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        Making Kageyama laugh was probably next to impossible. Not that you knew him personally, he just didn't seem like the expressive type, which is proving quite a problem for Dimple.

Watching anxiously was the only thing you could do as the cult leader tried to pry out a laugh from the boy using brute force. As much as you wanted to intervene, who knows what would happen if you piss off Dimple even more? Next thing you know, you'd be reported as a loner middle schooler gone missing within weeks of moving into the city! 

Paling at the thought, you wondered if being a brainwashed cult member would be a good alternative— oh who were you kidding, neither of the two is good.

Not to mention... You patted your stomach, feeling it ache. I don't think I'd be happy having apple juice and a chocolate bar as my last meal.

You let out a sigh, there was nothing about the situation to laugh about. In any case, it will be an easy win for you since you were up next.

.

.

.

Supposedly.

"DO NOT LET THEM LEAVE ALIVE!"

Having no time to react, you could only brace yourself as the members threw themselves on you and Kageyama.

You saw a dark cloud emerge from the cult leader's body as you were thrown onto the ground, getting the wind knocked out of you and slamming onto the floor.

But in one moment of feeling your body get crushed, you were suddenly floating up onto the ceiling along with the others.

When you finally hit the ceiling, you could finally breathe, although you feel your chest ache from getting knocked onto the floor. You took a few breaths before attempting to move your arm, grunting as you pulled with your might. But alas, it was seemingly stuck to the ceiling.

Blowing a stranded lock of hair out of your face, you looked onto your side, noticing the unconscious members that painted the roof like a chapel ceiling. Sweat slides down from your temple, is this Dimple's doing? 

Looking back down, you gulped as you tried to comprehend what was happening— more so, what the hell you were looking at. A muscular green giant stood tall in the middle of the room, flexing its muscles in front of the boy from earli—

B-Boy?!  your face morphs into one of terror and disbelief as you see Dimple get into stance and prepare to attack him. Get out of there, bowl cut!

The ugly spirit emits smoke from its back before jumping at Kageyama, making you instinctively close your eyes, not wanting to see a violent death.

But strangely enough, after a moment, you opened your eyes to Dimple sent flying back with his limbs severed.

Confused and worried, you turn back to where the boy was. Your mouth opening in shock when you saw his state.

T-There's not a single scratch on him...

It seemed like the boy was handling himself fine despite not lifting a finger. He steps on Dimple's face, the green ghost's expression contorting in discomfort as Kageyama spoke to him.

As curious as you were on what he was saying,  Dimple suddenly jumps back and unleashes a powerful beam on the boy, landing a direct hit.

You squint as the gust of wind blows against your face. As much as you hate to admit it, he was definitely dead this time.

But when the cloud of dust settled, you were proven wrong. The boy remained unscathed, reaching out to Dimple.

And with a single tap, the green abomination bursts out of existence.

. . .

One... 

One tap...?

You watch dumbfounded as the boy lowers his hand, his hair returning to how to originally looked, albeit a bit messy. 

He stays in place for a moment before letting out a sigh and looking up, coincidentally meeting your gaze. Realization cross his features and he extends his hand, calling upon a force that made you and all the others float down.

He gently settles the people onto the ground while you land on your feet, though your legs gave out on you anyway. You fell onto your knees, shaken by what you had just witnessed.

When you were told you were going to the city to study, you were excited to have the chance to finally experience a normal school life. Meeting and befriending people, after school hangouts with friends, karaoke, getting scolded by teachers, and even crushes and romance.

You were ready to settle for the ordinary.

But with the last few weeks turning out nothing like you thought it ought to be, the last thing you expected was to see something so...

"...out of this world."

A shadow loomed over you, snapping you out of your daze. The boy stood in front of you, offering his hand. Fear struck you for a moment when you thought back to how he displayed his tremendous power.

But looking at the boy now, there wasn't a hint of malice (as if there was some to even begin with). You felt a pang of guilt, feeling ashamed for even thinking he would hurt you when he had just saved you and a whole lot of people from a ghost planning world domination.

He opened his mouth to talk, but decided against it and shied away, retracting his hand and looking to the side. You could not be entirely sure of his expression, (was he sad?).

Before he could completely take back his offer, you accept his help and grasp his hand. But the second you made contact, an electric shock suddenly came over your body. You pull back, glancing up at the boy who seemed to be taken aback as well. 

It took you a moment to recover before standing up, this time by yourself. Facing the boy, you felt as if you had been through this before as you stood in front of him in a rather awkward manner, feeling a bit tingly from the shock. 

Not knowing what to say, you averted your gaze to the people that laid on the ground, unconscious. "...we should get going before they wake up."

Kageyama nods in agreement, picking up his bag before heading to the elevator. You went to follow him, that was until you tripped and face-planted on the ground, the sound of impact causing the boy to jump.

He looks at you in worry, "a-are you okay?"

You replied with a thumbs up, making him sigh in relief. You cursed under your breath, your face red from the impact and embarrassment. You looked over your shoulder, only to find out it was your bag that brought you shame.

You hurriedly got up to grab it, dusting off the debris until you noticed that it had been weighing down a 1000 yen bill. You subtly smiled to yourself before swiftly stuffing it into your pocket. 'Seems like this might be a good day after all!'

Running over into the lift, the doors come to a close and a rather uncomfortable silence filled the elevator.

But the silence was almost immediately disrupted by a small gasp. Alarmed, you turn to the boy, confused when you saw him shakily point to your face. It was then you felt your nose itch, making you instinctively wipe it.

Looking down at your hand, you felt your legs grow weak at the sight of crimson. Your brows furrow as you unconsciously bring up a hand to your head, feeling dizzy.

Seeing this, Kageyama quickly reached into his bag and pulled out tissues. He extends them to you, which you gratefully took. Fortunately, there was not much blood.

You turn to the boy, muttering your thanks with a small smile. Seeing that you've become a bit more steady, Kageyama feels relieved and sends you a nod.

The doors slide open with a ding. You were still a bit dizzy, but you felt better once you stepped out the elevator. You walked side-by-side as you walked out the building, figuring you were in there for about an hour when you took notice of the orange sky. It was probably still early for dinner.

That said... Determination shone in your eyes as you turned to the boy, It's now or never.

"D-Do you wanna get ice cream?" you internally screech, feeling horrified and proud of yourself.

Kageyama blinks in surprise, taken aback by your sudden invitation. Your cheeks grew warm, you weren't planning to say that at all. But when you saw the same crestfallen look in his eyes, ice cream was the first thing to come to mind. You don't know if you should've said something other than that, but there was no way to take it back now.

You watched him mull it over as you tapped your foot nervously. Finally, Kageyama meets your anticipating gaze and with a small smile decided, "sure."

With that, a bright smile makes its way onto your face as a warm feeling stirs in your chest. "All right!" you cheered, "It'll be my treat." you grin at him, making a 'follow me' gesture as you started to walk to the direction of the local ice cream parlor.

On the other hand, Kageyama was already starting to feel better. He was glad he didn't scare you away, and the fact that you even invited him for ice cream made him all the happier.

———

With a ring of a bell, you and Kageyama exit the ice cream shop holding your respective cones. At this point, you were over the moon. Not only did you finally approach someone your age, but you went out to get ice cream with them as well!

"You know, I never really catched your name..." you point out.

The boy's mouth formed an o, "I'm Kageyama Shigeo..." he licks his ice cream, "...what about you?"

"[Last name] [Name]! Nice to meet you, Kaguyami-shi!"

"...you can call me Mob."

You raise your brows,
"Then, it's nice to meet you... Mob-shi."

He sends you a small smile as your cheeks flushed. He's already letting you call him by his nickname? Feeling like you've once again achieved something, you felt proud.

You're definitely going to brag about this once you get home.

———

You wave goodbye to Mob with a smile, him doing the same. You had to part ways early as he had something to ask his mentor. Glancing up at the sign, you found it fitting for him.

"Spirits and Such Consultation Office"

Turning your heel, you now continued your journey home. The streets were pretty well-lit, some shop signs were especially bright to attract customers and the headlights of the few cars passing through.

But you soon have to turn your back to all of it as you took a right, slipping into a quiet street. You felt uneasiness settle within your stomach, this was the first time you had to be extra alert as you often got before the sun even sets.

You hold your bag close to you, opening it and bringing out a pen. It's not the best weapon of choice, but it's all you have right now. And on the plus side, it's tip is fairly sharp so you should have a good chance on inflicting pain on a foe.

You sigh, having some psychic powers would put you more at ease right now, but there's no use thinking about something you'll never have.

Coming to a halt, you looked at the vending machine in front of you. You still have some change from the money you found earlier and you are a bit thirsty. You shrugged, bringing out some change and popping it into the vending machine.

You opted for the juice, finding the idea refreshing. While the machine registers your order, you took the time to look around. You saw nothing in your left, only seeing an empty street. But when you looked to your right, you immediately looked down.

Holyshitholyshitholyshitholyshit

Your lips slightly quivered as you swore you saw a figure coming from the direction you came from. You couldn't see their face as the nearest lamp post was beside the vending machine. Was someone following you? Maybe it was just Mob and he finished talking to his mentor? But the figure's stature and hair looked different— what if someone was following you?!

Your heart raced as you hear the person coming closer. You clutch your pen, mentally preparing yourself. If anything happens, you'll stab, scream, and run. You hum, getting your vocal chords ready to let out the most deafening scream you can muster.

You glance to your right just as they stepped into the light, their face now clear for you to see.

Turns out it was just some boy from another school.

You turned your head to fully look at him, sighing in relief once you confirmed that they are indeed just someone your age and on their way home. Feeling your mind at ease, you turned back to the vending machine and crouched down to take your juice.

Only for you to find out that it was stuck.

Your face paled, your face showing utter despair and disappointment. You stayed like that for a moment, staring and mourning over the loss of the can of juice you wasted money for.

My luck has ran out, huh? Oh well, you tell yourself, standing up and sending one last sorrowful glance at the can of juice before painfully looking away. at least there were good things that happened this day.

You teetered forward, a somber look gracing your features. Shortly after, you heard rattling behind you.

"Oi!"

You straighten up before looking over your shoulder, only for you to see the boy holding out your juice, urging for you to take it. You turned your body to face him, slightly hesitating to take it from his hand. But you did nonetheless.

Once you had the can in your hands, you looked at him. "Thank...you."

"No problem." He waves it off, opening his drink and taking a sip as he passes by you. You looked down at your juice, opening it and taking a sip as well. Your steps were quieter than the boy's as you walked a bit far behind him.

You looked at your savior, smiling that not only did he not turn out to be someone bad, but he also helped you not put your money to waste.

Was he an angel? You didn't mean that in the metaphorical way, because as you speak, he seemed to be somewhat glowing. But when you blinked, the light around him was gone. It was probably just your eyes playing tricks on you, you've seen a lot of unusual things today after all.

Another strange thing was that you're taking the same turns as the stranger in front of you. You would've shrugged it off as a coincidence, but it's been minutes.

Oh gosh, I hope he doesn't think I'm following him—

Unfortunately for you, that's exactly what he thinks. Do you feel indebted to him over a can of juice? Or maybe he had charmed you with his looks and you're willing to follow him home? Talk about creepy.

You gulp, seeing your apartment up ahead. Glancing around, you contemplated whether to just go into your apartment or take a detour so it wouldn't seem awkward.

You decided you didn't want to be outside for more than you'd already been.

So you continued to your apartment. And guess what? That guy was still in front of you. He didn't once look back, but you were 100% sure he knew you were behind him.

And one coincidence after another, he ends up on the same floor as your room. He stops in front of the door before yours, a shadow over his eyes.

He turns his head to you a bit, just enough for you to see his fearsome glare. You flinch, shrinking under his gaze. He looks like he was about to say something but you cut him off by putting up a hand to the side of your face and hurriedly walk pass him.

You felt his eyes on you as you hastily reach into your bag and pulled out your keys, fumbling with it for a bit before unlocking the door, getting inside, and shutting it.

You were about to breathe out a sigh until you noticed you left your key on the lock. Silently panicking you opened the door just enough for your arm to go through. Once you got the keys, you peeked through the door to see if he was still there, and he was— looking quite embarrassed himself.

You would've laughed at the sight until you realized that he probably thought you were a creep.

"Thanks again for the juice, have a good evening." were the only word you said before you closed the door shut.

——— ꕥ ———
[ this chapter has been edited ]

a/n: thank you for being patient, forgive my slow bum for taking ages to edit 👍