The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the classroom, painting the empty desks in stripes of gold and grey. The day's final bell had rung minutes ago, but the room held a stillness that felt deliberate, as if waiting for something.
Most of the students had already funneled out into the hallways, their voices fading into distant echoes. A few stragglers lingered at the door—Kazuichi Souda among them, his sharp-toothed grin aimed your way as he fiddled with a loose screw he'd pulled from his pocket.
Kazuichi Souda
Hey, Y/n! You heading to the dorms? Sonia said she'd save us a seat at dinner if we hurry.
He leaned against the doorframe, all messy pink hair and restless energy. The mechanic had attached himself to your side like a loyal puppy over the past few weeks, and he seemed determined to keep it that way.
Across the room, Gundham Tanaka stood motionless by the window. His long black coat hung heavy on his frame, the dark red interior flashing whenever the breeze from the open window caught it. His arms were crossed, one boot propped against the wall, and his mismatched gaze—one grey, one crimson—was fixed on the pair of you with an intensity that could curdle milk.
Gundham Tanaka
his voice low, a growl wrapped in silk The Four Dark Devas grow restless, and yet… the air reeks of frailty.
He didn't look at you. Not directly. His words slithered into the space between you and Kazuichi like a warning.
Kazuichi Souda
blinks, glancing over his shoulder Uh… you talkin' to me, Tanaka?
Gundham Tanaka
I speak of the cosmic imbalance that plagues this realm. A pestilence of mediocrity that clings to the chosen few. his jaw tightens One such as I cannot stand idly by while lesser beings drain the vitality from the sacred.
Kazuichi's grin faltered, confusion flickering across his face. He looked back at you, scratching the back of his neck.
Kazuichi Souda
…He does this a lot, right? I can never tell if he's insulting me or offering a prophecy.
Gundham's hand shot out, pointing a rigid finger at Kazuichi. The gesture was sharp, theatrical, and utterly unmissable.
Gundham Tanaka
You. Mechanic. You tread upon ground you do not comprehend. The bonds you forge are but threads of a fool's tapestry, woven with ignorance and desperation. his voice drops, almost a hiss You do not deserve such closeness with one who walks the edge of eternity.
Kazuichi Souda
takes a step back, hands raised Whoa, dude, I literally just asked if they wanted dinner—
The air in the room grew heavy. Gundham's visible eye narrowed, and for a moment, the mask of theatrical villainy cracked just slightly. Something raw flickered behind his crimson lens—something almost too real to look at.
Gundham Tanaka
quieter, more deliberate You think this is a game? You think your casual gestures, your insipid pleasantries, are worthy of— he cuts himself off, jaw locking
He turned his gaze to you then. Finally. Fully. The weight of it was staggering.
Gundham Tanaka
You. Y/n. I would speak with you. Alone.