"Do you know how many times I've wanted to give up everything and just do what I wanted? Many times. Things always happened that any sane person would have given up on following this path that I am eternally connected to. And even so, I can't help but continue on this road, always waiting for the worst of everything or the inevitable to happen. I've seen many friends, co-workers, people I cared about go on with their lives or disappearing from sight as time went on, and it always made me question why I couldn't do the same. Of course, because of who I am now, it restricts me to being content only with this dilemma and that makes me feel only a tool for these people to have their ways. And there are few who don't look at me that way… Well, it's not just because of that, but the fact that I decided to train you was a way to make up for what your father did for me, even if it's not even half of everything that he did for me. So Cyro… Thank you for giving me a chance to be able to follow a path I never imagined~~"
...
- (?) Cyro… Forgive me for… not getting back with you…
- … NO!
…
- DAMN IT! Why do you still insist on it, Blaire?! He won't go back to his old self again! Accept it soon!
…
- (?) Want to know something? You're not the kind of person I'd get along with, but you're too kind and good-hearted, Cyro. I just hope it never stops being with you...
…
07/03/??? - 06:45 AM
*cell phone alarm noise
A fast-paced rock song starts to echo through the room, making Cyro slowly open his eyes and stare at the ceiling of his room for a few seconds as he tries to remember what had been said in his dream, but little by little, those words they gave way to an ache in his chest, as if that dream had been a nightmare from a time he didn't want to remember. As the seconds passed, Cyro started to get up, looked out the window to notice a rainy weather that could fall at any moment and decided to start getting ready for school, taking his shower and getting his school uniform and a shirt long sleeved because of the very cold weather it was doing. And before leaving his room, Cyro looks at that blue bracelet on his study table, slowly remembering those distorted words in his mind, making him simply take a deep breath and putting the bracelet on his wrist but hiding it under the long sleeve.
Walking down the stairs of his house, Cyro notices Samantha drinking coffee while watching the daily journal on television. Looking at the Tv, he realized it was the news of the start of activities for the new Blue Guard base in Yamura the next day, which reminded him of Blaire's move into her home again. Avoiding that thought, Cyro heads to the kitchen to have his breakfast.
- You will not work today?
- Of course I will, Cyro. I'm just waiting to see if have any weather news. I don't want to have to get wet at work.
- I understand. But if it's not soon, the chance of this happening is even greater.
- Oh, don't piss me off to soon.
- (Cyro laughing sarcastically) Okay ma'am
Sipping his coffee at a slight speed, Cyro started paying attention to the journal as a way to pass the time until he had time to leave the house and go to school. During the news of the Blue Guard base startup, some stats start to appear showing that the number of Corrupted in the Yamura region has grown at an alarming rate, which has prompted the Blue Guard to take such action from a base in Yamura and the Blaire's presence would be a way to ease and give a sense of security to the people who live in the region.
- Speaking of her… Did she say when she was coming?
- Blaire called me yesterday saying that she will come with a moving truck tomorrow and after the base opens she will come here.
- I understand. Did she tell you what time this truck would arrive?
- It'll be here in the morning, so you know you'll have to get up early tomorrow to help put the furniture in.
- I never doubted that I would have to do this myself.
- You don't even need to worry so much. She said it was little, so I don't think it's going to be tiring for you.
- (Cyro mentally) You say that and at the time it's another reality…
- Ah, warning you. I'm going home late today, so when you get home, pack everything, prepare dinner for yourself, water the plants, you know.
- Friday, right? See if you don't arrive drunk or with someone carrying you.
- Today you woke up boring, didn't you?
- Maybe, but that's not the case.
So why not take the opportunity and go for a walk around town? It's Friday and I think your friends would like to hang out with you.
- Yeah, it can be (What friends?)
When he takes his cell phone out of his pants pocket and sees that it's already 7 am, Cyro goes to a nearby bathroom, brushes his teeth, washes his hands, takes his backpack from the kitchen and heads towards the door to leave.
- Anyway, I'm on my way. And see if you don't stall to go to work.
- It's OK. And please… Don't make up about running and getting hurt, okay?
- (Cyro chuckling) Okay. Later.
After that, Cyro leaves his house and starts making his way to school, watching the sky slightly dark because of a possible rain that was about to go. As he walked along the path, Cyro noticed that he didn't have as many students at his school as usual due to the bad weather, but even so, he followed the path until a hard slap on his back made him suddenly startle.
- Yo, Cyro!
- I swear if you give me one more smack like that on my back, I'll just give you one, just one to think about before you do this.
- Wow… Someone woke up grumpy today, did you?
- Yeah, and you won't like to see me in a bad mood.
- Haha~~ I'll even pay you a snack just to see that bad side of you, if you have one.
- (Cyro sighing) You're not afraid to take chances, are you?
- And why wouldn't I have? You may look nasty, but you wouldn't hurt a bee, even if it's going to sting you.
- But this comparison is silly because she would die after that...
- Anyway, improve that mood soon because today is Friday and we'll have fun to...
- I'm having club activity today, so don't even try.
- What? I thought the athletic club wouldn't come back until it got a new physical trainer.
- Yes, but the other members want to get back on track after this recess period. So I'll let you know that I'm going to decline your invitation in advance.
- Man, I never imagined you saying you're not going because of something serious and not just saying you didn't want to.
- You really have a bad impression of me...
After a few minutes, Cyro and Hyoudo ended up arriving in front of the school along with other students from the school, realizing that even with the rainy weather, many students still showed up at the school. And while they walked...
- (Hyoudo surreptitiously pointing to someone in front) Man, I really wanted to talk with her.
- Who?
As he looked at who Hyoudo was pointing at, Cyro soon noticed that Mallory was near the entrance to the main school building, talking to some classmates.
- Tell me it's a joke.
- Not even a little. The people at the journalism club really want to interview her.
- And why would the school journal want to talk to a newcomer?
- Man, in a week, she was more popular than the guys at the basketball and swim clubs combined. Besides being beautiful, charming, she is very intelligent and charismatic with everyone. There's no way anyone wouldn't want to think about the idea of approaching her and becoming friends with her.
- I wouldn't think about it.
- If you had a button that made people walk away from you, you would press it all the time, so I'm not surprised by that.
- And do you want to talk to her about the newspaper?
- Hehehe~~
- Don't tell me you want to go out with her...
- (Hyoudo mocking) None at all! Imagine dating a bulky blonde beauty like her~~
- I'm surprised there are girls who still agree to go out with you.
Approaching the entrance, Cyro starts to look to the side to avoid making eye contact with Mallory, but when she notices Cyro walking past, she ends up walking away from her friends and heading towards him.
- (Hyoudo speaking quietly) She's coming here. She is coming here.
- (Mallory approaching) Good morning Cyro~~
- (Cyro sighs and turns his gaze to Mallory) Hi Mallory.
- (Mallory) Are you better? Does your back still hurt?
- (Cyro) If I'm still walking, it's because…
- (Hyoudo covering Cyro's mouth) Yes, he's better! Sorry about his way. Hehe~~
- (Mallory) Oh, no problem. I also asked an obvious question, so...
- (Hyoudo) Good hehe~~
- (Cyro taking Hyoudo's hand) Anyway, see you later on classroom.
- (Mallory) Okay~~
Pulling Hyoudo by the neck, Cyro and he ended up entering the main building of the school, until they reached a small inner courtyard that leads to the stairs leading to the upper floors.
- WHAT WAS THAT, CYRO? IS IT THE WAY TO TREAT A GIRL LIKE HER?!
-Hey, no need to scream. It's still too early for that...
- Still, he didn't need to talk to her like that. She was being cool. And what is this story about your back hurts?
- So, did you hear that yesterday someone held Mallory so she wouldn't get hurt during PE class?
- Yes, tell me… Wait, it was you who…
- Was…
- Bro… HOW DID YOU NOT TELL ME THAT?!
- Have you lowered my sister's spirit on you to be screaming at me with everything I do?
- But hey… How was that?
- Well, we bet a race and she tripped in the end. I just threw myself under her so she wouldn't get hurt.
- Then?
- Then what? Did you expect me to take advantage of this to get closer to her?
- I really thought that! It was the perfect chance.
- When can I take you seriously, huh?
- My god… Sometimes I think you're a muggle. I don't like to admit it but you are, Cyro.
- Can you go back to normal and not curse me for free even if I do this to you?
- Okay… But tell me something…
- Hmm?
- (Hyoudo moving his hands) Are they really big?
- Seriously, one day I'll see you get slapped by a girl for saying things like that...
…
- No kidding, Cyro… Why don't you approach her?
- And do I look like I'm going to approach a girl like her who just needs to have a squad of fans wanting to rip my a** off?
- It's not like you've been shunned by half the school because of your way.
- Yeah, but now I feel like any moment I'm going to turn my head in one direction and there's going to be someone looking at me, really wanting me not to get close to her.
- Maybe, but she came to you. Don't you think that's a good sign?
Hearing this, Cyro was reminded of when he had lunged to catch Mallory before he hit the ground the day before, and when their bodies touched, Cyro had sensed Mallory seemed to be a lot lighter than she should be considering speed and the weight of her that she ended up falling into, which made Cyro make a choice to avoid any chance of any approach between them.
- Being honest… No. Even more that there must already be some "colleagues" preparing some time to talk to me in private.
- Speaking like that, it seems like they're going to beat you up.
- And do you doubt what an angry, dumb teenager is capable of?
- IT'S. I hate to admit it but you have a point…
- Strange to see you admit that I right about one thing...
- Well I told you. One moment or another, that despondent and depressed way of yours would charge you at some point.
- Don't talk like it's a reason I want to get away from people. You know very well why.
- Normie or not, that doesn't change the fact that you're among the many. And you want to know… Don't you think it's time to change your way? Imagine what you would be missing.
- Nothing, because to be like those people who always want to make things their way and anyone different is excluded... I'd be doing myself a favor by not being an idiot like them...
- Tsk. Will start…
- You were the one who said it first. And besides, it would be more problematic if I suddenly decided to approach Mallory.
- Okay, I understand your point. But...
Before they could talk further, an intercom began to echo throughout the school's territory, signaling the students to go to their classrooms.
- Anyway, I think it's better that we don't dwell on the subject too long, Hyoudo.
- As much as I'd rather talk than go to class, you're right. But we haven't finished this chat yet, okay?
- (Cyro walking away) Do as you please!
- Hey, don't leave me standing talking alone here!
…
09:45 AM
- Anyway, people. As you know, the preparatory exams for the Blue Region college entrance exams are demanding higher student performance, and together with the new subjects that we're going to learn throughout the year, I want to make sure that everyone is in line with what we've learned. So here's a list of math problems for you guys to solve. Here are different forms of calculations that you learned in the last 2 years, and since we have 2 time classes today, it will be a great way to analyze how you are working. But since the idea is to see how you do, make pairs or teams and you can use the school's research system to find the formulas to use. And you can't cheat from another pair or team, so get organized and we'll start in 5 minutes.
With excited noises and dismay from the students, many students in Cyro's class began to organize themselves with whoever was closer, while Cyro just closed his eyes and waited for the 5 minutes to pass. But all of a sudden, the noise of desks being moved around was interrupted by an abrupt silence, until Cyro heard a desk being placed beside him, and knowing who it was, he just kept his eyes closed until what…
- Is it okay if we do it together, Cyro?
- … Okay, Mallory.
- Thank you~~
- (Cyo mentally) You really want to screw me up, don't you?
With everyone looking at Mallory next to Cyro, the teacher ended up saying out loud that there was less than 2 minutes left to make everyone rush and choose their pairs or teams. And after those 2 minutes had passed, the teacher started going through a two-page list with lots of math problems, making the people who were still trying to concentrate in class slightly nervous about the math, but unsurprisingly, Cyro and Mallory just stayed. looking at the list with calm eyes as they picked up their notebooks and pens to sort out the list.
- Eh, Cyro… How is this research system that the professor talked about?
- (Cyro running two fingers on the corner of the desk) Run your fingers on that corner of the desk and…
When he slide his fingers on the desk, a screen of an internet browser ends up popping up on the face of the desk, asking the type of search.
- Wow that's great. And can you search for anything?
- Yes, but only if you have the courage. Surveys are sent to a school server that stores the history that is viewed by an algorithm that checks who and what was surveyed, so yes.
- Got it, without separate research and beyond what is requested.
- Exactly…
- (Mallory using search engine) Okay. What is the first question?
- It's a question involving the LaPlace Theorem.
- Seriously? So let me do it~~ Just do the second one.
- Eh.. Okay.
Even though such a list of exercises had many random questions with different methods and formulas, none of them seemed so difficult for Cyro or Mallory. Mallory remembered the formulas easily, but had difficulties when applying them, turning to Cyro who solved the issues and explaining to Mallory where she was wrong and what was the correct way to apply the formulas, showing that both had an intellect considered a little above the normal, even when both sought to research similar examples and situations to resolve some more complex issues.
- This one is…
- 2nd degree equation. You must use Bhaskara's Theorem.
- Ah yes. That way, right?
- Yes and the delta is at the square root.
- Understand. And the division is by?
- 2.
- Okay~~
While Mallory asked the question, Cyro started to look at her, noticing her serene look and calm expression, leaving him slightly bewildered by her beautiful expression, but watching for a few more seconds without Mallory noticing, Cyro noticed a sudden change of looks from Malory like she was in a frantic state even though she had no reason to. So he ended up gesturing her hand and…
Snap!
Cyro snapped his fingers, making Mallory jump and stop asking the question, and with the startle, Mallory's friends ended up looking directly at where she and Cyro were sitting, wanting to know what that was. Mallory looked at Cyro who only smirked.
- Relax, Mallory. It's not a serious test, okay?
- Ah, sorry. I was just really focused.
- It didn't seem like that to me. And I'm sorry then for disturbing you.
- No problem~~ Only it was very sudden, but no problem.
Putting that answer together and the way Mallory looked, Cyro understood what had happened, but he refrained from asking or saying, continuing with the questions on the exercise list. After a few more minutes, the teacher ended the activity's resolution time and began collecting lists from all the students, including Cyro and Mallory's. When he delivered, Mallory just stretched, while Cyro kept his head down and his eyes closed, making Mallory notice and decide to put his wallet back in place.
- Thank you Cyro~~
Cyro didn't respond, just waved his hand to Mallory, who simply smiled and put his desk in its place.
- (Cyro mentally) You could have disguised it better, Mallory...
…
02:45 PM
- (School intercom) Due to a maintenance that will take place on eletric part, the activities of the clubs are suspended for today, returning on Monday. All students will be released within 5 minutes and must be off school premises by 3pm. Have a good afternoon and see you Monday.
With the announcement, many students were happy to be released early, while Cyro just kept her head down and sighing at having to go home early, but picking up her cell phone to see a message from her sister or Blaire, he got a message from Hyoudo.
- Hey, are we going to Arcade in a bit?
- Unwilling.
- Come on! It's Friday, man. Let's enjoy at least the beginning of this weekend and I not disturb you for the entire weekend.
- As if that would stop you from sending me a meaningless message...
- Ah, that was just an excuse to talk to you. Nothing unusual.
- If it wasn't for my sister seeing the messages and thinking I liked boys why did you send a "Honey" to me...
- I explained myself later, so let's forget about it. Anyway, are we going to Arcade? LET'S GO? let's go? Let's go?
- You don't have to send it all wrong, you won't convince me to go.
- Oh, I remembered. You owe me a favor because of what happened Monday in the cafeteria.
- I don't remember any of this.
- You said to me "Oh, I'll let this one go anyway. Leave it for another day." It was not?
- I said that, but you know that…
- Nothing! Just today, will you? What does it cost to have a little fun and forget about everyday worries?
Even with Hyoudo insisting a lot and irritating him a little, Cyro just sighed…
- You're a real pain in the ass… Okay, I'll go.
- HEEEEEEELLLLLLLL YEAH!
- Hey, stop sending fireworks cards, please...
- Okay. Let's meet at the school's entrance gate and from there we'll have our date, okay~~?
- Go to hell, go.
After the 5 minutes had passed, the school bell started to ring, signaling the departure of the students who began to leave their classrooms in an animated way, written by Cyro who was slowly adjusting his backpack and waiting for everyone in the room to leave, and after everyone left, Cyro ended up leaving the room, but when he turned his gaze to the direction of the stairs, two students were there, looking like they were waiting for Cyro to leave. Without much choice, Cyro just sighed and started down the stairs, and when he approached where the students were...
- Do you really think you'll get out without any problem?
Noticing that there were two more students downstairs, Cyro soon realized that he would only get out of there if he found a miraculous way of talking to those students who didn't seem to be in the mood for conversation at all. So Cyro just turns his gaze to the student who had said that to him.
- What is it, huh?
- People aren't enjoying it, you're near Mallory.
- I don't see a problem with that. We're just classmates, no biggie.
- Yeah, but just you, one of the most antisocial students in the school, approaching her, approaching her as if it were nothing.
- (Cyro mentally) If she's the one who does this, how do I avoid her?
- And he even had the audacity to touch her in physical education class.
- You have a problem with deifying her, right? Just because she's cute and the way you like to play doesn't mean she's going to give you a chance, right?
As he said this, one of the boys standing there next to Cyro got slightly nervous and started walking slowly towards Cyro, clenching his hand tightly.
- Dude, I think you better close your mouth before it gets worse for you.
- Seriously, what's your problem in ac…
POW!
Before saying anything, the boy who was walking towards Cyro ended up punching Cyro in the face, making him lose his balance for a moment and receiving a kick right after, causing him to be thrown against the wall. With no reaction at all, Cyro just stood there, looking at the ground, while the boy who was talking to him simply walked over and started stomping on Cyro's leg with force.
- Dude, I'm warning you. If you don't want things to get any worse, I suggest you step back and make Mallory hate you, because…
- (Cyro laughing) Bunch of idiots. Do you really think this will stop her from coming to me?
For me, I don't see a problem, because the one who has the most chance of doing something with her is me...
- (Annoyed boy) You bastard!
Before he could stomp Cyro's leg hard, one of the students ended up signaling to the two who were there with Cyro that there were some students showing up, making both of them stop.
- Tsk. Lucky you. Next time, it will turn out worse than it is now. And it won't be small what we'll do with you.
With that, the boy who was stepping on Cyro's leg decided to leave by the stairs, while the other student who had landed a blow on Cyro ended up kicking him once more before going down with his friends. Cyro, even sitting there and leaning against the wall, just started to laugh lightly, and as he lifted his face and looked straight ahead…
- (Cyro talking to himself) Bunch of idiots... Lucky you...