Apparently this wasn't unusual.
The woman behind the booth immediately looked up.
The moment she spotted Mai...
Her entire face lit up.
"Mai!"
She hurried around the table and pulled the younger girl into a warm hug.
"It's been forever!"
Mai laughed quietly.
"It's only been a few weeks."
"That's forever."
Kana replied dramatically before finally letting her go.
She took a step back, looking Mai up and down.
"You've been eating properly?"
"Sleeping enough?"
"Still overworking yourself?"
"I'm doing fine."
Mai answered with an embarrassed smile.
"I've even made a new friend."
"Oh?"
Kana finally noticed Haru standing a few steps behind.
A playful smile spread across her face.
"So..."
She folded her arms.
"Are you going to introduce this handsome young man?"
Mai's cheeks turned pink.
"O-Oh..."
"Right."
"This is Haru."
"My friend."
Haru offered a polite bow.
"It's nice to finally meet you."
"I've heard quite a bit about you."
Kana raised an eyebrow.
"Hopefully only good things."
"Nothing but good things."
Haru answered with a grin.
"I've heard you're an incredible author."
Kana laughed.
"Flattery already?"
"I like this one."
Mai looked away.
"...He's like that with everyone."
"I disagree."
Kana leaned toward Mai and whispered loudly enough for Haru to hear.
"looks like someone's got a crush."
Mai's face instantly turned bright red.
"W-What?!"
"I wasn't talking about him."
Kana giggled.
"I know."
"I was talking about you."
"...K-Kana!"
Haru scratched his cheek awkwardly.
"I suddenly feel like I'm interrupting something."
"You absolutely are."
Kana replied without missing a beat.
"Now..."
She looked between them.
"...Where's Sasha?"
Silence.
Mai blinked.
"...Who?"
"Sasha."
Kana frowned.
"You know..."
"...Sasha."
Mai slowly shook her head.
"I... don't know anyone by that name."
Kana's smile faltered.
"...Really?"
For some reason...
She suddenly looked uncertain.
"...That's strange."
"I could've sworn..."
She stopped speaking.
Her eyes drifted into the distance.
For a brief second...
It looked like she was trying to remember something that refused to be remembered.
Haru felt a strange sensation.
Like something was tugging at the edge of his own memories.
A name.
A face.
Someone...
Standing beside Mai.
Someone who should have been there.
"..."
"..."
He frowned.
"...Why..."
"...does that name sound familiar?"
Mai looked at him.
"You've heard it before?"
"I..."
He hesitated.
"No."
"...At least..."
"...I don't think so."
Kana blinked several times before forcing a smile.
"Haha..."
"I must be getting old."
"Maybe I mixed someone up."
Mai laughed awkwardly.
"Maybe."
"Yeah..."
Kana nodded.
"...Maybe."
The strange feeling disappeared as quickly as it had arrived.
Yet none of them looked completely convinced.
Kana clapped her hands together.
"Well!"
"My break is almost over."
"I've still got a mountain of books to sign."
She suddenly looked at Mai.
"Oh!"
"I've been meaning to tell you."
"I read the newest chapters you sent me."
Mai immediately straightened.
"...You did?"
Kana nodded proudly.
"You've improved."
"A lot."
"The emotional scenes especially."
"They feel much more... genuine."
Mai's eyes sparkled.
"Really?"
"Mhm."
"You're finally letting your characters breathe instead of rushing them from one event to the next."
Haru smiled quietly.
"...Sounds familiar."
Kana continued.
"I especially liked the dialogue."
"It actually feels like people talking instead of characters explaining the plot."
Mai smiled shyly.
"...I've been trying."
"It shows."
Kana gently poked Mai's forehead.
"Keep writing."
"You've got talent."
"...Thank you."
"Oh!"
Kana suddenly snapped her fingers.
"Before I forget..."
"Our traditional picture."
She reached into Mai's hands.
"Phone."
Mai obediently handed it over.
Kana stood between the two students before wrapping an arm around each of them.
"Come closer."
Haru and Mai instinctively leaned in.
"Closer."
They obeyed.
"Closer."
"We're already shoulder to shoulder."
"Closer."
Mai laughed.
"There isn't any room left."
"There is now."
Kana said before physically shoving them together.
Mai stumbled slightly into Haru.
Their shoulders pressed firmly together.
Both immediately looked away.
Kana smiled mischievously.
"Perfect."
Click.
The picture was taken.
She looked at it proudly.
"...Adorable."
"Kana!"
Mai protested.
"What?"
"I didn't say anything."
"You were thinking it."
"I absolutely was."
She handed the phone back.
"Now run along."
"I've got readers waiting."
As the two walked away from the booth, Haru glanced back.
Kana was already happily greeting the next person in line.
"She seems nice."
Mai nodded.
"She's been helping me ever since I started writing."
"So she's your mentor."
"...Something like that."
They walked a little farther before Haru suddenly stopped.
Just a few meters away...
An ice cream truck stood parked beneath a tree.
The vendor smiled from the window.
"Ice cream?"
Mai followed his gaze.
A small smile appeared.
"...Yes."
"What flavor?"
"Hmm..."
She rested a finger against her chin.
"...Surprise me."
Haru grinned.
"Bold choice."
A few minutes later, he returned carrying two cones.
He handed one to her.
Mai's eyes widened.
"...Cookies and cream."
"You remembered."
"You mentioned it once."
Her expression softened.
"You actually remembered..."
"Of course."
"You remember details about the people you care about."
Mai stared at the ice cream for a few seconds before taking a small bite.
"...It's good."
"I know."
"...Thank you.
The golden hues of the evening sun painted the city in warm shades of amber as Haru and Mai strolled side by side along a quiet riverside path.
The excitement from the book signing had long since settled, replaced by a comfortable silence neither of them felt compelled to break.
Soon they reached a small bridge.
Mai slowed to a stop.
Haru followed her gaze toward the lake stretching beneath them. Gentle ripples danced across its surface, scattering fragments of sunlight like countless tiny diamonds. A cool breeze drifted across the water, carrying with it the distant sounds of the city.
For a while neither of them spoke.
They simply admired the scenery.
Eventually Mai let out a quiet sigh.
"Do you think it'll always be like this?"
Haru blinked.
"Huh? Where did that come from?"
She rested both hands on the railing.
"I don't know..."
Her voice sounded unusually distant.
"Doesn't this all feel... strange?"
"Strange how?"
Mai searched for the right words.
"It feels like..."
She frowned.
"...like something's missing."
Haru tilted his head.
"Missing?"
"Or rather..."
She closed her eyes.
"...someone."
Silence settled between them again.
After several seconds Haru slowly nodded.
"...Now that you mention it..."
He scratched the back of his head.
"Yeah."
"It does."
"The annoying thing is..."
He laughed awkwardly.
"I can almost picture them."
"But whenever I try to imagine their face..."
He frowned.
"...there's nothing from the neck up."
Mai looked toward him.
"So I'm not the only one."
"No."
She sighed again.
"You know..."
"I don't even think that's the strangest thing about this school."
"Oh?"
"What do you mean?"
Mai turned back toward the lake.
"Think about it."
"This academy is completely free."
Haru nodded.
"Yeah."
"Not that I'm complaining."
Mai smiled faintly.
"If tuition existed, I doubt my family could ever afford to send me here."
Her smile quickly faded.
"But doesn't that make it even stranger?"
"What kind of elite academy doesn't charge a single coin?"
"The only requirement is talent."
She shook her head.
"That's too good to be true."
"There has to be a catch."
"...Yeah."
Haru folded his arms.
"When you put it like that..."
"...it is pretty weird."
"And there's something else."
Mai looked straight at him.
"We have juniors."
"Right?"
"Yeah."
"Then name one."
Haru opened his mouth confidently.
Only for the confidence to disappear almost immediately.
"..."
His eyebrows knitted together.
"I..."
"..."
Suddenly—
A memory surfaced.
A cheerful girl with short green hair stood in front of him, proudly holding up a report card.
"Hey, Senpai!"
"Look what I got!"
"I'm first in my class!"
"Teacher even said if I keep this up, I might graduate before you."
She puffed out her chest proudly.
"When that happens..."
"I'll be your senpai."
Haru laughed.
"Dream on."
He reached over and gently patted her head.
The girl puffed out her cheeks.
"Just wait!"
"You'll see!"
"...Sure."
As Haru withdrew his hand...
His smile froze.
The girl's face...
...was blank.
No eyes.
No nose.
No mouth.
Nothing.
An empty, featureless void.
His breathing caught in his throat.
His heart skipped a beat.
He stumbled backward.
"W-What..."
"Senpai?"
The faceless girl tilted her head.
"What's wrong?"
"Haru!"
The world shattered.
Mai's worried face came rushing back into view as she gently grabbed his shoulders.
"Haru!"
He blinked several times.
"W-What..."
"Sorry."
Mai smiled apologetically.
"Don't force yourself if you can't remember."
Haru rubbed his forehead.
"...What was that?"
Mai looked away.
"This is exactly what I mean."
"Something about this school isn't right."
"We have juniors."
"We have seniors."
"But..."
"...who are they?"
Another memory suddenly forced its way into Haru's mind.
The same green-haired girl.
Standing beside a much taller young woman.
"So..."
The younger girl grinned mischievously.
"You're my senpai's senpai."
"What should I call you?"
"Senpai squared?"
The taller girl laughed.
"Nah."
"...Mar—"
The name dissolved before Haru could hear it.
"...is fine."
Another memory.
This time...
Himself.
"You know..."
"I'll never become popular."
"I can barely talk to two people a day."
"My social battery would explode."
The taller girl burst into laughter.
"You're funny, Senpai."
"Don't worry."
"As your upperclassman..."
"I'll drag you out of that shell eventually."
A loud car horn blared nearby.
The memories scattered like smoke.
Haru stumbled forward, breathing heavily.
"...That..."
"...was me?"
His voice trembled.
"Who..."
"...who were they?"
Neither of them had an answer.
Instead, Mai quietly reached into her bag.
She pulled out a notebook.
Along with a single sheet of paper.
"Hey Haru."
"Hm?"
"If I told you..."
"...that whenever I write something..."
"...and wish hard enough..."
"...it comes true..."
"...would you believe me?"
Haru raised an eyebrow.
"I'd probably ask for proof."
Mai smiled mysteriously.
"Fair enough."
She wrote something on the paper before quickly folding it.
"What did you write?"
She tucked it back into her notebook.
"That's a secret."
"You'll know soon enough."
Haru groaned dramatically.
"You're just like that author."
"Always leaving me hanging."
Mai giggled.
"I think you'd be surprised by how similar we are."
"I wouldn't even be shocked if someone told me you were secretly the same person."
Mai nearly laughed out loud.
"Speaking of surprises..."
She reached into her bag again.
"This."
She handed him another thick novel.
"The sequel."
Haru's eyes sparkled.
"Seriously?!"
She nodded.
"The climax should shock you."
He accepted it with both hands as though it were treasure.
"You're officially my favorite librarian."
Mai smiled.
"I'll pretend that's a compliment."
The last bite of her ice cream disappeared.
She glanced toward the orange sky.
"It's getting late."
"I should head home."
"I'll walk you."
"I'd like that."
The peaceful atmosphere of the riverside slowly gave way to the noise of the city.
Street vendors packed away their stalls while workers made their way home after another long day. The glow of neon signs gradually replaced the warm colors of the setting sun as Haru and Mai walked shoulder to shoulder.
For the most part, neither of them spoke.
They didn't need to.
The silence between them wasn't awkward.
It was comfortable.
Every now and then Haru would steal a glance at Mai, only to find her absentmindedly watching the people around them. She looked unusually thoughtful, as if her mind was somewhere far away.
Eventually they turned onto a narrower road.
The neighborhood here was far less welcoming than the academy district.
The pavement was cracked in several places, graffiti covered worn-down walls, and empty bottles littered the roadside. Groups of children chased one another through the streets while adults sat outside tiny shops chatting loudly.
A pair of little boys sprinted past them laughing.
One nearly bumped into Haru before quickly apologizing and continuing the chase.
Mai couldn't help smiling.
"They remind me of when I was little."
"Were you that energetic?"
"I was worse."
"I find that hard to believe."
She laughed softly.
"I climbed trees."
"I fell off roofs."
"I even tried jumping across a river once."
Haru blinked.
"...You what?"
"I didn't make it."
"I can imagine."
"You don't sound very sympathetic."
"I'm trying not to imagine tiny you flying into a river."
Mai puffed out her cheeks.
"I floated."
"That's somehow even funnier."
She lightly nudged his shoulder.
"Mean."
As they rounded another corner, a rough whistle echoed through the street.
"Well, well..."
A scruffy-looking man lazily pushed himself away from a wall.
"There goes the prettiest girl I've seen all week."
Several equally disheveled men nearby chuckled.
The stranger slowly approached them.
"How about you ditch the pretty boy and spend some time with real men?"
Without hesitation, Mai stepped closer to Haru and wrapped both hands around his arm.
"No thank you."
The man frowned.
"I wasn't asking."
He continued walking.
Haru calmly stepped in front of Mai.
"Didn't you hear her?"
The man's smile disappeared.
"And what's the kid gonna do?"
Mai gently tugged Haru's sleeve.
"Haru..."
"No."
His expression remained surprisingly calm.
"This guy's starting to annoy me."
The junkie burst into laughter.
"What're you gonna do?"
"Call the police?"
Haru cracked his knuckles.
"I don't need the police."
Before anyone could react—
THUD!!
His fist connected squarely with the man's jaw.
Time seemed to freeze.
The junkie's feet left the ground.
He flew backwards several meters before crashing into the pavement with an earth-shaking thump.
"..."
"..."
"..."
Complete silence.
Even Haru stared at his own fist.
"...I..."
"...did I just do that?"
The remaining junkies looked between their unconscious friend and Haru with expressions that quickly shifted from anger...
...to concern.
Haru slowly looked toward them.
They looked back.
"..."
"..."
Haru grabbed Mai's hand.
"Let's run."
"Agreed!"
The two bolted down the street.
Only after they had disappeared around the next corner did one of the men finally scratch his head.
"...Should we chase them?"
Another glanced at their unconscious companion.
"...After watching what happened to Dave?"
"...Yeah..."
"...Let's pretend this never happened."
"I like that idea."
---
Several streets later...
Haru and Mai finally slowed to a stop.
Both leaned against a wall, breathing heavily.
For a few seconds neither spoke.
Then...
Mai started giggling.
Haru looked at her.
She laughed harder.
Soon he couldn't help laughing too.
"I can't believe..."
Mai struggled to breathe.
"...you actually punched him."
"I wasn't planning to."
"It just..."
He looked at his fist again.
"...happened."
"And then he flew!"
"I know!"
"I've never seen anyone fly that far before!"
Their laughter echoed through the quiet street.
Eventually Mai wiped a tear from the corner of her eye.
"Thank you."
Haru looked at her.
"For what?"
"For standing up for me."
He smiled.
"Anytime."
The sincerity in his voice made Mai smile back.
"My house is just up ahead."
"Then let's finish our journey."
She nodded.
"Okay."
The two resumed walking.
This time...
Mai moved a little closer.
Without saying a word...
She gently rested her head against Haru's shoulder.
Haru immediately stiffened.
"...Well..."
He cleared his throat.
"...Looks like someone's getting bold."
Mai simply smiled to herself.
She didn't answer.
The faint warmth against his shoulder made Haru's ears turn slightly red.
He desperately pretended not to notice.
After another minute they finally stopped before a modest two-story house.
Mai reluctantly lifted her head.
"...We're here."
Haru looked up at the house.
"So this is where you live."
She nodded.
"I expect plenty of visits during the holidays."
Mai laughed.
"I'll hold you to that."
A comfortable silence settled between them once more.
Then...
"Haru."
"Yeah?"
She looked directly into his eyes.
"I love you."
His brain stopped.
"...What?"
Before he could process the words...
Mai rose onto the tips of her toes.
Leaning forward...
She gently pressed a kiss against his cheek.
It lasted only a moment.
Yet Haru felt as though time itself had frozen.
By the time he recovered...
Mai had already stepped back.
Her cheeks burned crimson.
"So..."
"Today was fun."
"Thank you."
She gave him one last smile before turning toward the house.
Haru finally found his voice.
"S-See you tomorrow!"
Mai stopped at the doorway.
She looked back.
Instead of answering...
She simply smiled.
A beautiful...
Yet strangely lonely smile.
Then she disappeared inside.
Haru stood there for several seconds.
"...Weird."
He rubbed the cheek she had kissed.
"Why did that smile feel..."
"...so sad?"
A chill ran down his spine.
Unable to explain the feeling...
He quietly turned around and began the walk home.
Mai quietly stepped into the house, gently closing the front door behind her.
The warmth she had felt only moments ago vanished instantly.
A heavy silence hung in the air.
Then...
Clink.
The unmistakable sound of a glass bottle meeting another echoed from deeper inside the house.
Mai lowered her head.
"...I'm home."
No answer came.
Instead...
Loud laughter.
A man's laughter.
Followed by another bottle clinking against a table.
Mai tightened her grip on her school bag.
Without another word she quietly walked past the living room.
As she reached the doorway, her eyes instinctively drifted inside.
An unfamiliar middle-aged man lounged comfortably on the sofa, a bottle dangling lazily from one hand.
Across from him sat Mai's mother.
Her cheeks were flushed from alcohol as she laughed at something the man had just said.
Neither of them even noticed Mai standing there.
"..."
She quietly looked away.
Just as she was about to continue upstairs—
"Oh."
Her mother finally noticed her.
"You're back."
"Yes."
The woman lazily waved her bottle.
"The man's leaving anyway."
The stranger stood and stretched before walking toward the door.
As he passed Mai, he barely spared her a glance.
"See you around."
The front door closed behind him.
Silence returned.
Mai stared at the floor for a few moments before finally speaking.
"...Mom."
"What?"
"That's the third man this week."
"Lay off me kid, oh and I already finished what you gave me before, so I'll need more, three bags this time."
Mai closed her eyes.
"...Wait."
"What now?"
She looked up.
For the first time all evening...
There was desperation in her eyes.
"...Could we..."
"...eat dinner together tonight?"
Her mother frowned.
"...Where did that come from?"
"I just..."
Mai forced a smile.
"...miss eating with you."
"Like we used to."
Her mother clicked her tongue.
"Just eat in your room."
"Please."
"I'll give you five bags."
"No."
"Ten bags of cash, just for tonight I want my mother back."
Her mother's expression softened ever so slightly.
"Hm..."
"Fifteen."
Mai nodded immediately.
"I'll give you twenty."
The woman shrugged.
"Fine."
"I want sushi."
"...Okay."
"Whatever you want."
Mai hurried to her room before her mother could change her mind.
She placed her bag on the bed before taking out a blank sheet of paper.
Her pen hesitated for only a moment.
Then...
She wrote.
I wish for twenty bags of money.
The words glowed a brilliant emerald green.
A gentle wind stirred inside the room despite every window being closed.
The paper dissolved into countless particles of light.
An instant later—
Twenty heavy bags landed neatly beside her bed.
As though they had always existed.
Mai quietly carried them downstairs.
Her mother stared for a second.
Then smiled.
"Good girl."
"...Thanks, Mom."
For the first time in what felt like forever...
They sat at the same table.
Steam rose from fresh plates of sushi.
The room remained mostly silent.
Her mother focused on eating.
Mai...
Simply watched her.
Every now and then...
She smiled.
Burning the moment into her memory.
Eventually...
Dinner ended.
"...Thanks."
Her mother looked confused.
"...For what?"
"...For eating with me."
Without waiting for an answer...
Mai quietly returned upstairs.
She closed her bedroom door behind her.
Then...
Collapsed onto her bed.
Only then did she finally allow herself to cry.
Not loudly.
Not dramatically.
Just quiet tears slipping down her cheeks.
After several minutes...
She wiped them away.
"No more crying."
She whispered the words to herself.
Her eyes drifted toward the strange envelope resting on her desk.
Slowly...
She opened it.
Inside was only a single sheet of paper.
Written upon it were simple words.
---
You have been deemed eligible for Ascension.
Remaining time until Ascension:
00:07:00:00
---
"...Seven hours."
Mai smiled sadly.
"So..."
"It's finally time."
She leaned back against the wall.
The ticking clock beside her bed suddenly sounded unbearably loud.
Tick.
Tick.
Tick.
Every passing second brought the countdown closer to zero.
She didn't sleep.
She couldn't.
Instead...
She spent the night rereading Haru's favorite novel.
The very one she had secretly written.
Every so often she'd pause...
Smile...
Then continue reading.
The hours disappeared one by one.
Eventually...
The clock struck midnight.
00:00:00:00
Silence.
Then—
A brilliant crimson magic circle bloomed beneath her feet.
Its eerie light filled the room.
From within it...
A lone figure slowly emerged.
Long dark hair.
Regal black attire.
Crimson eyes that seemed capable of swallowing the world itself.
The Demon Lord.
She looked at Mai with surprising gentleness.
"...Time's up."
Mai stood.
"...I'm ready."
The Demon Lord's gaze wandered toward the twenty bags of money stacked neatly against the wall.
"...Humans truly are strange."
Mai smiled faintly.
"My mother will need that money."
"For the rest of her life."
The Demon Lord sighed.
"She discovered your ability..."
"...and immediately started using you as a source of endless wealth."
"She barely acknowledges your existence."
"If not for those papers..."
"...she probably would've thrown you out long ago."
She looked back at Mai.
"...Yet you still love her."
Mai answered without hesitation.
"...She's my mother."
For a brief moment...
Even the Demon Lord was speechless.
Then she quietly looked away.
"...How ironic."
"I ruled over demons for centuries."
"And even I..."
"...was never this greedy."
She extended a hand.
"Come."
"Your abilities have begun to awaken."
"It is time for your Ascension."
Mai looked toward the window.
Toward the distant city lights.
"...See you soon, Haru."
A warm smile spread across her face.
"It was only for a second..."
"...but when you punched that man today..."
"I saw it."
"A strange power wrapped around your hand."
"So..."
"You're awakening too."
"I just hope..."
"...you don't keep me waiting."
She placed her hand into the Demon Lord's.
The crimson light swallowed them both.
The room fell silent.
...
Meanwhile...
Haru's house...
Was anything but quiet.
"I've told you already!"
Haru threw his hands into the air.
"You can wear the uniform tomorrow!"
"But you are not sleeping in it!"
Standing proudly before him...
Still dressed from head to toe in her pristine academy uniform...
Elara crossed her arms.
"I refuse."
"These garments are magnificent."
"I shall not remove them."
"At least take off the shoes!"
"By the authority that governs both kings and commoners..."
"My answer remains steadfast."
"...Nay."
Haru blinked.
"...You know..."
"You could've just said no."
"A thousand times nay!"
"..."
He sighed.
"I give up."
A triumphant smile spread across Elara's face.
"Excellent."
"You shall witness tomorrow that my decision was correct."
"I somehow doubt that."
...
Morning arrived.
A terrified scream echoed throughout the house.
"HARUUUUUU!!"
Haru burst into the room.
"...What happened?!"
Elara stood frozen before a mirror.
Tiny tears shimmered in her crimson eyes.
She pointed accusingly at her reflection.
"The beautiful garments you gifted me..."
"...have been ruined!"
Haru followed her finger.
Wrinkles.
Wrinkles everywhere.
He pinched the bridge of his nose.
"...This."
"This is exactly why I told you not to sleep in your uniform."
Elara lowered her head.
"...A thousand apologies."
"I should have listened."
Haru chuckled.
"It's okay."
"Come here."
"I'll iron them."
Her eyes sparkled.
"...Truly?"
"Yep."
"They'll look as good as new."
While he prepared the iron...
Elara calmly began unbuttoning her blouse.
Haru looked up.
"...Wait."
"You're taking it off now?"
"Naturally."
"You cannot iron it whilst I am wearing it."
"...Fair point."
Moments later...
The bedroom door burst open.
"Morning, fellas!"
Mika froze.
Her eyes slowly drifted toward Elara...
Standing there in nothing but her undershirt.
Then toward Haru.
Holding an iron.
Silence.
"..."
"..."
Haru slowly raised both hands.
"It's not what it looks like."
"You shameless pervert!"
SLAP!!
"...Ow."
The red handprint blooming across Haru's cheek was almost impressive.
A few minutes later, after apologies and laughter, Haru picked up the novel Mai had given him.
A folded piece of paper slipped free.
"...Hm?"
He unfolded it.
His smile slowly disappeared.
Written in neat handwriting...
Were seven simple words.
I wish you'll never forget me.
"...What?"
Mika leaned over his shoulder.
"What is it?"
Haru didn't answer.
A strange unease gripped his heart.
"...Take Elara to school."
"I need to check on something."
Without waiting for a reply...
He sprinted from the house.
...
Minutes later...
He stood before Mai's front door.
He knocked once.
Twice.
Again.
Finally...
The door creaked open.
A tired-looking woman frowned at him.
"What do you want?"
"I'm looking for Mai."
"...Who's Mai?"
Haru blinked.
"...What?"
"I asked..."
The woman frowned.
"...Who's Mai?"
Something inside Haru cracked.
A name.
A face.
A smile.
A kiss on his cheek.
They slipped away...
Like grains of sand between his fingers.
He reached desperately after them.
Nothing remained.
"I will ask you one final time, who is Mai ?"
Haru whispered.
"...I-I don't know?"
Meanwhile...
Elara and Mika reached the academy gates.
The two chatted happily as they stepped inside.
The instant Elara crossed the entrance...
The world shifted.
Mika vanished.
The voices disappeared.
She now stood alone within an enormous hallway.
At its center...
A single man waited with his hands clasped behind his back.
He smiled warmly.
"Good morning, Elara."
"I am the Headmaster."
He gave a respectful bow.
"And allow me to officially welcome you..."
"...to Apex Academy."
End of Chapter.