Tiger Stepping Stone for Relationships -1-
“What’re you doing...?”
“Huh?”
Rohan and Noah's relationship was ambiguous.
It was hard to call them close. But when they actually talked, it wasn't awkward or distant either.
This was way off from Rohan's expectations.
Same class, and yet I got closer to Ichinose faster than Noah...
Wasn't Noah Frozenheart supposed to be the straightforward, no-nonsense type?
Rohan had figured he'd hit it off with her quickest among the major characters, but reality proved tougher.
The real-world Noah outside Abyss City had stamina for days.
Every break, she'd be darting around the academy, leaving no openings for chit-chat.
“Isn't this Nose's dawn workout partner?”
─ Mrrrowww!
Noah scooped up a cat sprawled on the ground.
She dangled it like a trophy, grinning wide enough to flash her sharp fangs.
Rohan could only let out a dry chuckle at the misleading words.
“...Well, since I work out with Ichinose, it's not wrong.”
“Heading out for your workout with Nose today too? Where'd she go?”
“Ichinose beat me back. It's the weekend, so she left a bit late.”
“Aha!”
Before he could keep the conversation going,
Noah set the cat down on the ground.
Rohan had no clue what that meant, but it must've straightened the little guy out.
“Alright! Scram! Watch for cars from now on, got it?”
─ Meow!
The cats meowed in reply and scampered off somewhere.
Rohan watched the scene, then casually voiced his curiosity.
“How do you talk to cats, anyway?”
“Huh? Wanna learn how?”
“If I could, sure. Always wondered what they say.”
Noah wagged her tail, crossed her arms,
and flicked her round ears like she was shaking off dust before shaking her head.
“Sorry, regular folks can't. Tigers are felines too, technically, so it works for me.”
“Oh... so that's the system.”
“Truth is, it's less 'talking' and more issuing commands? Transmitting intent? Something like that.”
This was new info.
For Rohan, whose head was mostly filled with Abyss City knowledge, it was fresh and intriguing.
“So the cats didn't really understand language and act on it just now?”
“Right.”
Growing bored standing still, maybe?
Noah swung over to the pull-up bar and hung upside down like a bat.
Rohan just rolled with it, standing nearby as he asked,
“How's the theory studying going? You've been grinding lately.”
“Ugh, the second I crack open a book, my head feels like it's splitting. Feels like I'm sinning asking the instructors and Nose so much.”
“Same here.”
Pain twisted openly across Noah's face.
All Rohan could do was empathize.
He wasn't in a position to give advice on theory.
“Gotta treat Nose to something tasty somewhere. Instructors won't budge even if I ask...”
“Repaying her for the study help?”
“Yeah. Know any good spots? Nose is a picky eater—my gut picks always flop.”
Her words carried the weight of hard-earned experience.
Rohan stroked his chin, pondered, then replied.
“First things first: results on the midterms are the real payback.”
“...Huh.”
“You can worry about treats after nailing that. Forget it for now.”
“Hmm?”
The girl, who'd been staring straight ahead, turned her head toward Rohan.
Their eyes met—Noah upside down, her blue irises deep and vivid.
Holding the gaze wordlessly for a beat,
Noah moved.
“Wheee!”
She spun with elastic grace and landed perfectly.
Incredible body control.
“How'd you get close to Nose, anyway?”
“...Out of nowhere?”
“Skip the details—just spill. I'm curious.”
“Nothing epic. Why the sudden interest?”
Noah planted hands on hips and flashed a bright grin.
Watching her, she seemed almost transparent. Clearly reminiscing some past moment.
“Nose never hung out with guys growing up. Even talking, she'd keep it polite and minimal.”
“You two go way back, then?”
“Our folks know each other.”
Rohan asked what he already knew.
The conversation's flow just carried him there.
“So, how'd you two get tight?”
“Like I said, nothing big. We talked swords, faces loosened up.”
“Aha!”
Noah nodded with a quick gasp of realization.
“That explains it?”
“Roughly? You handle blades well. Mana might be low, but you're solid in a fight.”
Was there ever praise this blunt? Raw, unpolished lump of compliment.
But no sarcasm.
Knowing it was sincere, Rohan chuckled his thanks.
“Curiosity satisfied?”
As Rohan straightened his clothes to leave, Noah's eyes went wide.
“Where you going? I'm bored—push me on the swing at least.”
“Bored? Go home and study. I've got studying till work too.”
“You got a part-time job?!”
Noah's blue eyes sparkled like gems with intrigue.
That glint gave Rohan a bad feeling—he'd stepped in it.
Mistake.
Looks like words meant to stoke rivalry had poured fuel elsewhere.
“...Anyway, I'm out? See you Monday.”
Rohan clutched the gift for the shopkeeper and walked off.
Glancing back after leaving the park, Noah stood there with a mischievous grin.
“Why're you following?”
“Not following—paths just overlap. Coincidence.”
“What are you, a kid?”
Rohan laughed in disbelief.
But she fell right in step beside him.
“You’re not walking me all the way to work, right?”
“Embarrassed? Didn't peg you for the type.”
“...You're killing me.”
She even talked like this.
Noah laughed at his reaction, clearly amused.
“Been wanting to check out my friend's job spot! Sounds fun.”
“Won't match where I work. Books hurt your head, remember?”
“Where's that?”
“Bookstore.”
“Manga's fine! Loved it as a kid!”
Rohan halted.
In the alley, he faced her and shook his head.
“Still no.”
“Why! Why not!”
“Owner'd freak if a big shot like Frozenheart showed up at our little shop.”
“They'd think it's a dye job? Barely anyone recognizes me off academy grounds.”
Her challenging gaze left Rohan flustered.
“No, but... it's a straight-up bookstore? Not a manga cafe or rental.”
“I'll buy 'em. Want it? Buy it all.”
“...”
“I skim manga for pics anyway—read fast. Sell dozens, good for the shop.”
A royal from a superpower saying that? No joke.
Hundreds or thousands of volumes? Pocket change to her.
“Still no.”
“Tch...”
Sensing it was futile,
Noah's ears and tail drooped.
Headache incoming.
The real issue from her deflated act: Noah, his favorite character, looked pitiful in his eyes.
“Hoo...”
Rohan sighed long, scratched his head furiously, then decided.
No parent loses to their kid, no gamer skips their fave.
He poked the ear of Noah, who pouted at the ground.
“Fine, I'll ask the owner. But promise one thing.”
“!”
She blinked eagerly, tail wagging furiously.
“No invading the counter. No messing with business.”
“That's two promises!”
“...Don't nitpick.”
“Got it! Won't bother a thing!”
Her wilt was fake, apparently—she perked up instantly.
Rohan rubbed his eyes, feeling played,
and checked his phone.
“Hmm... still plenty till work.”
“Mountain hike? Race to the top—winner takes all!”
Rohan grinned at her excited voice.
Couldn't indulge her every whim.
“Gotta study. Where we going?”
“...!”
“Cafe till work. No study, no bookstore. That's the deal.”
“T-Taking hostages is mean!”
“News to me? I'm a bad guy, y'know.”
As Rohan walked off, implying stay if not studying,
Noah stomped, hesitated, then followed.
Oppa’s shift in 30 minutes...
Clara sat in the bookstore corner, checking the time and steadying her pounding heart.
Shift started in 30, but he'd show soon.
Rohan always prepped around now.
Ding-a-ling!
The door chime rang.
The heavy footsteps alone told her who.
Oppa's here! Uh...?
Footsteps overlapped with another's. A customer?
Clara peeked through the gap toward the entrance.
“Owner, I'm here!”
“Whoaaa! There it is!”
“Keep your promise. Or I'll kick you out.”
“I said I would!”
Rohan appeared.
Entering tight with a stunning beastkin woman.
Clara saw it crystal clear.