The Dragon Awakens Chapter 2 School Days

4 years ago. 

Miyamoto’s Dojo. 

The faint scent of polished wood and incense filled the air of the Miyamoto family dojo, a place of quiet strength and tradition. The wide hall was lit by the soft orange glow of the afternoon sun filtering through paper sliding doors, painting warm stripes across the tatami mats.

At the center of the room, a young girl sat perfectly still in seiza position—back straight, hands resting neatly on her knees, though every part of her wanted to fidget.

Zekka Miyamoto, twelve years old, wore a crisp white gi that felt slightly too stiff and uncomfortable for her liking. A small bead of sweat rolled down her temple, not from heat, but from the tension of sitting motionless for what felt like hours.

Across from her sat her grandmother, the matriarch of the Miyamoto family. Despite her title, she looked nothing like what most would imagine of a grandmother. Her features were youthful and serene, her black hair streaked with only a few strands of silver, tied neatly behind her head. Her posture was perfect, calm yet commanding, her presence alone filling the entire dojo.

Zekka swallowed nervously. Her grandmother’s expression was unreadable, and that worried her. Normally, she was cheerful and gentle, always smiling when Zekka came running home from school. But today… something was different.

Zekka shifted slightly on her knees. ‘Why is Grandma being so serious?’ She thought, glancing toward the door longingly. She wanted to go and see Issei. He had promised to show her a new comic he got earlier that week.

Her grandmother’s voice broke the silence. “Zekka,” She began softly, her tone measured, “how was school today?”

Zekka blinked, caught off guard by the mundane question. “Um… it was fine,” She said quickly, then smiled faintly. “Better than Issei’s, at least. He’s still bad at math.”

Her grandmother’s lips curved into a knowing smile, a quiet chuckle slipping through. “Ah, I see. You’ve been helping him again?”

“Of course! Someone has to keep him from failing!” Zekka said proudly, puffing out her chest a little before remembering where she was and straightening again.

The older woman’s laughter was light, filled with affection. “You always bring up that boy, don’t you?”

Zekka blinked, confused. “Huh? Well… yeah. He’s my best friend!” She said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “We play every day after school. But…” Her expression drooped a little, “I don’t get why you made me come here. Did I do something wrong?”

Her grandmother’s smile softened, her gaze turning thoughtful. “No, Zekka. You didn’t do anything wrong.” She placed her hands in her lap, posture still flawless. “I called you here because there’s something important I need to tell you. Something every Miyamoto must know when they come of age.”

Zekka blinked. “Come of age?”

The woman nodded. “You’ve reached the age where you must begin your training… and learn the way of the Miyamoto sword style.”

Zekka’s eyes widened. “Training? Sword style?”

Her grandmother’s expression was calm but serious. “Yes. Our family’s art of combat has been passed down for generations. It is both a discipline and a duty.”

Zekka’s shoulders slumped. “But… training means less time to play with Issei.”

Her grandmother chuckled softly. “You truly do care about that boy.”

“Well, yeah,” Zekka muttered, fiddling with the hem of her gi. “We always hang out after school. If I start doing this… I won’t be able to see him as much.”

The old woman tilted her head slightly, studying her granddaughter’s pout with fond amusement. “I thought you said you wanted to be a hero, like Issei.”

Zekka perked up. “Of course I do! But…” She frowned, puffing her cheeks. “Heroes don’t spend all their time training—they go out and help people! And I can’t help people if I’m stuck swinging a sword all day!”

Her grandmother smiled knowingly, her dark eyes glinting with an emotion Zekka couldn’t quite place. “Oh, my dear… you’ll come to understand in time.”

“Understand what?” Zekka asked, tilting her head curiously.

Her grandmother leaned forward slightly, her tone dropping to something quieter, almost mysterious. “What if I told you that monsters are real?”

Zekka blinked. For a moment, she wasn’t sure she’d heard correctly. “Monsters?”

The woman nodded, her voice calm but filled with weight. “Creatures born from darkness and hatred. They roam the world unseen by most. Our family’s duty is to protect humanity from them, to fight in the shadows where others cannot.”

Zekka’s jaw dropped slightly. “You mean like… actual monsters? Like in stories?”

“Not stories,” her grandmother said gently. “Reality. The Miyamoto bloodline carries an ancient responsibility. And one day, that duty will fall to you.”

Zekka sat frozen, her heart beating faster. She wasn’t sure if she should be scared or amazed. The way her grandmother spoke—steady, unwavering—made it sound undeniably real.

“I… I don’t understand,” Zekka whispered. “Why me?”

“Because you’re a Miyamoto,” her grandmother said simply. “Because one day, you’ll have to stand between the innocent and the monsters that lurk in the dark.”

The girl’s gaze dropped to her lap. The idea of fighting monsters was terrifying… but somewhere deep inside, she felt a flicker of something else. Excitement.

Still, she frowned. “But… if monsters are real, then… could Issei, train with me.”

Her grandmother chuckled softly, cutting her off. “Your friend will be fine. That boy carries a special destiny and will learn at his own pace. For now, it’s you who must prepare.”

Zekka looked down, chewing her lip. Her mind was racing. ‘Monsters are real… and I’m supposed to fight them?’

The thought both scared and thrilled her. She remembered Issei’s childish grin, the way he used to proclaim he’d be a hero who saved people. Maybe, just maybe, this was her way to do the same.

Her grandmother rose gracefully to her feet, her gi whispering softly as she moved. “Come, Zekka. Stand.”

Zekka scrambled up, straightening awkwardly.

“Your training begins today.”

Zekka hesitated, her thoughts spinning, but then she clenched her fists, determination flickering in her eyes. “Okay, Grandma. I’ll do it.”

The woman smiled proudly. “That’s my girl. The path of the Miyamoto sword style is not an easy one… but it will make you strong. Strong enough to protect the people you love.”

At that, Zekka’s heart skipped. ‘The people I love…’ She thought of Issei again, laughing, smiling, dreaming about being a hero.

If he wanted to save the world, then she must become strong enough to protect him.

—-----------------------------

1 year ago, March

The Hyoudou residence buzzed with laughter, warmth, and the mouthwatering scent of Miki Hyoudou’s cooking. The small living room was lively and bright, the dining table almost overflowing with plates of food, steaming bowls of curry, grilled fish, croquettes, and even a special cake that Miki had baked just for the occasion.

Tonight was a celebration.

Fifteen-year-old Issei Hyoudou sat grinning from ear to ear, proudly wearing his new school uniform jacket over a casual shirt. He looked like the very definition of “accomplished,” at least in his own mind, and his cheerful energy filled the room like sunshine.

Beside him sat Zekka Miyamoto with her long dark-pink hair tied back into a neat ponytail. Her posture was perfect, her smile polite… and yet, her eyes betrayed something else entirely.

Across from them, Gorou and Miki Hyoudou beamed proudly, while Grandmother Miyamoto, serene and youthful as ever despite her age, sipped her tea.

“Congratulations, Issei!” Miki said, clapping her hands together. “You worked so hard for this. I’m so proud of you.”

“Yeah, son,” Gorou added, grinning. “You actually managed to focus long enough to study! Didn’t think I’d live to see the day.”

“Hey!” Issei protested with mock indignation. “I can be serious when I want to!”

Zekka muttered under her breath, “That’ll be the day…”

Her grandmother chuckled softly, hiding her smile behind her teacup.

Issei blinked at her, confused. “What was that, Zekka?”

“Nothing,” She said quickly, stabbing a piece of karaage with her chopsticks a little too forcefully.

Miki leaned forward, her tone teasing. “Oh come now, Zekka-chan, you should be happy for him! He worked so hard to get into that fancy new school.”

“I am happy for him,” Zekka replied, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Totally. So happy.”

Her grandmother arched a brow. “You don’t sound very happy.”

Zekka looked down at her food, her fingers tightening slightly around her chopsticks. “It’s just…” she began, her voice small, “we won’t be going to the same school anymore. And Kouh’s an all-girls school that’s just turned co-ed, right? So he’s going to be surrounded by…” She trailed off, her expression twisting. “...other girls.”

Issei, blissfully unaware of the weight behind her words, grinned proudly. “Yup! Isn’t that amazing?”

Zekka’s head snapped toward him, eyes narrowing dangerously. “Amazing, huh?”

He blinked, completely missing her tone. “Well yeah! I mean, think about it—Kouh Academy! The best school in the area! And now that they’re letting guys in, I’ll be one of the first! I’ll be making history!”

Gorou laughed loudly, nearly choking on his beer. “Making history, huh? That’s one way to put it.”

Miki elbowed him lightly. “Oh, let him dream. I think it’s wonderful.” She smiled warmly at Issei. “You worked hard for this, sweetie. You deserve to be proud.”

“Thanks, Mom!” Issei said, his grin returning full force. “Besides, it’s not just about the girls—I mean, sure, that’s a big part of it, but it's also a good school!”

Zekka’s eye twitched. “Big part of it?”

Her grandmother chuckled softly again. “Boys will be boys, I suppose.”

The older couple shared amused looks, whispering to each other behind their hands. Miki’s tone was light, but her smile was knowing. “Looks like someone’s not too thrilled about all this.”

Gorou smirked. “Yeah, I noticed too. Poor girl’s got it bad, doesn’t she?”

“Mm,” Miki agreed, nodding. “And as always our son hasn’t noticed a thing.”

Across the table, Issei was busy bragging about how he’d been one of only ten boys accepted this term, completely missing Zekka’s growing irritation.

Her grandmother turned her gaze toward her granddaughter, her voice quiet but affectionate. “You know, Zekka, you can always visit after school. It’s not like he’s leaving forever.”

Zekka looked down, pushing her food around. “Yeah… I guess so.” She didn’t want to admit it, but the thought of him surrounded by other girls, beautiful, confident, elegant—made her chest ache in a way she couldn’t quite explain.

She remembered the boy who always fell asleep while sleeping, drooling on his notebook, and the same one who’d comforted her when she hated her growing body. The idea that other girls might start seeing what she saw, his clumsy honest kindness, his goofy smile, that unshakable warmth, made her stomach twist.

“Hey, Zekka,” Issei said suddenly, grinning at her from across the table. “Don’t worry, okay? I’ll still hang out with you after school and stuff. It’s not like I’m moving to another country or anything. Besides, it's only a year. I’m sure that next year you will join and we’ll be together again.” 

Her head jerked up, startled. He was smiling at her, genuinely, the same way he always had—bright, open, completely unaware that he’d just soothed the very insecurity she’d been trying to hide.

She blinked, caught between embarrassment and relief, her cheeks flushing. “I—I wasn’t worried or anything,” she stammered quickly. “Who cares what you do?”

He laughed. “You’re so weird sometimes, Zekka.”

She glared at him, though her face was still red. “You’re the weird one!”

The parents all laughed quietly at the exchange, the adults exchanging knowing glances as they watched the two teens bicker.

As the night wore on, laughter filled the room once again. Issei’s parents toasted his success, Grandmother Miyamoto told stories of her own youth, and for a while, everything felt perfect.

But as Zekka glanced at Issei across the table, watching him laugh with his parents, that familiar ache returned—soft, bittersweet, and impossible to ignore. She smiled faintly, her heart whispering what her voice still couldn’t say aloud. ‘Please don’t forget about me…’

—------------------------

1 year ago, 6th of April

Kouh Academy

The bright spring sunlight poured through the tall windows of Kouh Academy’s pristine classroom, the soft scent of new books and freshly polished floors mingling with the hum of excitement that filled the air.

The school had only just turned co-ed that year, and for the first time in its history, boys now sat among the rows of desks that once belonged solely to girls. In the room of Class 1-B was buzzing full of nervous laughter, whispers, and the shuffle of uniforms as students took turns standing at the front to introduce themselves.

It was a new beginning. A new chapter.

And sitting somewhere in the back row, wearing the freshly pressed male uniform with his usual brown hair as messy as ever, Issei Hyoudou could barely contain his excitement.

His eyes darted around the room, practically sparkling as he took in the sight of his new classmates, most of them girls. It was like a dream come true. His heart raced, not from nerves, but from sheer giddy disbelief. ‘So many girls… all in one room… this must be heaven!’

The introductions went on one by one.

One girl and then another stepped up, both confident, with neatly tied hair and calm, athletic postures.

“I’m Katase,” Said one with pink hair, bowing slightly. “I’m part of the kendo club back in middle school, and I plan to join it here too!”

“I’m Murayama,” Said another girl with brown hair in twintails after the other, smiling brightly. “I’m also interested in joining too.”

Their confidence and discipline caught the attention of the class—especially the boys, who watched with a mix of admiration and intimidation.

Then came a girl with messy brown hair tied into twin braids, resting lazily on her shoulders. Her sharp eyes sparkled with mischief even before she opened her mouth.

“I’m Aika Kiryuu,” she said with a grin. “I like perverted jokes, and seeing people squirm. Nice to meet ya.”

The room burst into nervous laughter, a few students whispering among themselves.

Then two boys introduced themselves—Motohama and Matsuda, one wearing glasses and another with a shaved head.

“I’m Motohama,” Said one, pushing up his glasses. “I’m pretty good at my studies.”

“...Matsuda,” Said the boy with a shaved head. “Former member of the track and field club. But now interested in joining the photography club.”

Then a girl with shoulder-length red hair, tied in a side ponytail with a yellow ribbon, stood next. Her orange eyes gleamed with liveliness, a cowlick bouncing on her head as she smiled confidently.

“I’m Gudako Fujimaru! I just transferred here from Chiba. I’m… uh, kind of into adventure stuff? It’s nice to meet everyone.” Her casual tone earned a few chuckles, and her friendliness quickly softened the atmosphere.

Issei, however, wasn’t really listening anymore. His turn was next and his heart was pounding like a drum.

He stood up when the teacher called his name, adjusting his uniform jacket, and strode to the front of the class with all the confidence of a man walking onto a stage.

The classroom quieted.

For a brief second, he considered giving a normal introduction. Something polite. Something respectable.

But then he remembered his vow—the promise to live as his true self, no matter what. So with a bright, fearless grin, Issei Hyoudou took a deep breath and declared proudly, “Hi everyone! I’m Issei Hyoudou!”

A few polite nods. The teacher smiled encouragingly.

“And I love…” He paused dramatically, letting the silence hang. “…big oppai!”

The class froze.

Aika’s eyebrows shot up. Murayama’s jaw dropped. A chorus of gasps spread through the room.

“And one day…” Issei continued, puffing his chest out, his grin unwavering, “…I’ll become Harem King!”

Silence.

Then—

“EHHHHHHH!?”

Half the class stared at him like he’d just announced he was from another planet. Several girls looked horrified, whispering to each other with disgust.

“What kind of guy says that out loud!?” One muttered.

“This school was better before it went co-ed…” Another sighed.

A few boys, however, looked at Issei with dawning awe.

Motohama’s glasses gleamed. “Such bravery…!”

Matsuda clenched his fists in reverence. “He said it… he actually said it…!”

The two were completely stunned in disbelief and awe at how honest he was. Was this a brother?

Meanwhile, Aika Kiryuu leaned forward on her desk, resting her chin on her palm. Her lips curled into a mischievous smile. “Well, well… he’s bold, I’ll give him that. Honest, too. I like honest perverts.”

Next to her, Gudako blinked in disbelief before a small laugh escaped her. “He’s… something else,” she murmured, shaking her head. “Totally reckless… but kind of admirable?”

Issei looked around the silent, stunned class, his grin unwavering, his heart hammering in his chest—not from shame, but pride. He had done it. He’d been true to himself from day one.

The teacher pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed deeply. “…Please take your seat, Hyoudou-kun. Let’s… move on.”

As Issei walked back to his desk, several girls subtly leaned away from him, while the boys gave him looks of either horror or deep respect.

Motohama and Matsuda immediately leaned in from the next row, whispering in awe.

“Hyoudou.” Motohama said reverently, “that was the most glorious self-introduction ever.”

“Yeah,” Matsuda agreed, eyes shining. “You’re the messiah of men everywhere!”

Issei grinned proudly. “Heh. Just being honest, that’s all. A man’s gotta follow his dreams, right?”

From the corner of the classroom, Aika stifled a laugh, watching the scene unfold with amusement. “Oh, this is going to be fun.”

And sitting near the window, Gudako smiled faintly to herself, resting her chin on her hand as she gazed at the sunlight filtering through the glass. “This school’s gonna be interesting,” She said under her breath.

And with that, the first day of Kouh Academy’s new era began with one boy already making sure nobody would ever forget his name. And by the end of that day, Issei Hyoudou had already earned a reputation.

The once-prestigious halls of the academy now carried whispers of “that shameless pervert” echoing through them. But if anyone thought embarrassment or social exile would stop him, they didn’t know Issei.

—------------------------------------------------

The sun had barely set when three boys could be seen loitering near the school gates, laughing like old comrades-in-arms after surviving a glorious battle.

“Man, that was amazing!” Matsuda roared, clapping Issei on the shoulder. “You actually said it! Right there in front of everyone!”

Motohama pushed up his glasses, the lenses flashing dramatically. “You didn’t just say it. You declared it. Loud. Proud. Unafraid. You have truly transcended shame itself.”

Issei rubbed the back of his head, grinning sheepishly. “Well, yeah… might as well be honest, right? I mean, what’s the point of pretending?”

“That’s it!” Matsuda shouted, pointing skyward. “Hey lets become friends!”

A dramatic pause followed, before Issei nodded solemnly. “The holy brotherhood of men who walk the path of honesty and curves…”

Motohama whispered reverently, “Our legend begins now.”

They all burst into laughter, not realizing that their “legend” would soon spread across the entire school—for all the wrong reasons.

—----------------------------------

The Next Day

By the next morning, their new reputations had spread across the school like wildfire. Whispers trailed behind them wherever they went. Girls huddled near lockers, eyes flicking toward them with open disdain. Some giggled mockingly behind their hands, while others crossed their arms and walked briskly away, muttering as they passed.

“There they are,” One girl whispered to her friend, the words dripping with judgment. “The perverts.”

“Ugh, gross,” Another said, tugging her friend toward the stairs. “Why did the school even let guys like that in?”

To the female population of Kouh Academy, the Perverted Trio had already become infamous. Their names were whispered like a warning label: Avoid at all costs.But none of that mattered to them.

The three walked proudly down the hallway, shoulders squared, heads high. Their confidence was almost comical given the daggers being thrown their way from every direction.

“Let them talk,” Issei said, grinning as he puffed out his chest. “Every hero faces rejection before glory!”

Motohama adjusted his glasses with an unimpressed sigh. “You mean before a restraining order.”

Matsuda groaned dramatically, running a hand through his buzzed hair. “This school just doesn’t understand men of culture…”

Issei turned to them with mock seriousness. “No, brothers. We are misunderstood pioneers, explorers of the feminine divine!”

“The feminine divine?” Motohama deadpanned. “You mean boobs.”

“Exactly!” Issei declared proudly, earning a few horrified looks from nearby students.

“Can you not say that so loudly!?” Matsuda hissed, gripping his friend’s sleeve. “You’re gonna get us kicked out before lunch!”

Issei blinked. “What? I’m just being honest!”

Motohama rubbed his temple. “You were honest yesterday too, and now half the school looks at us like we’re radioactive.”

“Better infamous than forgotten!” Issei replied confidently.

Matsuda sighed, muttering, “We’re not famous, we’re infamous. There’s a difference, dude.”

—------------------------------------------

As they rounded the corner, the trio slowed down when they spotted a familiar face leaning casually against the window.

Aika Kiryuu, with her twin braids framing her sly grin, was watching them with the gleam of a cat about to pounce on its prey. 

“Yo, perv squad!” The voice came from Aika Kiryuu, leaning casually against a window with her usual teasing grin. Her twin braids swung lightly as she tilted her head, eyes glinting with amusement.

“Oh no…” Matsuda groaned. “It’s her again.”

Motohama whispered, “Quick, maybe if we don’t make eye contact—”

“Hi, Aika!” Issei said cheerfully, ruining any chance of escape.

“Good afternoon, gentlemen,” Aika said sweetly, though her tone dripped with mockery. “So, how many girlfriends have you not gotten today?”

Issei frowned. “Hey, that’s not fair! It’s only the second day!”

“Exactly,” Aika said with a smirk. “You’ve had a whole day and not one girl’s fallen for your charm? Shocking.”

Motohama crossed his arms. “We’re men of patience and passion.”

Aika chuckled, resting a hand on her hip. “You guys are hopeless. No girlfriends, no tact, no shame…” Her smile turned wicked. “Virgins to the core, huh?”

Matsuda’s jaw dropped. “That’s just cruel!”

“Uncalled for!” Motohama barked.

Issei just slumped, defeated. “Ouch… that one actually hurt.”

Aika giggled behind her hand. “Don’t worry, I’m sure someone will find you charming one day. Maybe. Possibly. If they have really bad eyesight.”

Issei groaned, covering his face. “Aika, can’t you go bully someone else?”

“Why would I?” She replied, laughing. “Watching you guys flail is the best entertainment I’ve had all week.”

Before any of them could retort, she waved and sauntered off, humming a teasing tune under her breath.

“...She’s evil,” Matsuda muttered.

Issei sighed. “She’s worse than a mid-boss in an RPG. Man, girls are terrifying…”

“Yeah,” Matsuda said. “And you wanna make a harem out of them?”

“Of course!” Issei declared, instantly perking up. “That’s the challenge! The thrill! The journey of a true man!”

Motohama groaned again. “You’re not a man. You’re a hormonal disaster.”

—-----------------------------------------------

Unlike most of the girls in their class, Gudako Fujimaru didn’t seem the least bit repelled by Issei Hyoudou’s attitude and reputation. If anything… she looked curious. Intrigued, even. Where others saw a hopeless pervert, Gudako saw something else, a boy who wore his heart and his impulses so blatantly on his sleeve that it was almost admirable.

It began innocently enough. A question here, a short comment there.

At first, it was just passing conversation after class, little exchanges that started with, “Hey, Hyoudou, what was that reference you made earlier?” or “You actually read that manga too?”

But slowly, quietly, those moments turned into something more consistent. Before anyone realized it, Gudako and Issei were talking every day. They often walked home together after school. The air would be filled with the hum of cicadas, the distant chatter of other students, and the occasional breeze carrying the scent of spring flowers.

Sometimes they’d talk about mundane things: favorite foods, anime episodes, video games, and how Motohama and Matsuda had once again embarrassed themselves trying to talk to girls.

Other times, their conversations drifted into stranger topics—questions that only teenagers seemed to come up with.

“Do you think dragons could ever fall in love with humans?” Issei once asked, kicking a loose pebble along the path.

Gudako snorted. “Only if they’re into heartbreak.”

“Hey! What’s that supposed to mean!?”

“Come on,” she said, grinning as she walked backward ahead of him. “You really think a dragon would settle for someone as dumb as a human?”

“Hey! I’m human!”

“Exactly,” she said teasingly.

Issei sighed, hands behind his head, but he couldn’t help smiling. He liked how easy it was to talk to her. Gudako wasn’t scared of him like the other girls were. She didn’t flinch at his honesty, didn’t judge his words. She just… laughed. And Issei found himself enjoying that sound more than he expected.

—--------------------------------

One afternoon, the sun hung low, bathing the streets in a gentle orange glow. The two of them walked side by side down the street. 

Gudako adjusted the strap of her bag and glanced at him, her bright orange eyes catching the light. “You know,” she began casually, “you’re not like what everyone says.”

Issei turned his head, blinking. “Huh? What do you mean?”

She smiled, a little amused by his confusion. “You’re not just a pervert.”

He tilted his head. “Uh… I’m not?”

“Nope,” she said, her tone light but sincere. “You’re… passionate. You care about things in your own weird way.”

Issei blinked, surprised by the unexpected honesty. He wasn’t used to hearing that. Most people just called him gross or hopeless. “Uh… thanks?” He said awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck.

Gudako laughed, the sound bright and carefree. “Don’t thank me yet,” she teased. “You’re still a total dork.”

He laughed too, the tension melting instantly. “Yeah, well, I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“Good,” she said, smiling wider. “It was.”

—----------------------

From that day on, it became a familiar sight: Gudako and Issei talking in the hallway between classes, laughing together during lunch, or walking home side by side while the other students whispered behind their backs.

Sometimes she’d drag him into conversations he didn’t expect, like debating which anime protagonist was the biggest idiot, or which video game boss fight was secretly unfair.

Other times, she’d just listen as he ranted enthusiastically about his other dream of one day becoming a hero… or, as he always tacked on with a grin, “a Harem King hero!”

Gudako would roll her eyes every time, but there was always that little smile tugging at her lips.

“You know,” She’d say one day, resting her chin on her palm as she watched him laugh, “you’re dangerously close to being likable.”

“Dangerously?” he repeated, raising an eyebrow.

“Yeah,” she said with mock seriousness. “If you keep this up, people might start thinking you’re not a complete disaster.”

“Too late,” Issei said proudly. “I already am a complete disaster.”

Gudako chuckled, shaking her head. “At least you own it.”

—-------------------------------------

But not everyone found their growing friendship as endearing.

Whispers started floating through the class again, though this time not about Issei’s perversion—but about the strange girl who seemed immune to it.

“Why is Fujimaru always hanging out with that creep?” one girl whispered.

“She’s weird,” another replied. “Maybe she likes him?”

Gudako ignored them. She’d dealt with rumors before; they didn’t bother her. If anything, it just made her want to tease Issei more—because, somehow, he never seemed to notice any of it.

To him, she was just a friend—a fun, easygoing person who didn’t make him feel like a freak.

And that alone was enough to make her keep walking beside him every day.

—------------------------------------

“Okay, seriously,” Matsuda whispered one day, glaring across the classroom. “What’s going on with you and Fujimaru?”

“Yeah,” Motohama added, his glasses glinting suspiciously. “You two are spending a lot of time together. Did you unlock some secret route or what?”

Issei blinked, confused. “Secret route? Dude, we’re just friends.”

Both of his friends stared at him blankly.

“...You’re hopeless,” Matsuda muttered.

Motohama sighed dramatically. “He’s got plot armor against romance.”

“I don’t get it,” Issei said honestly. “We just talk. She’s cool. She actually listens to me.”

“That’s exactly why it’s suspicious!” Matsuda hissed. “Girls don’t just listen to perverts!”

“Maybe she’s planning to reform me?” Issei offered.

“Or she’s secretly into you,” Motohama said flatly.

Issei froze, processing that for a moment before shaking his head wildly. “No way! She’s just being nice!”

The two boys exchanged long-suffering sighs.

“He’s immune,” Matsuda said.

“Terminally dense,” Motohama confirmed.

Meanwhile, across the room, Gudako caught Issei’s eye and waved. He waved back cheerfully, completely unaware of the jealous glares his friends were sending her way.

—------------------------

Saturday

Hyoudou Residence

The sound of rapid button presses and electronic explosions filled the cozy Hyoudou living room. The evening sun cast an amber glow through the window, washing over the messy carpet where Issei Hyoudou and Zekka Miyamoto sat side by side in front of the television.

The smell of curry still lingered faintly from dinner, and the occasional laugh or groan from their game filled the air with familiarity. It was like old times—two best friends, sitting cross-legged on the floor, arguing over a controller.

“Take that!” Issei shouted triumphantly as his on-screen fighter delivered a finishing blow. “Ha! You can’t beat the Red Dragon Knight!”

Zekka gritted her teeth, gripping her controller. “You’re cheating! That combo shouldn’t even be legal!”

“It’s not cheating, it’s skill!”

“Skill my butt! You literally button-mashed!”

Issei laughed so hard he nearly dropped his controller. “That’s part of my secret technique!”

Zekka sighed dramatically, tossing her head back but smiling despite herself. “You’re impossible, Issei.”

He grinned, scratching his cheek. “Heh. You’ve been saying that for years now.”

For a moment, the room was filled only with the sound of the game music and their laughter. It felt like nothing had changed—like they were still those carefree kids from years ago, before high school had come and reshaped their world.

But then Issei leaned back against the couch, stretching his arms. “Man, Kouh’s been awesome so far. You should see it, Zekka! It’s like a dream.”

Her controller lowered slightly. “Really?” she asked softly.

“Yeah!” He said brightly. “Beatiful girls as far as the eye can see! I’ve even made some great friends too.”

Zekka blinked. That warm little smile she’d been wearing faltered. “Friends…?”

“Yeah!” Issei continued, oblivious to her change in tone. “There’s Matsuda and Motohama—those guys get me, y’know? We’re like brothers! We all appreciate the finer things in life.”

Zekka blinked. “The… finer things?”

He grinned sheepishly. “You know… boobs, asses and legs.”

Her palm met her forehead immediately. “You’re such an idiot.”

“What?!” He said defensively, laughing. “At least I’m honest! Anyway, the three of us are like a legend now, the Perverted Trio! We’re famous!”

“You mean infamous,” She muttered, shaking her head. “I can’t believe you’re proud of that.”

He chuckled, unbothered. “Eh, the girls hate us, sure—but it’s not all bad.”

Zekka smirked, amused despite herself. “So the girls hate you? Serves you right.”

“Hey, hey! Don’t celebrate my suffering!”

“Sorry,” She said with mock innocence, then giggled. “No, really, it's kind of funny.” Her laughter filled the room, light and familiar. For a moment, she forgot the ache that had been growing in her chest lately. The loneliness she’d felt ever since he went off to Kouh, leaving her behind at their old school, suddenly didn’t seem so heavy.

But then, as Issei leaned forward again, he added, “Oh! But not everyone hates me, actually.”

Zekka’s laughter faded. “…What do you mean?”

“There’s this one girl,” Issei said casually, eyes fixed on the TV screen as he navigated the game menu. “Her name’s Gudako Fujimaru.”

Zekka froze. “Gudako?” She repeated, her voice soft.

“Yeah!” Issei said, oblivious to the shift in her tone. “She’s awesome. She’s kinda weird, but funny, and she doesn’t judge me like the other girls do. We talk about games and anime and stuff. Honestly, she’s really easy to talk to.”

Zekka’s hands tightened around her controller. “Oh… really.”

“Yeah, and sometimes after school, when I’m not hanging out with Matsuda or Motohama, I’ll just chill with her. We grab snacks or walking together from school to home. It’s fun, y’know?”

Her chest tightened.

He kept going, unaware of the storm building beside him. “And get this—she actually listens to me talk about my dream of being a Harem King! Most girls just roll their eyes, but she just laughs, like she actually gets it! Can you believe that?”

“Wow,” Zekka said, forcing a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Sounds like you really like her.”

Issei blinked, looking at her in confusion. “Huh? Like her? I guess I do but we're just friends.”

“Are you sure...just friends?” She echoed quietly, her fingers tightening on the controller until her knuckles turned pale.

He laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. “I mean, c’mon, it’s not like that. She’s just cool to hang out with, y’know? You’d like her, I think.”

Zekka didn’t answer. She stared at the game menu on the screen, but her mind wasn’t there. Her stomach twisted with something unfamiliar—something sharp and heavy.

‘Why am I just finding out about her now?’ She thought, her throat tightening. ‘He’s been spending all this time with her, and he didn’t even mention her until today?’

She tried to focus on the game, but the cheerful music only made the silence in her chest louder.

Issei, completely oblivious, picked up his controller again. “Come on, let’s do another round! Best out of five!”

Zekka smiled stiffly, her eyes still glued to the screen. “Sure. Best out of five.”

He grinned. “That’s the spirit! But don’t cry when I win again!”

She let out a soft laugh that didn’t sound like her usual one. “You wish.”

But as they played, her thoughts kept circling back to that girl, Gudako Fujimaru and the way Issei had said her name so easily, so comfortably, like someone he saw every day.

Zekka’s hands trembled slightly as she pressed the buttons. ‘Am I being replaced?’ She questioned. 

The glow of the screen flickered softly over the living room walls as the game was forgotten as silence settled between them. Zekka’s fingers fidgeted around the controller in her lap, her eyes focused on nothing in particular. The faint hum of the console filled the space where laughter used to be.

Issei tilted his head, noticing the shift in her energy. “Hey,” He said, leaning a little closer, “what’s wrong?”

“Huh?” Zekka blinked, startled, forcing a small smile. “Nothing, I’m fine.”

He frowned. “Don’t lie.”

Her head snapped toward him, surprised by the firmness in his tone. He wasn’t smiling this time. “If something’s bothering you, just say it,” He continued gently. “You know I hate it when you get sad.”

Zekka looked down, her bangs casting a shadow over her eyes. She didn’t want to talk about it. It felt childish, selfish even. How could she tell him she was upset because he was making new friends? That she felt replaced by a girl she’d never met?

But the longer she stayed quiet, the more Issei’s expression softened with concern. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “C’mon, Zekka. You’re not good at lying. If you were, I wouldn’t have caught you sneaking snacks before dinner back in six grade.”

She let out a small laugh despite herself. “That was one time.”

He smiled faintly. “See? There’s that laugh. Now tell me what’s wrong before I start doing embarrassing impressions of you again.”

That made her laugh a little harder—but it also made the ache in her chest worse.

Finally, she sighed, the words slipping out before she could stop them. “It’s just… hearing you talk about Kouh and all your new friends… it made me realize something.”

He tilted his head. “What’s that?”

“That maybe…” She hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. “Maybe you don’t need me anymore.”

The words hung in the air like a confession, quiet but heavy.

Issei blinked, stunned. “What?”

She stared at her hands. “You’ve got Matsuda, Motohama, Gudako… You have fun, you laugh, you don’t seem lonely. And I’m still here, doing the same thing every day. I haven’t made any new friends. It’s like the more you move forward, the more I’m stuck behind. And…” Her throat tightened. “It feels like I’m being replaced.”

For a long moment, Issei didn’t say anything. The hum of the console filled the silence, and Zekka regretted saying anything at all. She wanted to take it back, to laugh it off like it didn’t matter. But before she could, she felt something warm and solid envelop her.

Issei had moved closer, pulling her into a sudden, tight hug.

Her eyes widened as her face pressed against his chest, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat filling her ears.

“Zekka,” He said softly, one hand resting on the back of her head. “That’s crazy talk.”

She froze, her fingers gripping the fabric of his shirt.

He smiled down at her, his voice quiet but full of warmth. “You’re special to me, you know that? You’re not just my childhood friend—you’re my best friend. You’ve always been there, even when no one else was. That’s not something you can replace and nobody can replace you.”

She didn’t say anything. She couldn’t. The lump in her throat made it impossible to speak.

He chuckled softly, his tone playful again. “Besides, who else would yell at me for button-mashing or saving over your game data?”

That earned a small laugh from her, muffled against his chest.

“See?” he said, ruffling her hair affectionately. “That’s better. Don’t go thinking stuff like that. I’m not going anywhere, okay? Nothing’s gonna separate us. We’ll always be together.”

Her voice trembled slightly as she whispered, “You promise?”

He pulled back just enough to look her in the eyes. The warmth in his smile made her heart flutter and ache all at once.

“Of course I do,” he said without hesitation. “And you know me—I always keep my promises.”

Zekka stared at him for a moment longer, memorizing his face in that golden glow—the boy who could be an idiot, a dreamer, a pervert… but also the person who always made her feel like she mattered.

She smiled softly, her voice barely a whisper. “Yeah… you do.”

As he grinned and released her, she glanced away, cheeks flushed, her heart racing faster than she could calm it. ‘He’ll always keep his promises,’ She thought.

Outside, the evening sky deepened into crimson, the last rays of sunlight spilling across the room.

Finally done. Tell me what you think and if I made any mistakes. This commission was brought to you by DillianFanfic. So be sure to thank him.