|From the deep

 He stood against the walls of the warehouse, his eyes moving from body to body, while hoping for any sort of contact. On one hand, he received a swift response from Zirou. There was no cause for concern, but he couldn’t shake off that dread from not receiving a response from her.

“Where are you? Have you seen the coordinates I sent you? Where is Aiko? Of course, I’ve tried ringing her. There is an apparition at the station, at least from what I can see from the coordinates. Is that where you are? If that’s the case, you should be able to sense it nearby. I’m worried about Aiko. Let me know if you see her around. Just..keep me updated, okay?”

On the other hand, out of sheer obligation, he reached out to two other figures. First was the field director of the response team of the FISF. Right after, he rang the contact pinned on his phone. It was a senior officer he had regular dealings with. Of course, it was possible only through Mako’s authority. At last, the former had arrived in a black van, two others behind him. They moved with precision, swiftly surrounding the scene and ‘contaminating’ it.

“Be as quick as you were on the way here. Survey unit, we’ve done this a million times already. Cooperate with the analysts and make your report. I’ll round it all up.” The young man prompted his team as usual and observed the surroundings. He wore dark chinos with a tucked-in grey shirt that showed various wrinkles. His eyelids were heavy and uniquely unsettling. He rubbed his hands together for warmth before running to his long-forgotten colleague.

“Thanks for the swift call. Nice timing.” he snapped his fingers.

“It’s the least I could do. We understand how much you hate working with them.”

“There are multiple ways of looking at it. I give my best customer service impression when dealing with them; if not I might lose it. Something like this.” he grinned ear to ear, showing him how stupid he looked during their interactions. His buzz cut was partially responsible.

“Won’t they just think you’re a pushover if you do that?” he shook his head but the young man’s fingers informed him he was wrong.

“They can think whatever they want but they can’t deny my professionalism. Besides, our reports speak for themselves. This scene takes them days to fully analyze and report but it takes 6 hours on a good day. 6 hours, Fudo!!!!”

“Considering the fact your reports are more detailed due to additional requirements from the government, that’s quite the feat, Abel. There’s nothing much to see here. I’m pretty sure they all had the same cause of death. It would still be classified as a paranormal case.”

“Tell the Analytics team that. We need the data regardless.”

“You’re right. It is necessary. Those flavored stats of yours won’t make themselves.”

“That is a graceful description. I have words for it but perhaps I would get fired for unprofessionalism.”

“You’re being dramatic.”

“Hmm. Perhaps I am.”

“I wouldn’t bother you any further. Keep up the good work.”

“Wait. Let’s have a little chat or else I might go insane from looking at these. The smell too. I wonder how my men do it. Oh, there’s one puking already. I’ve seen worse but the stench. Got any pegs?” he scrunched his nose repeatedly but it couldn’t be helped. Even the gum in his mouth turned stale. He too, was on the verge of throwing up in the midst of this many bodies.

“You know, I made a breakdown of behavioural patterns I got beforehand. I still refuse to believe it. If you refused to engage further, you would have been left unharmed. That was my conclusion.” his gaze was unmoved.

“So the question is how did more than two dozen people get here? They all engaged? Are they stupid?”

“No, I’m the stupid one. Random teleportation seemed like a stretch at first. It was supposed to be an anchor spirit. Unless it was anchored to the entirety of Akihabara.”

“Woah, is that even possible?”

“Only one way to find out.”

“That just exponentially expanded the scope of our investigation sector. Thank you.” he received an elbow nudge.

“Been a while since I’ve come across big fish.”

“It’s just a thought. That’s the only way this makes sense to me.”

“If there’s one thing I know about you, Fudo, it’s that your intuition is not flimsy. It can be wrong, no doubt but with our history, I can bet my job on you if need be.”

“If I wasn’t staring at 25-odd bodies rotting from the bone, I would have blushed.”

“I can still replicate that sensation.”

“.…”

“Spicy food should do the trick. Got some chips coated in habanero chilli at the back. Want some?”

“No.”

“Your loss.”

“Director, we’re done with the preliminary investigation. Through our analysis, we’ve gathered sufficient evidence for the report. After thorough examination of all bodies, we’ve come to the same conclusion. Clean slashes, typically around the upper body region. There is no particular pattern and no sign of resistance either.”

“Slashes, huh? That doesn’t matter right now. We need to take all we’ve got to the lab. There’s something we need to confirm. I want a report on each victim’s last moments, anything they have in common, and a detailed profile.”

“Pardon me for saying this but why the need for an investigative report? We have a solid conclusion already, and these things typically end the same way.”

“That line of thinking is dangerous.”

“Forgive me. That was presumptuous of me.”

“That’s that. Make a forensic report. I’ll sort out the final survey report and pass it to our good friends at the crime investigation unit.”

“Your rival.” Fudo cut in.

“Our ugly twin. They do nothing but gain recognition for our hard work.”

“Who needs public recognition when the paycheck’s a lot deeper?”

“Touche. Well, gotta work on that report. I have a feeling they’ll be here in five…”

“I’ll leave you to it then.”

“Looking forward to working with you again, Sir.” he bowed his head.

“Uhh yeah.”

He slowly parked at a stop close to the station and went through his phone. Before, he had one response, now he had none.

“Seriously. I’m right in the damn spot but I can’t sense a thing.”

Sigh

“Fucking great.”

Meanwhile...

“Why are you all the way there? Come in.” a voice echoed from within the curtains.

He sat, legs spread and reclined on a sofa. It was a lounge disguised as a dressing room. There was a bell where one could instantly receive help from a fashion consultant. He contemplated ringing it while making a break for it, but then again, this sense of uncertainty surrounding her glued him to his seat.

“Well, where else would I be while you're changing clothes?” he rubbed his head.

"You're really throwing me off here."

"And you're confusing me. Didn't you say you loved honest women? Here I am. Being honest with my intentions. You've dealt with thousands of women.I shouldn't be that difficult to handle."

"Remind me why we're here in the first place."

"Because in the heat of the moment, a certain guy ripped my heart to shreds."

"I said the outfit didn’t suit you.."

"And then we came all the way here to find what the hell did. Oh, on you of course."

"Luckily for both of us, I can afford a few luxury brand clothing so you don't need to hold back."

"Wasn't planning to. I've got to say, you're more narrow-minded than I thought."

"Change, especially drastic change, always gets to me a bit. We’ve been on countless dates and I have a good idea of what style suits you."

“How arrogant.”

“You know I’m right. That’s why we’re here. If you think anything and everything fits you, then we can leave already. I’m really tired.”

"Point proven. Which is why I got this shirt." it read in bold 'I AM ≠ WHO I WAS'.

"A little on the nose there with the messaging."

"I'll pound it into you as many times as I need to."

“Scary. How long does it take to change into a dress by the way?"

"I'm having a bit of an issue with this. Could you sort out the zip for me?" she stretched her hand through the curtains and waved.

"Great."

"You should at least be a bit enthusiastic about this. Grabbing me in all sorts of places back at the alley."

"That didn't happen."

"What about our kiss?"

"Shut up." he casually walked in to see what outfit caused this ‘delay’. Much to his surprise, she was dressed in a raspberry colored cocktail gown. It was silky with a high slit on her right thigh and thin strips on her shoulders. There was indeed a zipper but it was so low that he sighed, unmoved by her antics.

"Haha, am I not irresistible?"

"What's the point of wearing this? You look twice your age."

"I look like a hostess."

"Hmm. You sure about that?"

"You tell me." she moved closer, inches away from him.

"Turn around."

"Oh?"

"You shouldn't be struggling to put this on."

"Come on. It's high up."

"Yeah, right. Let's pick something else."

"What do you wanna see me wear?" she gazed at him through the mirror in front of them.

"I don't know."

"Then I'll just have to keep trying then."

"Fine. Both of us will be the judges."

"Works for me."

"Also, I'm leaving."

"Nooo."

"Think of it like this. Wouldn't it be more dazzling when you pop out with a new outfit rather than me seeing you change into each one?"

"Hmmm."

"I know you know I'm right."

"Yeah, yeah. In that case, stay seated and focus only on me. Nothing else matters."

"You don't need to tell me twice." he smirked.

Kurumi was a soft, beautiful lady without much elegance or patience. She tended to flare up the moment one stopped paying attention to her, especially one as close to her heart as him. There was even an incident where she nearly threw his phone in the river while on a date. Since then, he kept his phone hidden at nearly all times when with her.

“Take a look at this.”

She slid the curtains and struck a pose. She had a grey velour tracksuit, a dark crop top exposed with white loafers on.

"What's this?" he observed the tracksuit.

"Going for a late-night run?"

"Ugh.”

“I’m just kidding. It looks really cool.”

“You think so?”

“Of course.”

“No.”

She went back in.

"Tada" she popped out with a pose. She had the 'I AM ≠ WHO I WAS' shirt on with dull, grey boots and navy blue harem pants. The prints were in caps, half tucked in.

"You look like you just escaped a correctional center."

"Excuse me?"

"You look like a fan of creepy nuts."

"Oh, thank you."

“It actually looks perfect.”

"Something's still missing, though."

"Hmm. In that case…”

“We gotta switch things up again."

“Third time’s the charm.” she thought. After reviewing the clothes again, she had to replicate a similar aesthetic on her face. A hardcore goth fit required some goth makeup. You couldn’t half-ass this one even if you wanted to.

“I’m not sure this would do the job. The idea in my head was neon, but now it looks like I’m raring to go for a Halloween party.”

“Now I’m curious.”

"Something's still missing."

"What? Just show me."

"Uhh, fine."

She pulled the curtain and walked out with a frilly purple dress with a dark leather jacket, shiny black boots that swallowed her feet, dark lipstick, and extra shading above the eyeline. This was more than just a hit; it was a damn explosion.

"So??"

"Wait." The goth vibe in its entirety caught him so off guard that the excitement made its way to his nose.

"What?"

"I'm not ready."

He couldn’t help but stare. While covering his entire face, he could only mumble a few words before regaining composure. But in that quick interval, she struck gold. Her eyes lit up like fireworks.

"THIS IS IT."

"No, it's too.."

"THIS IS THE ONE." she rang that bell like her very life depended on it.

"Ughh!"

After a couple of seconds, an advisor entered the lounge, spotting the two. The man held his face in utter displeasure while she kept turning around the mirror, admiring her new look. It was as though she were created anew. ‘What the hell?’ were the first words the poor advisor’s mind could muster. But alas, duty called.

“Madam, how may I help you? It seems you’ve found the right fit.”

“You think so too? Look at him.” she grabbed him like a doll.

“I have been with him for a year and I’ve never gotten a reaction out of him. He’s so excited, haha. Cute, right?”

“W-Would he be changing outfits too?”

"You’re right. I’ve changed. Now, it's your turn."

"I think I’m fine.”

"No. We need to fix you up. You look so boring in this."

"I’ll let you off for insulting the turtleneck but the jacket? No way."

"If you resist, I will strip you down right here. Did I mention I have super strength?"

"LIAR!!"

"Wait. Now I really wanna strip you down. Let's do it in the changing room." she dragged him in and took off his shirt.

“Madam??”

“Oh, you’re still here. Look at his figure. What clothes do you think accentuate it and highlight his muscles without giving too much emphasis? Get your top recommendations.”

“Right.”

"Hmm. How do you maintain your figure when you're this lean? Do you secretly train or something?"

"I do train. But it's nothing out of the ordinary. I do my daily run. Visit the gym when I'm not sucked in this shit show we call a life. I'm a bit disciplined with my food."

"You're way better than me."

"I wouldn’t fault you for exercising once in a blue moon."

She rubbed his body, under the pretext of feeling his muscles, while the advisor scrambled around for a nice fit.

"Let's start with this one." she started with the first outfit. This was a two-piece suit of splendor; silver dots carefully placed on the blazer. It screamed extravegance and honestly, it gave off the aesthetic of a pro gambler. The gold shades only added to this.

"This is the one."

"Are you out of your mind?"

"I'll like to say yes but just at look at this. You look stunning. Like the owner of a reputable casino with a strange love for cats."

“I’m much too kind hearted to be a casino owner. Why don’t you tone it down a bit? I would prefer something a bit plain.”

“Absolutely not. That’s why your wardrobe never had any variation. You shine in everything you wear, but Aoi, don't you think you play it safe way too much? Let’s stick to this.”

“Fine.” he spared no thought to a counter argument.

Having a late-night walk through the streets of Akihabara was certainly lively, but not overly crowded. It hit the sweet spot at peak timing. She wandered around like a lost child in search of an adventure while he cautiously walked behind her like a guardian of sorts. Compared to his previous stance, Akihabara was the place to be for sure.

They stumbled upon a a bunch of men in the middle of a heated exchange.

"Are those drunk salarymen?"

"Doubt it. It's too early for them. Not their peak time."

“Let's see what's going on."

“Knew you were gonna say that.” he quietly chuckled.

"Wanna have a go, huh?"

"Piece of shit. I'll kill you."

"Who do you think you are??"

"Hey. What's going on here?" he was in the middle of their squabble, staring in intrigue.

"Who the hell is this guy? Are you also looking for a beating?"

"Nope. Just wondering why someone as cool as you is trying to bash this guy's head in."

"Listen, I showed this bastard a photo of my girlfriend. Look at her. She’s lovely right?” he had a phone shoved in his face..again. After glancing at the image, he fell silent.

“Now guess what the fucker said?”

“I’m telling the truth. I’m telling you, this fucker and his girl look like brothers.”

"Oh."

"Pf..." Kurumi struggled with every fiber of her being to hold it in.

"That’s so disrespectful. You need to smash his head in."

"Hey. Why the hell are you laughing?" he turned to the lady behind him.

"Pardon me. It's just..."

"Take a good look. Do we look like brothers to you?"

"...." all she had to do was say no but for some reason, she refused. Was it that bad?

"Hey, instead of pressuring her, why don’t you break up with your bro and find yourself a cutie.”

“YOU'RE DEAD!!”

“This is our cue." he whispered in her ear. Before the situation escalated, he swept her off her feet and fled from the scene as she burst out laughing.

"Of all the times."

"I'm sorry. I just.. Couldn't hold it in. Playing along would have made it worse, hahaha."

“At least they aren’t chasing us.”

“They’re probably busy fighting each other.”

“Jeez.”

“I nearly got into a fight on my first night out with you. This is the best."

"This night is definitely full of suprises”

“Where to next?”

“I’ve been thinking. I’d like to see someone.”

“Let’s go, let’s go.”

“She should be done with work right about now.”

In the comfort of her own home, she walked up and down the living room. This was her last and most important job of the day, a mega client, as she called it. She could not afford to mess this up.

“Noted. That could also be delivered but with all the extras being added in at the last minute, we would need to revisit the final prices. Of course, you understand you’ll be paying outside the standard rate. Yes, these items are rarely available so for us to even get it.. All I’m trying to say is that it’ll cost a lot, okay? Right, right.. I have it all written dow--”

From the corner of her eyes, she spotted a familiar face, plainly staring at her.

“AHH!!” she dropped her phone, turning all her attention to this anomaly. The view from the window highlighted a familiar face. This was all fine and good, except that it was the second floor and he appeared to be floating. The voice on the phone never paused but she did. Spacing out in the middle of work was, in her words ‘an act of laziness and incompetence,’ but she was flat out ignoring her customer.

“Yua, it’s been a while. Miss me?”

“Zi..Zirou. Oh, forgive me for that. Yes, we’ve got your order. We’ll send the receipt directly through email. We thank you for your continued patronage.”

“You said I’ve always been hiding something from you, right? This is me being honest.”

“Come down right this instant.”

“Can I come in?”

“Wait for me. I’m coming down.”

“Am I in trouble?”

“You’re asking me?” Kurumi cut in.

“I’m just kidding. I’m just a little surprised.”

“That should be me. Your name is Zirou. Why on earth didn’t you tell me?”

“Just stick to Aoi. Jeez, why did she let that slip.”

“Zirou..”

Her steps were light and fleeting. He questioned the person in front of him but shortly after, his worries were put to rest. Not even a word, just a smack. It was weighted. Anger seeped out of her mask..

“You have a brain but why is it so hard to use it? Do you know how worried I was, you ungrateful brat? You suddenly disappeared..Dipped town without any explanation. I tried calling you countless times, yet you didn’t pick up. No, you couldn't care enough to pick up. Not even a word from you.”

“I..”

“You texted me saying you’re fine. That was it.. What did you expect me to think? You could have been kidnapped for all I know. What should I have done?”

“Nothing. Because it would have been useless.”

“What would you have done in my shoes?”

“Look. Talking to you in person is most effective because there’s no chance of you misunderstanding what I’m saying. I’m here now, am I not?”

“Is that the tone you choose to take with me? Have you forgotten who is responsible for you?”

“No, I haven’t. Just like how I haven’t forgotten you’re speaking to an adult.”

“You’re still a silly kid!!! Quit doing dumb shit like this. It’s not good for my health. How on earth would I explain to him?” her tone softened, on the verge of breaking. He loosened up instantly.

“I get it. I’m sorry.”

“Sorry? For what??”

“For making you worry like that. I should have explained better. To be fair, I didn’t think..”

He looked at her, then paused. Previous experiences taught him better.

“Yup, my bad. Okay?”

She hugged him tightly. He had the urge to accept her embrace but a part of him found it slightly embarrassing.

“Does your cheek hurt?”

“Nope. It would be concerning if it did.”

“Really?”

“Why are you worrying about that now? Let’s go inside.”

“Wait. I haven’t introduced myself yet.”

“Oops, I’m so sorry.”

“Nothing to apologize for. Quite a unique circumstance, but here I am. My name is Nanami Kurumi. It’s a pleasure to meet Aoi’s guardian.”

“Please. The pleasure is all mine. Come on in.”

When she was in work mode, nothing ever mattered. If not for the two, she would have been inclined to leave her things lying around till the next day. She considered this a necessary tradeoff for optimal performance but it had its cons. With a few touches, she managed to turn her living room upside down. Kurumi was in utter shock.

“So. Care to explain yourself?”

“I’ve had these powers since I was in high school. It saved my life on multiple occasions. Life is not all roses with it, though. Because I can't fully control it, I'm automatically a danger to regular people."

"Why didn't you tell me anything about this?"

"Simple. I felt you would have been better off not knowing. "

"All this time..."

"Yeah. But on the bright side, I barely pay for transport. Oh, I also use the forces of nature on my foes in an act of sheer pettiness.”

“Who would have thought. I knew you were special but not superhero special.”

“I was also surprised or rather impressed. Who knew that my dear Zirou was a womanizer at day, superhero at night?”

“Soo… batman?”

“Both of you should stay away from superhero comics.”

sigh

"And thanks to you, she can't stop calling me that."

"My bad."

“Back on topic, I’m surprised that you didn’t lose your head over this.”

“Well, these things take a queue, you know? Your safety is the first thing I think about. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t worried. Maybe it’s because I lived through the incident. All I know is you aren’t a criminal because of it so that’s all fine and good.”

“I’m the opposite. I work for the sake of humanity now. Not for myself.”

“Huh? What does that mean?”

“You see…I’m a special public servant.”

“He’s lying.”

“I’m a special civil servant.”

“Still lying.”

“Anyway, as you may have already guessed it. I’ve quit. For good this time.”

“No more cross-dressing??”

He slapped his face hard while she turned to him, her face rigid as she caught a damning reference.

"You thought I wasn't going to eventually address that? Your sense of fashion feels more obscure everytime I see you. Perhaps the next time, you'll be in a spacesuit."

ahem

“Yua, I came to tell you something important. Mind hearing me out?”

“I’m all ears.” Yua sat down, all attentive.

“I know this is a busy day for you. I’m sorry for taking your sweet time.”

“If you say something like that again, I’ll punch you. I swear.”

“Yua, you’ve been everything to me. Living together with you these past few years. It was a bit shit.”

“Hey!!”

“I mean, you made me pay rent fresh out of high school.”

“I gave you three months free, you little shit. Plus, how many times have I waved off your debt?”

“...Anyway, it was one of the best moments of my life. It reminded me of the time I spent with my Mother as a kid. I would cherish it for the rest of my life.” as he carelessly uttered these words, he caught a glimpse of the lady beside him, tearing up.

“Why are you crying?”

*sniff*

“Whose fault do you think that is?”

“Wow.”

“That’s all?”

“I mean, where do I start? Something is clearly wrong. It feels as though this would be my last time seeing you. So I don’t know what to say.”

“It’s complicated. But you’re wrong. I’m not dying anytime soon.”

“You’re currently in Tokyo, right? I don’t mind moving there with you. I work from home anyway.”

“That wouldn’t be necessary. I’ll come see you as many times as you need. It wouldn’t even feel like I was gone.”

“Yeah, right. I’m not stupid. I know it has something to do with your powers. Did you get into trouble?”

“Haha, trouble. No, not exactly.”

“Will you tell me, Nanami san?”

“Are you sure?” she looks at her then him.

“If he won’t tell me then I can at least rely on you to give me the full details.”

"Ehh...."

“Fine, I'll spill.” he sighed in defeat.

“You see, I work with the FISF.”

“I’ve heard about them.”

“Of course you have. Being an active member of the community has its perks. I’m sure you must have run into a few people from there.”

“None that I can recall, but what are you saying? You fight these monsters?”

“We fight apparitions who have gone berserk and save those who are about to go past their breaking point.”

“That indeed sounds dangerous. But knowing you, you would never voluntarily step into such a dangerous world just for the thrill of it. Spill. What are your reasons for doing this?”

“I need to tell you that too?”

“Everything happens for a reason, and sometimes, things continue to happen due to the reason backing them. In other words, I want to know your stake in this.”

“She found me. That’s all.”

“I see.”

“After living my entire life irresponsibly, perhaps it’s time to be a responsible member of society.”

“That’s that then.”

“You’re way too calm for my liking.”

“I need to maintain my composure at all times. For the sake of my health.”

“You aren’t old enough to be doing all that.”

“You know, I am old enough to be your Mom.”

“Yeah, right. This is exactly why you are a man repellent. You never act your age.”

“..I deserve that.”

“Seriously, by the time I turn twenty, you'd better drop the act, or I’ll rarely visit.”

“Got it.”

“Since you cut me off, I’ll end it right there.”

“No. Go on.”

“Don’t be selfish. Please, not now.”

“Who doesn’t like to be praised. Besides, that’s what you get in exchange for me not probing you. That was what you were scared of, right?”

“Ugh..”

“Is it because she’s here?”

“We’re not kids.”

“Why are you embarrassed now? You were fine just a minute ago.”

“I’ve forgotten what I wanted to say. You know how I am.”

“So all that was prepared beforehand? What do you suggest I do, Miss Nanami?”

“I think you should let him off for now. As you can see, his face is already steamy. Whatever he wants to say to you, he probably will, over the phone.”

“I’m gonna go pack my things. You can send them through and I’ll sort the rest. In the meantime, I won’t be taking anything so please keep my room intact.

“I was going to use it for my flowers but fine.”

“No fun.”

“Oh well. You have finally escaped me. Good job, Zirou. Stay safe out there, okay?”

“You too, Yua.”

“She was really nice.”

“Hah, you think. Don’t let her demeanor fool you. She’s just thirty-three.”

“Thirty-three?? She looks like she’s in her mid twenties.”

“And sounds elderly. I’ve told her multiple times to drop it, but she doesn’t listen to me.”

“Perhaps by doing that, she feels more like a guardian.”

“Perhaps.”

“I’d like to meet her again and have a proper talk.”

“Yeah, we’ll do that soon enough.” …

“Hey, let’s stop for a drink. I’m thirsty.”

Shortly after, they arrived at a convenience store. While he was looking at the section filled with flavoured water, she was staring at dozens of different alcohols at the corner.

“Odd choice. You know that's got alcohol in it, right?”

“ I can read. I've not tasted alcohol before, and I heard beer tastes like piss, so I wanted to try this.”

“Strawberry flavour too. It’s solid. As for beer, I mean, you get used to the taste of it eventually.

“So it does taste like piss.”

“No, no. That's just cheap beer.”

“I'm lost.”

“Forget it. So, you wanna try it for the first time?”

“Yeah, I wanna get super drunk.”

“Can you even get drunk?”

“Let's find out. We need the right atmosphere. I don’t wanna drink on the streets.”

“Then where? A bar?”

“I don’t know.”

“Well, I would rather not go to a bar.”

“It doesn’t have to be. I’ve got a place.”

“Hmm?”

He stared blankly at the entrance. She swiftly grabbed his arm and pulled him along.

“Come on, let’s go in.”

“A manga cafe.”

“Haven’t been to one? You’re judging me with those eyes of yours.”

“It’s nothing like that. It’s a great idea, actually.”

“Liar….”

At least it’s not karaoke, he thought.

“The receptionist gave me a weird look. I don’t blame him, I look like the penguin.”

“That’s not true. You look like a futuristic inventor missing an eyeglass because they are just that cool without it.”

“Haa. What’s your favourite genre then?”

“Guess.”

“Thriller.”

“You know me so well.”

“What about the sub-genre?”

“I have a few, but my go-to is always survival. Let’s say death games.”

“Interesting choice.”

“Yeah. They’re as fulfilling as horror stories with more intriguing storytelling.”

“They have worse stories, though.”

“You’ve probably read all the shitty ones. What about you?”

“I don’t have a particular like or dislike, but when I do read, I always go to Slice of Life. They make my day.”

“Wouldn’t have guessed it. You seemed more drama inclined.”

“You’re not entirely wrong.”

“Let’s go pick a few. You’ll read my picks and I’ll read yours.”

“Works for me.”

Walking down the hall, she stuck to him like glue. Asking him what he was getting at every opportunity.

They grabbed a few manga copies and opened their bottles of alcohol. He was careful in selecting the ones with the lowest percentage of alcohol, but she was fixated on this strawberry-flavored bottle with a decent percentage. All he could do was hope she could hold her liquor.

“Why would she say this at this time? Isn’t that a death flag?” he flipped through the pages, flicking his finger repeatedly while she occasionally joined in.

“Don’t worry. They never die in this one.”

“They’re lucky this is an easygoing series. In 'Detonate', even the slightest hint of farewell is a death flag. I wonder why I still read it, to be honest.”

“Death flags are no problem for me. My main issue is when nothing happens for a chunk of the series.”

“Are you sure you’re in the right genre? Slice of life manga are typically slow-paced and have little plot progression.”

“Even then, if there are no developments, then it’s not even worth reading.”

“I guess I understand. You love your SOLS mixed with a little something. Mine’s romance.”

“Of course it is.”

“Hey, don’t tease me.”

“How are you feeling?”

“Hmm. Why are you asking? Are you that curious?”

“Curiosity is spontaneous. I can’t help it.”

“You can’t help getting me drunk so you can pounce on this weak, defenseless lady.”

“If anything, you’re the one doing the pouncing.”

“Yeah? I mean.. You’re not wrong.” She pinned him to the thin wall on his side.

“Yeah. You’re drunk.”

“How can you tell?”

“You’ve been glued to the same page now for about five minutes.”

“Yess. Haven’t stopped to ponder on something when reading?”

“It’s literally a sex joke, not a quote from Aristotle.”

“You’re no fun.”

“And you’re a lightweight. It’s our cue to leave.”

“No. I like it here.”

“Where do you live? I’ll drop you off.”

“No can do. I’m not telling you.”

Sigh

“So you’re this type of drunk. Well, it beats the violent type for sure.”

“Hmph.”

“We’re staying off the alcohol the next time.”

“No.” She pushes him to the ground.

“What if there’s no next time?” She removed her shirt and moved in, her lips gently marking his entire body. From his neck to his lips. He grabbed her shoulders, effectively pulling her away.

“Do you want to get kicked out?”

“You need to answer me. Why? Why are you turning away from me?”

“For you, being intimate with another person is no joke.”

“I know. I’m not a child.. If you want to be casual, we could also.”

“We both know that would never work. There’s no need to force it.”

“This is my fault, right?”

“Kurumi.”

"I know. I know. You hate when things aren't clearly defined and messy. I'm sorry for saying you made girls unhappy. In reality, you made me happy. I can't speak for anyone but myself but I was so fucking happy, even if I knew it was play pretend.

I know you never had feelings for me, but still, I couldn't help but smile anytime I was around you.

Thanks for being there when I needed you. I don't know.. I don't know what I would have done. My parents are kind and brave. But not brave enough. Not even my maid looked at me without that look in her eyes. Like they knew I'm a goner."

While she lay on him, tears landed on his cheeks. As much as she tried to wipe them off with her fingers, it was a tall task. He placed his hands on hers, never letting go.

"And..And..I know that if anything, you're the unhappy one. How stupid of me."

"Hold on."

"It's true, isn't it? Back then and even right now, you're still angry, aren't you?"

"…."

"That's why. Although I'm an obnoxious airhead, thanks for being with me. I really love you, Zirou."

In an instant, she was flipped over. He rushed in with a kiss. He gently grabbed her chest, staring into her pale eyes, his showed incredible restraint. At the end of the day, he was just an average guy. His ears were ringing endlessly. The soft moans of buried memories sprang forth like a plague.

“If you really love me, then you should know that I’m dirty. I’m not a match for you.”

Nnngh.

“Who gets to decide that? I’m not the purest person in the world either.”

“Don’t..”

Ahhh.

"Look. I know about that. You've been holding it in, haven't you?"

More.

“Despite that, it’s still my first time. I want it to be with you. Forget about everything else.”

Harder.

"Y-You sure?"

“I want this. You want this. Don't hesitate.” she leaped in, whispering in his ears. He let out an uncomfortable smile.

“I'm sorry.”