Whatever was inside the spinning castle it was something that Kida was in dire need of. To change his world and turn back time. Dreams of grand achievements left him indifferent as something that spoiled anything it came into contact and what he wanted seemed a first hand mundane and yet it might be as unreachable as spinning castles in the sky: peace of heart.
From a balcony Aoba smiled wickedly as the duels unfolded. A tie was as good as a loss. As for the newest duelist, this Kida, Aoba knew him to be a very close friend of Mikado's. So many strings to pull, so little time. Aoba was looking forward to the next Student Council meeting.
That night Shizuo realized how comfortable he was in the domestic environment created by living together with Izaya. As they prepared to go to bed he almost asked for Izaya's company but caught himself in time. As much as he wanted to sleep with Izaya by his side, it would make Shizuo feel exceedingly awkward, which was bad, and probably leave Izaya completely indifferent, which was worse.
"Izaya, what are you doing? Homework?"
"Yes, Shizuo-sama."
Izaya's neck arched beautifully as he bent over the notebook. The subdued lampshades made him very soft in almost palpable light.
"That's rare. You usually have it all done way before it's due."
"I am done. I had forgotten to add mistakes."
"Add mistakes…?"
"Yes. I would get a perfect score otherwise. And that would make people hate me."
Shizuo jumped to his feet.
"No way! Are you serious? That can't be. Don't add any mistakes. I mean it."
"Yes, Shizuo-sama. Shall we sleep now?"
"Yeah. Before it gets late."
Shizuo lied in bed, his eyes fastened above. Very much aware that Izaya was so close and yet unreachable.
"Say, is it true what Erika said? That your family runs this place."
"Yes. My family owns Orihara Academy."
"I see. Somehow, I never made the connection."
And that because Shizuo could not imagine Izaya having a family. Izaya seemed too disconnected, too detached, a lone rose blooming without any relation to anything else. And to Shizuo he was a rose weaned of thorns and unprotected. A few moments of silence as Shizuo ruminated a mystery.
"Do you have any family, Shizuo-sama?"
"Who, me? No, not anymore. My parents died when I was very little. I don't even remember them."
"That must have been very painful."
"I guess but I can't go on moping. Know what I mean?"
"Yes, Shizuo-sama."
Shizuo wanted to ask about Izaya's family but a family that allowed a member to be used as a prize for some weird agenda was not worth enquiring about. But he could not help trying to picture Izaya's parents or siblings.
"Goodnight, it's getting late."
"Goodnight, Shizuo-sama. Do sleep well."
Shizuo was fast asleep as Izaya silently glided out of the dorms and treaded equally without a sound to the greenhouse. His glasses flashed briefly in the cold moonlight. He let himself in with a key and took a deep breath of flowery air. Plants were interesting in their relation to humans: in the day they released oxygen but when darkness descended they expelled something like poison. Izaya took an elevator down. There were more roses that needed tending.
"I'm back."
"Welcome, Psyche."
More doors closing behind him.
"Wow, full score! Izaya, it's amazing!"
Shizuo looked rather silly, his eyes very round as he stared at the 100% on the test.
"Megane characters are always smart! It never fails!"
Erika nodded in her wisdom.
"I knew you were smart, you'll have to tutor me now."
Izaya tilted his head very slightly.
"Tutor you, Shizuo-sama?"
"Please? I never did much studying before, my other school was a bit…bad. And this place is demanding. I'm afraid I'll fail and be kicked out."
Here was a divergence. Never had the Engaged asked for such a thing. And not in the shape of an order either.
"I will be glad to tutor you, Shizuo-sama, if you see me fit-"
"Alright! Thanks a bunch."
Shizuo grabbed Izaya's hands and let them go rather awkwardly. Kadota joined them and extended his hand at Izaya who shook it after a heartbeat of hesitation.