chapter 25:Lubbock

Yeah, class schedules are a pain. It didn't even help that my family business demanded my attention as well. But hey, things are starting to ease up on my end. You, on the other hand, looks like you're taking it easy." Lubbock told him with a sly grin.

"You could say that..." Takeshi said while his mind reminisced on recent events with the Fallen Angels. Lubbock then ringed his arm around Takeshi's shoulder.

"Well then, since we have the time, I wouldn't waste it so soon. So, want to come to my place after this?" Lubbock asked, making Takeshi blink upon Lubbock's offer.

'That's weird. Normally, Lubbock likes to come to my home and spend time there. Now that I think about it, I've never been to his home...' Takeshi thought as he realized that very fact.

Seeing this, Takeshi then saw two options before him. Accept and go with Lubbock to his place to catch up, not knowing when he'll get home. Or politely decline and return back to his Magician training and intense physical workouts with Erika.

It didn't really take much of Takeshi's time and thinking to know which decision is correct.

"Sure, I would love to!" Takeshi happily accepted.

He needed a break from her training!

(Bookstore)

Takeshi was a bit surprised when he followed Lubbock to a rather plain looking part of Kuoh. The place wasn't exactly clean or filthy, but it just seemed rather plain. And he followed his green haired friend to some plain looking store. As they both entered, Takeshi saw that this seems to be some newly opened bookstore. Considering the fact that he visits bookstores daily, it was to Takeshi's surprise to find a new one.

"So um...you needed to buy something Lubbock?" Takeshi asked, unsure why they were here. Lubbock simply gave a small smirk on his lips.

"I'm pretty sure I have everything I need. After all, this store is owned by me." Lubbock pointed out, making Takehsi look at him with surprise.

"O-Own?" Takeshi asked in surprise, before he realized something. "Oh right, I remember you telling me that your family run a successful trading business. But I honestly didn't expect you to own store. You decided to enter into the business early?"

"You're right about that one. It's only natural that a child wants to take after his parents. Plus, I've been interested in merchandise business from the start. So naturally, I've started a small store to get me started." Lubbock said as he led Takeshi to the back of the store.

"Amazing...you've managed to start a business of your own..." Takeshi said with amazement.

"It's nothing special really. Although, you do find this to your interest, huh? I'm willing to give you a special discount." Lubbock playfully elbowed his friend, making Takeshi grin while scratching the back of his head.

"Nah, I wouldn't want any special treatment. It's not fair to others, you know?" Takeshi said while looking around the store in interest.

"Well, I'm sure you're going to like what I show you here. There is something more to this." Lubbock said as he gestured Takeshi to follow him.

As Takeshi did, Lubbock led him through the door to the back room of the store. Once entering it, Lubbock moved a crate aside and revealed a hidden door, much to Takeshi's surprise.

"Lubbock?" Takeshi asked in surprise. Lubbock didn't say anything as he lifted the door. He then turned to Takeshi and gestured him to follow.

"C'mon, this where the true goods are." Lubbock told him as he walked down the hidden stair case. Takeshi slightly hesitated, before he decided to trust and follow his good friend.

He and Lubbock made their way down the staircase and soon approached a door. Lubbock opened the door and the two entered the room. Takeshi looked around in surprise to see the room they entered upon. The whole room had a couple couches and a basic table between them. The room had boxes here and there, and there appeared to be some work desk at the side of the room. There were shelves full of items that Takeshi never seen before.

Takeshi looked around in surprise as Lubbock spread his arms wide open in a welcoming gesture.

"Welcome to my own little hideout! This is something I've made since I made the bookstore. Pretty neat, huh?" Lubbock asked while looking proud of his base.

"Wow Lubbock, I never knew you had a secret base like this..." Takeshi commented as he looked around in surprise.

"Well yeah. I have a secret base, while you kept the secret of you being a Magician." Lubbock pointed out casually. Takeshi simply nodded.

"Yeah, how I have the secret of being a Magi-!?" Takeshi froze in realization upon what Lubbock just said, and his eyes widened in shock.

Lubbock simply smirked as he saw Takeshi's startled expression. "What's the matter, is it something I said?" Lubbock asked slyly.

Takeshi took a step back while giving a nervous smile and laught. "H-Ha ha ha, v-very funny joke there Lubbock...I didn't take you as a j-joker..." Takeshi nervously said, trying to play dumb but failing in the end. Lubbock gave a "tsk" noise while wagging his finger.

"Takeshi Takeshi Takehsi...when will you ever learn that you are a terrible liar? I mean, you're good at keeping secrets and covering up a few things, but you honestly can't lie yourself out of a situation." Lubbock said with a knowing tone.

Takeshi winced a bit at Lubbock's statement, and sweated a bit. "U-Urm...so you know about...what I do?" Takeshi nervously asked.

Lubbock simply chuckled as he stuffed his hands into his pockets. "Relax, you're not in trouble about this whole secret being out. I should know, since I'm pretty well involved with the supernatural as well."

This made Takeshi blink in surprise upon hearing this.

"W-What?" Takeshi stuttered in surprise.

"You heard me." Lubbock said with a grin, before he lifted his hand to reveal a glove with gears attached to it. He flicked his hand, and wires came straight out and wrapped around a can that is on a table. With a flick of his wrist, the can immedeatly came to him. Lubbock grinned as he opened it and drunk the contents.

"Ahh, hits the spot." Lubbock said with with a content smile.