Chapter 88 - Down Time XXII
...
The next few days after my date with Wakamo went by pretty normally. Nothing wild happened at all, to my shock. I'm getting a 'calm before the storm' feeling.
That feeling was realized when I got a text from Noa, Yuuka's friend who I met back on our date. It's been a while since that, or maybe it just feels longer since it was before that mess with the Eden Treaty.
Hello, Sensei.
My name is Ushio Noa, I don't know if you remember me.
I do, we met when I went on that date with Yuuka.
That's right!
I felt it might be best to reintroduce myself before asking if you could use another pair of hands around Schale.
I've actually gotten a few extra members recently, but by all means, swing by if ya want.
It doesn't have to be for work either, my doors are always open.
That's sweet of you, Sensei.
Regardless, this is my first time doing this. Is there anything I should prepare beforehand?
Nah, just come by and figure it out as you go. Don't think of it as work and enjoy yourself.
Enjoy myself...?
Understood.
I'll be there soon.
...I hope I didn't give her the wrong idea. Fuck it, I'll deal with it if something stupid happens.
A bit later, while working on some stuff at my desk, a nice-sounding female voice calls out as the door opens. "Hello, Sensei."
Sure enough, it's the whitette from Millennium. "Nice to see ya again, Noa."
"You too." She smiles. "As I said before, I'm here to assist you for a while. I'm not familiar with how you do things here, so I may start off a bit slow."
I wave her off. "That's to be expected. You'll do fine." I smile.
Noa blinks, before letting out a soft giggle. "You're exactly like Yuuka said you were."
"How's that?" I ask, curious.
"Kind." The whitette smiles. "And understanding. Now I see why students are always so eager to help you."
I strangely find myself being bashful all of a sudden. Comments like those strike deep.
"In any case, what can I help you with?" She asks.
"Er, actually, I've got nothin' for ya." I say, a bit awkwardly. "All I've got it super easy stuff that needs my signature."
"Oh. Well this is a bit awkward." Noa admits. "I came here to help you, and I feel weird not doing anything..."
"Well, why don'tcha just... do what you usually do." I suggest.
"What I usually do?" Noa blinks. "Well, usually I do basic administrative tasks, or record Seminar meetings about..." She trails off. "Oh, I see. You want me to record things."
"I mean, if that's what you wanna do." I shrug.
Noa smiles, pulling out a small notebook. "Then, as an officially loaned secretary from Seminar, I shall commence recording the happenings of this office."
"It's gonna be boring." I warn.
Noa merely hums and sits down.
I go back to focusing on my work for a while. I end up glancing at Noa a couple of times, who's the quickly scribbling in her notebook. Every time I looked back, she was still going at it. And fast at that.
"What are you writing?" I ask, looking at her fully.
Noa merely smiles again. "See? This is why records are so important. We just talked about what I'd record, and you've already forgotten."
"I haven't forgotten." I deadpan. "What is there even to write? There's nothing worthwhile even happening."
"What makes an even worthwhile is up to an individual's judgement." She said explains. "It's a secretary's job to keep objective records of all the events, so that nothing is unfairly filtered by subjective biases."
I raise an eyebrow in curiosity.
She goes along with it. "For example..." She looks down at her book. "Nine-fifty six-thirty three - Joshua Sensei stretched during work and yawned for three-point-three seconds, rounded down."
I raise the other eyebrow, impressed. I remembered yawning a while ago.
"Nine-fifty nine-twelve - Joshua Sensei saw his cup was empty and refilled it from the coffee machine. It was Stellabucks Signature Blend." She reads off another entry.
She even noticed what kinda coffee I used? And yes, Stellabucks. There's even a knock-off one of those here.
"Ten-three-fifty six - Joshua Sensei noticed a bird landed right outside of the window. He glanced at the bird for fifteen seconds before returning to work." It was a pigeon.
"I'll admit, I'm impressed, but what's this even the point? It all seems kinda pointless." I ask.
"As I said before, it's not a secretary's job to judge the worth of the records." Noa reiterates. "These are records of your actions as seen by an empty mind. As seen by MY mind, however... It seems to be an incredibly ordinary daily routine, which might be valuable to someone who wants to understand you or your work." She then smiles, slyly. "...Maybe even valuable to be sold at a high price."
"I HIGHLY doubt that last bit." I deadpan. "So... So you're just gonna keep doing that?"
"Of course, I can't simply stop." She chides. "If I altered the records or the act of record-keeping itself, the neutrality of the accounts would be compromised. Ah. I almost forgot to record what you said a moment ago." She says, going right back to scribbling. "Ten-twelve-fifty five - Joshua Sensei asked Noa to stop recording."
"Really?" I deadpan, before groaning. "Do what you want." I wave as I turn back to my desk.
Noa titters. "Thank you for understanding. Okay, Sensei, please keep me out of mind and focus on your work. As I keep saying, I'm just a secretary making sure reality doesn't slip by us."
So, I went back to working.
"Hehehe... This is quite fun."
...while doing my best to ignore Noa's occasional comments that she muttered. Damn my super hearing.
After Noa left, I got a text from Pina.
Hello! I just wanted to say hello, Boss!
Long time, no see, Pina.
And you're still calling me Boss, huh?
Hehe, of course!
We talked for a bit more before agreeing to hang out over at Hyakkiyako. But right after, I got another from Saya.
Sensei, it's Saya! Can you come to my laboratory for a bit?
Sure, I've got stuff to do later though. What's the occasion?
We have a serious problem over here!
It's a very special problem that only you can solve!
I'll be waiting for you!
Huh?
Fuck it, I'll go see. First stop, Shanhaijing. Haven't been there in a while.
I found Saya's lab pretty quick. I went up and knocked on the door, just to be polite- and safe. But before my hand could touch the door-
"Ugh! I can't take this anymore!" Someone inside shouted.
"Save it, because I don't care anymore!" Another shouts. "We're not doing it! We're not your little guinea pigs!"
"That's right! You can count us out of your little experiments!" The first girl shouts.
...The hell is going on in there?
"Let's all just calm down... I just know this next one will be successful." Saya worriedly says.
"That's what you always say!" The first girl shouts.
"I used that 'impenetrable elixir' you said is resistant to every poison in the world, and now I have toad's skin!" The second shouts. Toad skin?
"And I used your 'indestructible elixir' you said will let me stop a sword with my bare hands. Look at me! My skin may as well be made of stone!" The first shouts. An elixir that turns someone into The Thing?
"That just means it worked!" Saya argues. "I said you'd be able to stop a sword with your bare hands and now you can." Who even uses swords around here?
"You never said anything about looking like a monster!" The first shouts.
"You tell her! We're done taking your medicine, you quack!" The second adds.
"W-Wait a minute! I have this immortality elixir-" Saya tries, but the door swings open and two, pissed off and strange looking girls storm past me. "Dang... got away." The mouse girl bemoans.
I walk inside, finding a true lab, filled with various beakers and substances. "Havin' trouble, huh?" I say, unamused.
Saya immediately smiles. "Sensei! There you are. I've been waiting for you."
My eye catches Nezusuke sat on the table, frantically motioning for me to run.
I raise an eyebrow. "After that, I feel my fight-or-flight instincts kicking in."
"Wait! Don't just run off!" Saya frantically says. "The elixirs my assistants were talking about?" She scoffs. "Fear not. The elixir I made this time is totally different from the others. It'll work for sure!"
I notice Nezusuke facepalming.
Saya continues. "Are you ready to test it out, Sensei?"
I roll my eyes, before flicking Saya in the forehead.
"Ow!"
"Next time, give me a heads up if you want me to test random stuff, Saya." I chide. "But fine."
The mouse girl gives a great big smile. "Great!" She says, before running over to her tables.
"So, what's this for anyway?" I ask.
"This elixir is for restoring youth, so trying it on students won't do. They're already youthful! I need an adult to use as the control group." She explains.
"Saya, I'm twenty-four." I deadpan. "I'm barely older than the students in this city."
She waves me off. "Eh, it'll be fine."
I look around while she gets the thing.
"I'd recommend not touching the samples over there. They're still alive." Saya warns.
"The fuck do you even do here?" I ask, pulling away from the 'live' samples.
"Weren't you listening? My immortality elixir, obviously." She says like I'm dumb. "Of course, I've chanced upon some other elixirs along the way, but the ultimate goal of the Eastern Alchemy Society is to develop an elixir that grants immortality." She says with a laugh.
Right, China and the whole Golden Core thing. I thought I could get away from Xianxia novels, but no, they're near-real here. Kivotos does have angels and demons and stuff.
"So what're y'all gonna use this elixir for?" I ask, crossing my arms.
"Isn't it obvious? If I never grow old, I can be a student forever and do all sorts of research." Saya explains.
"And...?" I ask, unimpressed. Eternal school sounds like hell to me.
"And people will respect me and praise me and adore me." She adds.
"...and?" I press.
"Um... and..." She stutters, before getting annoyed. "You're so annoying! Can't you just sit quietly and listen to me?"
I merely raise my arms in surrender.
Saya then comes over and hands me a sketchy flask. "In your hands is my latest sample of our immortality elixir. I bet you feel younger just looking at it."
"I feel like I'm gonna need my stomach pumped." I deadpan.
Saya pouts. "What, are you doubting me? I would never lie to you! One swig and you'll feel the vitality pumping through you like you did when you were still a student!"
"Again, I'm only twenty-four... but fine." I sigh, before downing the solution. It has the consistency of cold syrup. I smack my lips together a few times.
"So? How is it? Feeling any younger?" The alchemist asks.
"I feel less tired." I shrug. "I coulda just drank some coffee."
Saya hums. "Back to the drawing board, I guess."
She was disappointed, but happy I drank the thing. I bid her farewell, but not before giving Nezusuke a small fist bump.
Shanhaijing was fairly busy this time of day, lots of people going here and there- students and adults alike. Though I was certainly surprised when a small group of people approached, walking down the street as one.
Why's it strange? Because everyone seemed to be doing everything they could to AVOID the small group. A celebrity, perhaps? Mafia? Does Kivotos have mafia?
Moving a bit closer, I notice that, yeah, they kinda look like mafia. The girls in the center look like typical mafia, complete with striped, dark grey suits and sunglasses. They look more like Secret Service than anything, honestly.
The girl leading the group has pale green hair tied in a part braid, part ponytail in the back. Her bangs hide one of her red eyes. She wears a white dress shirt and tight pants that come up to under her chest. She also wears a long coat over her shoulders. Her halo is two rings, the inner one being an misshapen ring. She also carries a briefcase.
It totally looks like a secret service group, but where's the 'president'? They're in a circle, but there's no one-
"Hold."
Never mind, a refined voice speaks up from within the circle as they all stop. The lead girl turns back towards the circle curiously. Everyone in the crowd take a a few steps back. Looking around, I feel out of place and take a step back as well.
"You do not have to do that, Joshua Sensei." The refined voice speaks again, surprising me. Mentally shrugging, I take a step forward, noticing everyone moving away from me as they continue with their day.
The greenette nods, prompting the other girls to move toward me. What the hell are they doing? Their circle opens, revealing... someone small. A girl just slightly taller than Hina.
She has grey eyes- staring at me in such a way that one might think she's not showing any emotions-, black hair done in two buns on either side that also have a long strand of hair coming from both and ending at the waist- one of them is decorated with a butterfly hair clip. She wears a black cheongsam decorated with a golden dragon- it is sleeveless and is rather short, while also being cut high, revealing much of her legs and her hips. She has on black high heels and a grey striped suit coat- worn loose and revealing one shoulder- and black gloves. Her halo is silver and resembles a crescent moon. She has no gun, but one of her goons is carrying a briefcase, which may contain it.
I blink in confusion at this turn of events, which causes the small girl to crack a small smile.
"Forgive me for the sudden interruption, but I wished to greet you when I saw you nearby." She says in a dignified manner. "I am Ryuuge Kisaki, the head of the Xuanlong Office. Though, in simpler terms, it is the Student Council of Shanhaijing."
I blink once again. "Well, I didn't expect to run into the President today." I say with a chuckle.
"Indeed. I wished to talk to you in a formal meeting, but saw the opportunity to do so now." Kisaki explains. "I hope I am not interrupting any plans, Sensei."
"Well, I'm goin' by Hyakkiyako later, but I've got time to talk, Kisaki." I reassure her.
Her face doesn't change, but I can see the appreciation in her eyes. "Thank you for saying that, but I merely wished to introduce myself. We can speak at length another time, I merely wished to say hello."
"That's fine. I'd like to speak with ya sometime." I smile.
Kisaki's faint smile widens almost unnoticeably, before she pauses. "Ah, I should mention- if you ever wish to get directly in contact with me, you should talk to my bodyguard, Konoe Mina." She says, gesturing to the greenette that was leading her little convoy.
"Nice to meet you, Sensei." Mina nods.
"You too, Mina." I say, which makes her smile.
"Then this is farewell for now, Sensei. If you ever have any... problems in Shanhaijing, give the Xuanlong Office a call- we'll settle it." Kisaki offers.
"That's appreciated, but I can handle my own problems." I say, raising a hand. "Still, it's nice of you to offer."
Kisaki blinks at my dismissal, before resigning herself to smiling slightly. "Then we will be off. Have a pleasant day, Sensei."
"You too, Kisaki. And you, Mina." I say.
"See ya, Sensei." Mina smiles as the girls surround Kisaki again, before they march back down the street.
"Well, that was a nice surprise." I say to myself with a chuckle as I continue to go towards Hyakkiyako. Honestly, what a surprise.
After reaching our meeting spot, I managed to spot Pina's blonde hair and vibrantly red kimono from a distance.
"Oh, Sensei- Er, I mean, Boss!" Pina happily greets upon seeing me approach. "Wait. What pose was I supposed to strike again? Hold on..." I raise an eyebrow at her. "You stand up straight like this... Hand on the knee, back slightly bent." The fuck is this? Soon, Pina is posing strangely. "All done, Boss! What are your orders?"
"To drop that weird pose." I deadpan.
"Why? Does it... look weird?" She asks, a bit sadly.
"A bit, yes." I smirk.
"But I did it exactly like in Life of a Mafia Cat..." She bemoans, correcting her posture.
I just chuckle. "That a movie?"
Pina giggles. "I knew you'd ask that." She says, before pulling out a DVD case. "Then, what about this? Ta-da!"
I read it off curiously. "A mobster movie on Blu-ray?"
"Have you seen it?! Isn't it a masterpiece?!" She asks, excitedly.
"Can't say I have, sorry." I say.
She pouts a bit, but doesn't lose her smile. "That's too bad. Still, the way the main character talks is just so..."
I chuckle. "Y'know, I actually ran into some mobsters earlier."
"What?! Really?!" Pina shouts, excitedly.
"Yup. I was over at Shanhaijing and ended up running into their President." I explain. "She had bodyguards all dressed in suits, wearing sunglasses, and everything."
"Really? Aw, I'm so jealous!" Pina gushes, before she smacks her cheeks. "Enough of that! We have a lot of business to get to."
"Oh?" I ask, curious.
"Yup. Welcome to the Festival Operations Gang, Boss!" The blonde chirps.
"Why're you callin' me Boss, anyway?" I ask.
"Eh? Do you not want me to call you Boss?" She pouts.
"Eh, go ahead." I shrug. "But still, what's with the mobster thing?"
"I-I'm just trying to earn real cred as a mobster!" She argues. "That's why... I... ugh..." She stammers, before sighing to calm herself. "Well, I guess you got me. I admit, I'm trying to imitate the movie. I still need a lot of practice though."
"And why're you doing that?" I ask.
"Huh? Isn't it obvious?" She asks, taken aback. "Because I wanna be a real-life gangster! Mobs are the coolest!"
"You... wanna be a mobster?" I ask yet another question.
"Yes! I've been watching mobster movies day and night, and couldn't even get a wink of sleep!" Pina proudly declares. "Hyakkiyako has a real mobster movie vibe to it, don't you think?"
"I guess." I smile. Shanhaijing had that vibe more than here.
"Mobster movies have loyalty among organizations, fights against destiny, tragedy, and sacrifice!" She continues. "They're so romantic and the absolute best! I live for that kind of stuff! You understand, don't you? You would get it, Sensei."
"Not really, but to each their own." I say, simply. "Still, you're missing an important thing- mobs are different in reality than in movies."
"What do you mean?" She asks. "Don't they help others in the name of righteousness...? Oh!" She says, something catching her attention. "There's an old lady carrying something heavy by herself!" She then dashes over and helps the old cat lady.
Pina then dashes back. "I'm back! I couldn't just stand there and not help her." Then she rushes off again. "Do you hear that crying baby? Someone needs to soothe them!"
"I'm back again..." She comes back. "That student looks like she needs directions." Then runs off again.
This process repeated until Pina simply bid me farewell, apologizing for the inconvenience.
What a girl.
As I walked through Hyakkiyako thinking about what to do next, I got a text from Mimori.
Sensei, I know this is sudden, but I'd like your help with something.
That's fine, I'm in the area. What do you need help with?
Home cooking.
Oh?
Yes, is that okay? I'd like your help with it.
I'd be glad to.
Really? I'll be counting on you!
I met with Mimori at a dining hall in Hyakkiyako.
"Yo." I greet, entering the large room.
"Ah, Sensei!" The pinkette chirps. "I've rented the dining hall for today!"
"I hope that wasn't a problem. You coulda just come over to Schale." I reason.
"Perhaps." Mimori says. "But it's fine. I wanted the opportunity to practice cooking- a must for a proper lady. Home cooking, to be precise."
"Well, I've certainly got lots of cooking practice." I say. "What're you wantin' to make?"
"I'd like to begin with the most essential of home-cooked foods." She explains. "Meat and potato stew!"
"That's a good choice." I smile.
She smiles. "I'd like to cook like a proper lady. I believe a proper lady's cooking should be elegant and effortless. The ingredients are simple, and the process is straightforward. So after much deliberation, I thought it the best avenue for practice propriety."
"Fair enough." I nod.
"Sensei, do you like meat and potato stew?" The pinkette asks.
"I like most anything, so long as it's somewhat tasty. I stopped being picky about stuff a long time ago." I explain. I kinda had to scavenge a lot over the past five years. "Though I'm sure I'll like whatever you cook."
She blushes hard. "I-Is that so? You're so encouraging... Okay! I'm fully motivated now!" She smiles brightly. "I'll put in all my effort!"
I smirk teasingly. "Didn't you say cooking should be effortless?"
She just ignores my question. "You can count on me!"
"Sure, sure." I smile, her happiness almost infectious.
Thus, we got to work cooking. I took things slow and casual, whereas Mimori seemed to be meticulous about everything.
"You don't hafta to be that precise, Mimori." I say, a touch worried. "Cooking should be relaxing, not stressful."
"Nonsense. It should be exactly like the recipe." She waves me off, her sight still laser focused on measuring the meat on the scale.
"You gonna count the exact amount of atoms in it next?" I deadpan.
"Sensei, please!" She snaps, politely. "I must meet your expectations. A proper lady would never disappoint. I'd like for you to see how far I've come in my training. I promise to be perfect!"
"Perfection is an impossibility, Mimori. Just do what you can. With cooking, you don't need to be ABSOLUTELY perfect." I chide.
She give me a stink eye.
I roll my eyes. "Fine, fine. Do what you want."
A bit later, Mimori drops a bunch of stuff on the counter.
"I'm ready, Sensei! I have soy sauce, cooking wine, sugar, and water- Everything the recipe calls for." She proudly says. "I'll get started."
And so she does.
"I'll put all the seasonings I've measured here... Place all the meat, onions, and carrots in a pot... And boil on low heat!" She says, listing what she's doing from memory.
It soon begins to bubble.
"When the broth boils like this, the onions should start becoming transparent." The pinkette recites. "I must... lower the heat... put the lid on, and simmer for twenty minutes. When the onions are completely transparent, add the potatoes and boil for another twenty minutes."
"Well, you've certainly got it down." I say. She preens under my praise.
About forty minutes later...
"It's finished, Sensei! I've put my whole heart into this meat and potato stew!" Mimori proudly says. "Will you try it?"
I raise an eyebrow. "You need to ask?"
She places some into a bowl, sitting it down in front of me. She gulps nervously as I put some into my mouth. I then swallow.
"D-Do you like it?" She asks.
"It tastes like a handful of salt." I say.
"It couldn't possibly...!" She argues. "B-But I followed the recipe exactly!"
"Taste it, then." I challenge.
Determined, Mimori takes a bite of the stew. "H-How can this be?! It really IS too salty!"
"It needed sugar, yeah? You sure you got that and not salt?" I guess.
"Oh!" She blinks, looking at the sugar container, and sure enough... "What an awful mistake. I-I'm so sorry, Sensei! I was careless! What... What do I do?! I told you I would make you a wonderful, home-cooked meal! I said I wouldn't let down your high expectations of me..."
"I hold no high expectations of anyone." I correct sternly, causing her to blink. "I'm simply confident anyone can do anything so long as they set their hearts to it. You messed up, so what? There's nothin' stopping you from improving. Wasn't that why you asked me here? To help you improve your cooking?"
"Y-Yes, that's true." Mimori says.
"Then you should've expected to make some mistakes- there's nothing wrong with that." I say. "Even proper ladies have to learn from them. Don't take one failure so hard, use it as a lesson."
"I... You're right. Thank you for being so kind, Sensei." The pinkette smiles, a blush on her face. "Okay. A proper lady would take her mistakes in stride. Being flustered won't solve anything. Like you said, there's something I can learn from this. Let me think... Oh! I believe I have just the thing!"
"Oh?" I ask, curious.
"Just one moment, Sensei." She says, rushing back into the kitchen with the pot. A few minutes later, she comes back with the pot, only it's filled with...
"Curry?" I blink in surprise.
"There was curry powder in the cupboard." Mimori explains. "Meat and potato stew isn't so different from curry. I thought that I could add in the curry, and offset the saltiness."
"Well, let's see it." I say, surprising her. Was she that worried? Regardless, after taking a bite and swallowing. "Hmm. This is pretty good."
"R-Really?" Her blue eyes blink.
"Yeah, you really turned it around. Good job." I smile.
"I-I'm so relieved..." Mimori sighs, before smiling and giggling.
"What's got ya laughin'?" I ask.
"Curry is a very common home-cooked meal." She says. "Things didn't go exactly according to plan, but I still got the desired result in the end. I'm just happy things worked out. And it was thanks to your encouragement."
"Oh, no. That was all you." I argue. "I wouldn'ta thought of using curry powder like you did."
Her smile brightens considerably.
We ate most of the curry, but I brought the rest back home for Arona, who greedily gobbled it down. Damn gluttonous AI.
After we ate, I got a few texts, one from Pina.
Sorry about earlier, Boss.
Nah, it's fine. Don't apologize for helping people
Hehe, thanks. I promise I won't run off next time we hang out.
Earnest girl. I smile at her kindness, before it strains upon seeing the other sender.
Nagisa?
Opening it, I find a few, short messages from her.
Sensei, I-
Would you-
I'm-
I-
Dammit-
Might you be-
Why can't-
Would... no-
She accidentally sent quite a few of them. Seems she's serious about this, huh?
Long time no see, Sensei.
I hope this message finds you well.
Yeah, it's been a while, Nagisa.
I'm contacting you this evening for a reason.
I would like to discuss an important matter with you.
Perhaps we could enjoy tea and a meal while we speak?
Sure. When?
Tomorrow, after lunch if possible.
That's fine with me.
Then I will be waiting. Until then, Sensei.
Later, Nagisa.
She's gonna apologize, huh? She said sorry to the Make-Up Work Club, but not me. I guess she was too afraid or somethin'.
Oh well, I guess I'll be running by Trinity tomorrow.
The next morning, I was treated to more texts.
First, Azusa's.
Squirrel. Please respond, Squirrel. This is Chipmunk.
I'll be visiting Squirrel very soon. Is Squirrel in the cave?
What happened to me being Duck?
...
Sensei- I mean, Squirrel.
It's code. We're speaking in code. Code is meaningless if you don't change it up every day.
Without telling me ahead of time?
...
I've confirmed that you're in place. I'll be there in 15 minutes.
I'll disclose the details in person.
Penguin.
...
Correction. Squirrel.
Jesus Christ, Azusa... I hope Hifumi's is less vapid.
Sensei, I heard that the arcade next to the station has a new Momo Friends plush in the claw machine!
Oh? What kind?
I don't know!
Ohh, I can't wait!
If you're that curious, why don't we go check it out at lunch?
Really? Are you sure that's okay?
I got something to do in the area this afternoon anyway.
Plus, Azusa's coming over here in a bit. I'll see if she wants to come with.
She definitely will!
I'll be waiting there at lunch, Sensei!
I don't hold back my chuckle. Such a sweet girl. I guess I'll wait for Azusa.
Sure enough, Azusa knocked on my office door exactly fifteen minutes after her last text.
"It's open." I shout, prompting a... very unhappy looking Azusa to enter. She sighs as well. "What's got ya down?"
"I was hoping you wouldn't be so predictable when it comes to your dwelling, but I expected it nonetheless." The silverette says.
"Whaddya mean?" I ask.
"It only took me six minutes and nineteen seconds to arrive at this building and stand in front of you." Azusa explains. "I didn't encounter a single obstacle on the way. There are no security devices in the elevator, and the door to your office was unlocked. What if it wasn't actually me coming to visit but a dangerous individual disguised as me?"
"Then I guess they aren't interested in going with Hifumi and I to see a new Momo Friends plushie." I say.
"What?! A new plushie?!" Azusa squeals, before pausing as she notices her mistake. I smirk at her knowingly. "R-Regardless, you're too careless, Sensei. You don't have any safety measures at all."
"Not true. I have Arona and I'm certainly not a pushover." I point out.
"I suppose... but that's fine. That's why I'm here." Azusa says.
"No booby trapping my office, or the rest of the building for that matter." I deadpan.
"Why?" Azusa deadpans back.
"This is an open space for students." I remind. "I can't bar students from coming in."
"That's... Hmm..." She hums, upset a bit.
"If you're so serious, then what about setting up a safehouse?" I suggest.
"Safehouse?" She echoes.
I then led Azusa to the Schale lounge.
"What's this...?" She asks.
"A lounge." I say.
"I see. It is a place to rest, you stock all of your daily necessities here, and the climate is controlled to a comfortable temperature." She realizes, referring to the mini-fridge and the air conditioning. "Setting up a security facility in here might be a good idea."
"Maybe hold off on that." I quickly say. "We can do it after I get done workin'."
"But I can do it by myself. Don't you trust me?" She asks.
"Azusa..." I say, warningly.
"Fine, fine." She sighs. "If you insist, then I'll wait for you here. We can get started as soon as you get back."
Azusa then plops down on the sofa, allowing me to get back to my office and finish up work. I came back a few hours later, just before lunch, to find an adorable sight...
Azusa is sound asleep in the massage chair, a pleased expression on her pristine face. She looks kinda like a doll.
Fuck, I almost don't want to wake her up. I shake her shoulder, causing her to furrow her brow and mumble. She then smiles again and giggles. Is she dreaming? I shake her again, causing her pretty pink eyes to blink open. Upon noticing it's me, she gasps and leaps to her feet.
"S-Sensei?!" She all but shouts.
"Had a good nap?" I ask, smiling.
"I... Um..." She stammers, her face a bit red. "I-I can explain. So..."
I just chuckle. "Anything happen while I was gone?"
"Um, well, no... Nothing in particular..." Azusa shyly admits.
"You looked like you were havin' a pretty good dream, though." I say, causing her to still.
"Sensei." She says, a bit upset with narrowed eyes. "Did you make me wait here on purpose? Just so I could experience a relaxing atmosphere?"
"You're too damned tense, Azusa." I chide. "Schale's security is already top-notch, from what Arona tells me. You don't have to be on-guard twenty-four seven, not anymore." She looks away from me at the reminder. "I've been in that same position- always looking over your shoulder. You don't have to do that anymore. Relax! Enjoy life!" I say, holding my arms out.
Azusa blushes, looking away from me still. "Y-You're being careless again..." She says, before sighing. "But I understand. I've already made up my mind to try and adapt to life here. You have a point, I'll try to be more relaxed."
I smile. "Good. I'll keep doin' what I can to help you adjust."
Azusa blinks, before she smiles, letting out a soft giggle. "You're right. Perhaps what I need right now isn't just a teacher. Then, I look forward to everything you have to tell me."
"Don't let that stop you from experiencing things." I remind. "I can only tell ya about this side of the world, YOU have to see it for yourself."
She blinks, nodding in affirmation.
"I wasn't kidding earlier about meeting up with Hifumi. You wanna come with?" I ask.
"Yes." She smiles again.
A bit later, Azusa and I arrived at an arcade.
"This is an arcade?" Azusa asks, awestruck by the many lights and games.
"Yup." I nod.
"Sensei, Azusa, this way! Here!" Hifumi's voice calls out to us. The two of us walk over to the blonde and-
"Is that a giant Peroro plush?!" Azusa squeals, all but slamming her face against the claw machine's glass. "Who would dare to trap such a creature in a box like this?!"
Hifumi awkwardly chuckles.
"It's a claw machine." I explain. "You put money in, operate the claw, and try to get it to pick one of what's inside up and bring it to the drop-off." I say, leaving out how these damned things are rigged.
"Hmm... I think this came from last year's Peroro festival." Hifumi muses. "These are hard to come by even secondhand. What's one doing here?"
"All the more reason for us to rescue him!" Azusa declares.
Hifumi giggles.
"Might as well." I shrug.
"Then let's do this!" Hifumi declares.
Thus, the girls took turns trying to get the big Peroro.
"Oh! Just a little more... A little more!" Hifumi pleads as she leans forward. "Ugh... I couldn't do it." She says, her shoulders slumping. "But I'm not going to give up!"
Azusa nods. "You can do it, Hifumi."
"Haa!" The blonde yells. And... "Gah! Not again!"
"It's fine. You can try again." Azusa says.
"I'm broke, Azusa." Hifumi admits.
"...Ah. I am too." The silverette blinks.
"Maybe this is the end of the road for me and Peroro..." The blonde pouts.
"Y'all still haven't let me go yet." I point out.
"Huh...?" Hifumi blinks. "You want to take a shot at Peroro too, Sensei?"
Hifumi and Azusa move to the side to allow me to play. I slide a coin in and begin to move the arm.
""...!"" The girls gasps when it picks up the bird plush. Then, it falls into the depository.
"You did it, Sensei! He's all ours now!" Hifumi cheers, taking out the big plushie and giving it a big hug.
"It's so... big... So... fluffy..." Azusa says, almost in a trance.
"Do you want to hold him?" The blonde asks, earning rapid fire nods from her friend. Azusa gingerly takes the plushie into her arms, before hugging it tightly, a bright smile on her face.
"You are adorable, Azusa." I smirk, causing her to freeze and look away. "Welp, I hope ya enjoy it."
"Huh? Are you... letting us have him?" Hifumi asks.
"Don't see why not." I shrug. "You two clearly want him more than I. Besides, he's better off in the hands of someone who understands his value."
"That's... very mature." Hifumi says slowly. "Giving something away to honor its true value. Thank you, Sensei. I'll never forget what you've taught me today!" She chirps.
We parted ways soon after, Hifumi having to break Azusa out of her Peroro-induced trance.
Now, I've got a meeting to go to.
AN
Kisaki has barely had any screen time in Global and I don't speak Japanese, so I don't have any references for her. I really hope I didn't fuck up writing her. I bet it surprised y'all, huh?
What did you all think of this chapter? Share your thoughts!
I hope you enjoyed this chapter and look forward to the next!