Ep 2 Flowers, Frozen, and Stopped Time

The morning sun slowly emerged from behind the Lightfield mountains. Golden light shone on the roofs of the small houses in Shirogane town, including the two-story house where Ryouhei and Aikohana lived.

The clock on the wall showed 6:12. In the room upstairs, the alarm sounded loudly with the distinctive tone of an old robot. Ryouhei woke up with messy hair, a wrinkled face, and eyes still half-closed.

He stared at the ceiling for a while, then sat up and rubbed his face.

Without a word, he got up, took a towel from the hanger, and went straight to the bathroom.

Meanwhile, in the room across the way, Aikohana had woken up first. She was combing her long hair while humming her favorite idol's classic song. Her uniform hung neatly beside the bed, while on the table, a lunch box was ready.

In the kitchen, the aroma of miso soup and tamagoyaki spread softly. Aikohana stood in front of the stove in a flower-patterned apron, her face serious but cheerful. She cooked quickly and neatly, as if the routine had been ingrained in her small body.

Shortly, Ryouhei came down the stairs with slightly damp hair and an unbuttoned uniform.

Ryouhei (checking his bag lazily):

No dialogue this time. He just sighed, sat down, and stared at the food on the table.

Aikohana put down the last plate, then sat in front of him.

They ate in peaceful silence—not because it was cold, but because they understood each other.

After finishing eating, Aikohana quickly washed the dishes, then changed her apron into her school blazer.

Ryouhei took the spare bread and put it in his mouth like a classic anime scene.

In front of the house, the morning air was still fresh. Small birds chirped from the cherry blossom trees on the side of the road.

Aikohana locked the door of the house, put the key in her small bag, then turned to her brother who was tidying up the collar of his uniform.

Without many words, the two of them began walking side by side towards Shirogane Lightfield Academy.

Their footsteps blended in the light morning rhythm. The sunlight reflected their silhouettes on the gravel path that led to the grand academy gates, far ahead.

A new day had begun.

#1 – Apology Flower Mission

Aikohana (standing in front of a flower shop, sly smile):

"Ne~ Onii-chan, before going to school... stop by for a bit."

Ryouhei (sleepy, hands in pockets):

"Huh? What for? We'll be late, you know..."

Aikohana (pulling his hand):

"Not long! Just a minute~!"

Ryouhei (dragging his steps):

"What kind of trap is this this early in the morning..."

They entered a small flower shop on the side of the road. The room was filled with the scent of fresh flowers and bright colors from every corner.

Aikohana (eyes sparkling, pointing at the flowers one by one):

"This one is pretty! But... that one is so soft... hmm..."

Ryouhei (confused):

"What's this for... who are you going to give it to?"

Aikohana (sly smile, turning to Ryouhei):

"For Yukihiro-chan, huh. As your apology!"

Ryouhei (shocked, widening his eyes):

"WHAT?! FOR YUKI?! There's no need to go that far!"

Aikohana (handing over a small, soft purple flower):

"If you want to be forgiven, you have to make an effort! Girls... like romantic things."

Ryouhei (whining):

"Yuki's not the type to do this, she'll misunderstand even more!"

Aikohana (standing up straight, dominantly):

"That's exactly it! She definitely didn't expect you to be... serious!"

Ryouhei (fidgeting, staring at the flower in his hand):

"This makes me look like—like a repentant pervert..."

Aikohana (pushing him out of the shop):

"Rather than not being forgiven and being labeled a lolicon for the rest of my life, this is better, right?!"

Ryouhei:

"Haaaa... why is my life becoming a school drama this early in the morning..."

As they continued their journey, Ryouhei stared at the flower in silence. Her cheeks were slightly red, both embarrassed and awkward.

Ryouhei (half whisper):

"If she misunderstands more, I'll blame you..."

Aikohana (victorious smile):

"If she forgives you... I'll treat you to ice cream."

Ryouhei:

"Deal, you little negotiator."

The sky was clear, and their steps towards the academy were a little lighter—though Ryouhei's heartbeat was erratic.

---

# 2

---

(Morning, sidewalk towards Shirogane Lightfield Academy)

The sky was a soft blue, the road was still quiet, only the sound of birds and footsteps could be heard. Aikohana and Ryouhei walked side by side.

---

Aikohana (glancing at her brother with an amused smile):

"Still nervous huh? Your hands look like they're holding firecrackers."

Ryouhei (staring at the flower in his hand, stiff):

"Like waiting for your turn to be punished, I swear..."

Aikohana:

"You... are already a big girl but can't deal with a quiet girl."

Ryouhei:

"It's precisely because she's quiet that makes you tense..."

Aikohana (giggling):

"Think about it this way: this isn't an apology, but a mission to bring peace between countries."

Ryouhei (sighing):

"I'd rather be ordered to fight monsters than this..."

Aikohana:

"Now that's it! Drama-anime mode is on!"

Ryouhei:

"Don't talk like a filler character, Aiko..."

Aikohana (stopping suddenly):

"Eh, that's it! Yuki-chan!"

Ryouhei (reflexively hiding the flower behind his back):

"DON'T BE NERIOUS—uhh... yeah..."

Yukihiro stood a few meters ahead, standing under a small cherry blossom tree that was starting to fall. He held the bag with both hands and bowed slightly.

---

Yukihiro (quietly):

"Good morning..."

Ryouhei (nervous, slowly approaching):

"M-morning, Yuki..."

Aikohana (whispering quickly):

"Come on, come forward. Now or you'll live with regret forever!"

Ryouhei:

"Hhh... okay."

He stepped forward, bowed slightly, and held out the flower with trembling hands.

---

Ryouhei (quietly, awkwardly):

"E-ehm... this... is for you..."

Yukihiro (surprised, eyes widening slightly):

"Huh...? F-for me?"

Ryouhei (scratching head, bowing):

"About yesterday's incident... I... didn't mean to. I... apologize."

Yukihiro (looking at the small purple flower, a slow smile began to appear):

"Violet flowers... mean apology and loyalty, right?"

Ryouhei (raising an eyebrow):

"Huh?! Really?!"

Yukihiro (chuckles):

"Thank you... I forgive you."

He accepted the flowers with both hands, hugging them softly to his chest, his cheeks slightly red.

---

Ryouhei (awkward smile):

"Uh... thank goodness..."

Aikohana (from behind, clapping softly):

"Mission complete~!"

Yukihiro (seeing Aikohana):

"Aikohana-chan... thank you."

Aikohana (winks one eye):

"You're welcome~ But I'll treat you to ice cream, my brother promised."

Ryouhei:

"Huh?!"

Aikohana (runs towards the academy gate):

"I'll go first! Don't be late!"

---

Yukihiro and Ryouhei walk side by side, the atmosphere a little awkward but warm.

Yukihiro (slowly):

"...The flowers are beautiful."

Ryouhei (smiles):

"Yeah... like you."

Yukihiro (shocked, blushing):

"E-eh?!"

Ryouhei (shocked himself):

"EH! NO! I mean—"

Yukihiro (bows, blushing):

"...Thank you."

They walked together into the academy gate, the morning light shining softly through the gaps in the trees. The small violet flowers were arranged sweetly in Yukihiro's hands.

# 3

---

A bright morning, the Shirogane Lightfield Academy yard began to be crowded with students arriving. Yukihiro and Ryouhei walked side by side, their steps slow. Yukihiro looked at the violets he had received earlier, then slowly put them into his bag carefully.

Yukihiro (quietly, muttering):

"...I'll put them in the drawer later. So they don't get damaged."

Ryouhei (glancing, awkwardly):

"Eh, if you want to throw them away, that's fine too..."

Yukihiro (quickly shaking his head, hugging his bag):

"N-no! I like them. This is... important."

Ryouhei immediately grinned, a little relieved. They approached the classroom building.

---

As soon as he stepped into the corridor leading to the classroom, Ryouhei's steps immediately stopped.

Naofumi (sharp voice, from the end of the hall):

"RYOUHEI HIROTAKA!"

Ryouhei (shocked, almost jumping):

"AAH?!"

Naofumi (approaching quickly, stern expression, hand jerking Ryouhei's uniform collar):

"YOU! Today is Wednesday, right?!"

Ryouhei (confused):

"Eh? Wednesday? Oh yeah, today is... R—"

Naofumi (getting even angrier):

"YES! YOUR DUTY DAY, YOU FORGOT!"

Ryouhei (panicking):

"OH MY GOD! I totally forgot! Sorry! Seriously!"

Naofumi (pointing into the classroom):

"Who do you think cleaned the blackboard?! Chairs?! Wiped the windows?! Me!"

Ryouhei (raising his hands as if to block a punch):

"Sorry! I fell asleep, then I was told to buy flowers, I mean walk to school, then I met Yuki, then—"

Naofumi (grunts angrily):

"FLOWERS?! What are you dating?!"

Yukihiro (shocked, quickly slips behind Ryouhei):

"I-I received the flowers... n-not Ryouhei's fault..."

Naofumi (glaring at Yukihiro, expression slightly changed):

"...Wait. The flowers are for you?"

Yukihiro (red, bowing deeply):

"...Y-yes..."

Naofumi (flat expression, then back to Ryouhei, cold voice):

"If you intend to be this school's Romeo, at least don't forget your responsibilities."

Ryouhei (rubbing the back of his neck, embarrassed):

"Yes... yes... sorry..."

Naofumi:

"And starting tomorrow, you'll be on duty twice. Compensation for moral and emotional damages."

Ryouhei (weak):

"The social punishment is really heavy..."

Renjiro (from inside the classroom, grinning):

"Wow, early morning drama. A love triangle is about to begin?"

Naofumi (shouting at Renjiro):

"SHUT UP, KITSUNEAKI!"

Renjiro (raising his hands in surrender):

"Okay, okay, I'm out."

Yukihiro (whispering to Ryouhei):

"...I'm sorry... you got yelled at because of me."

Ryouhei (smiles):

"No problem. I was ready a long time ago, to be punished by the fierce one."

Naofumi (hears and immediately throws a blackboard eraser at Ryouhei's head):

"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!"

Ryouhei (gets hit by the eraser, crouches):

"Aaaaah—!"

The students began to sit in their places, the atmosphere in the morning class returned to normal although a little noisy because of the small incident earlier. Ryouhei sat with his head still ticklish from being hit by the throw, while Yukihiro sat behind him, hugging his bag tightly.

Naofumi (takes a breath, calms down):

"Okay. Today... please focus. Don't let anyone daydream about flowers or love!"

Renjiro (whispers to Rikuto):

"I bet, Ryouhei will get hit by chalk again tomorrow."

Rikuto (focuses on his book):

"...87% chance, yes."

The bell rings. The teacher enters. Class officially begins with the faint scent of violets still lingering in the air.

# 4

---

Lesson time has started. The class is going on quietly, most of the students are taking notes and paying attention to the teacher's explanation. But as usual, this atmosphere doesn't last long...

Teacher:

"...and from this simple alchemical reaction calculation, we can conclude that—"

Renjiro (whispering to Ryouhei):

"Hey, hey, did you really give Yukihiro flowers? Like in the movies?"

Ryouhei (sighing, softly):

"Yeah... and let's not talk about it anymore, please..."

Renjiro (grinning, still whispering):

"Why? He accepted, right? Oh, so... you're dating?"

Ryouhei (getting more nervous):

"That's not it! That's... just to apologize, you know?!"

Renjiro:

"Apologizing while giving flowers? Very classy, ​​bro."

Naofumi (eavesdropping, turning his head with a sharp expression):

"You two... I can hear you from here."

Teacher (stops writing on the board, turns slowly):

"Anyone want to share an interesting topic with the class, Mr. Hirotaka and Mr. Kitsuneaki?"

Ryouhei (panicked, stands up quickly):

"N-no, sir! Sorry! We were just... discussing... about alchemy!"

Renjiro (stands up too, carefree):

"Yes, sir! We were discussing whether flowers could be a catalyst in a love reaction... I mean, a chemical reaction."

Teacher (stares sharply, sighs):

"...Sit down. And be quiet."

Both (simultaneously):

"Yes, sir..."

Yukihiro who heard from behind lowered his head even deeper, his face red. He didn't even dare to look at anyone.

Naofumi (whispering to Sylvia):

"Look, they're making Yuki even more embarrassed..."

Sylvia (quietly, voice like cold dew):

"...Poor thing..."

Rikuto (still focused on his book, muttering):

"Today's class interruption statistics have increased drastically."

Teacher:

"Let's continue. Like I said before..."

The lesson continues, but the atmosphere is still a bit awkward due to the incident earlier. Several students steal glances at Yukihiro who is increasingly burying himself in his book.

Ryouhei (whispering to Renjiro, quietly):

"Okay, enough. Seriously, let's not talk about it anymore."

Renjiro (staring at his alchemy notes):

"Fine. But later on during break, we'll discuss the next approach strategy, okay?"

Ryouhei:

"I said no, you seductive fox!"

Naofumi (from the front, whispering to the back):

"If you two whisper one more time, I'll throw an eraser with enchantment!"

Ryouhei and Renjiro (sitting stiffly):

"Yes, President..."

The teacher who was used to the dynamics of this class only continued teaching with a slightly tired smile.

Teacher:

"...alright, let's try the practice questions on page 132. You two, answer question number 3 together."

Renjiro (whispering quickly):

"I'll count, you write."

Ryouhei:

"If it's wrong, we'll die together, okay?"

Sylvia smiled slightly, staring at the violet flower that was still faintly coming out of Yukihiro's bag. Secretly, she wrote something down in her book.

Sylvia (muttering):

"...Flowers... can melt ice...".

# 5

---

The lesson continued, but as usual, the most noisy seats in the class belonged to the duo Ryouhei and Renjiro. They sat next to each other, trying to work on an alchemy exercise together... in their own way.

Renjiro (whispering while pointing at the book):

"Bro, this answer seems wrong. How can ice and fire—"

Ryouhei (excited):

"No! In fact, if you think logically, ice can be an inhibitor to the reaction of fire, that's why—"

Renjiro (getting louder):

"Yeah, but in this question, they are asked to make a harmonious combined reaction! How is that possible?!"

Teacher (staring sharply, voice low but pressing):

"Hirotaka, Kitsuneaki. That's the first warning. Your voices are too loud."

Ryouhei (turning around quickly):

"Excuse me, sir!"

Renjiro (holding back laughter):

"Ready, ready..."

They looked at the question again... for a few seconds before getting noisy again.

Ryouhei (tapping his pencil on the table):

"See, your answer makes me doubt it!"

Renjiro:

"Your answer is even more absurd! How can a temperature of 3000 degrees use ice cubes?!"

Teacher (more assertively):

"Second time. Do you want me to throw an eraser?"

Renjiro (whispering while grinning):

"I think the teacher is already level 99..."

Ryouhei (hissing softly):

"No need to provoke anymore..."

A few seconds later...

Ryouhei:

"Hey, how about we—"

Teacher (loudly):

"Okay! That's the third warning."

Without warning, the teacher immediately threw the blackboard eraser with surprising power and accuracy.

Renjiro and Ryouhei (simultaneously, bowing quickly):

"WOW!"

The eraser flew... and hit Sylvia Glacielle's face, who was sitting quietly behind them.

BLOCK!

Sylvia (pauses for a moment, face covered in chalk, then slowly stands up. Her soft voice now turns cold, shaking with anger):

"...That... hurts."

Ryouhei (panicked):

"S-Sylvia! Sorry! It wasn't us! I swear!"

Renjiro (raise his hand):

"I was right under the table! Witnesses, everyone saw!"

Naofumi (watching from afar, panicking):

"...Oh no. He activated it."

The air in the room slowly changed. The temperature dropped drastically. The students' breaths began to look like fog in winter. The entire room was filled with an icy aura, cold to the bone. The desks were coated in frost in a matter of seconds.

Sylvia (eyes turning blue, voice echoing coldly):

"If anyone dares to disturb my peaceful study... I'll freeze them all."

Yukihiro (shaking while holding his book):

"I-I... can't move... it's cold..."

Rikuto (taking notes while shivering):

"...Important note: Never sit behind the eraser."

Teacher (stiffening, his face starting to turn pale):

"Sister Glacielle... please control your power..."

Sylvia (raising her hand, the icy aura slowly decreasing):

"...This time... I'll spare you."

The air begins to return to normal. The students breathe a sigh of relief, but everyone is shivering.

Ryouhei (slowly to Renjiro):

"We... almost froze to death..."

Renjiro (still shivering):

"I see my life... like a flashback..."

Naofumi (annoyed):

"You guys keep causing trouble!"

Teacher (rubbing his face):

"All of you. Be quiet. Write down question number four. Now."

Sylvia sits back down quietly, writing slowly. But the whole class knows—never to provoke the 'Ice Queen' again.

Ryouhei (whispering softly):

"Bro... today we got instant karma."

Renjiro (quietly):

"I'd rather be thrown a 10 page assignment than be thrown at the snow of death again..."

# 6

---

Ryouhei (whispering softly to Renjiro, still shaking):

"Bro... we almost turned into ice cubes in the end."

Renjiro (stroking his own arm):

"I'm sure my knees are still frozen... I can't feel my toes."

Naofumi (poking Ryouhei's shoulder hard):

"Ryouhei! Replace me on duty next week, okay!"

Ryouhei (shocked):

"Why?!"

Naofumi:

"Because I almost became an ice statue because you two were arguing."

Renjiro:

"Hey, we didn't mean to! The teacher threw the eraser!"

Sylvia (flat):

"You guys were arguing, the teacher was upset, and I got the brunt of it. Simply put: you guys caused it."

Yukihiro (while drinking water, low voice):

"R-Ryouhei... d-don't be too loud..."

Rikuto (reading a book, without looking):

"The sensitivity level of ice fairies to external stimuli... is quite high."

Renjiro (glancing at Sylvia):

"Huh? Are you reading Sylvia like an experiment?"

Rikuto (still serious):

"Scientific, not insulting."

Naofumi (still angry):

"You two... are really funny! Go sit outside the classroom tomorrow!"

Ryouhei (trying to smile):

"Eh, but honestly the coldness makes me feel fresh!"

Sylvia (cold voice):

"Do you want to be frozen again?"

Ryouhei (immediately silent):

"...No way. Fresh is just a style of language."

Renjiro:

"Well, at least we're famous now..."

Yukihiro (quietly):

"...Don't be famous for causing trouble, okay..."

Rikuto:

"With all the variables, your reputation will be negative in two weeks."

Ryouhei (confused):

"What was that?"

Renjiro:

"You mean we'll be labeled as troublemakers forever."

Naofumi:

"You've been labeled that since last week!"

Sylvia (quiet but sharp voice):

"If you guys are still causing trouble next week, I'll use frost burst."

Ryouhei:

"Is that... a special technique?"

Renjiro:

"Like a finishing move... it's scary."

Naofumi:

"If you guys cause trouble again, I'll report you to the principal."

Ryouhei:

"Eh eh, Naofumi, don't be like that... we're friends, right?"

Naofumi (serious):

"Friends can also be punished."

Sylvia (concluding):

"That's it. Winter justice applies to everyone."

Yukihiro (smiles):

"But... everyone's calm now, right?"

Rikuto:

"Until the next eraser is thrown."

Renjiro:

"Bro, this time you sit in the front. I'll move seats."

Ryouhei:

"Hey! Don't leave me alone!"

Naofumi (holding back laughter):

"That's good, poor Sylvia gets hit by disasters every day."

Sylvia (folding her arms):

"Disasters... that come from two noisy mouths."

Renjiro:

"I feel... very offended..."

Ryouhei:

"But a little proud too..."

Naofumi (slaps forehead):

"I give up..."

Yukihiro (slowly):

"T-today... is quite colorful huh..."

Rikuto:

"With a bone-chilling icy blue."

Sylvia (sighs):

"I just want to study in peace."

Renjiro:

"Tomorrow we'll be the quietest students in the world! Promise!"

Ryouhei:

"I'll bring duct tape for my mouth!"

Naofumi:

"Tape your brains too."

---

# 7

The atmosphere in the classroom began to calm down after Sylvia's cold incident. The bell rang loudly, echoing throughout Shirogane Lightfield Academy. All the students cheered, ready to relieve their fatigue during the lesson.

Ryouhei: "Yossh, time to recharge! Cafeteria, here I come!"

Renjiro: "Heh, don't make a scene again this time, failed hero."

Naofumi: sighed "I'll come, but this time you guys don't make a scene, okay?"

Yukihiro: quietly "U-uhm… I-I'll come too…"

Rikuto: adjusted his glasses "If the cafeteria had used a digital queuing system, it would be neater…"

Sylvia: stood up quietly, patting her clothes that had been covered in her own ice dust

The five students walked together, bustling along the corridor. Renjiro began to imitate the way the teacher threw the eraser while laughing, making the others hold back their laughter. Ryouhei led the group, acting like an anime hero with his hand pointing forward.

Ryouhei: "Let's go, cafeteria adventure team! A dangerous journey awaits us!"

Naofumi: "Aren't you embarrassed walking like that?"

Renjiro: whispered to Yukihiro "Look at that, our hero. Fail level two for sure."

Yukihiro: smiled awkwardly, his cheeks slightly red "Ehehe… he's… kinda cute…"

When he arrived at the cafeteria, the crowd of students had already filled almost the entire space. Ryouhei glanced to one side that seemed a bit empty.

Ryouhei: "Come this way! Shortcut!"

He started to walk along the edge of the bench. But for some reason, his feet were unlucky again—he tripped over the edge of the table leg that was blocked by a lunch bag.

Ryouhei: "WuaaAAH—"

Yukihiro: turned around while holding his food tray "E-eh?!"

However, before Ryouhei's body could actually touch Yukihiro...

[TIME STOPPED]

Everything became still. The spoons and chopsticks hung in the air. The cafeteria's hustle and bustle froze. Only one figure could still move—a mysterious girl with jet-black hair, a cold gaze, and slow yet graceful steps.

Rinari: walked calmly towards the two of them "How troublesome..."

Lightly, she shifted Yukihiro's body slightly towards the nearest bench, making sure there would be no collision. With a snap of her fingers—

[TIME TURNS BACK]

Ryouhei fell to the floor, a loud "bugh!" followed by the sound of a spoon falling from a tray.

Ryouhei: "Ough! W-wait, what just now...?"

Renjiro: shocked "Hey! Didn't you almost bump into Yukihiro again just now?!"

Naofumi: squinted "But he didn't get hit? How could that be..."

Yukihiro: confused, sitting on the bench without knowing how to move "I-I... was just here?"

The atmosphere suddenly became quiet. Everyone looked in one direction—a girl was standing there, staring at them with a flat gaze. The light from the cafeteria's lights seemed to refract the air around her slightly, like a faint cold aura.

Rinari: looked at Ryouhei who was still sitting on the floor "Hmph... embarrassing."

Without another word, he walked past them towards the food line. His steps were silent, his posture was straight, and none of the other students dared to reprimand him or even talk to him.

Renjiro: whispered "W-whoa... who is she...?"

Naofumi: holding his chin "She's not a new student... but her aura is different... so cold..."

Ryouhei: still on the floor, dazed "Wait... just now... who did..."

Yukihiro: stroking his hair slowly, his cheeks pink "I don't understand... but... I'm okay..."

The cafeteria was filled with small voices again, but now everyone was slightly lowered, as if the air there still had traces of Rinari no Hanauta's aura—the mysterious girl who appeared without warning, like a shadow in time.

# 8

After the cafeteria atmosphere calmed down again and everyone began to adapt to Rinari's mysterious presence, Yukihiro dared to approach her who was taking sweet bread snacks from the shelf.

Yukihiro: slowly, a little nervously "U-umm... Rinari-san... thank you... for... saving me..."

Rinari only turned her head slowly, her gaze remained flat as usual. However, for a moment—very briefly—she smiled a little. A faint smile, cold but sincere, as if only a woman who understood the pain in silence could feel.

Rinari: briefly "...You're welcome."

Without saying anything more, Rinari took her snacks, turned around, and walked out of the cafeteria towards the classroom. Her steps remained calm, without a sound. All the students who saw her could only remain silent, not knowing what to say.

Yukihiro: lowered her head slightly, smiled a little "She... is not as scary as she looks..."

A silent but warm moment, behind the cold aura of the queen of time.

#9

(Rinari has just left the cafeteria. The atmosphere is silent, everyone is still silent due to the effects of the incident just now. Several students look at each other, trying to process what just happened.)

Naofumi: (stares at Ryouhei sharply) “...Are you serious, Ryouhei? Twice? Twice, and both times Yukihiro?”

Ryouhei: (raises his hands defensively, panicking) “It wasn’t my fault! That cafeteria table was slippery! I just—I... yeah, I fell!”

Renjiro: (holding back laughter) “You... are you a magnet for shy girls or what? You always happen to be the same.”

Rikutu: (flips the page of his book) “Statistics say that two similar incidents in a short period of time indicate a pattern.”

Ryouhei: (annoyed) “I’m not a pattern! I’m a victim!”

Yukihiro: (face still slightly red, looking down) “B-but this time… she didn’t fall for me… because Rinari-san…”

Naofumi: (folds arms, still sarcastic) “And somehow time suddenly stopped, and she appeared. Who exactly is that girl?”

Renjiro: (glances towards the cafeteria door) “So cool… like the protagonist of a fantasy novel.”

Ryouhei: (thinking) “So… she can… stop time?”

Rikutu: (serious) “If that’s true, then we’re going to school with someone who has high-level magic. On par with the headmaster.”

Naofumi: (turns to Yukihiro) “Yuki, do you know her?”

Yukihiro: (slowly) “No... just now too...”

Renjiro: (smiles mischievously) “Eh, but she smiled at you. Wow, wow, wow~”

Yukihiro: (panicking) “N-that’s not it! That’s just because I said thank you!”

Naofumi: (sighs) “Okay, okay. Focus first... we have to stay alert. If she can stop time, we need to know if she’s a friend or a threat.”

Ryouhei: (thinks) “But... if she had evil intentions, she wouldn’t have helped Yukihiro.”

Renjiro: “True. She just... has a mysterious style. And cold.”

Rikutu: “Rinari no Hanauta. That name has been recorded in the academy’s database for a long time. She hardly ever interacts with anyone.”

Naofumi: (narrows his eyes) “The second ice queen... now it makes sense why she’s called that.”

Ryouhei: (nervous) “I should be the one apologizing, instead of being a spectacle…”

Renjiro: (pats his shoulder) “Well, you’ve brought flowers, you’ve fallen twice, just bring a cake and a love letter. The complete combo!”

Yukihiro: (bows even deeper, face red) “U-uh… let’s not talk about it anymore…”

Naofumi: (stands up, stretches) “Okay, enough small talk. There’s only a few minutes left to rest.”

Rikutu: “I haven’t finished reading the nutrition menu on the back of this package yet…”

Renjiro: (takes a bun, bites into it) “Snacks don’t need nutrition, as long as they’re delicious!”

Ryouhei: (staring out the window) “But still… it feels weird, someone like him suddenly appearing…”

Yukihiro: (looking in the direction where Rinari left) “But… he’s nice…”

Naofumi: (staring at Yukihiro who’s still holding the flower scraps in his bag) “You’ve been acting weirder lately too, Yuki.”

Yukihiro: (shocked) “W-what do you mean?”

Renjiro: (holding back laughter) “Well, you blush more often, you’re quieter… Ryouhei approaches you more often…”

Ryouhei: “Don’t jump to conclusions like that!”

Rikuto: “Quite a unique social phenomenon… awkward relationships and sudden silliness.”

Naofumi: (smiles faintly) “Okay. Let’s take care of him, even though he’s mysterious.”

Renjiro: “Deal!”

Ryouhei: “Agreed.”

Yukihiro: (slowly) “Me too…”

(The bell rings, signaling the end of break. They start walking back to their respective classes, in mixed moods after the incident earlier.)

# 10

(They walk back to class while snacking on snacks tucked into their pockets. Naofumi still looks curious and starts glancing at Rikuto.)

Naofumi: (chewing bread, sharp eyes) "Oi, Rikuto. That kid... Rinari. Do you know anything about her?"

Rikuto: (instantly rubs his glasses, takes out a tab from his bag) "Of course. I was curious too, so I checked the academy database."

Renjiro: (looks curiously) "Wow, nerd mode is on."

Rikuto: (types quickly, then displays the data on the tab screen) "Full name: Rinari no Hanauta. Age 14. Human. Magic type: Chrono Magic. Ability: stop and resume time for a limited duration."

Ryouhei: (stares at the screen) "Chrono... Magic? That... isn't it the super rare one?"

Rikuto: (nods slowly) "High level. Usually only found in elite academies or royal mages. She's one of the few students who has special permission to use her powers on school grounds, in certain situations."

Naofumi: (stands still, thinking) "Hmph... so it's not just anyone, huh."

Yukihiro: (slowly) "But... she saved me just now..."

Renjiro: (smiles mischievously) "And she smiled at you too~"

Yukihiro: (panicking, cheeks turning red) "N-not really!"

Rikuto: (seriously) "She's the solitary type, with no active social history. Known as the 'Second Ice Queen' within the academy's data."

Naofumi: (crosses arms) "We have to be careful. She's strong... and mysterious. But... I don't think she's dangerous, at least for now."

Ryouhei: (bows slightly) "Well... as long as she doesn't freeze time while I'm farting, it should be safe."

Renjiro: (laughs) "You're the dangerous one, not him."

(They go back to class while still discussing the mysterious figure of Rinari who just appeared.)

# 11

(After the incident in the cafeteria and the meeting with Rinari, they return to class. The atmosphere gradually calms down. The bell rings and the teacher enters the room.)

Teacher: (puts the book on the table, looks at the whole class) "Okay, class. Let's continue today's lesson. Open page 117."

Naofumi: (whispers to Ryouhei) "Don't make trouble again, or you'll really be cursed by Rinari later."

Ryouhei: (leans weakly) "Sob... I've been embarrassed enough today."

Renjiro: (yawns) "What page was it? 711?"

Rikuto: (flatly) "117. Don't add digits carelessly."

Yukihiro: (opens his book slowly, still a little nervous but starting to focus) "Okay, page 117…"

Teacher: (starts writing on the board) "Today we will discuss the basic elements of controlling combination magic. Pay close attention, this will come out on the exam."

Sylvia: (sits quietly, takes notes neatly, whispers softly to Yukihiro) "Are you… okay now?"

Yukihiro: (smiles softly) "Yes… thank you, Sylvia."

(On the other side, Rinari sits by the window, alone as usual. She takes notes silently, her aura remains calm and cool.)

Teacher: (facing the class) "Ryouhei! Try to name three basic combinations of elements in defensive magic!"

Ryouhei: (shocked, stands up quickly) "E-eh! Uh… ice and fire become steam, fire and earth become lava, water and wind become… uh, storm?"

Teacher: (nods) "Good enough. Sit down."

(The class went back to normal, the sound of pens scribbling and small sighs from several bored students filled the room. The school day continued as usual.)

#12

(Afternoon class continues with a slightly reduced intensity. The teacher begins to give practice problems in the basic magic guidebook.)

Teacher: (explaining while pointing at the blackboard) "Exercises one through four. Do them in ten minutes. Focus and don't talk."

(All students immediately open their books. The classroom is quiet, only the sound of pages turning and pencils moving can be heard.)

Ryouhei: (thinking, serious face) "Okay, don't cause trouble this time... focus, Ryouhei, focus..."

Renjiro: (scribbles in his book while muttering) "Why are basic magic questions always about things that aren't even basic..."

Naofumi: (glaring from his chair) "Renjiro. FOCUS. If you fail again, our group will get a grade reduction."

Renjiro: (straightens up, panicking) "Okay-okay! Group work, group work..."

Yukihiro: (silent, working calmly) "Question two... which combination of water and light... hmm..."

Sylvia: (copying slowly, expression calm) "So, ice and light... the effect is reflection or rapid freezing? You have to be careful writing it..."

Rikuto: (raising an eyebrow) "Question three has two answers. If you use the reference from the Magic Archive Book Chapter 5."

Teacher: (approaching his desk) "Very clever, Rikuto. But use the answer from the curriculum, okay."

Rikuto: (nodding obediently) "Okay, sensei."

Rinari: (silent, taking notes quickly without looking left and right. Expression remains cool, hands move steadily.)

(For a few minutes, the classroom atmosphere is quiet. All students focus on their sheets, until finally the teacher says—)

Teacher: "Time's up. Exchange your work with the friends next to you. Let's discuss it together."

(The atmosphere starts to move again. Some students whisper, reluctantly exchanging papers. But it remains orderly. The school day is still going smoothly.)

# 13

(Afternoon lesson continues. This time it's an advanced magic theory lesson on "Mana Resonance". The teacher stands in front of the blackboard while explaining.)

Teacher: (excited) "Today's topic is Mana Resonance: when two magic users synchronize their mana frequencies, it can trigger a stronger combined effect."

Ryouhei: (thinking while taking notes) "Resonance huh... so it's like team synergy, huh..."

Renjiro: (raises his hand suddenly) "Sensei, if I resonate with lightning and fire, will it cause an explosion?"

Teacher: (stares sharply) "That's not something you can try carelessly, Renjiro."

Naofumi: (shakes his head with a deep sigh) "Maybe he's really going to try it."

Yukihiro: (slowly taking notes, serious face) "Resonance... is like a connection, not just power."

Sylvia: (nods slightly, muttering) "Understanding each other... can unite. Like ice and wind."

Rikuto: (looks at the manual, speaks quickly) "Mana resonance is also used in high-level healing magic and sealing artifacts, according to Rexus' journal from 1845."

Rinari: (remains silent, looks at the blackboard for a moment then writes. She takes notes in a neat and efficient manner.)

Teacher: "You will be doing light resonance training in pairs next week. So understand the concept first."

(Some students look at each other, wondering who they will be paired with later. But no one dares to ask directly.)

Teacher: "Okay. Let's move on to the visual example. Pay attention to the projector screen."

#14

(The classroom lights dim. A projector turns on in front, displaying a visual simulation of Mana Resonance between two mages—blue and red silhouettes merging into a beautiful explosion of light.)

Teacher: (pointing to the screen) "This is a visual representation of perfect resonance. Notice the mana waves merging harmoniously."

Rikutu: (thinking as he types quickly on his tab) "The frequencies are consistent… hmm… I can copy this for study later."

Renjiro: (leaning forward) "Wow, that's so cool… like an action movie!"

Naofumi: (holding back a comment, glancing at Renjiro in annoyance) "Focus, you idiot."

Ryouhei: (whispering to Renjiro) "If we try this later, I think we'll just explode."

Renjiro: (grinning) "Hehe… worth it for an experiment."

Yukihiro: (whispering softly) "Resonance... can be fun, but also dangerous..."

Sylvia: (looking softly at the screen) "That light... is warm and cold at the same time..."

Rinari: (staring at the screen for a moment then closing her eyes) "It's not as beautiful as it looks... if you don't trust each other, everything will just fall apart."

Teacher: "Okay, you've all seen the basic visuals. Save the questions for the discussion session after this."

(The classroom lights slowly come back on. Some students are still amazed by the visual effects, while others return to their seats quietly.)

But suddenly

# 15

(The school bell rings loudly, signaling the end of the day's lessons. All students start packing up.)

Teacher: "Don't forget, your assignments are due tomorrow morning! Go home in an orderly manner, okay?"

Ryouhei: (packing his bag quickly) "Time to go home! Aiko must be waiting out front."

Renjiro: (rolling up his tab cable casually) "Let's race down the stairs again! The loser gets ice cream!"

Naofumi: (glaring) "We're not elementary school kids, you know?! But... okay, I'll join."

Yukihiro: (smiles) "Please don't hit me again today."

Ryouhei: (scratches his head, embarrassed) "Gomen! Seriously, it was an accident, I promise it won't happen again."

Sylvia: (slowly stands up, hugging her flower book) "Today... it's quite... cold, I guess."

Rikuto: (adjusting his glasses) "Oh yeah! I'm going to stop by the library first. There's a new book on the theory of space-time manipulation."

Naofumi: (looks suspiciously) "Don't try any weird experiments, Rikuto."

Rinari: (stands up, walks out without saying anything)

Renjiro: (whispers to Ryouhei) "Why is she so cool just walking..."

Ryouhei: (whispers back) "Aura... it's like she has a soundtrack for every move."

Naofumi: (stands up straight) "Come on, hurry up, don't come home too late."

Yukihiro: (slowly) "You guys go ahead, I want to stop by the park first."

Sylvia: (nods slowly) "Okay... I'll come with you, Yukihiro-san."

Rikutu: "Be careful on the way, okay? If there's a sudden time anomaly, write it down right away."

Rikutu: (chuckles) "It's like there's an anomaly every day, Rikuto."

Renjiro: (grinning) "Well, maybe Rinari will suddenly freeze time again."

Naofumi: "Enough talking, let's go!"

(They all leave the classroom one by one, carrying their bags and making small talk.)

(In the corridor, the sound of footsteps and faint laughter can be heard—the school day is over, and dusk is starting to peek through the long windows in the hallway.)

Yukihiro: (stares at the orange sky) "Somehow... I feel like it's a little warmer today."

Sylvia: (smiles softly) "Maybe it's because we're not alone anymore."

(The sky began to turn orange, indicating that the day was gradually getting dark. The afternoon wind blew gently across the schoolyard, rustling the remaining cherry blossom leaves.)

Ryouhei and Renjiro laughed as they walked in front, followed by Naofumi who kicked a small pebble in annoyance at being left behind a little. Yukihiro walked slowly behind them, occasionally lifting his head to look at the sky. Beside him, Sylvia walked quietly with her book tightly held to her chest.

Rikutu adjusted his glasses, still reading something on his tab as he walked carefully. Several other students also began to trickle out of the gate, filling the slowly crowded street in front of the school.

Meanwhile, from the other side of the hallway, Rinari walked alone towards a different direction. Her voice was inaudible, her steps were light, and her cold aura was still felt even in the twilight.

Ryouhei waved at Yukihiro before crossing the street, “See you tomorrow, Yuki!”

Yukihiro nodded slowly, “Hmm… see you tomorrow.”

Aikohana was seen waiting for Ryouhei at the end of a small alley, and when she saw her brother, her face immediately turned cheerful. “You took so long! I was tired of waiting!”

Ryouhei just smiled a little, then patted his brother’s head and they walked home together, accompanied by the cheerful sounds of small talk.

Naofumi, still having time to scold Renjiro for throwing the food wrapper carelessly, grabbed his friend’s collar to immediately go home.

One by one, they all scattered towards their respective homes, leaving behind footprints and a slowly fading orange light in the schoolyard.

–end of episode 2-