Haru's room was unusually tidy.
Well... with one notable exception.
The bed looked as though it had survived a natural disaster.
The sheets had surrendered completely, one pillow dangled precariously off the edge, and the blanket had somehow managed to twist itself into what resembled a defeated snake.
Apart from the soft breathing of its lone occupant and the steady ticking of the alarm clock, the room was peaceful.
Until...
Beep! Beep! Beep!
A muffled groan answered the alarm.
The bedroom door creaked open and Mika peeked inside.
"...Elara?"
She blinked twice.
"What are you doing on Haru's bed?"
Her gaze drifted across the battlefield of blankets.
"...And why does it look like it just survived World War Two?"
Without even opening her eyes, Elara lazily stretched an arm toward the alarm clock and slapped the top of it.
The beeping stopped instantly.
"Mmm..."
She buried her face deeper into the pillow.
"...Five more minutes..."
Mika couldn't stop herself from laughing.
"A few days of school and you're already this worn out?"
"Mmmm..."
"It hasn't even been a full week."
Another sleepy mumble escaped Elara.
Mika rested against the doorframe with an amused smile.
"Well, don't worry. Today's Friday."
One blue eye slowly peeked open.
"...Weekend?"
"Yep it's finally here."
Elara suddenly looked a little more alive.
"...Yay..."
Her enthusiasm was so weak it somehow became adorable.
"I'll let you enjoy those last five minutes," Mika said, turning toward the door. "But after that, you're getting up whether you like it or not."
"Mmmm..."
"Oh, before I forget..."
She looked around the room.
"Where's Haru?"
Elara answered without moving.
"...Garden."
"I should've known."
---
Mika wandered over to the window and gently pushed the curtain aside.
Just as expected.
Haru stood outside with a watering can, carefully tending to the rows of vegetables he'd planted.
Despite the chilly morning air, he looked completely absorbed in his work.
A cold breeze swept through the garden.
"Achoo!"
He sneezed violently before rubbing his hands together and continuing as though nothing had happened.
Mika sighed, smiling to herself.
"...Hopeless."
She quietly left the room.
---
Five minutes later she stepped back outside carrying two steaming mugs.
Warm curls of cocoa drifted into the cold morning air.
By the time she reached the veranda, Haru had just finished watering the final row.
He shut off the tap.
The ground had turned into soft mud, forcing him into an awkward waddling walk to avoid slipping.
His shoulders were stiff.
Both hands remained buried inside his sleeves.
Watching him shuffle toward the house was strangely entertaining.
"...You look like an old penguin."
"What?"
"Nothing."
She placed the mugs on the veranda before walking over.
"Morning, champ."
"Morning."
She looked him up and down.
"Those are some ridiculous nerves you've got."
"Hm?"
"You couldn't pay me enough to water plants in this weather."
Haru laughed through chattering teeth.
"Yeah... no kidding."
He rubbed his hands together again.
"I can't even feel my fingers anymore."
"So why'd you do it?"
He looked toward the small garden.
Rows of vegetables shimmered beneath tiny droplets of water.
"As long as my veggies are happy..."
A content smile appeared on his face.
"...I'm happy."
Mika followed his gaze.
"They're lucky."
"Hm?"
She smiled softly.
"Never thought I'd live long enough to be jealous of vegetables."
Haru chuckled.
"What a weird thing to be jealous of."
"I know."
She raised both hands.
Instinctively, Haru did the same.
He went for a high-five.
Clap.
Instead of pulling away...
Mika closed both hands around his.
Haru froze.
"..."
"..."
Her eyes widened.
"...Whoa."
"What?"
"These aren't hands."
She looked genuinely concerned.
"They're ice packs."
Haru immediately relaxed.
He didn't even try to pull away.
The warmth spreading through his frozen fingers was heavenly.
He closed his eyes.
"...So warm..."
A small shiver ran through his body.
Mika giggled.
"I figured your hands would be cold."
She squeezed them slightly.
"But this is ridiculous."
"Worse than yesterday?"
"Much worse."
She looked at him in disbelief.
"Did you soak them in a freezer before coming outside?"
"My entire body feels like it was."
She laughed.
"Well, lucky for you..."
She tried pulling one hand away.
"...I brought—"
Haru instinctively tightened his grip.
"No."
"...Huh?"
"I don't wanna let go."
Mika blinked.
Then burst into laughter.
"Come on."
She gently tugged again.
"I can't pick up what I brought if you keep kidnapping my hands."
"...Five more minutes."
She couldn't help smiling.
"So that's where Elara learned it."
"...Fine..."
With obvious reluctance, Haru finally released her.
She picked up one of the steaming mugs and handed it over.
"Hot cocoa."
His eyes lit up.
"...You're amazing."
He accepted the mug with both hands, immediately letting the heat seep into his frozen fingers.
He lifted it toward his face and simply enjoyed the warmth rising from the cup before taking his first sip.
A peaceful sigh escaped him.
Mika smiled triumphantly.
"There."
"Better?"
"...No."
She blinked.
"What?"
He looked at the mug.
Then back at her.
"Your hands were better."
"..."
"They were warmer."
Another sip.
"...And softer."
Mika nearly inhaled her cocoa.
She quickly turned away under the excuse of taking another drink.
Thankfully...
The steam hid the blush spreading across her cheeks.
"...Idiot..."
"Hm?"
"Nothing."
---
The first rays of sunlight slowly climbed over the rooftops.
Golden light spilled across the garden.
Haru looked up with genuine admiration.
"Aaah..."
"Isn't she beautiful?"
Mika followed his gaze.
"...What?"
She stared at the sun.
Then back at him.
"...Hold on."
"...Don't tell me you're simping for the sun now."
"Well..."
He nodded matter-of-factly.
"Sun-chan is one of my waifus."
Mika stared.
"...Sun-chan?"
"Yeah."
He sounded completely serious.
"Remember when I became Galaxy King?"
"...Unfortunately."
"One of my powers lets I summon celestial bodies as anime girls."
He began counting on his fingers.
"Sun-chan."
"Moon-chan."
"Saturn-chan."
"Earth-chan."
"They're all wonderful."
"..."
Mika slowly pinched the bridge of her nose.
"Don't you have enough waifus in real life."
"...What?"
"Nothing."
"I see."
She took another sip before clearing her throat.
"Anyway..."
"Don't you think it's finally time to get Elara a phone?"
Haru immediately answered.
"No chance."
"...Why?"
"I'm broke."
"..."
"...How?"
She narrowed her eyes.
"Wait."
"...Don't tell me..."
Haru looked away.
"It was..."
"A limited edition."
"I KNEW IT!"
"You spent it on gacha!"
"It was Sun-chan's Egyptian outfit!"
"Like I said it was limited!"
"It made perfect sense!"
Mika dramatically clutched her chest.
"I can't believe this."
"Meanwhile poor Elara doesn't even own a phone."
Haru pointed at her accusingly.
"Oh?"
"And what about you?"
"What about me?"
"Didn't you spend your money trying to pull that gay vampire guy you like?"
Mika gasped.
"Excuse me?"
"My Lord Dracula is a gentleman."
"And besides..."
She proudly puffed out her chest.
"I live for yaoi."
"...Sure."
"But!"
She suddenly pointed a finger at him.
"If you ever start liking boys..."
"There will be consequences."
Haru blinked.
"...Not that I was ever planning to."
"Good."
She nodded with satisfaction.
"We understand each other."
"...You're weird."
"Says Mr. Sun-chan."
"...Fair."
After another quiet sip, Haru spoke.
"So..."
"I think we need another guild event."
Mika immediately brightened.
"What about the Wild Hunt!"
"I almost forgot!"
"We'll need everyone for that."
"And planning."
Haru nodded.
"How about karaoke tomorrow?"
"It's Saturday."
"Most people should be free."
"And it'll be the perfect chance to introduce Elara properly."
Mika practically vibrated with excitement.
"I love it."
"I'll message everyone."
She immediately reached into her pocket.
Haru gently lowered her hand.
"Easy there."
"We still have school."
"...Right."
She sighed dramatically.
"Responsibilities."
"The greatest enemy."
"Come on."
He chuckled.
"Let's wake our sleeping knight."
The two stepped back inside—
—and immediately froze.
A rich buttery aroma drifted through the house.
Fresh pancakes.
Mika sniffed the air.
"...Please tell me that's breakfast."
Haru smiled.
"I think our apprentice chef has been busy."
They followed the heavenly scent into the kitchen.
Standing proudly before the stove was Elara.
She wore an apron far too large for her.
Flour dusted her scarlet hair.
A streak of batter decorated one cheek.
She turned with a bright smile.
"You have arrived at the perfect—"
Her words stopped.
Haru had casually stepped forward, wiped the batter from her cheek with a finger...
...and popped it into his mouth.
"Mmm."
He thoughtfully nodded.
"Not bad."
Elara's entire face turned crimson.
She simply stared.
Unable to process what had just happened.
Mika slowly grabbed Haru by the collar.
"...You do this on purpose."
"Hm?"
"You enjoy making us flustered."
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
His voice suddenly shifted into an exaggerated aristocratic accent.
"I know not of what you speak, fair maiden."
Mika covered her face.
"...You're trying to sound like Dracula again."
"Did it work?"
"I'm refusing to answer."
Elara, still bright red, quietly placed three plates on the table before setting down a bottle of syrup.
"...Breakfast... is served."
Haru and Mika exchanged a cautious glance.
The pancakes looked...
Normal.
Which somehow made them even more suspicious.
Mika folded her arms.
"I'm waiting."
"...For?"
"You taste them first."
Haru sighed dramatically.
"So little faith."
He picked up his knife and fork.
Cut a small piece.
Placed it in his mouth.
Silence.
He chewed thoughtfully.
Elara watched with nervous anticipation.
"..."
"..."
Finally...
Haru looked up.
"This..."
"...is terrible."
Elara's hopeful smile froze.
"...R-Really...?"
"It is."
He nodded gravely.
"Horrible."
The color slowly drained from her face.
She sank onto her knees.
"...I failed..."
Mika immediately stood.
"Haru!"
"Even for you that's mean!"
Before she could continue—
Haru casually took another bite.
A much bigger one.
"In fact..."
"This is so terrible..."
"...that neither of you should eat yours."
He reached toward Mika's plate.
"I'll bravely endure this suffering for everyone."
Mika slapped his hand away.
"...You're lying."
"I'm not."
"You're smiling."
"I'm absolutely not."
"...There's syrup on your nose."
"..."
"...Traitor."
She picked up her fork and took a bite herself.
Her eyes widened.
Then...
She took another.
"..."
"...Elara."
"You don't have to force yourself..."
Elara whispered sadly.
Mika looked at her.
Then smiled.
"Haru's an idiot."
"These are amazing."
She took another bite.
"I'd even say they're better than Haru's."
"Hold on."
Haru immediately objected.
"Let's not get carried away."
"I admit these are fantastic..."
"But better than mine?"
"That's slander."
Mika grinned.
"My memory's a little fuzzy."
"You should make your signature pancakes again."
"You just want free pancakes."
"...Maybe."
"It works every time."
"...I hate that you're right."
Elara slowly looked between them.
"...You... actually like them?"
Haru smiled.
"They're the best you've made so far."
"And you learned this much in only a few days."
"It won't be long before you're packing our lunches."
Elara's blue eyes sparkled.
"...Really?"
"Really."
She practically bounced into her chair before happily picking up her own fork.
The biggest smile either of them had ever seen spread across her face.
For the first time since arriving in this strange new world...
Breakfast felt like home.
After thoroughly enjoying breakfast, the trio carried their plates to the sink.
The kitchen was soon filled with the rhythmic sound of running water, clinking dishes and the occasional splash.
By the time the last plate had been dried and returned to its place, breakfast was officially over.
Which meant...
A new battle could begin.
On one side of the hallway stood Haru.
A towel rested over his shoulder, a fresh uniform hung from one hand, and his eyes were fixed on a single objective.
The bathroom.
Opposite him stood Mika and Elara, equally armed with towels and robes.
Between the two forces stood the bathroom door.
If doors could pray, this one certainly was.
Silence.
A tense breeze drifted through the hallway.
Then...
A cowboy hat mysteriously appeared atop Haru's head.
He placed a toothpick between his teeth before hooking both thumbs into his belt loops.
His voice dropped an octave.
"Oi, partner..."
"This here bathroom belongs to me."
"So scram."
Mika narrowed her eyes.
"...Oh?"
Another cowboy hat appeared on her head.
She dramatically lifted its brim before pulling a hairdryer from behind her back.
With a flourish worthy of a western film, she spun it around her finger before pointing it straight at Haru.
"You probably haven't heard."
She smirked.
"But there's a new sheriff in town."
"As such..."
She aimed the hairdryer like a revolver.
"This here bathroom is mine."
The air between them crackled.
Haru slowly nodded.
"I see..."
"Then there's only one way to settle this."
"And what way would that be?"
"A good ol' fashioned duel."
"...Draw?"
He held up his fist.
"Rock."
Mika mirrored him.
"Paper."
Both grinned.
"Scissors."
Elara blinked.
"...Is this how territorial disputes are settled in your kingdom?"
Neither answered.
The duel had begun.
"Rock!"
"Paper!"
"Scissors!"
"Again!"
"No fair!"
"I sneezed!"
"That wasn't a real round!"
"...Best of three."
"Denied."
"...Best of five?"
"No."
"...Best of seven?"
"You're making up rules!"
For the next twenty minutes...
The greatest battle in modern history unfolded.
Victories.
Defeats.
Questionable accusations.
One dramatic declaration of cheating despite nobody cheating.
At one point Haru insisted the morning sun was reflecting off Mika's forehead and distracting him.
Mika retaliated by claiming Haru's lucky socks were giving him an unfair advantage.
Elara silently kept score on a notepad.
Finally...
Haru clenched his fist.
"Rock."
Mika smiled confidently.
"Scissors."
"..."
"..."
"Nooooooo!!"
Mika collapsed dramatically onto the floor.
Haru threw both arms into the air.
"OH YEAH!!"
"I refuse!"
She pointed accusingly.
"Best two out of three!"
"No."
"Haru..."
She clasped both hands together.
"Have mercy."
"No."
"You take forever in the bathroom."
"If you go first..."
"We're all going to be late."
A mischievous grin spread across Mika's face.
"Exactly."
"If I'm late..."
"We're all late."
"Hell no."
"I thought we were the Three Musketeers."
She looked toward Elara.
"Right?"
Elara tilted her head.
"...Musketeers?"
"Just agree with whatever I say."
She pointed dramatically at Haru.
"All for one and...?"
Haru answered immediately.
"None for all."
"There's no way we're all getting late because of you."
"What happened to chivalry?"
"Oh..."
"I think it died ages ago."
Elara froze.
Her blue eyes widened.
"...Dead?"
She stepped forward with genuine concern.
"The Lord of Chivalry..."
"...has fallen?"
Haru blinked.
"Point me toward the one responsible."
She clenched a fist.
"I shall avenge him."
For a full second...
Silence.
Then Haru and Mika burst into laughter.
Elara looked between them.
"...Have I said something amusing?"
"No..."
Haru wiped a tear from his eye.
"It's just..."
"You asked that with such a straight face."
Mika nodded furiously.
"Girl..."
"Take a chill pill."
Elara frowned.
"...Chill pill?"
"Don't think too hard about it."
"...Very well."
She hesitated.
"But..."
"...the Lord of Chivalry?"
"Don't worry."
Mika patted her shoulder.
"I'm sure someone already avenged him."
"...Right, Haru?"
"Don't ask me."
"I wasn't invited to the funeral."
Elara looked genuinely disappointed.
Before she could continue...
Haru pulled out his phone.
His expression instantly changed.
"...Crap."
"What?"
"We're already late!"
Without another word he bolted into the bathroom.
Water ran.
The shower stopped.
The hairdryer buzzed.
Exactly two minutes later...
The door opened.
Haru emerged fully dressed.
Hair still slightly damp.
"...Done."
Mika stared.
"...Impossible."
"You skipped conditioner."
"I skipped life."
He grabbed his bag.
"You two better hurry."
"If you're too slow..."
"I'm leaving."
Mika gasped dramatically.
"...You wouldn't."
He looked her dead in the eye.
"...Try me."
She puffed out her cheeks before rushing into the bathroom.
"Move, Elara!"
"We have a train to catch!"
---
Several minutes later...
The girls hurried into Haru's room to change.
Meanwhile...
Haru casually finished the last mouthful of cereal before slipping on his shoes.
"Perfect."
He reached for the doorknob.
Something felt...
Wrong.
His hand drifted to his neck.
"...My tie."
He sighed.
"Seriously?"
Opening his bedroom door—
He froze.
Mika and Elara both stood in their undergarments midway through changing.
Time itself seemed to stop.
"..."
"..."
"..."
Without thinking...
Haru grabbed the nearest broom.
At almost the exact same moment—
The girls grabbed the nearest throwable objects.
"Get him!"
Books.
Pillows.
A shoe.
A suspiciously heavy hairbrush.
Everything flew toward him.
"Hah!"
Haru spun the broom like a staff.
Thunk!
Whack!
Bonk!
Each projectile bounced harmlessly away.
"Hehehe!"
"You can't touch me!"
He twirled the broom once more.
"I am the Monkey King!"
His eyes suddenly landed on the bedside table.
"Oh."
"My tie."
That single moment of distraction...
Was all Mika needed.
She slowly reached for the firmest pillow she could find.
Grinned.
"...Checkmate."
WHUMP!
The pillow struck Haru square in the face.
He stumbled backward before the back of his head smacked against the hallway wall.
"...Ow!"
The bedroom door slammed shut.
"Damn pervert!"
Mika shouted from inside.
Haru immediately shot back.
"Why are you two changing in my room?!"
There was a pause.
"...Uhh..."
"...Well..."
"...Didn't I tell you?"
Her smug tone returned.
"There's a new sheriff in town."
"This room is part of my territory."
"...I see."
"...Really?"
"Yep."
Haru nodded thoughtfully.
"Then chores are your responsibility too."
"..."
"...What?"
"If it's your territory..."
"You clean it."
"...Over my dead body!"
"The sheriff keeps her town clean."
The door swung open.
"I don't want it anymore!"
"You can have your stupid territory back!"
Haru peeked inside.
His room...
Looked like a tornado had passed through.
Clothes.
Blankets.
Hair clips.
Half the wardrobe seemed to have exploded.
He slowly turned back toward Mika.
"...Come here."
She took one step back.
"...No?"
He grabbed her by the tie.
"Ack!"
"H-Haru!"
"I can't breathe!"
"You invade my room."
"You throw things at me."
"You leave it looking like this."
"And now you're returning it?"
"...Seems fair?"
He tightened his grip slightly.
"I'm kidding!"
"We'll clean it!"
"...We'll?"
"I-I mean..."
"Me!"
"...And Elara!"
Haru looked toward Elara.
She quickly hid her tie behind her back before nodding obediently.
"...We'll clean it."
"...Good."
He released Mika.
She immediately took several exaggerated breaths.
"I'm reporting you..."
"To who?"
"...The Sheriff Association."
"I thought you resigned."
"...Right."
"...Never mind."
Haru adjusted his tie before absentmindedly rubbing the back of his head.
"...Ow..."
The word was barely audible.
Yet Elara heard it.
She quietly walked over.
Without warning...
She gently ruffled his hair.
A faint emerald glow spread across her fingertips.
"My hair!"
"Elara, stop!"
She simply giggled.
"You look amusing."
"You remind me of Kazuki."
"What?"
"My hair isn't that spiky!"
He grabbed a brush and tried smoothing it down.
As he reached the back of his head...
He paused.
"...Huh?"
The pain was gone.
Completely.
He glanced toward Elara.
She was already brushing her teeth as though nothing had happened.
Noticing his gaze...
She simply smiled.
Then returned to brushing.
Haru smiled to himself.
"...Thanks."
She answered only with a happy hum.
---
Barely managing to leave on time...
The three sprinted toward the station.
They arrived just as the train doors began closing.
"Wait!"
"Hold it!"
The three squeezed inside together.
Haru leaned against the wall catching his breath.
"...Made it."
"By..."
"...half a second."
---
Like always...
Once they arrived at Apex Academy...
They split up.
"See you later!"
Mika waved as she headed toward Class 1-B with Elara.
"You too."
Haru waved back before making his way toward Class 1-A.
As he rounded a corner...
Thump.
He bumped into someone whose face was completely buried inside a book.
The familiar crimson eyes looked up.
"Morning, Yukiko."
She immediately straightened.
"F-Finest of mornings to you as well."
The thick tome in her arms suddenly snapped itself shut.
Clap.
"What was that for, Sage?"
"My Lady..."
The book sighed dramatically.
"I have told you numerous times."
"You needn't sound like you're addressing a king."
"A simple..."
"'I'm good, how about you?'"
"...would suffice."
"I..."
Yukiko hesitated.
"...am..."
Clap.
The tome shut itself again.
"...Are you allergic to sounding casual?"
Haru couldn't help laughing.
"Go easy on her, Sage."
"She's making progress."
"At least she stopped accidentally calling me her peasant."
"My Lady possesses an unfortunate habit."
Sage explained.
"She categorizes people into only two groups."
"'Peasants.'"
"And..."
"'Respectable figures.'"
"I am attempting to introduce a third category."
"'Friends.'"
Yukiko puffed out her cheeks.
"Come now!"
"I have never before possessed an equal."
"You cannot possibly understand how difficult this is."
Haru smiled and rested a hand on her shoulder.
"See?"
"You just did it."
"...Did what?"
"You spoke honestly."
She blinked.
"So..."
"You believe I should stop hiding my thoughts?"
"Something like that."
She nodded seriously.
"In that case..."
"I strongly dislike how Mika and Kia treat you."
"They are but ordinary humans."
Haru tilted his head.
"But..."
"I'm human too."
"So are you."
"...Probably."
He leaned closer.
"...Unless you're secretly an alien."
Their faces drifted surprisingly close.
Yukiko's face immediately turned scarlet.
She squeaked before hurriedly raising Sage between them like a shield.
"S-Sage!"
"Save me!"
The tome answered without hesitation.
"It would appear..."
"My Lady has developed considerable affection toward Haru."
"W-What?!"
She nearly dropped the book.
"Nonsense!"
"You fabricate lies!"
"I am physically incapable of lying."
"My information comes directly from the boundless Ocean of Knowledge."
"Then your ocean is mistaken!"
"The Ocean possesses all know—"
"Silence!"
SLAM!
She snapped the tome shut so hard a gust of wind rushed down the hallway.
The sudden noise echoed.
Followed by...
A low...
Dangerous...
Growl.
"..."
"..."
Haru slowly looked down the corridor.
A pair of glowing eyes stared back from the shadows.
His expression immediately changed.
"...Run."
"What?"
"RUN!"
Without another word...
He grabbed Yukiko's hand.
The two bolted.
Behind them...
The creature exploded from the darkness.
Moving on all fours with terrifying speed.
Mad Hound.
She bounded across the hallway, rapidly closing the gap.
"The classroom!"
Haru shouted.
"It's right there!"
Only a few meters remained.
Yukiko's eyes flashed purple.
"Hang on!"
She grabbed Haru's tie.
Magic surged around her.
The next instant—
She launched herself forward.
The burst of speed was unbelievable.
In a heartbeat...
She reached the classroom door.
Success!
She stepped inside—
Only to feel an unexpected tug.
"...Eh?"
Haru...
Was still attached to the other end of the tie.
His body changed direction so suddenly he became a human pendulum.
WHAM!
He hit the wall with a painful smack.
Everyone nearby winced in perfect synchronization.
"...Owww..."
Neither of them had time to recover.
Mad Hound lunged.
The instant she crossed the classroom doorway...
Everything changed.
The feral beast vanished.
In her place stood an elegant blonde young woman with perfect posture.
She calmly adjusted Haru's crooked tie.
"Please be punctual."
She smiled politely.
"You won't escape next time."
As gracefully as she had appeared...
She walked away.
Yukiko hurried over.
"...Did that hurt?"
Haru rubbed the back of his head.
"Are you kidding?"
"Of course it did."
She lowered her head.
"...My apologies."
He waved it off.
"Don't worry."
"I'd rather become a wall decoration..."
"...than Mad Hound's breakfast."
A voice echoed from down the hall.
"I haven't eaten anyone."
"...Yet."
The entire class shouted in unison—
"YET?!"
She shrugged.
"Scylla won't let me."
A collective sigh swept through the hallway.
"...Thank goodness."
Trying not to think too hard about that statement...
Haru and Yukiko finally made their way to their seats.
Moments later...
Ms. Georgia entered carrying a stack of books.
"Good morning, everyone."
The class answered together.
"Good morning, Ms. Georgia."
And another school day officially began.