CHAPTER 69 - First Date

CHAPTER 69 - First Date

(Pov - Kevs.)

Well… Alright, alright, alright… Listen, Kevs.

Yeah, handsome?

The story of the hero Ángel is kind of… Well…

Boring?

Not boring, it's more like… I don't know… It's like a generic seasonal isekai.

Yeah, I agree, but also disagree. The adventures of defeating monsters and clearing dungeons are pretty repetitive, but the charm lies in Ángel's interactions with Slim and Sol.

Yeah, I agree with that.

According to the princess, the best part comes when Ángel meets the cat woman. In a couple more chapters, it'll get good; we just need to be patient.

Yeah, okay. I'll be patient.

"It got repetitive."

After Ángel met Sol, they traveled that country like tourists, visiting famous places and clearing dungeons so Ángel could better control his power.

The only thing worth highlighting is that Ángel is slowly earning Sol's trust, and vice versa. In other words, romance is blossoming between them.

They've been traveling for 8 months; it was about time for signs of love to show up.

"But what about the demonic army? Haven't they been looking for Ángel? When will the shield hero show up again?"

Other filler heroes have appeared, but they only serve to get humiliated by Slim, showing how superior he is. If this were a light novel written by someone, I'd say the heroes are just there to make the protagonist look good or to make the final villain seem like a real threat, but this story actually happened; it's not a light novel.

Well, let's hope better villains show up, or at least a decent antagonist. The most powerful hero, Edgar, hasn't appeared yet. I hope he doesn't disappoint and at least puts up a good fight.

"Hey, idiot, is breakfast ready yet?!" the princess said, banging the table with her cutlery like a spoiled little kid.

"Hurry up, human," Syln said, checking her phone.

"I-It's almost ready, princess!"

Damn it, I got distracted reading!

I flipped the scrambled eggs. Good, they didn't burn! Saved from a beating.

Ugh, my stomach's growling. I'm starving!

Kevs, I know you want to, but those fries are the princess's. Besides, we're only allowed to eat once a day.

Ugh, I know! I don't want to be skinny!

But it's for our own good, idiot! Do you want to end up dead because you can't handle the princess's beatings?!

B-But I've already lost over 10 kilos. I don't think I can handle losing another 10!

And the worst is yet to come, when we start muscle toning. The diet will be worse than not eating!

Arghhh! I curse my luck! I'd be so comfortable right now in the Capital, being overworked.

Ugh… Whatever.

I served breakfast and placed it on the table.

Scrambled eggs with sausages, pancakes, and, of course, chocolate milk, the Elves' favorite drink.

And my breakfast… a vegetable salad… with water… Arghhh! I miss being fat!

I sat on the floor to eat because I don't even have the right to eat at the same table. I can only eat at the table at school.

"Any sign of the hero Ángel?" the princess asked Syln.

"Nothing, no trace of his soul or magical power."

"He's probably not 23 yet, so his power hasn't activated."

23 years old? Does age have something to do with his power? Arghhh! Spoilers! I'm not listening, I'm not listening, I have fish ears!

"And the son of that Nergio Alvanem Rosa guy?"

"The usual."

"I see… Well, the good news is, as long as the hero Ángel doesn't show up, 'he' won't screw up our lives. We have more time to prepare."

Huh? W-What? S-Screw up their lives? A villain…?! Well, knowing the Elves, that villain might be bad for them but good for us humans… But what if it's a villain who wants to conquer the world?! Arghhh! I'll pretend I didn't hear any of that!

I started chewing the lettuce to calm down.

Ugh, hero Ángel, you seem kind of cliché so far, and you still have that submissive, boring personality with Slim, but if you're as amazing as the Elves describe, please show up already and save me!

I don't even hope to be the hero Ángel anymore. I mean, after all, my soul is, in the princess's words, boring and dull… Ugh…

But oh well, life goes on! I'll try to enjoy it…! As much as I can… Ugh.

So depressing…

Knock, knock, knock

Visitors?

I wonder if it's my grandpa.

I got up from the floor to open the door.

Syln looks calm, so I don't think we're in danger.

I opened the door… Huh? A guy with a mask?

"Hey. I guess you're the Elves' human servant."

He knows them.

Oh, that makes sense. I recognize that mask. I think he's a friend of the girl the Elves went to visit.

"Yeah, I am."

Unfortunately.

"Are you here for them?"

"Yeah. Can I come in?"

"Wait."

This guy seems polite. Thank you for being normal! I was fed up with weird people.

I approached the Elves.

"Excuse me, you have a visitor. I think he's a friend or relative of the girl you visited before. A guy with a mask."

"Tch. What a hassle. Syln, handle it. I have to go to school."

"Of course, Your Majesty."

"Move your ass, idiot."

Yes, yes. Ugh. I didn't even finish eating, but the Elf cleaned her plate. Well, at least she likes my food.

She put on her human ears again, and we left the apartment.

I'm curious about what they'll talk about, but the less I know, the better.

And as always, I have to carry the princess's backpack.

"That guy's curse is too powerful. I wonder who put it on him."

"A curse, princess?"

"Yeah. Probably a divine punishment for messing with the soul."

Wow. A divine punishment… I don't understand, but it sounds cool.

"What's his curse?"

"Always feeling horny."

…

…

…

Listen, Kevs.

Yeah, Kevs?

What a shitty curse.

Totally agree.

And she said it in plural. Feeling horny. Does the girl have that curse too? I wonder if that mask keeps the curse under control.

"Oh… Wow… That sounds weird."

"It's a love-related curse. Most likely, their souls were altered when their bodies were modified."

"And what does love have to do with modification?"

"One of the siblings must've done or requested something specific before the bodies were modified. That probably caused it."

"I see."

I pressed the elevator button, and we waited for it to open.

"What did you make for lunch?"

"Meatballs with rice… Ow!"

"I told you to make burgers!"

That hurt! The mood was so calm, and you ruined it by hitting me on the head!

"I-I forgot, sorry! I-I'll go buy you one at Dog-Divino."

"The biggest, most expensive combo!"

"Y-Yes."

Because the missy doesn't settle for cheap, I know. Ugh… my head hurts.

•

•

I ate my greens and sighed.

You get to eat greasy food, and I have to watch you. I wish I had the Elves' metabolism.

Speaking of metabolism, are Elf waste products the same as human waste…? Ew. Why did I picture her in the bathroom? I'm definitely going crazy.

I entered the place and got in line to order food. I hope it's quick; I don't want to be late for class… Huh? Someone tapped my shoulder.

I turned around… Ugh, it's her.

"Hey, Kevs. H-How are you?"

"… H-Hi."

It's Vanessa. Ignoring her would be rude. I don't care or want anything to do with her anymore. I can't be her friend because I don't want to, but I can at least be polite.

I realized it's not worth living with resentment. I'll try to enjoy life as much as I can, and there's no room for hate in my life.

"I'm fine, Vanessa. Thanks for asking."

"I-I'm glad," she said… smiling… as if nothing she did to me ever happened.

Ugh…

I turned back around to keep waiting.

"Kevs… do you still hate me? I-I… I really didn't cheat on you. You have to believe me. Someone else tricked you; I'd never cheat on you."

"I'd rather not talk about it. Besides, even if you didn't cheat, I don't have time for a girlfriend or… or friends."

Being the Elves' personal servant is a full-time job; I have no free time. They barely let me visit my grandpa.

"Sorry, but I'd rather not keep talking about this."

"… Kevs, you're… losing too much weight. You look so tired. Your dark circles are so… big…"

She… Tears started falling from her pretty eyes. No, Vanessa, you're not to blame for these changes in me; the Elves are! But I can't tell you that, sorry, I don't want to put you in danger.

"Vanessa, you probably won't believe me, but it's the truth. You're not responsible for my physical changes. I'm exercising a lot because I want to… Well, you know, I'm trying to change, be skinny, and all that. The dark circles are mostly from studying so much. Since I quit the special test, I want to be useful to the class so they don't think I'm useless and expel me. Vanessa, whether you cheated or not, I don't care; it didn't affect me… Please, move on with your life, and I'll move on with mine."

"But…"

"Vanessa, this is the healthiest thing for both of us, and I hope you respect my decision… Vanessa, I believe you didn't cheat, and maybe Class A is using me."

Though with my shitty luck, you probably did cheat, but I'll ignore that possibility for my mental health.

"But either way, I want you to stay away from me… No, not stay away, just be my classmate, not a friend or girlfriend. Just a classmate. I don't want a girlfriend or friends right now. I'm focusing on myself. Can you respect my decision?"

"Next."

It's my turn to order.

"Please think about what I said."

I approached the guy at the counter.

"I want the biggest, most expensive combo you have, please."

"The most expensive?" Vanessa said behind me.

Yeah, I know, it's weird seeing me buy expensive stuff, but… Wait…

V-Vanessa was on the island… Arghhh! She quit?! Tomorrow was Wednesday, October 22! Tomorrow was the final day of the special test! Why did she quit?!

… Ugh… I'm not the vice president anymore; I don't care. I'll settle for being useful to the class and that's it, no more worries. I don't even know if I'll be alive in the future.

After a minute, they handed me the food, and I got ready to leave.

Alright, spoiled princess, I hope you like the food. P-Please like it; I don't want another beating.

I left the place and saw the princess waiting for me, playing video games on her handheld console under a tree's shade… and a handsome blond guy is trying to talk to her.

Ugh, poor guy, he'll probably end up suffering a lot. I hope Syln doesn't kill him.

I approached them.

"Come on, lady. You hablas inglés o Spanish? Linda, don't ig…"

"Tch. Shitty human. I see you really want to die."

"Hey, idiot, leave her alone, or you'll end up with black eyes."

Or dead.

"Tch. And who are you? Mind your own business."

He grabbed me by the collar of my uniform and raised his fist.

I'd be scared, but I have my bodyguard.

"I warned you," I said.

The guy took a full-on punch from the princess.

Ouch, that hurt even me.

He fell to the ground.

The only good thing about the princess is that she can protect herself and only needs me as her servant, not her bodyguard.

"You made me lose the level, you piece of shit!"

"W-Well done… Uwaaah!"

She started pulling my ear while walking!

"Let's go to school; we'll be late."

Since when does she care about being earl…? Oh, right, since she realized she can sleep in class without consequences because she doesn't care about graduating from Class A.

We'll get in trouble with the Keeno twins, but I don't think it'll come to violence. Besides, if they try to expel us, we already have a plan to avoid it. We'll put it in motion in a few days.

Syln wants the princess to stay a normal student to keep her away from dangerous matters. Plus, her secret student identity might allow her to do certain things they didn't tell me about, but I assume they're important.

… Vanessa's looking at me.

Yeah, I know, I look pathetic. How low I've fallen… Huh?

N-No, no, no. Don't come closer! Uwaaah! The princess is crazy; she'll hit you without hesitation!

D-Damn it… You owe me one, Vanessa!

"L-Let's go, we'll be late!"

I grabbed the princess's hand and started running.

"Tch. Hey, mental retard, you're not worthy of holding my hand!"

I-I know she'll hit me for this, but I'd rather take the beating than let the princess hit Vanessa.

We turned a corner… Uwaaah!

I-I crashed into something hard. Who thought it was a good idea to put a pole in…?! Oh, no, it's not a pole; it's a person!

"Hey, you okay?"

"Watch where you're going, idiot! Kaeyko, you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine, thanks for asking, Evelyn."

Oh, I think I know that guy… Yeah, I know him; he's from Class A, the one who apologized to me for his classmate's behavior.

And the girl next to him is… no idea. Is she from Class A…? Ow, that hurt!

"Idiot, last time you hold my hand!"

"S-Sorry," I said, rubbing my head.

"Ahem. Hey, idiots, I haven't heard an apology!"

Uwaaah! H-Hey, don't call her an idiot, or she'll kill you! Arghhh! My head hurts!

"Evelyn, I don't think it's necessary. Let's go buy the burgers."

"Fufu. That blonde hair isn't even natural, bitch. And why would I apologize to beings inferior to me? Be grateful someone like me even talks to you. Got it, bitch?"

"Who're you calling a bitch, bitch?!"

"Who else?! The only bitch here!"

Noooo! Kaeyko, help me stop them; I don't want your girlfriend to die!

"Better go with your ugly boyfriend before I lose control, idiot!"

Arghhh! Why did you say that?! You made her angrier!

S-She's growling. The princess is growling!

"Fufu. What? Does it burn that my boyfriend is gorgeous and yours is uglier than hunger?"

Ouch.

"Almost boyfriend. We're just getting to know each other," Kaeyko said.

"W-Well, yeah, we're not boyfriend and girlfriend yet, but we will be soon!"

"Tch. Watch your back."

The princess walked away, and I followed. I-I need to convince her not to do anything stupid.

Arghhh! Thanks for adding to my stress!

"That guy's hiding something. I felt a sense of danger near him. If he's not dangerous, something dangerous is near him. I need to investigate further."

Something dangerous near him?

•

•

(Pov - Kaeyko.)

"Arghhh! What a rude girl!"

… Well… Better not say anything about it.

I think that guy is the one Tanya used and manipulated to break up with his girlfriend.

He looks so different. He's less fat, and his eyes have heavy dark circles.

Depression? Probably.

No wonder Kaey felt sad seeing him.

Tanya, you really went too far, but oh well, better not dwell on it.

"So, your boyfriend, huh?"

"T-That was…! W-Well… It's a half-lie because we'll be boyfriend and girlfriend in the future…! Right?"

She looks into my eyes, seeking a positive response.

I don't sense sadness in her anymore, but… I don't know… Won't she become dependent on me? She's getting too attached. She even asked to sleep in the same bed, afraid that what happened was a dream.

She seeks protection in me; she feels safe with me.

Is that good? Yes and no. But well, little by little, she'll overcome her traumas and move forward. Helping her move on will benefit her, but if I help too much, she'll become dependent, and I want to avoid that.

If she becomes dependent on me, I'd feel bad, like I took advantage of her situation.

Take it slow, Kaeyko.

"If everything goes well, I might ask you to be my girlfriend in one or two months. Tons of girls have confessed their love to me in the first few days of knowing me, so I think it's possible to fall in love quickly."

"I can wait, don't worry!" she said, smiling, taking my hand.

This behavior in her is… odd.

She used to be rude and aggressive. I guess she was pretending to be tough to avoid being taken advantage of.

Or is this submissive attitude her flirting tool?

"Evelyn, if we're going to be a couple in the future, how about setting some rules to avoid unnecessary arguments?"

"Oh, sure. Like what?"

"I have a friend named Sylvie. Rule number 1 is allowing me to have female friends and you to have male friends, as long as we respect boundaries. I'll never let my friends kiss or touch me inappropriately, and the same goes for you."

"Yes, I totally agree with that rule. That way, we'll avoid unnecessary jealousy! Don't worry, Kaeyko, I know you'd never cheat on me, and I won't either!"

"Rule number 2… Well… Um… Resolve issues through dialogue?"

"Sounds good. Can I add a rule?"

"Of course."

"We'll have at least one date a week to keep our relationship from fading."

"Sounds easy to follow."

"And one more rule: we'll split expenses, 50/50."

"I don't mind agreeing, but why?"

"To avoid you thinking I'm with you for your money."

"Don't worry about that, Evelyn; I know you're not a bad person. But if it makes you feel better, I'll accept the rule, as long as you can pay. If you don't have money, I'll pay, and if I don't, you'll pay, with a limit of two times every 6 months. Fair?"

"More than fair."

… Wow… She just kissed me on the cheek… It felt nice, I must admit.

If our friendship keeps progressing like this, I'll actually end up falling for her.

Wow. Did I ever imagine this would happen to me? Never.

But holding Evelyn's hand while we walk together really makes me feel pretty happy.

If I'd known having a girlfriend… Well, an almost-girlfriend, would feel like this, I would've gotten one a long time ago.

… I wonder if…

"Hey, Evelyn."

"Yes?"

I leaned toward her face and kissed her cheek. Will she react the same way I did?

Let's see… Well, well. I didn't know a face could get that red.

I guess she did react like me.

"You look beautiful blushing."

"T-Th… Thank you."

"Let's go get those burgers."

"Y-Yes!"

I think I just took a step forward in my relationship with Evelyn.

Little by little, Kaeyko. Little by little.

•

•

(Pov - Kevs.)

I got to school and dropped my backpack on my seat.

Ugh, finally, a break.

The princess will fall asleep, and I just need to keep any idiot from… waking her…

Ugh…

"So, Kevs? What happened?"

"H-Hi, Keeno."

He doesn't like being called by his name.

No wonder Vanessa's here. What happened on the island?

"I just got word you quit as class vice president. Why? And why did you abandon the special test?"

"W-Well… I…"

"And you're losing too much weight. You look awful. Are you sick? Speak."

"I-I…"

"Tch. Hey, idiot!"

The princess slammed my desk with her hand. Is she defending me or what? This is weird.

"I'm the only one allowed to mess with him. Go find another bootlicker."

Hey, I'm not a bootlicker!

"I guess you're Emily. Nice to meet you, I'm…"

"Hey, deaf piece of shit."

Sorry, deaf people of the world!

"Only Kevs has permission to talk to me. Shut your mouth."

"Only Kevs…? I see."

He walked away from me, not before giving me a smile. Arghhh! That smile is from someone plotting something! I need to move the plan forward, or I'll get expelled!

"T-Thanks for helping me."

"Tch. I'm just protecting my property. You won't be useful if you're someone else's bitch."

I'm not anyone's bitch!

"Yeah, you're my bitch."

Arghhh! And stop reading my thoughts!

Ugh… Better close my eyes and try to calm down.

Breathe, Kevs… Deep breaths.

Ugh… I'm hungry.

•

•

(Pov - Saik.)

Ah, school. It feels like a year since I was last here.

(Author's note: Almost a year writing the island arc! Arghhh!)

I can finally eat all the food I want without restrictions.

I'd say I'll go back to my normal routine, but something's changed.

"Arghhh! Saik, Saik, you still have time to avoid a toxic relationship with that crazy girl! Think clearly, please!" Yuki said, trying to shake my shoulders, but she phases through since I don't let her touch me.

"We'll probably end up in Class C after this, but I think we can recover. At least I beat the president, so it's not all bad. Want to grab something to eat before class?"

"No, thanks. I'll go lie down for a bit. My head hurts."

"The one up top or the one down below?"

"… What?"

"It's… a joke. I read online that…"

"Tch. I don't have time for your nonsense."

"Oh, yeah, sure. See you in class."

"Whatever."

She left, and I headed to the school cafeteria.

Still tough to win over, huh? I like tough challenges, but I just hope it's not impossible.

I entered the cafeteria.

We got to school right at lunchtime. I wonder if the rumors about my victory have spread already.

Hey, yeah, it's me, Saik, the guy who beat the president by cheating, but she cheated first by using Naima against me, so it's a fair win against a cheater.

"Saik, let's go to the psychologist; you need meds to keep from going crazy!"

"Psychiatrists prescribe meds, not psychologists."

"Same thing! How can you fall for Naima?! You still have time to back out!"

I've come too far, and now I'm friends with Naima. No turning back; I won't waste my efforts.

Oh, wow.

"There they are. Yesei and Reiko."

Mark and Reiko are a couple, and Yesei… well… I'll look into her later.

They took advantage of Sylphie, so, well…

"Time for revenge."

"Revenge?"

"Don't worry about it. And about Naima… Yuki, love's a mystery to me; I've never experienced it before. Please, just let me try. I just want to know what it feels like."

"But… why Naima?"

"Because I fell for her."

"… I don't get you… I'm going with Sumi."

"See you at home."

Yuki left.

Ugh… Sorry, Yuki, I've come too far; there's no going back.

I approached them.

Reiko's with Mark. Perfect.

They made Sylphie suffer, and I, as Sylphie's protector, need to remind them that hurting her has serious consequences.

I sat at their table, next to Yesei.

"Tch. Let's go," Reiko said, disgusted.

They tried to get up, but I won't let them.

"I know what you did to Sylphie."

I sensed panic in them.

"And Mark, did you tell them you tried to jump me with Rangel and 20 other students? I think it was 23. 25 with you two. And what happened? I broke all your faces, even when you all attacked me at once."

"Fufu. What's this idiot talking about? Stop daydreaming, loser," Reiko said mockingly, not believing me, but Mark's terrified expression will confirm my words.

"Reiko, look at Mark," Yesei said.

"What's wro…? Huh? Mark, what's wrong?"

Mark looks at me in fear, and I sigh.

"So? You gonna lie to my face? Go on, I'd love to see you try."

"Mark, so… what he said is true?" Yesei asked.

"He beat 25 people in a fight? No way… Right, Mark?" Reiko said.

"He… He's telling the truth… He beat us."

"W-What?"

"Now, sit down, please. Except you, Mark; you can leave or stay, I don't care. My issue is with them, not you."

It took a few seconds, but they finally sat.

"What? You gonna hit us too?" Reiko said.

A feisty girl… From what I see, Yesei's calmer and just goes along with Reiko. I see. She could be more useful than her.

"I only hit when I'm hit, so as long as you don't try to hit me, nothing will happen to you. But yes, your actions have consequences. Mark, you decide. Do I expel Reiko, or do I expel you?"

"What?"

"Are you sacrificing yourself for her out of love, or will you let her be expelled? You have 10 seconds."

"But…"

"Don't listen to him, Mark; he's not capable of…"

"You're wrong, Reiko; I am capable. Besides, to me, you're both expendable for getting to Class A, so losing one of you won't hurt us. By the way, 5 seconds left."

"I…"

"4…"

"Mark?" Reiko said.

"3…"

"It's just…"

"2…"

"I-I don't know…"

I glanced at Yesei. She's nervous and doesn't dare speak. Yeah, she'll be more useful than Reiko.

"1…"

"I… I want to save myself."

"What?" Reiko said… disappointed? Maybe resentful.

Whatever it is, I'm satisfied.

"Alright, then it's Reiko. Yesei, I won't expel you, but we'll talk about your punishment later."

"Hey, why just Reiko and not Yesei?!" Mark said, angry.

"No idea. I think I like her better than Reiko. And her green, fluffy hair is cute. Stupid reasons, I know, but it's the truth. Got a problem?"

"Tch."

He clicked his tongue and left. How rude, didn't even say goodbye.

"Mark, wait!"

Reiko followed him.

Yesei was about to leave too, but I stopped her.

"I want to talk to you."

"… Yes."

Pretty submissive. A girl who only shows her extroverted side with her friends. Interesting.

"You're friends with Naima, right?"

"Yes."

"Good. I recently confessed my feelings to her, and she gave me a chance to try to win her over."

"… Huh?"

"What? That surprising?"

"It's just… You two… Well… You don't seem compatible."

"Fate will decide that. What I want from you is to help me win her over. If you help me, not only will I not expel you, I'll help you with whatever you want or need. Fair deal, right?"

"… Seriously? This isn't a trap?"

"Nope. You help me, I help you."

"Alright, I'll do what I can. How exactly do I help?"

"I want you to go on fake dates with me and try to act like Naima so I can prepare for real dates."

"S-Sounds tough, but I'll try."

"Perfect. Give me your contact number, please."

"Yes."

"And don't tell anyone about this. It'll be our little secret."

"Alright, don't worry."

Good, I got the female help I needed.

Yuki won't help me.

I can't tell number 31 about this.

Sumi's a little kid.

Sylphie would probably distance herself from me.

And Evelyn will be busy with Bell.

Yesei, I don't sense malice in you, unlike Reiko; that's why I'm giving you this chance. Don't waste it.

And Reiko, I'll figure out how to expel you later.

•

•

Alright.

After buying my lunch, I entered my classroom to enjoy it and felt several eyes on me.

I ignored them and headed to my seat.

I sat down and sighed.

Ugh… School life, I'm back.

"Hey, Saik, did you quit the special test, or were you defeated?!" Naok said, pulling his chair to sit next to me.

Ugh, and I wanted to eat in peace. I only came here hoping to eat with Naima, but the hint didn't work; she's still on her phone.

"Naima and I were defeated by Class D. I made a mistake, and we got expelled. At least I beat the president in the extra special test."

"That's a shame, but congrats; you lasted a long time on that island."

"Thanks."

I took a bite of my pizza… Is Bell alone?

He looks kind of sad.

Did Evelyn actually kill herself?

"Hey, Naok, what's up with Bell?"

"Shhh. I'll tell you, but keep it a secret."

He leaned in and whispered in my ear.

"He fell for Evelyn, but he caught her having sex here at school with another student. His heart's broken."

… Evelyn, you idiot. You ruined your only chance.

Ugh, I guess the harassment will continue. What a pain.

"Come on, come on, don't be shy, cutie!"

"I'm coming."

I know those voices.

I turned to my right and saw two people I never imagined seeing together in front of me.

Evelyn, hugging Kaeyko's arm.

… Is he the student she was having sex with at school? Wow, and I thought Kaeyko was like me.

"Hey, Saik! We heard you were back, and my Kaeyko wanted to ask how you survived the island."

… "My Kaeyko"?

"Are you two dating?"

"Almost dating; in one or two months, we'll be official!"

"That's what she said, but for now, we're just friends," Kaeyko said.

Oh, I see.

Well, at least that solves the issue I had with her, and she won't harass me anymore.

"Tch. You should be careful with that slut."

Bell, don't talk, or you'll regret it.

"Hey, don't insult her," Kaeyko said.

"Don't worry, it's not worth it," Evelyn said.

"That whore sleeps with anyone. She's a cheap bi…"

Wow, Evelyn slapped him hard before Kaeyko could raise his fist to punch him.

Told you, Bell.

"Stay out of my life, idiot!"

"Tch. Damn bitch!"

He tried to hit her with a closed fist, but Kaeyko caught it with his hand before it hit Evelyn's face.

Nice reflexes and great catch, Kaeyko. You definitely have experience and strength. Interesting.

A love-fueled fight over a woman. I should take mental notes on this. Naima's beautiful; I might face similar situations in the future.

"Hey, seriously, leave her alone."

He landed a strong punch to Bell's stomach, making him vomit on himself and fall to his knees.

Perfect, now the classroom smells like vomit. I'm out.

"Gross," Kaeyko said.

Does he have spare clothes…? Oh, right, I have his uniform in my backpack.

I pulled out the uniform Kaeyko lent me on the cruise.

"Here, your uniform. Thanks."

"Thanks."

"Come on, I'll help you clean up," Evelyn said, taking Kaeyko's hand, and they left the classroom.

A relationship between Kaeyko and Evelyn… What a weird combo.

Yeah, it stinks. I'm gone.

I left the classroom and ran into Yesei, who was about to enter with her food.

Well, I'll take this chance to learn more about Naima.

"Hey, Yesei."

"Hi," she said uncomfortably, looking away.

"Bell just puked and stunk up the classroom. Wanna eat together? I know a good spot."

"… Yeah, let's go," she said, reluctantly agreeing.

"Let's go."

We started walking together.

Well, the first step is probably becoming her friend. If she keeps acting awkward around me, her Naima act will be crap.

"Do you have any hobbies, Yesei? I like reading and sleeping."

"You like reading…?! S-Sorry, I'm just not used to meeting people who enjoy reading. I like reading too, but I prefer writing."

"What do you write? Fantasy, romance?"

"Mostly romantic comedies."

"I prefer mystery and suspense, but romantic comedies sound interesting. If you send me the link to the site where you post your novels, I'd happily read them."

"R-Right away! Wait… Ouch!"

Ugh…

Someone bumped into Yesei, and she crashed into me.

We fell to the ground together. Ugh, my food.

"O-Ouch. That hurt."

Yesei's on top of me with her head on my chest. Well, at least I kept her from getting hurt more. I need her unharmed.

"You okay, Yesei?"

"Yeah, thanks…"

I helped her stand and looked at the girl on the ground who bumped into Yesei.

"Hey, idiot, help me up!"

"Yeah."

"Don't, Yesei; let her get up herself. Or at least say 'please.'"

"That's why I told you not to run in the halls, Emily!"

A guy helped her up, and that girl approached me.

"Tch."

"… Can I go now?"

"E-Emily, it's not him; it's Saik."

"Saik, huh? The top student… I see."

"Uh, bye."

I picked up my food from the ground.

My pizza's dirty but still edible.

"Let's go, Yesei."

"Yeah."

Yesei and I left the place.

That girl is…

"A rude jerk."

And not rude with charm like Naima; she's boringly rude.

"Sorry about earlier, Saik. Did I hurt you?"

"Don't worry, I'm fine."

"Good… Uwaaah!"

She tripped on something, but luckily, I grabbed her hand and pulled her toward me to keep her from falling.

… Wow. Now that she's so close, I notice she smells really nice.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, thanks."

I let go, and we kept walking.

… I don't see anything on the ground. What did she trip on? Or is she just a clumsy girl?

Ugh, whatever.

•

•

The Elf princess and Kevs watched Saik walk away, and a smile appeared on the princess's face.

"Did you see that, idiot?"

"See what?"

"Nothing, forget it."

The princess walked off, and Kevs followed.

"Maybe them… Yeah… It's worth a shot."