It was, as usual, the same peaceful morning. The aroma of freshly made breakfast lingered in the air as everyone sat at the table, chatting lightly before heading out for the day.
Keisuke finished his breakfast quickly and stood up, stretching a bit before slipping into his shoes. He glanced over at Asuka, who was still chewing on her toast lazily.
"You see, I'm leaving you behind if you don't hurry up," he said playfully, tugging on his backpack.
"Wait—! I'm coming!" Asuka yelped, grabbing her bag with one hand and stuffing the last bite of bread into her mouth with the other. She jogged toward the door, still chewing, her hair bouncing with each hurried step.
The two siblings walked side by side toward school. Keisuke glanced at her book, then at her.
"Asuka, can you explain this question to me?" he asked, brows furrowed in confusion as he pointed at a particularly tricky problem.
She leaned over, brushing her hair behind her ear and began explaining patiently. "It's really not that hard—see, you just need to flip this sign and solve it like this..."
Keisuke's eyes widened with realization. "Ohh... it's so simple now. Actually... you're a good teacher. Thanks, Asuka," he said with a grateful grin.
"No need for the thanks," Asuka shrugged with a small smile.
As they arrived at school, the classroom was already buzzing with chatter. Most students were at their seats, chatting or reviewing notes. Asuka headed to her desk but stopped in her tracks when she saw him.
"Hey, that's not your seat," Asuka said, staring at Manjiro sitting comfortably at her desk.
"I know," he replied, glancing up at her with an unreadable look. "But from now onwards... it is."
"What—?" she blinked.
"I don't think your seatmate has any problem with it either," he added, gesturing with a lazy flick of his hand to her actual seatmate, who was now sitting at his desk, totally unbothered.
Asuka sighed in annoyance and dropped her bag on her desk. "Well, whatever. I don't care," she muttered, sitting down and stretching her arms with a yawn. Manjiro stared at her for a moment, his gaze softening slightly, before he looked away.
The teacher entered the classroom and silence fell over the students. Attendance was taken, and the day's lessons began. Everyone turned their focus to the blackboard, scribbling notes and listening intently.
Eventually, the bell for lunch break rang. Asuka's friends rushed to her desk, surrounding her with excited energy.
Chika smirked as her eyes darted between Asuka and Manjiro. "Well well... isn't your seat over there, Manjiro-kun?" she asked in a teasing tone.
Manjiro looked at her calmly, unfazed. "My friend's sitting here... so I switched," he said in a gentle voice, almost like a whisper.
Chika blinked, taken aback by his soft tone, but nodded. "Hmm, okay then."
She turned back to Asuka and grabbed her hand. "You're coming with us, by the way," she said, dragging her out of the classroom.
We are going to karaoke and shopping today and you are coming with us," chika said.
"What? Karaoke and shopping? No way, it's too bothersome," Asuka groaned, dragging her feet.
"We're not giving you a choice!" Haruka chimed in cheerfully. "Besides, we miss hanging out with you."
"But I didn't bring my purse..." Asuka mumbled, fiddling with her sleeve.
Chika tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Then I guess we'll have to ask your brother~"
"No need!" Asuka quickly interrupted. "I'll come."
"Good!" Haruka said, linking arms with her.
They returned to class, and Manjiro turned to look at her.
"What's up?" he asked softly.
"Nothing much. They just want me to go karaoke after school," Asuka replied with a sigh.
"Oh... so you're not going back home with us today?" he asked, a tinge of disappointment slipping into his voice.
"Looks like it," she said.
Manjiro nodded slowly. There was a pause.
"Why do you talk so slowly?" Asuka suddenly asked, frowning. "It's kinda irritating."
He blinked at her, puzzled. "What do you mean?"
"I mean... my voice isn't low and soft like yours. I hate that," she huffed.
"Hehe... that's 'cause you're still a kid," he chuckled.
Asuka rolled her eyes. "Maybe you're right."
He looked at her with a small grin. "Huh, not gonna fight me for calling you a kid?"
"Why should I? Not worth it," she said coolly.
"Ooooh... acting mature now," he teased.
"Why would I act, dumbo?" Asuka shot back, sticking her tongue out.
The rest of the day flew by. Once the final bell rang, Asuka left with Chika and Haruka, waving casually at Manjiro. He watched her go, a quiet emptiness settling in.
With Emma sick and Keisuke off with his friends, Manjiro walked alone, deep in thought, sucking on a lollipop.
"Mikey-kun!" a voice called out.
"Yeah?" Manjiro replied, still licking his lollipop.
"There's someone looking for you," the boy said, pointing toward a tall kid with striking features.
The boy had sharp blue eyes, a serious expression, and blonde hair shaved at the sides with spiky strands on top. He wore a red sleeveless jacket over a white shirt. A small piercing glinted on his ear, and a fierce dragon tattoo adorned his temple.
"You're Mikey?" the boy asked, crossing his arms.
"Yeah, I'm... so—" Mikey began, but suddenly changed the subject, "Hey, how many times do I count... I still think some of the 48 positions are overlapping," he muttered, eyes squinting in thought.
"What the heck is he even talking about... and THIS shrimp is the invisible Mikey everyone talks about?!" the boy thought in disbelief.
"Some middle schoolers I know... wanted to meet you," the boy added.
"Sure," Mikey said casually.
"I'm not forcing you. Only if you want—" the boy began.
"Yeah yeah. I'll come. But lemme drop my bag at school first," Mikey said, spinning the lollipop in his mouth.
They walked together and reached an empty parking lot. A few delinquent middle schoolers lounged around, one of them smoking.
"Hey! I got the guy you asked for," the boy called out.
All heads turned as Mikey stepped forward. He gave a lazy smile.
"This is Mikey," the boy said.
Suddenly, Manjiro dashed forward, leaping into the air and kicking the guy in the center square in the face. The impact echoed through the lot.
"So... what do some mama's boys want from me?" Mikey said, slowly pulling the lollipop from his mouth. His eyes gleamed with danger as he smiled wickedly.
"I'm Mikey-sama. Seventh Elementary," he declared with an air of confidence and menace.
The boys, eyes wide in terror, scrambled away like rats.
The boy blinked, frozen in place. "Y-you're so strong Mikey?!"
"Yep." Mikey turned to him, still grinning. "You're Draken, right?"
"Yeah... it's me," the boy muttered, still stunned.
"Become my friend, Ken-chin," Mikey said, extending his hand.
Draken stared, then smiled and shook it. "Sure."
And the two walked back toward the school together, laughter echoing behind them, unaware that they had just begun a bond that would change everything.