A/N: Hi!! here is another short story for everyone along with the rewrite of Chapter 14.
so do check out out as well!
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At Seidoukan Academy in Asterisk, there was a group of students known not just for their strength and skills but more often for the chaos that seemed to follow them everywhere.
Among them was Minami Akatsuki, the "Journalist", an energetic girl with a small frame, usually seen with her hair tied into a ponytail by a black ribbon. She was Kaori's childhood friend and her closest confidant. Inspired by her mother, a well-known news anchor, Minami had always dreamed of becoming a journalist. She spent most of her time vlogging about anything that caught her interest. She ended up becoming friends with Noah and the rest thanks to Kaori, who wanted to get closer to Yuuya after he helped her during a rough encounter.
Kaori Houjou, often called the "Mom" of the group, had a kind and caring personality that made her easy to rely on. She was always the first to help someone in need and had no problem scolding others when they stepped out of line. Despite her soft appearance, she could be terrifying especially toward anyone who bullied or looked down on Yuuya.
Yuuya Tenjou, nicknamed the "Genius Idiot," had a rough childhood. His own parents insulted his appearance, calling him ugly. He was overweight, with small eyes, a large nose, and chubby cheeks. Only his grandfather treated him like a normal person. One day, he saved Kaori from some harassers, and that moment made Kaori interested in him. Later, he became friends with Noah and Koutarou after they stood up for him against bullies. Since then, the three have always been together. Yuuya's nickname came from his strange talent: no matter what activity he tried, he'd do it perfectly… but he'd always look surprised and say, "I didn't know I could do that."
Athena Tennousu, often called the "Oujou-sama," had long blonde hair tied with a ribbon, two elegant ringlet curls framing her face, and bright red eyes. She was Masha's best friend and had a dignified, princess-like aura. Hayate, her butler and childhood sweetheart, lived with her since they were kids. Though she acted a bit proud and haughty, deep down she was kind and affectionate especially when Hayate flustered her.
Hayate Ayasaki, known as the "Combat Butler," was both Athena's loyal servant and closest friend since childhood. Their difference in social standing should've made dating impossible, but Hayate wasn't about to give up. To earn the right to stand by Athena's side, he entered the Festa tournament. Noah, Koutarou, and Yuuya joined him, forming a four-member team in what was supposed to be a five-on-five battle. Despite being one short, they won and it wasn't just because Noah was an Alden. Everyone showed incredible strength, especially Yuuya, whose hidden talents shocked the audience and the secret ability that linked to his body.
Maria Mikhailovna Kujou, known as the "Madonna," was the girl Noah saved during the Stellaron outbreak when they were kids. She's the eldest daughter of the Kujou family, with a younger sister named Alya, who, for some reason, always acts strangely around Touya, Noah's younger brother. Masha, as everyone calls her, is beloved at school for her gentle, almost healing presence. Some even say just being near her makes you feel better.
Koutarou Satomi, nicknamed the "Commander," is Noah's best friend and his unofficial partner in all things chaotic. If trouble happens, chances are Koutarou is nearby either trying to stop it or at least minimize the damage. He's the voice of reason in the group, serious and grounded, even though he looks completely ordinary. Without him, things tend to spiral out of control quickly… which is why students get nervous anytime he's not with Noah.
Noah Alden, nicknamed the "Magnet," seemed to attract chaos wherever he went. Sometimes, it felt like just existing was enough to trigger wild events. One time, he left to buy some bread and ended up rescuing a politician before making it back to class. When people asked what happened, his answer was always the same: "It just happened." Most of the time, Masha and Koutarou stuck close to him not just as friends, but as the unofficial damage control team, doing their best to keep things from getting out of hand.
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"WAHAHAHAHA!" Minami's laugh echoed down the hallway as the group walked through Seidoukan Academy. "Pffft~ Noah, seriously! You're like a treasure chest full of impossible situations! Aahaha!"
Noah's cheek twitched at her comment, and the others walked behind him with a used and amused expressions.
He sighed.
How does a simple gym class end with me fighting off a rampaging power suit…? he thought, already dreading the next weird thing bound to happen.
Then a girl walked past them. She had long brown hair with violet-red highlights that flowed smoothly past her waist, held in place by a red plum blossom hairpin. Her deep pink eyes, framed by round glasses, gave off a graceful and intelligent air.
Noah's eyes widened, and he turned to look back at the girl. His friends glanced at him, confused except for Masha, who puffed her cheeks in a pout.
"Muu, Noah-kun… why are you looking at Hanabi-san like you just saw the love of your life?" Masha asked, still pouting.
"Oho~ Has our prince charming finally fallen for the drama club's star?" Minami teased, grinning wide.
"Minami! Don't tease him like that," Kaori said quickly, tugging her sleeve.
"That's not allowed, Noah! You already have Masha! No falling for others!" Athena declared, arms crossed and nodding firmly.
"A-Achan, don't say it like that!" Masha squeaked, blushing as she waved her hands in a panic, completely missing Noah's reaction.
But Koutarou, Hayate, and Yuuya weren't distracted. They noticed Noah's eyes not filled with admiration or love, but alert and caution.
"Noah?" Koutarou asked, his voice quieter than usual.
"...Minami, who was that?" Noah asked, his voice lower than usual.
Startled by his serious tone, the group fell silent. Something about his mood change.
"Her name's Hanabi Marionette," Minami replied, unusually serious. "She's from the Puppet Clan. Right now, she's the ace of the drama club and a rising actress under the name 'Sparkle.'"
"I see," Noah muttered. "Thanks."
He turned and began walking again. The others exchanged glances, unsure whether to ask, but ended up following.
Noah's thoughts, however, were a mess.
The Force had stirred the moment she passed him like it was warning him.
Dangerous. Unpredictable. Elation.
That was the first time Noah felt someone else's presence overwhelm his own.