The bus engine roared as we left behind Fujimi Academy, now turned into a hellscape of the undead. Through the window, I watched our educational sanctuary shrink into a tiny dot on the horizon. The adrenaline of our escape still pulsed through my veins, mingling with a strange sense of triumph. We had survived. At least for now.
I looked at my companions, each processing what had just happened in their own way. Hirano meticulously checked his nail gun as if it were the world's greatest treasure. Saya had settled into a seat, her eyes fixed on the rapidly passing scenery, but her mind was clearly racing. Saeko remained standing, her bokken always at the ready, silent sentinel. Nurse Shizuka drove with an unusual intensity, while Mr. Takayama offered occasional directions from the passenger seat.
Then there was Rei, seated beside Hisashi. Her face was etched with worry as she watched her boyfriend, who had begun breathing erratically.
—Are you all right? —Rei asked, placing a hand on Hisashi's forehead.
—I'm... fine —he replied between gasps—. I just need... to rest a bit.
But I knew the truth. We all did, though no one dared voice it.
Hisashi had been bitten during our flight. He'd hidden it well, keeping his uniform sleeve pulled down over the wound, but the signs were showing: cold sweat, labored breathing, pale skin.
I moved towards them, feeling everyone's eyes on me. Rei looked up, a mixture of plea and denial in her gaze.
—He's getting worse, isn't he? —I said softly.
—He just needs rest —Rei insisted, though her voice trembled with doubt.
Hisashi coughed violently, his hand stained with blood. He looked at both of us, and I saw understanding in his eyes. He knew.
—Rei... —he said with difficulty—. Saito is right. I... I'm not going to get better.
—Don't say that! —she cried, tears welling in her eyes—. We'll find help, a doctor...
—We know what happens when someone gets bitten —Hisashi interrupted, his voice growing weaker—. We saw it at school. I don't want... I don't want to become one of them.
A heavy silence fell over the bus. Everyone had stopped pretending they weren't listening and now openly watched the scene.
—Hisashi... —Rei began, but he cut her off.
—Saito —he called to me, meeting my eyes—. I need you to do me a favor.
I knew what he was going to ask before he spoke.
—When the time comes... don't let me become one of them —he requested with a dignity that surprised me—. Promise me you'll stop me before I can hurt anyone. Especially Rei.
—I promise —I answered, feeling the weight of each word.
—No! —Rei cried, clinging to Hisashi—. Don't you dare, Saito. He'll be fine, he just needs time.
—Rei, please —Hisashi took her hand—. Stop making this harder. I'd rather die as myself than live as a monster.
Tears streamed freely down Rei's face now, and my heart ached at her pain. In my previous life, I'd seen this scene in an anime, but living it was entirely different. The agony was real, tangible, and it made me question whether I could keep the promise I'd just made.
—We should stop —suggested Shizuka-sensei from behind the wheel, her voice gentle but firm—. We need to... decide what to do.
—There's nothing to decide —Saeko replied calmly—. We know what happens after a bite. Hisashi knows it too.
—That's right —Hisashi confirmed, each word a visible effort—. I don't want to endanger anyone else. I... I can feel it. The change. It's starting.
Saya adjusted her glasses, a gesture I'd come to recognize as her way of keeping her composure.
—There's a gas station up ahead —she pointed out—. We could pull over there. At least we'd have... privacy.
We all understood what she meant. Shizuka-sensei nodded and steered the bus toward the abandoned station. The place looked deserted—no zombies in sight, a small blessing in the midst of this nightmare.
Once we parked, Mr. Takayama and Hirano volunteered to watch the perimeter, while the rest of us stayed with Hisashi, whose condition was deteriorating quickly.
—There isn't much time left —Saeko murmured, keeping a cautious distance but her bokken at the ready.
Rei continued holding Hisashi's hand, whispering words of comfort even though both knew it was in vain. I knelt beside them, my makeshift screwdriver weighing like lead in my hand.
—Rei —I said softly—. I need you to step aside for a moment.
—No —she replied without looking at me—. I'm not leaving him.
—Rei, please —Hisashi's voice was barely audible—. Go with Saito. I don't want you to see me like this.
—I can't leave you —she sobbed.
—I know —Hisashi managed a weak smile—. And I love you for it. But you need to be strong now. For me.
With a final look of heartbreak, Rei slowly released Hisashi's hand and stood. Saeko approached and gently guided her toward the back seats where Saya and Shizuka-sensei waited to console her.
I was left alone with Hisashi, whose breathing was now shallow and erratic.
—Thank you —he whispered—. Take care of her, okay? Rei is... she's strong, but she'll need someone.
—I will —I promised, feeling a lump in my throat—. Rest, my friend.
Hisashi closed his eyes, a momentary peace crossing his face. For an instant, he seemed to be sleeping. Then, suddenly, his body convulsed and a final breath escaped his lips.
The silence that followed was deafening. We all held our breath, bracing for the inevitable. I didn't have to wait long.
Hisashi's eyes snapped open—empty, milky. An inhuman groan rumbled from his throat as he began to rise with jerky movements. He was no longer Hisashi. He was one of them.
—Move, Rei —I commanded, gripping my screwdriver.
—What? No! —she wailed, but her voice held a note of resolve.
—I can't do it... —I faltered, searching for another solution as the zombified Hisashi lunged at me.
—Seriously? —Rei's tone was a mix of shock and faint hope—. You're not going to do it?
—I don't think Hisashi is coming back —I said, pain lacing my words—. And he asked me to…
Without hesitation, I shoved Rei aside while Hirano and Saeko intercepted the zombie. I used the bat to strike him in the face, not to kill but to push him back, and dragged him out of the bus.
—Wait! Saito, no, he'll be fine —Rei screamed, though I doubted she believed her own words.
—Rei! Listen —I said, holding her firmly—. He's infected, just like the others at school. He asked me to end him, but I can't do that now. He's gone.
I watched Rei break completely, tears streaming down her cheeks as her teammates moved in to comfort her.
I turned back to Hisashi's body. The bite happened while we were boarding the bus, but he'd kept it secret—maybe to spare Rei, maybe because he thought it wouldn't get this far. Either way, it was too late.
—Hirano, help me —I called, and together we pushed Hisashi's body out of the bus. We shut the doors quickly behind him. Through the glass, we saw the creature that used to be our friend, swaying and pounding weakly on the doors, its dead eyes fixed on us.
I sighed. —What do I do now? —I muttered to myself.
A selfish part of me, not yet fully crushed by the weight of our reality, thought: "Heh, it's not as easy as it looked, I suppose. Well, I'll be the rock for all these girls. Slowly build my little empire and reanimate the world."
—HAHAHA —I laughed aloud without realizing—. What the hell am I saying? I must sound like an idiot. If someone heard me, I'd die of embarrassment.
Fortunately, no one seemed to be paying attention, too busy consoling Rei or processing what had just happened.
In that moment, a strange sensation stirred within me, as if something were unlocking. A familiar window appeared before my eyes.
[Character Template]
Template: [Kazuma Satou]
Progress: (20%) 0/2000xp
Skills Acquired:
• Steal: (Basic magic skill)
• Swordsmanship: (Basic)
Congratulations, you have received rewards for reaching 20%:
• Enemy Detection (Basic)
• Create Water (Basic)
• Create Earth (Basic)
—Yesss!!! A level up is a level up, haha —I murmured, thrilled by the new abilities.
—Aah, shit —I continued, returning to reality—. Now that Hisashi is dead, what do I do? We'll continue the anime story, I guess. Head toward the city, that's probably best.
I moved from my spot toward Shizuka-sensei, still in the driver's seat, her large amber eyes glistening with held-back tears. Despite everything, I couldn't help noticing how beautiful she was: her blonde hair framing her face, her voluptuous figure barely contained by her nurse's uniform.
—Sensei —I said softly, placing a hand on her shoulder—. I know this has been hard for everyone, but we need to keep moving. Are you ready to drive?
She looked up, blinking back a tear. —Yes, Saito-kun —she nodded, wiping her cheek—. Where to?
A good question. Moments ago, we decided to head to the city, hoping Rei's father—an officer—was organizing some resistance there. But now, with Rei devastated, I wasn't sure it was still best.
—I'll stick with the original plan —I decided—. We're heading to the city, specifically to the Onbetsu Bridge. If there's an evacuation or checkpoint, it'll be there.
Shizuka-sensei nodded and restarted the engine. The zombified Hisashi continued pounding, but we left him behind.
With my new abilities, I felt I could master the system more quickly, though I hoped not to have to use them right away.
The journey to the city was tense and silent. Rei sat in a corner of the bus, comforted by Saeko, whose fierce exterior belied her gentle heart. Saya sat alone by a window, deep in thought. Hirano watched another window, nail gun ready. Mr. Takayama had moved to the passenger seat, giving occasional route advice.
I approached Saeko and Rei, hesitating before speaking.
—How's she doing? —I asked quietly to Saeko.
—Better than expected —she replied, glancing at Rei with a mixture of admiration and concern—. She's strong.
Rei looked up, her red, swollen eyes now dry. —I'm fine, Saito —she said, though her voice was hollow—. I don't need to be treated like a child.
—No one thinks that —I replied, sitting down opposite them—. We're all worried. It's normal after... well, after what happened.
Rei looked away, but I noticed her shoulders relax slightly. I decided to change the subject.
—Is your father still working at the precinct downtown? —I asked, recalling that detail from the anime.
—Yes —she replied, surprised by my knowledge—. How did you know?
Damn, another slip-up. I had to be more careful with details I wasn't supposed to know.
—I think you mentioned it once in class —I improvised—. Or maybe Hisashi said something.
Mentioning Hisashi made Rei tense briefly, then she nodded, accepting my explanation.
—Yes, he works there. He's a detective —she said, a small spark of pride piercing her sorrow—. If anyone knows what's happening and how to deal with it, it's him.
—Then it's a good plan to find him —Saeko approved—. Not only for his information but because reuniting families in crisis boosts morale.
I took the moment to sit closer to Rei, placing a hand on her shoulder. I sensed Saeko's curious gaze, but she said nothing.
—Rei —I said softly—. I know everything seems dark right now, but you're not alone. We're all in this together, and we'll help you find your father.
She met my eyes, and for a moment I saw gratitude—and perhaps something more I couldn't yet name.
—Thank you, Saito —she said, surprising me by taking my hand briefly—. I don't know why you're being so kind, considering we barely spoke in school, but I appreciate it.
Heat crept up my cheeks. I hadn't expected such sincerity or contact so soon after Hisashi's death.
—Extreme circumstances bring out the best or the worst in people —I quoted softly—. I'd rather be remembered for the best.
I saw a small smile at the corners of her lips—the first since Hisashi's passing. It was a small victory, but meaningful.
Saeko watched me with an inscrutable expression, her blue eyes reading me like an open book.
—You're full of surprises, Saito Nakamada —she finally said with a small smile—. At school you seemed so... ordinary. And now you're leading us through a zombie apocalypse with confidence I didn't expect.
Another nod to my previous behavior. I had to find a way to reconcile my present personality with the Saito they knew.
—I guess I never had the chance to show who I really am —I replied, trying for a mysterious air—. School didn't exactly reward initiative or leadership.
—Hmm —was all Saeko said, but her smile suggested she was intrigued, which was exactly my intention. Nothing like a bit of mystery to spark interest.
I left Rei and Saeko and went to where Saya sat alone. I slid into the seat beside her, noting how she stiffened at my approach.
—What do you want, Nakamada? —she asked without looking away from the window.
—Can't I just sit here? —I replied with a grin—. And call me Saito. I think we're past the surname stage.
She snorted, a gesture I found oddly endearing in someone so cerebral and serious.
—Suit yourself, Saito —she said, adjusting her glasses—. But if you're going to sit here, at least tell me something useful. Got any plan beyond "find Miyamoto's father"?
—Actually, yes —I said, leaning closer—. I was thinking about your house. Didn't you mention it was some kind of mansion out in the suburbs?
Her attention snapped to me. She finally turned to face me, her eyes narrowing suspiciously behind her lenses.
—How do you know that? I don't recall telling you.
Damn, another slip. I had to be more cautious.
—I think you mentioned it at school before we left —I lied—. You were talking to Hirano, and I overheard.
Saya wasn't entirely convinced but let it slide.
—Yes, my family lives in a mansion in the outskirts. My father is... influential. The property has high walls and private security. If he survived the initial chaos, it'd be a good refuge.
—Exactly what I was thinking —I smiled—. First we find Rei's father, and if the city becomes too dangerous, we head to your house as backup.
Saya regarded me with renewed interest, as though reevaluating her opinion of me.
—You're not as dumb as you look, Saito —she said, which I took as a compliment—. It's a decent plan. But getting to my house won't be easy. It's far, and we'd have to cross zones likely overrun.
—One risk at a time —I replied confidently—. First the city, then we'll see. Besides... —I added with a wink— who better to guide us than Fujimi Academy's genius?
I caught a blush on her cheeks before she turned back to the window.
—Cheap flattery, Saito —she murmured—. But I suppose you're right. We'll need my brainpower to survive.
I smiled to myself. Saya was a classic tsundere: tough on the outside, softer within, clearly unaccustomed to direct praise. It would be interesting to see how our dynamic evolved.
—By the way —I said, shifting topics—. Any idea what's truly happening? How did this start?
Saya adjusted her glasses, immediately assuming "explanation mode," just as I hoped.
—It's hard to know for certain without solid data —she began— but judging by how fast it spread and the symptoms, it seems to be some kind of highly contagious virus attacking the central nervous system. Transmission appears to be primarily through bites, though I can't rule out airborne or fluid transmission.
—And do you think it's natural or... engineered? —I asked, genuinely interested.
—No natural virus behaves like this —she replied with certainty—. The ability to reanimate the dead and the extreme aggression suggest genetic modification. This must be human-made, probably a bioweapon experiment gone horribly wrong.
—Or horribly successful, depending on the goal —I commented grimly.
Saya stared at me in surprise, as if she hadn't expected that level of insight.
—Valid point —she acknowledged—. If the goal was mass chaos and societal collapse, then they succeeded spectacularly.
Our conversation was interrupted by Hirano bounding over with excitement, clutching his nail gun as if it were a holy relic.
—Hey! —he exclaimed—. I think I can modify this to make it more efficient. If we find a hardware store or something, I could get parts to upgrade it.
—Typical weapon otaku —Saya muttered, though without true malice.
—Actually, that's a good idea, Hirano —I said, giving him a friendly pat on the shoulder—. If we're going to survive long-term, we'll need every advantage we can get.
Hirano practically glowed at the praise. I realized that, like Saya, he probably wasn't used to having his ideas taken seriously.
—Right? —he said excitedly—. I was also thinking we should look for real weapons eventually. Japan has strict laws, but I'm sure there are places with useful gear. Maybe a police station or a hunting store.
—Another good idea —I approved—. When we find Rei's father, we can ask about police armament.
Hirano nodded vigorously, clearly thrilled by the prospect. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Saya watching us with an expression that mixed exasperation and what looked almost like… affection? Interesting.
Just then, the bus swerved sharply, knocking everyone off balance. Instinctively, I grabbed Saya, who was about to fall from her seat. I held her by the waist, and for a moment, we were uncomfortably close, her face inches from mine.
—Are you okay? —I asked, not letting go immediately.
—Y-yes —she stammered, her usual composure shaken—. You can let go now, Saito.
I released her slowly, savoring her brief discomfort. It was rare to see the always-confident Takagi Saya so flustered.
—I'm sorry! —Yelled Shizuka-sensei from the driver's seat—. There was... a body in the street. I had to swerve.
—It's fine, sensei —I replied, standing to go to the front—. Just be careful.
At the front, I saw we were entering a zone clearly ravaged by chaos. Abandoned cars, some with doors open, others overturned. Broken glass, bloodstains, and occasional solitary figures staggering through the streets: zombies, too scattered to be an immediate threat but a constant reminder.
—It's getting harder to move forward —Shizuka-sensei commented, carefully maneuvering between obstacles—. I don't know if we can keep going down the main road.
—Do you know an alternate route? —I asked Mr. Takayama, who looked shocked but functional.
—We could take the parallel avenue —he suggested, pointing right—. It's narrower but probably less congested. It still leads to Onbetsu Bridge, just a longer way.
—Let's do it then —I decided—. Sensei, turn right at the next street.
Shizuka-sensei nodded and began to turn. I seized the chance to test one of my new abilities: "Enemy Detection." I closed my eyes and focused, extending my senses like a mental radar.
To my surprise, it worked. I "felt" presences around us like red blips. Most were weak and scattered—likely lone zombies—but I sensed a denser cluster a few blocks ahead, on the street we'd originally planned.
"Enemy Detection activated: +5 exp"
—Good call switching routes —I said, opening my eyes—. There's trouble on the main road.
—How do you know? —asked Shizuka-sensei curiously.
—Instinct —I said vaguely, placing my hand on hers on the wheel—. Trust me, sensei.
I noticed her cheeks flush at my touch, and I let it linger a moment longer. Shizuka-sensei was stunning, and she didn't seem immune to a little male attention, even now.
—O-okay, I trust you, Saito-kun —she said, her voice slightly higher.
I smiled and removed my hand. —Thanks, sensei. And please, watch your own safety. We all depend on you to drive this bus.
—I will —she promised, appreciating the concern—. And you can call me Shizuka now. We're not exactly in school anymore.
—Shizuka, then —I agreed, pleased—. It's a beautiful name. It suits you.
Her blush deepened, confirming that my approach was working. I decided not to press further and returned my focus to the road ahead.
As Mr. Takayama suggested, the side street was less crowded, letting us make better progress. But I noticed dusk approaching—a new problem. Driving in the dark would be dangerous, especially with zombies lurking in every shadow.
—I think we should find somewhere to stay the night —I suggested—. It's not safe to drive in the dark.
—I agree —Saeko said, standing beside me—. We need rest and recovery. It's been an intense day.
—But where? —Hirano asked—. It has to be secure, with few entrances we can barricade.
—What about a house? —Rei suggested—. Houses in this area look sturdy, with high walls and strong doors.
—Not a bad idea —Saya agreed—. A house is easier to secure than a large building like a mall.
We scanned the passing homes through the windows. Most were middle-class residences, some with small gardens and fences. Some appeared intact; others showed signs of hurried abandonment.
—There —Mr. Takayama pointed to a large house at the end of the street—. That's the Amano residence. They were friends of mine. If they didn't evacuate, we at least know the layout.
The house was a two-story home with a perimeter wall and a garage. Crucially, no zombies were nearby, and all windows and doors looked intact.
—Seems like a good place —I approved—. Let's take a look.
Shizuka drove slowly up to the entrance. We stopped at a safe distance, watching for any movement.
—I'll scout it —Saeko said, readying her bokken—. I need two more.
—I'm in —I volunteered—. Hirano, you?
—Ready when you are —Hirano said, lifting his nail gun.
—Be careful —Rei said, meeting my gaze briefly.
—Always —I replied with a small smile.
The three of us disembarked and quietly approached the front gate. The main door was closed, with no signs of forced entry. Saeko looked to me for direction.
—Let's circle around first —I whispered—. Make sure there are no unwelcome surprises.
We checked along the perimeter for broken windows or alternate entries. All was quiet. At the back, we found a garden door.
—This is easier to breach than the front —Hirano observed—. Should we try?
—Yeah —I nodded, eyeing the lock.
Concentrating, I used "Steal" on the lock. A soft click, and the door gave way.
"Steal activated: +10 exp"
—How did you do that? —Hirano asked, impressed.
—A trick a friend taught me when he kept losing keys —I improvised—. Let's go.
We entered into a living room. The house was silent, pristine, as if the occupants left expecting to return.
—Search every room —Saeko said, bokken raised—. No surprises.
We swept the ground floor—living room, dining room, kitchen, small bathroom, office. All empty. Upstairs had three bedrooms and a large bathroom, also vacant.
—They left neatly —Saeko remarked—. They must have evacuated early.
—Lucky for us —I said—. Let's tell the others it's clear.
We returned to the bus with the news, and relief spread. We could spend the night in a real home with beds and comforts we never expected to see again.
—Let's get inside before it's fully dark —I said, helping Shizuka-sensei descend from the bus. I couldn't miss how her hand lingered in mine, or how her figure shifted as she jumped down. I tried not to stare, but it was hard.
—Thank you, Saito-kun —she smiled, a hint of coquettishness in her tone.
Inside, we set up camp. We barricaded the ground floor windows and doors with furniture, leaving one escape route. In the kitchen, we found enough non-perishable food for a couple of days. In the living room's bar stood a bottle of sake and a bottle of whiskey—an unexpected morale booster.
—I think we can afford a little luxury tonight —Mr. Takayama said, eyeing the bottles.
—I see no problem —I agreed—. But in moderation. We still need to keep watch.
We organized guard shifts: Hirano and Mr. Takayama first, Saeko and I second, Saya and Shizuka third. Rei was exempt—she needed rest.
We assigned rooms: Saya and Rei took the master bedroom, Saeko and Shizuka the second, and Hirano, Mr. Takayama, and I rotated in the third.
While others settled, I explored. In a hallway closet, I found clean clothes—shirts, pants, even underwear. Not tailored to everyone, but better than nothing.
In the main bathroom, I discovered a well-stocked first-aid kit. I brought it back to Shizuka, who was organizing supplies.
—I found this —I said, handing over the kit—. Thought you'd appreciate it.
—Oh, this is perfect! —she exclaimed, examining its contents—. Antibiotics, painkillers, sterile bandages. Good find, Saito-kun.
—You're welcome —I smiled, sitting beside her on the couch—. How are you holding up, Shizuka? Must be especially hard being medical staff.
—Technically, I'm a nurse —she corrected with a gentle smile—. And yes, it's... tough. Seeing so much death and not being able to do more goes against everything I learned.
Without thinking, I placed my hand over hers. —You're helping now —I said softly—. You keep us healthy, treat our wounds. We wouldn't have made it without you.
Shizuka looked at me in surprise, a blush flooding her cheeks. —You're very kind, Saito-kun —she said, softer than before—. I don't remember you being like this at school.
—Maybe I never had a chance to show you the real me —I replied, leaning closer—. Or maybe this situation brought out a side I didn't know I had.
—I like this side of you —she confessed, surprising me with her candor—. It's comforting to have someone who truly cares.
A mix of guilt and satisfaction swirled within me. Part of me was enjoying the attention of such a beautiful woman. But I genuinely cared too.
—Thanks —I said quietly—. I'm just doing my best to keep us all together and safe.
Before she could respond, Saya entered carrying maps and books.
—I found these in the office —she announced—. City maps and surrounding area. They'll help us plan our route to Onbetsu Bridge tomorrow.
—Excellent find, Saya —I praised, noticing Shizuka gently withdraw her hand—. Let's review them after dinner.
Saya eyed us both knowingly but said nothing. Instead, she asked:
—Where's Miyamoto?
—I think she's taking a bath —Shizuka answered—. She said she needed to clean up.
—Understandable —Saya nodded—. It's been a filthy day.
At that moment, Saeko brought in a steaming pot.
—I found pasta and some sauce in the pantry —she explained—. Not a feast, but hot food.
The delicious aroma made everyone realize how hungry they were. We quickly gathered at the dining table, even Rei,—fresh from her bath—joining us with damp hair.
Dinner was surprisingly pleasant, almost normal. For a moment, we pretended we weren't in a zombie apocalypse, just friends sharing a meal. Conversation flowed naturally, avoiding overly dark topics.
After dinner, Mr. Takayama opened the whiskey and poured small glasses for those who wanted.
—To surviving another day —he toasted, raising his glass.
—And to those we lost —I added, thinking of Hisashi and everyone left behind.
We drank in silence, each lost in thought. The burn of the alcohol was a welcome release from tension.
While others chatted, I went to where Saya had spread maps on a side table.
—What do you think? —I asked—. Best route to the bridge?
—According to this map, there are several options —she replied, pointing—. The most direct follows the main avenue, but as we saw today, it's probably jammed and infested.
—What about alternate routes?
—We could take this secondary road —she indicated a longer path that avoided densely populated zones—. It'd take more time but likely be safer.
—I like that approach —I agreed, placing a hand on her shoulder—. Safety over speed right now.
Saya didn't pull away—another small victory.
—We also need supplies —she continued—. Not sure how long we'll be on our own. We should look for a pharmacy or supermarket along the way.
—Good idea —I nodded—. Can you mark possible stops on the map?
As Saya worked, I noticed Shizuka drinking more than anyone else—on her third glass, cheeks flushed. Hirano and Mr. Takayama had gone to their guard shift, while Rei and Saeko talked quietly nearby.
I decided to keep an eye on Shizuka. Soon she began to sway slightly, so I intervened.
—I think that's enough for today, Shizuka —I said gently, taking her glass—. You need rest.
—Saito-kun! —she exclaimed, voice slurred, clutching my arm—. I'm not tired, I'm... I'm fine.
Clearly not. Stress, alcohol, and lack of proper food had caught up with her.
—Come on, I'll take you to your room —I offered, letting her lean on me.
—You're so kind, Saito-kun —she murmured, practically hanging on my neck as we climbed the stairs—. And strong. You didn't seem so strong at school.
—Appearances are deceiving —I said, steadying us both—. Let's get you to bed.
We reached the guest room I shared with Saeko. I helped her sit on the bed, but when I tried to leave, she clung to my shirt.
—Don't go yet —she pleaded, eyes hazy but intense—. I don't want to be alone.
—Saeko will come soon —I assured—. You won't be alone.
—But I want you— —she insisted, pulling me toward the bed—. Just a bit. Please, Saito-kun.
It was a dream scenario for many teens: a beautiful woman, slightly drunk, begging for comfort. But I knew it wouldn't be right to take advantage.
—Shizuka, you're drunk —I said firmly but kindly—. You're not thinking clearly. You'll thank me tomorrow.
She pouted adorably. —I'm not that drunk —she protested—. I just want... some company. Some comfort. Is that so wrong?
—No, not wrong —I replied, sitting on the edge of the bed next to her—. But there are appropriate ways to seek comfort. This isn't one of them—not now.
Shizuka stared at me, and I saw lucidity return to her eyes.
—You're really a good person, aren't you, Saito? —she said finally, voice sober—. Not like those who would've taken advantage.
—I try to do what's right —I answered sincerely—. Even when it's hard.
She smiled genuinely, lighting up her tired face. —Thank you —she said simply, lying back—. Maybe I am a little drunk.
—Just a little —I agreed with a grin—. Rest now, Shizuka. Tomorrow will be another day.
I rose and headed for the door, but her soft voice stopped me.
—Saito... when this is over, when we're safe and I'm fully sober... maybe we can revisit this conversation.
I turned, surprised by the promise in her eyes, my heart racing.
—I'd like that —I replied earnestly, gently closing the door behind me.
In the hallway, I met Saeko, who was heading to her room.
—Is she okay? —she asked about Shizuka.
—A bit drunk, but fine —I said—. She just needs sleep.
—Thoughtful of you to stay with her —Saeko remarked, her expression unreadable—. Many would've taken advantage.
—I'm not that kind of person —I defended, though a faint blush colored my cheeks. Was it that obvious?
—I know —Saeko said with a small smile—. It's one of the things that intrigues me about you, Saito. You have a strong moral code for someone who, until yesterday, seemed entirely ordinary.
I didn't know how to respond, so I just nodded. —I should prepare for our guard shift —I said at last.
—I'll see you downstairs in an hour —Saeko confirmed.
End of Chapter 2