Living with Yuki-san is... progressing. A week has passed, and she is still the same strange klutz she was in the beginning, but she is improving. Just yesterday, I finally navigated through back channels and managed to secure her an ID and a credit card.
She even offered to help me procure these items, but I declined her assistance. Her 'help' would have involved a contact from her underworld, which could expedite the process. However, I wasn't sure how the bureaucracy would work between different worlds, especially with the supernatural aspects involved.
Now, Yuki can finally go out of the apartment without the need to disguise herself or stay stealthy, which she explicitly told me she wanted to avoid. That's why she preferred staying indoors.
Regarding her abilities, she is stronger than I am and more skilled with knives, while I excel at throwing them. She also recognizes that there might be some supernatural elements in her world, as some assassins she knew are said to use ki. Unfortunately, the way they apply ki is more aligned with violence than its broader philosophy, so there's a chance it may not truly exist as a martial discipline.
While things are stable at home, I'm struggling to manage a group of unmotivated teenagers who are supposed to be working on our mask project. Do I want to do it? Not at all. But Yuki, not the maid but my dear imouto, wants the best for her dance at the end of the semester, and I'm determined to deliver. I can handle the whining of these kids for her sake.
Among the group, there's one standout: my silver-haired classmate, Alisa Mikhailovna Kujou. As the school day ended and the sky turned red, I opened the door to my classroom and found her still trying to sew and adjust a cloth for a decorated mask. When she saw me, my attention was drawn to her hands, which were covered in band-aids from multiple needle pricks.
We've never spoken directly; many people try to engage with me, and Alisa tends to be quiet. Yet, I find her intriguing. I want to uncover her colors.
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(Alisa's POV)
I have always loathed how dispassionate people my age are about school life. Even as a child, I felt this way, and my feelings haven't changed.
Once again, we need to organize something for a festival, but this time it's outside of the usual events. However, the underlying problems remain the same. No one is passionate about it; no one wants to put in the effort—only me.
No, that's not entirely true. For the first time in three years, there's someone else who wants to do a good job: the transfer student. It's remarkable how, in just one week, he has charmed everyone here. I don't know his grades, but he answers every question the professors present, and he's friendly enough that, although he doesn't have a close group of friends, he gets along with everyone.
On the first day, he presented a fantastic idea for the dance that captivated us all. For a moment, it felt like this would finally be the time we'd all work seriously on a project—but now it seems as if almost nothing has changed.
I was still dedicated to this effort… alone, as always. The room was empty, the only sound coming from me working with the fabric.
*Shrrr*
So, when I heard the door slide open, I was surprised.
"Oh, I thought everyone had gone home. I didn't expect to find someone here at this hour."
"Why… are you here?"
"I had something to do and needed to look for something on my desk. By the way, we never introduced ourselves. I'm Masachika Kuze. It's a pleasure to meet you… Kujou-san, right?"
"Yes... The pleasure is mine, Kuze-san."
"So, Kujou-san, are you trying to finish a mask for the dance? I think you should go home and come back with a fresh mind…and body."
Maybe it was because he seemed so carefree, or because he had let me down, but I responded more aggressively than I intended.
"Do you think my efforts are in vain? That it doesn't matter to give your 100%?! If I participate in a project, I want it to be perfect!"
I took a breath, trying to calm down while the words continued to escape from my mouth. "But I know I'm selfish, that I'm the strange one for taking it so seriously. That's why I work for others too! Do you think I'm wrong?!".
I felt drained, and my control slipped away as I ranted at him. I had observed him over the past week, and I knew he was the last person I should yell at. But as I spoke, more tears fell, and more words came pouring out...
After my rant, I didn't dare look up. I just waited for his response, not expecting anything gentle...
"Well, why don't we sit down and talk more? I have time, and I think some words would help us settle this question."
Befuddled, I nodded at him while we took our seats. I still couldn't bring myself to look him in the eye.
"You asked me if I think you're wrong here, and my answer is yes."
"...Eh?"
"Let me explain. You see, I just arrived last week, but I've gotten a sense of everyone in the class. Kujou-san, you're beautiful, quiet, studious, and aloof. You embody the image of the ideal Japanese student."
I considered his words; nothing he said seemed to be against me.
"You are also a model student, but everything you said has a significant flaw. Mmm, let me think of a proper metaphor... Do you know about efficiency and effectiveness?"
"Yes… Aren't they the same thing?"
He opened his bag and pulled out some papers.
"No, not quite. Look, companies often have to choose between these two concepts. Let's imagine a small company with limited resources. If they focus more on utilizing every resource they have—like their finances or manpower—that is efficient. Do you follow me so far?"
I nodded, recognizing that he has a way with words that is... enticing.
"Now, time passes, and the company grows. One day, they realize that their old methods aren't good anymore, so they switch to a style that focuses on using resources to achieve pre-established objectives. This is an effective approach. Now, where do you think I'm going with this?"
I thought for a moment. "Are you suggesting that I'm efficient but not effective?"
He smiled. "Yes, I knew you were smart. But there's something else I wanted to address... Here, take a look at these."
He handed me some papers—permits for sleeping here, among others. Two of them weren't even from our class.
"You see, it's great that you're giving your all, but it doesn't mean much if everyone else isn't even giving their 50%. That's why you shouldn't just focus on yourself; you need to ensure that others are working toward our objective. A night out at school, with some games, would boost everyone's enthusiasm for our work. And since most of the boys aren't skilled at tailoring, we can trade with another class. Class 3-C will decorate the courtyard, but their tasks require moving heavy items. By doing this, we can lend them our boys and ask for their girls in return, since they're better suited to work with our masks. Also, boys love posturing on girls."
I was left speechless. He had thought of everything, ensuring our project would be finished while also incorporating help from another class.
"Now that I've revealed all of this, what do you think are the flaws in your mindset? It's better to say them out loud…"
"I... I overlooked the bigger picture and focused only on myself…"
"Yes, and you would have continued doing so, believing your only consolation was 'I gave my all,' even though that wouldn't bring you happiness."
Yes, the satisfaction of giving my all couldn't fill the emptiness in my heart from those who weren't following my lead.
"Now, normally, I would head home, but before that, let me take a look at your hands. I think one or two band-aids were put on incorrectly... Why don't we visit the infirmary for a bit, Kujou-san?"
I followed him, but just before leaving the classroom, I made a decision.
"You can call me Alya; my friends call me that."
Although my only friend is Masha, and she is my sister...
"Oh, then Alya, you can call me Masachika... or whatever you prefer, since my name is quite a mouthful."
"Sure, Kuze-kun."
Maybe this time it won't be as disastrous as the previous attempts.
"Спасибо(Thank you)."