Chapter 20: We Meet Again

In one of the many well-furnished lecture halls at the Higashi Shinjuku Academy, Kuro, Hisashi, and Irina got themselves ready for the next class.

But while they did, Hisashi had an epiphany; one he urgently needed to share with Kuro.

“Do funny people think they themselves are funny?”

Hisashi rested his chin on a folded fist he’d made. At the moment, he’d struck a pose that looked a lot like those of sculptures of Greek philosophers. Kuro stared at him quizzically as he went on.

“What about strong people? Would a truly strong person boast of their own strength?”

Kuro and Irina pondered on his questions together. Hisashi was really pulling them in.

“Would a handsome person believe they are handsome?”

“Hmm… I’ve never really thought of that,” Kuro said, scratching his chin.

“Exactly!” Hisashi jabbed a finger at Kuro.

“I don’t follow.”

“Don’t worry. You don’t have to…”

Hisashi’s voice was mellow as he reassured Kuro. The reason for the erratic shift in his mood was an issue Kuro could only begin to speculate about.

Irina kept stealing glances at Kuro. One second, they would be facing the front of the hall. And the very next, they’d be critically analyzing his side profile.

Focus, Irina. Focus. She repeated these words to herself. A mantra which did not fulfil its objective. I cannot focus. This is not good…

Her troubled head found solace on the desk when she planted her face against it. Kuro and Hisashi shared a glance of confusion.

An opportunity presented itself—and Hisashi snagged it immediately.

“Psst. Kuro.”

“Why are you whispering?”

“Do you think I could get it on with someone like—” Hisashi directed Kuro with his eyes. “—her.”

He was, of course, referring to Irina—currently face planted on the desk.

Hisashi couldn’t be more baffled at what happened next. Kuro raised a hand, and placed it tenderly on his shoulder. His expression was so clear and pure, it was martyr-like.

“You are one of the most unique people I’ve ever met. And let me tell you, any girl would be lucky to have you. In fact, your personality alone could get you pretty much anybody compatible with you with ease. So, just be you, Hisashi. Just be you…”

Kuro, at first, was about to “end” his friend’s line of thought before the question could even be completed. But he couldn’t be so cruel to his “best buddy.”

As roundabout as it may have been, Kuro was certain he got the message across.

“Kuro, you really shouldn’t say such things to a guy, you know…” Hisashi’s voice bordered on demure, and his face tinged a light red as it radiated an unusual warmth. “But thanks. That means a lot. I think I understand what you’re saying.”

Did you really…?

Facing each other, the two of them now caught on to a tonal shift in the atmosphere. The next lecturer had walked in—Professor Yuichi Minami.

● ● ●

Minutes accumulated into hours. And the professor exhibited no signs of tiredness. Did he have an infinite supply of stamina? the students would often wonder.

Nevertheless, his lectures were considered the most engaging and immersive. The speech, his mannerisms—they all worked together like an impeccable orchestra, producing a musical number that was his teaching…

“Alright, everyone. Form groups of five and discuss today’s lecture amongst yourselves. I’ll be back in a bit,” said Professor Yuichi.

The groups mainly consisted of those seated nearest to a student. This implied that Irina and Hisashi made the cut. Filling the remaining two spots were Yukina—who sat in the row right in front and below them—and girl they’d interacted once with called Nanami Sato.

Besides the first two members, the rest were students Kuro didn’t speak with much. Not that he never wanted to, rather there’d never been much reason to—up until now.

“Professor Yuichi sure went all out today, huh?” Hisashi was the first to break the ice. “I really like the way he broke down the concept of subsidization. What do you all think?”

Kuro sighed internally, seeing how hard his friend tried to get the ball rolling. “Yeah, I agree. His delivery was as enlightening as usual. Never thought I’d be invested in something as simple as the differences between direct, and indirect subsidies.”

Hisashi started to smile. Kuro’s input appeared to have alleviated the stiff vibes to some extent.

“Totally,” Nanami said, in a partly rigid tone.

“I share the same opinion,” Irina chipped in, gracefully lifting her face off the desk. “One might say his methods are too engaging.”

Hisashi’s shock was apparent, he’d thought she had been sleeping the entire time. He’d never taken her to be the type to sleep in class. He regretted doubting her.

As they found new topics to discuss, Yukina’s eyes stayed fixed on yet another history book. This one was twice as large as the former.

She sure loves history… Kuro thought. Then suddenly, she spoke.

“Hmm… Yeah subsidies are great and all. But sometimes, aren’t they kinda like damage control? Think back to the Shōwa Depression. People underwent grueling hardship because our exports dropped? Then a whole bunch of currency devaluation and borrowed revenue.”

Everyone else simply listened as she continued, “They shouldn’t be treated like a crutch to fall back on later. Things like that could only lead to future fallouts and war.”

“Okay, I’m back!” Professor Yuichi chirped, even more energized than he had been previously. “How’d the discussions go?”

Murmurs rolled over the students in light waves. And the group Kuro found himself in now had introspective expressions on their features—excluding Yukina and himself.

“That sounds great. Now let’s pick up from where we left off…”

● ● ●

Irina had left the college some minutes earlier and was heading home for the day. Citizens were returning from their various ventures. Cyclists peddled up and down the street. Traffic flowed at an even tempo.

She smiled at some kids running down the road beside her. This day was going to end soon, and she would have to get ready for the next.

Her duties that had been piling up within her heart and mind would do so no more. The only way to move forward would be to confront all of them head on.

Being The Hero, and the soon to be heir of Belova Industries, was the hand that life had dealt her—she would play those cards to the fullest.

The Demon King was no exception, as she would face him again sooner or later. A spring entered her step and she began to skip down the pavement; still dressed in her favorite grey suit. Her movements had the elegance of a seasoned dancer.

People nearby observed the wonderful sight of a cheerful young maiden skipping to wherever she was headed. They smiled, occasionally waving as the lady passed them by.

Irina saw the faces of Shun and Yui hovering above her, and she was thankful to the all-powerful being her people worshipped—the beginning and the end of all things—for having destined her to meet them. She felt… Blessed.

And as for Kuro… She stopped skipping, and looked at her open palm. I will start by getting to know him better. Yes!

With that final thought, she formed a fist that she pumped into the air.

She got to the hotel which she lodged at. The staff gave her polite, short greetings that carried their habitual professionalism. She hadn’t completely gotten over the elevator that led to Ground Zero.

So when given the options between the stairwell and the elevator to her penthouse, she unhesitatingly went for the stairs.

Climbing up the stairs, she reaffirmed herself with all the goals she had set out to accomplish. But now was the time for rest.

After receiving one last civil greeting from the doorman by her room’s entrance, she pushed open the doors and strode inside leisurely.

The room had become quite conducive to her wellbeing after spending some days living in it. She now thought it to have a soothing effect on her body—with everything around her as soft as it was, it wasn’t that much of a mystery.

A shower was in order. A long, refreshing one. She could feel the droplets of hot water from the faucet strike her supple skin. At some point, she began to count them as they appeared frozen in time—she was, of course, able to view them as such due to her enhanced senses.

Slipping into a stylish nightgown, Irina dove into the bed. It was a growing habit of hers.

Buzz… Buzz…

She had left her phone on vibrate after the lectures. The screen came on as she picked it up. Osamu was calling.

I wonder what he wants.

There was a terrible feeling attempting to well up in her, but she suppressed it.

She answered the phone, freezing at the words Osamu blurted into her ear.

“The whole world could end tomorrow!”