Chapter 2

"Senpai,you need to get in shape"Ruiko said in jest to the spiky haired boy who was panting like he had run the marathon.

"It wasn't my fault some thugs chased me around for hours.

This Kamijou has such misfortune!"he lamented.

"That's what you get for trying to play the hero again."Ruiko replied.

She knew he had good intentions but he needed to be careful around people,especially when he had his bad luck.

Touma got out of his self pity and turned to her.

"By the way,what are you doing out alone late at night.

It's safe for a girl at time like this."

Touma only said that out of concern but it still managed to annoy her.

"My being a Level 0 doesn't make me helpless"she deadpaned.

"I didn't mean it like that"he put his hands up defensively.

They continued walking and after much resistance let him carry one of the shopping bags she was holding.

After some distance he tried having a conversation again.

"So everything is fine in your school?"

Saten just shrugged in response.

"It's alright.

I'm done with trying increase my level.

It would be a pain to move back home as a failure."

Touma disliked her deappreciating herself and spoke up.

"Saten,I thought you wouldn't let it get to you.

We're both level 0 and on the same boat."

She sensed he was about to give him another lecture so she cut him off.

"At least your power actually works"she said,barely containing her anger.

She sighed,calming herself down.

"Sorry,I get what you're saying.

I considered leaving this city before you convinced me otherwise.

But sometimes I feel like I'm wasting my time here and try living among normal people."

Touma thought about what she said and was going to reply before she said.

"Look,my dorm is over there.

Nice talking to you again Touma senpai"

She took her bag from his hands and walked on.

He wanted to say something but he just smiled and waved and went on his own way.

Ruiko had shower and dinner and chilled out while listening to some alternative rock,one of the few things which calm her.

But this got interrupted her she had a phone call.

She tsked but took the call.

"Hey Uiharu,you...huh?Tokiwadai dorms."

She listened to what she said and figured out what she wanted.

"Why did you agree to Kuroko's invitation to come over to their room.

I guess I'll have to come along then."

Ruiko resisted urge to facepalm over her friend's obsession with rich and elite girls types and had to back her up when she got cold feet.

"Fine,mail me the time and address and I'll be there."

The voice at the other end sounded like she was about to cry in gratitude but she ended her call.

She massaged at her friend's childishness and wide-eyed image of the elites but sighed and accepted what she was getting into.

She was her first and only friend after all.