Childhood Friend and Delinquent (1)
*Splash, splash.*
Finally, light appeared at the end of the long tunnel. Already daytime? I pulled out my pocket watch and checked. A little before 10 a.m. If I hurried, I could make second period. Not that I'd do anything but sleep.
*Click, thud, slide.*
I stepped into the light and unbuckled my shoulder guard and belt. Cold winter wind slipped under where my armor had been. Rubbing my stiff neck, I muttered to myself.
"Damn, nothing doesn't ache."
"Watch your mouth."
With that voice, a spray of water poured down from above.
*Whoosh.*
Scalding hot water cascaded from my head, soaking my body. The filth and blood caked all over me washed away.
"Good work, nephew."
It was the girl—no, the young-looking auntie with a girlish face, Teresa, grinning with that annoying expression. She was splashing water at me with her staff.
"If you know it's hard work, cut back on it."
"Can't do that~ You've still got a long way to go to pay off the debt your dad left."
"Thought you were being cool about paying it off easy."
"The world's full of expensive things without reason, but nothing's free without one."
Fair point.
"And you're the one taking on extra work? Went deep again, didn't you?"
She tossed me a long towel. I caught it and replied indifferently.
"Deeper sections pay more."
"Can't stop you. Anyway, you're clean now—go to class. That's why Ronari calls you a delinquent, skipping all the time."
"Whose fault is that?"
"Who else? Your dad, who left a pile of debt and ran off to the afterlife."
Again, fair point. I dried off completely and changed into my uniform. Trudging toward the lecture building, Teresa's voice called from behind.
"Hang in there~"
Not funny. After rolling around the underground dungeon all night fighting magic beasts, I had no energy left. That was the job Teresa, the principal, had given me. Every night, I dove into the academy's underground sewers to clear out the magic beasts lurking below. It was literally sewer work, but I had no choice if I wanted to pay off my debt to her.
Last year, after Dad died and the family fell apart, Teresa took in me and my little sister. She covered the massive debt Dad left behind—one I couldn't repay with this alone. So I took the side gig she offered without complaint. I figured it was her way of easing my guilt. Balancing work and school was exhausting, but it built skills. And it wasn't life-threatening. Plus, for my sister's sake, I needed to build independence fast.
"……"
When I slipped into the classroom late, all eyes turned to me for a moment. But they scattered quickly. I was always late—no one cared anymore. The professor just gave a curt warning.
"Sit down."
I was planning to anyway. I might collapse if I didn't lean somewhere. I slumped over, burying my head in my arms. And passed out instantly.
This was the scant peace in my chaotic life.
……
But it didn't last. A weird feeling woke me—someone tapping my chair. I tried faking sleep, but a guy's voice hit my ear.
"Hey, I came all this way—wake up."
Never heard it before. I lifted my head. An unfamiliar guy sat there, surrounded by his posse. Not seniors—probably from another class. I tilted my weary head.
"Who're you?"
"Doesn't matter who I am."
He plopped down right in front of me.
"Swap dorms with me."
What nonsense was this?
"Why would I?"
"You're rooming with Ronari Sharino, right? Word's out."
"So?"
"I like her."
I frowned involuntarily. Meanwhile, he grinned.
"Be honest—you must hate rooming with a girl. Rumors are gonna fly. I'm fine with that. Long as I get the room."
This guy's smiling, but he doesn't seem decent. A good guy wouldn't wake me for this crap. Tempted to punch him, but I didn't want the hassle. Ronari already called me a delinquent yesterday. Misunderstandings were fine, but if she got noisy, it'd mess up my routine.
"No."
"What, you like her too?"
At that, his crew started whispering and snickering.
*Whoa, he's that kind of guy.*
*No wonder he seemed shady.*
Not dogs barking on command.
"Quit yapping and get lost."
"What?"
"You think they'd room a girl with a dog barking horny nonsense? Only a bastard would agree to that."
*This punk…*
His crew bristled, shoving their heads forward. Anyone coming an inch closer was getting their jaw reset.
Just then, Ronari returned to the classroom and walked into the scene. A group from another class was picking a fight with Ilsea Alerzar over swapping rooms.
"Swap dorms with me."
Why're they deciding room swaps without my say?!
Worry hit first. Ilsea seemed uncomfortable rooming with her too—he might just agree. She'd just started getting used to him next door…
But Ilsea said,
"You think they'd room a girl with a dog barking horny nonsense? Only a bastard would agree to that."
Ronari's eyes widened. What? That guy knows how to say stuff like that?
A strange relief washed over her. Well, better a delinquent like Ilsea than some obvious pervert…
She caught herself thinking that and shook her head.
"No, no—not the time!"
Ilsea's retort had the mood on the verge of explosion.
"I need to say something…"
But a hand grabbed Ronari as she stepped forward.
"What if the young lady jumps in here?"
It was her classmate, Belica Simoni.
"Huh… Bel."
Ronari had seen her with Ilsea often. Belica asked,
"Wanna start rumors you're dating your roommate?"
Ronari's cheeks burned.
"What?! Who'd date a delinquent like him…!"
She tried explaining, but Belica cut her off with a sly tone.
"Shh. You think these idiots care about facts?"
"What do you…"
Belica leaned in, whispering on her shoulder.
"That's the point of gossip~ Anyway, isn't it best for everyone if you stay out of Ilsea's mess? Got it?"
Belica's vibe was her usual relaxed chill—with a subtle edge.
"So just watch, miss~"
She brushed past Ronari into the classroom. Flipping her pretty bob, her expression flipped like a mask as she headed for Ilsea. She beamed and greeted the group warmly.
"Oh? Lorband~ What brings you to our class?"
"Belica."
Lorband Arni, who'd come for Ilsea, knew her. Belica approached and nudged his waist.
"This is my spot. Here for me~?"
"No, I…"
"I know. Heard it all. You like Ronari? Came to swap rooms? Naughty~"
She patted his shoulder.
"Good luck. Big sis is cheering you on. Want a pro tip?"
She nodded at Ilsea.
"Better than yapping at this stubborn punk—go to the office or principal. Think he'd just say 'sure' and make it happen?"
Belica's words carried uncanny persuasion. Lorband's cocky crew wilted before her.
"So scram, you lot! Lunchtime—aren't you eating?"
Pretending casual, she pressured them. Half the class was back, whispering. Lorband's group had no choice but to retreat.
Ilsea looked up at Belica and smirked lightly.
"Thanks. Got rid of the pests."
"That's all? This cute big sis brought your lunch too."
She tossed a wrapped sandwich at his chest.
"Eat and sleep. What happened to your face? Spar in this shape? Can't torment you late if you're wrecked."
"Then go easy if you know."
"Can't win if I do!"
Belica sat beside him, bumping his shoulder. She added softly,
"But how's rooming with Ronari? She was pissed, right? What now?"
"Eh, play along."
"If not, tell me."
"And?"
"If not."
Belica leaned slightly against him.
"I'll swap in. For Ronari. I don't mind."
"?"
"I'll room there instead. Fine by me."
"What kinda joke… Nah."
Ilsea took it as banter, but Belica stared intently. Ronari watched them. She'd thought they hung out a lot, but… they seemed closer than expected. Belica wasn't top-student material, but way more promising than Ilsea.
Why stick with a guy like that…?
Ronari realized her fists were clenched. Just let them do whatever… but it bugged her.
Why?
……
That night, Ronari sat on the living room sofa, arms crossed, gearing up for a lecture. She'd let yesterday slide, but not this time. She'd say something for sure.
Ask about last night's absence? Or today's mess? He wasn't really at fault there… but it annoyed her anyway.
Midnight passed. No Ilsea.
"Today too… that delinquent jerk… zzz…"
The sound that woke her, dozing on the sofa, came around dawn.
*Click.*
The door handle slowly turned.