After having dinner, Kaizen went to his room to sleep. He was still thinking about Rex and felt a little sad that he couldn't see him at college today. Determined, he decided to check the student data at the library tomorrow in hopes of finding him.
As morning came, Kaizen was woken up by a loud horn outside his house.
Akane (shouting): "Come down, come down, Kaizen!" Beep Beep!
The shrill sound of the horn pierced through the quiet morning air, jolting Kaizen awake. Rubbing his eyes, he stumbled to his window and threw it open, ready to unleash his irritation at the source of the disturbance.
Kaizen: "Who the heck is making such a racket in front of my house?!"
Only to be met with the sight of Akane waiting patiently in her sleek car.
Kaizen (annoyed): "Oh, it's you, Akane. What do you want?"
Akane (grinning): "Come on, Kaizen, let's head to college together."
Kaizen: "Forget it, you devil."
Akane (sharp tone): "You brat, get down here now. We're going together."
Kaizen: "I said no, and I mean it."
Akane's servant (stepping in): "Let me handle this insolent child, Miss Akane."
Akane (seething): "Handle him. He's being impossible."
Servant (coldly): "Apologize to Miss Akane this instant."
As the argument escalated between Kaizen and Akane, Kaizen's mother gracefully stepped out of the house, her calm presence diffusing the tension in the air.
Mom: "Kaizen, dear, who is this young lady?"
Akane, caught off guard, felt a pang of embarrassment.
Akane (stammering): "Um, hello, aunty. Yes, I'm Kaizen's classmate and friend."
Kaizen: "Yeah, Mom, she's the one I mentioned yesterday."
Mom (smiling kindly): "Oh, it's lovely to meet you, dear. You're such a beautiful girl. Please take care of Kaizen in college; he can be quite clumsy at times."
Akane: "Of course, aunty, I'll do my best."
Akane (grumbling): "But aunty, I've been waiting for Kaizen for hours."
Kaizen: "You're exaggerating, Akane. You just came here 30 minutes earlier. Don't lie."
Mom: "Kaizen, dear, please hurry up. Breakfast is ready, and our guest is waiting."
Kaizen (sheepish): "Okay, okay, fine Mom."
As Kaizen disappeared to get ready, his mother invited Akane inside, but Akane politely declined, insisting she would come another time.
After some time, Kaizen emerged, finally ready to face the day.
Kaizen: "Alright, devil, let's go."
Akane: "Hop in, brat."
Kaizen hopped into Akane's sleek car, the leather seats enveloping him in luxury as they set off for college. The morning air was crisp, and the streets were bustling with activity as they navigated through the city.
---
At the College Gate
Akane's servant: "Miss Akane, here we are. I'll pick you up at the end of college."
Akane: "Alright, alright, thanks."
Kaizen (teasing): "A servant, huh? Living the high life, I see."
Akane: "Shut up, Kaizen! It's not like that."
Kaizen: "Sure, sure, whatever you say, Your Highness."
They share a laugh as they head to their respective classes.
Kaizen: "Hurry up, devil."
Akane: "Okay, okay, brat! Let's gooo!"
Other students begin to notice them.
Student 1: "Wait, weren't they enemies yesterday? What's going on?"
Student 2: "I know, right? They're like, inseparable now."
A group of girls starts gossiping.
Girl 1: "Oh my gosh, they're so cute together!"
Girl 2: "I ship it!"
Akane and Kaizen overhear and exchange confused glances.
Akane: "What are these dumbasses saying about us?"
Kaizen: "Yeah, seriously, what's going on?"
As they reach their class, Kaizen spots something unexpected.
Kaizen: "Holy crap, is that who I think it is?"
A familiar face catches Kaizen's eye—the one he's been longing to see.
Kaizen: "Rex! What are you doing here, man?!"
Akane: "Looks like today just got a whole lot more interesting!"
Kaizen: "Rex, I'm talking to you!"
Rex continues staring out the window, ignoring Kaizen.
Kaizen: "Rex! Hey, Rex!"
Rex finally snaps.
Rex: "Who the hell are you? I don't even know you. Stop shouting!"
Kaizen: "What? Rex, it's me, Kaizen! We were best friends in childhood, remember? We made a promise to always be there for each other!"
Rex: "I don't know you, man. Stop wasting my time and get out of here!"
Rex storms out of the class, leaving Kaizen stunned.
Akane: "Hey, brat, who was that? He was kinda rude. What's his deal?"
Kaizen: "I... I don't know, Akane. He's supposed to be my childhood friend, but he acted like he didn't know me at all."
Akane: "Oh, that was the childhood friend you were talking about yesterday?"
Kaizen: "Yeah..."
Akane playfully hits him on the back.
Akane: "Hey, brat, don't be sad. Be cheerful! Let's ask Rex later."
Akane: "And don't make that ugly face, it makes your face even uglier."
Kaizen: "Ah, devil, at least my face isn't uglier than yours!"
They laugh together as the bell rings. Kaizen and Akane, along with the other students, head back to their seats.