Chapter 11 Greatest Joys in Life

Shujinko clenched his fists, "No. We can’t just go out for some fun. First, we need to figure out what’s going on at Helios 9. Besides, she told us to stay put. What if it's nothing and she comes back soon. We need to get some information."

Makiko asked.

"And how exactly do you plan to do that? It’s a high-security facility, Shujinko. We’re just students. We don’t have access to that kind of information—or the clearance to get anywhere near it."

Akarui, however, was already grinning, his eyes lighting up with mischief.

"Oh, I like where this is going. Breaking into a top-secret facility? Count me in. I’ve always wanted to be part of a heist."

"What? No. This isn’t a heist," Shujinko said firmly, "We are not breaking into Helios 9."

"Pshhht! You’re no fun," Akarui said, waving a hand dismissively as he stood up from his chair.

  "Well then, if we’re just sitting around, I’d rather go out into town. Bye, see you later. I’ll be back in an hour or so. Maybe the professor will be back by then."

Shujinko immediately reached out, "Akarui, wait! You can’t just leave. We don’t know what’s going on out there. What if something happens? What if—"

Akarui cut him off with a laugh, already halfway to the door.

  "Yeah, yeah, your usual preaching. Don’t sweat it, man. It’s not the end of the world. I’m just going for a stroll in town. Relax, will you? This whole Helios mess? Probably someone forgot to turn off tap water or something, it will be fine."

Before Shujinko could say another word, Akarui was out the door, his carefree whistle echoing down the hallway. Shujinko slumped back in his seat, frustration written all over his face.

"That guy…" he muttered, running a hand through his hair.

  "Does he ever take anything seriously?"

Makiko let out a small sigh.

  "You know how he is. Not the type to sit around and overthink things. If he’s not interested, he’s not interested. Trying to stop him is like trying to catch the wind."

"But this isn’t just some random thing. Something’s happening at Helios 9, and Professor Ichiban’s involved. What if it’s dangerous? What if Akarui gets caught up in something dangerous?"

Makiko gave him a pointed look, "And what exactly do you expect us to do about it? We don’t even know what’s going on. For all we know, this could be way over our heads or nothing at all. But hay! Akarui’s right about one thing—we’re just sitting around. Until we have more information, there’s not much we can do."

"I just… I can’t shake this feeling that something’s wrong. Professor Ichiban looked scared, Makiko. Scared. That’s not like her at all. And now Akarui’s out there, completely clueless, while who knows what’s happening at Helios 9... I hope I'm just overreacting."

To lift the mood, Makiko suddenly leaned in and playfully hugged Shujinko, catching him completely off guard. She whispered teasingly into his ear, her voice low and playful. 

"But listen, how about we take Akarui’s example and get out of this room? Maybe we could go explore the building, just you and me. Look for some clues, maybe get accidentally locked in some small, cramped room…"

She pulled back slightly, a sly grin on her face. 

"Now, I know you’d love the idea of something like that happening with your beloved Professor, but while she’s out of town… maybe I’d suffice to pass the time. You know, the same kind of fun you and Ichiban enjoy after class is over."

Shujinko’s face turned bright red, and he stammered, "W-what are you talking about?! There’s nothing going on between me and Professor Ichiban! It’s not like that at all!"

Makiko laughed, clearly enjoying his flustered reaction. 

"Oh, come on, Shujinko. You’re not fooling anyone. The way you look at her, the way you rush to her defense every time someone even mentions her name—it’s obvious. But hey, I’m not judging. She’s smart, beautiful, and way out of your league. I get the appeal."

Shujinko crossed his arms, trying to regain his composure.

  "You’re impossible, Makiko. And for the record, I don’t ‘look at her’ in any special way. I just respect her as a genius, that’s all."

  "Sure, sure. Keep telling yourself that. But admit it—you’d jump at the chance to get locked in a storage closet with her."

"I—that’s not—ugh!" Shujinko groaned, burying his face in his hands.

  "Why do you always have to tease me like this? Fine! You win. I go, okay? So stop with your wild imaginations."

Makiko patted his shoulder, her tone slightly mocking.

  "Because it’s fun. And because you make it so easy. But seriously, finally you get it, let’s get out of here. Sitting around isn’t doing us any good, and who knows? We might actually find something useful if we step outside."

Shujinko sighed, finally giving in.

  "Fine, fine. But no more teasing, okay? And no getting locked in any closets."

Makiko smirked, holding up her hands in mock surrender. 

"No promises. But I’ll try to behave…"

 "For now..." She whispered.

The two of them left the classroom, their footsteps echoing softly in the empty hallway. The building was unusually quiet, the usual hum of student activity replaced by an eerie stillness, as everyone was away in their classes.

Makiko walked beside Shujinko with an easy bounce in her step, hands clasped behind her back, her usual playful smirk tugging at her lips. As they walked, Makiko couldn’t resist one last jab.

"You know," she began, tilting her head dramatically, "if we actually do find a clue, you should totally use it as an excuse to impress Professor Ichiban when she gets back. Like—" 

She threw an arm over her forehead in an exaggerated swoon, her voice shifting to a dreamy, breathless tone.

"Oh, Professor, I risked life and limb to uncover the truth about Helios 9—all for you."

Then she gasped and clutched at Shujinko’s sleeve, batting her lashes.

"Oh, Shujinko, how brave of you! I could never resist such brave man!"

Shujinko groaned, rolling his eyes so hard he nearly saw the inside of his skull.

 "You’re never going to let this go, are you?"

"Nope!" She popped the ‘p’ with extra enthusiasm. 

"Teasing you is one of my greatest joys in life. Besides, someone has to remind you that you’re completely transparent when it comes to your crush."

"It’s not a crush! I respect her as a scientist!"

"Mmhmm. And I respect cake by stuffing my face with it every chance I get."

"That’s not the same thing!"

"It so is. Ichiban got a lot of that 'cake'."

Shujinko groaned, but Makiko just giggled, nudging his shoulder.

 "Relax, relax. I’m just messing with you. …Mostly."

He shot her a suspicious glare, but she just smiled wider, skipping ahead a few steps.

After getting in trouble with the security guard they left the school grounds and wandered into town. Walking around for some time, Shujinko spotted a vending machine on the corner of the street and offered to get them something to drink.

"Wait here. I’ll grab us something. What do you want?"

Makiko leaned against a nearby lamppost, her smile playing on her lips. 

"Surprise me. But make it something sweet. I’m in the mood for a treat."

As he turned to go toward the vending machine, Makiko couldn’t resist the opportunity to tease him. She sauntered over and grabbed him from behind.

  "You know, Shujinko, you’re such a gentleman. Always so thoughtful, always so… eager to please. I bet Professor Ichiban loves that about you."

Shujinko froze, his face turning red.

  "Makiko, can you not bring her up for five minutes? Your especially awful toady."

"And yet, here you are, still putting up with me. I must be doing something right. You know, if you ever get tired of pining after the professor, there are other options. Just saying."

He broke free from her gentle hug and hurried toward the vending machine, his blush deepening as Makiko laughed behind him.

"Aw, running away already? You’re so easy to fluster, Shujinko. It’s adorable."

She sighed to herself, her smile fading from her lips into a serious look. 

"Ahha, I scared him away. Maybe I was a little too pushy."

Her self-reflection was interrupted, however, as two tough-looking foreigners approached her. Both men had an air of authority and discipline about them, their posture rigid and their eyes sharp. One was taller and more muscular, while the other was slightly shorter but no less intimidating. Their aura screamed military.