Chapter 09 Neglected Childhood Friend

After class, Shujinko lingered behind, his notebook clutched tightly in his hands as he approached the podium. 

“Professor, I was wondering if I could ask you about something. It’s… not exactly related to today’s lecture.”

Ichiban looked up from her notes, her beautiful eyes meeting his. 

“Go ahead, Shujinko. What’s on your mind?" 

Then, with a sigh, she leaned forward, resting her chin against her knuckles.

 “On second thought, let’s talk in my office. I’d rather not have this turn into one of our usual 'heated' debates in front of the students. You know well enough how that ends up.”

Their debates never ended cleanly. To the students, they were battles of wit and philosophy, science and ethics, pragmatism and idealism. But behind closed doors, the tension always burned in a way that was… different. Unspoken. Private.

Shujinko blushed and looked down mumbling, "Yeah... I know."

At her office, he hesitated for a moment, then plunged ahead. 

“I overheard some of the other professors talking about you. They weren’t just criticizing you, Ichiban. They were… mocking you. Saying you’re wasting your time on a ‘lost cause.’ That everything you’re trying to do—your research, your work—it’s doomed to fail. That no matter how much you try, no matter how brilliant you are, you’re going to fail. And—”

"They laughed, Ichiban. Like your entire existence is some kind of joke to them. They said you’d crash and burn, that you’re throwing your life away chasing something impossible. That you’d never prove them wrong."

Ichiban’s expression darkened, but before she could respond, Shujinko continued, his voice rising.

 “I couldn’t just stand there and listen to them. I told them they were wrong. That you’re the most brilliant scientist I’ve ever met, and if anyone can solve the world’s problems, it’s you.”

Ichiban studied him for a moment, her lips twitching into a faint smile. 

“Careful, Shujinko,” she said, her tone teasing but with a hint of weariness. 

“Flattery will get you everywhere—except into my schedule today. I’m swamped with work, and even if you shower me with compliments, I won’t have time for our usual fun lessons after class.”

Shujinko’s shoulders slumped slightly, but he quickly straightened.

 “That’s fine, Professor. I understand. But if you ever need an extra pair of hands—or even just to bounce on my ideas—I’m here. I want to help, no matter how small it is.”

Shujinko’s face flushed, but he didn’t back down.

 “I mean it, Professor. I don’t care what they say about it. I believe only in your words.”

Ichiban studied him for a moment, her expression softening. 

“You’re a good kid, Shujinko. But the world doesn’t always reward belief. Sometimes, it takes more than optimism to make a difference.”

“Then tell me what I can do to help. Whatever it is, I’m ready.”

Ichiban hesitated, her mind racing with the weight of the secrets she carried. The crystallization of the Earth’s core was a ticking time bomb, and the government’s indifference was only making things worse. She was out of options, she needed allies—people who might bring in new ideas.

“Okay, I need a bit of inspiration with my project. Meet me at the gates of Helios-9 after class. There’s something I’m working on… something important. And I will need you to keep it a secret, and when I say a secret, I mean it. Dead serious. Are you sure you’re ready for that?”

Shujinko didn’t hesitate. 

“I’m ready,” he said, his voice filled with conviction.

Ichiban’s smile faded, replaced by a serious look.

 “Good. Because if we fail, there won’t be a second chance. Take this, It's a guest card. Just show to security and tell them to call me.”

Shujinko put a card in his pocket and said, "Thank you for giving me this chance, I won't disappoint you, I promise."

The door to Ichiban’s office clicked shut behind him. Shujinko barely had time to sigh before—

"Hey, hey, Shujinko~!"

Before he could react, a pair of arms lunged around him from behind, locking him in a playful, yet unshakable, hold. He felt softness press against his back and a familiar voice, dripping with mischief, whispering close to his ear.

"Aww, is your little date with your gorgeous professor finally over? Hmm? Got any time left for your poor, neglected childhood friend?"

Shujinko froze, then let out a long groan, already knowing exactly who it was. He turned, trying to protest, only for his cheek to meet a poking finger.

"I-It's not a date. We just..."

She pressed her chest tighter against his back, teasing, "We just? Just what?"

 "Hey, let go, already." He squirmed, but her grip only tightened.

"Nope. Not until you admit it. Now say it!"

"Admit what?"

She playfully smiled, her full lips stretching from ear to ear, "That you're hopelessly in love with your professor, of course! Now say it..."

Shujinko’s face ignited.

"W-W-WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!" He thrashed, flailing his arms wildly, but she just clung to him tighter, giggling.

She finally released him, only to step in front of him and dramatically clutch her chest as if she were truly heartbroken.

"Ohhh," she gasped, voice full of fake despair. 

"How could I ever compare to such a beautiful, mature woman? Oh, woe is me! Poor little me, forever cursed with my modest proportions. Not a single blessed curve to my name…" 

She sighed wistfully. 

"No wonder you fell for her."

"I— WE ARE NOT LIKE THAT!" Shujinko practically choked, waving his hands frantically.

She smirked, stepping closer. 

"Oho? Ohhh? Not like that, huh?"

Shujinko gulped, already sensing danger.

  "I— I mean, yeah, Professor Ichiban is stunning, but—"

A grave mistake.

Her expression lit up with wicked amusement, eyes sparkling like she’d just won the ultimate prize.

"But whaaaat?" she sang, jabbing a finger into his stomach.

"B-BUT NOTHING!" he yelped, stumbling back.

She only advanced, relentless in her teasing. 

"Come on, Shujinko, don’t be shy! We’ve been best friends since we were kids! And all you do is talk about her~!"

"I DO NOT!"

"Pfft, please." She leaned in, voice dropping to a playful whisper to his ear.

  "I know you sneak off to her office for some… after-class fun~."

Shujinko’s brain short-circuited.

"W-WHAT?! I-I do not! We not like that, it's just for... to learn!"

She blew softly in his ear.

Shujinko yelped, jumping back like he’d been electrocuted.

"STOP DOING THAT!"

Her laughter rang out, full of pure, unfiltered amusement.

"You're way too easy to mess with!"

Shujinko groaned, rubbing his temples as his face smoldered in embarrassment.

"I hate you."

"Lies~," she teased, hands on her hips, looking entirely too pleased with herself.

He sighed, already regretting every life choice that had led him to this moment.

But before teasing could continue, the door to Ichiban office swung open, and she stepped out, her eyes scanning the scene with mild annoyance.

 “Hey, hey. What’s with the commotion out here?”

Shujinko stiffened, his face flushing a deep shade of red as if he’d been caught doing something he shouldn’t. He scrambled to explain, his words tumbling out in a jumbled mess.

 “I’m sorry, Professor! She’s just a friend—no, no, I mean to say, she is my friend. This is Makiko. Osana Makiko.”

Makiko, with a sly grin, stepped forward, her arms crossed as she looked Ichiban up and down.

 “Oh, hello, Professor Ichiban. Looking pretty today,” she said, her tone dripping with playful sarcasm.

 “Shujinko’s was talking about you so much, I was starting to wonder if you two were secretly dating or something.”

Shujinko’s face turned an even deeper shade of red, his hands flailing as he tried to interject.

 “Makiko! That’s not—we’re not—I would never—”

Ichiban's lips twitched into a faint smirk as she ignored Makiko’s teasing remark. 

“Relax, Shujinko. I’m not interested in workplace gossip. Or whatever this is.”

Makiko laughed, clearly enjoying his discomfort.

 “Oh, come on, Professor. You’ve got to admit, it’s a little suspicious how much he talks about you. ‘Professor Ichiban this, Professor Ichiban that.’ It’s like he’s got a crush or something.”

Shujinko looked like he wanted to melt into the floor.

 “Makiko, please—”

Ichiban cut him off with a wave of her hand, “Oh, now, that's enough daydreaming, you two. If your imaginations are running wild like that, it must mean you’re not busy enough. Lectures begin soon, so I suggest you head back to the classrooms before I assign you both extra lab hours.”

Makiko held up her hands in mock surrender, her grin never fading. 

“Alright, alright, we’re going. No need to get all serious on us, Professor. I'm not in that kind of play. Though, I bet Shujinko would love the idea of spending few hours in your lab.”

Shujinko, still visibly flustered, nodded quickly. 

“Right. Sorry, Professor. We’ll… we’ll get going.”

As the two turned to leave, Makiko shot one last teasing glance over her shoulder.

 “Don’t worry, Shujinko. Your secret’s safe with me.”