The next day had come. Shion and Kharim were still spending their days at school under the bright and slightly hotter morning weather. Inside Shion and Kharim's classroom, almost all the students were busy chatting here and there since no teacher had come in yet. Meanwhile, Shion still didn't have any friends other than his childhood ones. As for Rafaela, her head rested on her boredom, while Kharim was quietly reading a book, his hand wrapped in bandages because of last night's incident.
*Shion glanced at Kharim for a moment, then looked forward*
Shion:"What a boring day.(Folding his arms while sighing). Hhhaahh… so boring."
*At that moment, Rafaela lifted her head upon hearing Shion's words, and she joined in on the conversation*
Rafaela:"Exactly. I'm really bored."
Shion:"Compared to you, you already have friends and still say you're bored. You really don't know how to be grateful."
Rafaela:"If the person you bumped into was in this class, I would've left you already."
Shion:"Idiot, what matters is you already got one. Me? Forget friends—even my own brother doesn't want to talk to me."
Kharim:"(turning coldly toward Shion) I have my own matters to deal with. I hope you understand after what you did last night."
Shion:"Hadehh… come on… that issue's already over. Why are you still mad, idiot?"
Kharim:"Thick-headed fool. Instead of reflecting on yourself, you insult others."
Rafaela stayed silent, not understanding their conversation. Then she noticed the bandage on Kharim's hand*
Rafaela:"What happened to your hand, Kharim?"
Kharim:"(glancing at his bandage for a moment) Because of what happened last night."
Rafaela:"What you two were talking about just now? What happened between you last night? Was there a problem?"
Shion:"(looking at Rafaela) A long story. It was to help someone in trouble. And also… to help him (glancing toward Jonsen)."
*Rafaela followed Shion's gaze toward Jonsen. Jonsen himself was sitting in the second row on the far right*
Kharim:"(still reading his book) Don't forget about your own problem from last night."
Shion:"(getting annoyed at Kharim) I told you, that problem's already over!"
As the day went by, evening finally arrived. All the students at Magical Steel had gone home from school. Among them, Shion and Kharim left later than the others since only a few students remained. After stepping out through the school gate, neither of them spoke until midway down the road, and then Shion finally started the conversation.
Shion:"Truly boring, from morning till evening."
Kharim:"You're saying that again. Don't you ever get tired of repeating those words?"
Shion:"The words I repeat reflect what I feel. Besides, can you believe Mrs. Azizah didn't show up? Now our class is completely free. If that's the case, I'd rather use the time to sleep."
Kharim:"(grinning) Hehehe… That's why you should learn from me."
Shion:"Oh, of course. I know that. You go straight for a nap whenever you can. You sleep so soundly, like you don't care about anyone around."
Shion said that while showing that Kharim was actually sleeping on the classroom floor, right behind his desk. Using his own bag as a pillow, Kharim slept deeply. Even Rafaela and Shion looked at him in disbelief.
****
Kharim:"Why hesitate? If you can't stand it, just crash down."
Shion:"Different, you idiot. You're the kind who can sleep anywhere."
Kharim:"Yup, that's the advantage of having a vagrant's experience. They can adapt and feel comfortable anywhere — including just now."
Shion:"Eekh… that's even possible?"
Then they both fell silent again and continued walking, leaving the school behind. When they stopped talking, a faint, hysterical scream of a girl echoed in the distance. The sound was so soft that Shion and Kharim instinctively froze and turned around.
Kharim:"Shion, did you hear that?"
Shion:"You heard it too, didn't you?"
*The scream grew clearer, until they saw a girl sprinting toward them from behind. She was in a panic, clutching both her shoes as she ran barefoot down the path*
He Girl:"(shouting at Shion) MOVE OUT OF THE WAY!!!"
But Shion just stood there, stunned. He barely managed to react before the girl crashed straight into him. Both tumbled to the ground, and a startled Kharim exclaimed:
"W-whoa, Shion! You okay?"
*Shion quickly sat up, rubbing his head, while the girl beside him struggled to do the same*
Shion:"(irritated, holding his head) Oww... What's wrong with you, huh?"
*At that moment, Shion in shock. He recognized the girl*
Shion:"Hey... you're Melisa, right? You're in my class."
Kharim:"(nodding, glancing at her) Yeah, you're right, Shion."
Shion:"(turning back to Melisa) Why were you—"
*He stopped mid-sentence when Melisa suddenly leaned closer, her face pale with fear*
Melisa:"Please, help me!! I'm being chased by a dog!"
Kharim:"(looking ahead calmly) Relax. There's nothing chasing you."
Melisa:"(snapping her head around) B-but there was a dog right behind me!"
Kharim:"Maybe it's gone now."
*Melisa glanced at Kharim, breathing heavily, then finally began to calm down relieved that the danger seemed to have passed*
But only for a moment, the sound of furious barking erupted again. The dog hadn't stopped chasing her. There were four black dogs charging straight toward them. And now, it seemed Shion and Kharim were also in trouble.
Shion: (panicking as he looked behind Melisa) "T-those are the dogs chasing you, right?!"
Melisa turned around. Her expression instantly shifted back to pure terror as she screamed:
Melisa: "HWAAAA!!! DAMN DOG!! WHAT DO WE DO NOW?!"
Before she could even finish shouting, Kharim had already taken off running ahead and leaving them both behind. Shion froze for a moment, shocked, watching Kharim flee in the most ridiculous way possible.
Shion:"Hey, you idiot! Where are you going?! Don't you dare leave me, moron...!"
He didn't even finish when Melisa, without a second thought, bolted after Kharim. The dogs were closing in fast, and seeing that, Shion's panic spiked, forcing him to run as well. The three of them kept sprinting down the darkening streets, chased relentlessly by four vicious black dogs.
*By the time night fell, they had finally managed to escape. Beneath a canopy of trees, the three sat catching their breath, exhausted but relieved. Shion slumped onto the ground, still gasping*
Shion:"(panting heavily) Haaahh… haaahh… haaahh… You...Hhhaahh...because of you, I ended up getting chased too!"
Melisa:"(barely able to breathe) Hhhhaaahhh… hhhaaahhh… hhhaahhh… I-I'm so sorry… (pauses to catch breath) I didn't know… the dogs were still chasing me…"
Kharim, who had been wheezing just moments ago, finally straightened up and said calmly:
"Alright, looks like they're gone now. Let's go back."
Shion:"Hold it, idiot..! I'm still tired! At least don't leave me behind next time, stupid brother!"
Kharim:"(with a blank yet oddly mature face) Ehm… Sorry, Shion. But, well… even if we're brothers, when it comes to being chased by dogs, it's every man for himself."
Shion:"(furious) Every man for himself, my ass! You ran off first and left me!"
Kharim:""Fine, fine. My bad." (extends his hand) "Come on, let's go."
Shion:"(clicks his tongue, then grabs Kharim's hand and stands up) Tch… annoying."
Melisa, still confused, finally spoke up:
"Wait… you two are brothers? But you don't look alike at all."
*Both Shion and Kharim turned toward her with oddly serious faces. The silence that followed made Melisa instantly regret her question. She laughed awkwardly, scratching her head*
Melisa: "Ah..?, uhh…, ahahaha… I-I didn't mean anything weird by that! If it's awkward, just forget I said anything. Hehe…"
Shion:"(chuckles softly, then smiles broadly) It's not weird at all. He's my stepbrother, his name's Sibalih Kharim, and I'm Sibalih Shion." (extends his hand) "Nice to be friends with you."
Melisa:"(startled) Eh? F-friends?"
Shion:"Huh? Don't tell me you don't know what 'friends' are?"
Melisa:"N-no, that's not it. I just… don't get why you'd consider me a friend."
Shion: "Well… I already do."
Melisa:"(still puzzled) Why would you think that?"
Shion: (takes a breath) "Hmm… how should I put it? Basically, friends can feel what the other feels. They can get angry together, get annoyed together, or like earlier…" (smiles faintly) "…be out of breath together. So that's how I see it. Besides, we're classmates. So why not be friends?"
*Melisa simply stared at Shion, silent for a moment. Shion, noticing her lack of response, waved his hand in front of her face. Then, at last, Melisa smiled*
Melisa:"Alright then. If that's how you see it…(shakes his hand) Thank you, Shion."
The two smiled at each other warmly, so much that Kharim, watching from a distance, grimaced in disgust. He finally started walking ahead, muttering:
"Keep smiling like that, and maybe you two won't even bother going home."
Shion:"(startled, turning toward him) H-hey! Wait up, idiot!"
*And so, Shion and Melisa hurried after Kharim, who was already walking ahead*
*The three of them were still walking home together as the sun began to set. Along the way, Shion chatted animatedly with Melisa, while Kharim remained mostly silent, listening to their conversation.*
Shion:"Melisa."
Melisa:"Yes, Shion?"
Shion: "What kind of experiences have you gone through to be considered worthy of becoming a Fighter?"
Melisa: "Eh? Uh… I don't really know. As long as I can become a Fighter and have what it takes to start, that's already enough for me."
Shion: (grinning awkwardly) "O-oh… I see. Hahaha…"
*Kharim, watching Shion's stiff and awkward demeanor, shook his head and sighed*
Kharim:"Shion, you should learn from me how to talk to women."
Shion:"(turning to him) Huh? What's that supposed to mean?"
Kharim then casually stepped closer to Melisa, nudging Shion aside. Maintaining his cool composure, he began speaking to Melisa.
Kharim: "Uukkhu... Melisa, what kind of things do you like?"
Melisa:"(startled, then smiling) Eh? Why? Are you planning to give me something?"
Kharim:"If it's something I can afford, why not?"
Melisa:"(thinking for a moment, then smirking teasingly) In that case, I want a Gurlf Pearl bracelet."
Shion watched the two of them, completely lost, his face twisted in disbelief. Meanwhile, Kharim paused dramatically, then with an air of self-importance replied:
"Melisa, greed never ends. The more you feed your ego, the more it consumes you. So, for your own good, don't waste your money on meaningless things."
*Melisa chuckled softly, shaking her head at him, while Kharim turned to Shion and gave him a thumbs-up*
Kharim:"That's how you talk to a woman. Remember that."
Shion:"(expression flat and unimpressed) You idiot, that's called flirting, not talking! And if you don't even have money, don't act like you're taking a girl out, moron! You're just embarrassing yourself!"
Kharim:"(glancing back at Melisa) Melisa, I think someone's jealous because I'm the one talking to you."
Shion:"Shut up!"
Kharim: "Shion…" (turning to him with mock seriousness) "A prince must know how to speak with grace, no matter who he's talking to. You should learn from me."
Shion:"(sighing heavily) Yeah, yeah, fine. You're the king. Happy now?"
Kharim:"(smirking) Hah… pathetic. (turns to Melisa again) The truth is, he wanted to talk to you, but he's too shy. So I took his place. Fufufu…" (puts on a teasing grin)
Shion:"Shut it, you lying idiot! If I made a list of the top 100 most annoying people, you'd be number one!"
*Melisa looked at Shion for a moment, then smiled softly*
Melisa:"Shion."
Shion:"(still irritated) What?"
Melisa:"You're kind of funny. No wonder Kharim's your brother."
Shion:"(cheeks slightly red) D-don't compliment me! Ugh! Why am I always the one being teased?! (points at Kharim) Why not make him the joke instead?! Look at him, expressionless face, lips that never smile, living like some gloomy old man! Why not pick on him?"
Melisa:"(laughing lightly) Because teasing you is just more fun. You can't joke with someone who never reacts. It's not entertaining, but even when we're teasing you…(smiles gently)…you're still funny, Shion."
*Shion fell silent, his expression softening as the evening breeze carried their laughter through the quiet streets*
Melisa:"You two have lived under the same roof since you were little, haven't you? That must be wonderful. You get to laugh together, play together, and share the same fate, it's colorful in its own way. Even if you see it as something simple or trivial, to others, it might be something deeply precious. There are people out there who would give anything to have a family like yours."
Shion and Kharim exchanged glances. Then, for once, Shion looked at Kharim with a calm seriousness. He said nothing at first, only matching Kharim's composed demeanor. Kharim noticed and gave him a puzzled look.
Shion:"You're right, Melisa. Sometimes we do need to be grateful for what we have." (his tone deepened slightly) "No matter how difficult our lives may seem, there will always be someone who wishes they could live as we do someone who longs for what we already possess." (he smiled faintly at both of them) "Isn't that true?"
Kharim:"(smiling a little, reaching out to ruffle Shion's hair) You really love acting all wise with your words, don't you?"
Shion:"(snapping, irritated) Idiot! Keep your hand off my head!"
Kharim:"Huh? Why?"
Shion:"It's heavy!"
Kharim:"Relax. You sound like you've never heard a gentle conversation before."
Their simple banter carried on as they continued walking down the quiet path. By the time the sun had fully set, they had reached their dormitory. From that day onward, Shion and Kharim had one more person in their circle, Melisa. And so, Shion's days continued, now just a little warmer than before.
At the Magical Stell School, Mr. Alvonso was about to return to his office. He had already put on his jacket. As he opened the door, he found a man standing in front of him, someone who seemed just about to knock.
The Man:"(smiling) Good evening, sir… You look quite exhausted."
Mr. Alvonso:"So it's you, YORDAN. (stepping out of the room) What brings you to me this late at night?"
Yordan:"Well… You've been having trouble due to the shortage of Fighter instructors, haven't you?"
Mr. Alvonso:"Yes, I know what you're getting at. You deserve to be prioritized for the Fighter instructor role, but can you really handle over a thousand students on your own? That's impossible."
Yordan:"(chuckling) Hahaha… Even at this hour, you still have your sense of humor. But that's not quite what I meant."
Mr. Alvonso:"Then what is it?"
*Mr. Alvonso spoke while descending the stairs. Yordan followed him and continued*
Yordan:"I can help you find capable Fighters for the upcoming Magical Stell student batch."
Mr. Alvonso:"Don't be ridiculous, Yordan. Do you honestly think you can find quality Fighter instructors all by yourself?"
Yordan:"Not by myself, of course. But don't worry, I've asked for help from a few friends. Together, we've formed a special division dedicated to searching for skilled Fighters."
*By the time Yordan finished speaking, the two of them had reached the ground floor, near the lobby*
Mr. Alvonso:"So you and your team plan to carry out this task outside the school's standard operating procedure, Yordan?"
Yordan:"Breaking SOP, sir? I wouldn't say that. You're the head of Magical Stell, aren't you? You could establish a special agreement with me and my team making our operations officially standardized. Think about it, sir. The competition is drawing near, and you still haven't secured any Fighter instructors. If that continues, Magical Stell might fall behind."
*Mr. Alvonso paused, deep in thought*
Yordan:"Please reconsider, sir. The students need field training before they can truly become Fighters. They must undergo simulations and missions following the school's regulated standards. But how can they advance if the institution itself is already lagging behind?"
*After much thought, Mr. Alvonso finally agreed to Yordan's proposal*
Mr. Alvonso:"(looking at Yordan) Very well. I'll approve your plan. Do your job properly, Yordan. I hope you and the team you assemble will be able to find competent Fighter instructors."
Yordan:"(saluting cheerfully) Understood, sir! I'll do my best!"
*Mr. Alvonso then walked away, leaving Yordan behind. Thanks to Yordan's initiative, Mr. Alvonso's problem had finally found a solution, even though at first, he had been reluctant to accept Yordan's proposal*
Now the days kept going on through their four weeks of school at Magical Steel. But it had already been four weeks too, and Shion still didn't have any friends besides Melisa, her new friend. During those four weeks, Kharim always asked Shion to go to the cafeteria, but she always refused with various excuses.
Shion:"Hey, Brother. Let's go to the cafeteria."
Kharim:"(while resting his head on the table) I'm lazy, Shion."
*On the next day*
Shion:"Hey..., Brother! I found some good chicken meat. Let's go!"
Kharim: "(lying down in the corner of the class) Hhooahh..., I'm sleepy. (turns to the right) Just buy it for me later, okay."
Shion:"(annoyed but playfully) What?! How could you just tell me to do it while you yourself are lazi—"
Kharim: "I'll give you money later."
Shion: "(immediately smiles happily) Alright!"
*On the next day again*
Shion:"Hey, come on, go with me, Brother. Every time I ask you, you always have your excuses."
Kharim:"Well, this time I can't go to the cafeteria."
Shion:"See! You're making excuses again! Why do you always have excuses?! What's your reason this time?!"
Kharim:"I'm going to the library."
Shion:"Liar! No way I believe that."
*While they were talking, Rafaela returned to the class, then sat at her seat. Shion immediately looked at her and spoke to her*
Shion:"Rafaela, can I ask for a favor?"
Rafaela:"(looks at Shion) Huh? What?"
Shion:"(pointing at Kharim) Please make sure this person stays in this class!"
Rafaela:"(with a flat tone and expression) Oi, why should I watch over him? Who does he think he is."
Shion: "He'll lie again, you know!"
Rafaela:"Then just let him. What does it have to do with me?"
Shion:"That's why I'm asking you for help. (smiles cheerfully again) Alright, see you."
*Shion ran out of the classroom. While Jonsen from his seat, watched her go Shion then he also went go out. Rafaela and Kharim both looked toward Shion. Rafaela sighed briefly, then turned to Kharim*
Rafaela:"(looking at Kharim) What were you arguing with her about?"
Kharim:"Nothing, she's just weird. (stands up and walks away)"
Rafaela:"(a bit surprised seeing Kharim) Where are you going?"
Kharim:"To the library. You're not like Shion, right?"
Rafaela:"(smiles casually) Of course not."
Even though Kharim looked unnoticeable, didn't care about his surroundings, and always showed his cold face, he was still popular because of his good looks, and he often became a topic among many students at Magical Steel. One time, Shion saw other students talking about Kharim, and that made her a bit jealous, since Kharim was popular among the girls in his class.
*One day, Shion and Kharim were walking in the school yard. A group of unfamiliar girls came to them, but the girls paid more attention to Kharim than to Shion*
Girl(1):"Kharim. Let's eat together!"
Girl(2):"Hey, you went first! I also want to join!"
Girl(1):"Wait, I was the first one who asked him to eat together."
Girl(3):"You guys are always stealing Kharim! I was the first one who asked him!"
Girl (1):"No way! I was first!"
Kharim:"Get out of the way, all of you. I don't want to go with anyone!"
Girl (2):"See! Now he's mad!"
Girl (1):"That's because of you!"
Girl (3):"Hey, you guys! I was first, you know!"
Shion:"(looking at the girls with disgust) (in her mind) Truly disgusting."
And so, Kharim was surrounded by beautiful girls, and more and more people started to gather around him. Even when it got really crowded, Shion herself was squeezed while trying to get through them all, both boys and girls.
Shion:"Eaakh!! How am I supposed to get through! Let me pass, hey!"
As Shion was being squeezed tighter, she had more trouble moving. But all her effort finally paid off, she managed to get out by forcefully jumping through. After she got out, she looked back; Shion couldn't see Kharim anymore because it was too crowded. Then she stood silent, staring at herself for a moment. After that, she walked away alone, leaving Kharim behind.
However, from the front, where people were crowding because of Kharim, there was a boy who couldn't get through due to the throng. The boy was in the same class as Shion and Kharim, Katatsuke Kanata. He wore earrings with two-tone colors: the upper side was black with white patterns, and the lower side was white with black patterns. In the middle, there was something like a wheel, sharing the same colors on both sides. Shion just watched Katatsuke leave.
The day later, in the morning, Shion and Kharim went to school together. They didn't speak at all until Shion noticed Kharim looking tired. Then Shion said:
"You're really popular, huh. It's almost been a month since we started school, but I haven't made any friends except Melisa, and even then we haven't met recently. Meanwhile, you've already become popular because you're handsome. Honestly, it makes me a little jealous. Especially when I want to invite you to eat in the cafeteria, you always refuse, saying it's because you're afraid of being swarmed. Every time, girls block your way, and I still can't get you to come with me."
Kharim:"Do you think it's easy being surrounded by girls? You can't even have time to be alone in class except during lessons. Even the break period is the worst because girls won't leave me alone, and I need that time to maintain my privacy."
Shion:"If you say you don't like being surrounded by girls and want your own privacy during break, then why did you refuse my invitation?"
Kharim:"There's a reason, and it's my private matter that no one knows. You need to understand that."
Shion:"Ah, whatever. All your reasons just sound strange."
*When they arrived at the school gate, they saw Katatsuke in the schoolyard. Their steps came to a halt as they stared at him*
Shion:"Brother. Isn't that Katatsuke Kanata? What's he doing?"
Kharim:"I don't know."
*Shion approached him, and Kharim followed*
"Katatsuke, what are you doing there?"
*Katatsuke looked startled and immediately turned to face Shion and Kharim. But instead of being friendly, he behaved harshly and rejected their presence*
Katatsuke:"Who are you, acting all friendly? Go away!"
*Shion felt angry at being treated like that*
Shion:"What's your problem?! I asked you nicely, and you insult me instead!"
Katatsuke:"And what's it to you, huh?!!"
Shion:"You really are…"
*Kharim immediately cut Shion off by patting her shoulder, then whispered to her*
Kharim:"This is your chance to make a friend, Shion. If you stay calm, maybe he'll soften. Don't you want a friend?"
Shion:"(glancing at Kharim and whispering) Yeah. But not like this, brother!"
Kharim:"Drop your ego if you want to understand others."
After that, Shion really wanted to vent her frustration, but she held back and followed Kharim's advice*
Shion:"I was just asking you nicely. What are you doing? Just answer; it's not that hard. If you need help, maybe we can help you. So, is there a problem?"
Katatsuke stayed silent, staring at Shion with a constantly furrowed brow. But when Shion looked closely, it seemed that the earring he wore yesterday was gone. Seeing this, Kharim approached Katatsuke and said:
"Do you have a problem? If you do, we can help."
Katatsuke:"(also stating) Yes, I have a problem! But it's none of your business, I can handle it myself. From the day I was born until now, I never wanted anyone's help. Remember that!"
Shion:"Really? Good for you, then, being able to handle your own problems. (looking at Kharim) Come on, kak, he can solve his problem himself, that's what he said."
Kharim:"O-okay… fine."
The two of them walked away, leaving Katatsuke behind. Katatsuke thought for a moment, watching them walk farther and farther away. After reconsidering, he called out after them:
"Alright! I do have a problem, but it's in a different context from what I thought!"
*His words reached them, and they both stopped walking, turning to look back*
Shion:"What do you mean?"
Katatsuke:"I really can solve my problems on my own. But right now, I also have a problem bigger than usual. (pauses for a moment) My earring is gone, and I have no idea where it went. I haven't been able to find it since this morning. So, if you want, could you help me look for it?"
*Shion smiled, then looked at Kharim, who gave a slight smile back. They both then approached Katatsuke*
Shion:"Really…just tell us your earring is missing, is it that hard? (looking at Kharim) So, kak, do you want to help him?"
Kharim:"(thinking for a moment) There's still time before the bell. Alright, let's look for your earring."
Shion:"Great…! Let's find your earring, Katatsuke!"
They finally agreed to help Katatsuke search for his missing earring. Katatsuke, however, looked at Shion somewhat hesitantly. Shion then said:
"Alright. To find your missing earring, we need to retrace your steps before you got here."
Katatsuke: "Retrace?"
Shion:"Yes, we need to go over your journey again. When did you realize your earring was missing?"
Katatsuke:"(thinking) If I'm not mistaken… when I was walking from outside the dormitory, and then when I entered the school."
Kharim:"So you only started looking for it then?"
Katatsuke:"(nodding) Yes. But the earring… is a little strange."
Shion:"Huh? Strange how?"
Katatsuke:"I couldn't take it off when I first had it. But a few days ago, while looking in the mirror and getting ready for school, I suddenly realized both of my earrings were gone. I searched for them all the way to the school gate, but I couldn't find them. Then, the next day, the earring somehow returned to my ear by itself. The same thing happened on the second and third days."
Shion:"So today, it happened again?"
Katatsuke:"Yes."
Kharim:"I see. What does your earring look like?"
Katatsuke:"It has two colors, black and white on both sides. The upper side is black with white patterns, and the lower side is white with black patterns. Between the two sides, there's a shape like a horseshoe wheel, with colors differing on each side."
Shion:"I see, that's quite detailed. Alright…! Let's look before the bell rings!"
Kharim:"To be sure, we need to retrace it to a farther place."
Shion and Katatsuke nodded in agreement. They then began searching for Katatsuke's earring outside the school. Now, Shion and Kharim, who were supposed to enter school, were delayed because they were helping Katatsuke find his missing earring.