"Kuro. Come on. History's starting," Mika's voice cut through the hallway chatter, low and clipped. He stood leaning against the wall, arms crossed, pale eyes narrowed with his usual air of indifference, waiting for Kuro.
Kuro adjusted the books in his arms given to him from Mika and walked up to him, steadying his voice. "Let's go."
[Oh, fantastic,] Elvastia's dry, growling voice sneered inside Kuro's mind. [Another bloody day of pretending history matters. Spoiler: it doesn't. The bastards still end up dead.]
{You don't have to be so dramatic,} Kuro replied inwardly, keeping his face calm. {It's just a class.}
[Just a class, he says. You're too soft, Kuro.]
Mika cast him a sidelong glance, the corner of his mouth twitching as though he wanted to sigh. "I don't see the point in this subject. History doesn't matter anymore. Who cares about dead kings or ancient wars when none of it helps us survive now? What we need is strength, not dusty records."
Kuro gave a calm, small smile. "Maybe. But knowing the past can guide us, too. Mistakes, victories… they all teach us something. It's not useless if we choose to learn from it." His voice was soft, but steady.
[Ha f****** hell!] Elvastia barked a bitter laugh. [Spoken like someone who's never read a history book properly. News flash: people repeat the same stupid s*** no matter how many scrolls you shove in their faces.]
{That doesn't mean we shouldn't try.}
[F****** Hell, you're hopeless.]
"Hmph." Mika's reply was curt, dismissive. Yet his steps slowed just enough for Kuro to keep pace.
When they entered the classroom, the noise of casual chatter died instantly. Every head turned toward them. At first, Kuro felt the weight of their stares pressing against him—his stomach knotted—but then he realized the gazes weren't really on him. They were on Mika. Eyes widened with something between fear and unease, and some students instinctively leaned back in their seats.
[Oh great,]Elvastia groaned. [Here comes the damn staring contest. 'Ooo, look at Mika, he's so scary.' Pathetic cowards.]
{You're not helping,} Kuro shot back, lowering his gaze.
[I'm not here to help. I'm here to tell you how f****** annoying being in school is.]
Kuro's brow furrowed slightly. He wanted to speak, to call out their behavior, but he knew Mika would brush it off. Pretending not to notice, he followed Mika to two empty seats near the back. Mika sat down first, the air around him thick with unspoken warnings. Kuro slid into the chair beside him, offering a nervous glance but Mika smiled giving out a message without words 'Its ok. I'm here.'
The door creaked, and the professor entered. "Today, we welcome a new student to our academy. Kuro Kyoko, would you stand?"
Kuro was a bit hesitant. Mika seeing this got Kuros attention and said "It's fine all you have to say is hi nothing else. I mean these pieces of s*** don't deserve anything else from you anyway."
[What the f***]
Kuro hearing this rose smoothly, shoulders squared. "Hello. My name is Kuro Kyoko. I look forward to learning with all of you."
[Brilliant. Perfect. Flawless delivery,] Elvastia muttered. [And utterly pointless. They don't give a s***, Kuro. Half of them probably forgot your name already.]
{Thanks for the support I guess...but it's for those good first impressions...you know...}
[First impressions matter if you plan on stabbing them in the back later. Otherwise, waste of time.]
{you've changed a lot after walking into this school}
[What do you mean walk I can't f**** walk idiot...yeah..heh..I..I..cant..walk...]
{Ok...}
There was silence. Then, almost mechanically, the students returned their attention forward, though some still cast wary glances at Mika.
The lesson dragged on until the final chime of the bell. Kuro sank back into his chair with a quiet exhale.
Mika stood, stretching lazily. "Finally. That's over." His voice was sharp, yet softened slightly when his eyes flicked to Kuro. "History is a waste of time."
Kuro tilted his head toward him, smiling faintly. "I didn't think it was that bad. You just don't like sitting still, right?"
[Damn right he doesn't. Guy twitches like a caged wolf after five minutes of silence.]
"Come on." Mika's hand brushed lightly against Kuro's sleeve—almost by accident, almost not. "We've got Monster Philosophy next. At least that's useful. Learning how goblins, fairies, demons think… and even elves." His eyes lingered briefly on Kuro. "That's something you should pay attention to."
Kuro met his gaze directly this time, voice firm but warm. "I will. Especially if you're there with me."
For a heartbeat, Mika froze, caught off guard. Then, slowly, a genuine smile spread across his lips—rare, unguarded, and meant only for Kuro. His eyes softened, and he murmured, "You really don't know what you do to me, do you?"
[Oh, for f—] Elvastia choked, swearing violently. [Did he just—smile? Gods above, you've broken the ice prince. Congratulations, Kuro. We're all doomed.]
{I think… it's nice,} Kuro replied quietly in his mind.
[Nice? It's terrifying. Never trust a man who smiles less than once a year. That grin's hiding the apocalypse, mark my words.]
{He's smiled many times before. Why are you being so over dramatic now?}
[It's this f****** school that's killing me...I'm going f***** insane... I don't think I'll make it Kuro send my regards...]
{...}
(...)