Chapter 20
Chapter 20
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 20
Chapter Title: I Hate Clubs (1)
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Зиииинг-
A piercing vibration rattled through my head. I figured it was just for a second and tried to ignore it to get back to sleep, but for some reason, it kept going without stopping.
What the hell is this noise?
Grumbling, I groped around on the floor until my hand closed around something hard.
Уууунг-
The cold, chilling touch of metal hit me, and it only took a moment to realize it was my smartwatch. Why the hell is someone calling at this ungodly hour? Just as that thought crossed my mind, an urgent voice blasted into my ear.
-Aisha!
Frey's voice sounded like something terrible had happened. I cleared my throat a few times, figuring there must be an issue, when she hit me with something shocking.
-You're late! No way you're still sleeping, right?
"...What?"
Late? But the house was still so dark... That's when I noticed the curtains I'd drawn over the window. I'd closed them last night because even the moonlight felt too bright, blocking out the sunlight and leaving the place pitch black. A chill shot down my spine, and something heavy thudded in my chest.
I stiffly turned my head to check the clock, and it was already pointing at 9 a.m.
"....Ah."
I'm screwed.
Шуууаааа-
To top it all off, the moment I opened the door, rain was pouring down. Normally, I'd just use my ability and sprint there, but on rainy days like this, it could get slippery, so I was reluctant to risk it.
"Ugh.... I hate the rain."
No choice but to pop open my umbrella and walk. I didn't want to get soaked, but there was something poetic about watching the rain fall, so taking it slow seemed nice. Rushing now or not, I was late either way.
Тук-
Magnolia petals were falling one by one, battered by the rain. The ones stained brown were dropping away, replaced by fresh green leaves signaling that summer was on its way. Once this rain let up, it'd probably get a lot hotter.
Raindrops bounced off my umbrella and splashed into puddles on the ground, sending ripples across the surface. I stared blankly at them fading away, catching a glimpse of my reflection. It doesn't faze me anymore.
My first season as a girl brought a subtle feeling, but honestly, maybe it was for the best.
If I'd kept rejecting this body, it would've been a real hassle. Now I was a girl—thoughts that would've horrified my old self. I hopped over the puddle, counting them one by one—one, twooo!—and it felt like being a kid again, tugging the corners of my mouth up.
Come to think of it, I'm still just a kid, aren't I?
Seventeen years old. Treating my childlike whims as normal, I kept hopping puddles for a bit, until the sound of someone running up behind me—татадаk!—broke the spell. The street was quiet, no commuters or students around. Scowling at the ruined mood, I turned to see a figure running from afar.
"...Who’s that?"
No umbrella, just shielding their head with their hands. I watched for a second, then noticed the white hair and thought of someone.
No way.
What are the odds? I shook my head to dismiss the silly thought and started walking again. Zenon—his name brought yesterday back: meeting Hera Carmen, fighting villains, facing plot twists I didn't know about.
"Hoo."
Why did the walk home feel endless? Just an hour by subway, but it dragged like a lifetime. I'd pushed my ability to the limit, tensed up fighting ten villains—yeah, that explained the exhaustion.
Probably why I overslept. When you're that wiped, you sleep like the dead and miss alarms. If I explained to the professor, she'd cut me some slack, right? The villain attack was big news, and I'd seen a few messages from Professor Veronica on my watch earlier.
That eased my mind. Heart dropped when I realized I was late, but thinking it over, it was inevitable. Fight like that and not be tired? You'd have to be a machine.
"...I don't wanna go to school."
The words slipped out. Even with sleep, rushing to get ready after the call left me drained. Could I even focus in class? I just wanted a day off. Lost in thought, I sensed someone approaching.
"Aisha."
A familiar voice, tinged with fatigue. I glanced over to see Zenon, soaked to the bone, scratching his head beside me.
"...Uh, mind if I share the umbrella?"
"Haa..."
So that was you running up. No umbrella? Part of me wanted to ignore him, but he looked like a drowned rat—white hair making him seem even more pitiful—so I handed it over.
"Here, you hold it."
"Thanks. You late too?"
"...Yeah, woke up to Frey's call."
"Figures. You looked wiped yesterday."
Couldn't even walk straight, he added, tilting the umbrella over me. A little space between us, umbrella fully covering me. I glanced at him—his shoulder fully exposed and soaked.
"Hey, your shoulder."
"Huh? Oh, it's fine. As long as my head's dry."
He smiled faintly, insisting it was okay, but it bugged me. I went out of my way to share, and now he's drenched. I eyed the gap between us—just enough for two under this umbrella. Mine was a bit big, so if we scooted closer, neither would get wet.
Hmm.
I rolled my eyes, debating, then casually sidled up to him.
"...Aisha?"
"Your shoulder's wet. Just... stay."
Plus, I felt bad. Those rooftop words still nagged at me. It was resolved now, and he said he was fine, but I couldn't shake it. Watching him mope for days hadn't sat right.
I didn't want to be the heroine, but a friend... that should be okay. He wouldn't confess anytime soon anyway. With Hera stirring things up, he'd be busy there. The plot had diverged so much; no time for romance.
This much should be fine.
"....You good?"
Zenon asked cautiously. I looked up to answer, but seeing his face, I should be asking. Face that red from a little closeness? Guy's got zero immunity to girls.
Well, canon him was like that, so I'd cut him slack.
"Better than getting soaked. Can't have you dripping after I shared."
"Uh, haa. Fine, if you say so."
Resigned, he swept a hand over his face and started asking about yesterday: injuries okay? Got home safe? Hera say anything? I answered until I got tired and clamped my mouth shut; he scratched his head awkwardly and went quiet.
"....I won't sleep in anymore."
"What?"
"Just... won't sleep in class from now on."
What wind blew this? Staring blankly in surprise, he averted his eyes.
"...Gonna be fighting villains more. You and Hera getting tangled... kinda my fault. Gotta try harder. Avoid suspension."
"Well... good for you."
It still felt off. Now that he was sticking around the academy, sure he'd hustle, but it sounded like he was staying for me. My eyes narrowed slightly.
"Gate's in sight."
I looked up at his words, and there it was, the academy gate. Around 10:10-ish. Properly late. Ever been this late since enrolling? Frey had been texting nonstop earlier.
No slip-ups since starting, so a month in, this tardiness must worry her. A twinge of guilt, but I casually waved at the guard in the gatehouse.
"...You greet him every time?"
"Yeah, guy's working hard."
"I worked hard holding the umbrella."
"...And?"
"Just saying."
He muttered, then chuckled and lowered the umbrella. Startled, I shielded my head, but saw him staring like I was nuts and realized.
Rain had stopped. Puddles the only trace of the downpour; sun peeking through white clouds. Just a shower, huh.
Anyway, time for class. A slight unease prickled as Zenon and I headed to the classroom.
"Aisha! I was worried sick!"
"No need. Just overslept a bit."
Frey was more energetic than ever. Her head tentacles wriggling nonstop—cute, but her boundless energy had me totally at her mercy. Maybe the rain? Fitting her snail ability, down to the quirks.
"You never oversleep! Tough practical exam yesterday? Run into villains?"
Шуик- шуик-
She grabbed my shoulders like a puppet and shook wildly with surprising strength. Dizzy, I grabbed her sticky arm.
"Agh—Frey, dizzy. Stop."
"Your fault for worrying me."
Answering the villain bit was tricky. Hasn't seen the news? Better she stays clueless; she worries too much.
Clinging like this over one tardy proved it.
"Eh... just some errands and chores. Nothing special. You too, right?"
"Yeah! Helped find a lost kid, caught a pickpocket. Nothing big."
"Pickpocket? Tell me more."
Curious about that, I listened—then Zenon tapped my shoulder.
"Aisha, professor wants you."
"Whoa, Zenon, you okay now? Thought you were dying."
"Ah... yeah, I'm good. Thanks for worrying, Frey."
Zenon struggled with her energy too, glancing at me awkwardly. Professor calling... yeah, figured.
"Me and you?"
"Yep."
Just as I thought—Professor Veronica.