Crimson red.
The colour crimson red blurred my sight as a ringing sound filled my ears. I kept running even though I was totally out of breath.
"HEY! Somebody, stop him!"
I could hear the footsteps catching up to me.
If it catches me everything will be over...
... ...
Wait, why am I running again? And who are these people chasing me?
...
Also, why do I feel this excited and happy?
The hands finally managed to grab my shoulder.
My vision went black.
...
Something was moving in a to-and-fro motion in the darkness.
... ...
"HYOUDOU ISSEI!"
I woke up with a start. Many of my classmates were snickering seeing our teacher's fed-up expression.
"C'mon, Hyoudou-kun!" he said, "You told me you would not fall asleep at the beginning of this very hour. We are covering a quite important portion here."
The class broke out in laughter as I gave him an apologetic look. The teacher resumed with a sigh. I hurried catching up for the rest of the class, trying not to think about the dream.
When the bell rang, my two good friends Matsuda and Motohama came to my table in the corner.
"You really can't stand his classes, can you?" said Matsuda.
"What are you doing at night to make you this tired?" Motohama said with a cheeky grin.
"Don't tell me..." Matsuda added, catching on.
I sighed.
Look at these two, always trying to recruit me into their perverted gang.
I stood up and walked away.
"Hey, cmon~! We were just joking man!"
"It's okay, but I gotta go. I promised to eat with Gremory-san today."
There they go looking awkward again. I mean, I get it. She is the prettiest girl in the school and I am your typical quiet kid(minus any guns or missiles) who had never talked to her before asking her out last Friday. She accepted it. Yeah, you heard me right, she accepted it and this last weekend was filled with threat calls and messages from my classmates, fellow grade students, seniors, and even juniors (girls and boys alike).
The guilty part about it was, that I asked her out as a punishment game for losing a football match-winner prediction bet against Motohama (why is his prediction always right anyway?!). Also, things got pretty awkward with the three of us. Like, they used to tell their ideas or fantasies about her and... well you guessed it.
Just as I was about to leave the awkward atmosphere for good, the girls suddenly screamed like cheer squad (guess why?). Of course, the charming prince was here. Yuuto Kiba was here with his chick-magnet mode turned on (it never turns off, I guess).
Yuuto Kiba walked towards me and I walked past him thinking he had business with someone behind me.
"Wait, Hyoudou-kun!" said Kiba.
He grabbed my shoulder and all the girls wailed in despair (is this normal?).
...
A minute later I was following him to the cafeteria. Apparently, Gremory-san had sent him to fetch me (come to think of it, she is the club president of the occult club).
Yuuto Kiba the charming prince of the school (enemy of the duo) is a member—wait a second, he isn't secretly planning to assassinate me, is he?
...
Nah.
Too many people here.
"Hyoudou-kun, can we talk somewhere in private for a moment?"
Okay, now I am dead.
''''
A few seconds later.
''''
We were at the back of the cafeteria building. A boy was there practicing his proposal line and I gave him a thumbs up with my usual poker face and he walked away with an embarrassed face. Kiba cleared his throat to get attention and I got ready to scream, in case you know what.
"Do you know why my Buchou accepted your proposal?" He asked.
Interesting question. I do have an idea as to why she accepted my proposal.
I don't believe we are dating at all. We didn't speak a word after Friday evening until this morning when she invited me to lunch in front of the whole school (which was a total "HA! You see that?!' moment for me).
I wanted to say it was because she had a secret crush on me but I am a bit of a realistic guy.
"She is fed up with the daily number of confessions she receives and decided to use me to put a stop to those headaches because I don't care much about the social ladder?"
Kiba gave Issei an astonished look.
"That is quite some way to put it," Kiba said with a small laugh, "but yeah, you are right. You are quite famous for your quiet personality because of the perverted duo. When you became their friend, everyone thought it was a perverted trio now, but you were different. You didn't mind how others would view you if you became their friend. It seemed as if you didn't care about how others perceived you. Therefore, she thought you might be able to help her."
Exactly as I thought.
"It's okay," I said, "Though I would appreciate it if I am not assassinated."
Kiba burst out laughing.
"We will make sure, don't worry. Also, Buchou wanted to say this directly to you... but you know she is followed everywhere."
Yeah sure, as if you don't stand out, genius.
"Like I said, I don't mind. Is there anything else I should be aware of?"
"Oh, this is more of a personal request from my club. Please do not take advantage of this situation and... do anything sexual or something that makes our Buchou uncomfortable. I know I might be coming off as rude right now but this is a request from all her club members. I do not know a better way to present this request."
He bowed.
Look at this guy, he will be the ultimate peace-loving family man in the future (... what am I even thinking?)
"I won't. If that's all then I shall take my leave."
I turned to leave.
"W-wait! You don't want any compensation?" Kiba asked puzzled.
I sighed and gave him my reply.
...
I reached the cafeteria (after avoiding the gazes of dozens of people who seemed to be ready to kill me) and saw her sitting at the most visible table in the entire hall (Lucky me). It took a lot of self-restraint to not comment on the amount of food that was laid on the table (barely enough space to squeeze in two plates) and she smiled as I sat down with my usual poker face.
You might be wondering, why am I not smiling? I simply can't.
I always mess it up. About 100% of the time.
"Ah wait, let me go get my lunch," I said standing up as soon as I sat down.
"Eh? Oh, forgive me, did you want something else? I thought you might like one of these," she said with an apologetic smile.
Oh, right this amount was for both of us. Why did I think she was going to eat everything alone?
I sat down again and Rias looked completely puzzled now.
"Uh... you did not think I was gonna eat all of this alone, did you?" she asked.
"Not at all," I lied, which I don't think convinced her.
I loaded my plate with my usual diet, then looked over and realized that she didn't have a plate.
"You are not eating?" I asked.
"No, I just wanted to talk with you."
"Did you already eat?"
"I will, later."
This is... Awkward. Everyone in the hall was already glaring at me eating and now she is going to watch me eat too?
"... Do you mind doing me a favor and eating with me? It feels weird to eat alone right in the middle of the cafeteria."
I took a nearby plate and offered it to her. She slowly smiled and accepted it.
So, we both started eating.
"Did Yuuto tell you everything?" She asked in a small voice, making sure nobody could listen.
"Yeah. I'm fine with it."
"So, what do you want in return?' she whispered.
"Nothing, actually," I said, nonchalantly, "Oh, and you don't have to buy me lunch or anything like today and I hope you don't take too much of my time with this. Lunch is fine, walking together and other basic things are also fine."
"Wait, you are getting nothing in return, this way. I can also pay you in cash."
"Tempting, but no."
"H-how about I assign a tutor for you? I heard your grades aren't that good."
"Please don't do such a cruel thing even if you hate me."
"But I can't possibly let you help me without payment!"
She quickly covered her mouth. Yeah, keep it down lady, we are doing a highly secret negotiation in the middle of a cafeteria where everyone is glaring at me with utmost hostility.
If she insists this much, I should accept it. But I don't need money at all. What else?
"Something I want..." I pondered, slowing down my eating pace.
She nodded.
Honestly, nothing was coming to my mind. I know she is filthy rich therefore money would be the answer to avoid unnecessary troubles.
But something I wanted...
"Uh, accompany me to an amusement park?" I thought out aloud.
She blinked in surprise.
No, I seriously didn't ask her that.
I am sure, I didn't. I must have spoken in my head.
"That was a surprise," she said with a smile, "You didn't seem to be the type who enjoyed such things."
Right, I really said it aloud. Kill me now...
"Don't misunderstand," she added quickly, "I don't know you personally but you seemed the serious, quiet type."
Everyone said going to an amusement park was fun but when I went there last time, I found it very crowded and kind of okayish at best. I looked around and realized I was the only one who came alone. Maybe that was the difference, it was super fun playing with Rin even in a normal park. Man, I miss him a lot.
My face must have drooped a bit because she apologized again.
"No," I said, "I was thinking about something."
I let out a deep breath.
"Is the amusement park okay with you?"
"Yeah. Do you have a passport by the way?"
Sure... She might be planning to take me to the world's most expensive amusement park.
"Also, are you sure that's all you want?" she asked, still unsatisfied.
"Yeah, and Kuoh's local amusement park would do."
She stared at me blankly.
C'mon lady... just wrap it up already. I only want that much.
"Oh, it's okay if you don't have a passport. We can arrange-" she said.
"Excuse me, senpai," I interrupted, "I understand your goodwill and I really appreciate it. But, please understand that I only need this much from you and I would like you to respect that."
"R-right, sorry."
I had finished my lunch by that time.
"It's alright. By the way, how should I address you?"
"Oh, since we are pretending to be dating you can call me Rias."
What a normal statement to say... Do I have to call her by her first name? Uh, I guess, it's mandatory in dating.
"Got it... Rias-san."
"Simply Rias would be fine."
... right. That must be how people in a relationship address each other (look I don't know if they do, okay?!).
"Rias."
She smiled which, of course, I didn't return (yeah, go ahead and sue me).
"Then I guess I will call you Issei?"
I paused.
How long has it been, since someone, other than the duo, addressed me without any honorifics?
My lips curled up naturally. I should have smiled if it was not for me realizing halfway that I was trying to smile and it ended up with me twitching my lips way too awkwardly.
And there you go, she looks horrified.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you; I will call you Hyoudou-kun!" she said hurriedly.
"No, no, Issei is fine," I said hurriedly, "I just have some trouble with smiling."
She stared at me blankly again.
"You were trying to smile?"
"Not trying- well yeah maybe trying."
She stared at me for a few more seconds before bursting out laughing.
Okay so the entire cafeteria is watching, you haven't finished even half of your food and you are laughing at the very guy who agreed to help you.
Calm, Issei, calm.
She suddenly controlled herself when she saw my blank expression and coughed.
"If that's all, I will leave now, Rias. I think it is time for the bell." ( not gonna lie, it feels kind of good addressing her by her first name)
As soon as I said it, the bell rang.
Everyone hurried off the cafeteria. I left Rias who was scarfing down her food at super high speed...
...
The rest of the school day went as usual except for Matsuda and Motohama's continuous questioning about today's lunch date.
...
As I left the school gates, I glanced at the old school building.
The whole building is their clubroom? They are not even the student council. Must be money at work again. Her brother is the school Onii-sama even though he doesn't study here (like, is that even allowed?).
Good looks must run in the family.
Oh, she is there by the window.
"GOING HOME, ISSEI?"
She shouted from up there which caught the attention of everyone.
"YEAH, SEE YOU TOMORROW."
I replied with the same enthusiasm (acting level+1). She waved me goodbye and I returned.
Doing this while everyone is glaring at me is a lot more awkward than I assumed. Well, whatever.
"I can't believe they are already on a first-name basis, without honorifics even!"
"It is really 'real'?! I still can't believe it! Why him?!"
"He doesn't even smile. Why did she choose someone like him?"
As people around started grumbling, I took my headphones from my bag and turned on the music.
...
Rias watched as Issei left the school grounds.
"So, how is your new boyfriend Buchou?" a girl with a long ponytail asked with a giggle.
"I don't know, Akeno," Rias said, "I have never dealt with such a person before."
"Yeah,' Akeno pondered, "I was surprised to hear the reward he requested."
The Occult Research Club (ORC) had six members with Rias Gremory as the president, Himejima Akeno as vice president. Both of them were 3rd years. The other members included 2nd year Yuuto Kiba, 1st year Toujo Koneko, and two other second years.
Four of them were present in the club room at that moment. Koneko was munching snacks while Kiba was lost in thought.
The room was beautifully furnished. One could see the amount of wealth the Gremory family possessed just by looking at this room.
Rias joined Koneko on the sofa and gestured for Akeno to join them. Akeno sat near Kiba facing them.
Rias then proceeded to fill them in with how the conversation went at the date.
"He is a bit awkward but cute," Akeno said giggling.
"Yeah," Rias giggled too, "most of the guys I usually interact just won't stop talking or their eyes would be flying all over me, but he didn't look at me the whole time he was eating, and after he finished his eyes never left mine."
"Buchou, I want to go to an amusement park too," Koneko said eating her ice cream.
Rias cuddled Koneko.
"We will. Sounds like a good club activity to do!"
Akeno nodded enthusiastically.
"Kiba? Rias asked, "Why so silent?"
"Ah, sorry Buchou. I was lost in thought."
"What happened?"
"Hyoudou Issei, the older brother of Hyoudou Izo, the red Dragon Emperor. A person with no regard for the social ladder. Getting close to him should help us get more info about Hyoudou Izo. This is a perfect opportunity..." Kiba trailed off.
"And?" Rias asked.
"I don't think he and his family are on good terms since he is the only one among them who is not involved in the supernatural world. He is quite the vulnerable target too. But doesn't that mean he might not be able to give us much useful information but also could become more of a target himself due to your interaction with him, Buchou?"
Everyone pondered over that possibility.
"But it is against the law to harm humans for both devils and fallen angels," Rias said, "isn't it better since he isn't involved with our world?"
"Maybe..." Kiba said doubtfully.
"What happened, Kiba? You are not your usual self," Akeno said.
Kiba sighed.
"When I asked him if he didn't want compensation, he said he didn't mind since he was bored anyway. He then gave me a look that... I feel uneasy about keeping our second motive hidden from him."
"I see," Rias said, "But telling him our second motive would be unexplainable without revealing the supernatural world. I am sure you understand what I am saying. Moreover, he likely won't have any useful information for us just like you said, so we will take his help only to deal with my problem."
"Yes, Buchou. Pardon me, I will now go and train."
Kiba quickly left to practice.
"... Ever seen Kiba this disturbed before?" Rias asked worried.
"I wonder if it is related to that..." Akeno said, also looking worried.
Koneko had stopped eating.
'''''
The traffic was heavy as usual. The children were playing in the faraway park. Some students were hanging out in front of the karaoke. Some were returning home.
'Quite the nice view from up here,' I thought.
I was standing in the middle of a footbridge looking at the traffic zooming by below.
Contrary to my expectations, no one came to assassinate me. Not even Hiro Satoru's (the top bully in the school who is supposed to have a crush on her) gang came after me. Am I disappointed? A bit. No, very much disappointed actually.
I sighed.
I wonder if my family is home. I haven't seen them since last Tuesday. Dad, Mom, and Izo always go on long-term trips together. I am now tired of asking them to take me with them too. The answer is always no. They always avoid talking to me too. I mean what is there to be so secretive about? I once tried to eavesdrop and Izo almost caught me immediately.
My mind was revolving around my family troubles when-
"H-hello, are you Hyoudou Issei?" a voice asked me.
I looked sideways and saw a stunningly cute girl in Sakuraba High uniform.
Sakuraba High is on the other side of the town. But, I am sure I have not met her.
"Yes, have we met before?" I asked.
"No, I am Amano Yuuma, a second year at Sakuraba High. I have always seen you pass by here and wondered... are you by any chance single?" she asked shyly.
Eh...? A surprise plot twist? Right after I started a fake relationship?- AHH, I see now. She must be a setup that those guys (Rias's die-hard fans) put in to get the truth about me and Rias's relationship. If I say no (which is the damn truth) I would be busted. Man, nice one, almost fell for that.
"No, I am in a relationship."
She looked surprised and then suddenly heartbroken (Hold on, this isn't the real deal right?).
Then she looked down unsure of what to do next.
Ugh, this situation is a bit too much for someone like me (somebody help).
*Drip* *Drip*
...
Tears fell down from her eyes.
Holy... she is crying?! It's the real deal after all?!
"Excuse me," she said, wiping her tears, "I didn't expect you to be taken."
Guess what? Me neither.
No, focus! There is a crying girl over here.
"But can we at least talk for a few minutes? She asked, "I want to get over you now that I know you are taken. Can you please spare a few minutes and help me with that?"
Damn... strong. I guess, I can at least help her with that.
"Sure. Do you want to talk here or...?"
"The park would be fine," she said in a small voice.
...
Here we are at the park and I just had my most awkward + silent walk with anyone in my entire life. She kept sniffing along the way and everyone was looking at me suspiciously (nothing new, of course... Damn, the life of silent warriors...).
We walked past the fountain, where the water was shining beautifully in the evening light.
But something was wrong. As soon as we entered the park the children (not many, by the way) suddenly stood up and left. The bird sounds slowly vanished. Only the sound of water bubbling remained. She stood near the fountain, facing away from me.
I ignored all of this as mere coincidence even though I felt slightly uneasy and went to fetch both of us juice.
Oh right, she might want something else.
"Amano-san, what do you want to drink?" I asked loudly, without turning back.
No reply... Is she really that upset?
I was about to turn my head and repeat the same question when I felt every hair in my body stand up.
I jumped out of the way in reflex.
Something crashed into the vending machine at high speed.
...
... ...
Smoke rose from the destroyed machine.
I could barely make out something moving in the smoke.
...
A ringing sound filled my ears and my heart started racing.
What is that creature?
Two large wings spread before my eyes.
Amano(?) got out from the smoke in a revealing outfit but... something told me she wasn't here to seduce me into cheating(?) using cosplay.
"You got quite the reflexes for a human being. Do you train?"
I scurried away from her.
Wha-what is this creature? It isn't human!
"But... HOW DARE YOU MISS MY TRANSFORMATION?! IT WAS THE MOMENT I SHOULD HAVE WITNESSED YOUR FEAR IN ALL GLORY!"
Her face distorted into something I felt was inhumane. She looked the opposite of cute right now.
I turned around and ran away leaving my bag behind.
What is up with this Chuuni monster?! Transformation- what?! It wants to kill me because I missed its cosplay?!
"Darling, you forgot this," her voice echoed eerily across the silent park.
I felt all my instincts screaming to move again and I jumped to the side, did a quick roll and ran.
*BOOM*
My bag hit a tree with lightning speed and the tree fell, barely missing me.
I jumped over the short park wall and ran as fast as possible.
The streets were empty.
What is going on?! Is this a hyperrealistic dream?! I counted my fingers.
1...
2..
3..
4...
5...
For the first time in my life... I felt that intense emotion; true despair.
...
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