Morning, Shiho!" Ann ran up to Shiho, wrapping her arm around hers, "How's your morning going?"
"Oh, Ann..." Shiho was startled then let out a weak laugh, "My morning's... going, I guess. How about yours?"
"Mine's been... going, too." She exposed a faint smile before looking behind herself, I wonder if he found a way to school. Ann thought, stopping for a moment, looking at the entrance.
"What's wrong, Ann?" Shiho stopped, looking over at her.
"Hm? Oh! N-Nothing." She gave her a bright smile before looking back at the front door, her smile fading.
Shiho looked over at the door, her mind thinking of the same exact person. I wonder if he's doing okay... She looked down, a bit of concern crossing her, "Huh?" The young woman suddenly felt a piercing pain, closing her eyes tightly while gripping her head, "Nnh?! My... head..." She whined weakly, shaking her head lightly, catching her breath. What the...? The adolescent opened her eyes slowly, trying to clear her vision. "Amamiya-san?" A smile of relief slid across her face as she reached out.
"Shiho?" Ann placed her hand on Shiho's shoulder, giving a look of concern. "Are you alright?"
"Huh?" The black haired teen looked over at her best friend, "Isn't that Ama-?" Shiho looked back and he was nowhere in sight, "N-Nothing... Never mind. Don't worry about it." The young woman gave a faint smile, "We should head to our classes." She went ahead, her smile fading, wondering if she was seeing things, beginning to worry about Ren.
"Okay..." Ann said, catching up to her.
What... was that just now...? Shiho questioned herself, wondering if her overworking was beginning to reach up to her, leading her to hallucinations. What is wrong with me...? She sighed, Huh...? Her heart suddenly raced after she remembered hugging him by impulse when they went to the train station together, Was his heart racing when I hugged him that time...? N-No... I'm just imagining things... She shook her head, trying to clear that thought out of her mind as she focused on heading to class, a feel of disappointment looming over her as the thought stuck in the back of her mind.
"Hm? Suzui-san?" Ren looked behind himself after hearing Shiho's voice call out to him, sensing her presence from behind right after he entered the castle.
"You okay there, bud?" Ryuji looked over at Ren, curious on the sudden halt.
"Huh?" He stopped in his tracks, still looking behind himself, "Yeah... I-It's nothing..." He rattled his head, walking up to Ryuji, I guess I was just hearing things...?
"Th-That's weird... Where's the school?" Ryuji looked around, dumbfounded.
"Did we make a wrong turn?" Ren questioned.
"This SHOULD be the school... I think..." Ryuji responded with hesitation, looking over at Ren before pulling out his phone, "Out of service? Where'd we end up?" He put his phone away, becoming a bit wary by the unfamiliar surrounding, "The sign was for the school, right?"
"Yeah." Ren agreed, still trying to wrap this all around his head.
"Right?! You saw it too!" Ryuji said with frustration, struggling to figure out the meaning of this.
Clanking sounds caught the two teens attention, taking them aback when seeing some kind of knight heading their way.
"Geez, you freaked me out..." Ryuji sighed, scratching his head, "Who're you? You a student?" He approached the unknown person, "Man, your costume's impressive... Is that armor real?" The knight didn't respond, "C'mon, don't just stand there. Say somethin'." He folded his arms, slight annoyance beginning to arise. "...H-Hey, what's goin' on?" He was startled, stepping back when he saw another one approach them.
"What is this...?" Ren was lost on who the knights were and beginning to wonder if they were really at school.
"Dude, I don't know!" Ryuji barked while glaring over at Ren. "This shit's real..." The teen became severely cautious when they approached them. "C-Calm down! Time out, man!" He backed away, looking over at Ren, "We gotta run!"
"Got it." Ren agreed.
"Yeah, we better not mess with 'em! Go!" The blonde headed teen yelled, starting to run, Ren instantly following. "Ugh, what's with these guys!?"
They were surrounded by four knights by the time they aimed to escape the area. All of them wearing an emotionless mask. One closest to Ryuji hit him roughly against his back with his heavy shield, leading Ryuji to fall forward on his hands and knees.
"Gah!" The punk looking teen groaned out, "Oww... Y-You're gonna break my bones, dammit!" He clenched his hands on the ground, looking back at the person who pushed him to the ground. "The hell you think you're- Aagh!" He yelled out.
The knights walked closer to them, huddling up to them, knocking the both of them out.
"Nnn... my aching head..." Ren groaned, grabbing hold of his head, shaking his head lightly, straightening out his vision. "Where am I?" He looked around, "Ryuji?" He noticed he was back at school, but it was by his classroom, late at night again, "Am I dreaming...?" Ren was taken aback, "Please tell me I'm not..."
"No! Don't!" Ren ended up hearing a ruckus, "Stop it! Let me go! Help me!" He started hearing a woman's voice plead for help.
"No... Not again!" Ren started to dash off, heading towards the room again.
"Somebody help me!" The plead for help made him running even faster.
"AMAMIYA-SAN!" She finally screamed out.
"No, no, no, no! Not this again!" He closed his eyes tightly, his hands gripping into tight fists as he headed straight to the room, "Damn it!" He struggled to open the door again, "Suzui-san!" He knocked down the door again.
"...Hey." He heard a familiar voice from behind, "Hey! Wake up!"
Ren rushed up, "Where's Suzui-san?!" He looked at his surroundings, seeing Ryuji beside him, "Huh...? W-Where are we?" He sat up, leaning forward, exhausted from the same dream.
"You yelled out somebody's name... What was it...? Su-Suzui...?" He gave a questionably concerning look, "You all right?"
"Not again..." Ren rumbled, "I'm fine." He looked ahead of himself, seeing he was behind bars once again. Seriously? I might as well be in Juvie now. He exhaled.
"I see..." Ryuji looked ahead, examining the area, "Looks like this ain't no dream..." He ran up to the front of the cell, "Ugh, what's goin' on!?" He struggled against the bars, "Hey, let us outta here! I know there's someone out there!" He walked back over to Ren, "Dammit, where are we? Is this some kind of movie set!?" His anger started to grow.
"Once again, your guess is as good as mine..." Ren murmured out, trying to process this whole thing.
The two teens jolted after hearing someone scream in agony somewhere nearby them.
"Th-The hell was that just now?" The vulgar boy asked with worry, both of the teens running up to the front of the cell hearing the scream continued, "Whoa... Whoa, whoa, whoa whoa... You're shittin' me, right?" Ryuji trembled, shivers going down his spine as they continued to hear the screaming. "This is real bad...!" Ryuji looked all around the cell, hoping to find an opening for them to escape. "Isn't there some way outta here?! C'mon, we gotta do something."
Ren took part, both of them searching the whole cell, but no results of success.
"How much time's passed since we got knocked out...?" Ryuji asked with stress. "Dammit, this don't make any freakin' sense..."
Ren found a pile of chains on the stone cold floor and hanging against the wall. Ryuji gave a look of slight fear, thinking of the terrible things that could have been done involving those. After hearing a scream again, it just increased his anxiety.
"Hey, those chains're used for like... torturin' and stuff, right?" He mumbled, "Dammit! This shit ain't funny!"
Ren rolled his eyes, still trying to find a way out while Ryuji struggled against the bars, hoping to see someone around.
I'd rather avoid getting locked up in those shackles... Ren thought to himself as he continued to search. It's in tatters... I would like to avoid using it at all costs... He sighed, looking at the bed he awoke from.
"Huh? You hear that?" Ryuji was startled, looking aside the cell, his eyes following the direction of the noise.
"Be glad that your punishment has been decided on." A guard said, walking up to their cell. "Your charge is unlawful entry. Thus you will be sentenced to death."
"Say what?!" Ryuji freaked out.
"No one's allowed to do as they please in my castle." A man walked up from behind the guards, sounding irritated.
"Huh? Wait... is that you, Kamoshida?" Ryjui's eyes widened as the man approached them.
"Kamoshida? Tsk!" Ren growled, That damn bastard... The student stared daggers at him.
Kamoshido could sense a negative aura coming from the student next to Ryuji. A small chuckle left his lips as he glanced over at the young man. The older man looked amused as if he could easily toy with them just by stirring the pot while they stood behind the bars.
"I thought it was some petty thief, but to think it'd be you, Sakamoto..." He said, sounding disappointed, before a smirk slid across his face, "Are you trying to disobey me again? It looks like you haven't learned your lesson at all, huh?"
Ren gripped the bars, biting his tongue so he doesn't cause any mishap. He didn't want to start anything nor make things worse. He bellowed, looking down, trying to keep himself under control.
"And you brought a friend this time... because you can't do anything for yourself." He laughed lightly, "Oh, yeah... you're the new student aren't you?" Kamoshida walked up to him, "Best follow the rules if you don't want anything bad to happen to yourself." He gave an eerie grin, "Because who knows? If you get expelled, who knows what would happen to your cute little girlfriend." He whispered, "Oh, wait. She isn't, is she? Stalker. After all, why would she go for a delinquent like you?"
Ren gripped the bars even tighter, his hands beginning to burn as he gave the coach a deadly glare. He wanted to grab him by his robe and slam him against the bars over and over, but he breathed out heavily, trying to think of a smarter way through this.
"This ain't funny, you asshole!" Ryuji grabbed Kamoshida's attention back at him.
"Is that how you speak to a king? It seems you don't understand the position you're in at all." The king stated, "Not only did you sneak into my castle, you committed the crime of insulting me-the king." He snarled, his smirk returning, "The punishment for that is death." He grabbed hold of his chin, thinking of a way to execute them. "It's time for an execution! Take him out!"
"S-Stop it!" Ryuji said, scared as they both backed away from the bars. "...Goddammit!" The guards first cornered Ryuji, leading the teen to slam them back by impulse, "I ain't down for this shit! C'mon, we're outta here."
He looked over at Ren, motioning they should hurry. Though as he did, he was slammed against the wall after one of the guards hit him roughly with the back of his sword against the wall, leading him to his knees as he put pressure on his stomach. Ren rushed up, struggling to push his way through the guardsmen.
"Nnngh... Owww... Just go! Get outta here! These guys are serious!" The ruffian huffed out, looking up at the ruffled haired teen.
"Oh? Running away, are we? What a heartless friend you are." Kamoshida looked over with a disgusted smirk.
"He ain't a friend..." The blonde headed kid stated, his eyes flaming over at Kamoshida. "C'mon! Hurry up and go!" He suggested out to him, making Ren flinch with shock.
"What's the matter? Too scared to run away?" Kamoshida egregiously glanced over, "Hmph, pathetic scum isn't worth my time..." He moved his sight back to Sakamato, "I'll focus on this one's execution..." A sly grin slid across his face.
The henchmen picked him up, holding him up in front of Kamoshida. His eyes glowing gold as he gave a malicious grin while he rose his fist in the air. He grunted out a laugh as he began his first deck.
"Take this!" He started with his face, "Lowly scum!" Leading to his stomach, then a few more punches to the face before ending it with a hard slap to the face. "Useless pest!" He spit on his face with a scoff, "...Hmph. Where'd your energy from earlier go?" A guard picked him up from the back of his neck and threw him across the cell, "A peasant like you isn't worth beating." He gave a disturbed look at the blonde headed teen as he approached him, "I'll have you killed right now."
"Stop it!" Ren howled out.
"Hm...?" Kamoshida glanced over to Ren before turning around to walk up to him, "What? Don't you dare tell me you don't know who I am." He spit out to him, as though it was venom, "That look in your eyes irritates me!"
Ren glared daggers at him as he was kicked to the floor. He coughed out with a groan mixed with a growl. This damn prick! The teen with glasses thought to himself, about to lose it.
"Hold him there... After the peasant, it's his turn to die." He looked over at the teen that was lying on the ground, one of the guards walking up to him, holding up his sword.
Ren was about to run up to stop them, but he was held back by two guards. He tried to struggle his way out of their hold, but he couldn't. He put effort to think of ways to escape their hold, but he was stuck, feeling helpless.
"No... I don't wanna die..." Ryuji whined out as the king walked up to the teen that was frozen to the ground.
Darkness soon fell upon Ren, some light shining upon him from the support of a sky blue colored butterfly, "This is truly an unjust game... Your chances of winning are almost none." The butterfly spoke which startled Ren, "But if my voice is reaching you, there may yet be a possibility open to you..."
The rooms lighting suddenly turned blood red, "What's the matter? Are you simply going to watch?" Another voice spoke, "Are you forsaking him to save yourself?" Ren griped, looking around for the voice, "Death awaits him if you do nothing. Was your previous decision a mistake then?" A sudden flashback appeared.
He's right... Ren closed his eyes, his hands gripping tightly into a ball out of anger, It wasn't a mistake! Not that woman... and definitely not Suzui-san! These damn bastards will pay... He stared up at the king with a look of anger. "It wasn't."
Ryuji was being dragged up against the wall by one of the guards, getting closer and closer to his execution. He held tightly onto the knights hand that gripped him tightly, practically choking him. The knight held up his sword, beginning to aim it at Ryuji.
Ren began to feel severe pain spread through his whole body, leading him to squirm roughly against the knights grasps, "Very well... I have heeded your resolve." The voice continued. Ren felt a insufferable throb in his chest, leading him to have difficulty breathing which ended up making him scream as he continued to squirm in their hold, "Vow to me." The voice spoke again, "I am thou, thou art I... Thou who art willing to perform all sacrilegious acts for thine own justice! Call upon my name, and release thy rage!" The voice continued as Ren suddenly burst out a screech, his head hanging from the torturous pain he felt run through his body, "Show the strength of thy will ascertain all on thine own, though thou be chained to Hell itself!" The struggling teen looked back with a conspicuous expression of determination.
"Execute him!" Kamoshida exclaimed, pointing at Ryuji.
"That's enough!" Ren shouted out.
"What was that...?" The king was taken aback, looking back over at Ren.
The guard released Ryuji, turning around to look at the person who spoke up against the kings orders. Kamoshida followed the voice and gave a deathly glare to Ren who spit against his words.
"You desire to be killed that much? Fine!" Kamoshida gestured to the knight.
The knight struck Ren with his shield, forcing him to stumble aside, his glasses being knocked right off his face. The king breathed out a laugh with an eerie beam, seeing Ren pinned up against the wall with two spear handles held tightly against his throat. Ryuji tried to stand up straight, wanting to stop them, but he had no strength to support him to stand, just falling to the floor, making him feel weak and pathetic. The king held out his arm with a hmph, signalling for Ren's execution. The knight held up his sword, about to give him one heavily blown strike his way, but before it could even reach him, a gust of wind pushed roughly against everyone once Ren came to realize he was close to death.
Once the unruly teen awoke, he felt a mask glued to his face. His mask was a black and white, birdlike domino mask. He was shocked by the sudden appearance and began to attempted his way to pull it off. As he did though, the teen ended up ripping it harshly off of his face, making it feel as if he peeled half of his face off, looking up to the ceiling as he screamed out with agony. Half of his face bleeding, but soon, the blood vanished after blue flames and his eyes glowed gold when giving a maniacal flare at the king, the glow turning red. His whole body ended up being covered in blue flames as if his whole body was being taken over by a demon.
The flames rose above him, chains rising around him as if he had the ability to free himself from the chains that held him down and held him back, finally given the ability to expel the chains from his existence. Ren exposed his confident smirk while he gave a deadly stare over at the king. As he proudly stood tall with determination, the owner of the voice that spoke to him before appeared behind him. He released the chains as if signalling the demon to flap his wings roughly against the king and the knights leading them to slam against the wall.
Ren appeared in a different kind of suit once the flames ran off of his whole body. His outfit consisted of a black ankle-length tailcoat, a high-necked waistcoat with gold accents, black pants, brown-black winkle pickers and a pair of red gloves.
"Wha... What the...?" Ryuji looked terrifyingly confused at the other student who stood confidently in front of him.
The demon-like gentleman introduced himself, "I am the pillager of twilight- Arsène!" He exclaimed.
Ren looked at himself, noticing he was in a different attire, just as lost as Ryuji, "What the..."
"I am the rebel's soul that resides within you." Arsène spoke. "If you so desire, I shall consider granting you the power to break through this crisis."
Ren turned around, finally looking at the demon-like figure who spoke earlier. It had very tall top hat, a long-horned mask for its face (as Arsène appears to not have a head), a cropped red eighteenth century-esque suit worn open with the collar popped, stitched heart designs on the shoulders, a white ruffle tie, a black, tailed corset running down its torso; large, black, feathery wings starting at around the small of its back; claws; red coverings on its legs resembling pants and boots with blade-like heels.
The teen was surprised of its appearance, but made him smile with a feel of boldness, nodding his head, "Give me your power." He gave a look of respect as he stated, making it sound as though he will use it for good.
"Hmph, very well..." Arsène responded.
"Who the hell are you?!" The king angrily looked up at Arsène, "Guards! Start by killing that one!" His "You'll know the true strength of my men." He laughed.
Right after Kamoshida demanded his knights, they turned into pumpkin shaped phantoms, the facial feature of a Jack-o-Lantern and a cloak as though symbolizing the infamous Jack the Ripper, holding a lantern with its big white gloves, floating in the air.
What the...? Are those... Jack-o-latterns? Ren was bewildered, What kind of demons are these?!
"This power of mine is yours!" Arsène stated, "Kill them however you like. Run wild with your hearts content!" He laughed before vanishing.
What...? Ren was taken aback when unfamiliar words appeared in his mind, a feeling as if he has known them for years, "Arsène!" He called out, soon appearing behind him, Eiha He thought, feeling somewhat like an idiot after saying an unfamiliar word. Yet a feeling of astonishment fell upon him as Arsène appeared behind him, slamming the ground, making a color of red, black and white swirl roughly around the enemy, making him vanish in an instant, then disappeared behind him.
The other enemy struck back, making Ren stumble back. A bit of frustration began to stir, leading him to call out to Arsène once more, requesting the same trick. Within seconds, the opponent vanished into thin air, no longer in their presence. Ren huffed out a laugh, a grin of amusement crossing his face as he felt he succeeded. The unruly haired teen noticed a small bag where his enemy disappeared.
Hm... I never expected them to have actual money... Ren thought, surprised as he picked it up. He suddenly felt the feeling of strength course through his body, With this power... He smirked, taking off his mask, looking at it with praise, Thanks, Arsène.
"What..." Ryuji looked up at Ren with disbelief, "What was that just now?"
What kind of suit is this...? Ren questioned, suddenly crossing his mind again that he was in a completely different attire.
"You little..." The king snarled, making Ren and Ryuji jump back when they saw him approach them. "Aagh!" Ryuji slammed against him, making him fall to the floor.
"You like that, you son of a bitch!?" Ryuji smirked at him.
Yes! Ren smiled with satisfaction. "The key!" The black haired teen pointed out as he headed to the entrance of the cell.
"Y-You mean this?" The blonde headed teen looked at it before grabbing it. The two teens dashed out and Ryuji locked up the cell instantly, "Okay, it's locked!"
"Damn you!" Kamoshida growled, getting up from the ground.
"Hey! What was that just now?" He looked over at Ren, ignoring the king, "And... your clothes..." He looked up and down at his appearance finding it as a strange design.
"Like I've already said several times... your guess is as good as mine." His sighed with a faint chuckle, "What the-?"
"Whoa, it went back to normal!?" Ryuji asked, surprised by the sudden change of clothes as if it disappeared into thin air. "Waaaaah!" The teens jumped, putting their focus back on Kamoshida.
"You bastards!" He growled.
"God, this's effin' nuts!" He looked at the king before turning to Ren, "Anyways let's scram! You lead the way! Hrah!" He threw the keys as far as he could as he ran with Ren.
Seriously...? Why do I have to? Ren let out a huff, running ahead of Ryuji, heading mindlessly away from the cell. So much for any day of this week going well.
"Goddamn thieves..." The king yelled out, shaking the bars out of anger. "After them! Don't let them escape!" He screamed with frustration, "Y-You bastards! You think you can get away with doing this to me!?"
"I don't give a shit! I ain't down for any of this! C'mon, let's get outta here!" He stated, awaiting for Ren to get ahead.
First the students, then the gym teacher, then this random castle that's where our school is supposed to be, now this guys dependence on me... Can this week get any better? He sighed, chuckling lightly at his sarcasm, looking around for some openings.
"C'mon, we gotta look for a way outta here." Ryuji said behind him.
Hm? Damn... this gate is locked. He pushed against the locked gate, then looked aside him, I guess we can cross this? He saw a broken bridge. I guess this way? He jumped across and went through a gate, went down and saw another dead end, Peachy... Well, I guess this is our only way. He jumped cages that led to a different path.
"Yeesh... can we really get across this?" Ryuji looked hesitant. "On the other hand, there's nowhere else we can try... Alright, let's get to hoppin'." He finally followed behind Ren.
Seriously? Ren looked at him with disbelief, Whatever... He waved his head, brushing off what Ryuji said, beginning to get further out, hoping for an exit.
"All this execution shit... Is he serious?" Ryuji inquired, looking back.
Will you please shut up and let me think...? He rolled his eyes, looking around, suddenly feeling somewhat like a prick for getting irritated so easily, but he could sense the cause of it was by the adults he's been dealing with ever since day one. Damn it... another locked gate. He grumbled then noticed some light coming from the side, noticing an opening from one of the cells, Aha! He rushed towards it and went through.
"Crap! My bag is stuck!" Ryuji said, but Ren didn't stop, he wanted to get out of here, fast. He was already in deep shit and he certainly didn't want to get buried in even further.
Once they left the other cell, they ran across a bridge, "Is this... a drawbridge?" Ryuji asked, examining it for a second before continuing to follow.
What do you think? Ren thought, trying to hide his irritation since he didn't want to throw it at the blonde kid who helped him part way.
"Dude, the hell IS this place?" He asked.
"Like I've said before and will..." Annoyingly... "Say again, your guess is as good as mine..." He chuckled, looking around.
"Hey, we gotta hide!" Ryuji pointed out the knights that were across the river from them. "Over there... they're lookin' for us, right?" They hid behind barrels and cargo, across the river where the guards stood, "I ain't playing along with this anymore! We gotta find a way outta this goddamn place!" He said, peeking over.
The guards headed down a pathway that was across from the two teens. The two adolescents ran through a door that was behind them which led them up a set of spiral-like stairs.
"If this goes up, you think it heads to the exit?" Ryuji questioned.
"Well, all we can do is find out." Ren responded, opening the big thick wooden door that was up at the top.
"Hey, let's get the hell outta this place!" He said, anxiously waiting for Ren to open the doors. "Dude... you gotta be jokin'..." His eyes widened, looking at the next hallway, "This ain't the exit!? What the hell is this place?!"
Ren growled, hoping to reach the exit soon. The teen didn't want to get in trouble his first week, but his luck just kept disappearing left and right. He sighed deeply, turning left, going down a pathway.
"Huh...?" Ren stopped once his eyes landed on a few people locked in cages with iron masks locked on their heads.
"H-Hey... Look..." Ryuji did the same, "We really did hear people screamin'... so we ain't the only ones who got captured!"
Well... I'm glad I ended up in a jail cell than a cage like that... Ren thought, thankfully relieved. Now where's the exit... He looked around, Aha! He noticed a bridge straight ahead.
"Is, uh... Is he okay...?" Ryuji asked, still looking at the students, before realizing he was a little behind Ren, "There's something up there. A bridge... and a statue?"
Damn... a drawbridge... Ren groused, already tired out from trying to find an exit. Okay... let's see here... He looked at the bridge then the statue. So he really does think he's the king who gets to do anything at this school, huh? A chuckle escaped, crossing his arms with a smirk of ridiculousness.
"Shit, this bridge's raised up! Ain't there some way to lower it!?" The other teen said, his irritation beginning to become higher than Ren's.
Ren looked at it once more before deciding to go further down the pathway, soon seeing it led to nothing, but a dead end.
"Another dead end...?" Ryuji said, rolling his eyes, "Dammit! How the hell're we supposed to get outta here!?"
"...Hey, you there." Somebody spoke out of nowhere.
Huh...? Ren looked around, searching for the owner of the voice. Is this another one of those demons...? He became a little wary, but more curious than concerned.
"Blondie! Frizzy Hair! Look over here!" The voice continued.
"What is this thing!?" Ryuji was the first to find the owner.
It was an anthropomorphic and biped cat-like creature with a large spheroidal head. Its fur was predominantly black, except on its limbs and tail which appeared white. The bottom front half of its face is also white. It wore a mask that covers most of its face (which can be unbuttoned from behind it appeared) with elliptic eyes consisting of white sclerae, blue irises and black pupils. Its outer ears were black with white inner ears. It had a yellow scarf around its neck and an utility belt around its hips, with two golden buttons and two bags attached and pink paw pads.
"You're not soldiers of this castle, right!? Get me out of here!" The strange creature said, looking a bit embarrassingly scared. "Look, the key's right there!" The creature pointed in the direction.
"We're trying to get the hell out of here!" Ryuji stated, "I mean, you obviously look like an enemy too!"
"I'm locked up here, so how can I be you enemy!? Help me out!" The creature pointed out the obvious.
"...A cat?" Ren looked at the strange creature, Am I losing it...? He breathed out a scoff with disbelief.
"I am NOT a cat! Say that again and I'll make you regret it!" He objected harshly with a deathly glare.
A sound of footsteps grew louder, warning everyone that people were approaching, "They're catchin' up already!" Ryuji looked in the direction, filled with anxiety. "Shit, there's still no service. Ain't there any way to contact someone outside!?" He pulled out his phone frantically, Ren checking his own phone as well, "How the hell do we get out!?"
"Hey, you two!" The cat-like creature shouted, trying to grab their attention, "You want to know where the exit is? Let me out and I'll take you there." He grinned, knowing that would convince the two teens easily. "You don't want to get caught and executed, right?"
"Can you really help us?" Ren asked soon after.
"This thing sounds like it's all talk..." Ryuji looked over at Ren, giving a look of really?
"If you guys think you can get out on your own, then be my guest!" The creature glared up at them.
"What do we do?" The blonde haired teen looked over at Ren, then jolted after hearing the footsteps, "Are you seriously not messing with us!?" He looked over at the creature.
"If you don't hurry, they'll catch you." He smirked.
"F-Fine..." The blonde-headed teen sighed.
"Ahhhh... Freedom tastes so great..." A smile slid across his face as he stretched.
"Now, where's the exit, you monster cat!?" Ryuji asked instantly, prepared to run.
"Don't call me a cat! I am Morgana!" He looked up with anger.
He sure seems to accept monster than cat. Ren breathed out a chuckle.
"Shuddup and hurry it up! You wanna be locked up again!?" Ryuji bit back.
"A-All right, sheesh!" Morgana sighed heavily. "Follow me, and stay quiet!"
Seriously...? Following a cat? Ren huffed, slightly amused how things were going just to keep his head on.
"Oh well... Guess we just gotta follow it." The blonde headed teen said, practically saying Ren's thoughts aloud. "What're you doin'?" He asked, seeing Morgana head back to the statue.
"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm lowering the bridge." The cat like character responded, "You, Frizzy Hair. It seems like you pick up on things faster than our Blondie over here. Try checking around the mouth of this statue, okay?"
Okay...? Ren gave a look of confusion as he examined the statue. I think I can do... this...? He thought, pulling down the jaw of the statue. Creepy... The eyes turned red and the draw bridge connected.
"How were we supposed to know to do that!?" Ryuji asked with disbelief.
"Hmph, amateur. Come on, let's keep going!" He sighed, running ahead, leading the way.
As they ran down corridors they bumped into a guard. The ruffian fell back and Ren's former appearance reappeared. Morgana jumped over Ryuji and scoffed, looking back at the vulgar teen before looking at the enemy.
"A-Aah! Shit... Shit, it's them!" Ryuji said, startled.
"Tch... You amateur." Morgana smirked. "Stay still!" He said to the blonde headed kid before looking up at Ren, "Hey, you! You could fight, right? Let's go!" He flipped as he called out a name. "Come... Zorro!"
Out of nowhere another demon-like character appeared above Morgana. It looked more muscular, with the exception of its thighs and feet which looked very similar to humans'. It also had a large belt with a huge belt buckle shaped like a "Z." It wielded a rapier.
"Y-You got one of those things too!?" Ryuji shouted, shocked.
"Hmph, we will promptly shut them up!" Morgana smiled confidently.
What type of demon is that...? Ren was taken aback when a different creature appeared. It was a small demon-like figure, floating alongside the Jack-o-lantern.Wait... is that an incubus? I didn't know they really existed!
The black haired teenfelt he has officially lost it. He wanted some answers, but he was forced to fight alongside Morgana, with no choice given. The teen didn't have that much of a complaint since he's already dealt with it not that long ago, so he felt he could handle it, especially with the assistance of this unknown cat-like creature.
I'll save the questions for later. He shook his head, trying to put full focus on what they're dealing with, I need to focus on getting out of here first. I'd rather deal with getting scolded than be killed in this weird looking castle.
"Damn Shadow... they've taken up intercept positions!" Morgana stated.
Shadows...? Ren looked at them, They look more like some type of demons, but I guess I can view them as shadows...? The teen had trouble processing this whole thing and all these odd looking creatures, but he pushed it aside and followed Morgana's lead.
"Looks like it's not about capturing us anymore... They're out for blood!" Morgana grumbled, a look of conviction appearing on his face.
Blood?! Ren breathed out a scoff of disbelief, his eyes growing wide, I am not going to die like this! He growled, giving a look of frustration, his hand gripping his knife tightly, awaiting to fight.
"I'll back you up, so fight like your life depends on it! Let's go!" Morgana yelled out with courage.
You don't have to tell me twice. Ren cackled, calling, "Arsène!" He started to get use to Arsène's appearance, Eiha He thought. He first targeted the Jack-o-lantern, seeing it get pushed back, still there in front of them, Damn...
"Hmph, I knew you were an amateur." Morgana smirked, jumping up and down.
Whatever... Ren rolled his eyes with a small laugh, awaiting to see his move.
"This is how you fight! Zorro!" His appeared behind him and its sword moved like the shape of a Z, a look of forced wind wrapped around the same shadow, this time leading it to fall to the ground.
Whoa... The black haired teen chuckled, a bit surprised by finding its weakness.
"Strike at an enemy's weakness to knock them down! Use that opening to strike again!" Morgana stated, "That's the most basic of basics! Remember it well!" He let out a small chuckle.
Duly noted. Ren breathed out a laugh.
"C'mon, let's hurry and get through this!" Morgana said with confidence. "Zorro!" He summoned it again, aiming towards the other enemy.
The enemies both struck Morgana, making him stumble back a little. A growl escaped Ren's lips, striking back at one of the shadows, leading it to vanish.
Hmph, serves you right. He sneered.
Morgana summoned Zorro again, making it do its same move, making the other one disappear seconds after.
Hm... not bad... Ren said, picking up the two bags they left behind, feeling himself become stronger. Thanks again, Arsène. He smiled. Hm...? What the...? Right after he collected the small bags, another word appeared in his mind, Cleave...? Is that another power of his? He grabbed his head, feeling a little light-headed. "Nng..." He groaned faintly, closing his eyes tightly. "Huh...?" When he opened his eyes while looking up, "Suzui-san...?" He whispered out, about to reach out again, N-No... I'm just seeing things again. He shook his head, trying to straighten his vision.
Shiho jolted after hearing Ren's voice call out to her again, N-No... I'm just hearing things. He couldn't possibly be in my class. She laughed lightly, feeling awkwardly uncomfortable. Amamiya-san... I hope he's doing okay... Shiho stared out the window, noticing Ann's class right across from hers, He's still not at school? Worrisome crossed her once noticing the empty seat behind Ann's. She couldn't focus right after seeing he still wasn't at school yet, "Amamiya-san..." She whispered faintly, only for her to hear and suddenly Ren being able to hear, too.
No, no, no... She's not here... It's all in my head... He scoffed, trying to keep his head cleared so he could escape this hellhole.
"Not bad. Your Persona's pretty powerful." Morgana looked up at him with a smile.
Persona...? Ren asked himself, Okay, so they're known as that, huh? Okay... The teen tried to keep it in his mind if something like this ever happened again.
"Persona?" Ryuji asked, practically doing Ren a favor. "Y'mean that thing that comes outta you guys all dramatic-like?"
"Yes. You saw how Frizzy Haired here ripped off his mask when he summoned it, right?" Morgana looked over, "Well, everybody wears a mask deep within their heart. By removing that..."
Ren's appearance changed back into his uniform, making them jump, "Huh? He turned back to normal..."
"Hm, it looks like you don't have full control over your power yet." Morgana stated. "The transformation shouldn't normally dissolve like that. After all-"
"Rrgh, that's enough! This crap doesn't make any sense!" Ryuji cut in.
"Can't you just sit still and listen for once, Blondie!?" Morgana hissed.
"Don't call me Blondies! My name's Ryuji..." He bit back.
"Actually, there's no time for me to lecture you!" Morgana looked back and forth at the teens. "You wanna escape this place in one piece, right? Let's go!" He reached in his bag, "Oh, but before that- take these. Use them carefully, okay?"
Medicine? Ren grabbed them, setting them in his pocket.
"Come on, we should hurry. It's not much farther to the exit." Morgana said, beginning to walk ahead, "Just make sure you're good on HP, okay? There's still a chance we'll end up having to fight in here."
HP? Ren furrowed his brows, still confused, Whatever... Let's just get out of here, quickly. He sighed, beginning to walk ahead of Morgana. They ran through a hallway and led themselves to a set of stairs, running straight to the end, Damn it... another drawbridge. Ren sighed with slight frustration, but saw the same kind of statue from the last bridge they crossed. Aha! Before he was about to head over, Ryuji stopped them. What now? The black haired teen exhaled with annoyance.
"Hold on a sec!" Ryuji called over, heading to one of the cells noticing someone lie face down on the stone cold floor. "I feel like I've seen what this dude's wearin' before..." He walked closer, "Dammit! I'm too flustered! I can't remember anything right now!" Ryuji growled.
"Come on, let's go!" Morgana said aloud, irritation rising as he headed towards the statue.
"Hold on, dammit!" Ryuji stopped him.
"What is it? We need to go, fast!" Morgana glared over.
"But... who are these guys?" Ryuji questioned.
"Do you really think you have time to worry about other people right now!?" Morgana hissed. "Besides, they're-"
"There!" Someone yelled out before Morgana could finish his sentence.
The bridge drew back and a guard appeared across from it, running straight towards them, "You should've listened to me...!" Morgana groaned.
"Let's fight." Ren stated quickly, hoping his attire would return, which thankfully did just a second after he finished his sentence.
"I'm glad you stick with your guns." Morgana laughed, looking over at him before looking back at the enemy.
The enemy ended up turning into somewhat like two fairies dressed in navy blue. Really...? Fairies...? Ren breathed out a chuckle, Okay... here goes. He let out a sigh, preparing to fight.
"Looks like it's raring to got too!" Morgana pointed out.
He looked at the closest fairy-like persona aiming to fight that one first, hitting it with his dagger. The fairy struck back just seconds after out of anger. Morgana summoned Zorro and hit it with wind, leading it to vanish into thin air, leaving one last fairy for them to finish. Before they could go after it, it tried to strike Morgana, but he dodged it, letting Ren grab the opportunity to summon Arsène. He ended the last fairy with Eiha, leading it to vanish in an instant.
Hm... not bad, I guess. Ren walked over and picked up the bags they left behind, finding a decent amount of money. "Whoa! Seriously? Again?" The teen jolted once seeing his attire change back into his school uniform.
"All right! Let's get away before more show up!" Morgana started to run ahead, but was stop by Ryuji calling his back.
"Hold on, we can't just leave these guys here!" He gave a look of irritation.
"You really don't get it, do you? Hrgh... There's no time to explain." Morgana groaned, "Look, I'm going. If you don't want to follow, be my guest!" Morgana continued to run ahead.
"Dammit... Fine, I'm coming!" Ryuji was frustrated, stuck between wanting to do something and wanting to retreat.
Ren looked back at the person in the cell one more time before following after. I hope this isn't real...
"The entrance hall is right above here! The exit's close... Keep it up!" They ran up a set of stairs and ran through the entrance hall.
Wait... Why can't we go out the front? Ren noticed, but continued to follow.
"We're here!" Morgana smiled.
"Finally! We're saved!" Ryuji sighed with relief, heading towards the wrong door. "Nnh... It's not openin'! D'you trick us, you jerk!?" He growled over at Morgana.
"Don't jump to conclusions! Over here!" Morgana laughed, entering the room right behind himself.
"H-Hey, wait up!" Ryuji ran right after Ren. "Where are we supposed to get out from here!? There aren't even any windows!"
"Ugh, amateur..." Morgana rolled his eyes, "This is the most basic of basics."
Ren glanced over after feeling a breeze from above, "A ventilation shaft?" He looked up.
"That's right! As I thought, you're a natural at this." Morgana beamed, "It leads all the way outside."
"I see..." Ryuji said, finally noticing, "Then we just gotta get that metallic mesh off!" He ran up, grabbing it, "And a one, and a-" He fell back on the ground, "Whoa!"
Ooh... tha's gotta hurt. Ren flinched, taking a step back, avoiding from getting pushed back to the ground, along with Ryuji. "You okay there, bud?" He let out a chuckle, helping him up.
"Yeah... I'm fine, thanks." Ryuji sighed, reaching out. "Oww... Crap! The enemy didn't hear us, did they?" He looked towards the door, "Seriously, we're finally gettin' outta here!"
"You should wait on celebrating until you actually get out." Morgana snickered, looking up. "Now, get going."
You don't have to tell me twice. Ren huffed out a laugh.
"But... what about you?" Ryuji asked.
"There's something that I still have to do." He replied.
I hope he'll be okay... Ren thought, some concerns beginning to cross.
"We're going our separate ways." He continued.
"Thanks." Ren looked over, smiling gently at him before heading to the vent.
"Heh. You've got manners." Morgana beamed. "Be careful on your way."
Ryuji jumped out first, Ren following behind.
"These two seem useful. Especially the frizzy-haired one, if my judgment's right..." Morgana crossed his arms, thinking as he saw the two teens leave.
"Did we make it?" Ryuji asked, catching his breath as he looked up.
"Appears so." Ren sighed with a smile.
"You have returned to the real world. Welcome back." His phone suddenly stated, making him jump.
"Huh? Returned?" Ryuji looked over, surprised. "Does that mean we got away?"
"Probably." Ren laughed, still trying to process the whole event.
"I dunno what to think anymore..." Ryuji rubbed the back of his head, groaning.
"You and me both." Ren breathed out a laugh.
"What was all that anyways? That castle, and Kamoshida, and that weird cat!" He looked back. "The hell's goin' on!?" Ryuji asked, looking back at Ren.
"What's with the yelling? Are you students of Shuji?" A couple of officers questioned, walking up to them.
Damn it... I'm already in enough trouble... Ren sighed.
"Cutting classes, are we?" The officer continued.
"Huh? No!" Ryuji practically started to pour gas in the fire that they were already dealing with, "We were tryin' to get to school, and we ended up at this weird castle!"
Seriously? Do you really think they would believe us? Ren looked over at him with disbelief followed by a scoff.
"...What?" The aggressive officer questioned, bewildered. "Hand over you bag. You better not be doing any drugs."
Of course... already assuming the worst. Ren sighed. Though from the looks of it, I can understand why they'd assume that. He tried to stifle a laugh.
"Why would you think that!?" Ryuji glared.
"Are you his friend?" The officer looked over at Ren.
He succeeded at keeping a straight face as he replied, "Never met him." Not wanting to bury his own grave even deeper.
"Don't lie like that! Tell 'em what happened!" Ryuji folded his arms, giving a look of disbelief at what Ren stated. "Like I'm tryin' to say... I don't know what's goin' on either!"
"We passed by Shujin on our way here. There was nothing out of the ordinary about it." The police officer responded. "If you spout any more nonsense, I'll contact your school. Is that what you want?"
"C'mon, say somthin'!" Ryuji looked over, hoping Ren would back him up.
"I don't want to be late." He responded, turning around, heading to school, Even though I bet I've mussed more than half of the day... He sighed, his fists turning into a shape of a ball, struggling to figure out what happened.
"Uh, that's not what I meant..." Ryuji looked at him, giving a look of shock as he shook his head. "W-Wait a sec! Is that guy for real?" He growled, his frustration growing "...Fine, I'm goin'!"
The two teens returned to school, seeing it was back to normal, "Is this for real...?" Ryuji's eyes widened out of astonishment.
Heh... Now I feel we've actually lost it... He exhaled, feeling just as surprised.
"I'm sure we came the same way... What's goin' on here...?" Ryuji looked over at Ren.
"That's exactly what I wanted to ask you." The counselor walked up. "We received a call from the police."
"That damn cop snitched on us after all!" Ryuji mumbled, looking away.
"It's rare not to see you alone." The counselor continued. "Where were you roaming around until this time?"
"Uhh... a ca- a castle?" Ryuji was thinking if he should actually tell the full truth that everyone would see automatically as a lie.
Are you serious...? Ren rolled his eyes, looking over at Ryuji, " Do you seriously think people would believe us? I can't even believe us..." Ren mumbled.
"So, you have no intention of giving an honest answer?" The man asked.
"What's this about a castle?" Someone walked up from behind the counselor.
Ugh... this guy... Can my day get any worse...? He laughed.
"Kamoshida!?" Ryuji yelled out, shocked.
"You seem so carefree, Sakamoto." The gym teacher said, "Quite a difference from when you did morning practice for the track team."
"Shuddup! It's you fault that-"
"How dare you speak that way to Mr. Kamoshida!" The counselor interrupted, "...There's not much leeway left for you, you know?"
"He's the one that provoked me!" Sakamoto bit back.
Ren sighs deeply, trying to hold back a growl as he notices the gym teacher grin wryly.
"Do you really want to be expelled!?" The counselor rose his voice. "In any case you'll have to explain yourself! Follow me!"
"What!? This is bullshit!" Ryuji rose his voice even louder.
"Come now. I should have been more considerate, too. let's just say that we were both to blame." Kamoshida grinned, hiding his amusement towards the kids reaction.
"Well, if you say so..." The counselor responded. "Still, you're coming with me. It's undeniable that you're extremely late."
"Fine..." Sakamoto resigned.
"By the way... you're that new transfer student, correct? Ren Amamiya?" Kamoshida asked.
"Finally saying my name this time, hm?" Ren looked up, staring daggers, not even noticing what he said, the words just slipping out.
Ryuji looked over, surprised then smiled before heading upstairs, following the counselor and glaring at the teacher along the way.
"...Have we met somewhere?" The teacher glared back at Ren.
"I saw a girl in your car." Ren said, his facial expression not changing. Though we've met multiple times before... He looked away.
"Hm...? Oh, I remember now... I saw you at the station." He let out a laugh, scratching his head. "...Well, I'll overlook this just for today." His face turning back into a stern look, "I'm sure you're heard from the principal, but cause any trouble and you'll be expelled. Understand?"
"Can you overlook more?" Ren smirked, trying to provoke him and amuse himself.
"Is that supposed to be a joke? I'm not laughing." He growled, his hands gripping tightly. "At any rate, hurry up and go to the faculty office. I'm sure Ms. Kawakami's tired of waiting." He turned around, but stopped and looked back over, "Good luck trying to enjoy your new school life."
After the lecture he received from his homeroom teacher, he attended class and tried to focus on class this time, hoping to get the whole scenario out of his head. He succeeded part way, but began to lose himself in the process, feeling frustration. Ren looked out the window, hoping to calm his nerves, so he could come back to reality. As the teen looked out, he noticed Shiho right across, looking outside the window, looking up at the gloomy sky.
A smile crossed Ren's face once his eyes landed on her. He was hoping she would notice him, and finally, luck appeared as she saw him look over at her with a faint smile and a small wave. A giggle left her lips as she gave a soft grin towards him and waved back. They both gave a sigh of relief, before putting their attention back to class.
I'm glad he's okay. She thought.
I'm glad she's okay. He thought.
Class ended and he walked outside of his classroom, feeling a little better. When he walked out, he became light-headed, What the hell...? Not again... He groaned when seeing the hall turn into the hall he saw in the castle. He shook his head, hoping he was just seeing things again.
"Hm? What's wrong?" His teacher walked out a few minutes after him.
"Is this a school?" Ren looked over after trying to clear his head.
"Are you sure you're okay?" She sighed. "Also... it seems like people are already talking about you, but I'm not the one who told them." She looked down, giving an annoyed expression, "I can't even catch a break... Why do I have to deal with this?" Kawakami looked back at him, "You should head straight home without stopping by anywhere. Sakura-san sounded pretty angry."
Damn it... He growled, gripping his hands, knowing he was screwed.
"Oh, and about Sakamoto-kun. Don't get involved-" He appeared while she was beginning to warn him, "Speak of the devil..." She folded here arms with a sigh, "What do you want? I heard the police caught you cutting classes today."
"Ugh... It was nothin'." He responded, trying to avoid the topic.
"And you haven't dyed your hair back to black either..." she rested on hand on her hip, sighing deeply.
"Sorry'bout that." Ryuji responded before walking up to Ren to whisper in his ear. "...I'll be waitin' on the rooftop."
I really don't want to deal with this anymore... Ren sighed, closing his eyes, trying to catch his breath.
"See? That's why I don't want you getting involved. Understood?" She looked down with disappointment.
"You don't have to tell me twice." He mumbled with a chuckle. Ren was about to walk downstairs, hoping to catch his breath, but stopped when he saw the principal and gym teacher appear in front of him. Give me a break... Right in front of me... Really? He shook his head with a small laugh.
"Why did you allow a student like him to transfer here? He's already started associating with Sakamoto." The gym teacher started. "A student with a criminal record, and the culprit of an assault case. At this rate, it'd be pointless how much I contribute to the school."
Damn prick thinking all high and mighty... Ren rolled his eyes, feeling as though Kamoshida was stirring the pot.
"Now, don't be like that..." The principal replied, "This school counts on you, Kamoshida-kun. You are our star." He gave an awkward chuckle, "Still, a steady build-up is necessary behind such brilliance as well."
"...Your troubles never seem to end, do they, Principal Kobayakawa?" He sighed, "All right, I understand. I'll continue to do my best to answer to your expectations of me." He grinned, looking conceited. The principal and teacher then walked away, heading in different directions.
Sakamoto seems eager to talk about something... Ren inhaled then exhaled slowly, I should meet him on the rooftop... I guess... But first, I'm gonna grab some air without his presence so I process this whole thing before I feel I've actually lost my sanity. He laughed, beginning to walk downstairs.
As he walked downstairs and turned to head to the courtyard he bumped into someone, "Oh! I am so sorry- Suzui-san?" Ren was startled, then a small smile crossed his face as he looked at her, but the smile faded and a look of deep concern appeared instantly. "Are you okay!?"
"Amamiya-san...?" She looked up at him, pale as a ghost.
"You should go to the infirmary!" He held onto her arms gently, helping her stay up.
"I-I can't... I still have practice..." She mumbled, her eyes beginning to close.
Ren's eyebrows furrowed, his concerns growing even more, "Let's- Suzui-san!?" He caught her as she landed in his arms. An uncomfortable groan left his lips, he looked all around, thinking of asking for assistants, but shook his head and picked her up, bridal style, Please be okay... He rushed to the infirmary. "Um... nurse?" He walked in, hoping to see someone there to take care of Shiho, Damn... no one here... He huffed. Okay... I'll set her down on the bed and try and go look for the nurse.
As he was about to leave to search for the nurse, his shirt was grabbed and a mumble of, Please... don't leave me... He looked back and saw tears slide down Shiho's face. Her face turning into a look of pain.
Damn it... Ren growled, feeling helpless.
Ren placed his hands on her cheeks softly, wiping away the tears, a small smile gliding across her face as she gave a look of relief, which led Ren to doing the same. The teen sat down beside her, trying to think of a way to help her. He was hesitant, but went with his instincts. Okay... Okay... I can do this... I can totally do this... The teen closed his eyes, his heart racing furiously. I can't do this, but I have to! Damn it!
The teen built up his courage and placed his forehead on hers, seeing if she has a high temperature. He felt like his heart was about to explode, but it automatically got ignored once he felt she was burning up. He looked around and grabbed a damp cloth to put on her forehead, then noticed she was sweating. He grabbed a dry cloth and tried to wipe away all of the sweat.
Okay... what to do next? He look around, thinking of what else needed to be done. Cool her down, dry her off, what else...? Ah! Medicine! As he was about to head over to the cabinets, it was then he realized the most awkwardest thing and unbelievable thing he felt he couldn't bring himself to do. Please no... not this type of medicine... He noticed it was a liquid type that she needed to drink. Okay... I'll just wake her up. Yeah! That's it. Ren groaned, praying she would wake up. Once he poured the medicine in a small cup he walked over to her, and sat down, wrapping his arm around her shoulders to lift her up as he tried to wake her. Please... I beg of you... Please wake up... He whined like a puppy, his heart throbbing.
The teen looked at the cup then at her. She was out like a light. Shiho wouldn't wake up. Her face looked like she was burning up. It put a lot of pressure on the black haired student. He wanted to help her so bad, but he didn't know how. The young girl started to whine in her sleep, her brows furrowing from the cause of pain. At that point, Ren felt he really had no choice.
I am so sorry, Suzui-san... He closed his eyes tightly, Please forgive me...
He groaned lightly out of pain and guilt before he put the medicine in his mouth. Once it was all in his mouth he slowly approached her face. He opened her mouth slightly so he could give her the medicine, mouth to mouth. The student felt his heart was about to burst out of his chest.
Hurry! Please! For God's sake, hurry! His eyes tightened more as his heart ran a mile a second.
He heard a sudden moan escape which led him to peek, finally seeing she was drinking it. A faint sigh of relief escaped as all of the medicine was out of his mouth. He covered his mouth, his heart still throbbing roughly against his rib cage. He noticed that she was finally cooling down a bit. He covered his face trying to cool himself down from what just happened. As his heart came down to a regular pulse, he saw the nurse finally arrived and a smile crossed his face.
"Please take care of her, her fever is down, but I don't know how condition will be later." He looked at the nurse with an expression of plead, "Thank you."
He bowed as the nurse headed towards her, checking her temperature, seeing it was back to normal. Once he left and once the nurse put the curtain around her, Shiho turned away and covered her mouth, her face turning completely red as she then covered her face, her heart racing just as fast. Ren placed his arm over his mouth, trying to get the thought out of his mind, but he didn't succeed. The whole thing was practically on repeat, burning and turning it into a memory.
"I can't believe this..." He mumbled, a feeling of guilt still brewing inside him, I can't believe this turned out to be my first kiss... I really hope this wasn't hers either. God, what is wrong with me!?
He facepalmed himself over and over once he entered the men's restroom, hoping to cool himself down as he splashed water on his face. He looked himself in the mirror, filled with disbelief. When he looked at his lips, he traced a couple of his fingers around it. He felt devastated for what just happened, but his heart skipped a beat once remembering the softness of them, which lessened it just a little.
The lips were so soft. Her skin was so smooth. She looked so beautiful to him when he was up close to where he felt he was enchanted by her. It wasn't just her appearance that he admired. It was her soul. A soft grin slid across his face. He wanted to forget everything, but at this point, he knew he couldn't... no, truthfully he didn't want to forget anything that has happened between them.
He shook his head, trying to clear his mind as he was walking outside, I'll go meet Sakamoto-san. I really hope I don't remember any of this. He lied to himself, And I really hope Suzui-san doesn't know anything about it... He looked down as he stopped in his tracks, I'm so sorry, Suzui-san... He thought to himself over and over as he headed upstairs, hoping he'll be calm enough to deal with what he's going to be dealing with once he reaches the rooftop.