Asuka and her squad—the six second-year proctors—stood on the school's rooftop. Misora and Jin flanked Reina, who sat casually on a bench near the fence, the wind tugging at their hair and jackets.
"So," Reina asked with a cheeky smile, leaning forward on her palms, "what did you think?"
"She's incredible," one of them breathed, awe in his eyes.
"I've never seen anyone fight with that much grit and action," another added, her smile bright.
"Totally gnarly. From the very start, she caught us off guard."
"And let's not forget the way she took down Project Xero. It was epic!" someone else cheered, fists pressed to her chest. Reina leaned back, crossing one leg over the other, fingers laced atop her knee. A soft smile curved her lips.
"I'm glad," she murmured.
"But there's one thing I don't get." Yura's calm voice broke the chatter. All eyes shifted to her as she stood by Asuka's side, hands clasped neatly behind her back. "Why did you tell us to keep an eye on that girl, Aoi? What makes her so different? I mean, sure—she's got talent, that much was obvious from yesterday's fight… but it's rare to see you so interested in someone, Reina."
Reina let out a soft chuckle, lowering her head slightly, her lashes veiling her eyes. "Let's just say…" she lifted her gaze, a warm smile tugging her lips before it curved into a sly smirk, "she's a force you can't ignore. She has this presence—an aura that pulls you in without even trying. And more than that…" her tone sharpened as her eyes narrowed, "she's a storm waiting to break."
The words lingered in the air, leaving the group stunned. A hush settled over them, their gazes reflecting a mix of awe and intrigue. Asuka let out a quiet sigh, scratching the side of her head with a faint, knowing smile.
"Well, whatever you say, Reina. No objections here. You're usually right… emphasis on usually." She twirled a strand of red hair between her fingers as soft laughter rippled across the rooftop.
"Now that we've pinpointed Project Xero's activation switch," Shino chimed in from Asuka's left, scribbling notes on his clipboard, "what's our next move?"
"We rebuild it," Reina replied with a shrug, folding her arms. "It was still in development, so we can strip it down and make it less of a deathtrap."
"She's right. If we refine it, it might serve us later. But it must be finished before then," Misora added, her arms crossed as Jin gave a firm nod.
"Right!" they all echoed in unison.
"By the way, where's the boss? Haven't seen him around," Shino asked, scanning the rooftop.
"Same here. It's been a while," Asuka added, copying his glance around.
"Oh, Ryo? He stepped out for an errand," Reina said with a light chuckle, scratching the back of her head. "He also mentioned he'll probably be late to tomorrow's welcoming ceremony."
"You've got to be kidding me!" Misora burst out, a vein twitching on her temple.
"Seriously? Tomorrow, of all days?" Jin groaned, rubbing his forehead.
"Good thing we did ours last year," Yura muttered to the side. The others exchanged knowing smirks and nods, a few sweat drops forming as Asuka let out a long sigh.
"Then who's going to welcome the first-years tomorrow?" she asked.
"He told me to handle it. Said he'd show up later. After all, I am the second-in-command," Reina smirked.
Misora groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Fine. But tomorrow, at least try to look like you're responsible."
"Huh? I'm always responsible," Reina protested with a pout.
"You're practically a kid!" Misora shot back.
"Wahh! So cruel~" Reina wailed, fake tears streaming down her cheeks, which drew laughter from the others.
.........
The sinking sun painted the sky in shades of orange, violet, and crimson as the courtyard slowly emptied. First-years exchanged cheerful farewells before heading their separate ways.
"Thank you for everything today, Aoi. You were incredible," Setsuna said warmly.
"For the last time, it wasn't a big deal," Aoi muttered, a faint blush creeping across her cheeks as they strolled past the school gates, the fading light brushing softly over them.
"You're too modest, Aoi," Ayane teased, giggling when her friend shot her a low growl. Setsuna watched the two banter with a fond smile.
"Bye, Setsuna!" Ayane called as the black-haired girl branched off down another street.
"See you tomorrow!" Setsuna waved back before continuing her walk. Ayane let out a light sigh as she and Aoi carried on toward their own path.
"What a day! I can't wait for tomorrow—I'm so pumped!" Ayane stretched her arms above her head before gripping the straps of her bag.
"I'm wiped. All I want is food and a bed," Aoi muttered, hands buried in her pockets.
"Then how about we stop by my dad's shop for some Chicken Katsu Curry Rice? After today, we deserve it. Trust me—you'll fall in love with it." Ayane grinned. Aoi lowered her gaze, the thought of steaming curry drifting into her mind. That… doesn't sound so bad.
"Alright, then—it's victory meal time!" Ayane announced with a triumphant smile.
"Fine, I could go for that right now," Aoi admitted, shutting her eyes briefly.
"Yes! Let's hurry before it gets cold!" Ayane latched onto her arm and took off.
"H-Hey! Slow down!" Aoi protested, though she didn't fight being pulled along.
........
Night had settled, the streetlights humming faintly as their glow stretched across the empty sidewalk where Nakano dragged her steps. She couldn't go home—not like this. With her arms hugging her frame and her head bowed in shame, Misora's words replayed in her mind like a cruel echo. She slipped into a narrow alley, her steps halting as her teeth ground together.
"Argggh!! It's not fair! Who does she think she is, humiliating me like that?!! I hate her—I hate all of them!"
Her fist cracked against the brick wall, the sting fueling her rage as her brown eyes burned. "They'll regret this. I'll make them pay."
A soft, mocking chuckle cut through the silence. Nakano's head snapped up. Deeper in the alley, a girl leaned lazily against the wall, the glow of her phone throwing her hooded face into eerie half-light. One leg propped casually against the bricks, one hand tucked into her pocket, she smiled—a slow, chilling curve that froze the air.
"Well, well… looks like someone's finally snapped." The girl's chuckle echoed faintly off the alley walls.
"Who the hell are you?" Nakano snarled, whipping her gaze toward the hooded figure.
The girl didn't flinch, just slid her phone into her pocket and stepped off the wall, her grin never fading. "Relax. I'm not here to pick a fight. I just overheard your little outburst… figured I'd introduce myself."
"Tch." Nakano turned her face away, arms crossing defensively.
The stranger's footsteps echoed as she moved closer, slow and deliberate. "You got kicked out of Sayonaki, didn't you? Couldn't even finish the exam?" Her words dripped with mock sympathy, making Nakano's eyes widen in fury.
"How do you know that?! Were you following me?!" Nakano snapped.
The girl laughed under her hood. "Following you? Please. Everyone in Sokyoshi knows when Sayonaki holds its entrance exam. Bunch of self-righteous idiots, pretending it's more than just a school."
"Whatever. I've got no interest in their trash." Nakano folded her arms, her voice laced with disdain.
"Exactly," the girl said smoothly, stepping closer. "Why waste your time on pretenders when you could be part of something real? A true gang—where power decides everything."
Her hand stretched out, an invitation hanging in the air. Nakano stared at it for a beat before a sly grin crept across her face, her fingers closing around the offer.
......….
The neon glow of Fukuzora Mart & Diner flickered softly over the sidewalk as people drifted in and out, blending with the hum of the street.
"We're back!" Ayane called, tugging Aoi through the door.
"Hey, welcome back—" Kota glanced up and smiled—until his eyes widened. "Ahh!" he yelped, rushing toward them. "What happened to you two?! Are you hurt?!"
"Hey, Dad. Relax, we're fine. Just a few scratches from the entrance exams," Ayane reassured, while Aoi stood beside her, hands buried in her pockets, gaze steady.
Kota exhaled, shoulders sinking in relief—then his expression shifted, hope shining in his eyes. "So? How did it go?" His fists clenched at his chest with anticipation.
Ayane broke into a dazzling grin and suddenly hooked an arm around Aoi's neck, pulling her into a side hug that left the blue-haired girl startled.
"We got in!!" she exclaimed. Kota's face lit up brighter than the diner's lights. With a cheer, he popped open a confetti tube, showering them in streams of color.
"Fantastic! I'm so proud of you both!!" he cried, pulling the girls into a tight embrace, tears streaming down his cheeks in comical rivers.
"H-Hey!" Aoi stammered, her cheeks flushing red as her eyes darted away.
"Thanks, Dad," Ayane laughed as he pulled back from the hug, his hand landing on her head to ruffle her hair.
"Dad! You're ruining my hair," she giggled, laughing along with him.
"I'm just so proud of you, Ayane. You passed the exams—you've really grown up," he said warmly before turning to Aoi.
She stood with her back to him, but his smile softened as he reached out, resting his hand gently on her head like he had with Ayane. Aoi's eyes widened at the unexpected touch. Slowly, she turned, catching his warm smile.
"I'm proud of you too, Aoi. You've worked hard," he said, his voice filled with quiet sincerity. Her cheeks flared at his words, a faint glimmer showing in her eyes. But only for a moment. Clicking her tongue softly, she shut her eyes.
"Alright, that's enough," she muttered, brushing his hand away.
"Dad, you know what this means," Ayane chimed in, leaning close with a playful grin. He smirked and nodded, and the two bumped fists in perfect unison.
"Victory meal!" they shouted together, leaving Aoi sighing with a faint sweat drop expression.
......….
Ayane hummed with delight, savoring her Chicken Katsu Curry. "Mmh! So good!" she beamed, while Aoi sat beside her, waiting eagerly for her own plate.
"Here you go. A congratulatory meal for your success," Kota said warmly, setting down the same dish in front of Aoi. The steam curled upward, and her eyes lit up at the sight.
"Staring won't get it into your stomach, you know," Ayane teased with a smirk.
"Better eat while it's hot and fresh," Kota added, hands on his hips.
Flustered, Aoi's cheeks reddened. "I-I'm going to eat, okay?! No need to rush me!" She scooped a spoonful into her mouth, and her expression instantly softened with joy. She shoveled in more, earning laughter from both father and daughter.
"Told you it'd be delicious," Ayane grinned.
"Don't rush, Aoi. Take it slow," Kota smiled.
"Mmh!" Aoi nodded with cheeks full, while Kota watched them with quiet happiness.
"I'm proud of you both. Now you're officially students of Sayonaki High."
"Mm-hmm! Me too, Dad!" Ayane beamed. "The exams were kinda tough at first, but we managed to get through the opening stage. The Endurance Evaluation wasn't so bad though. Oh—and during the second test, Aoi and I teamed up with another girl named Setsuna. She's really cool!"
"Already making friends, huh?" Kota chuckled.
"You bet!" Ayane grinned. "And you should've seen Aoi in the final phase! This massive mechanized puppet stormed in and almost destroyed everything, but she took it down all by herself!"
She punched and kicked at the air in an exaggerated reenactment, her whole body flailing with excitement. Aoi froze, caught between embarrassment and disbelief as she tried—unsuccessfully—to keep up with Ayane's wild retelling.
Seriously? she muttered flatly, her expression unreadable.
"Wow, really? That's amazing, Aoi!" Kota praised, making Aoi's cheeks flush.
"I-It wasn't a big deal… seriously, stop it," she muttered.
"Don't play it down!" Ayane grinned, dropping into her seat. "You were lightning-fast out there. How'd you even pull that off?"
"Uh—" Aoi started, but Ayane kept going.
"And you were strong enough to crush that thing too! Like, I've never—"
"I said I don't want to talk about it!" Aoi snapped, her tone sharper than she intended. The sudden edge silenced them both.
"But why?" Ayane asked softly. Aoi's fists tightened on her lap, her bangs casting a shadow over her eyes.
"I just… don't want to. Can we change the subject?" she murmured, head lowering.
Ayane's smile faltered as she glanced away. "Alright," she whispered.
Kota shifted uncomfortably, glancing at the clock. "Would you look at the time? Aoi, you'd better get going."
"Yeah." Aoi rose, grabbing the bags from the counter. "Thanks for the food." She made her way to the door, but Ayane suddenly stood.
"Aoi!" The blue-haired girl paused, turning slightly. Ayane's warm eyes met hers.
"See you tomorrow… yeah?" her hopeful smile lingered.
Aoi froze for a moment, then nodded faintly "…Sure. See you tomorrow."
The bell chimed as she stepped out, her hand slipping into her pocket while holding the bag with the other. Ayane's words echoed in her mind, heavy against the silence of the night. She chewed on the inside of her cheek, gaze flicking downward.
...….
"She's carrying a lot, huh?" Kota remarked while helping Ayane clear the table.
"Mm. She's been… a little distant since before the exams," Ayane replied quietly, pausing in her wiping. A faint smile tugged at her lips as she stared at the tabletop.
Kota reached out, resting a hand gently on her head. "Give her time. She's still new here. She'll open up—just let her breathe."
Ayane blinked in surprise, then broke into a small, closed-eyed smile. "You're right."
Kota chuckled softly, ruffling her hair. "Come on. You'd better hurry before Grandma starts worrying."
"Ah! I almost forgot!" Ayane gasped, darting off to grab her bag. Kota watched her fondly, his gaze drifting to the door, where his thoughts lingered on Aoi.