Issei let out a long, relieved sigh as he rode in the passenger side of Ikki's vehicle. Another week had passed. Another morning workout. Another boxing session. Another day where he didn't collapse halfway through. Life was… improving.
Last weekend, his parents surprised him with a brand‑new bike. He immediately decided he'd use it to get to work once his job started this weekend. He still remembered how stuffed he'd been after Renka's "hospitality" at the restaurant. Stuffed… and terrified.
Renka had "finished" her shift early and sat beside him with a mischievous glint in her eyes. Every time he emptied his cup, she brought him more green tea. He'd deny it if asked, but watching her legs move in that dress had been… distracting.
But he knew Renka. One wrong move and she would've force‑fed him everything on the table with malicious glee. He was grateful he'd hit the gym the next day to burn it all off.
The worst part had been when she sat right next to him as he signed the receipt. Pressed against him. Her chest brushing his arm. The perverted part of him screamed to motorboat her. Cop of feel, anything so he could feel them longer. But the samurai‑mindset part of him slapped that thought into oblivion.
He didn't need to, but fearing for his life, he still left a generous tip, greatly surprising Renka, allowing him to shimmy out of the booth. He accidentally brushing against her curves and then ran like hell.
Renka was like a cat. A mischievous, predatory cat. And he had no idea what she'd do next.
Ikki called out to Issei, snapping the boy from reminiscing about this past weekend. "So… you coming to the dojo after school?"
Issei snapped out of his thoughts. "Huh? Oh… I'm not sure."
"Come on, Kenichi isn't mad. The past two weeks did you some good, right?"
"I guess." Issei shrugged
Ikki smirked. "You're not going to the gym to check out Hikari, are you?"
Issei groaned. "She doesn't work afternoons. And thanks to you, I'm sure she scorns me like every other girl in this school."
"Renka doesn't scorn you." Ikki pointed out.
"Every girl but her. Excuse me." Issei corrected himself.
Ikki burst out laughing. "Relax, man. You're shaping up. You're not scrawny anymore. You've got lean muscle. Girls might start noticing."
"Naw. Once a pervert, always a pervert. I'm branded for life. I can only hope my future wife has no connection to Kuoh."
"Ah, a clean slate." Ikki nodded in understanding.
"Yeah…"
Ikki glanced over. "What are you thinking about now?"
"My life."
"What about it?"
"I think that beating was a blessing in disguise."
Ikki blinked. "How so?"
"It gave me the chance to better myself."
"I guess?"
"No, really. Think about it. I know I'm a nerd. I watch anime, read manga. I told Elize‑sensei this…" Issei started to explain.
"The school nurse?" Ikki raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah. When I had detention, she supervised me. She's cool. I told her how some people don't like a character, so they replace them with themselves but keep the same story. Like they tried with Goku."
"Okay…?"
"But what are they doing to better themselves? They want a fake life, but what are they doing in reality to reach the things they fantasize about?"
Ikki paused. "Huh. So you mean… instead of being jealous of a fictional character, they should improve their real lives?"
"Exactly. And honestly? In my stupid harem king phase, I saw Takeshi with girl after girl. First the black‑haired girl. Then Gremory‑senpai. Then a blonde foreign girl. All in one week."
"Damn." Ikki was somewhat impressed.
"I even ran into the black‑haired girl again. Guess they were still dating. So she didn't know. Or maybe she did. But seeing him juggle girls like that… it made me grateful for that beating. It let me meet Kenichi‑senpai. It let me move on from that dream."
Ikki stared at him and then his eyes widen in realization. "Holy shit."
Issei looked on in confusion. "What?"
"Dude, you finally opened up. Renka is gonna be so pissed you opened up to me first."
"Don't tell her. Please." Issei pleaded.
"Relax. I won't. And I get it. So does Mizunuma," Then he stiffened. "Uh oh. Trouble approaches."
Issei felt it too. A pressure. A presence.
"You can sense it too?" Issei asked as he stepped out of the car.
Ikki stared at him strangely. 'When could he feel ki?'
Ikki didn't know that Issei's instincts had evolved from the beatdowns. He could sense danger like a cornered animal and danger arrived.
Renka made her presence known. "Ahem."
Ikki looked at the bluenette. "Go easy on the kid, Renka."
"Uh… morning, Renka‑senpai. Kenichi‑senpai. Mizunuma‑senpai. Fūrinji‑senpai." Issei greeted his seniors.
Miu blinked, surprised he used her surname. Then she remembered they weren't close.
Kenichi returned the greeting. "Hey, Issei. You didn't quit the club, did you? You could've come back last week."
"No. I just needed extra time." Issei informed his senpai.
"Well, you're still welcome." Kenichi assured him.
"Thank you, Kenichi‑senpai." He avoided Renka's glare like it was a death beam.
Mizunuma looked at his phone. "We better get to class. See you later, Issei."
Miu looked at the younger brunette with criticism. "I hope you can show why my boyfriend and apparently my father are intrigued by you, Hyoudou‑san."
"Uh… okay." Issei was surprised that man was interested in his growth and something told him that he didn't want to let the man down.
Kenichi patted the boy on the back. "Don't mind her."
Ikki revved up his vehicle. "Alright, I'm heading out. Take care, Issei." He fist‑bumped him and drove off.
Kenichi, Mizunuma, and Miu walked ahead, which wound up leaving Issei alone with Renka. Her glare intensified, while Issei felt sweat trickle down his back.
Renka spoke with an edge in her tone. "That was another week, Issei."
"I know…" He lowered his head.
"Well, I think it's time we changed some things."
"Like what?" He asked in curiosity.
"Like this." She struck a palm strike aimed at his face.
Issei jumped back on instinct, but Renka caught his wrist mid‑air. She swung a kick at his head. He ducked just in time. Luckily, or unluckily, he never checked out what she had under her skirt, since he was too worried about her leg cleaving his head off.
He stared at her, confused until he saw the smile on her face. It was that dangerous, excited smile that made Issei know that he may be in for hell this afternoon.
Renka lowered her leg, her smile sharp and triumphant. "Pretty cool, huh?"
"Not really." He answered tentatively.
"Well, too bad. It's time to actually start teaching you some moves."
Issei's eyes lit up becoming bright, hopeful, almost sparkling. His fear transformed into excitement. "Really!?"
"Yep. I think you're ready."
"Thank you so much, Renka‑senpai!"
"It's the least I can do after the tip you gave me. I was pretty sure in Japan that is seen as disrespectful. You must've been really spooked, huh?" She chuckled, knowing that she could strike fear into him.
"You have no idea." He deadpanned so hard she burst out laughing. In his eyes then, he saw her as the reincarnation of the goddess of death. So like any temple prayer, the "tip" was pretty much his prayer offerings.
"Hahaha! I've been told I have that effect on people. Anyway, see you after school."
She turned to leave, but Issei stopped her.
"Um, wait! Renka‑senpai?" He called out.
She paused. "Yes?"
"Could we… train in the dojo instead of the track field?"
Renka raised a brow. "Sure. Why the change?"
Issei rubbed the back of his neck. "I don't want people to get the wrong idea."
Renka crossed her arms. "The club knows we're just training."
"They do. But others don't." Issei reminded her.
Renka leaned in slightly. "Go on…"
"My former friends… they'd stir up rumors. And that would make you lose social status because you're associated with the Perverted Beast and..."
"So?" Renka responded nonchalantly.
Issei blinked. "Huh?"
"Let them make crap up. I'm just a senpai looking out for her kohai. If they don't like it, too bad."
"But..." Issei tried to protest because of his reputation.
"I don't care about social status. I have my friends in the club. That's enough." Renka shrugged.
Issei stared. "Oh…"
Renka smirked. "Besides, you just saw a tiny taste of what I can do. Your senpai can handle herself." She punched him lightly in the shoulder.
"I guess so…" Issei knew that she had a point.
"Now get to class. We'll talk about your schedule later."
"Right! See you, Renka‑senpai!"
He ran off, and Renka chuckled. "He's a silly one, that's for sure."
Issei arrived at his classroom and immediately inspected his desk for traps. After last week, he trusted nothing or anyone in the class as they could try to mess with him.
Finding nothing wrong, he sighed in relief. From the back of the room, the two perverts, Matsuda and Motohama, watched him warily from their new seats.
They'd requested to be moved away from him. Fine by Issei. It meant peace. Just him, his desk, and the window. No one wanted to sit near the Perverted Beast anyway.
It still stung. He hadn't done anything perverted since the beatdown. He'd been reading and watching more anime and manga like Spy x Family. He admired Loid's calm discipline, his emotional control. He hoped he could be like that someday.
And Yor… Well, he wouldn't mind a wife like her. But secrecy? No thanks. Relationships needed trust.
He didn't mind the idea of an adopted daughter either. He actually liked Anya and Becky. He wished he had a younger sibling to spoil. But Becky, she needed to be humbled a bit.
His thoughts drifted to the school's "princes." People who coasted on looks and charm. People like Takeshi and Yuuto.
Issei sighed. He was just an average guy. Maybe, just maybe, he'd find a cute girl someday. Someone who didn't know his past. And if they did, they wouldn't resent him too much for it. At least he had cool women in his life now such as Elize‑sensei, Yu‑Mi‑sensei, and Renka‑senpai.
The teacher walked in. "Okay, class. We have a new student joining us today."
Whispers erupted.
Girls had similar thoughts. "Is it a cute guy?"
While the guys were praying for them to be the opposite gender. "Please be a cute girl…"
Issei didn't care. Whoever it was would avoid him once they heard his reputation.
The door opened and a girl stepped in. And Issei's stomach dropped. It was the blonde nun he'd seen with Takeshi.
"Ohayō. My name is Asia Argento. It's nice to meet you all. I hope we can be friends."
The class erupted in cheers.
Issei groaned internally. 'Of course…'
A female student asked. "Where are you from?"
"I'm from Italy." The girl answered.
The class buzzed with excitement.
The next question was asked by a male student. "Where are you staying?"
"Oh, I currently live with Takeshi‑san."
A chorus of groans filled the room, mostly from the boys.
Issei wasn't surprised. He'd already suspected it.
'Takeshi… another foreign girlfriend. Figures.'
He imagined how his parents would react if he brought home a girl like Asia back when he was still in his perverted phase. He could practically hear his parents' voices in his head:
"Our stupid son is an embodiment of sexual desire…"
"If I could go back, I'd warn myself that he'd turn into a worthless son hiding lewd DVDs…"
"I thought I'd never see grandchildren…"
Issei sighed. He'd talked with his mother after the beatdown. He understood now that they spoiled him because they feared losing him after two miscarriages. But it didn't make the memories hurt any less.
He shook the thoughts away. 'Renka‑senpai will teach me moves today. Focus on that.'
Asia waved at him politely as she walked to her seat near Aika Kiryuu and the kendo duo.
Immediately, the whispers began.
"You don't want to be friends with him, Asia." Murayama said to the girl.
"Yeah. Issei is a pervert. And a bully." Katase said in agreement.
Issei stared out the window. He didn't react. He didn't lash out. He didn't even sigh.
He simply closed his eyes. 'Samurai mentality… discipline… breathe…'
Asia blinked innocently at the kendo duo's warning. "Oh, I didn't know that. Thank you for telling me."
Issei didn't turn around. He didn't need to. He could practically feel Matsuda and Motohama snickering behind him, high‑fiving each other like they'd accomplished something.
'Funny,' he thought bitterly. 'They're more perverted than I ever was… yet I'm the one everyone hates.'
But he didn't show it. Not anymore. Instead, he quietly hummed the song he'd been singing to himself every night. The melody soothed him, kept his anger in check. His fingers tapped lightly on the desk, matching the rhythm.
"They're the ones that stay the same…"
That line always hit him hardest. People who lived fake lives instead of improving themselves. People who wrote fantasies in their heads like Matsuda and Motohama do, like he once did instead of changing in the real world.
He wasn't going to be like them. He'd also been listening to Sawano Hiroyuki's music lately. Those tracks that let him drift into his own world. Shidou used to do that sometimes. Issei wondered what Shidou had been thinking in that moment. He wished he'd asked. But back then, he'd been too self‑centered to notice.
He exhaled slowly. "Because I'm not what they see…"
That was the truth. All they saw was a pervert. Even though he hadn't done anything perverted in weeks. His body was changing as Ikki had pointed that out. His discipline was improving. His routine was solid.
And Renka was going to teach him moves today. That alone was enough to keep him going. Of course, he didn't want his excitement to show because he knew that they would all assume that he was thinking something perverted.
When lunch arrived, he packed up quickly. The perk of being a loner and not waiting for anyone. But with rumors spreading again thanks to Matsuda and Motohama, he avoided Elize‑sensei's office. He didn't want her or Yu‑Mi‑sensei dragged into trouble because of him.
So, he headed for the rooftop. He only hoped Akeno wasn't there. He didn't want to risk running into the student council, especially Genshirou.
He reached the stairwell, when the voice that he hoped not the hear called him out.
"Going somewhere, Hyoudou‑san?"
Issei stiffened. "Oh… Himejima‑senpai. I was just..."
"You were going to the roof, weren't you? It's peaceful up there." Akeno said.
"…Yeah." Issei nodded in defeat that he couldn't lie his way out of this one.
"Shall we?" Akeno gestured.
"Huh?" Issei was confused at what she was implying.
"The roof. For lunch. I brought tea. You didn't finish it last time." She held up a thermos with a teasing smile.
"I'm good, thanks. I'll leave you be, sorry." He bowed slightly as there was no way that the second ranked girl in the school would have lunch with him.
As he began to turn, he felt a presence appeared behind him that seemed familiar, until they spoke up.
"Hey there, stranger. Remember me?"
Issei froze, while Akeno's smile vanished, replaced by a frown.
He turned slowly. "Yuuma‑san? …Or is it Raynare?"
She looked a little different than the last time he saw her. She was slightly taller and her face had gone from cute to looking a little more mature, almost sultry. Her curves were more pronounced with her legs were on full display. She radiated an aura that screamed danger and temptation at the same time. Issei's instincts whispered the same warning they did around Akeno.
"It's Yuuma." She answered.
"So you transferred here to be with Takeshi? Or…?" Issei tried to understand what her reasons for being heree.
"Oh no. We broke up. Thanks for the heads up." Yuuma gave him a nod of acknowledgement.
Akeno looked at the black-haired teen. "Heads up?"
Issei sighed. "I saw Yuuma‑san with Takeshi on the bridge I usually take home. Then on a date. I didn't know they broke up until I saw Takeshi with Argento-san, the blonde girl that transferred into my class. I ran into Yuuma‑san at the park and told her Takeshi was on a date with someone else."
"I see…" Akeno processed the information as the meeting of the two seemed like a coincidence.
Issei tilted his head. "Sorry, are you two related?"
Both girls gave him a quizzical look and questioned him at the same time. "Hmm?"
"You look similar. Black hair, violet eyes, similar facial structure. And I get the same… uncanny feeling from both of you. It's the same yet different." Issei explained as he wondered about their genetic material.
Both girls stiffened as their eyes met briefly. They were a little surprised by Issei's analysis.
"I'm going to go."
Yuuma looked at where he was heading. "To the rooftop? Kaichou would be pissed about breaking the rules. But I won't tell her. It can be our little secret. Can't say the same for her." She jerked her chin toward Akeno.
Akeno gave a small smile. "Actually, I already know Hyoudou‑san's secret. That's how we met. I usually go to the rooftop to talk with him again, but he never showed up after the first time."
"Is that so?" Yuuma's eyes narrowed, challenging the other girl.
"Mhmm. You could say the rooftop is Hyoudou‑san and I's rendezvous spot."
Issei nearly choked. "I wouldn't say that. But I'm not risking the student council."
Akeno gave a nod at Yuuma. "Then it's better to stick with me than her, Hyoudou‑san. She's one of them, after all."
Issei blinked. "Really?" He looked at Yuuma. "Why?"
"Didn't have much of a choice." Yuuma shrugged as it was true, but she wasn't going to reveal more than she should have.
"We all have a choice. I'm surprised Sona‑kaichou let a new student join the council so easily. But it does confirm my assessment."
"And what assessment is that?"
Issei walked past them. "That they're corrupted. And I feel the same about people in your club, Himejima‑senpai. Anyway… have a nice lunch."
He left both girls watched him go, each frowning for different reasons.
Akeno's thoughts churned. 'He can sense our supernatural energies… How? And that spark I felt from him before… what triggered it?'
Yuuma pouted. 'Great. Now he'll lump me in with the student council. And I wanted to have fun with him…' She crossed her arms and gave a small glare towards Akeno. "Well, thanks a lot."
Akeno returned the glare. "For what?"
"You ruined my time with him. And now he'll treat me like the rest of the council." Yuuma groaned.
"Why do you care?" Akeno questioned.
"Because he was honest with me. You don't find that around here."
Akeno blinked. "What?"
Yuuma scoffed. "You think I didn't notice Takeshi trying to corner me into joining your peerage? Then interfering with my mission? Azazel‑sama cast me as a rogue, your peerages stormed the church, killed my allies and Freed ran off like a coward thinking I'd sleep with him. Please."
Akeno's eyes narrowed. "Then why join Sona's peerage?"
"And be stuck with you and the rest of your peerage shunning me for what I tried to do with that nun?" Yuuma looked at Akeno as if she had two heads. "No thanks. Also did you know he admitted he was a pervert, but when I offered to let him feel my breasts, he declined? Can you believe that?"
Akeno's eyes widened. 'The breast‑loving pervert… declined?'
"I didn't know." Akeno tried to process that.
"Of course not. You're focused on your mistress and her marriage problem. She has the Sekiryuutei, so she'll be fine." Yuuma waved it off dismissively. "What's your deal with Issei anyway?"
Akeno looked toward the stairwell. "Did you realize that he sensed us? Our energies. I don't know how. But he feels something different about us. Kiba‑kun and I were right… there's more to him than being a pervert."
Yuuma rolled her eyes. "Maybe try helping someone for their sake instead of your own. I'm not telling him about the supernatural. Ugh. This sucks." She stormed up the stairs.
Akeno watched her go. 'So she's interested in Hyoudou‑san… and he was honest with her? I wonder what he'd think of me if he knew my past… Would he still be honest?' She turned away. 'Hyoudou‑san… you're becoming quite an interesting development.'
Issei finally reached a spot with some shade and sat down to eat. Looking back towards the rooftop that he would have been in, he noticed Yuuma was there, glancing in his direction. He ignored it.
It sucked that she was part of the student council. And he didn't like how she tried to provoke his perversion. He was trying to change. Not go backward. He thought about the club. About Ikki. About Renka. About Kenichi and Mizunuma. They treated him better than anyone else. He remembered Ikki's words that morning.
'Maybe… maybe it's time to open up.' Issei pondered.
It had been weeks, after all.
"Found you!" A voice called out.
Issei nearly jumped out of his skin. He'd been so deep in thought that he hadn't noticed her leaning casually against a tree, arms crossed, eyes sharp.
"Renka‑senpai…" Issei answered with fright.
"I was hoping to catch you at lunch. We need to talk about your schedule." Renka informed him.
"Oh. Okay." Issei nodded.
She stepped closer, her expression shifting into something more serious. "If I'm going to train you, you can't do your afternoon workouts anymore. So, can you move them to the evening? A few hours after we finish?"
Issei nodded. "I think so. I could have a light dinner and then..."
"Nope. No light dinner." Renka shook her head. "You need to bulk up. It's been helping so far."
Issei chuckled awkwardly. "Yeah… after you stuffed me at the restaurant, I kind of remembered how much Goku eats. So I get what you were doing. And… thank you."
Renka smirked and handed him a small wad of yen.
"What's this?" Issei asked, looking at the money.
"You tipped at the restaurant." Renka deadpanned.
"I don't need it." Issei shook his head.
"Yes, you do." Renka insisted. "You're going to need new gear. Like gi pants."
"I can stitch them up. My grandmother taught me."
"You can't patch things forever." Renka warned him.
Issei looked down. "Aren't I doing that with you?"
Renka blinked. "Hmm?"
"I ignored you for a week… then another week after the restaurant. Why didn't you give up on me?"
Renka laughed softly. "Did you not pay attention at the restaurant?" She placed her hands on her hips. "I'm your senpai. Your teacher in Chinese kenpo. I'm not giving up on you. And the fact that you keep coming back means you haven't given up on me either."
She offered him her hand. "Come on. Lunch is almost over."
Issei took her hand and stood. "Thanks. And… could I talk to you after training?"
Renka tilted her head. "About?"
"You asked me some questions. I want to answer them… if you'll let me."
Renka blinked in surprise. 'Is he really going to open up?' She responded back to him. "Um… okay."
They parted ways, heading back to their classrooms.
Unbeknownst to them, Yuuma had been watching from afar. She grimaced at the sight as it was someone else getting close to Issei. But she also noted the familiarity between them.
'So he does have someone…' Yuuma tapped her chin.
"Still up here, I see." Akeno called out to Yuuma, she made it her duty to watch this girl.
Yuuma didn't need to look at Akeno. She pointed toward Renka's retreating figure. "Who is that girl?"
"Renka Ma. Third year. Mixed martial arts club." Akeno answered the question.
"Why don't you recruit one of them to help your mistress?"
"They avoid us." Akeno said and it did make her wonder.
Yuuma hummed thoughtfully and walked past her without another word.
Akeno watched her go, puzzled and then she glanced at Renka again. 'Is she thinking of recruiting her? No… that couldn't be right, since those of the mixed martial arts club avoid the student council as well. However, Renka-san did go to speak with the student council after Hyoudou-kun's outburst.'
She didn't notice Issei slip back inside the building.
Issei stopped by Elize‑sensei's office before returning to class.
Elize looked up, surprised. "Back again, kiddo? Still avoiding the club?"
"No, I'm going today. Renka‑senpai said she'd teach me some moves." Issei answered.
"Good. And you're looking good. Got any girls?"
"Nah. Same old 'ugh, it's the Perverted Beast.'" He mimicked a girl's voice, making Elize burst out laughing.
"Hahaha! Which one was that, Murayama or Katase?" Elize asked him through her chuckles.
"I dunno. A mix of both. Doesn't matter. They sound the same."
"You're not wrong about that."
Issei brightened. "Renka‑senpai said she'll teach me Chinese kenpo. It'll help with boxing too." He threw a few practice punches.
"Easy there, killer." Elize chuckled. "But seriously, look how far you've come since the school year started. Made any new friends?"
Issei's shoulders slumped. "No… well, actually… I opened up to Ikki‑senpai a bit this morning."
"Oh?" This got Elize interested.
"Remember how I talked about people replacing characters with themselves or others like they tried to do with Goku? And don't get me wrong, I've done the same because I liked the oppai."
"Of course, you have," Elize nodded. "You're an otaku, but go on."
"I was thinking… why don't they try to better themselves in real life instead of making a fake one? Of course, in this case, that is so Matsuda and Motohama."
Elize nodded. "True. But we never know what they're going through."
"Those two? They're like me, but others… Maybe they're like me, fellow otaku members."
"They could also be perverts?" She smirked.
"No, no..." He laughed. Elize was the only person he didn't mind teasing him about that. "I mean… maybe they want to be somebody, too. Maybe they want to be like Goku like I do!"
Elize softened. "Possibly, I guess that makes sense, well, maybe not Goku, but I somewhat see your logic. But you're going to be late, kiddo."
When the bell rang to signal that classes were over the day, Issei left class and immediately ran into Yuuma.
"We meet again, stranger." She declared.
Issei was stunned by her sudden appearance. "Huh?"
Behind him, Matsuda and Motohama fumed.
"Bullshit! Issei's talking to one of the new girls!" Motohama announced.
"Yeah!" Matsuda nodded in agreement.
Murayama and Katase swooped in.
"I'd avoid him, Amano‑san. He's a pervert like those two." Murayama had to warn her.
"Yeah. If you want a guy, try Muzai‑kun or Kiba‑kun." Katase gave her own input.
Yuuma rolled her eyes. "No thanks. Been there, done that. And besides, he already told me he was a pervert." She shrugged.
"No, he still is." Murayama corrected.
"Definitely." Katase nodded.
Asia approached. "Hi, Yuuma‑san. Are you heading to the student council?"
Yuuma was a little surprised that she, of all people, would talk to her. "Uh, I was… but now I have to find my prey again." She looked around but Issei had already vanished into the crowd.
Aika adjusted her glasses. "You mean Hyoudou?"
"Right." Yuuma nodded, while still searching for said prey.
Murayama shrugged. "We told her to avoid him. He's a pervert."
Katase nodded. "Yeah."
Yuuma scoffed. "Are you seriously listening to these two, Asia?"
Aika jabbed a thumb at Matsuda and Motohama. "It's more them than Hyoudou, if you haven't noticed."
Murayama huffed. "They'll report back to the Perverted Beast. It's all a ruse."
Katase nodded. "Yeah. Just like how he claimed he covered the peeping spots."
Yuuma smirked. "Actually, I found a written statement from Nurse Elize confirming that Issei helped her cover the peeping spots."
The girls blinked.
"He could've forged it." Katase accused, not believing it.
"When I first met the guy, he straight up told me he was a pervert. I even offered to let him feel my breasts and he declined." Yuuma told them.
Katase's jaw dropped. "You must've met someone else. Definitely not Hyoudou."
Matsuda and Motohama grumbled, trying to spin it in their favor.
Yuuma ignored them. "Asia, don't judge a book by its cover. Especially not based on them." She walked off toward the student council office, irritated. 'I wanted to ask him about that girl… and now I'm late. Damn it.'
Issei hurried down the hall, relieved to escape Yuuma's attention and towards Elize's office to say bye to her.
He'd talk to Renka after training. He'd opened up to Ikki. Maybe… maybe it was time to open up to the others too.
'It's been weeks. Maybe I'm ready.' He took a deep breath. 'Samurai mentality… discipline… one step at a time.'
Issei gave Elize a quick, impulsive hug. "Alright. See ya around!"
Before she could react, he turned and bumped straight into Yu‑Mi. He hugged her too, just as quickly, before darting out the door.
Yu‑Mi blinked. "What was that about?"
Elize shrugged, though a warm smile tugged at her lips. "I don't know, but I like it. He's growing up."
Yu‑Mi folded her arms thoughtfully. "I suppose so."
Elize tapped her chin. "You know… he kind of looks like he could pass as your little brother. He's losing that baby fat. His face looks a bit like yours."
Yu‑Mi blinked. "I never thought about that. However, you forget that I am of Korean descent and have a paler complexion to his tanned one. Not all of us Asians look alike, you know."
Elize grinned. "Well, you definitely share the same taste in that Gundam manga."
Yu‑Mi puffed her cheeks. "It's a compelling story. I think you'll like it."
Elize scoffed dramatically. "No way. I'm sticking to Dragon Ball."
Both women laughed.
"Guess he rubbed off on both of us."
"Yeah. Once you get past the perversion, he's a good kid."
"And if he were our little brother, I'd be the better sister."
Elize snorted. "Puh‑lease. I'd be the cooler sister."
"Cooler doesn't mean better."
"To a teenager, it does." Elize planted her hands on her hips triumphantly, making Yu‑Mi laugh.
"Looks like he gets his brashness from you." Yu-Mi teased.
"Eh? Huh? Haha… I guess you're right." Elize laughed.
Yu‑Mi softened. "He's got a long way to go, but… I hope he accomplishes his dream."
Elize nodded. "Me too."
Yu‑Mi pulled a Gundam manga from her briefcase. "I'm going to read while you finish your reports."
Elize groaned. "Lucky…" She trudged back to her paperwork.
Whenever Issei wasn't around, the two women often discussed the manga he'd given them. They even marked the pages where his gifts appeared. He had gotten them invested in something new, just as they had gotten him invested in learning.
Yu‑Mi's lessons helped him interpret Mitsurugi's samurai book and his studies. Elize explained the health benefits behind each discipline.
Together, they were helping Issei gain control over his emotions.
He still had bursts of anger… but they were fewer now.
Issei hurried into the locker room that was connected to the dojo. It was separate from the ones that were used by the other students, when they needed to change to PE. No one was there, he was late.
He changed quickly, taping his wrists and hands before jogging to the dojo. Kenichi was already speaking. Issei didn't sneak in, but he moved quietly, bowing his head so as not to interrupt.
Everyone sensed him anyway as his latent ki gave him away.
Kenichi gave a wave. "Welcome back, Issei."
Issei bowed deeply. "Sorry for being late. I stopped by Elize‑sensei's office and lost track. I'll do better."
Mizunuma, Renka, and Ikki smiled. Kenichi nodded. Ukita snorted. The girl beside him remained neutral.
"As I was saying, there's a tournament in three to four weeks. Third years will face other third years. Second years have a small pool—only ten fighters. We'll be sparring until then. Once we know the rules, we'll adjust. Let's have a good practice."
A petite girl with pink hair and bright green eyes approached Issei. She was shorter than him, but undeniably cute. Issei would even consider her to be pretty.
"I didn't believe it when they said you joined. I'm Raichi Li, class 2‑C." She held out her hand.
"Hyoudou Issei… 2‑B." He shook her hand, feeling like he'd seen her somewhere before.
"I know. Your reputation exceeds you." Raichi chuckled.
Issei sighed. "Unfortunately. The new girl in my class heard about it already… even though I haven't done anything in weeks."
"We got a new student too. All the guys were drooling over her." Raichi told him.
"Was her name Yuuma?" Issei asked. her.
Raichi looked on in surprise. "Yeah. How'd you know?"
"We've met. She's Takeshi's ex." Issei answered.
"Really? I guess it's no surprise for the dark prince to have had a girlfriend."
"I think he has two or three. On‑and‑off type of thing."
Raichi raised a brow. She'd expected jealousy, but none came.
"Well… good luck in the tournament."
"Thanks." He blushed, rubbing the back of his neck.
Renka came up to the two, ignoring Raichi. "Come on." She grabbed his arm. "To the field we go."
"But I thought we were training in the dojo..."
"I changed my mind. Now move." She dragged him out.
Shigure watched them leave, her eyes analyzing. 'So… he's finally opening up.'
She stroked her pet mouse and headed to oversee the spars.
Renka didn't let go until they reached the track field. Her grip was firm and somewhat possessive.
"Okay. Since Ikki's been teaching you boxing, we'll start with palm strikes. Remember the one I tried to hit you with this morning?" Renka asked him.
"Yeah. It was like this..." He attempted the mimic the motion that he saw that morning..
Renka immediately grabbed his wrist, pulled him forward, and swung her leg toward his head. She stopped just before impact. Issei gasped, hair brushing her thigh as he twisted away. He instinctively grabbed her leg to steady himself.
'Holy crap… she would've taken my head off.'
"Your palm strike is sloppy, but your form is better." Renka critiqued. "Boxing helped. Now, remember what I said about soft forms?"
"Uh… yeah. They're defensive and help with endurance."
"Right. The palm strike is Ma Style Sentsuu Shintoushou or Thousand Penetrating Soaking Palm. My father used it to blow back four opponents with a single strike."
Issei's eyes widened and it made him eager to learn it.
Renka gave a sigh. "We don't know the tournament rules yet, so punches might be restricted. But the movement is similar. Your hip rotation is better now."
"Okay… what about the kick?" Issei askedd.
"Ma Style Senkyuu. A face‑level kick. We'll work on your flexibility. The other move is for when you're caught in someone's grip. My father taught it to Kenichi. Only use it against stronger opponents." She crossed her arms. "Mizunuma will teach you some karate too. Kenichi will help. You'll get more diverse."
"What's that other move called?"
Renka crossed her arms, her expression sharpening as she continued her explanation. "It's called Ma Style Takusōshō or the Ma Style Elbow‑Lifting Palm. If your opponent grabs you, you start with an open‑palm uppercut to the chin at close range. Then..." She tapped her own elbow. "You strike your elbow with your other hand. That puts the force of both arms behind the palm on their chin. You can also use palm strikes to the body if your arms get restrained. But the key is making space. Space to hit the chin."
Issei nodded slowly. "Okay… that seems simple enough."
Renka raised a brow. "It really isn't. But it's my father's secret escape technique."
Issei waved his hands quickly. "No, I meant that it's simple enough to remember the spacing part. Sorry."
Renka chuckled. "No need to apologize. So... ready to spar?"
Issei blinked. "Huh? With you?"
"Yes. And don't think I forgot what Ukita did to you. I'm going to make sure you can at least kick his ass for putting you on your back. Maybe Kisara will notice you."
Issei shook his head vigorously. "No, I don't want that. He likes her. I'm not getting in the way of someone else's romance. That's not my dream, Renka‑senpai. I'm not going to steal girls from guys who like them. I just want to be the best fighter in my grade… which means I'd have to beat Raichi. Not ruin someone's love life."
Renka's gaze drifted off for a moment.
Issei winced. "Ah, sorry. I didn't mean to upset you."
He remembered her feelings for Kenichi… and how Miu had gotten to him first. Unless Kenichi accepted a harem, Renka's chances were slim.
Renka shook her head. "It's okay, Issei. Now—are you ready?"
Issei exhaled and raised his guard. "Yeah."
"Smart. Since I'm faster, defense is your best bet."
"For now."
Renka smirked. "I have more experience than you. So here's some advice. Take that anger you're holding back and put it into your strikes."
Issei hesitated. "But..."
"If you're worried about hurting me, trust me—you won't." She slid into her stance. "Now… let's begin."
Issei barely had time to blink before Renka was on him.
Palm strikes. Sweeps. Hooks. He blocked desperately, arms ringing from the impact.
'I'm screwed.' Issei began sweating.
She was holding back and he could tell. And that frustrated him. He wanted to reach her level someday. He wanted to stand beside her, not beneath her.
He caught one of her kicks and immediately regretted it. Renka used the same leg to yank him forward, leapt, wrapped her thighs around his neck, and somersaulted backward. Issei hit the ground hard, the world spinning.
In any other situation, he would've been thrilled to be between her legs. Right now? He just groaned.
Renka's expression stayed neutral and focused. She was taking him seriously.
Issei forced himself up and struck back. His form was still rough, but he tried. Renka blocked and parried with ease, but she noticed something. Every so often, a faint pulse of ki flickered through his strikes.
'There it is again… he's starting to tap into it.' Renka made note of this and would need to tell the others or let them find out for themselves.
She swatted his wrists whenever the ki surged, not wanting to find out how strong it could get. They trained for hours. Renka barely broke a sweat. Issei was drenched, bruised, and exhausted.
Finally, he collapsed onto the grassy hill beside the field, arms spread in a T‑pose, chest heaving. The sky above was painted orange and pink.
He felt like he'd failed. But he didn't know he'd succeeded... just a little. His form had improved. His speed had increased. His ki had surfaced. He just couldn't see it.
Renka sat beside him, close enough that her presence warmed the air around his arm.
Issei stared at the sky and then, whispered quietly. "Shidou…"
Renka turned her head. "Hmm?"
She leaned back on her arms, one knee bent, the other leg stretched out. She sat close enough that Issei could feel the grass shift near his fingertips.
"Shidou is the name of my friend. You asked me before." Issei answered.
Renka softened. "Oh? What were they like?"
Issei smiled faintly. "He was fun. We played together all the time. Had sleepovers. I even went to church with him and his family. I'm not big into religion, but… I'd do anything for my friend." His smile faded. "I've been praying more lately. Shidou said good things happen to those who pray. But… I still have the perverted stigma, so I guess that prayer hasn't been answered yet."
Renka frowned. "What's wrong?"
A tear slid from the corner of his eye. "My parents… they called me worthless."
Renka's breath hitched. "They didn't mean..."
"Not to my face," Issei cut in. "But I can tell the things that they probably have been thinking. They were right. My dad said I was the embodiment of sexual desire. And he was right. That's why I was called the Perverted Beast. Even though I'd never force myself on anyone. That's what a beast would do." He swallowed. "Remember my harem king dream?"
Renka nodded slowly as she was curious about where he was going with this.
"It came from my grandfather. He was extremely perverted. He passed the dream to my dad. Dad passed it to me. What a shitty dream, huh?" He laughed bitterly. "When I got into this school, I thought I'd be popular. Get a girl. Dump her. Get another. Dump her. Repeat."
Renka winced at his way of thinking, but she said nothing. She felt that there was more to be said and she was right.
Issei continued, "But that was just my perversion talking. When I see Takeshi doing it… I see how awful it is. Unless he really loves them all equally, then good for him. But people are superficial. Looks matter more than anything." He sighed. "I'm a little jealous. But it is what it is. I'll find someone out there. Someone with no connection to this place. Someone who doesn't know my reputation… until I tell them."
Renka blinked. "You'd tell them?"
Issei nodded. "My name means 'honest.' And honesty is important. My honesty is what got me that nickname. I was too honest for people's liking." He exhaled shakily. "After Shidou left, I was alone. Then I met this old guy in the park..."
Renka raised a brow. "Not your grandfather?"
"No. This old guy told us stories about how oppai were the greatest thing in the world. And while I already liked them… that pushed me deeper into perversion. Made me want to chase my grandfather's dream." He chuckled weakly. "Then I met Matsuda and Motohama. I wasn't alone anymore. And with our perverted guts, I felt loyal to them. Even though now I know I was just their scapegoat."
Renka snorted. "Perverted guts?"
Issei laughed. "Yeah. My perversion was my drive. And somehow, with that and my 'friends,' I got into this school."
Renka shook her head, smiling. "If you had a harem… what would it have been like?"
Issei's voice softened. "Love. I wouldn't see the girls as… objects. I'd want to make them feel loved. Enjoy their interests. And they'd enjoy mine." He hesitated. "Can I use you as an example, senpai?"
Renka blinked. "Huh? Sure."
"What do you like?" Issei asked her.
"What do I like…?" She repeated and then pondered for an answer. I guess… mooncake."
Issei nodded. "Then if you were with me, I'd learn everything about mooncake. I'd make it for you. Because you like it. That's what I mean by enjoying your interests too."
Renka stared at him, eyes softening in a way she didn't expect. She raised an eyebrow, lips curling into a teasing smirk. "I get it. But I wouldn't look into porn for you."
Issei groaned softly. "I wouldn't want you to. I think you'd only do that for Kenichi‑senpai."
Renka's face flushed instantly. "E‑Eh!?"
Issei continued, oblivious to her fluster. "Kenichi‑senpai has girls all over him. I'm glad he's somebody. Girls want to be with a 'somebody', right? I was talking with Ikki‑senpai and Elize‑sensei about this earlier." He stared up at the sky, voice softening. "I've seen people create characters who are instantly handsome or beautiful, just so they can imagine being adored. It made me wonder if they're living fake lives like I did instead of trying to better themselves… like I'm trying to do. Elize‑sensei said we don't know what people are going through, and she's right. But it still makes me wonder if an average guy like me can become something."
Renka hummed thoughtfully. "I guess you're right about that."
"People like that… they're like me. Not handsome. Not special. Maybe a little envious. But instead of making up a life like Goku's, why not take steps to improve yourself in reality? That's what I'm trying to do, well, not necessarily Goku. In a fighting sense, sure, but the enemies that he's had to face, good luck. I mean I want to be somebody, but... not something superficial. But it feels like that's all people want nowadays."
Renka shook her head. "Not everyone. But… I see your point."
Issei suddenly muttered, "Hmm… maybe I should look into stitching."
Renka blinked. "Huh?"
"Stitching. Sewing. I like it. It's how I patched up my gi pants." Issei told her.
Renka's eyes widened. "You did that?"
Issei nodded. "Uh huh."
Renka stared at him, surprised. 'He really does have some skills under that perverted exterior… and he's opening up to me.'
"And also, thanks but you're right. I'll need new pants eventually. Still, I'll keep stitching these until they can't fight anymore." Issei replied, taking her out of her thoughts.
Renka smiled faintly. "I guess so. So… you want to be somebody?"
Issei inhaled deeply. "Yeah. Like those people who make beautiful characters. I wouldn't be surprised if they're perverted too. No one's a saint. But I'm grateful that beating happened."
Renka blinked. "Really?"
"Yeah. It was a blessing in disguise. It showed me those two weren't really my friends. I'm loyal to my friends… too loyal. It blinded me. And even though I have other qualities, people only see the sign over my head that says 'pervert.' That's all they care about." His voice cracked. "I want to be somebody my parents could be proud of. Someone Shidou could be proud of. My grandparents. My friends. I just…" He choked, but swallowed his saliva.
Renka leaned forward. "Issei?"
"I'm fine." His tone was flat with emotion sealed away again.
Renka's heart sank. She felt the door close. She sighed quietly, thinking she'd lost her chance to truly connect with him. Then she heard a sound she never expected. Issei began to sing. It was soft at first, then stronger, carried by the wind across the field. She was surprised that he sounded decent.
It wasn't just singing. It was a confession. It was longing. It was pain and hope woven together.
His voice trembled, but she wouldn't say that it was the best thing ever, but it was adequate enough. Of course, it was also foreign to her, since Issei only found the song from Japanese covers. For Renka, it sounded raw and honest and remained silent as Issei was letting those singing lessons loosen his throat as he stared at the sky.
He sang of being "the boy inside the man," of wanting to be seen, of wanting to be somebody. He sang of broken lights, of windows turned into doors, of wanting people to see the real him. He sang of distance, connection, identity, and the fire inside him that refused to die.
The chorus softly echoed across the empty field: "We all wanna be somebody…"
Renka stared at him, stunned. She had never heard him sound so vulnerable. The lyrics made it all feel so real. When the last note faded, Issei exhaled shakily.
"You… can sing?" Renka finally asked as her shock wore off.
Issei jolted upright, face turning crimson. He had completely forgotten she was there.
"I—I… um…" He didn't know how to answer and get into the talk of why he got those singing lessons.
But Renka wasn't the only one who heard. Kenichi and Miu had approached quietly, drawn by the sound.
Miu whispered, eyes wide, "Did you know he could do that?"
Kenichi shook his head, smiling. "No. But this is good. He's finally opening up. He mentioned talking with Ikki this morning."
Miu folded her arms thoughtfully. "Renka is probably thinking the same thing we are."
Kenichi tilted his head. "What's that?"
"What else is he hiding? We just learned he can sew. And he can sing, at least it's not a train wreck. The school thinks he's a talentless pervert… but he's got something going here. Maybe my father knows more than we do."
Kenichi nodded slowly. "Maybe."
Back on the hill, Issei was still flustered, cheeks burning, trying to hide his face.
Renka watched him quietly. For the first time, she didn't see the Perverted Beast. She saw a boy trying desperately to become a man. A boy who wanted to be somebody. And she smiled.
Renka tilted her head, studying him with a soft, curious expression. "So that song… it was about what we were talking about earlier?"
Issei blinked. "Huh?"
"About being somebody." Renka clarified.
Issei rubbed the back of his neck. "Oh, uh… yeah. Something like that."
Renka's lips curled into a teasing smirk. "You weren't trying to serenade me, were you?"
Issei nearly choked. "No, no! Why would you even think that?"
"Because in your lyrics, you said 'I hope that they see you in me.' What did you mean by that?"
Issei exhaled slowly. "Oh… that. I meant I want people to see the parts of me shaped by the people who helped me. You, Kenichi‑senpai, Ikki‑senpai, Mizunuma‑senpai, Elize‑sensei, Yu‑Mi‑sensei… my parents, my grandmother, Shidou. That's all. Nothing romantic."
Renka let out a small sigh. "I see… Issei, sit up."
Issei groaned, his body stiff and aching from the beating she'd given him, but he obeyed. He didn't expect what came next. Renka wrapped an arm around his shoulders and pulled him into a one‑armed hug. His entire body locked up.
He hadn't been this close to a girl, other than his mother, Shidou's mother or grandmother, in years. Even Yu‑Mi kept a respectful distance during lessons. But Renka was right there. Unlike Issei, she was warm, solid and confident. A part of her chest pressed lightly against his arm, and he felt his brain short‑circuit.
"You can relax, you know." Renka assured him.
He tried but he failed. He fidgeted like a malfunctioning robot. He was trying to keep his emotions and hormones in check.
Renka chuckled softly. "Listen. You will be somebody. Not just a pervert. And we'll help you get there. I'll say this too, you're already somebody. You're my kohai. My student. And if you want… you're my friend." Issei's breath caught as she continued. "And don't give me that crap about my social status. I told you... I can handle myself. If the school wants to damn me for being friends with you, then so be it."
Issei's voice trembled. "You… you really mean that?"
"Mhm. And also..." She gently pulled his head onto her shoulder. "Thank you for opening up to me. I had a feeling it was only a matter of time."
She stroked his hair once, twice then paused when she felt him shudder.
"Huh?" Issei blushed from the contact and then his voice cracked. "Thank… thank you."
She felt the dampness of a few tears on her shoulder. "For what?" She rubbed his shoulder reassuringly.
"For accepting me as a friend." He answered.
Renka laughed softly. "You were always a friend. You were just locking yourself up so tightly you couldn't see it. You were afraid to accept us, Ise."
Issei blinked. "Ise?" He was surprised to hear her say that nickname to him.
"Your friends call you that, right?" She asked and he nodded. "Then I'll call you that too. Ise. This is the start of our friendship. And don't you dare ignore me again. If you have a problem, you come to me. Got it?"
Issei wiped his eyes. "Okay… thank you, Renka‑senpai."
"Anytime."
Issei hesitated. "And… Renka‑senpai?"
"Yeah?"
"I may not win… but I promise I won't get last place in the tournament."
Renka snorted. "What makes you think I expected you to?"
Issei frowned. "You gave me a disappointed look. And I was disappointed too. I didn't land a single hit."
"You're a novice. I didn't expect you to. But down the line? Maybe you will." Renka nudged him with her shoulder. "Hey, how about extra training on weekends after my shifts at the restaurant?"
Issei perked up. "I'll have to see when my shifts end."
Renka blinked. "Shifts?"
"I'm working at Shishi‑Oh. I got hired." Issei informed her.
Renka nearly fell over. "WHAT!?"
Issei scratched his cheek. "Yeah… after the first week of school, I went job hunting. I needed money for new gear."
Renka stared at him. "The owner of that shop is a hardass… and you were that close to me this whole time? I guess I got lucky you stopped in for lunch."
Issei bowed his head. "Sorry. I didn't know you worked there. But I'll be learning kenjutsu from Mitsurugi‑shishou. He's the owner."
Renka blinked. "Do you have a bokken?"
"Uh huh. I want to ask Shigure‑sensei to train me someday. You said she has an armed martial arts style. But I need to learn the basics first."
Renka nodded slowly. "I guess you'll be doing that after your shifts, huh?"
"Maybe. I'm not sure yet."
"Well, when you figure it out, tell me." Renka instructed him.
Issei smiled faintly. "I will. Thanks."
Renka rubbed his shoulder again, gentle this time. They stayed like that for a while with Issei leaning against her and Renka supporting him. It didn't look nor feel romantic to Issei. It was more like a big sister comforting her little brother. Regardless of how it may look, a bond was forming.
From a distance, Kenichi and Miu watched quietly.
Kenichi gave a sigh of relief. "Let's go."
"Really?" Miu wanted to see more of what Issei could reveal.
"Yeah. Renka's got it handled." Kenichi told her.
Miu folded her arms. "I can't believe he got a job at Shishi‑Oh."
Kenichi raised an eyebrow. "Why? Because the owner's strict?"
"No… I wonder if my father had something to do with it. I think he's met Mitsurugi before. And in terms of weapons… Mitsurugi would beat Shigure‑sensei." Miu informed her boyfriend.
Kenichi's eyes widened. "Then that's perfect."
"Huh?" Miu looked at him in bewilderment.
"It means both the club and Mitsurugi can help Issei get stronger. Help him reach his dream." Kenichi explained to her.
Miu nodded slowly. "He'll have to beat Raichi eventually."
"Maybe. But now you can admit you were wrong." Kenichi teased.
Miu frowned. "About what?"
"That he's trying to change. It's been weeks since that beating. Nearly a month. The only trouble he got into was punching one of those guys and Renka got it ruled as self‑defense." He said.
"But the student council didn't punish anyone." Miu replied back.
"They're devils, remember? They're probably watching for something. But we stay out of their way. That's our duty as members of Cross Times Kiss." Kenichi reminded her.
Miu sighed. "I know."
"Now come on. As I said earlier, let's go."
Renka glanced their way, acknowledging them with a small nod but careful not to disturb the boy leaning against her shoulder.
Renka waved back at Kenichi and Miu, then returned her attention to the boy leaning against her. Issei was quiet again, lost in his thoughts but she could feel the tension in his shoulders easing. He was warm. He was calm. And for the first time in weeks, he wasn't alone.
Eventually, Renka gave his shoulder a gentle pat. "Alright, Ise. Time to hit the showers. Or at least you need to."
He didn't want to move from Renka's embrace, not just because he could feel her breast against him. He also felt like he wanted to sleep here and not care about everything else. Nonetheless, he groaned and obeyed.
He went for a warm shower, instead of a cold one. Steam drifted from his hair as he stepped out of the locker room, toweling off the last drops of water. He felt relaxed and lighter. Like a weight he'd been carrying for years had finally loosened its grip.
He had opened up. He had a friend again. A real one this time, just like he did with Shidou. Renka had agreed to keep his singing a secret, though it took a surprising amount of begging. In the end, she relented on one condition: "Come to the restaurant during your lunch break from work. I'll give you pointers."
He agreed immediately. After saying goodbye, Issei headed home. But as he passed the old church, he noticed something strange. The eerie feeling he always sensed around the building was weaker.
Curiosity tugged at him. "Maybe I should check it out."
The moment he stepped inside, he froze. The place was trashed with shattered pews, broken windows, scorch marks on the walls. And beneath it all… a faint but unmistakable bloodlust.
His skin prickled. The hairs on his neck stood up. He quickly texted his mother to say he'd be late, then sat on one of the few intact pews.
"Man… if you could see me now, Shidou." His voice echoed softly in the empty hall. "I haven't been here since you left. I went down a bad path after that. Made friends with guys who used me as a scapegoat… but I cut them off. I don't think I made a real friend again until today."
He chuckled weakly as he continued talking to himself. "Maybe you'd like her. She's helping me with my fighting. Sooner or later, I'll be like Son Goku!" He leaned back, staring at the cracked ceiling. "I'll make better friends from now on. Ones you'd be proud of. It hasn't been the same without you, Shidou. Why'd you have to go?"
Memories washed over him of mass with Shidou's family, the warmth of belonging, the laughter. Then the loneliness that followed. His fascination with breasts. His grandfather's influence. That old man in the park who fed his obsession. The vision of his parents calling him "the embodiment of sexual desire."
He sighed. "I really was the Perverted Beast."
"So I've been told." A familiar voice replied back.
Issei jolted upright and standing in the aisle was Yuuma.
"Amano‑san? What are you doing here?" This was the second time that she snuck up on him.
"I used to crash here." Yuuma shrugged.
Issei blinked as he looked around and then back at her. "Really? I don't know how you dealt with it. I've been feeling something eerie from this place for a while… until today."
"That's it?" Yuuma raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah. I used to come here with my best friend. His family was part of the church. After they left, the place got abandoned."
Yuuma tilted her head. "So his family was with the church? And he was your best friend?"
"Yeah. You didn't think Matsuda and Motohama were my first friends, did you? They held me back. Spread rumors about me. I finally realized they weren't real friends."
Yuuma's expression softened. "Sounds like you miss him. Your church friend, I mean. Not the two idiots."
Issei nodded. "I do. And I know he'd be disappointed in who I became. I've got a lot of atoning to do."
Yuuma opened her mouth to reply but both of them suddenly stiffened. There was a presence nearby that was dark, chaotic but above all else, it was bloodthirsty.
Issei's eyes darted around, looking for the source. "Anyway, I should go," he stood quickly, forcing a casual wave, "Try not to stay too long. See ya."
He hurried out, his instincts screaming at him to leave.
Yuuma watched him go, waiting to make sure that he was far enough from the area. When he was, she then summoned a light spear and hurled it toward the shadows.
"What are you doing here, Freed?" Yuuma glared at the cowardly, psychotic priest.
A man stepped out, grinning like a lunatic. "Is that any way to greet an ally? Hahaha! Can't believe you let yourself get reincarnated into a devil. Maybe I should kill you."
Yuuma grunted. "Hn. You can try."
Freed raised a light gun. "Oh? You don't think I will? Relax. I've got a proposition."
"From who?" Yuuma was intrigued about the offer.
"I'll tell you later. Big things are coming. Maybe in a month or two."
Yuuma narrowed her eyes. "Why tell me?"
"To see if you'll be on our side." Freed smiled wickedly at her.
"Depends on who you're working for." Yuuma informed him.
Freed smirked. "Like I said, give it time. But since we're alone… why don't you strip out of that outfit and spread those fine legs of yours? I'm sure your boyfriend won't mind. Hahaha!"
"He's not my boyfriend!" She hurled another spear. "And I'd never let someone like you between my legs. That pathetic little pecker wouldn't please anyone."
Freed snarled. "Fuck you!"
"Oh, I bet you'd like to. You've been barking about it. After all, wasn't that your proposal, when I asked for your assistance?" Yuuma enjoyed being able to turn the tables on him.
Freed clicked his tongue. "Whatever. I'm leaving." He vanished into the night.
Yuuma stood alone in the ruined church, staring at the broken altar. "Dohnasheek… Kalawarner… Mittelt… You're dead because of me. Sorry. I was a bad leader."
She spread her wings and flew into the night, mind heavy with choices. If Freed was telling the truth, then she would have to decide which side to stand on.
And whichever she chose, then her life might be forfeit. But for now, she kept the meeting a secret. She needed more information, so she could gain more leverage. For that, she would also need more time. Only then could she decide her fate.