A beautiful woman fell on top of Allen. He didn't let her hit the ground and ended up catching her in his arms.
"That was dangerous..." Allen said, glancing at the ceiling.
There was a burned-out light bulb, which meant the woman had climbed up to replace it and failed spectacularly.
"Sorry~" Shizuka Marikawa said in a sweet, sing-song tone, completely oblivious to the fact that she could've gotten hurt if Allen hadn't been there.
Allen stayed quiet, taking a good look at the woman in his arms.
She was a beautiful nurse.
Her hair was golden, like her eyes, which drooped slightly as if she had just woken up from a nap. Her face was striking—an odd mix of childlike innocence and womanly maturity. Her voluptuous figure put every other girl he had seen in this world to shame, especially her breasts, which were enormous. She wore a blouse, a long skirt, and a white lab coat.
....
Though her breasts and cake were large, Allen realized she wasn't as heavy as one might expect. From the contact, he could also tell her body was soft, almost as if she had never exercised a day in her life.
Above her head floated a name tag: Shizuka Marikawa. Even without it, Allen would have had a hard time believing she wasn't some kind of heroine in this world.
"Hmm~ so what brings you here, Allen-kun?~"
The nurse asked with a finger resting on her lips. Her cute yet slightly provocative manner would have driven many men crazy, but Allen immediately felt this woman would be trouble.
"Shizuka, shouldn't you at least ask me to put you down?"
The fact that Allen had to bring it up was strange. Most women would have been embarrassed to be carried around like a princess by a stranger, but Shizuka had simply continued the conversation as if nothing were unusual.
"Oh… right, hehe~" she giggled, but still didn't ask to be put down. Instead, she looked perfectly comfortable, even wrapping her arms around Allen's neck.
"Shizuka? Sensei?"
Allen was confused. Did he already have some kind of relationship with her? Otherwise, why did she seem like she was actually flirting?
"Oh, sorry—it just felt so nice being carried like this that I forgot it's not appropriate, right?"
Allen felt a bead of sweat roll down his cheek. So it wasn't a relationship—it was just her personality.
Once she was back on her feet, Shizuka straightened her wrinkled skirt, her massive chest bouncing in front of Allen as she did. When she was done, she smiled at him with dreamy eyes, her whole expression bright with joy at his presence.
He, on the other hand, felt odd. He had seen lazy and careless women before, but Shizuka was on another level—dangerous to herself, even. He was honestly surprised some pervert hadn't already attacked or kidnapped her.
"I forgot, Rika-chan told me not to be careless around men or they'd eat me," Shizuka said, tilting her head. "Allen-kun, are you going to eat me?"
Allen silently thanked his harem of beautiful women. Otherwise, he might have lost control right then and there.
"No, not for now."
"Oh, then that's fine." Shizuka didn't catch the meaning of his words at first, but after a moment she frowned and pointed at him. "Mou, students shouldn't flirt with their teachers."
"You're the last person who should be saying that, Shizuka."
Allen picked up the light bulb, climbed onto the chair, and replaced it. Shizuka smiled watching him.
"Thank you, Allen-kun." Shizuka stepped closer to pat his head, but Allen caught her hand mid-motion with a smile.
"Sorry, only my girlfriends get that privilege."
Shizuka blinked, confused, then smiled awkwardly. "My bad… So, what brings you here, Allen-kun?"
"I…"
Originally, Allen had come to the infirmary just to humor Rei and move their conversation forward. But now that he was here, he thought he might as well fake a headache to skip class. After all, sitting through high school lessons again wasn't exactly thrilling.
"Truth is, I've got a bit of a headache."
It wasn't a lie, but for Allen, this minor discomfort wasn't even close to real pain compared to things like Deliora tearing off his arm.
"...!"
Shizuka's eyes went wide. She rushed toward him, pressing her large chest against him. But far from seducing him, she leaned her forehead against his, checking him.
"Mmm, no fever~" she said without realizing how intimate her actions were. If Allen had less self-control, he would've already pushed her down onto the infirmary bed.
"But just to be safe, let's move you to the bed~"
Allen gave a faint smile before walking over and sitting down. "By the way, why does sensei seem so happy to see me?"
After their interaction, it was clear she knew him, though they didn't seem particularly close.
"Oh, well… I am happy. In two years, Allen-kun, you've never once come to the infirmary, so it made me glad," Shizuka said, then panicked at her own words. "O-of course, not coming here is a good thing!"
Allen shook his head and gave her a teasing grin. "Had I known the beautiful Shizuka wanted me here, I'd have come even without injuries."
"...!" Shizuka blushed. This wasn't the first time a student had flirted with her, and despite appearances, she wasn't stupid. She had graduated from medical school, after all. Normally she brushed such advances off by pretending ignorance. But this was the first time her heart actually skipped a beat from a compliment.
"Allen-kun… you don't seem like a student," Shizuka muttered, looking away.
"That's cruel…" Allen replied without adding more before lying down. "I'll rest for an hour before I go, Shizuka."
Shizuka wanted to say something—that a student shouldn't call her by her first name, or that he shouldn't decide on his own to stay—but the words stuck in her throat as she watched him close his eyes.
The woman sighed and went back to sorting the new medicines that had arrived. Every so often, her eyes drifted back to Allen until, a few minutes later, she walked over. Seeing him asleep, Shizuka couldn't resist reaching out to touch his face.
'He's so handsome…'
For two years, Shizuka and the other teachers had worried about Allen. He never showed interest in making friends or getting along with others.
Some speculated it was because he couldn't adapt to Japanese life, or perhaps he simply felt out of place.
Shizuka had tried more than once to build some kind of friendly relationship, but Allen had been like a tower of iron. Courteous, yes, but never allowing anyone too close.
"…"
But today was different. He had smiled, spoken kindly, helped her—and even flirted. This Allen radiated warmth, so unlike the cold, emotionless Allen they had known.
Shizuka's hand hovered inches from his face, her cheeks faintly red without her realizing it. But just before her fingers touched him, Allen's eyes opened.
"Ah."
Startled, Shizuka stumbled back, nearly falling. But before she could hit the floor, a hand wrapped around her waist, steadying her.
"You should be more careful," Allen said with a chuckle, shaking his head.
"…" Shizuka, dazed, nodded obediently, not even realizing how intimate their position was.
"Thanks for the break," Allen said, releasing her and heading to the door. "I just remembered I have something to do."
Shizuka watched his back as he left, pressing a hand to her chest to calm her racing heart.
Allen left the infirmary. It wasn't that flirting with the beautiful nurse bored him, but while lying there, the bad feeling he had only grew stronger. Now was not the time to be seducing women.
....
He made his way to class 3-A. Rei had already told him where it was. After a short walk and a climb to the third floor, he finally reached the senior classrooms. But just as he thought he had arrived, he was ambushed.
"Hello, Allen."
Allen stepped back, dodging the wooden sword that would've struck his head.
"As expected, you dodged with ease," said a girl with a strangely mature voice.
"That was dangerous. What if you had killed me?" Allen replied mockingly.
"Oh, that's impossible. I have never been able to hit you~" the girl laughed before quickly turning serious. "Allen, judging by that attitude, I want to believe you've finally decided to accept my challenge?"
Allen stayed silent as he looked at the girl standing in front of him.
She was a beauty with dark violet hair and deep blue eyes. Unlike Shizuka or Rei, her beauty had the traditional air of a Japanese woman. She wore the Fujimi Academy sailor uniform, though with a longer skirt. Still, her voluptuous body stood out regardless.
[Saeko Busujima]
After seeing Kyoko, Shizuka, Rei, and now Saeko, Allen wondered if all the women in the world were so voluptuous, or if these four women were so beautiful because they must have some kind of relevance in the world.
Saeko noticed Allen acting differently. The way he looked at her wasn't the same cold, emotionless stare she was used to. It almost felt like he was seeing her for the first time.
"Something wrong?"
Saeko hadn't actually intended to challenge Allen to a duel. It wasn't her first time trying, but he had never shown the slightest interest in facing her.
"I've got two questions…"
"Go ahead," Saeko said, though she kept her bokken (wooden sword) in hand.
"Why did my classmate ambush me, and what kind of relationship do we have?"
Saeko's eyes widened. For someone as calm as her—rarely showing emotions to others—this was enough to confirm Allen really was acting differently.
She chose to lower her sword and step closer. Once she stood right in front of him, she leaned in as if she were about to kiss him, but in reality, she was trying to look deep into his eyes. When she was satisfied, she pulled back.
"Did you lose your memory?"
"You're very perceptive…" Allen didn't deny it. Perhaps this was the easiest way to explain his change in personality and save himself from unnecessary conversations.
Saeko sighed, a trace of melancholy flashing in her eyes. "It's a little sad… to think you'd forget your fiancée."
"…!"
Seeing Allen's shocked expression, Saeko chuckled softly, covering her mouth.
"Sorry, Allen. But seeing you so surprised was so unexpected, I couldn't help but find it amusing." Her laughter faded, and she looked him in the eyes. "That part about being your fiancée was a lie… but I don't think my father would oppose it. So if you wish…"
Allen raised an eyebrow. Did this girl really think she could tease Allen Walker without consequences?
With a single movement, he grabbed her by the waist and pulled her in. Saeko, caught completely off guard, ended up blushing in his arms. Allen lifted her chin with his hand, making her flush even more.
It didn't take a genius to see the kind of traditional woman Saeko was. Judging from her gestures and way of speaking, she had to belong to a family or clan with a long Japanese heritage.
"I…"
"Saeko, maybe before I was indifferent. But don't forget—I'm still a man. Don't push your luck… or you'll truly regret it."
Allen released her and stepped into the classroom. It took Saeko a moment to regain her composure, then she smiled faintly, whispered something under her breath, and followed him inside.
Hours of classes passed—lessons Allen didn't really need, except perhaps history and Japanese. Even though he could understand and speak any language, writing kanji was surprisingly interesting.
When the lunch break finally arrived, Allen left the classroom, with Saeko silently trailing behind.
"I'm not going to fight you."
"I know. But I haven't answered your questions yet." Saeko smiled, walking beside him.
At first, Allen wanted to hear more, but despite her beauty, she had the unmistakable aura of a "troublesome woman." So he decided not to get more involved than necessary. Unfortunately for him, she didn't seem to agree.
Allen bought a couple of yakisoba bread rolls from the cafeteria—something he had been wanting to try for a while. Students around them were surprised to see the two together. From a distance, Allen even spotted Rei sitting at a table. Her jaw dropped, and her eyes widened at the sight of them.
How antisocial was I supposed to be in the past?
Allen nodded politely toward Rei as a greeting and then left, Saeko still following close behind. He bought two drinks from a vending machine before heading to the rooftop to eat.
Realizing Saeko wasn't going to leave him alone, Allen sighed, then handed her one of the breads.
"If you're going to keep following me, at least buy your own food."
Saeko coughed softly, embarrassed. The Allen of today was so different from the one she remembered that she hadn't thought about how uncomfortable her behavior might be for him.
"Sorry… and thank you," Saeko said before accepting the bread and eating quietly.
Five minutes passed in silence before Allen decided to break the ice.
"Well then, why don't you tell me what's got you so interested in me?"
Saeko blinked, then smiled sincerely. "At first, it was your strength. Two years ago, we ended up fighting once… but it only lasted a moment before you gave up. I couldn't land a single hit on you. It was like you could see and predict every one of my moves. Not even my grandfather was as intimidating as you…"
"I see…"
Allen understood the rest. Saeko, known as a kendo prodigy, must have felt underestimated. She had likely wanted a rematch ever since, but Allen always refused. Still, the way he dodged and blocked her attacks had convinced her he was far stronger. And so, over time, Saeko had become something of a stalker, ambushing him once or twice a week.
"…" Allen was left speechless. Beauty or not, this girl was crazy for trying to ambush him for two years straight.
Saeko noticed his reaction and blushed. Thinking it over, she really did look like Allen's stalker.
"Sorry…"
After a moment, Allen chuckled under his breath. "At least my personal stalker is such a beautiful girl."
Saeko's blush deepened as she turned her gaze away.
"As for what I think of you…"
Saeko's impression of Allen had been similar to Rei's: a mysterious guy who avoided others. But unlike Rei, Saeko never thought this was a bad thing. To her, a strong and mysterious man was appealing.
"…Though this isn't so bad either," Saeko murmured.
They spent a few more minutes together until Allen said goodbye; he had something to do. Saeko parted somewhat reluctantly; it seemed she wanted to strike up a friendship with Allen.
Allen walked over to the rooftop's edge, glancing down at the parking lot. There, he spotted his Hayabusa.
"At least Teshima kept his promise…"
He tried storing the motorcycle, but it didn't work from a distance. Deciding he didn't want to leave it unattended, he resolved to go down and put it away properly.
There was an external staircase connecting to the rooftop. Allen chose to use it, even though he'd probably get scolded if a teacher saw him.
The sun was already high in the sky, signaling that the fifth period was about to begin. Allen started down the stairs.
As he descended, something caught his attention. The fire he had noticed earlier hadn't been extinguished. In fact, now there were two additional columns of smoke rising.
"…?"
Allen didn't have the same superhuman senses as before, but his vision, smell, and hearing were still far sharper than normal. He focused, trying to discern what was wrong, but just as he thought he was about to hear something, a conversation drifted up from below—a girl and a boy speaking.
"So this is where you were, Komuro?"
"Huh? Oh, it's just Takagi…"
"'Just Takagi'? What's that supposed to mean?! Am I a bother to you?!"
Allen was distracted by their exchange and decided to take care of his motorcycle first.
….
Unnoticed by anyone, a man staggered slowly toward Fujimi High School. His gait was unsteady, like that of a drunkard, leaving behind a trail of crimson.
No one could foresee the hell about to be unleashed.
====
A/N: In the previous chapter, I got Saeko's last name wrong. It's Busujima, not Bushijima.
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