Morning at Reikosha Academy came quietly, the sunlight stretching across the training grounds as students slowly returned to their routines. The atmosphere felt lighter compared to the previous days, like the weight of the battles had finally eased, at least for now.
Kairo was already at the training yard.
Sweat ran down his face as he pushed himself through another set of push-ups, his arms shaking slightly but refusing to stop. The ground beneath him had marks from repeated training, showing just how long he had been there.
"…ninety-eight… ninety-nine… one hundred…"
He dropped briefly, breathing heavily before immediately starting again.
Nearby, Tyouro sat comfortably on a bench, completely relaxed, holding a fresh onigiri like it was the only thing that mattered in the world.
"…You're still doing that?" Tyouro said casually, taking a bite. "Didn't you lose already?"
Kairo didn't even look at him. "…Shut up."
Tyouro grinned. "I mean, I won my match. You broke your sword and lost. That's kinda sad."
"…I said shut up."
"Maybe push-ups aren't enough. Try crying, it might help."
Kairo paused mid-push-up, slowly lifting his head. "…You want to fight?"
Tyouro raised his hands. "Relax, I'm just motivating you."
"You're not."
"I am."
Before Kairo could throw something at him
Yura walked over.
She sat down next to Tyouro without saying anything, her expression calm as always. For a moment, she just watched Kairo train, then glanced at Tyouro, who was still eating like nothing could disturb him.
A small idea formed.
She leaned slightly closer.
Quiet.
Close enough that he wouldn't notice
"Meow~"
Tyouro froze.
"…Huh?"
Yura leaned back casually like nothing happened.
Tyouro blinked.
"…Did I just-"
"Meow~"
This time, clearer.
Closer.
Tyouro's entire body reacted instantly. He jumped up from the bench, face turning red as he pointed at her like he had just witnessed something unbelievable.
"KAIRO!!"
Kairo stopped mid-push-up. "…What now?!"
"Sh-she meowed at me!" Tyouro shouted, completely losing it. "I'M THE LUCKIEST PERSON ALIVE—OH MY GOD!"
Yura stood up slowly.
Then-
She made a small pose, her hand raised slightly like a claw.
"Meow~"
Tyouro screamed.
Kairo stared.
"…What am I watching…"
Yura's expression instantly dropped back to normal as she kicked Tyouro straight in the side.
"Annoying."
"OW!"
Tyouro dropped to the ground, still smiling like he had just achieved something in life.
"…Worth it…"
Kairo looked at Yura.
Then quickly looked away.
"…Why am I nervous…"
Kimimaru, standing not too far away, watched the entire thing without reacting.
"…Idiots," he muttered.
Later that day, after training finally slowed down, the group decided to go out again. This time, somewhere more lively.
The mall.
It was crowded, filled with people moving around, stores glowing with bright lights, music playing faintly in the background. The group walked together, though not exactly organized.
Tyouro immediately disappeared into a food stall.
Kairo followed.
Yura walked ahead, occasionally glancing at displays.
Kimimaru stayed slightly behind, quiet as always.
"…This place is noisy," he said.
"No one asked," Kairo replied.
They stopped by a small shop filled with accessories and random items.
That's when Tyouro saw it.
Cat ears.
"…Oh."
Kairo followed his gaze.
"…No."
Tyouro grabbed one immediately and placed it on his head. "How do I look?"
"…Dumb."
Yura picked up another one.
Without hesitation-
She put it on.
Then looked at them.
"Meow."
Tyouro froze again.
"…I'm ascending…"
Kairo sighed. "…This is getting out of hand."
A few minutes later-
All of them had cat ears.
Even Kairo.
"Don't laugh," he warned.
Tyouro was already laughing. "You look stupid."
"You look worse."
Yura smirked slightly.
Then looked at Kimimaru.
"…You too."
Kimimaru immediately shook his head. "No."
"Yes."
"No."
Tyouro stepped in. "Come on, just once."
Kairo added, "We won't let you leave otherwise."
Kimimaru stared at all of them.
Silence.
"…This is pointless."
"Do it."
"No."
"Do it."
"…No."
Yura stepped closer.
Put the cat ears on his head herself.
Kimimaru froze.
The entire group stared.
"…Say it," Tyouro said, barely holding his laughter.
Kimimaru's expression didn't change.
"…No."
Kairo crossed his arms. "Say it."
"…No."
Yura tilted her head slightly.
"…Meow."
Silence.
Kimimaru closed his eyes for a second.
"…This is ridiculous…"
Then quietly-
"…meow."
The group exploded.
"LET'S GOOOO!"
"HE SAID IT!"
Tyouro dropped to the ground laughing.
Kairo couldn't even stand straight.
Yura covered her mouth slightly, clearly amused.
Kimimaru removed the ears immediately.
"…I regret everything."
That night, as they walked back toward the academy, the energy between them felt different.
Lighter.
Closer.
No fights.
No tension.
Just laughter, small arguments, and the kind of moments that didn't need anything serious to matter.
And for once-
That was enough.