LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 5: Chapter 5
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After a few hours, the bell rang, signaling the end of the lesson.
"That's enough for today's lesson. I hope you all study what we covered," the teacher announced before exiting the classroom.
Alisa stood up from her seat, prompting Masachika to glance at her in curiosity.
"Where are you going, Alya?" he asked.
"To the Student Council Office. There are a few things I need to take care of," Alisa replied.
"I see. Be careful, alright?" Masachika said with a nod.
Alisa made her way toward the door, but just as she reached it, she heard footsteps echoing down the hallway. The sound grew louder before abruptly stopping. A moment later, the door swung open with a sharp creak, causing Alisa to flinch at the sudden movement. The sound of the door's abrupt opening caught everyone's attention, and the classroom went silent as all eyes turned toward the doorway.
A slender girl with white hair, tied into two large braids, and piercing blue eyes stood in the doorway.
"Mei-senpai! Are you heading to the cafeteria?" the white-haired girl asked as she made her way over to Mei. Alisa, noticing her for the first time, furrowed her brow in curiosity. She hadn't seen this girl before and wondered who she was.
'She must be a new transfer student, just like Raiden-san,'
Alisa thought to herself. With that assumption, she quietly exited the classroom, heading toward the Student Council Office.
Just as Alisa left, another figure appeared in the doorway. A short, slender girl with piercing silver eyes and silver-gray hair, styled in double pigtails tied with matching ribbons, stepped into the room. She spoke with a sharp, monotone voice that cut through the air.
"Idiotka, stop running through the hallways just because you're hungry."
"Hmph, why should I listen to you, bratnya?"
the white-haired girl retorted with a playful huff.
"So, Mei-senpai, are you heading to the cafeteria?"
Kiana asked, her voice full of curiosity.
"Fufu, no, Kiana. I've already prepared lunch for all five of us,"
Mei replied with a gentle smile as she pulled out five lunchboxes from her bag.
Kiana and Bronya stared in awe, their eyes wide with surprise. The sight of Mei casually pulling out five lunchboxes left them momentarily speechless. The rest of the students in the classroom were equally stunned, murmuring among themselves at the unexpected display of kindness.
"Wow, Mei-senpai, you really prepared lunch for everyone?"
Kiana exclaimed, a hint of admiration in her voice. Bronya, ever composed, raised an eyebrow but couldn't help the slight smile tugging at her lips.
"Thank you, Mei-nee-sama, for making our lunchboxes,"
Bronya said, her voice calm but filled with genuine appreciation. She gave Mei a small, appreciative nod, her silver eyes softening slightly.
Even the class seemed to pause for a moment, impressed by Mei's thoughtfulness. It wasn't every day that someone took the time to prepare lunch for so many, and the gesture left a warm atmosphere in the room.
"By the way, where are Bianka-san and Sirin-chan?"
Mei asked, glancing around as if expecting them to walk in at any moment.
Kiana quickly replied, "Ah, Bianka-nee and Sirin-chan headed to the cafeteria. They said they wanted to eat there and take some time to explore the school afterward."
"I see..." Mei murmured thoughtfully. "But what do we do about their portions? It seems wasteful to just throw the food away."
She began to consider her options, glancing at the neatly packed lunchboxes she had prepared.
Kiana, ever eager, grinned and spoke up.
"Why don't I eat their portions then?"
Mei raised an eyebrow at Kiana's suggestion, but before she could respond, Bronya spoke up in her usual calm tone.
"Kiana, don't be a glutton," she said, giving Kiana a pointed look. "Your lunchbox is already much bigger than ours. You don't need to eat extra."
Bronya pointed out that Kiana's lunchbox was noticeably larger than the other four lunchboxes.
"Hmph!" Kiana huffed, puffing out her cheeks in mock indignation as she crossed her arms. "Hey, I'm just trying to be helpful!" she retorted.
"True," Mei said with a soft chuckle. "But I think we should find another solution, Kiana."
The three of them sat in silence for a moment, deep in thought, trying to figure out what to do with Bianka and Sirin's portions. Mei's brow furrowed slightly as she considered her options, while Kiana and Bronya exchanged a few quiet words.
Meanwhile, Masachika, who had been observing them from the side, began making connections. He had already deduced that if Mei was here, Kiana and Bronya would likely be with her as well. However, he hadn't expected Bianka and Sirin to be part of the group. He also couldn't help but notice that Kiana had referred to Bianka as "Bianka-nee."
'I can guess that Bianka is either Kiana's big sister or her twin sister,'
Masachika thought, his mind racing with possibilities. But before he could dwell on it any longer, his thoughts were interrupted.
"Oi, Masachika!" Takeshi called out, snapping him from his reverie. "Are you heading to the cafeteria? Hikaru and I are about to go for lunch."
Masachika blinked, shaking off his thoughts. "Oh, yeah. I'll join you guys," he said, standing up from his seat.
The three of them started to head out of the classroom, but just as they were about to leave, Mei called out to Masachika.
"ah, Masachika-san! Wait!" she exclaimed.
Masachika and the boys halted, turning to look at her with curious expressions.
"What is it, Raiden-san?" Masachika asked, raising an eyebrow.
Mei smiled softly, holding up one of the lunchboxes she had prepared. "Would you like to have this lunchbox I made?"
The classroom fell silent, especially among the boys, as everyone froze in shock. Mei, the transfer student who had quickly gained attention for her poise and elegance, had just offered Masachika one of her handmade lunchboxes. The unexpected gesture left them stunned.
A moment later, the boys turned their gazes toward Masachika, their eyes brimming with jealousy. Not only was he already on friendly terms with the new transfer student, but he had also managed to receive a lunchbox from her—despite already being close to Princess Alisa. Noticing their reactions, Masachika could only smile wryly, unsure of how to handle the attention.
Mei, seemingly oblivious to the commotion, maintained her gentle smile. "Oh, if it's alright, one of your friends can have the other lunchbox too," she offered warmly.
Takeshi, who had been shooting jealous glares at Masachika just moments ago, instantly softened, his expression transforming into one of gratitude and appreciation for being friends with Masachika.
Masachika hesitated for a moment, unsure if this was truly fine. "Umm, are you sure about this, Raiden-san?" he asked, his tone cautious.
"Yes, that's perfectly fine," Mei reassured him. "These lunchboxes were originally prepared for Bianka-san and Sirin-chan, but since they're eating at the cafeteria, it would be a shame to let them go to waste."
"I see," Masachika replied thoughtfully. "I don't mind taking one, but who's going to eat the other one?" He turned to his friends, Takeshi and Hikaru, considering who might take it.
Hikaru shook his head politely, signaling his refusal. Masachika then glanced at Takeshi, whose eyes sparkled with anticipation. Mei noticed where Masachika's gaze had shifted and turned to Takeshi, tilting her head slightly.
"would you like the other lunchbox, umm…" Mei trailed off, her voice uncertain as she realized she didn't know his name.
"Takeshi Maruyama! Pleased to meet you, Raiden-san!" Takeshi exclaimed enthusiastically, bowing deeply.
"Ah, pleased to meet you too, Maruyama-san," Mei said, returning the bow politely. She then continued with her question.
"So, Maruyama-san, would you like to have the other lunchbox I made?"
"Yes! Please, let me have it, Raiden-san!"
Takeshi replied without hesitation, his voice filled with excitement. He had been eagerly waiting for this moment. It was the first time he had ever received a homemade lunchbox, and he didn't care that it wasn't originally meant for him. It was the thought that counted.
"then please take it."
Mei smiled softly as Masachika and Takeshi gently took the lunchboxes from her hands. Both of them expressed their gratitude with heartfelt sincerity.
"Thank you so much, Raiden-san!" Takeshi said, his voice brimming with appreciation.
"Yeah, thanks," Masachika added with a nod, his tone more reserved but equally genuine.
Hikaru, watching the exchange with a faint smile, broke the moment. "So, should we head to the cafeteria?" he asked, glancing at the other two.
Masachika and Takeshi exchanged a quick look before nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, let's go," Masachika said.
"Finally, lunch!" Takeshi chimed in, his excitement evident.
With that, the three left the classroom together, making their way to the cafeteria to enjoy their meal.
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In the bustling cafeteria, Masachika and Takeshi weaved through the crowd, eventually spotting an empty table in the corner. Without hesitation, they quickly claimed it, aware that the packed lunch rush would leave them without a seat if they delayed.
Masachika settled into his chair, glancing around as Takeshi placed a neatly wrapped lunchbox on the table. Meanwhile, Hikaru was still in line, ordering his food.
Takeshi stared intently at the lunchbox, clearly intrigued. His fingers twitched, eager to undo the neat wrapping, but he hesitated. Masachika, noticing his friend's impatience, smirked slightly.
"Takeshi, if you're that curious, just open it," Masachika suggested, leaning back in his chair.
"No way! I want Hikaru here so we can all see what's inside at the same time," Takeshi replied, shaking his head resolutely.
Masachika shrugged. "Suit yourself."
As they waited, the lively chatter of the cafeteria filled the air, blending with the clatter of trays and utensils. After a moment of silence, Takeshi leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table.
"Hey, Masachika," he began, his tone shifting to curiosity.
"Yeah? What is it?" Masachika replied, turning his attention to his friend.
"Those two girls we saw earlier—are they transfer students like Raiden-san?" Takeshi asked, his brow furrowed in thought.
"Could be," Masachika replied thoughtfully. "They definitely seemed to know Raiden-san very well."
"I figured as much," Takeshi said, nodding. Then, after a brief pause, he added, "But don't you think their hair and eyes are… unusual? Like, Princess Alisa."
Masachika glanced at him and replied with a casual tone. "You're not wrong. Maybe their parents are international, or they've got unique backgrounds. Either way, it's not something we can guess just by looking at them."
Takeshi hummed in agreement, glancing again at the lunchbox in front of him. "Still, people like them don't just appear out of nowhere. I wonder what brought them here?"
Before Masachika could respond, Hikaru approached the table, balancing a tray laden with food.
"Sorry for the wait," Hikaru said as he set his tray down. "What's this about transfer students?"
"Nothing much. We were just talking about Raiden-san and those other two girls," Takeshi explained. "Anyway, now that you're here, let's finally see what's inside this lunchbox!"
With Hikaru seated, Takeshi eagerly unwrapped the lunchbox, his earlier patience now giving way to curiosity.
When Takeshi finally opened the lunchbox, everyone leaned in slightly, their curiosity piqued. Inside, they saw a meticulously arranged bento that looked like something straight out of a cooking show. The meal was divided into neat sections: fluffy white rice adorned with black sesame seeds in one corner, golden tamagoyaki slices nestled alongside crispy karaage chicken, and vibrant steamed vegetables adding a splash of color.
But what really caught their attention wasn't the appearance—it was the aroma wafting out of the lunchbox.
The rich, savory scent of freshly fried chicken mingled with the subtle sweetness of the tamagoyaki, creating an irresistible combination that immediately made Takeshi's stomach growl audibly. The hint of soy sauce and sesame oil lingering in the air added a touch of complexity, promising a flavor-packed experience.
"Whoa…" Takeshi murmured, his eyes wide with awe. "This smells amazing!"
"Looks like Raiden-san went all out on making this," Hikaru remarked, leaning closer to get a better look.
Masachika watched Takeshi's over-the-top reaction with a knowing smile, entirely unsurprised by his friend's enthusiasm. After all, Masachika already had a good idea of what to expect. As someone familiar with the Honkai Impact community and its passionate fanbase, he knew well the nickname they had affectionately bestowed upon Mei.
'As expected of the Herrscher of Cooking,'
he mused to himself, suppressing a chuckle.
The thought made the whole situation even more amusing to him. Seeing Takeshi practically worship the bento as if it were divine cuisine only reinforced the title's aptness. If the fans could see this moment, they'd surely agree it was proof of Mei's culinary prowess transcending realms.
Masachika decided it was time to open his own lunchbox as well. With a sense of anticipation, he carefully lifted the lid. The moment it was fully open, he saw that its contents were just as meticulously arranged as Takeshi's bento.
Neatly packed portions of rice, side dishes, and garnishes were organized with precision and care. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma immediately caught his attention, and he couldn't help but marvel at how identical it looked to Takeshi's lunchbox, right down to the smallest detail.
'Of course,'
he thought, a small smile tugging at his lips. It was clear that Mei had gone the extra mile to ensure that each bento was crafted with the same level of effort and love.
Takeshi and Hikaru leaned in to take a closer look at Masachika's lunchbox, their curiosity piqued by his reaction. As their eyes landed on the neatly arranged meal, they immediately noticed something special.
At first glance, the contents seemed similar to an ordinary bento, but the closer they looked, the more they realized the immense care and effort that had gone into its preparation. Each ingredient was cut, cooked, and placed with an almost artistic precision, exuding a sense of warmth and dedication.
The two exchanged glances, clearly impressed. The undeniable attention to detail and the sense of love that radiated from the meal made it impossible to ignore.
"Man, Raiden-san is just a ceritifed Wife Material."
"you can say that again."
Masachika couldn't help but nod subtly at Takeshi's comment. What he said was true—Mei had it all. She had the looks that could captivate anyone, the skills that showcased her meticulous nature, and an undeniable warmth that made her presence comforting.
The two suddenly heard a loud grumble and turned their heads to see Takeshi clutching his stomach, looking sheepish.
"Ah, sorry about that,"
Takeshi said, scratching the back of his head, clearly embarrassed. The tantalizing aroma wafting from Mei's lunchbox had clearly taken its toll.
Masachika chuckled lightly. "Don't worry about it. Well, why don't we start eating now before you pass out?"
Takeshi eagerly nodded, and the three clasped their hands together.
"Itadakimasu,"
they chorused in unison before diving into their respective meals. However, as Takeshi and Masachika took their first bites of Mei's cooking, they froze mid-chew, their eyes widening in astonishment.
"This is… incredible!" Takeshi exclaimed, almost dropping his chopsticks.
Even Masachika, who had expected Mei's cooking to be excellent, was taken aback. He paused for a moment, savoring the perfectly balanced flavors that danced across his palate.
'She's really outdone herself… It's beyond what I imagined,' Masachika thought, astonished.
Takeshi, still in awe, looked at Masachika.
"What is this? How can food taste this good?!"
Masachika could only nod in agreement, unable to find the words to describe just how amazing it was. Mei's cooking wasn't just delicious—it was an art form.
Hikaru, watching the two of them with growing curiosity, leaned in closer.
"Hey, let me try that,"
he said, his eyes locked onto the perfectly golden karaage.
Without waiting for a reply, he grabbed a piece and took a bite. The moment the crispy exterior gave way to the tender, flavorful chicken inside, Hikaru's expression shifted from curiosity to sheer astonishment.
"This… this is amazing!"
he exclaimed, barely able to contain his excitement. The seasoning was perfectly balanced, and the texture was unlike anything he'd ever tasted before.
Hikaru sat back in his seat, savoring the aftertaste.
"I didn't think food could taste this good. Raiden-san's cooking is on another level!"
Masachika and Takeshi exchanged knowing smiles, both silently agreeing that Mei's lunchbox was in a league of its own.
"Now I feel like Raiden-san is out of my league,"
he muttered with a hint of sadness. He had once thought he might have a chance with her, but after tasting her food, he now felt like she belonged in a world far beyond his reach—on the same level as Alisa, floating high above the clouds.
"Well, she was already out of your league, even without tasting the food. Right, Hikaru?"
"Yeah, Masachika's right," Hikaru replied with a grin.
"hey! can't you two console me!"
"No."
Masachika and Hikaru responded in unison, their voices perfectly synchronized as if rehearsed.
Masachika shrugged nonchalantly, "Sometimes the truth hurts."
Hikaru added with a grin, "No one's gonna console you, Takeshi."
Takeshi flopped back into his seat, crossing his arms dramatically.
"You two are cruel! Heartless even!"
"Hahaha!"
Masachika and Hikaru burst into laughter at Takeshi's expense, clearly enjoying the playful teasing. Takeshi, however, could only huff in exaggerated frustration as the two of them continued to chuckle, clearly finding amusement in his dramatic reaction.
As they continued their playful banter over lunch, a subtle murmur began to ripple through the cafeteria. The quiet hum of chatter steadily grew louder, drawing attention as more students turned their gazes toward the source of the growing commotion.
"Hey, look, it's the members of the Student Council,"
A hushed whisper spread through the cafeteria, catching the attention of the surrounding students. Intrigued, Masachika and his friends turned toward the source of the commotion. Their gazes landed on three figures who had just entered the bustling room.
Masachika finally see the three Female lead in the Light Novel. The first on center is of course Alisa, and on the right Alisa is Yuki.
On Alisa's left was a young woman whose presence exuded warmth and elegance. Her shoulder-length, wavy hair was a soft shade of light brown, perfectly complementing her chocolate-colored almond-shaped eyes that seemed to invite trust and kindness.
Her figure was notably more mature, boasting a traditionally feminine form with pronounced curves that accentuated her full hips and large chest. Her natural elegance gave her an air of sophistication that set her apart.
Masachika, upon seeing her, felt a wave of realization wash over him as fragments of his previous life's memories clicked into place.
'Maria Mikhailovna Kujou… Alisa's elder sister,'
he thought, his chest tightening as the pieces fell together.
'And my first love in this new life…'
The memory stirred something deep within him—a bittersweet blend of nostalgia and longing that he hadn't felt in years. Seeing her now, standing with such effortless grace and poise, brought those dormant emotions rushing back to the surface.
He quickly shook his head, forcing himself to dismiss the thought. Those days were long past, and dwelling on them now wouldn't change anything.
Hikaru noticed Masachika shaking his head and leaned in, curiosity evident in his tone.
"Masachika, is something wrong?" he asked, his brows furrowing slightly.
Masachika blinked, snapping out of his thoughts, and offered a small, reassuring smile. "Ah, no, it's nothing. Just thinking about something," he replied casually.
Masachika and the boys watched as the three girls made their way to the counter to get lunch. His attention was drawn to Yuki, and something felt off. Comparing her behavior from yesterday to what he saw now, it was like night and day—she seemed so different, almost like a completely different person. What caught his eye even more was the absence of Ayano, who was usually by Yuki's side.
'Is she running an errand or something?'
Masachika wondered, a small frown forming as his curiosity grew. The change in Yuki's demeanor was subtle but noticeable, and it left him with a lingering sense of unease.
The cafeteria hummed with hushed excitement as students whispered among themselves. The first to captivate everyone's attention was an absolutely stunning young woman, exuding an air of regal elegance. Her voluminous golden hair, with waves that shimmered and faded into white at the tips, cascaded down her back, past her waist. Standing next to her was a petite and endearing girl, her long purple hair falling gracefully around her shoulders, paired with bright, captivating yellow eyes.
"Hey, aren't those the new transfer students?" one student whispered.
"Yeah, the blonde one is drop-dead gorgeous, and the other one is super cute," another added.
'Damn, I didn't expect Durandal and Sirin to transfer here,' he thought, his eyes narrowing in thought. 'And Durandal's sixteen now, huh? No wonder she's known as "Mother Goose" in the Honkai community. She already has that motherly figure, even at a young age.'
He couldn't help but study Durandal with a thoughtful look. Her golden hair, paired with piercing blue eyes, made her the kind of beauty that seemed almost untouchable.
'As for Sirin, she's cute in her own way. But what I'm really wondering is whether she still enjoys playing games like she did in the Elf Academy. And is she Russian, and that she been fully adopted by the Kaslana family?'
Masachika observed Sirin closely. Her appearance hadn't changed much from the manga or the game, but her demeanor was completely different from the genocidal tendencies he had once associated with her. She now seemed like an ordinary girl, nothing like the ruthless character he remembered.
"Hey, Masachika, Hikaru, are those two the new transfer students, just like Raiden-san?" Takeshi asked, his gaze still locked on the two girls across the cafeteria.
"I suppose so," Masachika replied, his tone casual as he observed the scene.
"Yeah, everyone else is saying they're transfer students too," Hikaru added, nodding in agreement.
Takeshi's eyes widened in admiration as he looked at Durandal, clearly impressed by her presence. "Oh, really? They sure do look the part. Especially the blonde one," he remarked, his voice filled with awe. Durandal didn't look like a 16-year-old at all—she carried herself like a young woman well beyond her years.
Masachika raised an eyebrow, sensing where this was going. Takeshi, always the hopeful optimist, was already considering possibilities.
"Wait... so, maybe there's a chance with those two?" Takeshi continued, his voice full of excitement.
"Hold your horses there, my boy," Masachika interjected before Takeshi could get too carried away with his assumptions.
"What? Wait! Don't tell me—" Takeshi started, his face falling as he began to piece it together.
"Yep, the two of them are also out of your league," Masachika said, cutting him off.
Takeshi let out a dramatic groan, slumping in his seat.
"Gh! Just what is my luck?!"
he roared, feeling as though the universe was conspiring against him in matters of the heart.
"Well, I mean, just look at them," Masachika said, gesturing toward the two girls. "Can you honestly say you have a chance with either of them?"
Takeshi followed his gaze, and after a moment of reluctant silence, he sighed in defeat, begrudgingly acknowledging the truth of Masachika's words.
Just as Masachika was about to take another bite of his bento, he heard a voice from behind him.
"Masachika-kun, do you mind if we sit here?"
He turned around to see Yuki and Alisa holding their lunch trays.
"Oh, Yuki, I don't mind at all. What about you two?" Masachika replied.
"G-G-Go ahead! Please, by all means!"
Takeshi stammered, clearly caught off guard.
"I see, then do mind us,"
Alisa said with a smile. The two placed their food on the table and sat down—Yuki next to Masachika and Alisa directly across from him. As soon as they settled in, their table was approached by two other people.
"Excuse me, is it alright if we sit here?" a soft voice interrupted, and Masachika turned to see Durandal, or rather Bianka, along with Sirin standing nearby.
"Nee-san, let's find somewhere else to sit. This table is already full," Sirin remarked, noticing the lack of available space.
Bianka looked around for a moment before responding, and just as she did, everyone at the table heard something.
"THANK YOU FOR THE FOOD!"
Takeshi and Hikaru shouted in unison, having finished their meals at an almost comical speed. Masachika blinked in surprise.
"I'll excuse myself before you,"
Takeshi said, standing up and quickly making his way out.
"Yeah, me too," Hikaru added, following suit.
Masachika sat there, looking at the two empty seats left behind. He was about to say something when he heard Takeshi whisper to him,
"Sorry, man, but it's too bright for me to stay here. My lungs feel like they're gonna collapse if I sit around with first-class girls like them."
'What do you mean you can't be here?! If you want a chance, then man up and stay, even if your lungs do collapse!' Masachika roared silently in his mind, frustrated by Takeshi's sudden cowardice. He could understand Hikaru excusing himself, as he wasn't great with girls, but Takeshi? This is your chance!
But who was he kidding? Deep down, Masachika also wanted to escape the situation, just like Takeshi and Hikaru. All he really wanted was to enjoy Mei's lunchbox in peace. However, he knew there was no way Yuki would let him leave. She knew him far too well and would undoubtedly forbid such a move, her sharp gaze likely catching even the slightest hint of his intentions.
But who was he kidding? Deep down, Masachika also wanted to escape the situation, just like Takeshi and Hikaru. All he really wanted was to enjoy Mei's lunchbox in peace. However, he knew there was no way Yuki would let him leave. She knew him far too well and would undoubtedly forbid such a move, her sharp gaze likely catching even the slightest hint of his intentions.
Realizing there was no way out, Masachika decided it was best to simply accept the situation. There was no use in trying to avoid it any longer. Just then, Durandal's voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Is it alright for us to sit here?"
Yuki nodded, adding,
"Yes, we were wondering if there was space."
Masachika turned to them, finally snapping out of his frustration, and gestured to the now-vacant seats.
"Of course, please, have a seat."
"yes, we're okay with that, right Alisa-san?"
"a-ah, yeah that's right."
"I see, then if you'll excuse us."
The two took their seats at an empty table, setting down their meals. Durandal had opted for a healthy salad, accompanied by a few protein-rich side dishes to balance her meal, while Sirin chose a simple yet hearty bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen.
"You two are the new transfer students, right?"
Masachika asked, giving a polite but curious glance.
"Yes, that's right," Bianka responded with a warm smile. "The two of us are new here. I'm Bianka Kaslana, and this is my little sister, Sirin Kaslana."
"P-Pleasure to meet you all," Sirin said softly, her voice tinged with shyness as she dipped into a polite bow. Her reserved demeanor only added to the gentle charm of her introduction."And you three are?" Bianka inquired, her gaze shifting between them.
"I'm Yuki Suou from the Student Council," Yuki replied, her tone calm and composed.
"And I'm Alisa Mikhailovna Kujou, also from the Student Council," Alisa added with a smile.
"I'm Masachika Kuze. please to meet you two, Duran- I mean, Kaslana-san."
he said, nearly calling her by her code name before catching himself. Both Bianka and Sirin looked at him curiously for a moment, tilting their heads.
"I see," Bianka said with an understanding smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Suou-san, Kujou-san, and Kuze-kun. And please, just call us by our first names. Since there are three Kaslanas here, it might get confusing."
"s-same as me."
"If that's alright with you, Bianka-san, Sirin-chan, then we'd prefer you call us by our first names as well," Yuki said, glancing at Masachika and Alisa for confirmation. "Right, Alisa-san? Masachika-kun?"
Alisa smiled and nodded,
"That's fine with me."
Masachika also gave a quick nod.
"Yeah, I'm okay with that too."
Bianka smiled warmly, clearly relieved.
"Thank you,"
Yuki's gaze shifted toward Masachika and noticed he was eating from a neatly prepared lunchbox.
"My, Masachika-kun, did you bring a lunchbox today?" she asked, her tone tinged with curiosity.
As she observed the contents, a thought crossed her mind, and she assumed it must have been made by Belfast. Little did she know, the bento was actually crafted by Mei.
"Yes,"
Masachika replied simply, pausing his meal to glance up at Yuki, unaware of her misconception. Bianka, noticing the arrangement of the lunchbox, quickly caught on and asked,
"Masachika-kun, is that lunchbox made by Mei-san?"
Masachika flinched slightly at the question, and the moment he did, Alisa fixed him with a sharp glare while Yuki's playful smirk widened. Her eyes sparkled with amusement, clearly anticipating the drama about to unfold.
"What do you mean by that, Bianka-san?"
Alisa's voice was icy, a chill running through her words that made the atmosphere tense. Masachika, who had been trying to remain calm, couldn't help but feel a wave of unease wash over him. The coldness in Alisa's tone made his heart race, and he could sense that he was now in a much more precarious situation than before. His mind raced, wondering how he had gotten himself into this mess.
"Alya, calm down, alright?" he began, his voice steady but cautious. "Raiden-san gave it to me because Bianka-san and Sirin."
Masachika explained, watching as Bianka and Sirin blinked in surprise before they responded,
"Us?"
He nodded and explained, "That's right. After learning from a girl named Kiana that you two planned to eat in the cafeteria, Mei found herself in a bit of a dilemma over what to do with your portions. In the end, Raiden-san offered the lunchboxes to Takeshi and me, saying it would be a shame to let the food go to waste."
He addressed Alisa with a calm demeanor, though inwardly he was silently praying she would accept his explanation and, with any luck, spare him from a lecture.
"Hmm, is that so?"
Alisa replied, her sharp gaze softening as she considered his words. The edge in her tone had diminished, and Masachika subtly exhaled a quiet sigh of relief, grateful that she hadn't chosen to reprimand him.
Yuki, however, wasn't quite as amused. She shot Masachika a look that suggested she wasn't entirely satisfied with how things had played out. There was a hint of mischief in her expression, as if she was waiting for the inevitable moment when he would be caught off guard again.
Masachika glanced at Bianka, curiosity evident in his eyes.
"Bianka-san, how did you figure out that this lunchbox was made by Raiden-san?" he asked, genuinely intrigued.
Bianka smiled warmly, her expression soft with fondness. "Oh, that's because Mei-san always prepares meals for me my sister and. She does it so often, even though she really doesn't have to. It's just like her to be so thoughtful and caring," she explained, her tone filled with admiration.
Masachika nodded in understanding.
"I see…"
he murmured, sensing the deep bond they shared with Mei through her gestures.
Bianka then decided to change the subject.
"I see you've chosen something interesting for lunch, Yuki-san," Bianka remarked, eyeing the steaming bowl of extra spicy mapo ramen tofu in front of her. "Do you enjoy spicy food?"
Yuki glanced up with a smile, her eyes twinkling with enthusiasm. "Yes, I absolutely love it. The spicier, the better!"
Not missing a beat, she turned to Bianka with a sly grin. "And you know, Masachika here also loves spicy food."
Bianka raised an intrigued brow and shifted her gaze to Masachika. "Oh? Is that true, Masachika-kun?" she asked, her tone light but curious.
Masachika nodded, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Yeah, I do. I've always liked spicy food."
He added with a grin, explaining that his love for spicy food had carried over from his previous life into this one. However, for him to truly feel the heat, the spice needed to be at the level of a Carolina Reaper—anything less barely registered on his taste buds.
Bianka turned her attention to Alisa with a curious expression.
"And what about you, Alisa-san? Do you enjoy spicy food too?"
Alisa froze momentarily, a flicker of hesitation crossing her face. "Oh, well… me…" she began, her voice faltering as she tried to find the right words.
Her reluctance was telling—Alisa wasn't fond of spicy food at all. But admitting that in front of everyone, especially with Masachika present, was unthinkable. She didn't want to appear weak or unrefined in his eyes. Without fully considering her response, she blurted out, "Y-yes, I do like it."
Bianka smiled warmly, her tone genuinely interested. "I see. That's good to know!"
Masachika, however, already knew the truth—Alisa didn't like spicy food. He'd learned this from the anime, manga, and light novel versions of her life. Yet, it was clear she had decided to bluff her way through, claiming she loved spicy food to protect her pride. Watching her feigned confidence, Masachika sighed internally.
'I really hope you don't regret what you just said, Alya,' he thought, glancing briefly at Yuki, whose mischievous smirk practically radiated trouble. 'Because Yuki is definitely going to use that against you. A lot.'
He could already picture future scenarios where Yuki's playful teasing would come back to haunt Alisa, all because of this little bluff. Shrugging slightly, he decided to simply observe and brace himself for the inevitable chaos.
Yuki then see that Bianka Lunches is healthy salad, with some egg.
"I have to say Bianka-san, you eat some healthy food."
Yuki glanced at Bianka's meal, her curiosity evident. "Looking at your choice, Bianka-san, you seem like a very athletic person," she remarked casually.
Bianka nodded with a gentle smile. "Yes, I am. Whenever I eat, I always consider my calorie intake and balance it with what I need for training."
"I see," Yuki replied thoughtfully, then turned her attention to Sirin. "And Sirin-san, you're having ramen, right?"
Sirin, who had been quietly enjoying her meal, perked up at the question. "Yes, that's right," she said softly, her voice almost shy. A small smile appeared on her face as she returned to her meal, her reserved demeanor shining through.
Masachika observed her quietly, a thought crossing his mind.
'She probably doesn't have many friends outside of Bianka, Mei, and Bronya. It must feel nice for her to be part of a group like this.'
Breaking the silence, he clapped his hands lightly to draw everyone's attention.
"Alright, everyone, how about you focus on your meals now? Time's ticking, you know."
Bianka smiled politely.
"Thank you for the reminder, Masachika-kun."
The group exchanged quick nods and clasped their hands together.
"Itadakimasu,"
they chorused before diving into their respective meals. The atmosphere settled into a comfortable quiet as the sounds of eating filled the table.
"Fuuh… this is delicious, though it's lacking in terms of spiciness," Yuki remarked, setting her chopsticks down briefly. "It would've been nice if there were some ghost peppers on the side. Maybe I should bring this up at the next Student Council meeting."
Her comment made Masachika glance at her sideways. "Don't abuse your position like that," he muttered, shaking his head.
"My, I was just joking, Masachika-kun," Yuki replied with a teasing smile.
Masachika let out a deep sigh, deciding to let the conversation fade as he focused on his meal. However, he couldn't ignore the way Alisa's gaze lingered on him and Yuki. Her expression was filled with curiosity, as if she were trying to figure out the nature of their relationship.
Masachika felt the weight of her unspoken questions. He wanted to clarify that Yuki was his sister, but the agreement between their families prevented him from revealing that. It always put him in an awkward position whenever the topic arose.
After a brief pause, Alisa finally spoke, her voice cautious. "Um... I know it's a bit late to ask, but... are you two friends?"
Masachika opened his mouth to respond, intending to keep it simple, but he caught a glimpse of Yuki out of the corner of his eye. She was already gearing up to answer.
"Yeah, you see, the two of us—" Yuki began, wrapping her arm around Masachika's with a playful grin. "We're childhood friends," she finished, her tone light and teasing.
Masachika fought the urge to groan. He could tell Yuki was up to her usual antics, trying to provoke Alisa into reacting. Sure enough, Alisa's face shifted as if she'd been hit by a divine revelation. She froze in place, her hands halting mid-air, while her expression betrayed a mix of surprise and dismay.
Yuki, clearly enjoying the moment, leaned in slightly closer to Masachika, her smirk barely concealed. Masachika could only brace himself for whatever drama was about to unfold.
"Hee, is that the case, Suou-san?" Bianka commented, her tone lightly curious as she looked between Yuki and Masachika.
"Yes, Bianka-san. The two of us go way back," Yuki replied smoothly, flashing a smile.
"I see…" Bianka nodded thoughtfully, seeming to accept the explanation.
Meanwhile, Masachika, who had just finished his food, stood up, hoping to make a quiet exit. "Well, I have some class material to review, so I'll just—guk!"
Before he could take another step, Yuki grabbed him by the scruff of his collar, pulling him back into his seat with an effortless tug.
"That's a blatant lie," she said flatly, her usual teasing tone absent for once.
"YUKI!" Masachika half-whispered, half-shouted, his eyes wide with panic. "Do you want to see my dead body here?!"
"I'm not sure I understand what you're saying, Masachika," Yuki replied innocently, tilting her head, completely ignoring the dangerous position she had just put him in.
Masachika already knew deep down that any attempt to escape would be futile. As he sat there, the weight of impending doom settled over him like a storm cloud. His earlier thoughts of sneaking away were nothing more than fleeting fantasies, and now, just as he had predicted, there was no avoiding the bloodbath that was about to unfold.
Bianka chuckled at the scene.
"You two really do get along well,"
she commented, her gaze warm as she watched their antics.
"Well, we've been going to the same schools since kindergarten, right?" Yuki said, releasing Masachika with a triumphant smile.
"You could say that," Masachika replied weakly, slumping back into his seat with a sigh of defeat.
"I-I see," Alisa murmured, her eyes flicking between the two as she quietly took a spoonful of her omurice and began eating, though her expression betrayed her curiosity—and perhaps a tinge of something more.
"Though if I were to put it in my words, Suou-san, your relationship with Kuze-kun is like that of Kiana and Bronya-san—always bickering with one another," Bianka said with a light laugh, glancing between Yuki and Masachika.
"My, is that how you see it, Bianka-san?" Yuki replied with a teasing smile.
"Yes," Bianka confirmed with a nod, her expression sincere.
"I see," Yuki mused before taking another bite of her meal.
Masachika, however, decided to steer the conversation in a different direction. He looked at Alisa and Yuki, pondering their dynamic. Considering how they were like oil and water, he asked,
"Speaking of which, are you two getting along? You're both part of the Student Council, after all."
Alisa froze for a moment, unsure of how to respond. Her gaze flickered to Yuki, as if searching for the right answer.
"…That…"
Yuki, ever composed, chimed in, "Let's just say we're in the middle of trying to get along."
Her nonchalant tone made Alisa look even more uncertain. She shifted slightly in her seat, clearly debating what to say next.
"Though," Yuki continued with a genuine smile, "I do want to get along with her and become friends."
Alisa remained quiet for a moment, her expression softening into something unreadable. Finally, she murmured,
"Even if you were to become my friend… I don't know if you'd enjoy it very much."
Her voice was quiet, tinged with hesitation. Masachika couldn't help but suppress a sigh at her words.
'That's not how it works, Alya, he thought to himself. It's not your decision whether someone enjoys being your friend—it's theirs.'
Still, he understood where her reluctance came from. Having moved frequently between Russia and Japan during her childhood, Alisa likely never had the chance to experience stable friendships or the concept of a childhood friend.
Masachika couldn't help but reflect on Alisa's competitive nature.
'There's nothing wrong with competing with someone,' he thought to himself.
'But it becomes a problem when you take it too seriously, to the point where it makes others uncomfortable.'
He understood that feeling all too well from his previous life. He had often found himself in similar situations, constantly competing with his friends. To them, it always seemed like he was naturally gifted, effortlessly rising above the rest. But Masachika knew the truth—he wasn't inherently special or exceptionally talented. He simply had to push himself harder, not out of ambition, but out of necessity, to survive and adapt to the ever-changing world around him.
Yet, despite all the competition and striving, there was always that sense of camaraderie that would return after the tension had faded. They would banter and tease each other, throwing words and jokes like playful weapons, each remark a small victory, each laugh a shared moment of understanding.
He recalled how, after every defeat they suffered at his hands, his friends would relentlessly tease him—calling him a weeb, an otaku, poking fun at how he resembled a character from a game, and throwing every playful jab they could think of. Yet, despite the teasing, they had always accepted him for who he was, embracing his quirks and even their own unique hobbies. The thought brought a faint smile to his face, a bittersweet pang of nostalgia for those simpler, carefree days when everything felt easier.
But he digressed, turning his attention back to the present. That lingering insecurity he sensed in Alisa weighed heavily on his mind. Masachika could only hope that one day, she would see her own worth—not defined by competition or comparisons, but through the eyes of those who genuinely cared about her.
Masachika, sensing Alisa's confusion, couldn't help but speak up, his words coming out more firmly than intended.
"It's not for you to decide if someone enjoys being your friend. That's something the other person decides. You should focus on what you're offering them, not worrying about the outcome."
He paused for a moment before continuing, "And you're not against being friends with her, are you?"
"Eh…? Oh, of course! I'm not against being friends."
Alisa's uncertainty gradually faded as she nodded, her expression softening with a quiet sense of relief. She looked up at Masachika, her gaze no longer clouded by doubt. Masachika, noticing the change, offered a small, reassuring smile before speaking.
"Then there's your answer," he said, his voice calm but firm.
"There's no need to refuse or hold back in situations like this. It's okay to accept help, to allow yourself to be part of something... to let others in."
Alisa paused for a moment, taking in his words. She then gave a quiet, almost imperceptible nod. "…You're right," she murmured, a hint of warmth returning to her expression. It seemed that, for once, the weight of her hesitations had lifted, even if just a little.
Yuki, ever the enthusiastic one, jumped up with a grin.
"I'm so glad! In that case, let's be friends right away!"
Her cheerful exclamation had Masachika deadpan, but before he could say anything, Yuki turned to Alisa with a wide grin.
'Well, there goes the serious tension.' Masachika couldn't help but think to himself,
"Would it be okay if I called you Alya-san too? Feel free to call me Yuki anytime!"
"I-I don't mind…"
Alisa was taken aback by how quickly things had escalated, but her response came out before she could fully process it.
Turning to Bianka and Sirin, Yuki asked with the same warm smile she had given Alisa,
"How about you two, Bianka-san, Sirin-san? Will you be my friends as well?"
Bianka and Sirin shared a brief look before nodding in unison, their eyes softening as they turned back to Yuki.
"Of course, if that's okay with you, right Sirin?" Bianka said as she glanced over at Sirin, who nodded in agreement.
"Yes, that's fine with me,"
Sirin responded calmly, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Thank you, both of you,"
Yuki smiled at them, clearly pleased with how the situation was progressing.
"Well, Alya-san, if you two start getting along, I suggest you keep the violence in check—especially against a girl," Masachika said, smirking as he referred to Alisa's fiery temper.
"That's because you're always dozing off!" Alisa shot back, her eyes narrowing at him with a sharp retort.
"Ugh." Masachika flinched as Yuki reminded him of his past conduct, and he let out a wry sigh. "Ah, I see how it is…"
Bianka, who was observing the exchange, grinned playfully. "So, Kuze-kun is a lazy boy, huh?"
"Yes, Bianka-san," Alisa continued, almost gleefully. "This man right here is by definition a lazy person. He always dozes off in class, forgets his books, and constantly sleeps through lessons."
Masachika frowned, not able to defend himself this time. "Hey, cut me some slack, Alya. This morning I didn't sleep, alright? And I did remember to bring my book today."
Alisa raised an eyebrow, her smile amused. "Yes, that's true, but that was only once. We'll see if you can keep it up from now on, right?"
Masachika let out a long, resigned sigh. "Ugh… you're right."
He couldn't deny it. He had a track record when it came to being forgetful and lazy, and there was no escaping that. Yuki, who had been quietly watching the banter, couldn't help but smile at the back-and-forth.
"Fufu… I see that the two of you are getting along very well. I've heard all about you from Masachika-kun," Yuki said, her voice dripping with amusement.
"!!"
Alisa blinked, clearly surprised. "What do you mean?"
Yuki grinned mischievously. "That you're an extremely hardworking person and that he respects you a lot."
"I never said that at all!"
Masachika immediately retorted, his face flushing slightly. He quickly searched through his memories, but there was no trace of him ever saying anything like that.
"Still, though, you're someone who looks up to those who put in the effort to do something right, aren't you?" Yuki said with a knowing smile.
Masachika couldn't help but nod in agreement. It was true—he had always admired people who worked diligently to do things the right way. That admiration had been deeply ingrained in him from his previous life, where he had been a hard worker. The respect for hard work had naturally carried over into this life as well.
"Well, yeah, I suppose so," Masachika said, a small smile tugging at his lips.
[…look up to? …what's with that…]
He heard Alisa mumble something in Russian under her breath, her face flushed slightly.
Masachika glanced at her, noticing the faint redness creeping across her cheeks. He raised an eyebrow, wondering if she was embarrassed about something. "What did you just say?" he asked curiously.
Alisa's eyes widened as she quickly looked away. "W-What?"
Masachika's gaze softened slightly. "I was just wondering what you said."
"I-I just said that it's bad if you look up to me,"
Alisa muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. Masachika blinked, a little taken aback by her response.
"wha- Why would you say that?"
Alisa's face flushed even more, clearly flustered. "It's just... you shouldn't put me on a pedestal or anything," she muttered, avoiding his gaze.
Masachika couldn't help but smile, though he felt a bit puzzled by her reaction. "Well, no one's putting you on a pedestal. But honestly, there's nothing wrong with admiring someone who works hard."
The two continued to bicker, with Alisa trying to shrug off Masachika's comment about respecting her. Durandal and Sirin, who had been quietly observing the exchange, couldn't help but giggle softly. The playful tension between Alisa and Masachika seemed to be escalating, and they found it rather amusing. Sirin, being from Russia herself, likely understood what Alisa had said, but chose not to intervene—after all, it was all just a harmless misunderstanding.
"This group is funny, right, Nee-san?" Sirin said with a soft chuckle, her gaze shifting between Masachika and Alisa's banter.
"Yeah, it really is," Bianka replied with a faint smile.
Meanwhile, Masachika and Alisa continued their lighthearted bickering, their voices overlapping in playful retorts. Yuki, watching the scene from the side, couldn't help but reveal a small, knowing smile at their dynamic. The warmth in her expression spoke volumes—she enjoyed seeing them interact like this, even if she wouldn't admit it aloud.
After a few minutes, the group finished their meals and began tidying up. Bianka and Sirin, still curious about their surroundings, decided to explore the school grounds since there was a bit of time left before the bell rang.
As Masachika rose from his seat, ready to head out, he froze mid-step when Yuki's voice cut through the moment, catching him off guard.
"Masachika, have you given any more thought to what I said earlier about rejoining the Student Council?"
Yuki's voice carried a teasing yet sincere tone as she addressed him.
Her question visibly surprised Alisa, who turned to Masachika with wide eyes. Given her impression of him—dozing off in class and barely paying attention to teachers—this revelation didn't quite align with the Masachika she thought she knew.
"You… were part of the Student Council?" Alisa asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.
"Oh, that's right," Yuki said with a playful smile. "You wouldn't know since you transferred in later. Back in middle school, this guy here was the Vice President of the Student Council."
Yuki's casual revelation didn't stir any sense of pride in Masachika. Instead, he remained unfazed, his gaze distant as his thoughts drifted to loftier ambitions. Despite wielding the unfathomable power of the Herrscher of Finality—equivalent to that of a True God—he knew he was still at the starting line. Without divinity or mastery over his newfound abilities, he considered himself far from unstoppable. Yet, he was determined. Once he mastered every facet of his powers, he would ascend to heights unimaginable, perhaps even reaching the realm of the Outer Gods themselves.
The realization hit him then. Ever since regaining his memories, he had thrown himself into hard work with a relentless drive—eerily similar to how he had been in both his previous life and his early childhood in this one. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he recalled Belfast's words.
'Well, Belfast did mention my personality would end up resembling Vyn's, so I suppose that explains why I've been so driven lately,'
he mused, shaking his head lightly before bringing his focus back to the present.
Lost in these thoughts, he was abruptly pulled back to reality by Alisa's voice, her words laced with astonishment.
"Kuze-kun was… the Student Council Vice President?"
Alisa's disbelief was almost tangible as she tried to reconcile this revelation with the image she had of him. Alisa sat in stunned silence, unable to process what Yuki had just revealed.
"…What? Can't believe it?" Masachika asked, already anticipating her skepticism.
"Yeah, considering… if one were to judge based on your everyday conduct," Alisa replied with a raised eyebrow.
"Right, my conduct…" Masachika muttered, understanding her reaction. In the past, he had lacked motivation for anything. But now, things were different. Now, there was something driving him forward.
"Fufu, certainly," Yuki added with a sly smile, her words stinging just a little too much. "The current Masachika-kun is without a doubt the laziest student in the entire academy."
Her words hit harder than Masachika would like to admit, especially with that teasing smile of hers. He wanted to protest—things were going to change—but he held his tongue. Who knew what he might actually accomplish in the future?
"But," Yuki continued, her tone shifting slightly, "Masachika-kun is also someone who gets things done when it really matters. Like this morning, for example, when he worked out so intensely that he was sweating buckets."
"You didn't need to tell her that," Masachika grumbled, feeling his face heating up.
"My, is that a problem for you?" Yuki teased, leaning in closer and poking Masachika's cheek with her finger, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Alisa. Her expression had darkened as she watched the exchange, jealousy practically radiating from her. Unaware of her own strength, Alisa crushed the strawberry cake on her plate with her fork, the sudden noise startling Masachika.
He flinched slightly at the unexpected sound, nervously glancing between Alisa and Yuki. The tension in the air was palpable, and things were starting to feel a little too intense.
Alisa then asked a question that brought Masachika back to the past. "Why were you the Vice President back then, Kuze-kun?"
The memory resurfaced, and Masachika hesitated, recalling the bet he had lost to Yuki, which had led him into that role. "Eh? Well, it's more about me losing a bet..."
Before he could finish, Yuki cut in with a grin. "I asked him to do it! I wanted Masachika-kun's help back then!"
"Oi! Don't interrupt me while I'm talking!" Masachika protested, though he couldn't help but feel a little flustered.
"I just wanted to ask for your help again. That's why I came to you like this," Yuki continued, ignoring his protests.
Masachika sighed in exasperation. "Nope, not doing it a second time."
"Please, don't say that!" Yuki pouted, her expression one of playful desperation.
Masachika was torn. He wanted to refuse, knowing that this could take time away from his personal goals in the future. It was true—joining the Student Council could offer countless opportunities, and being in such a position could provide an endless path ahead. But even so, the thought of being roped into another commitment didn't sit well with him.
"What's more, even if we recruit new members, they don't last long anyway," Yuki remarked casually.
Masachika nodded in agreement. "Ah, right. You need someone competent enough, huh?"
Yuki smirked, her gaze shifting to Masachika as she continued. "And on that part, there should be no problem with you, Masachika-kun. You have more than enough practical experience backing you up."
With that, she leaned in closer, her fingers brushing gently along his chin as she looked into his eyes. "In my eyes, you're the only person who could fill that position."
Masachika couldn't help but feel a mix of unease and intrigue. But for Alisa, it was a different story. She was visibly bristling with jealousy, her grip tightening on her fork as she viciously stabbed at the already mutilated cake in front of her. Masachika was well aware that Yuki was intentionally provoking Alisa, but he didn't expect it to escalate quite like this.
"Hey, stop that already, will you?" he said, trying to diffuse the tension.
But Alisa, oblivious to her actions, continued to stab the poor cake. "A-Alya, please treat the food with respect," Masachika added, his voice tense as he noticed the intensity of her frustration.
Alisa paused, her eyes widening as she realized what she had been doing. "I-I didn't realize…" she murmured, a little flustered. It seemed she hadn't even been conscious of the jealousy bubbling up inside her.
Yuki, still holding onto Masachika's chin, teased, "And how about you let go of me already?"
"Eh? Isn't it fine? We're childhood friends after all. Haven't we taken baths together?"
"Stop with the pretense of being childhood friends!" Masachika protested, his face flushed with embarrassment.
The two of them launched into a playful banter, their words flowing effortlessly as if they'd been doing this for years. Alisa, meanwhile, found herself left on the sidelines, watching their exchange with a mix of jealousy and confusion. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of irritation at how naturally they seemed to interact. Her gaze lingered on Masachika, who seemed unusually relaxed around Yuki, and her lips tightened.
As she looked at them, a quiet murmur escaped her in Russian, her voice tinged with disbelief.
[Vice-president… childhood friend… you never told me about any of this, you know?]
The words felt heavy, laced with a realization that struck deeper than she cared to admit. How much of Masachika's life had been hidden from her?
The thought made her chest tighten, and she bit her lip in frustration. Her mutter grew softer, more introspective.
[I'm well aware of that… even I can tell,]
she added in Russian, her tone carrying a hint of bitterness. Why did it bother her so much? She didn't expect to know everything about him, but seeing him interact so effortlessly with someone like Yuki stirred an unfamiliar unease in her chest. It wasn't anger, exactly, nor was it sadness—it was something in between, something she couldn't quite name. It made her feel like an outsider, as though there was a part of his life she wasn't invited to share. The realization that she still understood so little about Masachika—not just his past, but the person he was now—gnawed at her in a way that felt uncomfortably personal.
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hello this is the Author, i don't know if this Chapter is good or not but it will come down to how the Reader feels.
and i just want to say again even though i already said it multiple times but let me know if i hit the nail in the Character Personalities in the comment, i will try my best to try and improve it in the future chapter.
and as always, Thank you For Reading my Fanfic as Always.