Author's notes
Side storiesare my side projects that focus on daily life. This one, however, isextra special. Unlike my usual side stories, this is astandalone story—longer, more in-depth, and crafted to feel like its own major arc. Think of it as a "main interlude," with its own unique plot, extensive world-building, and character development. It's designed to stand on its own, much like LB6 or Salem in FGO.
This side storytakes place after Hyakkaryouran Chapter 1(the main story hasn't caught up to that yet) and after the events ofGame Development DepartmentandThe Hero Party(another side story). It also containsspoilers for the 'A Visitor from Beyond' arc, so keep that in mind!
ENJOY!
Fate/Grand Order: Where All Miracles Begin, SCHALE
Side Story: Love Unlocked, The Treasurer's Priceless Treasure (2/9)
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I declared it—I declared it out loud.
My own words, spoken with such conviction, echoed in my mind. I didn't even mean to say it yet! My mouth just moved on its own, betraying me in front of Noa.
Ahhh, how embarrassing! And to make it worse, I wasn't alone! I wasn't alone!
Noa tilted her head with her usual gentle smile, her amethyst eyes glimmering with amusement. "Yuuka-chan is so cute." she said, chuckling softly.
"Noa!" I groaned, my voice muffled by my palms. Burying my burning face in my hands, I couldn't look at her cruel sweet smile. How could she say that so casually? My cheeks felt like they were on fire, and my heart was racing as though I'd just run a marathon. Noa was my closest friend—always the soft teaser—but moments like this made me question if she found my suffering entertaining.
Narrating my internal panic only made it worse.Okay, Yuuka, calm down. At least it's Noa. She's trustworthy, she won't blab. This will stay in this room. No one must know—wait! But if Sensei and I were to date, wouldn't our relationship have to be public?My thoughts spiraled, and I groaned inwardly.Ahhhh, this is so embarrassing!
"Yuuka-chan." Noa's voice interrupted my spiraling thoughts, gently pulling me back to reality. She had that soft, knowing smile that always felt like she could see right through me. "Shall we start planning?"
I snapped out of my haze, breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breath out— taking many deep breaths to regain my composure, cooling my head. "Yes! I'm ready now." I said, sitting up straighter. Noa nodded back, her expression turning slightly more serious.
"Before we can come up with a plan, we need to understand the situation," she began. "I already know whatyouthink of Sensei, Yuuka-chan. But what doyouthinkhethinks of you?"
Hearing the question made my brows furrowed.
This was the money question.
Since a relationship need to be mutual, it would mean nothing if he couldn't return my feelings... Now it felt like self-evaluation. What did he think of me? My fingers fiddled the hem of my pants as I tried to think as hard and as rationale as I could.
"I'm not sure," I admitted. My mind wandered to the little things. "I mean... we're close, right? He always pats my head, lets me nap on his lap or shoulder... But I nag him so much—about his spending, his messy desk, everything. I feel like I must annoy him sometimes. But... I don't think he dislikes me."
I looked at Noa hesitantly. "What do you think...?"
Noa tilted her head, pretending to think. "I think he likes you."
Her words hit me like a bolt of lightning. My mind blanked for a moment before I managed to stammer, "H-H-H-H—he does?"
"I mean, he definitely likes your thighs."
"NOOOAAA!" I cried, flustered beyond belief. I could feel the heat rushing back to my cheeks, spreading down my neck. Her mischievous smile was still present on her face. My embarrassment only fueled Noa's quiet laughter. AhhhH! Yuuka are you sure this is your best friend? This teasing demon? I wondered how incredibly lucky I was to have survived Noa's teasing until now. I couldn't even imagine what would have happened if I had told her this matter a long time ago.
Wouldn't I have buried my face deep in the ground already?!
"Fufu, Yuuka-chan— no, no." She said between chuckles, "I'm serious this time. I think he does like you. But as for how he views you... I don't know. That's for you to find out."
I opened my mouth to argue, but she raised a hand, cutting me off. "Yuuka-chan, haven't you noticed how much he spoils you? He always brings snacks you like when he visits, and he always notices when you're stressed." Her eyes glinted with amusement. "—And he definitely sneaks glances at your thighs."
"Noa!" I groaned again, covering my face with both hands. This was torture. Why did she have to keep bringing up my thighs?!
"Alright, Yuuka-chan— I'll stop teasing you now." She said, her teasing tone softening "Sensei is very observant, He notices everything down to the smallest details like me. Have I ever told you I tested him?"
"Tested him?" I repeated, lowering my hands.
Noa nodded. "I once asked if he noticed any difference in my outfit. I wanted to see how much attention he really paid to details." She smiled, clearly recalling the moment. "He answered correctly every time. Even after I changed the tiniest things."
I blinked. "He noticed everything?"
Noa smiled, clearly recalling the moment.
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"Noa, you underestimate my power." Sensei said with a calm and confident smile, his tone as composed as always.
But if his face was calm, his inner monologue was anything but that. His thoughts were practically screaming
You don't know... You have no idea how many Artorias I have at home.They literally have the same face and voice! It's not just confusing; it's a survival challenge!
Even Lily who's sweet and innocent, has the same voice as Artoria (Saber) when she got serious! And don't even get me started on Caster— let her hair down, and she is Lily! And then there's Morgan... Morgan! If I ever accidentally call her Artoria (Saber) or mistake her as (Artoria) Alter, I might not live to see another sunrise!
It doesn't stop there! Imagine being in the dark or having my eyes closed, and one of them asks, 'Who am I?' but in an adjusted tone! It's not even 'Who am I?' It's 'Which am I?!'
He could practically feel his soul leaving his body just recalling it.And let's not forget—it's not just Artorias; it's all the Saber faces! Nero, Okita, Jeanne... How did I survive this long?!
Despite the inner turmoil, Sensei's outward demeanor remained resolute. "It's a gift." he added, the picture of confidence.
Noa was amazed, but little did she know— this "gift" was born out of years of intense training and countless life-threatening moments. Sensei, the master of Chaldea, had developed an extreme and almost superhuman sense of woman differentiation, especially when it came to those with the same faces. For him, it wasn't just a skill—it was a matter of survival.
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"Yes, even the smallest details—voice, scent, touch. It's like he has a sixth sense for these things."
"..."
Noa paused, then added with a smirk. "Come to think of it, Sensei is a dangerous man. Yuuka-chan, you're like a little rabbit walking right into the den of a—"
"What?!" I cut her off, feeling my heart race. "A what?"
She chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "A very experienced, charming predator. Let's call him a... lion." Her teasing tone returned. "And you, Yuuka-chan, are the adorable little bunny."
I felt my face burn once again. "Noa!"
The room was quiet for a moment after Noa's last words, giving me a chance to spiral further into my thoughts.He already knows my feelings?I clutched the plush cat on Noa's desk tightly as my heart raced. If Sensei already knew... then what? Was he toying with me? Playing with my emotions because he thought it was funny? Or—was he actually a womanizer?!
"Noa..." I managed to stammer. "Are you sure about this? That he might already know?"
Noa tilted her head, a faint smile teasing her lips. "It's just a possibility, Yuuka-chan."
"But even if he does, you shouldn't jump to conclusions. Sensei treats all of us with kindness. He probably just sees his students as girls navigating their teenage years, trying to explore romance. Maybe he thinks our actions are normal in a place like Kivotos. After all, we've never had a male human before, so many of us don't even have the awareness to act differently."
Noa's wise words made me pause, she had a point. Being the only man in a city full of girls must be... overwhelming. Imagine being thrown into a world where physical contact is casual, and outfits are sometimes... revealing. Of course, he might think it's normal... He probably thinks this is just Kivotos' culture.
Hold on—
Wait. Doesn't that make Kivotos a paradise for him? So many cute and charming girls just going about their lives, oblivious... That's the ultimate advantage! Ugh! What is this?!
"But let's not get stuck on that," Noa's calm voice brought me back to the present. "Instead, Yuuka-chan, what do you think is special about you? What makes you a good match for Sensei? What do you think your advantage is?"
I blinked, her bombarding questions really threw me off guard. "Advantage?"
"Yes." Noa said with a patient smile. "What about you might catch his attention or make him choose you?"
Hmm... my advantage? Let's see...
"Maybe... I'm hardworking? I can help him with anything, especially when it comes to office work or financial management." I hesitated before adding nervously. "I'm not as good as you when it comes to memorizing things like blueprints, but I'm confident in my dedication."
These were the most confident answers after my feeling more him. Even though I wasn't as good as supporting jobs like Noa, I still could of help, right? It was me who had been working with him the most and longest!— Well, that was in past tense, maybe not anymore— But, but this is my proudest achievement!
"Fufufu.. Yuuka-chan."
"Eh? Did— Did I say something wrong?" I asked, why was Noa laughing? ( -)?
"Yuuka-chan, you're answering like this is a job interview. Being a girlfriend isn't about working for your boyfriend."
"B-boyfriend?!" My face turned beet red hearing the word.
Noa chuckled, amused by my reaction. "Yes, Yuuka-chan. That's what we're talking about, aren't we?"
I buried my face in my hands.Boyfriend?! Ahhh! Why does she have to say it so casually?!
Noa leaned closer, resting her chin in her palm as she continued. "What I mean is that everyone wants to be cared for or spoiled a little. Just like how you enjoy it when Sensei spoils you—maybe he wants the same. Have you ever thought about that?"
"Spoil... him?" I murmured, trying to process the idea. My thoughts whirled.If being hardworking and capable isn't enough, does that mean I need to think of other ways to appeal to him?
I blurted out, "Like cooking? Cleaning? Wait—I can't even cook properly!"
Noa chuckled again. "Close, but not quite. I don't mean skills like a maid's duties. I mean traits, Yuuka-chan. What makes you special? What makes you, well,you?"
I blinked, feeling completely lost.
What makes meme?
So far I had my thoughts in a maze of work-related relationships, I understood what Noa meant now— It was other aspect of me. But who was Hayase Yuuka if it wasn't about work? That sounded impossible for me. The closest thing I could think of was... games? At least I played board games and online game— not really a lot, but did it count? ( ̣̣̥̣̣̥)
Noa tapped her chin thoughtfully before her amethyst eyes sparkled with an idea. "Yuuka-chan, do you know you're incredibly cute when you're sleepy?"
I stared at her, confused. "Me? Sleepy?"
"Yes." Noa said, a mischievous smile spreading across her face. "When you're awake, you talk and nag a lot, which is adorable in its own way. But when you're sleepy, you're so quiet and vulnerable, like a little kitten. A vocal kitten that calms down once it's tired."
My cheeks burned. "M-mou, Noa! Is that supposed to be a compliment?!"
M-M-M—Me? A kitten?
She nodded, chuckling softly. "Of course. And when you ask Sensei for his shoulder or lap to rest on, your cuteness goes off the charts. No one in their right mind would say no to such an innocent and adorable request."
I groaned, burying my face in my hands.So, I've been flirting with him all this time?! I thought it was just me being sleepy and finding his presence comforting! His scent and warmth are so calming, I just—I stopped mid-thought, feeling my face grow even hotter.
"So, what you're saying—" I said slowly, peeking out from behind my hands. "—is that I'm only cute when I'm sleepy, but not when I'm awake?"
Noa laughed. "Not quite. You're cute overall, Yuuka-chan. But the contrast between your energetic and sleepy selves makes you even more charming. It's a unique advantage."
I sighed, unsure whether to feel flattered or embarrassed. But deep down, I couldn't help but smile. Maybe, just maybe, I had a chance.
Noa leaned back in her chair, her amethyst eyes glowing with quiet amusement as her pen stopped moving. "So, Yuuka-chan, let's summarize— Your main advantages are the contrast between your energetic and sleepy sides and your considerate nagging. Although..."
She paused, glancing at me with a teasing smile. "We should probably tone down the nagging just a little. Too much might make him feel like you're more of a strict manager than anything else."
I puffed my cheeks slightly in protest. "I'm notthatbad, am I?"
Noa chuckled. "Not bad, but let's say... you might benefit from balancing it out with some softer, sweeter moments. Let him see the gentle side of Yuuka-chan more often."
"Alright, but wait— that's it? All I have to do is tone down my nagging and show my sleepy side more often? That's all?"
Noa smirked mischievously. "Oh no, Yuuka-chan. We're just getting started. Now that we know your strengths, it's time to strategize."
"Strategize?" I repeated, my eyebrows furrowing in confusion.
"Of course." Noa said, straightening up as her tone became more serious. "If you want Sensei to see you as more than just a student, the first strategy is— you need to do more than the other girls. I don't just mean work—though you've already done an excellent job staying late during SCHALE duties. What I'm talking about is going above and beyond in other aspects of his life."
I tilted my head, trying to keep up with her train of thought. Noa's pen started moving like crazy again, I didn't know what she was planning but the girl had been looking my face, talking to me, and writing gods know what in her notebook nonstop.
Did she just say 'the first strategy'? How many did she prepared?
Noa leaned forward slightly, her gaze sharpening. "Yuuka-chan, you need to start paying him visits outside of working hours."
"What?!" I nearly jumped out of my seat. "Pay him a visit? After work?!"
"Exactly." Noa said firmly, unfazed by my reaction.Why did she seem that was the most natural thing in the world?
"Think about it. Right now, you're in the 'student' category. But a girlfriend has special privileges—like being able to visit her boyfriend anytime, at any hour. If you want to work your way into that position, you need to start practicing."
I stared at her, my mind spiraling into chaos.Visit him after work? Late at night? Just the two of us?My face grew hotter with every passing second as vivid images filled my head—me knocking on his door, him opening it in casual clothes, the warm glow of the room behind him. Maybe he'd invite me in, and we'd sit on the couch, talking late into the night...
"Yuuka-chan?" Noa's calm voice broke through my flustered thoughts.
"N-nothing!" I stammered, waving my hands in front of me. "I'm fine! Please continue!"
Noa smiled knowingly, but she didn't tease me further. Instead, she asked. "So, Yuuka-chan, are you ready?"
"Eh? Ready for what?" I asked, blinking at her.
"For tomorrow, of course." Noa said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world— again.
"Tomorrow? ( ㅁ) !"
My heart skipped a beat.
"Yes, Yuuka-chan. With the current situation, where intense rivalries are erupting, you can't afford to waste a single second."
I gulped a dry saliva, my mind racing. Her words couldn't be truer. Each moment he didn't read my message could be a moment he was texting someone else—or worse, helping one of the other girls. My timid self would never have come up with a bold plan like this on my own— everything was all thanks to Noa, I had to trust her words— even if some of her suggestions felt completely out of character for me. But if I wanted our relationship to change, I couldn't find any excuse not to push myself to improve.
Noa's pen clicked, signaling that she was done with her planning. Her eyes gleamed with determination as she looked at me with her iconic reassuring, faint smile.
"Tomorrow, we proceed."
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In the blink of an eye, tomorrow arrived.
And here I was—standing in front of the SCHALE building with only the top two floors glowing faintly in the night. The streets were silent, the campus still, and the cool breeze of the evening made the situation feel even more surreal.
Clutching my bag tightly, the slight tremble in my hands betrayed my nerves. "Noa... are you sure about this? Will this plan really work?" My voice wavered slightly, the whirlwind of emotions all in shamble inside me.
Noa turned to me with her usual faint smile, her amethyst eyes sparkling with calm assurance. "It will work. Trust me, Yuuka-chan."
I bit my lip, sure—I must trust her. She was my reliable friend, and now my one and only dependable cupid. Nonetheless, it was almost 10 p.m.—a time I'd never imagine myself voluntarily visiting him. Sure, I'd stayed late at SCHALE plenty of times, but this was different. First, I normally left in an hour or two before, around this time, I would already get ready for bed. And today? I was still in my student uniform, hadn't taken a bathe either. Why, Noa said for a newbie like myself, I needed to advance slowly and steady— visiting him in my casual outfit would be a leap in difficulty as well as... boldness.
Second, he wasn't expecting me, and the thought of just barging in at this hour made my stomach twist in ways I couldn't quite explain.
"Why does it have to be this late, though?" I muttered, more to myself than to Noa.
She chuckled softly, the sound somehow both comforting and teasing. "Because it's the perfect time."
I frowned, unsure if I believed her. Then, as my mind wandered, an entirely inappropriate thought crossed my mind.Visiting him this late... doesn't this sound so... dirty?I shook my head quickly, trying to dispel the blush creeping up my cheeks.
This is just a visit,I reminded myself.An innocent visit.
Except... it wasn't. Not entirely, anyway. This visit was part of the plan—theplan—to win his heart. But still...At this hour? Doesn't this imply...
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"Yuuka-chan?" Noa's voice snapped me back to reality.
"Huh? What?" I blinked at her.
She winked, her smile widening ever so slightly. "Relax. I'm here to help you this time. Next time, you'll come on your own, right?"
Her words hit me like a gust of wind, and I could feel my face burning hotter than the afternoon sun. "N-Noa!" I stammered, my voice cracking slightly.What does she mean 'next time'? What kind of person does she think I am?! Can I— Can I really do it? Is this really appropriate?!
But before I could protest further, she grabbed my hand with a firm yet gentle grip. "Let's go!" she said simply, tugging me forward.
Well? Me?— My legs felt like jelly. I couldn't even walk properly, and yet, Noa practically glided ahead, pulling me along effortlessly. It was like my brain had shut off, leaving my body to operate on autopilot.
In what felt like a blink, we were standing in front of the office door. My heart pounded in my chest as if I'd just run a marathon.How did we get here so fast?
"W-Wait!" I whispered, my voice barely audible. "Can I just... take a moment to calm myself?"
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Noa glanced at me, her expression unreadable. As hard as I prayed she would let go of me— then, with a small, mischievous smile, she punched in the door code. The lock beeped, and before I could protest, she pulled me into the office.
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To visit Sensei— At this hour...
"Eh?" I muttered as my eyes scanned the room. It was empty. The man I expected to meet was nowhere to be found. No Sensei behind the monitor, no signs of him on the couch. I walked over, checking if he was sleeping in any unusual place— nothing. He wasn't here. The office felt oddly still, almost too quiet.
Since he wasn't working, all monitors dark, air-conditioning turned off, there could only be one thing— he finished his work. Sensei was probably relaxing in his living quarter upstairs.
I turned to Noa, panic bubbling in my chest. "See? He's probably already resting upstairs. It's late, and this plan—"
She didn't answer. Instead, she pulled out her smartphone.
"Noa?" I whispered, watching her tap a few buttons. My brain was struggling to keep up with her calm demeanor and outrageous plan.
Ringgggggg Ringggggg
"Huh— Noa?"
It only took a few seconds. In just a moment later, a phone began to ring— not her mobile phone, but the office landline.
My heart dropped. "You're calling him?! At this hour?!"
She tilted her head, her expression as serene as ever. "Just watch."
Right, that was what she said with her iconic smile.
My brain fried, trying to keep up. Finally, I figured her plan— she was luring Sensei to come down stairs! And she did it so casually as if this whole scenario wasn't utterly insane!
Noa!" I whispered harshly, gripping her arm. "What if he's resting?! What if he's—"
Thuck— Thunk—
I froze.
It was the sound of footsteps.
My grip on Noa's sleeve tightened as the sound of soft steps descended the staircase. I was too late now... With a sly smile spreading across her face, Noa softly chuckled. She was enjoying my reaction as if I fell for her prank. Was she really my cupid? Now she was more likeculprit!
Still, in that split second, I had no time to blame her anymore— He was coming down!
"Who's calling the office this late?"
My breath caught as Sensei's voice rang out, calm but slightly groggy. The dim light from the office illuminated the staircase as he descended— the moment he appeared in my sight, my heart stopped.
The faint scent of soap wafted through the air.
Ritsuka Sensei... there he was, standing at the bottom of the staircase.
His hair was damp, beads of water clinging to the ends and catching the soft glow of the office lights. One droplet began its journey, sliding down the curve of his temple, trailing along his sharp jawline, before disappearing into the hollow of his neck. My eyes—traitorous as they were—followed its path down, down to where his loosely tied white bathrobe left much of his upper body exposed.
His skin, a pristine shade of pale, almost glowed in the dim light. It was smooth yet firm, his physique the perfect blend of strength, agility, and endurance—balanced in a way that could only come from years of training and refinement. He wasn't bulky like a bodybuilder, but instead, he carried the body of someone honed for action: lean, efficient, and breathtakingly captivating.
And then... there was his chest.
As the largest piece of visible muscle, it reflected the light with a faint sheen, each defined curve and line standing out like an intricate work of art. The droplets continued their descent, moving over his chiseled abs. The muscles rose and fell like ridges of a perfectly sculpted mountain range, their 3D form impossibly defined. Each movement he made, even the subtle rise and fall of his breath, only emphasized the contours further.
My heart raced like it had run a marathon. My head felt light, as if all the blood in my body had decided to relocate to my face. My mind scrambled for coherent thought, but all I could hear was a deafeningthud-thud-thudin my ears.
Why does his muscle—no, no! Why is the ceiling so clean today, yet his abs—ahhh! No, Yuuka! Don't stare! Don't stare!
My eyes shook, darting desperately for an escape, but they couldn't seem to tear away from the water trails on his collarbone.Why does even his neck look so—ahhhh! Normally his shirt collar hides it!
"Noa? And— Yuuka?" His deep, soothing voice brought me back, but it was like throwing a pebble into a stormy sea. He stepped closer, casually, as though completely unaware of the destruction he was leaving in his wake.
He tilted his head slightly, his damp bangs framing his striking blue eyes. "What brings you two here this late?"
I opened my mouth, trying to respond, but no sound came out. My brain had completely short-circuited.
The damage I had received was too much. If it had been a little, I might have considered it an eye treat... but this? This wasn't an eye treat—this wasdevastation.
" " he said, turning his attention to us. Noa responded, her face smiled and calmed, but I couldn't hear a word. My ears refused to work, as if they'd gone on strike in protest of my current state.
He raised an eyebrow, his expression puzzled. Sensei, realizing something, reached for the front of his bathrobe, tightening it and finally closing off the scandalous view. My eyes snapped shut, but the image of his physique was burned into my mind like a searing brand.
I buried my face in my hands, my palms barely containing the heat radiating from my cheeks.Please, ground, open up and swallow me whole. I beg you.
" ?"
" (ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ)"
" (ᵕ•_•) o o o "
His mouth moved again, and I knew he was speaking with Noa, but the words didn't reach me. My thoughts were a jumbled mess, my heart racing out of control.
Then, out of nowhere, he leaned down slightly, his face inching closer to mine. His hand reached out toward my forehead, as if to check my temperature.
" ?" His voice was closer now, and his presence overwhelmed me. The scent of soap hit my nose, clouding my thought even worse. My eyes darted everywhere, desperate for an escape, but with him blocking my entire vision, there was nowhere to look. Nowhere... I couldn't look at his face, surely not his eyes. Where was I supposed to look? except—
My gaze fell.
The smallest gap in his bathrobe.
Just a small gap— where it sloped downward, revealing that perfectly sculpted chest again. The abs. The waves. The ridges.
Sea waves. Why does it look like sea waves? Ahhhh—
"Yuuka?"
The last coherent thought I had before everything went dark was,I'm done for.
And then... I fainted.
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My mind spiraled in a storm of unconscious thoughts...
His muscles, those abs, the perfectly sculpted lines... It was overwhelming.
Don't come any closer—
No— Get away! Sensei!
Leave me alone—!
KYAAAAAAAAA—!
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"—!" Then, suddenly, I jerked upright into a sitting position, gasping for air.
"Where... am I?"
My eyes darted around the room. Familiar walls tinted in hues of purple and pink greeted me, the ceiling, the furniture—I quickly realized I was back in my own room.
I took a few seconds to gather myself, pressing my hands to my flushed face, my heartbeat still out of tempo. That's when I noticed her.
Sitting gracefully at the edge of my bed, her amethyst eyes watching me with that ever-calm smile, was Noa.
"You woke up, Yuuka-chan?" she greeted, her voice soft and teasing.
"Noa...?" I blinked, still dazed. "What time is it?"
"It's almost 11 p.m.—" She replied casually. "Don't you remember what happened?"
I froze. My mind tried to piece everything together, and then—like shards of a shattered mirror—memories flashed vividly before my eyes.
Sensei... His damp hair... his sculpted muscles... his chiseled abs—
"WAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!" I screamed, burying my face in my hands.
I fainted. Ifainted!I tried so hard not to look, to avoid staring, but he kept getting closer! He left me no escape! And I couldn't abort the mission, not after he sealed my escape!
The heat returned to my cheeks in full force. They burned so hot I was sure I could fry an egg. Just my two hands couldn't hide my embarrassment, and when I peeked through my fingers, Noa was still there, her calm smile betraying none of her thoughts.
"N-N-Noa! How are you fine?!" I blurted, my voice cracking.
"Fufu, Yuuka-chan." Noa chuckled, her tone light and teasing. "Your innocence is so adorable."
I stared at her in disbelief. Impossible! How could she have stayed so calm and composed in front ofthat?!Was my friend some kind of unshakable goddess?
"Ahh—Mou! It was his fault!" I stammered, pointing at an imaginary Sensei. "Why would he even walk down like that?! And how does he even have that body?!"
Noa couldn't help but laugh, and I could feel her amusement cutting through my mortification. "Did you think it was hot?" she teased, her tone playful.
"Noa!" I yelled, feeling like steam was about to shoot out of my ears.
Still laughing, she explained. "Even with his busy schedule, he exercises too. Don't forget—he's a Master who's been on countless adventures. Well— I think he mentioned before that he went through regular training. Something about...Shishou's training and Leonidas' training?" She smiled thoughtfully. "He's always groaning about muscle aches and needing massages after."
That piece of information made me pause. Suddenly, the small moments clicked into place.Oh... so that's why I'd sometimes hear him complaining about neck pain or sore muscles. I thought it was because he'd fallen off his pillow or had bad office posture. Maybe I was wrong... or maybe it's both?
Just as I was piecing it together, another realization struck me like a bolt of lightning. My eyes widened as I turned to Noa.
"Wait... Noa—did youplanthis?!"
She chuckled softly, giving me a sly smile. "Yuuka-chan, you finally figured it out."
I gasped in shock. "How did you even know? How did you knowwhenhe'd be taking a bath?!"
Noa tapped her temple knowingly. "Ara— I'm a secretary, remember? I know these little details from conversations—directly or through texts. You've never texted him at this hour, have you? How cute."
"W-Wait, you text him?!"
"Sometimes..." she admitted. "While you work with him on-site, I help him remotely, you know. Did you forget, Yuuka-chan?"
Still, the thought of her knowing these kinds of details made me feel a pang of envy. Noa always seemed to be one step ahead of me, even in this.
"Well... that makes sense..." I muttered under my breath, trying not to sound too defeated.
Noa's teasing smile widened, and she leaned closer, her amethyst eyes gleaming. "But next time, Yuuka-chan, you'll have to figure it out on your own. I can't hold your hand forever."
That... made sense. It wasn't like I didn't already know how dependable Noa was. She had even been my substitute for SCHALE duties on several occasions when I was unavailable. And, of course, given how much work Sensei had to handle, her assistance was invaluable.
My face burned again as I realized what she meant. Next time? Alone? Visiting him late at nightalone?!
I buried my face in my hands again. "Mou, Noa! Don't say things like that!"
She just laughed, clearly enjoying herself. Meanwhile, I sank further into my embarrassment, unsure if I'd ever recover from this night.
Anyway, it wasn't like I could let she have her way!
"I'm not talking to you anymore!" I huffed, crossing my arms and turning away from Noa.
My cheeks still burned from the sheer embarrassment. Instead of helping me, it felt like Noa had just pranked me for her own amusement!Ahhh—Noa!
Behind me, I heard her chuckle softly. "I'm sorry, Yuuka-chan~"
Sorry? She didn't sound sorry at all!I whipped my head around, glaring at her.
"Hmph! ( ' ᴖ ' )!"
Noa, unfazed by my childish behavior, smiled and leaned in to wrap her arms around me. "I won't prank—erm, I mean,plan—like that again, okay?"
"Noa! Iknewit! You planned that!" I squirmed in her embrace, trying to free myself, but she held me tighter.
She giggled, resting her chin on my shoulder. "Yuuka-chan, don't be mad! Next time, I promise it'll be a better plan."
"Noa!"
Despite my protests, she released me with a playful smile, clearly not taking my sulking seriously. "Fufufu... I do have something that'll make up for it. A peace offering, if you will. (ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ)~"
"What are you talking about? (ꐦ_)"
Without a word, Noa pulled out her phone and tapped the screen. She turned it toward me, flashing an image that instantly made my heart stop.
It washim.Sensei. Inthat bathrobe.
"W-Wha—" My words caught in my throat as the image burned itself into my mind. His loosely tied robe, his damp hair, the faint sheen of water droplets on his skin... My face turned beet red.
"N-N-Noa! Youtooka photo?!" I stammered, my voice almost a squeak.
She tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Hmm? Why? (ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ)?"
"W-Why?! That's—That's—D-Doesn't that violate his privacy?! It's basically nudity!" My moral compass was in overdrive, trying to steer me away from whatever this was turning into.
I froze, caught between my internal screaming and my absoluteneedto look at that photo again.
"Noa..." I muttered weakly, my pride and common sense battling it out.
"Yes, Yuuka-chan?"
"...I hate you."
I whispered, reluctantly opening my palm wide, gesturing for her to place her phone in my hand.
I couldn't believe I was doing this. My pride screamed at me to refuse, but... this was a once-in-a-lifetime chance, right?
But... wasn't this fair? Sensei always took pictures of us when we were cute or even when we weren't. My sleepy face—ugh, I knew for sure those were in his phone. He even told me once that he needed them for my birthday.My birthday! As if that makes it okay!
Still... it wasn't like I stopped him from taking those photos, right? Iallowedit. So this—this should make us equal. Right?Right?!
Noa chuckled softly, clearly delighted by my reaction. "Fufu~ You're so easy, Yuuka-chan."
Ahhh—she was right! Why was I always in her palm?! Even now, I was basically begging for her phone to look at that image! I felt utterly defeated.
But... maybe I'd forgive her.
Thiswasquite the apology.
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END.
Author's notes
I thought this would be only 3000-400 words, it ended up around 6000. Well, yes— hope you enjoyed!
Stay tuned for the next update! ⸜(｡ ᵕ )⸝
PS. Around Part 4 onwards the arts may feel a bit older, I fixed them as much as I could already. Thank you. Oh and also, there will be little information dumps for each arc in my 'conversation'. They are for adding (little) extra details that add elements to the stories (They were left our since they're too trivial ꉂ૮(')ა). Follow me if interested!