(A/N) y'all know the drill story by Fanfictraveler
Read it here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/55556899
I like my current world, with all of it's magic. The middle ages slowly being overthrown by the pre-electric industrial revolution.
Everything around me is such a perfect place to play my act as the Eminence in shadow. Various bandits and their hideouts for me to loot. Corrupt politicians and nobles with all of their money that's also for me to loot.
My extremely talentful sister who overshadows me everytime we're together. Normally, people would get all envious about the lack of attention in their life just because of their sibling but not for me. Playing the role of a mob has never been easier since that.
And most importantly, magic. A powerful tool who grants me every power I wanted if I just put enough work into it. And after my long and hard training, I finally suprassed the nuke which was probably the biggest obstacle in my old life.
But that's not to say that I hated my previous world. Back there, it was a battle of grades and ranks, just like now. I was an extra in that world. I didn't have a lot of friends. Most of the people I knew were acquaintances at best. I just got to know them well enough to make some small talk during class or between the breaks but that was about it.
Of course, I didn't abandon my pursuit to become the Eminence in shadow.
But the biggest difference was... I never had enough opportunities to exhibit my power. Rather than bandits... the only thing I could do was chase the local ruffians around every night.
Then there was also the problem of beating a nuke with a human body. I searched everywhere for a way to to reach my goal but it was simply impossible. At the very last, I focused my attention to attaining magic. It was the only way I could think of.
Running a marathon, doing yoga, studying ancient texts in greek and german, putting myself in a straitjacket, meditating under a heavy waterfall, crucifying myself and lastly bashing my head against a rock because it was the oldest rock in town. Because I hoped that some ancient energy from it would be transferred into me.
And while I was busy training and searching for ways of magic, everyone around me grew up. They all forgot about their initial dreams and bended themselves over to society's norms. Getting a romantic partner, thinking about future colleges or possible jobs. Things like that.
But I refused to follow that way. There is only one goal for me and I won't ever lose sight of it.
So I lived these mundane days in peace as the average student but as a shadowbroker in the night. Though, there was one night that could be counted as an Eminence in shadow moment. It would have to be the night I saved Nishi.... Nishi.... Nishimura Akane.
Nishitani Akane? I don't really remember anymore.
All I remember is that she was a former actress and the daughter of a billionaire. So of course, she had the looks that attracted the people to her. It was a little lucky that I sat beside her so that she can overshadow me like my sister does right now.
Not to mention, she was just like Alexia. Not personality wise but popularity wise. Countless boys have tried to woo her with something or a simple confession but were all rejected.
Basically, she was a named character and probably the most important one in the whole school.
She didn't like me very much for some reason, even though we barely talked. But I couldn't care less if someone hated me or not as I was too busy training to be a shadowbroker.
But after "that incident", she began to talk to me more for some reason.
Though, it was all in the past. I found two blue orbs reincarnating me to my current world with magic in it. So I never knew what happened after I was gone. With that girl... or that world...
There was a boy I really hated. He was average in all aspects. Academics he was below average. Athletics he was below average. Truly a C student.
His name was Kageno Minoru and just like his name suggested, he was as inconspicuous as a shadow. He didn't really have anything going for him. He didn't make any real friends from what I've remembered but knew the people around him well enough to talk a little if needed.
But there was a reason why I hated this ordinary boy out of all people. First, it was the way how he greeted me. For three months, he called me by a wrong name. Sometimes, I corrected him, hoping he would learn from his mistake but he never did. Day after day, meeting each other at the shoelockers at the very last minute, greeting each other only for him to call me by a wrong name.
At first, it frustrated me how he wasn't able to remember such a simple name. "Nishino" isn't really something that slips so easily out of your head. Especially when my surname is all around and the talk of the people as my father is a politician who was likely to win the election.
Also, I was a pretty renowned actress in the past and made a name for myself. But I quit after my first stalker incident.
While the wrong name did infuriate me, it was nothing compared to the realization I had after thinking about it longer than five minutes.
Kageno Minoru never really looked at me or acknowledged me at any moment. That's why he still got my name wrong for straight three months, even after sitting beside each other during that time. After I noticed that, I started to pay attention to his eyes and where they're looking when talking to me.
On the surface, he did look at me, no doubts about that. It was just the light in his eyes that was missing. He looked right through me as if I was never really in his line of sight. After getting to see that for myself, I started to hate him with all of my being.
I tried my best at ignoring him at school and minimizing our conversation to practically nothing but a simple greeting. Fortunately, he didn't seem to attempt a conversation with me so we both had no problem avoiding each other.
But ever since "that day", I began to have an interest with Kageno Minoru.
And it would suprise me how much this very boy hides on the surface.
Some days have passed since "that incident". The police came over to our house to ask some questions and to make sure that I'm really fine. But after they've seen that I didn't sustain heavy injuries or any trauma, they just left.
My dad used some of his influence to make sure that there isn't any scandal going around in the media. It seems that he had paid attention to me since the last time and decided not to make this public which I'm grateful for.
I'm currently returning back to my school life as if nothing ever happened. The under- and upperclassman still greet me every morning and I greet them back. Whispers behind my back of how beautiful I am and how jealous they are.
And as I reach the shoelockers, I see him. Kageno Minoru. I initially hated him for always looking past me, as if not perceiving my existence at all. His eyes were always looking at something different far away. But ever since that night, he got my name right.
Yes, that's right. I, Nishino Akane, former actress and daughter of one of the most influential people in all of japan, had her name gotten wrong by this below average boy. This fact infuriated me in the past and even after correcting him multiple times, he still called me "Nishimura" as if it was the most normal thing in the world.
But now, his eyes seem more lively. They have a certain light in it that was missing before. I can't describe it but I think he changed somehow.
Though, there is something that bugs me since that night I was kidnapped. The only reason I'm still going to school unharmed is because of the "Stylish Ruffian Slayer". I told the police about him but they also haven't got a clue who he is either.
Ironically, he looked more like a burglar than a hero on first glance. I mean, he had a ski mask, two crowbars and was fully dressed in black. He looked more like the person who would be on the bad side of society than rescuing me from two kidnappers.
But there was something at the end. When I looked into his eyes, when he told me to be more careful when walking home, it all sounded like the boy infront of me. The Stylish Ruffian Slayer being Kageno sounds ridiculous but my gut just tells me so.
I sigh on the outside like always because I'm not very enthusiastic to greet someone who always gets my name wrong but lately Kageno got it right. I smile on the inside looking at my savior who hides himself in public.
So for now, let's greet him like usual.
"Good morning, Kageno."
He turns to me with his usual apathetic expression before he politely smiles at me.
"Good morning, Nishimura."
What? Really? We're back to square one?
There goes three months of my time trying to correct him and thinking it finally worked. Now, he's back to calling me Nishimura. Scratch anything I said about him changing.
"Kageno. How is it possible that you got my name right some days ago but today wrong? For the nth time, my name is Nishino not "Nishimura"."
He puts on a suprised expression, as if he hears that name for the first time in his life. It's not like I've been sitting next to him for three months, greeting him everyday, always have some people around me at my desk who call me by my right name. Even after all that, he still got it wrong.
"I'm wrong? Sorry about that. I'm lacking some sleep right now but I usually remember all important names and faces in school."
What is that supposed to mean? Are you saying I'm not important enough?! And wasn't your excuse of sleep deprivation already used?
"I see. Please don't get it wrong again."
"Sure."
And just like that, our conversation ended with him going on his way to the classroom. Normally, I would ignore him for the rest of the school day if it's possible. Just like always but there's something different now. Kageno being the Stylish Ruffian Slayer is already crazy enough, but why would he hide his identity?
He could get some reward from my father for saving me or get some recognition for defeating two criminals. Especially after he defeated a former soldier at the age of 16. That's not something a normal high schooler could do.
So he's hiding his real self. Just like me.
But there has to be a reason why he hides his other life. From what I've heard that night, Kageno is already known as the Ski Mask Berserker who beats some hoodlums up in the middle of the night. That means he's going against multiple people and then goes to school the very next day as if nothing ever happened.
I know it's morally wrong, but I really want to know why he's hiding in plain sight. Maybe it's a shocking revelation or maybe it's just something he tasked himself in. But whatever it may be, I want to know.
And so began her days of observing Kageno Minoru. Before, her first evaluation of him was a C student. Below average in academics, below average in athletics and not being a member in any school club. He really was someone who you would lose sight of when he isn't specifically mentioned.
Suprisingly, Akane noticed that even the teachers don't call him by his name. They always say "you, at the window" or after Akane answered something wrong, it would always be "you, the one next to her". That was really sad to think about.
But she didn't see him particularly bothered about it. He always gave the right answer and then sat back down.
In the breaks, when many people crowded her seat, he was always reading a book. Sometimes, he was looking out of the window aimlessly. But everytime he was looking outside, she saw something in his hand. It was a hand gripper.
On plain sight, she wouldn't have noticed it, even after being his neighbor because he hides it under his other arm. It looked so natural that anybody would have missed it.
After noticing it for the first time, she began to find even more things about Kageno than she thought. She saw him using his hand gripper since the very first lesson and when she was occupied with something different, Akane always had one eye on him.
But even while writing something down, Kageno still used one hand to train his grip, while the other one was noting something down. And for several days, Akane saw him switching hands every once in a while. It was honestly really impressive because he essentially trained himself to be ambidextrous. Something people could only dream of.
One day, Akane even shoved her desk closer to him but still far enough to not be suspicious. Then she heard him counting something. Everytime he gripped, he added one number. By the third lesson, she heard chanting something about twenty thousand.
Yes, that's a huge number but if it's a lightweight, then it's not so impressive than she thought.
Curious, she secretly sneaked away from PE and went to the classroom. There she found his bag and on top of all of his books there was his hand gripper. Naively, she tried gripping it only to feel a huge resistance pushing against her hand. She then looked at the scale of how much weight she was just trying to grip.
It was 80 kg. Kageno is repeating a hand grip of 80 kg every day for over twenty thousand times. Akane can't get even grip the thing one time. This fact gave her some goosebumps and she quickly put it back where it was before and went back to PE.
Oberservation 1: Kageno has an immense grip strength and is ambidextrous.
Lately, Akane noticed that everytime she's about to greet Kageno, he always drops his bag with a heavy sound. Also, it always hangs way too low for something that should only contain some school books.
Sometimes, she even hears a metallic sound coming from it. But she couldn't just glance into his bag so she asked him first. She caught him at the shoelockers as always after school already ended.
"Kageno, what's in your bag? It looks very heavy for some reason."
Suprised by the sudden conversation, Minoru just turns to her with a curious expression before he looks down at his own bag.
"Oh, this? There are just some books inside that I still want to read. Sometimes, I forget what books I want to bring so I usually have all of them with me."
That's not normal. Why would you bring every book to school when you're not even reading all of them in one day?
"Oh, ok. But I hear a metallic sound every now and then. What about that?"
"These are just my keys."
There's no way keys make such a sound when dr opped. Does he think I'm stupid?
"Well then, I have to go. See you later,....Nishi...., ....Nishino."
But just as she was about to ask another question, he left after putting on his shoes while answering all of her questions in record time. It was like he wasn't even interested in a conversation in her. Most boys would sacrifice a leg or an arm to even have the chance of Akane Nishino talking to them-
Wait, did he just get my name right?
Akane was left speechless after just some random questions at the mysterious boy. Her initial frustration of not being able to ask him more went away just like nothing and was replaced by sudden happiness by just the little act of getting her name right.
She could ask him another time about the contents of his bag, but for now, she's going home in a good mood.
Akane didn't know that Minoru just made a lucky guess.
Observation 2: Kageno's bag is unusually heavy.
When school is over it is expected of students to go home as quickly as possible or attend their respective clubs. From last years' cultural festival, Akane knows that Kageno isn't in any school club and just goes home directly.
Or at least, that's what she thought originally.
You have a pretty good view of the entrance from her classroom. For research purposes, she wanted to see what time Kageno leaves school grounds. But he never actually went out directly like the other students. At first, she thought it's because of his way of staying low and inconspicuous that she didn't see him but that wasn't the case.
Akane somehow received the ability to spot this certain boy no matter if he was lost in the crowd or even detect his presence if he was approaching.
Because of that, she knew that he wasn't among the students leaving school early. But that raises the question, where does he go after school?
Akane herself has not so many chances to follow him to see where he goes as she has to attend supplementary classes after school so that she can keep up with the curriculum. But Akane was really looking forward to see Kageno leave the school grounds as this could give her the motivation to study more.
But that day never came. No matter how long she stayed on purpose by answering the questions by the teacher wrong, he never appeared at the school gate to leave.
One day, after several weeks of waiting, Akane had enough of waiting and began to take action for herself. Afternoon classes just ended but she would always stay longer just like mentioned before. But she had a plan ready.
She waited for Kageno to stand up and walk out. As everyone bid her goodbye, Akane always had one eye on the one boy so average like plain rice. Picking his heavy bag up, Kageno began his way out of the classroom and turned to the right side before closing the classroom door.
Akane wouldn't let this chance escape from her hands as she began to walk to the door and open it to see after him. Of course, she waited for a bit so that it wouldn't seem suspicious. And her effort paid off as she saw him turning left at the hallway end.
Now she has two indicators to use to follow him.
"Nishino, why are standing there in the middle of the classroom? Go sit down so that we can begin early."
The teacher already arrived before Akane could even noticed her. But this time, Akane had a plan to catch Kageno with whatever he was doing after school.
"Of course."
She took her seat and began to take out her books and notebooks for the subject. Trying to be a perfect girl isn't easy when you have so many things on your plate and try to observe a boy that could possibly be your hero.
But she held up this facade for more than enough, so this one more time wouldn't affect her now.
After studying for exactly ten minutes, Akane can finally begin her plan.
"Excuse me, teacher. May I go to the toilet? I didn't get to go before the lessons because I was busy."
Looking at the clock, the teacher deemed it as an acceptable timeframe to go and just gave her a thumbs up.
Akane slowly stood up from her seat and exited the classroom. She took some steps towards the direction where Kageno went and after she was sure that Akane was out of range of the teachers hearing, Akane began to run using the path that Kageno took.
While she was being taught, Akane had visualized a mental blueprint of the floor where she was right now and began tracing the way Kageno walked. Using the restroom was out of the question as he would have turned left.
Akane doesn't have much time as the teacher will be waiting for her to return. But maybe she can come up with some excuse if she does find Kageno....
And the she hears it. A piano being played like everyday in the afternoon. It was from Beethoven: Piano Sonata No.14, Moonlight. Akane has heard this piece of music a lot of times during her study phase, stuyding for exams. But it's generally a calming piece that you can listen to anytime no matter the mood.
Akane unconsciously follows the sound and ends up standing before the music room. Obviously, it would be the only place in school where such tones could come out of, and she was sure that the school band was practising there everyday.
It wouldn't hurt to ask them if they've seen Kageno passing by. So she opened the door, expecting to see lots of people with their instruments, practising diligently and with care.
But what she found wasn't the school band but the boy she was looking for himself, Kageno Minoru. He was playing the piano with the windows being open so that everyone could hear this piece of music he's playing. The sunset and the orange sky only illuminated his performance more.
His usual apathetic expression is still to be seen on his face, but she can see that he looks more focused while playing the piano. He's so concentrated that he doesn't even notice her presence even after she opened the door.
Akane doesn't even know how long she has been standing there, completely entranced by the boy infront of her. She only snaps out of it after he stops and claps her hands to give him an applause.
He turns towards her with a mild suprised expression on his face.
"What are you doing here?"
"I was just following the music that came from here. It was truly a beautiful piece, Kageno. I didn't know you played the piano."
"Thank you. I just didn't get to tell that somebody. But you must have been bothered by it, right? As I can see you standing here right in front of me instead of sitting in the classroom with our science teacher. Sorry about that."
"No, no! I just sneaked out for a moment to see who was playing the piano. But I was suprised to see you there Kageno. It was really good. Do you mind if you could play it again?"
Kageno stood still for a moment, contemplating whether if he should do it or not. But he ultimately decided to give in her whimps and play one more time.
"Sure, I can do that. But what about you? Aren't you supposed to have supplementary lessons?"
"Don't worry! It's fine if I skip out on it for a day or two."
Not saying anything to refute, Kageno began playing Moonlight Sonata again.
And with that, Akane just grabbed herself a chair and sat next to the piano to enjoy the rest of it. It was so calming that she fell asleep in just ten minutes from listening to it. She woke up later when it was already dark outside. The teacher obviously scolded her for skipping classes but she couldn't care less.
Akane feels that she closed the distance with Kageno for just a little bit.
Observation 3: Kageno is very skilled at playing the piano.
After the day in the music room, Akane focused her sight on Kageno more than she would like to admit. Fortunately, none of her friends have noticed it yet. Akane began to plan the things out she wants to learn about Kageno so that she doesn't lose sight of her observations.
So she planned her observing schedule like that for now: Kageno's school life in general, what he does after school, what his hobbies really are and if he really is the Stylish Ruffian Slayer.
She already has three things noted down but that are just things that anyone would be able to notice if it weren't for the fact that nobody notices him. Akane may be part fault at that because she's sitting right next to him but he's also not making any effort gaining any friends.
After that thought passed through her mind, she suddenly got a realization. If nobody ever became a real friend for Kageno, Akane could be the very first one to claim that spot.
But for now, she's content about watching him from the shadows where nobody sees her. They don't know each other well enough where she can just walz over to him and begin a conversation. Also, Akane doesn't think she could tank the hit of the thought that he might find her bothering and annoying.
On today's list is observing Kageno in PE to see if he's really holding back. He beat up a former soldier and took out an adult with a gun in no time, so it's normal to expect that he's got some muscle on his body, right?
Normally, the boys and girls have seperate classes for PE. But a male teacher had to go and take a break because of his injury so that only left the school with the only female PE teacher left to oversee a whole grade of boys and girls.
Akane wouldn't have cared in the slightest if it weren't for the big chance now. Seeing Kageno doing sports was something she has done only once and quickly dismissed it. It was when she tried to look into him a bit more after he got her name wrong for the seventh time in a row.
But she didn't stay for too long after realizing he's only an averge student in everything. Though, this time is different. Now that she's here only to observe him, she sharpens her eyes to see if he really is that average or if he's fooling everyone with his act.
His handgrip is definitely one of the things she's sure nobody in school could beat him.
As she was taking a break from doing the exercises, Akane saw Kageno playing football with the other boys. The boys were more pumped up than usual because there were girls occasionally watching them and they hoped to look cool in front of their crush.
Akane especially felt many gazes on her everytime she looked to the boys. Except for one boy of course.
But she wasn't so brave to watch them alone on her own. That may cause rumors! So she waited for the moment when boys came up as a topic in the girls group and then asked them if they wanted to watch how the boys play football.
When they all agreed, Akane only then realized the influence she had on people by playing the perfect girl for a very long time. But she could think about that later as Kageno's team is losing at the moment if she overheard correctly.
"Go, boys! You can do it!"
"Yeah, what she says!"
"I'm cheering for you all!"
They were obviously not serious but it still had an effect on their playstyle. Boys who weren't really athletic suddenly pulled out their last energy reserves and sprinted past the defenders. The guys who were dead tired from the PE lesson before did the same and pulled out their last sprints to shoot one more goal.
Everyone was fired up. As the girls next to Akane began cheering more loudly, more girls joined in to participate and not wanting to feel left out. That only pushed the boys more and the football match suddenly became really serious.
Losing here meant being uncool infront of all the girls. Especially if the school's madonna, Akane Nishino, was watching. It was really stupid to think about and probably more of a boys thing, but they couldn't care less about common sense. Winning here meant everything.
"Let's go, everyone! Losing here means dying!"
"The opponent is weak fodder in front of us! Beat them up!"
And while everyone was occupied with themselves, there was one boy who was just running along only sweating slightly and not being tired in the least. He looked very average and just moved along everyone else when the ball was passed around.
When he got a pass, though, he returned it immediately and made it look like a normal double pass to confuse the defense.
Really, nobody noticed him. Not even the players on the pitch. He himself moved like someone who tries to stay low as possible even during this eccentric serious football match. Kageno probably did that on purpose.
But he couldn't escape from the eyes of the girl who every boy wished that her eyes were on them. Akane's eyes haven't left Kageno's boys since the moment she began watching the match. She would occasionally comment with the girl next to her but that was about it.
Akane was really fascinated by the movement Kageno made. Having such a low profile can't be coincidental but are manually made movements. He looked bored and there wasn't the fire everyone else around him had. It was just his usual apathetic face without any emotion.
And before she knew it, the ball had landed before Kageno's feet. It was a complete accident that he ran there because the ball bounced off someone legs and flew over to him. As it didn't really come from his teammates as a pass, she could see him thinking about the next action to take.
But she wanted to see him in action, so she did something that would embarrass her later if she ever thought back on it.
"Go, Kageno! Dribble forward and shoot!"
Akane's cheer wasn't really the loudest one but the one who stood out the most. She was completely silent during the match but suddenly shouted a cheer at the unassuming boy to shoot his shot. The people around her were looking at her weirdly before Akane finally realized what she had done.
Blushing lightly, Akane explained herself.
"He looked like he needed some motivation to play compared to everyone around him. So I thought it wouldn't hurt to cheer him on personally, right?"
"Oh, that makes sense."
"Akane really has such a big heart if she's thinking about the guy who only looked tired the entire time."
"As expected of her."
Only the girls heard her explantion but she's sure that the boys will hear the truth eventually. Whether they ask her herself or wait for some rumors so that she can refute them.
But back to the boy in question. After the shout, he looked really suprised and then a little angry about something for a short moment. Kageno didn't get more motivated but followed her words and dribbled forward a little towards the goal.
The defenders rushed in to prevent him to come any closer but were way too exhausted in comparison to him. The adrenaline slowly left their bodies and their muscles began cramping up. As Kageno ran towards the goal, Akane could see him shooting the ball and scoring in her imagination.
But that didn't happen.
Just before the goalkeeper, Kageno passed the ball to the right of him to his teammate so he could tap the ball into the goal and win the match in favor of Kageno's team. After the goal, the teacher slowly came and ended the lesson and told them to change.
A part of the boys were celebrating while the loser team was on the ground in shame almost crying as if the lost in the final of the nationals. The goalscorer was held up high as if he was a hero. But his assistor wasn't anywhere to be found.
Kageno sneaked away into the locker room, even escaping Akane's eyes. The girl crowd slowly dispersed and left the boys hanging in false hope for praise. Akane felt a little sorry for them and waved her hand to get their attention.
Everyone looked over her in curiosity before she shouted something at them.
"Good job, everyone! You were really cool!"
After she had said that, Akane quickly turned around and ran towards the locker room to catch up with the last boy. She missed the sight of boys from the winning team all skipping a heartbeat because of her praise. It would quickly bite her back as she would have to deal with more confessions later on.
After changing into her uniform in record time, she catched up to Kageno who was walking to the classroom with a normal pace like any other person.
"Great job out there, Kageno. You don't seem sweaty at all. Were you not giving your best while your teammates did?"
"Thank you. I'm generally a person who sweats a lot less than the normal boy my age so it hasn't to do with my effort during the match."
Akane didn't know if that was a lie or not. She didn't smell a sour scent of sweat on him so she didn't really know if she should believe him or not.
"At the end, why didn't you just shoot? I'm sure you would have scored if you had just shot."
"I saw my teammate next to me so I quickly concluded that it would be better if I passed to him. It doesn't really matter if I or he shoots, right? A goal is goal."
That certaintly made sense in her mind but she still wanted him to have a little more spotlight on him. Even if it was something trivial like being the winning goalscorer at the last minute.
"Also, could you not cheer for me in the future?"
That question caught her off guard. Akane didn't think that there was any boy at school who would dislike any cheer from her. She remembers the sports festival when she was a cheerleader. Her team won by a huge margin because of that.
But...
"Who I want to cheer for isn't something you get to decide, Kageno."
He silently looks at her before she runs away in silent embarrassment.
"I see."
Observation 4: Kageno is pretty athletic or is just sweating less than other people.
To maintain such a athletic body, it's important to look after your diet. Akane especially is well informed about that topic as she was forced to do multiple diets due to her job as an actress. It was also a beauty standard for her to be more on the slim and fit side.
Her brother even put a diet plan for her on the table one day. But stopped shortly after her first stalker incident happened.
With all of that in mind, Akane wonders what Kageno's diet is. Is he someone who looks after his calories and fat? Or is he someone who can eat as much as they want and not gain any kilos along the way?
Of course, she can't monitor his breakfast and dinner for now, so she'll have to settle with the lunch he eats in school. But Kageno never eats inside the classroom and just goes somewhere else during their lunch break.
Today she decided to turn her friends' offers down so that she can follow him for a bit. Several boys have asked her out for lunch after they've heard that she'll be alone during lunch but they were no exception. Obviously, she wouldn't want to go with some random guys when Akane has her target.
Though, if she remembered correctly, most of them were from the football match some days prior.
*DING DONG* *DING DONG*
She only awaited the bell before it finally clang. Everyone quickly packed up their stuff after the teacher ended the lesson and scurried off to get something from the cafeteria or find their friends to eat together with. While Kageno isn't eating in the classroom, he never really hurries to be the first one outside so he isn't going to the cafeteria, probably.
Maybe it's also an act from him to make him less noticable.
Akane took her time to put her books into her bag as she secretly watched Kageno go outside the classroom. Not too long after, she was done and also exited the classroom before being stopped midway by somebody.
It was one of the boys who asked her out before.
"Akane, can you reconsider my offer? I promise that it'll be fun than whatever you'll do now."
He was admittedly more handsome than the other boys his age or even above. So that gave him the confidence to talk to her like that even though they barely knew each other. Akane doesn't even remember his name but knows that he has a lot of fangirls as he's the striker of the football team.
"Please don't call me by my first name. And just like before, I'm busy so please leave me be."
After rejecting his offer again, the handsome guy got pretty red out of embarrassment and was shortly made fun of by his friends next to him. Normally, Akane would be only slightly annoyed by that interaction wasting her time but today's different.
She's already losing time finding Kageno. It's very lucky that she can still see the back of his head in the sea of students for now but that can quickly change. He's still very plain and average after all in terms of his looks.
"If you may excuse me."
Akane quickly left the scene and powerwalked through the mob. She barely saw him going up the stairs to the rooftop. Pumping a guts fist in her mind, she speeds up the pace follows him.
But she holds a reasonable distance betweeen them as she doesn't want to seem like a stalker following it's target nearby. Akane hid herself behind a corner and waited until she heard him going upstairs and reaching the floor with the rooftop door.
Students usually aren't allowed to enter the rooftop due to safety reasons but there are still people who break that rule every now and then. Luckily, her school doesn't have any delinquents who cause unnecessary trouble.
Akane waited for the door to close and counted in her mind to three minutes. Delaying the meeting made it seem less suspicious that she followed him. Steeling her nerves for the last time, Akane slowly opened the door with delicate motion.
There she saw him with a small notebook and a bento box. Her attention was more on the bento box and it's contents than the notebook which he quickly closed once he saw that someone passed through the door.
Looking back, she probably should have asked him about that but she had a tunnel vision on his bento box. But she had to greet him first.
"Hello, Kageno. I didn't expect to find you here. Do you mind if I join you for lunch?"
"Why is this named character talking so much to me lately? Hello to you too. I was just about to pack my things up so don't worry about eating here alone."
Akane could hear him murming something before he talked to her but wasn't able to hear it clearly. But her mind was more preoccupied with the fact that he was about to go when she just found him.
He was about to stand up before she interrupted him.
"Kageno, didn't you hear me? I asked you if it was a problem if I joined you for lunch?"
He raised his eyebrows in mild suprise at her question. Akane specifically framed the question like that so that he doesn't misunderstand. He probably thought she wanted to get some alone time from the boys who were pestering her.
She smiled at the thought of him being considerate of her.
"Uhm, I don't mind."
"Perfect! Now, please sit down."
Kageno reluctantly sat back down near the rooftop fence where she joined him not shortly after. Sitting down next to him, even more so than their usual distance in the classroom, she could smell his scent.
After taking some secret sniffs, she began a conversation with him like she would do with anyone.
"So, what do usually eat here?"
"My bento box."
"Did your mother make this for you?"
"I prepared it myself."
"You can cook, Kageno? I didn't know that."
"..."
This interaction is going nowhere.
Her attempt to get to know something about Kageno slightly failed as she got new information that he can cook. But he kept his responses short and didn't make any effort to continue the conversation. It was like talking to a wall.
Though, Akane shouldn't forget her initial goal for today. Seeing what he's eating for lunch.
But she couldn't just silently look into his bento box. That would imply that she's only here to eat his self packed lunch. So she quickly concluded that distracting him with a conversation should do the job. And while she distracts him, Akane will get to see his food from the corner of her eye.
"Kageno, I wanted to ask you something."
He looked up from his food and turned to her. Kageno didn't seem particularly interested in what she has to say but decided to listen to it anyways.
"What is it?"
"Why are you eating alone here? Normally, the rooftop is off limits for students, you know?"
"But you're also here."
"I need to take a breather from the people from time to time. But you still haven't answered my question."
Kageno silently looked down on the ground to think about something.
"It's peaceful here. The fresh air, and the view from above is worth the risk of getting caught. Also I can read my book about magic here."
His every day tired eyes displayed a calming vibe from them. He was looking somewhere far away while simultaneously looking at her. Originally, she hated it when he did something like that ot if it was even directed at her but this time it's different.
He wasn't looking through her but was lookin for something somewhere deep in his mind as if sad about something.
But that was her chance. In this moment, she quickly concluded that while he was distracted by something in his own world, she would get to see his lunch. Bending slightly down, she saw his bento box on his lap with...
...plain rice.
Akane blinked to do a double take to see if that was real. But her eyes didn't betray her as she saw the same food twice in a row. His bento box was just filled with plain white rice. There weren't any sidedishes or any sauce but just rice.
Heck, there wasn't even a plum on them.
*DING DONG* *DING DONG*
"Well, looks like lunch's over. See you in class."
Right after the bell, Kageno stood up in record time and left the rooftop. Akane was still shocked about the revelation about his lunch. How can someone just eat rice for lunch?
Also, why didn't he call her by her name once? Did he forget it again?
Observation 5: Kageno can cook for himself Kageno is eating plain rice for lunch.
From observation 5, Akane visited Kageno multiple times at lunch time. She thought that the incident was just a coincidence or that he just ate his side dishes first or something.
But that wasn't the case. Some days, Akane wasn't able to see him opening his box so she was never really sure if her theory was correct. One day, she decided to take action herself again and asked him about directly when they were alone.
They talked when they were changing classes and walking through the hallway. It wasn't really a question if she was allowed to eat with him but rather...
"Kageno, where do you usually eat your lunch except on the rooftop?"
"Sometimes behind the school when some couple is occupying the rooftop. Why do you want to know?"
"No reason."
Akane will just join him whether he likes it or not. And just like the previous days, she waited for him to go first before she went on her way.
If he wasn't on the rooftop, Akane would have just to look behind the school or any other place where there aren't many students around. Kageno seems to avoid crowds for some reason even if they're not that big.
When she was on the courtyard with her classmates, she didn't find him even when looking around. His average frame and stand was nowhere to be seen so decided to ask him directly where he is during that time.
Going up the stairs and opening the door, she finds the rooftop empty, devoid of any life around. Maybe he got suspicious from her question and is avoiding her deliberately? Akane hopes that isn't the case.
Her next destination would be behind the school. That place was very familiar to her as she was often confessed to at this exact place. Of course, she turned them all down as she didn't really know any of them personally.
It was more the thought of a former actress and daughter of one of the richest families in the country that made the boys fall in love in her. That was one thing she appreciated about Kageno. He didn't treat her in any special way.
She could see that she wasn't liked nor disliked by him. The latter bothered her in the past but she failed to notice the former completely.
On her way to her destination, people already looked her with a little fear in their eyes. The students who attend their classes near the back of the school are already well known with the fact of Akane Nishino walking through their halls, ready to reject another poor soul again.
This time would be no different, they thought.
But Akane seemed in a really good mood for some reason which sparkled the interest of some people. The infamous Akane Nishino skipping slightly to her confession? That would only mean that the person is likely to get a positive answer!
Because of that, some students decided to trail her without her noticing. As she finally arrived behind the school, there wasn't any sign of a nervous boy rubbing his sweaty hands against his legs because he was nervous about his confession but a complete average student who is about to eat his lunch in peace.
Some guys contemplated about bringing the guy out of there as he could potentially ruin the vibe of the confession that is about to come, but they were stopped by a suprise.
"Kageno! You really are here after all!"
Nishino Akane herself came, looking happy at the sight of this very boy.
The boy only reacted in a slow manner as he was about to open his bento box but was stopped by the girl in front of him.
"You're also here. Why?"
"Well, you told me that you eat here sometimes. So I thought it wouldn't hurt to eat somewhere else than normally. Can I join you?"
Akane was met with silence as she got nervous thinking he's about to reject her offer. But as she was about to say something to break the ice, Kageno suddenly nodded and continued to open his lunch.
She didn't waste any time and sat right next to him on the step before the fire exit. Akane had to admit that she didn't really pay attention to this place where she got so many confessions.
The sakura tree right in front of them, the sun being blocked by the clouds but still giving enough heat not to feel cold, the nature around them blooming full of life, Akane could see why so many people decided to call her here for better chances.
But she couldn't lose focus here! Looking over to his lunch box, she's really presented with a box full of white rice.
Not being able to contain her curiosity, Akane asked the boy in question.
"Why aren't there any side dishes to your rice, Kageno? Doesn't that just taste plain?"
He was about to eat the rice with his chopsticks before the girl interrupted him again. Kageno didn't show it on his face but she was sure that he was about to walk away because she's annoying him while he's eating.
But nonetheless, he still decided to answer.
"I like it that way. I'd like to cook my own bento box but I'm suffering from sleep deprivation lately so I can't motivate myself to wake up early to cook."
So he can cook, alright.
"What about your parents? One of them should be able to make your lunch, right? Or give you some money to buy something."
"My parents are overseas working for some company that sent them away. I got to stay here because I asked them to let me stay here."
"So you're living alone at the moment? Then what about dinner and breakfast?"
"I'm cooking dinner myself and breakfast is just a quick toast before I go to school."
"I see."
Akane did know how to continue the conversation but got the feeling that he didn't want to talk about any further. She also needed some time to ingest the information she just got. A highschool boy living alone on his own without any support from his parents?
She certaintly hoped that he got some pocket money and that the living expenses are covered by them. But the fact that he's still sitting here without a care in the world just proves that he's probably alright. But Akane still decided to see his home with her own eyes later.
"Why are here again? You joined me yesterday and the day before and the day before that and so on. Why?"
It certaintly came as a suprise that Kageno spoke to her first instead of the other way around. Not that she minded, though. Rather, it was a positive suprise as it shows that he also wants to engage in a conversation with her.
Or maybe he just wanted to know why she pestering him again.
"I just like your company. Isn't that reason enough to be here with you?"
After that was put out in the world, some seconds would pass before Akane would realize what she just said. Blood slowly rose to her head as she got red cheeks from blushing. Not being able to sit around in awkward silence as he also didn't reply, Akane bolted away with her lunch in hand.
It was the second time already she said something embarrassing like that to Kageno. But that were just her honest feelings that she blurted without thinking too much.
As she left the boy, both of them wondered what she could have meant by that.
Observation 6: Kageno can cook for himself as his parents aren't home to do it for him.
Meanwhile, the students who trailed her to the back of the school witnessed everything and couldn't believe their eyes. The merciless heartcrusher, Akane Nishino, acting like a bold and shy girl in love seemed out of the world for them.
But they decided to keep this for themselves. They know who much work being an actress is even if she doesn't apply for big roles anymore. They don't want to burden her with some nasty rumors that will give her a headache.
They also swore that not a word about today is going to the Akane fan club in school. They don't want to imagine what would happen to the boy if they ever found out about this.
After Akane found out about the truth about his lunch, she just couldn't get the thought out of her head of wanting to visit Kageno's home. Does he keep it clean? Or does he just let the trash build up before throwing everything away at once?
How does his cooking taste? How much can he cook? And most importantly, if he really is the Stylish Ruffian Slayer, then how does he balance his home life without parents and sleeping? All of these thuoghts were just the tip of the iceberg.
They swirled through her head during night and class. She couldn't even concentrate on the class or anything the teacher said. The gossip of her friends went from one ear right through the other without ever leaving a lasting mark.
Akane cursed herself for being so distractable. But she couldn't just get these questions out of her head for the life of her. To end this suffering and bringing back hope for her school life to pay attention, she decided to follow Kageno home in secret.
After checking his schedule which she herself noted down, Akane began her mission. Dropping his heavy bag before the shoelockers, the sound of metal coming from his shoes when putting them down on the ground, his school bag fighting for its survival with all of its weight in it.
All of these things were suspicious and would have been notable if it had been someone other than Kageno.
But Akane decided to ignore these facts for today and just concentrate on her objective. She waited for him to disappear after turning left or right, only then would she follow him and hide behind a corner. She also hired some butler to help her observing and give her some help should she ever lose him from her sight.
Akane didn't really know what to expect but his way home wasn't really the most intruging one. The only thing notable was that Kageno always turned and looked into alleys before resuming after seeing nothing or nobody in them.
She doesn't know how much time has passed since Akane followed him but he was standing before a family house. It was definitely a house made for a family of four. Kageno stood before its fence and opened it with a key he had in his pocket.
"I'm home."
Akane could hear Kageno say something inside the house but not getting a reply in return. That only showed that Kageno really wasn't lying about his parents being overseas as she also didn't see a car or something near the house or in the yard.
They also could still be working but she believed Kageno for now.
The door closed without much noise and let the boy be at the place of peace.
"Young lady, do you think we should stop for today? I really can't see anything interesting in him."
"Shut up. Nobody asked for your opinion. Just do as the young lady says and everyone will be happy."
"Yeah, what he said."
Her butlers were getting restless after watching a normal high school boy for a long period of time. Akane had told them to observe him ever since the start of the school day so it's only natural that they want to go home already.
"Good job today, everyone. Your payment will arrive tonight. You may leave now."
They really didn't do anything that was noteworthy, just like Kageno, but she appreachiated the help. But for the next part, she will have to act alone as she was the only one who could do it. After hearing her thanks, they all silently left the area and went back to their respective cars they parked somewhere.
Akane will now have to wait for ten minutes before beginning. During that time, she used her free head to think about some future plans and goals she wants to do on her list of things that are connected to Kageno.
After the ten minutes have passed, she walked back to Kageno's house and stood before its bell and started hesitating for a bit. The thoughts of her failing because of him rejecting her or Akane being so nervous that she wouldn't be able to talk.
Worrying about such trivial things like that made her waste another ten minutes of just standing before the door bell. The neighbors around were starting to look a bit concerned about a beautiful girl sweating and breathing hard in front of someone's house.
But Akane finally gathered her courage and rang the bell two times and then waited for Kageno to answer.
Shortly after she rang, Akane could hear footsteps coming from inside the house, implying that someone may come soon to answer her. And so, the door opended with Kageno stepping out, still in his school uniform.
He looked rather suprised at her being here in front of his house.
"Oh, hello. How can I help you?"
Of course, Akane didn't come here without a plan. That would be idiotic. So she prepared an excuse that is foolproof.
"Hello to you too. You forgot your prinout in school and the teacher asked me to bring to you."
Akane didn't know how his face looked like. It was a mixture of confusion, suprise and his usual apathetic face.
"I see. Can you just give them to me here?"
And that's where she has to tell him a little white lie.
"No, rather, the teacher told me to explain the things to you if I get the chance. She didn't really seem convinced that you paid attention to her class with how much you're looking outside the window."
"Oh, ok. Then come in. But you really stay for long as I still have an appointment."
Success!
Akane pumped an imaginary fist in her mind and celebrated her victory.
"Thanks for your hospitality."
It was common courtesy to say something like that when it's your first time entering someone's house for the first time. He didn't seem to mind even if she didn't say it but Akane did it nevertheless.
After taking off her shoes and getting some slippers from Kageno, he turned around to her and began saying something.
"Oh yeah, if you're allergic to dogs then you have to tell me now-"
But he couldn't even finish his sentence as he was jumped by a dog and fell down to the ground with him. It was a golden retriever which was still young and full of energy. After being on Kageno for a short amount of time, it looked at Akane with a curious expression.
"Don't worry, I don't have any allergies."
"That's good. Here you can see my dog John. I got him shortly before my parents flew away because they said it'll be lonely without anyone around at home."
"That's sweet of them."
"Yes, it is. But can we please get through the school stuff?"
It looked a bit hilarious how Kageno held John so that doesn't jump at Akane next. The dog wasn't exactly small but rather big enough so that it can throw Akane down without much effort. Kageno was holding John back with headpats and stroking the fur of the animal.
Akane had to hold herself back not to take a picture of this moment as she most likely would have saved it as a homescreen on her phone without hesitating. But she musn't as this would have gotten her a flying kick out of his house.
And just like he said, Akane didn't stay too long and just memorized the things in the house that she saw. Family photos with his parents on holidays. Kageno as a child playing with a sword. These were just the pictures she saw in the living room but Akane was ready to bring them home with her.
The house looked clean and well maintained. It didn't have a disgusting smell of trash lying around but rather the smell of fresh air as the windows were open to let some air in. The interior was rather modest and was built for three more people, Kageno included.
Akane enjoyed every second of it, for some reason. She didn't exactly know why but she was rather pleased with the thought of Kageno spending his daily life here in this house with his dog.
But the good times had to end, as they quickly discussed the things on the prinout and were already done with their short time spent together. They bid each other farewell and Kageno went back into the house while Akane called her driver to pick her up.
This time he wasn't knocked out by some thugs.
Observation 7: Kageno has a dog named John and cares for him alone.
Today, Akane made herself another goal. And that is giving Kageno her bento box to eat. She didn't really know what he likes to eat as plain white rice was the only food he brought to school so she just looked up some recipes and food to put into a bento box.
Akane asked him this time in the classroom if it was okay if she were to join him for lunch again. She tried to ask as casual and normal as possible but got a short blackout when she began talking. She also saw him hiding his grip trainer with a swift movement.
Akane smiled internally at that motion from him. Kageno doesn't know that she already knew about his activity during class and the breaks.
"Hey.... is it alright if I...."
Even though she could do this effortlessly infront of anyone, she's failing now out of all times?!
"Yes?"
He only raised his eyebrows in confusion to what she wants to say.
"...if I... join you for lunch again today....?"
There was a pregnant silence after she asked him. Akane was suprised that she didn't hear the usual buzzing of her classmates around her until she realized that everyone was looking at her. The fact that everyone was turning her way didn't make her flustered but the fact that everyone paid so much attention to what Kageno has to say.
Of course, that put the two of them on the spot as if there was a huge light shining down on both of them.
"Yeah sure."
After giving his response, Kageno made his exit to walk to his usual spot.
"Kageno! Wait for me!"
Following him towards the rooftop, she sat next to him again on the step, leaning backwards to the tall fence behind them. The school wasn't really that big but when you looked down, everyone seemed so small.
"Before I forget, here."
Handing him her self made lunch, Akane rather pushed it into his hands and began unpacking her own lunch. She wanted to hide her red face and didn't want to see his reaction.
"You made this for me?"
"Yeah, I thought it might be a good change of pace of eating something different than plain rice."
He didn't reply but opened the bento instead. It was fried chicken with rice and some tomatoes and egg rolls to the side. For Akane who never needed to cook her entire life because her family always had a chef at home, this was one challenge.
Akane woke up two hours earlier than usual and began cooking. She failed at least three times before the bento was made and looked appetizing. The butlers told her it tasted good and Akane herself didn't taste anything weird.
But she doesn't know if Kageno has a sensitive tounge or something like that. So now she was hoping that he would like it and ask for more in the future in the best case scenario.
"It's delicious."
His simple comment was enough for her to look back up to him and got greeted with the sight of him eating her bento slowly with his other bento box full of rice. She had to supress the smile that was slowly creeping up her face.
Kageno turned to her after swallowing his last bite.
"Thank you for the lunch, really."
*THROB*
And he smiled at her. But it wasn't the usual polite smile she always saw on his face. No, this time it was genuine and full of life. Akane's eyes looked like saucers after seeing his true smile for the first time and was doubting her eyes if that was really real what she just saw.
Really, she exaggerated because it was mostly his eyes that were full of life.
Although, he quickly returned to eating his lunch again in silence letting her curse herself for not buring the sight in her memories. But she could see how much he enjoyed that lunch and that was enough for her.
Akane would get another chance at a later time.
"You're welcome."
Observation 8: Kageno has a really nice smile.
And so, the days continued on and on. Minoru Kageno living his normal life on one side while hunting Ruffians at night. Akane Nishino making goals for herself to note more things and facts down about this boy who's so inconspicuous.
Just like his name suggests, Kageno is like a shadow where nobody takes notice of him. But she won't let him be until she knows why he's hiding himself.
So time passed and more observations were written down in her notebook. Some were important and others were irrelevant but in the end, they were all important enough for Akane to write them down.
The first observations were harmless as they were still direct findings of her and hints she picked up from their conversations. But they would ever stay like that as she wanted more and more.
Professionals or even people with common sense would have seen that what Akane Nishino was doing wasn't healthy in the long run in her life. Though, they haven't as her act to be the perfect high school girl was impenetrable.
Observation 16: Kageno has wristweights on during class.
Observation 38: Kageno does have a ski mask in his bag alongside crowbars and gloves.
Observation 74: At 1:22pm, Kageno is unpacking the lunch box I gave him.
Observation 186: Kageno takes 2768 steps to walk home.
Observation 265: Kageno is visiting the gym fairely often.
Observation 469: Kageno's uniform has a time frame of 8 hours and 13 minutes and 52 seconds of the last wash.
Observation 875: Kageno is roaming around Sakurazaka outskirts at night (GPS tracked).
Observation 1834: Kageno reads something during his lunch breaks and murmurs about "more power"?
Observation 2563: Kageno finally remembered my name correctly for more than 1 week!
All of these observations were written down and collected over the months. It wasn't even the very end of it but just a small glimpse of the sheer madness that was going through the girl's mind. Akane herself didn't find it strange as there was nobody who could have told her otherwise.
The more she collected, the more she fell down the rabbit hole named Minoru Kageno. It was like a drug to her that made her more addicted the more she found out about him.
But there was a positive side to his obsession. Akane slowly gathered the courage to talk to him even in public without getting to embarrassed. The effect on the school when news came out was enormous but calmed down eventually.
People slowly realized that Kageno was an existence they wouldn't be able to understand how he caught Akane's attention. So there were some who tried to imitate him and then tried their luck with Akane, expecting a positive response.
How they were shut down is another story to be told.
And then, one day, she finally decided. Akane didn't know why this exact day was so special but it just felt like it. For some reason, she had more courage, more motivation to do something. But that wasn't just limited to noting down more observations, rather talking to him personally.
So Akane waited until school was over and until everyone left the classroom. She slipped Kageno a note saying he should wait for her after class. Luckily, he did follow her wishes and sat down longer than normal (for 5 minutes and 18 seconds in her mind).
The teacher already left so it was only the two of them alone in this very classroom they share. If it was anybody else than Kageno, Akane might have been a little scared but she isn't. She knows he wouldn't cause her harm.
And that's why...
"Kageno, thank you for staying longer. I just want to ask you something."
"No problem. What is it?"
Akane can feel her heart pounding. Sweat is running down her back as she gets more and more nervous as the seconds pass.
"I just want to know if you would like to...."
She breaks mid sentence. Procrastination is taking over her and she asks herself if she should really do it. But if she's already gone that far, there's no reason to turn back now.
"....go out with me next weekened?"
A deafening silence forms between the two of them. Kageno doesn't answer immediately but instead thinks about his resonse. He's mostly thinking about his time schedule and how his training his going to be taking a hit from that.
But Akane doesn't know that. At least, she doesn't know he's thinking about it. Though, she knows about the rest through her observations. In her perspective, it feels like an eternity of when he'll finally give his answer.
If anyone saw this, they would have bulged their eyes out like saucers. Akane Nishino, most beautiful and perfect girl in school and able to compete with professional models is now a blushing mess infront of this unassuming boy.
"Sure, if you just tell me which day I can arrange something. This could also be a good chance to find potential spots to act as a shadowbroker."
And then, he finally gave his answer to her. It felt like a ton of bricks being lifted of her shoulders and an unknown warmth nestling inside her heart. Akane couldn't contain her smile as the response made unbelievably happy like never before.
"That's great! It's going to be on Saturday. I'll text you the infos later on... wait, I don't have your LINE ID. Can I have it?"
It finally occured to her that after all her observations, Akane really was never able to ask him for his LINE ID. It slipped through her mind after all the observations done by her.
"Sure."
But something like that was never a problem for Minoru Kageno. Even though he doesn't have a lot of contacts saved up his phone, he still knows how to operate his device. Akane felt a little proud that she's the first one to have his LINE ID.
And so they planned a date for Saturday which shortened the distance between the two, even if it was just a little bit. If they would have continued with outings like that, who knows how history might have changed? Between the two of them.
But life isn't so merciful.
Akane was humming happily at home. She just got a little closer to Minoru and got a new milestone of 8000 observations. So today was a real special day for her that she wanted to celebrate. The only problem was that nobody knew of Akane's weird hobbies.
That's why she decided to treat herself to something. Like ice cream for example or ask Minoru if he has some time to spare. Akane could also use the free time to organize some of her stuff. She already filled up three notebooks worths of observations and also got some photos of Minoru plastered all over her walls.
He didn't need to know that they were taken in secret. Doesn't hurt him if he doesn't know, right?
The sun was shining brightly like her face. She couldn't even contain her smile after accomplishing so much after the span of some months. Summer was already here and she's already looking forward to spending time with Minoru just like they planned.
Ever since the "date", they got closer even if either side doesn't admit it. But that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. They didn't mind each others company and were satisified with their usual banter and peaceful silence.
Akane used the morning hours to sort out the photos and notebooks she had accumulated. Feeling proud seeing her work being done, Akane decided to reward herself with an "outing" with Minoru.
Getting her phone and nerves ready, she dialed his number and pressed on call. It usually takes him 5-8 seconds to pick up a call from someone as he doesn't always have his phone with him. But a response never came.
Confused, Akane ended the call and wrote him on line a message.
Hello? Why didn't pick up my call?
Are you ignoring me?
Please call me back.
Akane saw that her messages were sent and delivered but weren't read. Panic and worry rose inside of her as she didn't know what she might have done wrong that upset him. Was it the fact that she was too clingy? Or did he find out about her observations?
His GPS which she attached to his phone told her that he should still be at home. Akane knows that Minoru isn't the guy to always have his phone in his pocket but knows well enough to bring it with him when going outside.
Even though she doesn't know what she has done, Akane still wants to apologize. Changing her clothes in a neck breaking speed, Akane was just about to depart to Minoru's house before the TV news stopped her with outraging news.
"Early this morning, as Sakurazaka City, a high school student, Minoru Kageno, who's the resident of the city was run over by a truck and died."
The TV showed a picture of the boy she was just about to visit alongside a traffic incident, blood, a lot of police and one corpse. The subtitles showed the following:
A high school student was killed after a truck plowed into him.
"According to the police, the truck driver wasn't looking ahead. The details of this incident are under investigation-"
Akane threw her shoe she was about to wear at the TV and broke the screen before the sentence could even be finished. She didn't know what to feel right now. That didn't mean that she didn't feel anything but that there were so many emotions about to break at once.
But how was that possible? His phone was at home but the incident showed a road with a cliff, far away from his home. Why would Minoru even go there in the first place?
Then it hit her. Minoru Kageno killed himself yesterday. Akane didn't know why but as she looked back, she could see the signs. Always alone, little to no friends, piano playing goes unnoticed by everyone, no family life as parents aren't home, always fighting against Ruffians every night with nobody to come home to.
Truly, it was a pitful life if she thought about it. A life that could always end anytime without getting a reward for all of the deeds.
These signs were right in front of her and she didn't do anything against them. Akane was way too emerged with her observations that she completely forgot about his state of well being at the end. She was also too happy to think about the fact that she got closer to him.
All of that made her forget about looking after Minoru Kageno who is now dead.
*drip* *drip* *drip* *drip*
Tears were falling down from her cheeks without even her knowing. They just came out of nowhere but felt appropiate for some reason. Realization just hit her like the truck that ran him over. The guy she had taken an interest on, the guy she wanted to get closer with, the guy who saved her life, is now....
...dead.
Is this how she repaid him? He saved her life and the only thing she does is watching him from afar without ever helping him with all the things he's going through? She thought they were friends, but Akane couldn't ever call herself his friend for never picking up the blatant hints that were dropped right in front of her.
"AHHHHHHHHHHH-"
And so, in this lonely house, on this very hot summer day, the girl cried her soul out like there was no tomorrow as she cursed the world and herself for this unfair fate without anyone alive being able to calm her down.
His funeral was...sad, if she had to be honest. But not the way people would think if she told them it was sad. Rather, it was sad as nobody except of her showed up to his funeral. Not a single family member, not even the parents of Minoru bothered to show up to the funeral of their son.
Akane was seething under her sad face on the inside. John, Minoru's dog, has gotten adopted by her after Minoru's death as it was the only thing she could have done for him after he passed away.
She also took some things from his former room when she got John but nobody needed to know that.
The house will be auctioned off and the former inhabitant will be forgotten alongside it. Akane couldn't allow that so she took some things from Minoru so that he can stay in her memories.
Rain was falling as his coffin was let down into the earth. It was good that it rained as it hid the tears that came another time and will come again and again as long as she lived. She would resume her old life but will always feel a hole in her heart that was punched in her ever since that day.
The world ripped the two of them apart before any of them could even do anything against it. It was truly tragic from her perspective.
There was boy I hated. His grades were below average. His athletic ability was also below average. He was just an ordinary student who could be found anywhere.
How long has it been since I last saw you? I've changed a lot since then. If you're still alive somewhere.... If I could see you again.... If I didn't hang on to such an impossible dream, I would....
How much time has passed since our last encounter? I know I repeat myself, but I'm a much different person now than I was back then. If you were alive today, would you still be...?
Nowadays I often think back to that day... your words, your eyes, your stand....
Back then, I was probably in....
Well, I'm too old to indulge myself in romance, I guess.
I hope we can meet again. Though, I'll never see you again...
"Miss Nishino, the refugee boy has woken up. It's only a matter of time before his companion also opens her eyes."
"Ah yes, I'll go to them right away."
A lot of things happened after his death. The world she once thought peaceful turned into pile of ash and was destroyed before anyone could even realize what was going on. Humanity was on the brink of extinction before they were gifted a powerful weapon.
Magic. With the destruction that came from them, humanity evolved and some were awakened to be the ones to fight. A sturdy body, fast reflexes enough to cut a bullet with a katana, an energy source where they can use this to power themselves up for a short time.
Of course, humanity tried researching them to find ways to make everyone an awakened and were close before another tragedy struck.
Akane was one of the people chosen by something or someone to be the person to fight for humanity. She was confused about it at first but quickly adapted to her new powers to save as many people as possible. Just like he fought in the shadows.
Just last night, she had found two refugees in a ruined hospital alongside a lot dead bodies of them just near the couple. It was a miracle they hid and survived through their attack and didn't sustain any major injuries.
Akane promised herself to always visit the people that are freshly brought here. She doesn't want them to feel lonely or sad because they just lost a closed one. Survivors guilt can be a cruel thing when your mind decides not to think rationally.
Doing her best she can, Akane truly did visit every patient and talked to them even if it was awkward in the beginning. But she warmed up to them in no time because of her looks and charisma. Akane just wished that she had done the same thing when he was still alive...
"Here we are. Come on, go in. I've already told him that you'll visit even though he didn't asked for it."
"Thanks, Miss Yuuka. Can't imagine a worse introduction for me?"
"You'll get used to it."
Akane still wore her uniform from three years ago because they symbolize that she one of the awakened. It was embarrassing at first to wear your school uniform in your 20s but after she thought long about it, Akane didn't mind it.
It was nostalgic wearing it and brought back the good memories of her time with him. It was like an armor which protected her from them and a reminder that Akane will always fight for the people around her. Just like he did in secret without taking any credit at all.
Sighing at the doctor, Akane opens the door to the hospital room to see the person who was saved last night. Akane didn't really get a good look on him and his companion as she was more occupied solving the mystery behind the hospital.
"Hello~! Miss Yuuka may have already told you something about me but don't trust everything she says. My name is Akane Nishino-"
Akane interrupted her sentence when she opened her eyes to look at the boy on the hospital bed.
It was like a time stop. Everything around her became meaningless expect the boy. In her perspective, they were the only things left in this world.
Middle length black hair, the upper body structure, his slim yet powerful arms, the gray eyes, his nose, his looks are.... so average. Everything about him was just like him. It was like a hallucination that Akane was seeing and she rubbed her eyes to see if it was real or not.
But he was. He was sitting upright on the bed, looking at her with the confused expression she had seen so many times before. He looked a little dazed but his mimic was the very same. Did he have a lost twin brother and she never met him before? No, that wasn't possible as the family photos showed that he was an only child.
Could he be a lost child that never met his brother? Akane highly doubted that.
Then, who was this very person right in front of her?
"Ah, hello. I have some problems remembering some stuff but, at the very least, I can tell you my name."
Yes, she really needed his name to be really sure that it wasn't him. To be really sure that the person she left in the past wasn't the person on this very bed. That the person that had left her really was dead since the last three years. What were the chances of him surviving all of the things that had happened over the course of three years?
Even his voice was the same. Akane would recognize it anywhere and anytime ever since that day he was gone.
He opened his mouth to speak and smiled politely
"My name is Minoru, nice to meet you."
And so would their respective stories intertwine once again but this time in a very different form