The Impossible Fate That Leads To A God Of A New World Volume 1 -- Chapter 1.4

The feared situation. …It came again. There`s definitely no way I`m getting out of this anytime soon. Not mentally for that either. Calm down, me. Calm down. There`s still a long way to go. Though we will eventually reach there sooner or later, but there`s still time for me to prepare my heart. By the way, both of us are halfway on our way to the lift, carried by the conveyor belt. Persia and I didn`t talk much after her declaration, so it felt awkward as we stood on the conveyor belt, avoiding from eye contact. The main reason for this awkwardness to happen is because of me. I felt extremely troubled. Persia, who was extremely observant choose to keep her silence because she knew I was distressed. But here`s one thing. Though she knew I was distressed, but yet that grin she`s been hanging on her face is excessively annoying. My face twitches out of irritation whenever I caught a glance of her smirk. She`s constantly provoking my mood till I`m on the verge to pull her cheeks (I don`t punch nor slap girls, unless I am angry). Putting that aside, I had my own reasons to be distressed. The person who I was paired up with is not some random person. We are talking about Kuroyuki Shiroha here. Though she merely enrolled for six months, but she`s a legend in this academy. Top grades, outstanding achievements, excelling in sports, a blessed beauty with talent... These aren`t rumours, but the truth and fact instead. As her partner, this means I`d need to work my arse off to keep up with her reputation, or else I`d just lose my face completely. I`d rather be her shadow rather than nothing. But if I do so, I`d lost my precious time to be who I really am, the time to do what I can to save myself. Given the opportunity, I`m sure anyone in this school would`ve want to be her partner even if it cost their lives. But no one is able to keep up with her. I witness that myself, so I could tell how terrifying she is. “Lucifer.” Persia, who seems to give in from the awkwardness called out my name. Though I`d like to ignore her, but it seems she has something important to discuss with me. Perhaps it`s about Kuroyuki Shiroha. After all, she`s the only one who`s close enough to be with her for two months, I guess? Nevertheless, I`m fine with any gossip or rumours but not her dirty jokes. And so, I faced her. “Tell me, are you afraid of her?” She asks politely. As expected, she`s into the main topic already. It couldn`t be anyone else but Kuroyuki Shiroha now. “………” I nodded my head in response. Persia then looks away after watching my reaction, with an ‘as expected’ expression on her face. “You should be.” She added, while wearing a smile of indifference on her face, like those who doesn`t give you an ounce of consideration. Good grace. You are worsening my feelings! We reached the lift, and enters after the door opens. After it closes and goes up, Persia then begins her blabbering. “Studies, sports, cooking, music, arts, dances, managements, martial arts, and so on— there`s not a single thing this academy is able to teach her. She was just this perfect. The teachers can`t do anything but to follow the scheduled lessons, it`d be pretty pointless anyways. Adding her appearance, simply put— she`s the most perfect being in this academy.” …Most perfect being. Wow. Should I see this as an exaggeration or not? If it`s a being closest to perfect, then I`d agree with it— not with the most perfect being. No one in this world is perfect except the God of Creation itself. Not even the angels, not even the celestial gods, not even the twelve apostles. Anyways… I don`t think Persia`s the type to compliment on others. So Kuroyuki Shiroha might really be that amazing, for Persia to praise her as such. “If you take it that way,” I said, “Wouldn`t that make her better than me several times over? Then why was I chosen?” “You weren`t chosen. It was the result through the process of elimination.” Process of elimination… Such a simple reason he`d made. But that`s not the reason— I know it right from the start— the reason why I was chosen. Because things were already decided right from the beginning. Even if Kuroyuki does have a partner, her partner will eventually get kicked out by me. “…I don`t have a choice to begin with.” I inadvertently murmured. “Why do you look so unhappy? Anyone in this academy would willingly die for her merely just to be her partner.” …No, not me. “And? When everyone looks at him, he will merely be known as Kuroyuki Shiroha`s partner— or worse, her sidekick, or even worse, an ornament, without ever getting his name known to others. He will be living a pathetic life. That`s not what I wanted.” “If you constantly compare yourself to her, of course you wouldn`t be happy.” Persia suddenly warned. “After all…” I know what she will say. The word I have been avoiding it to say it at all cost. The exact same word that the other me carries. The word that I constantly rejected. …Because I understood everything when I saw her expression. That`s why she was perfect. That`s why my heart ached. …Because we shared the same feeling. “She`s not a monster.” I uttered. “Only those who had been through an overwhelming grief and suffering is able to pull of such a feat. So she`s not.” After a pause, for some reason, Persia wrapped herself on my right arm. “As expected of you… You passed.” She said. “Huh…?” I was dumbfounded. “Even if the principal approve of you, I still have my doubts. If you were able to see that much, then I`m sure Kuroyuki will be fond of you.” Persia said. So she was testing me? I was being tested? Wow… “…When did you tried to figure me out?” “Since the beginning.” “What!? And I totally did not notice!?” “Of course I wouldn`t squeeze my body in front of you. It`s embarrassing… But I need to do so all for Kuroyuki`s sake!” I`m not sure if it`s for her sake or not, but oh man. Persia`s mask sure is thick. I couldn`t tell at all… as if the event I had so far with her is nothing but a coincidence that just happens. “Even if a girl was to stimulate your sexual desire, you aren`t the least bit fazed. You did not hesitate for one bit to place a punishment; even after you knew I was the daughter of one of the highest ranked noble. You would try to understand me, and my feelings too. Most importantly, you`d even do your best just to keep up with Kuroyuki. That alone already gives you an outstanding mark, isn`t it~?” “W-Wow… No wonder she chose you as her vice…” Such a terrifying multitasking ability. She`s able to fulfil her job as the Student Council President, for herself, and for Kuroyuki. “Though I`d introduce Kuroyuki several selected students… Of course, I did not approve of them, but I`d brought them to her anyways. Nevertheless, all of them was still disapproved by Kuroyuki. Even those of the best of the best would call her a monster sometimes. But not you. At the very least… you are different. Only a little bit lacking with confidence.” It`s not like I wanted to, most of my confidence was with the other me. “Nevertheless, special students sure are something.” Persia murmured. “Huh? Why did you say so?” “Why is it there`s still something else in you I`m unable to understand…?” “…………” I froze up. Her words shocked me to the core. She realizes. I`m quite certain she will never have the slightest clue about the other part of me, but— she realized it. That something about me is ‘unusual’ or ‘abnormal’. And we`d just knew each other in less than an hour, too. “You mean, Kuroyuki too?” I diverted her attention. “N.” She nods her head. “Personally, I think it`s normal if you don`t understand sometimes. After all, there are times where everyone hides a secret or two.” “…Is that so?” As Persia murmured, she stared at my face with a vacant look— free from any expression. It seems that answer is unacceptable for her. Or rather, unbefitting for what she had asked. Then, what did she really meant? Perhaps I would understand if I know what she really thinks. “Okay, you don`t seem to be satisfied.” I said. “Then why don`t you describe what were you able to see on me right now?” “Surprised. She realized. Divert her attention. She seems to be unsatisfied, my answer seems to be unbefitting, what did she meant? Maybe I will understand if I know what she thinks.” She blabbered. “Something like that.” “…………” I immediately did a perfect 90-degree bow to Persia. Bowing down to others, is an act containing many different meanings. You could say I bowed to her in respect, or maybe to thank her, or to mourn, or to apologize. In this case, though it seems to be meant to apologize, but it`s not— and there`s no reason for me to do so. If someone is going to apologize, then it`s her instead. I merely did so just to hide my face from embarrassment, as well as my thoughts afterwards. I now swear I will not lie to the girl known as Persia Silverlight, not even once. “Erm… it`s actually useless— I would know even if I shut my ears tight.” “…………” God, I`m dying from embarrassment. Someone just hurry up and kill me already. But nevertheless, I raised my head and stared at her with a slightly grumpy, speechless look. “……Pfft— Hahahahaha…!” That was the time where the lift reaches the ground floor. We`d exit the lift with Persia`s burst of laughter echoing throughout the lobby. A bold laugh that was unbefitting for a noble like her. “Anyways, Lucifer.” She suddenly said. “Hmm?” “Did you confess to Kuroyuki?” “G-Gehem…!” My saliva suddenly choked my throat, and I was forced to cough as I slammed my chest with my right hand. If there`s something inside my mouth, like food or drink, I would definitely spit it out in that very instant. And on her face, too. It`s abnormal to have confess to someone you just met, unless it`s a prank or your brains were fried. Though something like ‘Love at first sight’ do exist, but no logical human would`ve confess straight away, even if they do have guts. Persia said it naturally, as if it was the natural thing to do. As if anyone would`ve seen her for once and immediately say ‘I love you!’ or ‘Please go out with me!’ to her— to Kuroyuki Shiroha. “Hah… Hah… What on earth are you talking about?! Of course not! Why the hell would I even do so!?” “Why didn`t you? Aren`t you were supposed to do so when you look at her in the eyes?” “What is she? A succubus? She had some sort of charming ability or something?” I inadvertently blurted. Even if it is a succubus, which has a unique charming ability— but that would only stimulate the target`s ‘sexual desire’, not their ‘love meter’. “Perhaps so~ After all, those guys you met earlier… just did so— and was attacked by Kuroyuki.” “Hold on, hold on, hold on.” I inadvertently blurted. “Are you telling me those guys are confessing to her in one go?” “Mmn… you could say that.” Persia murmured. “Could say that… What do you mean by that?” “Or so I read from the newest report coming from the infirmary— written by Kuroyuki. It`s not the first time anyways.” Oh… right. It`s a matter of life and death. She wouldn`t have leave them there. If she did so, they would`ve end up suffering from hypothermia and die, at worst case. “Then what was the reason for Kuroyuki`s attack?” It`s merely a confession, so there was no reason for her to do so. But then again, she probably had a good reason to. So I did not ask why did she suddenly attacked. “Since they are quite persistent… Kuroyuki finds it rather bothersome and attacked them to shut them up.” “Wouldn`t she gets some sort of warning if she`s the one who started it?” “Don`t worry~ This is Kuroyuki we are talking about. ‘Self-protection’ is the perfect excuse~ Hehe…” “…What`s with that sudden evil laugh?” This girl is up to something no good again. “There`s a postscript written at the end.” She remarked. “One escaped.” Though I`d hate to admit it— but undeniably, the one who escaped is clearly me. “She knew where you were headed, and told me in advance~” She added. “Aren`t you brave? You`d even decided to test me right from the start. What if I`d actually touch you?” Originally I was going to say ‘assault’ instead of ‘touch’ just now. I don`t think she`d mind, but considering she`s a young noble lady with class… I`d be careful with my words as I talk. Her family could take down a small town, if I`m not mistaken. “Eh… I don`t mind if it`s you.” Sometimes Persia could say some surprising words. “Unless you are a prostitute or a slave— or else don`t let anyone else to touch your body other than the person that loves you!” “I could even strip and display my body like a model, embrace you as you take off my underwear—” I ignored Persia`s excited blabber. As the blood gushes to my brain continuously, the nervous system was stimulated, causing my right hand to raise up from the usual habit when I`m angry. My face twitches out from the irritation, and with a karate chop, I smacked it upon Persia`s head— “Eh— Eep!” —with a bang. “It seems you didn`t learn well from the last lesson.” I murmured. “Mu…” Persia, who was cradling her head and on the verge on kneeling again stared at me with an upward gaze that was soaked with tears, which her tears is nearly falling. “…Sorry.” Then again, I apologized as I pat her head all the way till we reach the South entrance (or backdoor) instead of the main entrance. Oh right, there are four entrance for the Student Council Presidents Building. North, South, East and West. Obviously, they act as emergency exits as well (it`s easier to evacuate). The North entrance is the main entrance, so the South entrance is commonly known as the backdoor. It`s originally installed just for emergency evacuation, it was then remodelled as an entrance—convenient for that special student to enter, if not, she needs to take a detour till the West entrance, which she will be forced to walk for quite some distance. The reason I took a detour to the main entrance is because, well, you know, manners— I guess. Perhaps this is the reason why Persia`s was sitting with her back facing the window. She was expecting me to be entering from the South entrance, so she could keep in check on my arrival. Or else anyone who normally sits would`ve faced the window instead. Anyways, as I mentioned, the South entrance is a shortcut to the pink drop tree, or rather, to the special building. But even if it`s a shortcut, the distance actually takes 1km— and it`s only till the pink drop tree. The distance towards the special building is at least twice of that. Although global warming and green-house effects were temporary supressed back at 20 years earlier, but it`s still a problem that remains unsolved. Though at a slower rate, but the world is still facing the same ‘heating up like an oven’ problem. What I wanted to say is… with this long distance, it takes some time to walk from our current location to the special building. The time now is 9.46 a.m., which is still considered as morning, and two hours away from noon. But yet, at this hour— the blazing summer heat is deadly hot enough to penetrate through my clothes and fry my skin. So I don`t want to walk under this heat for too long. So… “Persia, how fast can you run?” “Erm… if I take a hundred-meter dash for example, it`s around 10.7s.” So slow. And it doesn`t seem she`s able to run for a long distance either. “I`m not slow! Meanie!” She shouted, and hits me repeatedly with her fists like that of a child. I then defended her cute attacks with my right arm as I laughed. “Ehem… I will let you choose. Do you want a ‘princess’ or ‘back’ carry?” I said. “Eh… So this is your purpose. I was completely fooled by your kindness, well done~” Then why do you look so happy and delighted? “Absolutely not! It WAS pure kindness!” I uttered. “Tell me, then. Do you want to feel it with your back or with your hands?” Geez… here we go again. “Just shut up and let me carry you already…!” “E-Eek!?” With that sudden burst of anger, I charged to Persia and grabbed her on her thigh and shoulders. That`s right, I choose a princess carry because she worded that way. As a gentleman, I avoided my hand from touching her chest, though it seems she`s making me to do so. “Ku… How rough~ Help~ There`s a pervert here~” …Though she says that, but she looks extremely pleased. Girls really like this sort of stuff, huh? Or is it just her? “You know, your words aren`t matching with your tone and look.” And stop flailing. “Let`s go~ Let`s go~!” “…………” She can`t hear anything now. “Hold tight and keep your mouth tight. You don`t want to bite your tongue.” I said. “Wah~ So manly~” She`s ignoring me and rubbing my chest with her face. What are you? A pervert? At any rate, it seems she could need the THIRD PUNISHMENT. Deep breath… Go! “Eh— Wait—” I ignore Persia and took the first boost with my left leg. Like attempting a long jump— I leaped 10m. Just as I was about to reach the ground, I extended my right leg to accept the impact and transfer it forward— as the second boost. Tup, tup, tup, tup, tup. As the interval between my legs touching the ground gets lesser, I reached an even faster speed, shooting all the way to the special building. Well, it seems Persia can`t get used to this speed. She`s grabbing tightly with her eyes closed— and she did the right thing. If dusts accidentally hit you in the eye with this kind of speed, there`s a chance to blind. ……………… “Phew…” I stopped outside the area of the force field surrounding the special building. It seems I`ve ran for a minute. …Wait. Did I just make a ‘phew’? Though it may seem normal to anyone else, but not for me. I`d never need to catch a breath in a mere 2km run. This is the first time. Then again, maybe I shouldn`t worry too much. It might be caused by my lack of sleep. At any rate… “What are you doing!? Stop hugging me already!” Persia coiled her arms on my waist, and still sticking her face on me. But this time, it`s on my abdomen— or rather, my abs. “It`s… so warm… I feel so sleepy…” I grabbed Persia on her waist with both of my hands, peeling her off me and hoist her up easily. “Hnngh…! I don`t wanna let go…!” It feels like I`m carrying a moving doll. Shit, was she this cute? I better keep stay calm. At this rate, I might lose something important as a man. “Stop acting like a spoiled brat.” …Ah. I remembered the exact same words that he spat at me. Damn. “I want you to spoil me! I`m a mistress from a noble family, so you should spoil me~!” Can`t quip anything about that. All mistress mostly behaves like that, so I can`t blame her. If that`s the case… It`s time for that. I placed Persia down on the ground. Though she immediately pounces to me the moment her foot touches the ground, but I stopped her by pressing her head down with my right hand. Though she immediately grabs my hand and tries to fling it away from her… but no matter how hard she tried— it deemed useless. My arm strength can pull off up to tonnes. “Stop struggling, it`s useless.” I muttered. “Nngh…!” It seems she`s not going to quit after all. “Just stay put already…!” BAM! “Owie!” After a karate chop, Persia quickly retreated backwards as she kneeled down in pain. What a stubborn girl. Even after hitting her head for three times, she wouldn`t listen. Damn, it also makes me feel like I`m training a dog. “…I`m sorry…” Persia stood up and made a light bow as an apology afterwards. She then faced the force field behind her, and activated her screen for authentication. The force field opens a small hole, on where she stood. But from the look of it— it seems to be controlled by a person instead of artificial intelligence, and that person… is the girl that lives within. The instant we pass through the force field; it seals off immediately. And then… we still have quite some distance to walk. Maybe I can get this chance to chat with Persia more about Kuroyuki… “Isn`t the security here a little too tight? I mean, even if there are lots of bad insects around her— I think this is a little too…” “If she didn`t put it, then there will be cameras filming from every window on the mansion.” “How extreme!” “You`d be fine. I guarantee you~” “If you say so… But still, I want to know about her as much as possible. You are probably the only person who`d know about her personality… Is she the strict type?” “Only when she`s working. But there are certain things I`m not quite sure. Anyhow, I guess it`s trivial.” “Even as her vice, there are things you do not understand…? Trivial or not, let`s hear it.” “Okay then, if you say so.” She said. “Except for the principal, I`d never see her interact with other guys. In fact, it seems she despises every man.” “What!? That`s crucial!” Trivial— over my dead body! I had a feeling this girl is literally messing with me! “Though I`m Kuroyuki`s vice, but the Kuroyuki I know is the Kuroyuki who`s working.” “And your point?” “You will be living with her under the same roof, and you might be able to witness a side of her which no one else knew. But then again, who knew how will she react?” She had a point. But why does the principal design such a system for us to be living under the same roof?! “…Okay… what is the worst case possible?” “Death, probably.” It`s a matter of life and death!? “I DON`T WANT TO HEAR THAT!!!” “It`s probably a joke.” “WHAT DO YOU MEAN PROBABLY!? MY LIFE IS AT STAKE ALL OF THE SUDDEN!” “You will be fine~” She reminded me once again. “Like I said, both you and Kuroyuki are the abnormal ones.” Abnormal, huh? She worded this way on purpose. If the words she uses are like special or unique… that`d make us no less sounds like a monster. She took our feelings into consideration. …Quite thoughtful of her. “Thank you~ Persia is very happy when you praised her~” Why on earth are you talking from the third person perspective all of the sudden like my little sister? “Please talk normally, Persia. You just reminded me some sort of nightmare…” “Nightmare? I see… so you were already planning on which coffin you should buy…” “I`m not a mummy or vampire and I`m not going to die!” “But you are the first to pull off a gun using that system you know?” When she suddenly threw me those words out of the blue, I was stunned for a moment because I need to process her words. As usual, her topic switching skills were too sudden. I had a hard time to catch up. Gun and system…? And what are we talking about again? Abnormal? “You mean the old model auto pistol?” I referred. By the way, the pistols I made were P18C. “That`s right. Because the system`s main function was to allow something simple to be made, and most students uses weapons such as knifes, sword, spear, bow, daggers, and so on… You realized your first pistol failed to work, is it not?” “So that`s why… because the mechanism of a pistol was too complicated. That`s why when I separate the parts and organise them one by one, it works.” “Yes. Something like think out of the box, I guess?” “Hold on— then doesn`t this turns out to be super hard!? Those holograms had guns!? What is he thinking? Is he expecting us to be good enough to fight with melee weapons!?” “It was expected to. But the way you use the swords are quite common among the S Ranks. But as for the shield... no one uses that since it`s not recognised as a weapon. How did you pull that off?” “Eh? Can`t you just sharpen the edge of the shield and throw it to them?” My immediate answer leaves Persia to be speechless. Because the answer is overly obvious. “It feels like I`m taking water with my hands instead of using a container… hahaha…” She murmurs. It seems a little self-decrepitating for her. “It`s fine. You merely sort things out a little extreme. You just to think simple enough.” “Simple enough… Maybe I will. Even if I`m stuck, I`m sure you will help me~” “That depends. I had my own problems at current hand. So I`m not sure I have the time and power to help you.” “Then… if I asked for help, will you come and save me?” “No, I can`t save you. I`m not that almighty. But I can help you to find a way to save yourself or lend you a hand, I guess…” “Hehe~ Then I will find you when the time really comes~” The time…? These two words are on the verge from escaping out from my tongue. But it did not, as the main entrance in front of us was opened, as if someone is pushing it inwards. “Such a fancy looking door.” “I know, right~? This academy sure is rich~” We`d step into it. To a lobby, once again. Unlike the Student Council Presidents Building, this lobby is empty. Though there are several expensive decorations hung and placed all over of it, there`d be nothing but a lift on the left middle of the hallway, a staircase at the end of the hallway, and a door at the right end of the hallway. “Follow me~” Persia told me. We`d enter the lift. It then closes and moves to the 1^st floor automatically. I wondered where does that door at the lobby leads to…? At any rate, I`m getting nervous again. Though my chat with Persia made me calm down for a moment, but now I`m nervous again. The lift opens. God, my palms are sweating. There`s a door right in front of us. Of course, yet another fancy looking door made with glass. We stepped out from the lift. If I`m correct, our current position was at the middle of a hallway, similar to the lobby. Though I`d saw a staircase at the left of the hallway, but that isn`t the end of it. There`s a turn after a corner, I guess it leads to somewhere else, I guess I will check on it later. Similarly, the right side of the hallway too— except it does not have the staircase. Surprisingly, out of the three possible choice, Persia walks forward and pressed the doorbell screen right next to the door in front of us. The closest one. This was too sudden. My heart was left completely unprepared. “Hehe~ Nervous, aren`t you~?” She`s making fun of me. The door slides up afterwards. There`s no chance for me to make a comeback with a retort. I took a peek from the outside, but what I saw was nothing but a vast space within. “Sorry to intrude, but I`m coming in~” Persia said, and enters the room. I took a deep breath, and tailed behind. “…………!” The scenery of the room completely left me with nothing but a dropping jaw. WHAT THE HECK!? ISN`T THIS PLACE TOO LARGE TO BE A CLASSROOM!!? With just a glance, I immediately understood the structure and size of this room. Except for the height, it had the exact same area like the training room! I then looked around. If I didn`t check for the air conditioning system, I`d never realize that the ceiling was made of glass. High-class paintings were hanged on the walls, and there were ornamental plants around the room. The interior design looked like a six-star hotel. Personal study devices, air conditioning system, fridges, a newest model office chair, a kitchen, a meeting room, and so on. This surely was more than enough space, facilities and equipment— for just two students to use…! And all of them seems to be the latest technology of what this island is able to provide. But yet… …apart from all of those, what was most obviously distinct from everything else in the room, was a single girl, reading a book under the light of the sun. An illusion. As if it`s like a painting. The moment I saw it, both my mind and body froze. “…………” Realizing there were visitors, the girl placed a bookmark in her paperback book and looked up. After she gave me a quick once-over with a cold look in her eyes, she muttered in displeasure. “……Why is he here?” She asks Persia. If I recall back on what I know about Kuroyuki Shiroha, then her question (that looks simple) isn`t something that simple. If it`s about my enrolment, then she`d knew already because the principal might`ve already informed her. She`d already knew when she saw my white blazer. She`d already knew when she fought me. It shouldn`t be related to something from my identity as a special student, as her partner. Then what could she mean by that? My brain immediately traces me back to the source of it. ‘Postscript, one escaped’ immediately pops up inside my mind. “L-Like I said, I`m not one of them…!” Crap, I stuttered. “…SILENCE.” In that moment. As if a gust of wind suddenly hurls to me, smacking on my face— though there are none. As if a scythe was placed on my neck, and moving a single step would`ve sliced off my neck. As if a gun was placed on my forehead, and even a slightest movement would`ve triggered it. As if I`m facing at a person that`s even dangerous than a demon. I tried to run. But I can`t move. It`s as if my feet were being nailed to the floor. It`s even worse than getting crushed under several tons of weight. There`s not even a room for my body to tremble. There`s no room for my legs to shake. What is this…? Fear? That can`t be. Something like this was supposed to be useless years ago. It`s her killing intent. It`s so strong that one doesn`t even have the strength to react. Absurd; Ridiculous; Disgusting…! What on earth had you been through…!? Why on earth do you have those eyes like you`ve taken several thousands of life…!? I don`t want that…! “…You passed.” “Gu— hah…!” As if everything, like a curse have suddenly been lifted. My foot that refused to move finally stepped forward, and I`d managed to take a breath. “…Persia, why is he here?” Kuroyuki stared at Persia. “Well… Instead of sending him to the disciplinary committee, I`d suggest him to be placed under your custody~” It seems we are back on that topic; about how should they deal with me. So… this means I will be under Kuroyuki`s watch. I seriously thought that was just a joke, but it`s actually something serious. If that`s the case, I need to defend myself. “Custody? I did nothing wrong! It was a coincidence…!” I said to Kuroyuki. “…Then blame yourself for matching too well with their timing.” It seems no matter the reason, Kuroyuki will definitely give me a punishment. “I apologize, then.” “…Apology rejected. You don`t even know what were you apologizing for.” She`s right. I have no idea what have I done wrong. In fact, I`m completely innocent. “You can`t blame him, it`s not like you don`t know he had a bad sense of direction~” Persia interrupted. Bad sense of direction…? Me? “…Having a bad sense of direction isn`t an excuse.” That said, Kuroyuki glared at me. “It`s not an excuse! And I don`t have a bad sense of direction!” ““You do.”” “…………” They synchronised in that moment. “Okay then~ I will not allow any disagreement, objection, protest, questions or retorts! From today onwards, this guy here will officially become your one and only classmate and partner~!” “…Rejected.” Kuroyuki murmured. Right… That`s not included in Persia`s vocabulary just now. Then allow me to add a punchline. “I`m fine with it.” “No it`s not! Why are you agreeing with Kuroyuki?!” Persia was genuinely surprised. Wait. Kuroyuki was genuinely surprised too!? “…Such humiliation. I take that as an insult, then?” She shot me a horrifying glare. …This girl shaved off my pride like it`s something cheap from the supermarket. “What humiliation?! I`m the one being insulted instead!” I said, “I don`t care whether you hated me or not, until you find someone who can replace me— I will be staying here!” Kuroyuki`s horrifying glare was no longer there. Instead of denying all the way till the end… “...Sure, if you insist.” …she agreed to it so easily. With a smirk (not an obvious one). My emotions… Flip-flopped like crazy throughout the conversation with Kuroyuki. It felt like it`s completely being toyed with. “I knew you`d agree~” Persia said, with a satisfying look. “Well then, everyone… I will be taking my leave~” She looks at me with a smile. You are going to leave me here alone with Kuroyuki!? Just as Persia was going to move… “H-Hey…! Wait a minute!” Out of confusion, I quickly grabbed Persia`s shoulder with my right hand. “Ahn~!!?” She made a shiver. Kuroyuki looks a little darkly when I grab Persia on her shoulder. But I guess she`s merely annoyed by Persia`s moaning voice. “…Stop it, it`s annoying.” She said it! “I… I can`t help it! He suddenly grabbed my sensitive spot…!” Persia retorted. “Sensitive spot? Be careful with your words young lady…!” “W-Why did you told me to wait…?” …She ignored my retorts. Like something natural, as if she`s breathing. It`s not like I care, on second thought. “…Am I not good enough for you?” Kuroyuki interjected, staring at me with her usual cold stare. “…………” Though her expression looks cold, but I can tell there`s some discontented tone mixed within. “Kuroyuki`s not good enough for you, huh…” Persia whispered to me. …With a glare full of despise. I`d say, she really respects Kuroyuki from the bottom of her heart. Her glare and whisper were on purpose. She did it so Kuroyuki`s feeling wouldn`t get hurt. But here`s one thing… “Allow me to deny your conclusion.” I immediately replied with a whisper and a deadly serious look. “Go on.” “It was the other way around.” I whispered. “I`m the one not good enough for her.” “Kuroyuki, did you hear that~?” Hah? My head faced Kuroyuki. “…Very clearly. Hehe…” She`d wrap her words with a chuckle. But yet it sounds evil… Wait a second! That`s not the reason why I stopped Persia to leave! I was being guided along…! “You say that on purpose just to make me admit it!?” “……who knows?” Such a sly one she is. “Alright~ Back to where we start…” Persia said to me. “Why did you grab my shoulder?” …Ah. I quickly retreated my hand… …and realized something afterwards. “Hey! That`s not the question you asked earlier…!” “I messed up~ Teehee~” Again, it`s on purpose. She`s making fun of me… That`d leave a bad impression on Kuroyuki… as it already had been. …This is bad. Though I don`t punch girls, but she pushed me to the verge to punch her. At any rate… I`m quite certain Persia already understood why I stopped her. Perhaps she did so just to lighten up the mood. “…Don`t worry. There`s plenty of awkwardness to spend for the rest of your days here.” Kuroyuki murmured. Dang… she`s even sharper than Persia. She`d start reading at her book again, not giving me an ounce of concern. “Well… This is all I can do.” Persia said to me. “…Thanks.” I`d reply. “Well then, I will be leaving now~” She told Kuroyuki. “…Take care.” Kuroyuki lifted her head and faced Persia. Persia then turns to the direction of the door. Perhaps I could use this chance to give Persia a farewell as well as to step outside this room to avoid this tension for a while… “…On that note. Do you want to face my wrath…?” …Kuroyuki stared at me. Coldly. With that remark, my escape route has been cut off completely. “Good luck~” Persia winked. With haste, Persia calmly exits the class with the door closing automatically. Leaving both of us behind. …Alone.