A slap in the face and a harsh scorn? Now that's something I don't want coming my way. It's just too much to go through for a sensitive lad like me. In all seriousness, I probably should lend a hand. It was tough for me, much less for a little girl.

I sighed at the thought of a certain wacko as I was walking home alone, which was great. Now, I got some peace and the warm sunset all to myself.

I'm not lonely. I really am n… what is she doing there?

A graceful maid, who knew no man, no world, and no abomination, yet a cruel thorn for those men who came close… what is she doing inside an arcade? And where is that bitchyassguard of hers?

Welp, by the time I was wondering that, I was already inside the dark arcade and heading toward the silver white lady, who was mowing down a horde of zombie with just a pistol.

She seemed to be in it, so much so that I was able to sneak up to her neck and whisper a greeting, "Yo."

"Kya!"Eris let out a weird shriek, unbecoming of her maiden character. The maid, now out of her graceful attitude, swung her plastic gun out of twitch reaction.

And I, out of my own twitch reaction, raised my hands. The gun was swiftly approaching, but catching it was a piece of- "KEK!"

…Right, this wasn't some manga, where bullshit like catching a swinging weapon without much fitness nor training can happen.

"Kazuma? Why are you here? I-I mean why did you do something so creepy!?"

"Rather than groundlessly calling my innocent act creepy, why don't you offer me an apology? Don't you see how my nose is bleeding?"

"Oh… sorry about that." Eris offered an awkward apology, and reluctantly came close with a handkerchief in hand. "Use this. This is all I can offer you for now." Eris then gave a wry smile, "But you were still creepy."

The blood ran down to my upper lip and slipped into my mouth… yeah, it tastes like a creep.

"Ugh… sorry and thanks." I received the handkerchief and used it to wipe the blood. Although the blood plugged my nose, I was able to catch a tiny whiff. A warm aroma struck me, arousing even more blood out of my nose.

"Excuse me, that's unsettling as well."

"…Sorry."

After blocking my nose with a tissue from the still plentiful tissue packs, I noticed that Eris, despite losing midgame due to my intervention, still got a high score.

"You know, I never thought you'd play a game, let alone be good at it."

Eris smiled rather confidently. "Why? Is there a problem for me to score high in a game?"

"Not really, but won't your pads be in the wa-"

Eris jumped in, her face deep red. She placed a finger to her mouth as she hushed, "Shh! Shhh! Don't mention that in the public!" She looked around to make sure no one heard it.

But… like any arcade out there, the place was filled with loud pew pews bang bangs. So even if I say, "Not mention about what? About your pads?" There will be no one but Eris to hear it.

"Shhhhhh!"

I guess she will never realize that this kind of reaction does nothing but to excite me even further. But going further would be too cruel. I should be civil like the bunch of guys in the distance, all glaring at me.

"Enough, lady. I'm tired of your usual reaction."

"Hear you speak! I'm the one who's tired of your… where are you going!? We aren't done here!"

Away from her yappidy yap, I sat down before a game and looked back to Eris. "Why don't we finish our business the gamer way?"

It seemed I caught her by surprise, but she was quick to sport a confident smile. "You will regret it."

I returned one of my own. "Heh, right back at ya."

Eris sat beside me and set her eyes on the screen. "If I win, you will stop committing perverted acts."

"Believe it or not, most of them perverted acts were accidents."

"As if I could believe that."

Damn girl, am I that untrustworthy?

"Alright then, we will go on a date once I beat you to the ground."

Wait, playing a game in an arcade sounds a lot like a date already.

Eris was literally taken aback as she covered her chest. "So you were planning to do perverted acts after all!"

"Why was 'date' translated to doing perverted acts!?"

"Because you're inexplicably perverted!"

"More like your sense of outlook is corrupted to the point that you would make a nonsexual word sexual! You closet pervert!"

"Gasp! Y, You…! You will regret saying that." Eris set her focus back onto the screen. From what I saw through the dim light, her face was as flushed as it could be.

[GET READY FOR THE NEXT BATTLE]

Of course, I chose Yomishitsu, and Eris chose… Mojukin. I don't know just how confident she is, but I'm so gonna mop the floor with her padless chest.

[ROUND 1. FIGHT!]

Here comes the kamikaze strike! She Dodged! Follow up strike! Countered! Shit!

My character flew into the air, and her combo swooped in immediately. Chainsaws emerged from the wooden arms and hacked through me. By the time I got back to my feet, after another round of combo, my life points fell to the point that my character was raged. But no amount of rage was able to bring her down.

[K.O.]

Alisha, huh… I'll admit that she was good with her, but what she chose was Mojukin. I refuse to believe that she will still be as good with the next character.

[ROUND 2. FIGHT!]

Chainsaws emerged out of… "Alisha again?!"

I heard a chuckle beside me. "I'm puzzled myself. Every time I choose Mojukin, I get to play as Alisha."

Don't talk so nonchalantly while kicking my ass!

[K.O.]

"FUCK!"

My seemingly short-tempered shout was a deliberate attempt to scare her, but she brushed it off like it was nothing.

[ROUND 3. FIGHT!]

I played safe this time, keeping distance and waiting for any mistakes she would make. But my hopes were cut into pieces by the chainsaws.

At this rate… she leaves me no choice.

"You know what? I knew from the beginning that you would choose Mojukin."

She didn't let up her attack as she answered, "How so?"

"Because it's as flat as you!"

I didn't spare her a look but could easily tell that Eris was disturbed. Her superb control and game sense just weren't there. In the end, she couldn't recover before my flurry of attacks and met her first defeat.

[K.O.]

Glancing to the side, I found Eris looking around to make sure no one heard me. Looking around myself, I found the guys around us, barely holding onto their poker face.

Eris sighed in relief, missing the obvious clues. She then puffed her red cheeks as she faced me with a teary look. "You're cruel… Please don't do that again."

"Sure."

[ROUND 4. FIGHT!]

"Pads!" screaming out my victory line, I closed in toward the Mojukin, who was doing some Brazilian drunken style. Eris tried to put up a fight, but she wasn't as strong with the Brazilian spinner. And coupled with her panic…

[K.O.]

I gave her a wide smirk. "Heh, you're nothing without Alisha."

"…You will pay for that," she said through gritted teeth, her hands shaking with shame and anger.

[ROUND 5. FIGHT!]

Here comes another one! "Pa- KEK!"

What was that? My vision blacked out for a second there, and, now, I'm on the floor. My head hurts… wait, what about the ga-

[YOU LOSE]

I followed the sound of defeat and found Eris, glaring at me. Lowering my sight, I also found her bag in her hand.

I shot a finger toward her infuriating face. "You cheated!"

Eris snapped her head away from me. "Hmph, you're one to talk."

"Violence and truth aren't the same! Hitting me in the face and spreading the truth about your pa- KEK!"

Hitting me again in the face didn't seem enough. She had to give me an earful as well. "I told you not to say it! And now that I'd won, you should refrain from any perverted acts."

"The bet is not counted! Not before your filthy cheating!"

"You don't deserve to say that!"

"Oh I deserve it, alright! All I said was that you wear pa- KEK!" My vision blacked out again, leaving behind a burning pain on my face. When my vision came back, I found Eris with pooling tears, ready to swing her bag. "WAI- KEK!"

"How "KEK!" many times "KEK!" do I have to tell you "KEK!" not to say it!?"

Why "KEK!" are women "KEK!" always so "KEK!" violent!?

"STAHP!" I screamed as I caught her bag.

"Let go!"

"If I do, you'll reduce my face to a bloody pulp! Give me this bag!"

"Kya!" It seemed I placed too much force into it, to the point that Eris let out a tiny squeal as she fell on top of me…

Ahh, the soft flesh of a woman, pulpous enough for me to forgive her…

"Y-You did it again!" Eris, the one who fell on top of me, just had to shout something incomprehensible.

And I, the victim, the one who had been pummeled to the ground and deceptively blamed for this mess, had to teach her a lesson. "Dear lady, allow me to tell you that you're sticking me the blame which is clearly yours."

"You pulled my bag!"

"Which was done in order to put a stop to your unseemly conducts. But don't worry. I wholly understand. After all, your head is as empty as your chest and your graceful front is but a farce just like your pa- KEK!"

This violent wench! I'll show you just what it's like to provoke a man!

"STEAAAAAAAAL!"

Sike! I didn't even hold the bag! Instead, I swooped in amidst her panic, bear hugging her! She no longer had the room to hit me! Now! Now…! Now… I'm screwed now aren't I?

Slowly, I realized that her pads pressed against my chest, and that her soft bottom sat upon my lap. "Sniff…!" her sniffle sounded just a breath away. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. So please… don't ravage me."

Guilt brewed within me, hearing her terrified plea, and dread ran down my spine, seeing the angry crowd gathering around.

Oh, her head fell on my shoulder, fainted. Dead that I am now.

"You little piece of shit!"

I don't know who said it, but it commenced my doom. The crowd separated us, carefully waking her up and roughly binding me to a chair. I also don't know where they got their pitchforks and torches from, but they gave me the clear message that my end was nigh.

Being on the receiving end of the countless murderous glares, I closed my eyes. Although fake, I got to enjoy boobs, and that's all that matters.

"Begin the execution."

Among the clamor of people, I heard hurried footsteps closing in.

"Wait!"

I opened my eyes at the shout and found a silvery figure before me, standing against the angry crowd.

"What are you doing to him!?"

The crowd went speechless. How could they not, when the victim stood for me, the assailant?

"Didn't he attack you?"

"Huh?" Eris was startled, proceeding to touch all over her body. "My panti- I mean I'm completely fine. So please don't use me as an excuse to hurt my friend."

…As long as it works, I guess.

The crowd was reluctant, but, at Eris' persistent persuasion, they eventually dispersed.

"Sigh." Eris turned around and gave me an exhausted smile. "What did you do this time?"

At her innocent smile, I could only return a sigh. "Just bad luck."

She made a wry smile and untied me. As I got up and caressed my sore arms, Eris tapped my side. "Kazuma, it's not usual for us to meet in an arcade. So, how about a game?" She pointed to the seat we warmed up just now.

I smiled at her kind offer. "No thanks."

I went out the arcade and resumed my walk home. Just like last time, I've got a person following me, coupled with the guilt. It was an act to protect myself, but the trembling I felt in my hold was still too vivid.

Unlike her, I may never forget how soft she fe- I mean, how much I hurt her.

I turned to my side. "Hey, you don't have to follow me. You can enjoy your time in the arcade."

Eris returned a kind smile. "Oh, it's fine."

"I see. Anyway, sorry." I gave a small but sharp bow. There was no restraint in it as guilt had oiled my joints.

Eris made a troubled face. "You don't have to be sorry. You see, I wasn't able to meet an online friend lately in the game. So I just wanted to let loose a little."

"Hold up, you play the game?"

Eris' blue eyes sparkled at the mention of the game. "Of course. I may not look like it, but I'm a gamer. I wouldn't miss the opportunity to play the best VRMMO game yet."

"Nice. I also play the game… but can't do so lately due to stuff. Wanna team up once I can?"

Eris sported an excited smile. "Sure, why not? What is your ID?"

"Katou. How about yours… What's wrong?" I waved my hand in front of her petrified face, but she still couldn't recover.

Once I snapped my fingers, Eris snapped out of it as well. "O-Oh, right, Katou… right."

"Eris? Where are you going?" Eris kept mumbling and nodding to herself as she wondered off. I caught up to her. "Hey, aren't you gonna tell… would you stop for a sec!?"

I tried to catch her by the shoulder, but what's this? She started running, and, as if by fate, the bus arrived. Off into the bus she went, and I was hot on my heels. Upon the first step into the bus, however, I was reminded.

How much did I use in the arcade…?

"Eris!" I shouted into the backseats. "Can you lend me some-" I was cut in short as I was pushed out by the driver.

He stood by the entrance, looking down at me, whose annoyed and fed up expression looked quite familiar.

"You're worse than I thought, worse than just some prankster. Get out of my sight before I call the police," said the fucker, still as clueless as he was a few weeks ago.

"Wait! You have a misunderstanding! She and I are…," I trailed off as my entry was blocked by the cold, hard door. Seeing the bus off into the sunset, I muttered into the lone road, "friends…"

A group of students stood in rows on the sandy field as the cold winds bit into our skin. If it weren't for the early sun atop the mountains, we would've been frozen stiff like a statue.

Sena stood in front of the group with a sharp gaze directed at us. "Attention! Today marks the 30th Sports Festival of the Akuseru High School. As helpers, we must be sharp and fast…," her words drifted into the wind, and I didn't even bother to catch it. She was just reiterating what we should be doing today, anyway.

A yawn stretched beside me. Looking to the side, I found Aqua standing there as she rubbed her baggy eyes. She was still wearing the blue necklace despite being in her sports uniform, which just didn't match well together. I turned to the other side before I heard another yawn, and, as expected, Megumin stood there with a wide open mouth, yawning without a semblance of shame.

"Did you two stay up all night?" asked I.

"No," said Aqua, her lie as clear as the sky above.

"Heh, it was worth it." Megumin, on the other hand, was honest as she made a tired yet satisfied grin.

I smirked. "Porn?"

Shame reddened her face. "N-No! I would never-"

"Silence!"

The three of us quicky straightened ourselves and zipped our mouths. After staring at us for a while, Sena continued her speech.

"As expected of a NEET. Porn is the first thing that comes to your mind." Aqua yawned again.

I shrugged my shoulders. "So what did you guys do?"

Aqua gave a glance. "Sorry, I know you're feeling lonely for keeping you out, but this needs to remain a secret."

"W-Who says I'm lone-!"

"Silence!"

We adjusted our posture in an instant at the sound of her strict reproach. Sena then gave us a warning and continued.

Aqua gave me an annoyed look. "Would you stop making noises? I'm getting scolded along with you."

"She is right. Stop troubling us," Megumin added, the blush still on her face.

Sigh, they're right. Can't get mad at them when I was the one causing troubles.

I turned to look at Megumin, who seemed rather fine. "Hey, Megumin, you uhh… alright?"

A surprise took her eyes, and she looked away, hiding her face. "I'm fine. Thank you."

I sighed at the clear sign, and caught a glimpse of silvery figure at the corner of my eyes. When I turned to it, I found Eris gazing at me, but she averted it immediately.

She's been like this since yesterday, avoiding me like a plague. Perhaps her amnesia malfunctioned, and she remembered the horror that befell her.

"Good morning, Ms. Wiz," said Sena as she bowed to the side, where Wiz walked in.

"Good morning," said Wiz as she formed a smile, which seemed as though her stomach was churn-RESET- as calm as her angelic heart. Suddenly, her dumb hair spiked and pointed at me. She then began scurrying toward me.

Why is she coming to me with such a horrify-RESET- pleasing face!? Ms. Wiz, my beautiful, wonderful, best of the best teacher! I have done nothing wrong!

Wiz paused in her track as a blush took over her. That reassuring scene didn't last long as she cleared her throat and resumed walking. I was alarmed at her closing in, but she went past me without making an eye contact.

"Where did you get that necklace?" Wiz asked threateningly toward Aqua.

"Huh!? Is there a rule against wearing necklace!? NO! YOU CAN'T HAVE THIS! THIS IS MINE!" Aqua fell to the ground, crying and curling herself to protect the necklace, having the usual seizure.

Wiz stared long into the pitiful sight. "I won't confiscate your necklace. You just have to show m-"

"You're lying! You'll snatch it out of jealousy, because you never got a gift from a man!"

Wow… is that necklace much more important than her life?

Death aura stormed the field shortly after, leading to the screams of Aqua and the others.

"KYAAAAA!" I screamed too as her death rays landed on me.

"Where did you get the necklace?" asked Wiz, holding Aqua by her nape despite her fierce struggle.

I slapped myself to regain composure. Calm and good judgement were needed to get through this.

I smiled confidently. "Out of my heart- KEK!" I was pummeled to the ground as soon as I gave my answer.

"Take your joke somewhere else," she said, her voice as ghastly as that of a devil. She then grabbed my nape and forced her devilish face close to mine.

I couldn't even scream before the blood-filled eyes. Even so, despite my wild trembling, I had to quickly answer. Otherwise, her cold grip would crush my neck!

"I-I got it in a lotto."

"From who?"

"A weird m-masked guy."

The devil stared long into me. What felt like an eternity passed once I fell to the ground. My sore butt made me realize that I was alive, which brought a tear to my eye.

Aqua and I saw each other's pitiful state: all ravaged and tearful. We crawled to each other's embrace.

"Aqua, I-I was so scared…!"

"Me too! Me too!"

"Am I really alive?"

"Your heart's beating. You're definitely alive."

"I can feel yours too. It's so warm…"

Suddenly, we felt the cold creep up our backs. We found that Wiz was glaring deathly at us. Before the dreadful sight, we couldn't do anything but to squeeze each other even harder.

"Kazuma! What do we do!?"

"Like hell I'd know!"

Shit! Even as we speak, the dev-RESET- angel is closing in! Why do I always have to get beaten whenever we come to face!? I should just shove Aqua to the fro-

"Ms. Wiz!" Eris went to hold Wiz back. "I think you're overreacting. There's no rule against wearing accessories in the school."

"She's right," Sena chimed in. "If anyone's breaking the rules, it's…," Sena flinched as the eyes of abyss slid to her side, but she didn't back down from it, "…you."

A short moment passed until Wiz retracted her death rays and walked away.

Eris helped Sena to stand up and glanced at me. Our eyes met for a moment, but she averted hers immediately and scurried away.

Sena came to us and cleared her throat. "Are you two alright?"

Aqua and I looked at each other, and only now did we realize that we were… a bit too close. We took some distance right away.

"I-I'm fine," said I.

"Y-Yeah, same here," said Aqua.

Sena nodded. "Good. Although Ms. Wiz was going over the board again, you two shouldn't have provoked her."

"Exactly, when will you two ever learn that?" said Megumin, appearing now that Wiz was gone.

I stared at Megumin, my very good friend. There were many things I wanted to say about how she hid herself in our times of need, but I sighed instead.

Sena returned to her place and continued to speak, "It's almost time. Make sure to behave properly in front of the parents and visitors. Now, can I get a yes?"

""Yes~,"" the group, mostly boys, answered lazily.

Sena sighed, seemingly having a headache.

"Everyone," a maiden voice like a morning breeze, like a warm ray of light, grabbed our attention, "let us do our most to make this festival an enjoyable event."

Silence swept the field until… ""YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSS!"" everyone cried their agreement toward the Lady. I could also make out a rather over-the-top, high-pitch cheer, which definitely belonged to a certain Guren villager. And another relatively-less-developed villager didn't seem to like that.

*BANG* the starter pistol signaled the start of the race. The racers dashed forth with all their might as the people broke into cheers.

One racer, a strapping lad, took the lead. He stretched the gap on and on, until he eventually crossed the line, leaving behind another bouts of high pitch cheers. There were some, mostly boys, giving him the boo. I was one of them, even ready to throw some shit at his needlessly radiant smile, but I had to restrain myself for I was holding the sign of the second-place.

The lad approached the first-place sign holder. "Lady Aqua! I've won!"

Aqua pinched her nose and took a step back. "Errr… Mitsugeru? It's great that you've won, but can you keep a distance? You reek of sweat." Aqua shooed him away.

"That's not my name…" Mitsuguru sighed as his shoulders sagged.

I heard a guy gasping for air, jugging toward me. When I turned to greet the next winner… "Tch!" I automatically clicked my tongue.

The Shitstain scowled. "You looking for fight?"

"Do you have a brain? At your current state, you're only worth two jabs."

"Oh, wanna try me!?" The Shitstain closed in.

I stood against him. "Challenge accepted, shitface! I wi- kek!"

As I went through the sore pain on my head, the assailant spoke, "Won't you ever stay calm? Be like me, graceful and well-behaved. To think that you warned me not to cause any trouble when here you are, all worked up… shameful it is."

And here I am being lectured by a poisonously blue haired bitch… truly, shameful it is.

"Lady Aqua, look! I'm second!" The shitstain grabbed the sign and proudly showed it to her.

"Yeah, yeah, stay where you are. I don't need another sticky, smelly guy near me."

"Oh..." The imaginary tail that wagged so wildly flopped.

[[The racers are all in! The winners are…]] The commentator went through the first three winners and gave them flatteries. [[The next game is the three-legged race. Racers, please get ready.]]

Our first shift had finally ended. Aqua and I happily greeted the next helpers, who came to replace us. As we left the place, the two simps stuck to Aqua, but some underclasswomen, who were both good looking, took Mitsuwhatever away while the gyaru, whom I've encountered back in the Karaoke, dragged the unwilling Shitstain.

We shook our heads at the sorry sight and returned to the place allocated for our classmates. I sat down under a tree, and Aqua came to sit beside me as she fanned herself.

"How many more do we have to do this?" Aqua asked.

I wondered as I wiped the sweat off my forehead. "About two."

She let out a long yawn. "Curses…," she mumbled as she rested her head on my shoulder, much to my surprise.

She is oddly touchy lately. It's not bad, more like good, to be honest… but hey, I won't fall for traps like this. She would just make fun of my reactions like always. Yup. Definitely. If I just turn around, she will be looking back at me with a smirk on her face and say, 'gotcha!'

Heh, I'm not falling for th-

"Snore~"

…Err, it's a trap all the same.

With a sigh, I relaxed myself. I don't know what she was doing last night, but it must have put a lot of toll on her. Lending a shoulder was the least I could do.

*BuzZ*

"Gasp!"

I jumped at the dearly familiar noise, containing scores of frequencies coalesced into a piercing whiz. My eyes darted here and there but couldn't find the source.

[[Class 2-D.]]

The commentator's call woke me out of my panic.

[[If your racers won't be present in 5 minutes, you will be automatically disqualified.]]

I no longer took heed of the announcement as I was unrelated to the matter. Resuming my search for the noise was far more important… but I found a classmate instead.

"Hey, are you free?" she asked.

I couldn't reply right away as I found it strange for someone, whom I've never spoken to, to suddenly strike a chat. It's more likely that she was calling out to someone else.

"Umm, are you free?" she asked again, now a bit awkward.

I pointed myself. "You mean me?" After seeing her nod, I answered, "Yeah, I'm free."

"Great! You see, we're lacking people for the race, two, in fact. So we were wondering if you two could run the race."

"Me and Aqua?"

"Yes. You two are close anyway."

"Ugh… I can't guarantee winning though."

She smiled with a reassuring warmth. "No need to worry about that. We're the ones troubling you after all."

If there's no weight on my shoulder… "Alright then, we will run."

"And on whose permission?"

I turned to the voice and found Aqua laying on the ground, clearly displeased. The sight of the large lump on her head was enough to figure out why she had such a sour face.

"I'm not up for it 'cause my head hurts and I'm tired! Get back here, you shutinNEET! Caress my head and lend me your lap! Give me the treatment I deserve!"

I turned back to the girl and gave a wry smile. "You heard her… Is anyone available? I'm still willing to run."

"Oh, thank you." The girl pondered for a short while. "I think I'm the only one left. Would that be alright with you?"

Hmm... she doesn't seem particularly pretty, but she's kind and respectful unlike a certain selfish, lordly, whiny bitch.

"You? Dream on. As if Kazuma would ever accept your obvious seduc-"

I smiled brightly. "No problem!"

"Waaah! How could you!?" The bitch grabbed my leg.

I forced my leg off of the bitch's arms and led the way to the field… until the bitch grabbed ahold of me once more.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I will run with you so please don't leave me!" Aqua struggled as she kept my waist in her hold.

"Sigh… sorry for the trouble," said I to the kind girl, who was panicking before the forlorn sight.

She barely made a smile. "I-I'm fine."

The girl left me with a band and quickly ran off. After a long look at the back of the woman, I looked down at the pitiful sight of a wahmen. And to her, who looked up to me like a poor dog, I could only sigh.

"WAAAAAAH!"

No longer willing to stomach her wail, I helped her up, wiped her tears, and blew her nose. I wondered just what wrongs I've done to have ended up here… but when I saw her smile, my little complaint faded away.

We ran toward the field at the commentator's last warning and lined up along the racers.

Aqua made a cheeky smug. "Be grateful, Kazuma. You get to have the privilege of getting all close with me."

As a form of answer, I nonchalantly banded our legs, Aqua on the left and I on the right, and placed my arm around her shoulder with complete indifference.

She flinched at the touch. "H-Hey! Don't get so touchy all of a sudden!"

I didn't even bother to call out on her hypocrisy as I readied myself for the race. Aqua, sensing my seriousness, readied herself as well, and we waited for the signal under bated breath.

*BANG*

I stretched my right leg as she did her right leg as well… wait-

""KEK!""

We fell flat on our face and got all tangled up.

"You damn NEET, can't you do it properly!?"

"Me!? It's clearly your fault, dumbass!"

[[Class 2-D had fell! They should get back to the race quickly or they will have no hope for the win!]]

The loud commentary woke us out of our conflict. We hurried up and steadied our footing.

"Listen, tied leg first," I suggested.

"Tied leg first." Aqua nodded.

We took a few steps to catch the rhythm and upped the pace once we got used to it. It didn't take long for us to jog. Even so, the other racers were too far ahead to catch up, save for a few teams.

"Let's speed up some more," Aqua suggested. "We will end up last at this rate."

"Alright, just make sure to keep-"

*BuzZ*

I stopped dead in my track and quickly searched for the source of the noise.

"Kazuma, what's wrong? You look pale," said Aqua, too worried to question my sudden stop.

"Nothing…"

I shook my head and resumed the run. Though its whereabouts was still unknown, being on the run was much better than standing sti-

"Ah."

A pair of utter darkness sat aloof amidst the golden mane. Two deadly whips hung about as the hideous jaws opened left and right, roaring silence into the air, "Hello darkness my old friend~"

RUN!

"EEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!"

"Kazuma, slow down! I can't keep up!" Aqua urged under her breath.

I faced Aqua, desperate for help. "BEBEBEBE! BEBEEBEBEEBE!"

"Chill! I don't get what you're saying!"

I slapped my face to get a hold of myself. "B… Bee…"

"Bee? Now that you mention it, I can sort of hear it."

I shook my head. "No, it's not an ordinary bee. It's…"

"It's?"

"It's Beeing X."

Aqua seemed confused, 'What's with this NEET talking like some sociopathic, little girl, who has an unhealthy amount of obsession over some god?' written on her face, but I wasn't the least bit willing to waste time explaining the origin of the name.

"I'll just get rid of it. So slow down, ok?" She took out a fan and… "Nature's Beauty!"

Water stretched to the air, only to hit nothing but the ground. Shameless it was that I expected anything out of her.

"That bee's much agile than it seems... Nature's Beauty: Twister!"

"Whoa! How did you spin the water midair!?"

Aqua sported a boastful smile. "Heh, a magic loses its magic once its trick is revealed. So I won't tell… it dodged!?"

As usual, amazing but useless…

*BuzZ*

OH CRAP! It's closing in!

"Aqua keep doing the water thing!"

"I'm not some kind of dispenser! Why don't you use your little spray, huh!? Oh, wait-"

"I TOLD YOU! It's Beeing X! It won't work! Besides, do you like to puke your bowels out again!?"

"Urk!" A clear disapproval was on her face. "Nature's Beauty: Hydro Pump!"

As the name suggests, a turbulent gush shot toward Beeing X. It was larger, faster, and stronger than anything Aqua had ever conjured before. Even Beeing X wouldn't come out of it unscathed… and that little piece of shit just did a freaking triple barrel roll!

"What kind of bee is that!?" Aqua cried in absolute disbelief.

And I, out of all hope, went completely nuts. "I'M DOOMED! I'M FUCKED! I-"

[[And Class 2-D won the third place!]]

"won…?"

The sudden announcement took me out of my panic. When I came to my senses, I was already cheered upon along with Aqua.

We stood still in blank wonder until… "Nature's Beauty!" Aqua responded to the crowd with her trick, which elicited even more cheers.

A sort of excitement seized my body. Being cheered at was a rare thing after all. But only when I saw a tiny bug settling up my nose did I realize that it wasn't the excitement that gripped me. It was the sheer dread, an inevitable reality, that I had refused to take my eyes on.

"Kek."

"There, there, Kazuma. You must've been so scared. It's alright. Everything's alright. I'll always be here for you," Aqua whispered sweet words into my ears as she caressed my head.

"That Beeing X, you know? It stung me. It's not even the first time it'd happen. It's always out there to get me. It's cruel. I've never done anything to it and yet…," I kept mumbling to distract myself from the still burning pain up my patched nose.

"Hah, hah, how I envy your susceptibility to pa…ne."

"What was with that pause?" said Megumin, deapan. "But I never thought getting stung by a bee would cause such a breakdown."

I shook my head in disapproval. She doesn't know what she's talking about. It's common sense that a person would go nuts, once he's stung by a bee. Oh, the mistake was mine. I shouldn't have expected common sense from the atypical.

As I needlessly brooded over her casual remark, Aqua laughed playfully. "Stop that. It tickles."

The great silver lining was that I have finally found her use. Actually, rediscovered would be a better way to put it, since I've seen this version of Aqua in the past, though only once. If it takes a mere breakdown to make her smile like that, then I might be more willing to throw myself to the whims of fate.

Anyhow, the usual four, including me, were on a mat. We gathered ourselves for lunch, but we weren't the only ones.

"Thank you so much for taking care of my son," said mom. "He has always been helpless against bees. I really don't know what I would do without you. Just thinking of pampering this big boy myself…" Mom shook her head.

Aqua heartily laughed. "It's fine. He's cute when he's like this."

Cute… that's new.

"Kazuma," my father called out, "how long will you be on the floor? Me and your mother have to go after lunch, remember? Sigh… at least, you've found a new friend to take care of you when you're down."

"New friend?" said Megumin, full of doubt. "You mean Aqua isn't the first one to care for him so dearly like this?"

"It seems he haven't told you," said father. "He had a close childhood friend. She would be the first to sit down with us in occasions like this, yet I can't even see her lately."

"A-A girl? Close even?" said Aqua, her lap trembling. "H-How can a NEET ha-"

"Yami…," I muttered, "I mean Yanami, please don't talk about her."

As said, I didn't want to talk about her as it would naturally lead to the topic of that sunset. Keeping it to myself was one thing, but letting my family know what had happened was unacceptable. I know. It's hardly helpful, serving nothing but to ruin the mood. But I didn't want to make things any more awkward at home.

"Well then, let's have some lunch," said mom, refreshing the mood with her smile. "Do you want to join us?"

"Why YES!" Megumin answered enthusiastically as she leaned forward.

"Of course! Thank you!" Aqua didn't lose on eagerness.

We all faced the last, who, instead of answering, took out some containers. "Actually, I've prepared some food myself," said Lalatina, looking a bit shy. "I would be glad if you could enjoy it."

"Sure!" mom agreed with a pleasant surprise.

Lalatina smiled, a genuine one that shouldn't have suited her, "Thank y-"

"Nope!" I cried the tingling warning in my head. "Absolutely not! The only place her food deserves to be in is the dump…ster..."

Crap, I forgot to hit the break in my hurry. Regardless, our Lalatina made the usual Lalatina noise, "Hng!"

"Boy…," father growled, disappointment evident in his choice of word, "is that how I raised you to treat your friends?"

I got up and shook my head. "No! I mean, well, it's true but no! It would be delicious- maybe? But I know for certain all hell would break loose once we partake in her accursed feast!"

"Don't run your mouth like you worm in your room!"

"Kek!"

Strength left my body, and I fell straight onto Aqua's lap. I'm fully aware that I'm a trash, a parasite leeching off of their backs. But did he need to say the truth so harshly!?

"Good grief," he grumbled and sighed. "How did you become so vulgar?"

Mom tugged at father's sleeve. "I don't think you have the right to sa-"

Father cleared his throat. "I won't allow to take part in our food. If you're still unwilling to take your friend's kindness, then you can go ahead and starve yourself."

This is so unfair! Haven't they seen for themselves the result of eating her shit!? Oh right, they think I'm some kind retard. I'm your son, people!

All of a sudden, Aqua placed a hand over my forehead and clenched it as if to grab something. She then motioned her hand to the air, opening it. "Let your worries go puff!" She gave me a cheerful smile. "Feeling better?"

Sincerely, to her wonderful smile, I could only say, "Yes."

"Hehe, I will feed you. So there is nothing to worry about."

"Sure...," I agreed in complete captivation, which was short-lived as my head tingled. "I-I mean no! You will hate it the most if I eat tha- HEY!"

Aqua, having just eaten a piece of Lalatina's evil, pondered over the taste, "Hmm, it's a bit greasy, but good over all."

"…Don't you feel anything weird?"

Aqua blinked a few times. "No."

"Now, you know," said Lalatina with a reassuring smile. "I admit I have a questionable history, but I am aware of the time and place to do something or the other."

I, still unconvinced, gazed at her with suspicion. "Really?"

"Yeah, rea'y," Megumin affirmed, munching a mouthful of evil. "There's no'ing to wor-"

""Talk after you eat!"" father and I shouted at Megumin, only to realize how picture perfect were our reactions.

Megumin flinched like a startled cat. She almost choked, if it weren't for Lalatina to smack her in the back and cough out the contents.

What a pity, for father and I could barely appreciate the gag of a show. Clearing our throats was the least we could do to forget the earlier awkward display.

"Kazuma," said Lalatina, coming closer from the side, "as you can see, my foods are safe. So… ahh."

As her evil neared, memories flashed. The mountain in flames, the smell of dirt, the strength of her grip, and her feral eyes… they floated in my head in quick motion to spell one phrase.

Déjà vu.

My hand was quick, no hesitation in its movement, swiftly rushing to strike down her malicious hand. It failed. I mean successful. Only… the hand that stopped her approach belonged to Aqua.

"You just never stop, do you?" hissed Aqua. "Save your hand for yourself, cat. I will be the one to feed him."

"…I don't need anyone's he-"

"Shut it, you have no say over th-"

"Hah… e-even though I'm offering myself to… to feed you… and yet… and yet…! You pay me no attention whatsoever and show off how close you two are to rub insult to the injury! Hnnn!"

Aqua and I stared deadpan at the bizarre sight, wondering the limit of her degeneracy. No matter. We were hungry. Seeing how everyone acted normal despite eating her food, I deemed Lalatina's prior claim to be true.

A boneless fried chicken, dubbed karaage, looked delicious enough. I grabbed a piece with chopsticks and brought it to my mouth. But before I could taste the food, Aqua tapped my arm.

"What?" asked I.

Aqua shyly fiddled with her index fingers. "Hey, uhh I don't mind being fed."

Dazed, I looked into her eyes, but Aqua broke the link as she hurriedly averted her gaze. After seeing how nobody paid us attention, I stared back at Aqua, who was still as nervous as I was. As I gulped down a mouthful of saliva, I gingerly stretched my hand, and she closed her eyes and parted her small lips.

"By the way, Kazuma," said mom, her voice imbued with the magic of petrification, "do you think it's alright for you two to act so close when Yami's not around?"

"No," said I in an instant. "In fact, she probably couldn't care less. So there's nothing wrong about this," with that, I placed the food into her mouth.

Mom stared at me for a moment and looked away. "If you say so."

"Hei, Ka'uma," said Aqua, munching on the karaage while looking displeased, "I ha'e bee' mea'ing to-"

"Won't you swallow it first!?"

She quickly gulped it down. "I've been meaning to ask," she said, still looking displeased. "Who's this childhood friend?"

"Ugh…"

I wasn't willing. It's too much an embarrassment to talk about. But… maybe… she won't laugh.

"She is-"

[[May I have your attention, everyone! The first interlude performance will be held shortly!]]

I turned to the empty field, which had a stage, a strangely exquisite one for its temporary use. "Wow! I heard Eris and the Bitch will perform first! Better sit tight and enjoy the show!"

"Don't ignore me!" Aqua shook me to no avail.

I ate of Lalatina's meal, which was of fine taste, and waited for the performance. It's growing annoying how Aqua's throwing a tantrum behind me, but I kept my eyes on the stage.

[[Everyone! Please welcome the Akuseru High's Symphony!]]

The curtains opened, and they, as in those nasty thots who tied me to a chair and tortured me alive, were revealed. I hate to admit it, but they looked good in those white dresses, especially Eris, whose beauty and purple dress made her stand out. In contrast to them all, the Bitch was dark, quite literally, as she wore black slacks and blazer… which looked good on her as well.

As the name Symphony suggests, they all held an instrument, namely: violins and huge violins. Amelia, however, only had a stick, which was everything a conductor needed.

The group gave a bow and sat on their seats. Amelia, still standing, turned around and faced her members. They waited patiently for their conductor to raise her stick, and, when she did, they seemed to hold their breath, letting silence to set the stage. The stick gently sunk toward the members with huge violins, and a deep note flowed out of their strings. It spread throughout the field like the water deep under the sea. Slow and cold.

Amelia turned to the other side. Those with normal violins answered her call and swayed their bows, stirring a new stream to life. It swam through the sea of notes with its lightness and warmth.

She gestured another group to hit their strings. Their chords joined into the fray like a fish joining a school. More and more, she added. Not so fast, slowly, gradually harmonizing the chords of all the members.

Lastly, Amelia turned to her side. From the glimpse of her face, I deemed that she was smiling. 'Milady,' she seemed to say.

Eris returned a smile and motioned her bow. A particular fish swam into the school. It wasn't fast nor was it large, but it was beautiful. Enchanted, the rest of the school followed its lead, dancing about the ocean.

The stage was set. Amelia just had to raise the sun to lit the wonders of the deep. But they weren't quite there.

'Not yet. Be patient.' She calmed their excitement.

They waited, drifting through the turbulent streams. Up, they went, and, down, they went. It didn't take long for them to catch a glimpse of light at the end of the stream. They curled themselves like a racer at the line.

Amelia waved her stick with a particular strength. 'Now.'

They sprang out, faster and faster, higher and higher. Then, they had finally reached; the panorama set before their eyes. Brightness filled the sea, the colors of corals shining about. The school swam joyously, ecstatic to have found their new home.

"Wow…"

So this is orchestra. I never imagined Eris was so skilled in violin. I thought she'd be uselessly gifted in a useless skill like some useless I know. Don't even mention about Amelia. She… she's made me look at her in a new light, that much I will admit.

"Here."

I turned toward the voice and found Lalatina smiling as she handed me a handkerchief.

"Why…," I didn't pursue asking as I noticed a tear on my cheek. Amused at how emotional they've made me, I accepted her kind offer and wiped my tear. "Thanks."

"My pleasure." She turned her eyes back on the stage.

As their notes calmly drifted through the field, I wondered, "I'm sure I heard this music somewhere… but I just can't put my finger on it."

"It's Canon," Lalatina answered, "by the renowned Pachelbel."

"Yeah, that one. Canon."

As we chatted along, their chord suddenly picked up its pace. When I turned to see them, I couldn't believe my eyes.

A mermaid, shining like the floating star, singing like the night wind. Her soft melody caressed my ears, her timid gesture dazzled before my eyes, and her sweet smile could almost be felt upon my skin.

It couldn't last long like all good things tend to be. As all members lifted their bows off their strings, Amelia lowered her hands. And they were met with a huge applause.

"That was amazing!"

"Where have been you all these time in my life!?"

"ENCORE! I will even offer you my car! So please!"

The Symphony gave their bows and waved their hands, smiles on each and everyone. But Eris seemed to have had the most jovial one.

I decided to give my bit. "You knocked it out of the park, Eris!"

She seemed to have heard it out of all the cheers as her gaze fell on me. But she averted it immediately, rendering me to sigh.

"Eris is as good as ever," said Lalatina. "It's always a pleasure to listen to her."

I chuckled and said, "My ears agree." Then, I noticed. "Where is Aqua?"

"Oh, she left with Megumin. They seemed to be in a hurry."

In a hurry… I hope my feeling uneasy is just a coincidence.

"By the way, do you want a tea to enjoy along the next piece?"

She's right. They were gearing up for another piece, and, as things would have it, my throat was dry.

"Sure."

With a tea in hand, I waited for their next piece. I took a sip and paused a bit. Then, I took another sip. Another sip. Another…

"Weird," said I, calmly, "it tastes almost like the tea you gave me before."

After a brief pause, Lalatina returned a lecherous grin. "Because it is."

The cup fell off my hand. It broke into pieces like the damn situation right now: a fucking joke.

"What are you doing!?" cried mom.

"Don't worry, mistress," said Lalatina, red taking over her face. "I'll handle this."

Lalatina came with a rag and cleaned the mess while breathing heavily and mumbling about being a servant. Once done, she closed in, leaning on me with her thicc body. "Don't worry, master," she whispered. "The tonic was modified to take slow effect. We can take our time to find an empty room… together."d

I stood up and slapped her in the face.

"Hng!"

"What are you doing!?" cried father.

"P-Please don't get mad at him," said the bitch, panting. "It's all my fault."

She caught up to me, who have had been heading toward the building, and held my hand.

"It's not too late. We can still search… gasp! The toilet is it!? Excellent! Just excellent! You sure know me well, master!"

I slapped her some more and coldly said, "Sit." Then left the place.

I heard her collapse onto the ground and… "Hnnnng!"

Paying no heed nor attention to her hideous noise, I went inside the building with brooding darkness within me.

Obliterated shitface. Microbrain pickled in cum pot. Whiny, wet pussy wider than where she came from…

"Shit."

I need to hurry. I have to puke it all out before it takes over me. So I entered the restroom, and, to make it succinct, I failed. Little did I know that my stomach was strong. All my sticking fingers up my throat did no good at all but to upset my gut.

"Fucking shit!"

I got out of the restroom to search for a place, a place to fucking tie myself! How am I even supposed to do tha-

"Get out!"

A person flew out of the woman's restroom, breaching the door open. It turned out to be the blond ass, who stood up immediately against the woman who stood by the door.

"But Lynn! I'm a girl! You can't just go ahead and treat me like this!"

The said Lynn returned scornful eyes. "You're still putting up that front? It will never work on me so that's that!"

*BANG*

As the door shut close before her, her head stooped down, and her long golden wig covered her twisted face. "Damn her…! Why do things never work out…"

"Ugh…" She noticed me, but I tried walking off as I whistled.

"Hey!" She closed in and put an arm around my shoulder. "Where are you going?"

Irked at her approach, I quickly answered, "None where it matters to you. So get off!"

"Don't be so cold," said she, her arm firm. She got even closer and whispered, "Hey, is the phone still with you?"

The phone, the reward I promised her for the sexy picture of the bearer of the largest chest, was still with me like she asked.

"Yeah, you got the goods?"

"About that... why don't I show you something much better instead, the true utopia?" She went on to whisper in an even more quiet voice.

And I, having heard her ridiculous plan, had to lash out, "That's crazy! They will kill us if we are found!"

"Don't worry," said she, smiling brazenly. "I know just the right place to hide."

I found myself trembling, splitted whether to accept her plan. Last time she said that, everything went to shit. Moreover, I could feel the drug slowly taking its effect, and I'd find my ass in a jail if I go full berserk unrestrained! I know I have to refuse it. Walk away and forget. But my body was against it, and my manly heart was asking, 'Is this what you are made of? A coward that never takes a chance?'

"NO! I'm more than that!"

"Ok, ok, geez. Don't get so worked up." She sighed. "Guess I'll find something else."

"Hold up, you shitty ass. I meant to say yes. I will follow you."

She paused and soon gave a huge grin. And to be honest, I must have returned the same huge grin as well.

A music played outside, which stretched our grin even further. We locked our shoulders and walked away, glad that the music would provide great cover.

Serena was in the locker room, getting herself ready for the last performance. She turned her head to the tiny window where the music outside came through.

"What a horseshit."

That was the impression she had of the music playing outside. She could've gone further, but she chose not to. She's better than th-

"Lowly pecksniff."

Never mind. But it wasn't a problem as she was the only person in the locker room.

"Eris," she muttered, grinning, "if you think you can fool me with such a thinly veiled facade, then you've got another thing coming. I can see right through your shell. I know what's behind that smile of yours."

Again, she was all alone in the room, talking to no one but herself.

"Yunyun…" At the mention of the name, she lost her grin. She then bit her lips and her hands trembled. "We're friends! Yeah, you've said that a hundred times. Can we take a picture? We already took thousands of pictures!" She messed her hair in utter frustration. "I get it! I get that you're lonely! But do you have to stick to me all day long!? Are you torturing me on purpose!?"

*BANG*

After kicking her own locker, she let out a deep sigh. "She's an extremely handy friend… but it's all worth it." She smirked. "You were the hot stuff recently but not anymore. Today, I'll prove to everyone that I'm still the at the top of this school! Haha, hahahahaha!"

Believe it or not, she's not crazy. Putting up a front all day long for years on end was bound to loosen some screw in her head. And it's just coming out on the surface.

The music playing outside slowed to a crawl, and, soon, their piece came to an end. She gazed at the tiny window for a moment and set her eyes back onto her locker. She opened it.

What…?

For a moment, she doubted her eyes as there, before her, in her locker, within an empty room, stood a man. She took a step back on instinct. This was dangerous. There was no one in this room except her and the deviant. But then, by sheer luck, she heard girls chatting outside the room.

"HE-"

Unfortunately, her attempt to call for help was obstructed as his hand tightly covered her mouth.

"Mmmmm!"

It was useless, not loud enough for the girls to hear, but there was no way she would allow him to tarnish her so easily. Yet her spirit was dashed once she saw his eyes. Ferocious, they stared at her, and, like a prey before its predator, she froze.

Help…

Despite her primal fear holding her back from voicing her mind, her untold plea seemed to have been heard as the door was knocked.

"Is anyone there?"

Nothing short of a miracle. The fate had always and had just now shown her favor.

"Shit!"

Suck on that, fucker! she cursed him in her head, delighted to see him panic.

The predicament was basically over. She just had to struggle long enough for them to enter. But what's this? How's he so strong? How come she can't even budge him!?

"We will enter now, just so you know."

That rescue call came in too late. By the time they entered, the two were already hidden inside the locker. But what's the problem? She just had to make some noise, and, being inside the locker, the task was easy.

Well, well, well, before the girls entered, the shitbag reminded her in the locker, "Keep quiet, or I'll tell the whole school about who you truly are." Of course, that wasn't enough. After all, between a nobody like him and the Lady like her, it was obvious whose claim would hold more credibility. However, the trash just had to utter the magic words, "Your little rant is recorded so don't get funny ideas."

Inside the silenced locker, Serena shook in fear, and, just like her, Kazuma was scared shitless.

I've gone and done it now! I'm screwed! That fucking homo tricked me! She said no one would use this locker today!

In contrary to his mental claim, the said she, who's in one of the lockers herself, had no idea that it belonged to Serena. It couldn't be helped. She was too busy, setting up hidden cameras all around the school, and failed to catch on to the recent development that a certain overbearing, blue-haired woman claimed ownership of Serena's previous locker.

The latest smartphone she eyed for was as good as gone. But that didn't matter for now, for she had to pray with every ounce of her being that she wouldn't be caught like her crime syndicate.

"Let's hurry. They're almost done."

By 'done', she meant that the third and last piece Eris and co were performing was about to be done.

"Nah, why hurry when we're the last to be on the stage?"

That was true, but her opinion seemed to be an exception as the girls ignored her and undressed themselves.

To borrow the term often used by the raunchy fellow, the utopia was unfolding itself within the room. And the raunchy fellow, the soothsayer of utopia, threw away all her prayers and devoted her full attention to the scene before her.

What a pity. Unlike the lucky her, Kazuma couldn't even witness the utopia as his back was against the front filler. But he was too much in a panic to actually enjoy the show. So it didn't really matter.

"Relax, there's still one club after that padder is done."

Kazuma doubted what he just heard.

"Padder… I don't think you should call her that."

"Why? Did I lie?"

"You need to be more specific. Say, for example, Eris the flat-chested."

A boiling water splashed against Kazuma's heart. Or that's what he felt at least, even though he didn't deserve to.

"I still can't believe it. How can she act so smooth and confident while wearing those pads?"

"You got it wrong. It's precisely due to her pads that she's so confident."

"Haha! That's it!"

Kazuma sighed to calm himself. Why are there no rumors about Eris? Being the loosed mouths they are, they should've been spreading it left and right.

"Seriously, why is the Lady so stubborn? No need for all that fair and square when one bad rumor would do the job."

"Well, she wouldn't choose to cheat unlike some other Lady."

They broke into laughter, which didn't sit well with Kazuma.

*Creak*

Oh crap!

Kazuma paused his breath as the girls stopped chatting. He did all his best to cease all motion, despite his pounding heart. And, fortunately, the luck was on his side as the girls went back to chatting.

*Creak*

I didn't even move! Why… huh?

Sensing a cold touch on his hand that covered Serena's mouth, Kazuma turned to it, but he couldn't quite make anything out.

"Hic…"

When he heard her sob, however, Kazuma realized that the cold touch was her tear, and, before he even felt the slightest of guilt, he caught on to a particular touch. It was warm, also soft, and, most importantly, huge.

"Nn…!"

It clearly dawned on him, that he had stepped into a great peril, that he was truly a piece of trash.

Why am I groping her chest!? It's fucking grea- I mean why can't I stop it!?

Kazuma panicked as he failed to stop his very good hand. He wondered for a short second whether he actually wanted to put a stop to it, but he quickly dismissed the thought and blamed it all on the tea.

Sincerely, it's all Lara's fault.

"S-Someone should check that locker," said one of the girls, her voice trembling. "It's making noises!"

"Relax. Something must've fell."

"Oh… right."

Kazuma's heart beat real fast. He wondered whether it was due to him being almost found, or his newfound hobby to explore how far his fingers could sink into her enormous volume.

There had always been a dim light that passed through the small opening of the filler, which did little good for providing vision as it illuminated only the black hair of Serena. But, as she kept twitching in his constant fondling, her eyes managed to be on the other end of the light's entrance.

Kazuma froze, for he saw her in tears; how seamlessly it flowed on his hand, yet how her eyes blazed so fiercely. They seemed to say, You will pay dearly for this…!

Guilt stung his heart. He would have stopped there and then, and wrack his head to come up with a creative means to offer an excellent bow. However, that would only have happened if he were in his right mind, and he wasn't.

Hot mama!

His eyes were wild with lust, and his mouth wide open, wiggling its tongue toward her like a snake. And, of course, his hand already kicked it into high gear, driving up her valley mad max.

"Mmm!"

The fire in her eyes vanished, along with the burning desire for retribution. She realized deep in her gut that this man was no ordinary man. He was something more. Something sinister. Something she should never go up against!

"It's still making noises!"

"…Right."

"Can someone go check it please!? I'm really not good with ghosts!"

"Sigh, alright, I'll go open it. So calm down."

Crap!

An ounce of reason finally found its way into Kazuma's head. It brought a realization that he could've avoided it, an anger that he was so stupid, then panic that his life was about to kick his ass so hard.

Oh shit! Oh yeah! Oh fuck!

But… it still did little to calm his wild hand.

"Be careful!"

"Alright, here I go…"

The brave girl slowly grabbed the handle and…

*BAM*

The door shut open, though it was not the locker that housed their troubled Lady but that of the locker room itself. Too shocked by the abrupt noise, the brave girl turned to the door, leaving the locker alone.

Two figures stood by the wide open door. One notable feature was their bags of mask, which showed how stupid one of them was as it didn't conceal the long blue hair. And the other, the shorter one, was no better for not correcting the getup.

"Aqua?"

"What are you doing here?"

"Won't you please close the door!? Someone might see!"

The intruder with the long blue hair was at a loss. It's really weird. How did they come to such conclusion so quick?

"Ehem," the alleged Aqua cleared her throat, "you got the wrong girl, for I'm the unsightly Wiz, hence my mask, and not the amazingly beautiful Aqua."

'What?' was written on the face of all the girls present. They would have just up and denied her claim, only if they didn't hear bona fide Wiz's voice out of her mouth.

"Wow! Cool!"

"How did you imitate Wiz's voice so perfectly!?"

"Please close the door!"

Of course, nobody bought her poor attempt at lie.

"Huh?" Her voice was now of a higher pitch, likely her original voice. "I-I'm not… ehem, didn't I told you that I'm-"

"That's my voice!" cried the shorter intruder. "Don't use it! They might realize…" she trailed off, realizing her mistake.

An awkward air was between the two. They stared at each other for a short while then shrugged their shoulders.

"It doesn't matter," said the blue-haired intruder, impersonating Wiz again. "After all, none of you will be willing to speak what will happen in this room." She pointed a finger to the girls and said proudly, "Go, my minion."

"Why am I the minion!?" Despite what she said, she went toward the girls as she grumbled to herself.

"I know you. You're Yunyun's friend aren't-" she was cut in short as the intruder sprayed something to her face. Her face went sour. "That's rude."

The intruder paid no attention to her comment as she went on to spray each and everyone whether they wanted it or not.

"Stop…! Huh, it doesn't smell so bad."

"Is this some kind of prank? Anyway, I hate perfume so… Hey! I told you I hate it!"

"Spray me! Spray all you want! But please close the door!"

It didn't take long to spray them all, and, seeing how naive they were, the blue-haired intruder smirked. 1… 2… and 3.

""Urp…!""

In one congruous motion, all of them covered their mouths and bent their backs. Most of them were too weak to stand, but one girl, the brave girl, still had strength to not be on the floor.

"What the hell did you… urp!"

But she couldn't last long, and, as if in accord, they all opened their mouths.

""UWEEEEEEEEEEEK!""

Another beautiful symphony! A staggering piece that can last an age! The shorter intruder was so shocked that she ran out of the room, but her companion just stood there and watched the girls perform. Unfortunately for them, they couldn't see the wide smile they brought upon her mouth.

Ah, how wonderful. They got their comeuppance for taking what I deserve. Plus, I get to enjoy seeing them suffer what I had. Two rabbits with one carrot!

"Let's go. We have to get ready," urged the shorter intruder.

"Coming," said the other intruder, still with Wiz's voice. She turned around and took a step, but, before taking another, she turned her gaze toward a locker and tilted her head.

I think I heard something…

"Are we still going?"

She gave it one more look and said Wizly, "Wait, I'm coming." She began walking off.

*Creak*

"I knew it!" She dashed toward the locker in a heartbeat and pulled the handle. "You can't hide from… me…"

Her lively tone dropped down to oblivion. Nothing inside the frozen world could be colder than her eyes. Those eyes brought wintry wind into the locker, staring deeply at the meat being ravaged.

"MMMMMM!"

Serena was the first to react. She was glad that someone had finally come to save her, but she wouldn't feel so if she saw the bleak eyes under the bag.

"Nnn!"

Hearing her moan, the intruder set her void eyes toward the cheating boy's head, whose hand was devouring her breast like a beast. Perhaps her eyes pierced a hole in his head, because he flinched visibly then sweated profusely.

"Hey," said she, her voice as ghastly as that of a devil.

"EEK!" the boy squealed as his hand zealously wrestled against the ballista.

She cracked her knuckles as she said devil-Wizly, "Get out of that locker. Now."

The boy followed her command, his hand still drowning in her giant globe. Once he got out, he forced himself to face the intruder as sweat drenched his face. "I-I-I can e-expla-"

"God Blow!"

"KEK!"

Her wrath and sorrow pummeled straight into his face, slamming him to the ground. Despite getting knocked out, his hand seemed to have its own mind as it caressed the empty air like one would the most precious thing in the world.

Serena, finally free, collapsed to the floor. She cuddled herself, especially the breast, as she trembled. She then set her blurry gaze up to her savior, slowly taking the sight of her blue hair, and cried, "Thank you…! Thank you!" She clutched her savior as she wailed.

"Let go!" the intruder cried back with her original voice. "I still need to teach him a lesson! I still have so much punches left!"

"Thank you!" she cried some more, holding on to her for dear life. "Thank youuu!"

"I said let-"

*Spray*

""Ah-"" a dumb noise escaped both of their mouths as the shorter intruder sprayed Serena in the face.

"Let's go," said the assailant, not the least bit concerned, her tone sounding almost giddy.

After a short moment of silence, the blue-haired intruder grabbed Serena's arms and pulled them apart. "I think it's about time you lift your arms off me."

Serena grinned madly, resisting her pull. "Oh, no. That I wouldn't do. How could I let go of my benefactor empty handed? Just wait a moment, and I'll return a hundred fold."

"I don't need it!"

"Don't be shy! You just have to stand still and… urp!"

As Serena pursed her bubbling mouth, her arms went as frail as a jelly. The intruder didn't miss the opportunity and escaped.

"UweeeEEEK!"

The final note! The final piece to the astounding symphony! Truly! Even Beethoven would be astonished by the breathtaking piece! At least, it did for the two intruders, who were pinching their nose.

"I will not forg-! uweeEEEeeK! Curse you al-! UWEEEeeek!"

Serena wanted to say something, but leading the group seemed to take priority. Without troubling her any further, the two turned around and left the room, dragging the unconscious Kazuma with them. They then breathed their lungs full.

Ah, how refreshing, especially after all that stink!

The shorter intruder smiled. "That ended way better than I thought. So, what should we do about… what are you doing?" she asked as she wondered why the hell was her companion T-posing on top of Kazuma.

"Reasserting my dominance."

"Ok…? Anyway, what do we do about this… thing?" she said as she looked down at the wretched thing below her companion, whose hand still retained its sickening move.

"Hmm…," she pondered, palm on chin.

Should I continue beating him? How about tap dancing right here and now? Wait!

Her blue eyes beamed under her mask. "I've just found the best use for him!"

"What is it?"

She smiled wide under her mask. "Filling what every gang need!"

And she returned the smile under her mask. "Hostage!"

The blue-haired intruder got off the thing below her, making sure to put her weight on her heels in the process. As her heels dug into his flesh, the thing groaned rather painfully, which fell on deaf ears. They then went off their way, dragging away the thing with them.

Meanwhile…

""UWEEEEEEEEK!""

The locker room was still filled with their harmonious chord.

"UweeEEEEK!"

Lead by Serena's quirky note. With one last hike in her cadence, their performance came to an end. The room was silenced at last.

Once the dust had settled, a locker opened, revealing a girl inside. Her facewas as pale as a morning fog, the disbelief in her eyes as clear as the moon at night. She staggered, once she took a step out of the locker. She trudged through the fallen utopia but fell to her knees eventually. She was no Atlas. The weight of her torment was too much to shoulder. The truth revealed was growing too fast inside that she had to spill a dose.

"Eris… pads her chest…?"

Author's Note: Surprising that I'm not dead with corona, huh? But my passion for this work surely is. Sorry, folks. I realized something very important. You see, I received a criticism once that my work is more like a journal than story, and I have come to thoroughly understand that. And guess what, I want to write stories instead of journals. I'm not putting an end to this per se, but the next upload would be much much more unpredictable. It depends on whether I feel like shitposting again...

Anyhow, there's still one more chapter I uploaded together, just so you know.

Alphadelta-23: That plot with Megumin and Yunyun is not really covered in this chapter nor the next, but I planned it to return in a few chapters... which I'm not sure I will write. Anyway, glad that you liked the shitboy.

P.S. I changed the rating to M because of the scene with Serena. But no sexual intercourse will ever occur.