With everything at the restaurant wrapped up, the night was already setting in, so everyone decided to call it a day. After exchanging goodbyes, they each headed home, leaving Sato on his own to process everything that had happened.
It really had been a nice day—maybe one of the last calm ones for a while.
If what Irina told me is true, things are about to get wild. Still, I'm sure we'll manage…somehow.
Autumn air drifted through the busy streets as Sato chose a shortcut, a quiet alley that opened onto a nearly deserted road.
I had a lot of fun today—meeting everyone, chatting, and even the karaoke idea Asahi came up with, splitting the boys and girls into different rooms. It wasn't bad at all, though I can't help wondering what the girls talked about.
And then there was the unexpected encounter with Killa at the restaurant. Helping her heal, hearing her offer… For a moment I actually considered it. It isn't easy to stay with Irina, but betraying her isn't something I plan to do.
Sato paused, drawing in a deep breath.
Sometimes some time alone is everything I need.
Lost in thought, Sato accidentally bumped into someone and spun around in surprise.
"I'm sorry—I wasn't paying attention!"
When he looked up, recognition flickered across his face.
"Dr. Shigure?"
Shigure is the school's psychologist, though he maintains offices in other districts as well, so students don't see him at school very often.
For a second, Shigure studied Sato, as if trying to recall something.
"You're… Sato, right? I'm sorry—I meet so many people every day that sometimes names slip my mind."
"Yes."
It surprises me that he still remembers me. I went to see him once, back when I felt trapped in a constant circle of nothingness, hoping he might give me some guidance.
In the end, he simply advised me to change my routine, a professional suggestion, but one so small it felt like just another circle waiting to begin.
"It's been a while, but I am happy to see you are well. I heard what happened at school, it was an unfortunate incident…"
"..." Sato didn't say anything, he didn't want to be reminded of what he saw there.
"I'm sorry," Shigure said quickly. "I should've chosen my words more carefully. After more than ten years in this profession, that was insensitive of me."
"It's alright… After all, to get over something that bothers you, you have to face it head-on."
Sato spoke barely above a murmur, yet loud enough for Shigure to catch it, leaving the psychologist momentarily surprised.
"Oh my… I wasn't expecting that answer." He gave Sato a warm smile. "Now I wonder which one of us is really the mature one here. You've grown, Sato."
Sato didn't say anything; Shigure's compliment only made him more aware that he still hadn't accomplished enough.
I have grown… In this case why don't I feel like it…
"Does something bother you? We can talk about it if you want."
"No, it's alright. I already have my answer," Sato said, determination shining in his eyes.
Shigure let out a small sigh of relief.
"Is that so… In that case, I can say for sure that you've really grown. Seems I worried for nothing." He glanced at his watch. "It's getting quite late, and I have somewhere I need to be. I'll take my leave now. I hope we meet again, Sato."
Sato gave a small wave as Shigure walked away, then continued down the street, wondering what exactly he meant by saying he had really grown.
As he walked down the empty street, he noticed a boy approaching from the opposite direction. To avoid a collision, he stepped aside, but the boy suddenly bumped into him anyway.
"Hey! What's your problem?"
"Oops… my bad. You see, I wanted to talk to you but I didn't know how to approach you."
What's wrong with this guy? Is he alright in the head?
"Well, you've got my attention now. What do you want?" Sato said, his voice steady again.
"You see…" The boy suddenly lifted his hand pointing to himself "I am Kaito Blaze, and I,"
From the sky, a spear crashed into the ground, and a heartbeat later the mysterious hero Irina had fought landed beside it, gripping the weapon with effortless ease.
"I am the exis of Drastei—the Piercing Gale," he declared.
"…Seriously? What kind of entrance is this? Are we in a video game or something?" Sato muttered, unimpressed.
"Shut up, that was a cool entrance!" Kaito shot back, clearly proud of himself.
"So, what are you after? Irina is not with me."
"That's—" Kaito started, only to be cut off as Drastei rested a hand on his shoulder and moved ahead, positioning himself in front of him.
"It doesn't matter if she is with you or not, actually this makes my objective even easier, eliminating her exis is a way better approach than dealing with her."
Drastei raised his spear, bringing it up over his shoulder, ready to hurl it. Sato stiffened, caught off guard by the sudden move.
This is bad. So that's why she kept tailing me even though she didn't care about me. Some heroes don't bother fighting their opponents directly—they go after their exis instead. It's easier, I can't deny that. If I were in his place, maybe I'd do the same…. But now isn't the time for 'what ifs'.
"I am sorry kid, but it's her own fault for letting you wander around alone."
Drastei launched his spear, the speed of the throw imperceptible to Sato. Instinctively, Sato squeezed his eyes shut, bracing for the worst—then a deafening explosion tore through the air. A second later he opened them again. The spear had missed, and from the swirling cloud of dust Irina emerged.
"You're quite bold to go after my exis," she said coldly.
"Irina…but how?"
"Do you really think I'd let you wander around freely when heroes like him are out there?"
I see… even when I went out with the others, she was watching me from a distance the whole time. Now that I think about it, that's actually kind of creepy…
With the cloud of dust still hanging in the air, she summoned a flame in her hand. Through the haze, Drastei spotted the faint glow—a tiny dot in the smoke—and swiftly pulled Kaito to the ground. The flame shot past, streaking straight through the spot where Kaito had been standing.
"C'mon, witch, no need to take it so personally," he called out. "As long as he hadn't moved, he would've been fine. And anyway…"
The cloud of dust fully dissipated, revealing Irina who stood in front of Sato ready to fight.
"When did you begin to care about someone?" Drastei said curiously.
Irina, cares about me?