The Twin Shadow of Satou
The morning sun cut through the window, warming Ruko's face as he blinked awake. The ache in his head had faded a little, but the memory of that strange energy still lingered — like a whisper he couldn't shake off.
He sat up slowly, stretching with a sigh. "Guess I didn't die again… that's a win."
From the other side of the room, a familiar voice replied, "Barely."
Ruko turned to see Kazuma sitting on a stool, arms crossed, staring at him like he was trying to solve a puzzle.
"Yo," Ruko greeted, casual as ever. "You the one who dragged me here?"
Kazuma smirked. "Dragged? You exploded and dropped like a stone. I had to carry your heavy butt halfway across town."
"Hey, appreciate it," Ruko said with a grin. "Guess I owe you one, huh?"
Kazuma shrugged. "You could start by explaining how there's another Satou in this world. Kinda weird when you introduce yourself and say your name's Ruko Satou."
Ruko froze for a moment, then laughed awkwardly. "Yeah… about that. I'm still trying to figure it out myself."
Aqua burst into the room, as loud as ever. "Kazumaaa! Did the other you wake up yet— oh, he's awake! Wait… why does he look so calm? That's suspicious!"
Megumin peeked around the door. "He really does look like Kazuma. Maybe he's your long-lost twin brother from another world?"
Kazuma groaned. "Please don't give the universe any ideas, Megumin."
Ruko just smirked. "Well… you're not exactly wrong."
Darkness tilted her head. "So you are related?"
Ruko shrugged. "Who knows? I just woke up here, and somehow, everyone acts like they know me or think I'm some alternate version of this guy."
Kazuma rubbed his chin, still eyeing him. "You talk like me. Act like me. Even complain like me. I swear, this world's turning into a bad spin-off."
"Maybe it's fate," Ruko joked. "Or bad luck — which seems to be your specialty."
Aqua gasped dramatically. "Another unlucky Kazuma! The world can't handle this!"
Kazuma threw up his hands. "Great. Just great. One of me was already enough trouble."
Ruko grinned and leaned back on the bed. "Relax, bro. I'm not here to steal your spotlight. I've got my own path."
But deep down, something stirred inside him — fragments of memories, power, and a voice echoing faintly.
> "You can't hide from what's sealed… not forever…"
He clenched his hand under the blanket, forcing a calm smile. Not yet, he thought. I'll figure this out when the time's right.
For now, though, Ruko looked over at Kazuma and said with a small smirk, "Guess we're family now, huh?"
Kazuma sighed. "If that's true, then the gods must really hate me."
Ruko chuckled. "Then it runs in the family."
The group groaned, and the two Satou brothers laughed in sync — a strange beginning to an even stranger bond.