DISCLAIMER, JJK does not belong to me, all rights go to Gege Akutami
She picks up the glass of plain water and takes a long sip.
Olga cleared her throat before beginning. "But Yuji, please refrain from talking about work outside of work. Keep in mind we're in a public space,"
Yuji's cheeks flushed a deep red at Olga's reminder. It totally slipped his mind that there were others that could listen in on their conversation.
"Idiot," Nobara and Megumi said in unison to Yuji who was embarrassed about his unintelligent question.
"Children," Olga clacked her glass of water down onto the table, effectively silencing them. "Yuji's just being curious. There's no harm in that," Her tone was calm and sagely.
Perhaps, this was a good way to promote team bonding for these youths.
"Then Olga-san, why does Gojo-sensei call you sister Olga if you're not a nun?" Yuji inquired again, trying to redeem himself from his previous blunder.
"Hmm, I suspected he wanted to get under my skin, and that its because I'm considered a religious woman. But, I honestly don't care how you address me."
To the teenagers, they were astounded by Olga's patience.
Or was it apathy?
Satoru was a playful and chaotic man. From what they've seen and heard, his treatment of others was no different; he taunts them all the same simply because he can. But Olga never seemed to get agitated by him. She wasn't like the rest who tolerated his playful demeanor only to get annoyed along the way because of it.
She just accepted it as it was, moved on, never really caring about what he said.
It as if she viewed him insignificantly.
This caused a slight shiver up Satoru's spine.
"Then sister Olga~, I've got one for you, you seem quite mature. So how old are you?" A question that was taboo was tossed into the fray.
The first-year students were stunt by their teacher's audacity.
Nevertheless, Olga answered without hesitation. "I am 30-years-old this year,"
She never really understood what made it such an insensitive question in the first place. Although she does have an understanding that it was one of the question one should never really ask woman about.
Whereas, the group was taken aback by Olga's straightforward response. They had expected her to avoid the question or give a vague answer, but she didn't seem bothered about revealing her age.
Satoru leaned back in his chair, a mischievous glint in his eyes. " Well, well, it seems I'm in the presence of an older woman who's three years my senior,"
Instead of acknowledging Satoru's comment, Olga takes another sip of water, unfazed by his attempt at humour. The rest of the group exchange glances, feeling a mix of curiosity and admiration for Olga's composure.
Nobara, known for her honest personality, couldn't help but speak her mind. "Olga-san, how do you stay so calm around Gojo-sensei? He can be pretty annoying."
"Hey!"
"I don't want to be presumptuous because I only met Satoru yesterday. But I honestly don't bother with him. When you ignore him long enough, you forget his even there." Olga's response was truthful and elicited a surprised chuckle from Megumi, who had always struggled to deal with Satoru's antics.
"I wish I could do that too. But Gojo-sensei is just too loud and flashy, it's impossible to ignore him," Megumi said, half-jokingly.
"It's simply a matter of discipline. Megumi, if you keep working on it, you won't even hear his voice in your head anymore when he speaks to you." She advises him pointedly.
Megumi nodded his head at Olga's advise, taking in her words with genuine interest.
Satoru felt hurt by his students' apparent animosity towards him. He turned away dramatically and sighed, "Sheesh, you guys really have something against me. If that's how you feel about your amazing sensei, then I won't pay for the meal at all,"
At that, Olga responded. "So be it. I'll just have to pay for this entire meal on behalf of you."
"Really?" Yuji asked.
"Our savior!" Nobara exclaimed.
"Thank you, Olga-san," Megumi offered a small bow.
Satoru was dismayed.
Yet, she still placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and with a calm expression, murmured, "There, there."
Despite feeling disheartened by his students' behavior, Satoru found solace in Olga's consolation. He turned back towards the group, his expression a mix of mock annoyance and a genuine smile.
"Well, I guess if Olga's treating us to a meal, I can let your comments slide this time," Satoru conceded, his tone still playfully dramatic.
Nobara grinned mischievously. "Seems like even Gojo-sensei can't resist a free meal."
Olga was amused by their banter. "Well, if it helps build camaraderie among you all, then I don't mind footing the bill from time to time."
The group shared a moment of lighthearted laughter, the tension that had initially hung in the air dissipating. It was as if Olga's calm and collected presence had a way of diffusing even the most intense situations.
Megumi spoke up, his voice quiet but sincere. "Olga-san, it's clear that you have a deep understanding of people and situations. How did you become so... composed?"
Composed? Maybe to them, it seemed like that.
"It's an amalgamation of my experiences in this line of work. When everyday had been a struggle for survival, it becomes second nature to adapt and remain unshakened to such things," Olga replied, her tone reflective.
As the evening was winding down, Olga looked at the time and sighed softly.
"Well, it's been a delightful evening, but I'm afraid I must take my leave soon. I have time for one more question, so think about it carefully first," Olga announced as she finished her drink.
Yuji, Megumi, and Nobara huddled together, their heads bent close as they engaged in a hushed and animated discussion. Each of them seemed to be contemplating their words carefully, aware of the significance of this final opportunity. The dim light cast intriguing shadows on their determined faces as they whispered back and forth.
Meanwhile, Satoru leans to Olga.
"Where will you be going?"
"Somewhere… Church matters, so duty calls," Olga explained in a hushed voice.
"I see. Speaking of which, do you have a phone number?"
"No, I don't."
"Eh? You really are like an old-timer,"
Olga blatantly disregarded his obvious mocking statement.
Finally, Yuji speaks up after his quick discussion with Megumi and Nobara. "Olga-san, we know this might sound insensitive, but, how did you get that scar on your face?"
These kids…
Olga didn't think they'd actually asked her that question.
She runs a hand over the area of rough skin at the right edge of her lips and jaw, she thinks about a particular moment that took place many years ago.
It was a visible mark of a hidden story, a piece of her past that had shaped how she lived this life.
The group could tell that this was a topic she didn't often talk about, but they were curious, and she did say she had time for one more question.
"It's okay if you don't want to answer," Megumi quickly added, sensing that she might be hesitant to answer.
Olga was actually glad that they didn't beat around the bush.
There was a cynical glint in her eyes, particularly as she eyed Megumi.
"Not at all," She grinned widely, barring teeth. "A madman gave me this scar because he thought I was too damn persistent,"
No matter where she ventures on this Earth, the magnificent infrastructure of each church she's been in never ceases to be short of breathtaking.
However, this was more or less a farce.
At the dead of night where most of the clergymen were at rest, Olga finds herself sitting on one of the rows in the desolate chapel. She closed her eyes, waiting for the presence of her informant.
"Greetings, sister Olga," The man sits behind her.
It was a new voice this time.
"May the Lord be with you, fellow good sir. It's a fine evening, isn't it?" She asked not alarmed.
"You seem to be in a good mood, sister."
"It would seem so." Her relaxed posture straightens as she sits upright. Her expression contorts with absolute focus. "So, who do they want me to kill this time?"
There was an unexplainable silence before the informant spoke again.
"You won't like it, I heard." He gulps.
" Your orders: eliminate the rogue Callum Wright. "
To be honest, Olga wasn't surprised that the Secret Church would give her this order.
"Callum Wright." She repeated for herself.
He was a priest and similarly a fellow exorcist.
Of course, that was no excuse for him being a beast of a man despite following this path as a man of the cloth.
Olga knew the name well since he was the reason she pursued this livelihood as a holy exorcist.
When their paths first met, he wanted to kill her as she was at her lowest.
But she simply wouldn't let someone else take her life for her except herself.
And yet, somehow by the happence of God, they managed to get along.
(A/N) Thank you for putting up a review for my book on Fanfiction. Net! As well as the votes, kudos and comments on Wattpad and AO3! I am so grateful that many people have been receiving my story well and have even taken the time to write comments and reviews!
Since it's the eighth chapter and of the eighth month of the year, NEW COVER ALERT!
(I worked hard on it so please don't use my art without my permission)
Should I make a separate page for cover appreciation? That way all previous covers wouldn't be lost to history if I decide to change them on a whim. (which may or may not happen often)
It's getting real dark with Olga here. What do you think?
Thank you for the support!