Canvas of Silent Colors

Time isn't unlimited.

That thought drifted through my mind as I leaned back against the courtyard bench, staring up at the wide spring sky. Clouds floated lazily above, not caring about the rush of students hurrying around with club errands.

When you're busy, time just… slips away. Days blur together. Moments flicker by in a reel of greetings, tasks, nods, polite bows. It was only the fourth week of April, but honestly, it felt like I'd lived a whole months already.

I let out a quiet sigh, feeling the faint ache in my legs from running drills with the basketball club this morning. They needed an extra player to sub in for practice before their upcoming local competition, and I somehow got roped into it.

"…I'm tired," I muttered under my breath, leaning back on the bench as the breeze brushed against my cheeks.

But still… something about all of it felt fulfilling. Like each small thing I helped with left behind a gentle warmth.

A quiet thank you from the basketball captain after I assisted with passing drills.

Small things… but they made these three weeks feel worth it.

I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the spring wind rustle my hair.

Yeah… exhausting, but fulfilling.

-------------------------

Two weeks had passed since those club registration forms were handed out.

Honestly, so much had happened that it felt like time just blurred together. Every day felt packed – classes, random club tryouts, helping out different person, hanging around with Tomoya after school.

I always made sure to finish any homework before leaving school. I just… didn't like the feeling of carrying unfinished work back to Sakurasou. Tomoya was the opposite. He usually dragged his feet through his assignments, eyes glazing over halfway through, until I nudged him back on track.

When class ended, we sitting in the quiet classroom long after everyone else had left for club try-outs. Sometimes we'd just talk about random things – games, anime, what club he might join, whether cafeteria limited luxury lunchbox was worth the hype.

Other times, it was silent, just the scratch of our pen filling the empty room.

Also, in those two weeks of club try-outs period, it felt like the whole school had turned into a mini festival.

Posters were taped on every wall, upperclassmen stood in clusters handing out flyers with hopeful smiles, and first-years rushed around looking overwhelmed and half-lost.

With this opportunity, I ended up helping almost everyone whether its clubs, random students, or even teachers who needed an extra hand.

One afternoon, a third-year senpai from Class 3-C came sprinting down the corridor, her face pale with panic. She'd lost her wallet somewhere near the courtyard and was almost in tears.

I told her I'd help search for it, and honestly, it didn't take long. I found it tucked between the shoe lockers and the bench, right where the shadows almost hid it completely.

When I walked back and handed it to her, she snatched it up instantly, clutching it to her chest like a lifeline. Her eyes glimmered with relief, but then she paused and looked up at me with a sharp gaze.

"…Open it. Check if everything's there," she said, her tone firm despite the slight tremble in her fingers. So I did, just to ease her worry.

There was some cash, an ID card, a few membership cards… and then I saw it. A neatly protected photo card of Momoshiro Chiyoko, tucked carefully behind a clear sleeve. Not just some random printout either.

It was a premium limited concert card, with her signature printed in silver foil at the bottom. Tiny Chiyoko stickers decorated the wallet flap too, almost like a secret shrine hidden between receipts.

I blinked, letting out a small chuckle before closing the wallet and handing it back. She didn't snatch it this time. Instead, she held it with both hands and smirked at me, her eyes glinting with unashamed pride.

"That's right," she said, her voice low and confident, almost challenging. "I'm a proud Chiyoko oshi. Got a problem with that?"

I met her gaze calmly and shook my head. "Not at all Senpai."

Her smirk widened just a little. "Good. She's my queen, you know? If anyone talks shit about her, I'll fight them right there on the spot."

She slipped her wallet back into her skirt pocket, flipped her hair, and walked away with a sway in her step, exuding this aura of effortless boldness that drew every gaze she passed. For a moment, I just watched her go, the faintest smile on my lips.

People really do carry things they're willing to fight for. Even if it's a pop idol's photocard.

And of course, after we hung out, whether talking about random stuff or finishing homework. When I went around helping or checking out clubs, I'd drag Tomoya along too. He'd always let out this long, dramatic sigh, mumbling about how troublesome it was, but in the end, he still came anyway.

Sometimes I dragged him into helping out too. Carrying props for drama club rehearsals, folding stacks of flyers for the game club's upcoming event, wiping down tables after the tea ceremony club's demonstration, or even goes to cooking club courtesy of me.

And somewhere between all those small errands, our friendship felt like it settled into something more comfortable.

I caught him once after we wrapped up that cosplay photoshoot with the fashion club. They'd dragged us in to recreate scenes from some anime for their club promotion, saying first-years looked "fresh and authentic."

Tomoya was curled up in the corner now, his face buried in his hands, mumbling curses under his breath about how humiliating this was. His hair was sticking out in every direction from all the quick costume changes, and sweat still clung to his temples from the hot studio lights.

He looked so defeated, sitting there in that awkward knight costume with his bangs covering his eyes. But when he finally peeked out through his fingers, cheeks still bright red, there was something softer in his eyes.

He still looked tired – of course he did, it was Tomoya – but there was a clarity there I hadn't seen when we first met. His shoulders didn't look as weighed down anymore either.

I turned away and started folding the costume neatly into its plastic bag, letting out a small exhale.

'Soon, he'll finally feel ready to tell me'

Of course, it wasn't like I spent every single day helping clubs with Tomoya.

Especially on days when helping the activities were too physically intense, like track or basketball drills. On those days, I just let him go do his own thing, probably lazing around under some tree or reading light novels in a corner somewhere.

And it was during one of those afternoons, while I was wandering alone helping out here and there, that I met someone… interesting.

--------------------------

I was carrying a stack of club event flyers down the hall, heading toward the literature club's announcement board. The corridor was empty, save for one person standing in front of that board already.

A girl with long, glossy black hair that fell past her shoulders, strands framing her sharp, elegant features. Her uniform was crisp and perfect, her posture straight, and her eyes – half-lidded and faintly bored – scanned the paper in her hands with this effortless, regal air.

Kasumigaoka Utaha.

I recognized her instantly. In this life, though, I didn't know her personally.

Just another familiar face from a series I barely skimmed clips of in my past life. But standing here now, seeing her in person for the first time, I realized how striking her presence really was. She felt like someone who belonged on a higher floor of existence altogether.

She didn't notice me at first, or maybe she did but just didn't bother acknowledging my existence. I watched her quietly as I pinned up the flyers on the board beside her, trying not to intrude on her silence.

I finished pinning the last flyer onto the board and turned to leave, adjusting the leftover stack under my arm. That's when her voice stopped me.

"Hey."

I'm stopped my steps and glanced back. She was looking at me now, eyes sharp and still, like she was observing something under a microscope.

"…First-year, right?" she asked, folding her paper with deliberate precision. "You're the one running around helping everyone lately."

I blinked, surprised she even knew. "Ah… yeah, I guess so."

She hummed softly, almost to herself. Her gaze swept over me, not curious in a warm way, more like someone analyzing data out of mild necessity.

"You're unusually diligent for a first-year," she said, her tone flat. "Or just foolish."

I let out a quiet chuckle, dipping my head slightly. "Probably both."

For half a second, I thought I saw the corners of her lips twitch upwards. But it disappeared quickly, replaced by that same calm indifference as she pulled out another manuscript sheet.

"…Don't block the board," she murmured without looking up again.

"Right. Sorry."

I stepped aside, continuing down the hall, feeling her silent gaze linger on my back before fading away.

I sighed softly.

I didn't know her personally. Didn't know her past or why she was the way she was. But just from this brief meeting… she felt like someone who didn't open up easily.

Cold, blunt, her eyes sharp like she saw through everything and just didn't care. It didn't seem like simple pride, though. More like… she was used to keeping people at a distance. Maybe that was just who she was, or maybe there is something else.

I exhale softly and continued walking down the hall to the next clubroom that needed to help with. I had a feeling this wouldn't be the last time we talked.

------------------------

With everything I'd been doing these past three weeks, rumors started spreading. It wasn't just my own year anymore. Second-years, third-years, teachers, club advisors… pretty much everyone had heard about the first-year kid who would help with anything, who somehow managed to be useful no matter where he went.

Apparently, I'd even gotten a nickname out of it. "Jack of all trades," some called me. Others just said "that helpful first-year from Class B." Not the most creative, but… well, it wasn't wrong either.

Even Tomoya teased me about it once, poking my side with a grin. "Careful, Ren. They'll start making you the school mascot if you keep this up."

I just chuckled at that, shaking my head.

And naturally, all of this didn't go unnoticed back at Sakurasou either.

That night, during dinner, the conversation turned towards me. It was… interesting, to say the least whether from their reactions and well... their question too.

-------------------------

Dinner was… chaotic, to put it lightly. Misaki-senpai and Jin-senpai were back again, finally free after two packed weeks of their new university term. The last time they came was when they were half-drunk and collapsed in the common room.

"Ren-kun!!" Misaki-senpai's voice boomed through the dining room as she dramatically pointed her chopsticks at me. "What is this divine taste?! Are you secretly a top chef hired by Chihiro-sensei?!"

I chuckled softly, shaking my head. "It's just dinner. Bulgogi-style beef over rice, with spicy som tam salad on the side and a bit of Japanese-style pickled daikon."

Jin-senpai let out a satisfied hum, picking up another slice of the tender beef with his chopsticks. then gave a small nod. "Mm. The flavours blend well. Sweet, tangy, a bit of heat… makes the rice go down easy. You'll make some lucky woman very happy in the future."

"Don't start weird marriage flags with him already, Jin!" Misaki-senpai whined, puffing out her cheeks.

But before she could continue, Sorata-senpai and Nanami-senpai spoke up almost in unison.

"Well, there's already a lucky one," Sorata-senpai said with a teasing grin.

Nanami-senpai smiled knowingly. "Yeah… Ren-kun sometimes brings extra lunch boxes for a special someone."

I froze, chopsticks hovering mid-air. A quiet panic flickered in my chest. "W-Wait, senpai, that's not—"

"Ehh?!" Misaki-senpai leaned forward, eyes sparkling with sudden excitement. "Who is it, who is it? Your girlfriend? Already?!"

Jin-senpai raised his brows, laughing under his breath. "Wow… not even a month into the term and you've already got a girlfriend? You work faster than me, and I'm supposed to be the playboy here."

"Senpai… please, let me expl—"

Nanami-senpai cut in with a soft chuckle. "He said they're just best friends. But… from what I heard, that friend said Ren-kun is the only person they've ever really befriended. So… it's natural to think something's there."

My face felt warm as I tried to keep my composure. I set down my chopsticks with forced calm, tapping the table lightly. "…It's for Aki. Tomoya. I bring him extra lunch to test new recipes… and yeah, sometimes he skips breakfast."

Misaki-senpai's eyes widened before sparkling with mischief. "Ehh? Are you… into guys, Ren-kun? Like… are you two—"

"Gay?" Mashiro-senpai spoke up suddenly, her flat voice cutting into the chatter as she tilted her head, eyes blank but curious. "Gay?"

The table fell silent for a beat.

I closed my eyes, inhaling slowly, then opened them again with a calm smile that didn't reach my eyes. "Senpai… if you keep teasing like this, I might just serve onigiri and instant noodles for dinner for the next two weeks."

The effect was immediate.

"Sorry!" Sorata-senpai, Nanami-senpai, and Misaki-senpai chorused at once, almost bowing into their rice bowls.

Even Jin-senpai chuckled awkwardly, raising a hand. "Yeah… let's not anger the chef."

Chihiro-sensei let out a quiet laugh, sipping her sake with satisfaction. "Good. I still want those handmade dim sum tomorrow. Carry on."

I let out a soft sigh, shaking my head lightly before picking up my chopsticks again.

Chihiro-sensei settled back into her seat, silent for a while as she focused on her food with that usual composed, unbothered air.

Mashiro-senpai sat across from me, quietly eating her rice and beef. Her expression stayed blank, but… there was a small furrow in her brow, and her grip on the chopsticks looked tighter than usual.

She didn't look at me, but her shoulders seemed tense. Like she was thinking too hard about something she didn't quite understand.

I caught that crack in her usual mask – a flicker of agitation or… something close to it. Confusion, maybe. Worry? I couldn't tell. But it was there, brief as a passing shadow.

Suddenly, Chihiro-sensei set down her cup with a soft clink, turning her gaze towards me. Her eyes, half-lidded from sake, still felt sharp.

"Natsuki," she said calmly, with a faint hint of amusement colouring her tone. "I've been hearing some interesting things about you lately."

I set down my chopsticks, meeting her eyes with a small nod. "About me, sensei?"

She hummed, swirling her sake lazily. "Seems you've been helping out just about everyone these past few weeks. First-years, second-years, third-years, club advisors… Teachers too. Rumours spread fast, you know."

I smile politely, not surprised she brought it up. "Ah… I guess word got around."

Misaki-senpai's eyes lit up instantly. She slammed her palms on the table, leaning forward with childlike excitement. "Ehhh~?! Ren-kun, is that true? You're like… the campus helper hero or something! So cool!!"

Jin-senpai chuckled under his breath, pushing up his glasses. "That's pretty impressive. You've only been here for what, three weeks? Already building a reputation."

I scratched the back of my neck lightly, feeling the faint heat of embarrassment rise to my ears despite expecting this. "I just did what I could. Nothing big."

"Nothing big, he says?" Chihiro-sensei raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk curling her lips. She take a gulp from her sake and then continues. "Don't act so modest, Natsuki. Even that lazy Kagami bothered to mention you in the staff room.

And apparently you helped Miyamura-sensei reorganize her supply cabinets last week."

She let out a small chuckle, swirling her sake lazily. "That woman... really can't stop praising you. Kept going on about how 'Ren-kun is so reliable, so polite, and so mature' – honestly, she sounded like she'd adopt you on the spot."

I felt my cheeks warm slightly. "Ah… I just happened to be there when she was busy with visitor."

Chihiro-sensei waved her chopsticks dismissively, though her grin stayed. "Careful, or she'll start calling you to the infirmary just to move alcohol wipes and painkillers around."

Misaki-senpai clapped her hands together with a bright grin. "As expected of our little Ren-kun~! Helping teachers, senpai, and classmates like it's nothing. Are you sure you're not secretly the protagonist of some side-quest heavy RPG?"

Jin-senpai let out a quiet laugh beside her, adjusting his glasses with an amused look. "Well, it's rare. Most students barely handle their own club responsibilities, let alone go out of their way to help others, especially if they are still new student."

"Right?!" Misaki-senpai leaned forward, her eyes practically sparkling. "Imagine it – 'Main Story: Become a Student Council, Side Quest: Save Every Club in School!' Hoooh~, it's giving me so many ideas!"

Sorata-senpai chuckled under his breath, then turned to me. "Actually… speaking of that. Last weekend, when I took Mashiro to Tokyo for her manuscript meeting… on our way back, we passed by Hanabira Orphanage. I thought I saw someone familiar in front of the gates."

I blinked, a little taken aback. "Hanabira Orphanage…? Ah, that."

He nodded with a small smile. "Yep, we were walking back from the station that day, and then Mashiro suddenly stopped and looked across the street."

He let out a quiet breath, half in amusement. "I asked her what's wrong, and she just said, 'It's Ren.'"

My gaze shifted slightly, feeling a faint warmth in my chest at that quiet mention.

Sorata-senpai glanced towards Mashiro-senpai, who sat silently eating her dinner. Her chopsticks paused for a moment, and I noticed her eyes flicker towards me, lingering there with that same unreadable gaze.

I met it briefly, giving her a small, understanding smile before looking back down at my plate.

"She told me to sit on a bench nearby," Sorata-senpai continued. "Then she pulled out her sketchbook and started drawing. Didn't say anything else. Just kept watching you with the kids."

I let out a quiet breath, keeping my tone calm and polite. "I see… Sorry I didn't notice you two that day. Those kids… they needed attention, and well...they're also a bit naughty, but… endearing. I guess I didn't have time to look around."

Sorata-senpai laughed. "It's fine. Honestly… it was nice to watch. Mashiro got some inspiration out of it too, I think. And me… well, I got to see a pretty heartwarming scene."

Nanami-senpai giggled softly. "Yeah...I also heard about that too. My friends were talking about how the cooking club brought special lunch boxes for the kids there, and there was this first-year boy helping with the desserts who everyone thought was a new teacher or something."

I let out a quiet chuckle, rubbing the back of my neck. "Haha… I'm not that old-looking, am I?"

She tilted her head, giving me a teasing smile. "Well… from what I heard, you handled the kids like a pro. They said you were calm, patient, and even made them laugh while decorating cookies."

I shrugged lightly, keeping my tone gentle. "I just… made sure they didn't fight over sprinkles."

Nanami-senpai let out a soft laugh. "Still, be careful~ Ren-kun. Apparently, some of the cooking club members were so impressed they're determined to recruit you no matter what. And… my friend said seeing you with the kids was so cute that it made her heart flutter."

I paused, blinking once before letting out a small, calm sigh. "…Please don't tease me like that, Nanami-senpai."

Even as I said it, I could feel a faint warmth rising to my ears, but I kept my expression composed.

She just grinned, waving her hand dismissively. "No promises."

Around the table, laughter rippled – Misaki-senpai cackling loudest, Jin-senpai chuckling behind his hand, Sorata-senpai giving a small amused smile, and even Chihiro-sensei letting out a short snort between her sake sips.

But when I glanced up again, I saw Mashiro had stopped eating. Her chopsticks hovered above her bowl, eyes quietly focused on me. There wasn't any expression on her face, but… somehow, I could tell.

She was curious.

Curious about me – this person who tore down her mask that first day with Undertale, forced open something she'd buried deep, yet never once tried to dig further or demand pieces of her she wasn't ready to give.

Nanami-senpai tilted her head slightly, her ponytail swaying as she looked back at me. "Oh… right, Ren. Kujou wanted to say thank you."

I blinked once. "Kujou…?"

She chuckled softly at my puzzled look. "The senpai whose wallet you found last week."

"Oh… her." I let out a quiet chuckle, remembering the bold upperclassman with her neatly protected Chiyoko photo cards tucked away in her wallet. "She seemed… unique. Must be a fun person to be around."

Nanami-senpai let out a laugh, covering her mouth lightly. "She really is. A bit intense sometimes, but she's honest about what she loves."

Sorata-senpai snorted quietly. "Yeah… that sounds like Kujou alright."

Nanami nodded with a small smile. "Even with her quirks, she's actually one of my closest friends in class. And she's super talented too – her voice acting is amazing, especially when she does those ojou-sama, prideful character roles. You'd think she was born for it."

I raised my brows slightly. "That… makes sense, somehow."

They kept chatting about Kujou-senpai for a while. Sorata-senpai mentioned how she once read out the lunch menu in a villain voice.

Nanami-senpai laughed, saying Kujou nearly got scolded for practicing lines too loudly in the library.

Jin-senpai added that last year she even tried narrating Misaki-senpai's anime storyboard like an epic poem. I just listened quietly, letting their voices blend into the background.

My attention drifted to Mashiro instead.

She sat across from me, silent as usual, her rice bowl cradled gently in her hands. For a second, her eyes lifted to meet mine. Blank as always, but something felt different. There was a faint searching in her gaze, like she was thinking about something she couldn't name.

I offered her a calm, small smile. No pushing, no silent questions – just letting her know it was okay. That she didn't have to hide or pretend around me.

She blinked once, then turned away, shifting a little closer to Sorata-senpai. Her head tilted, that slight blank gaze softening as she spoke in her usual quiet voice. "I finished three pages today… but the cafe scene draft still feels wrong."

Sorata-senpai leaned in, brows furrowing in thought. "Hmm… maybe you're overthinking the lighting again? Didn't you like that place near Shibuya last time? You spent an hour staring at their ceiling lamps."

Mashiro-senpai blinked, her lips parting a fraction. "It felt warm," she murmured.

"Then use that," Sorata-senpai said gently. "That feeling. Even if you can't describe it in words, just draw what felt warm to you."

Misaki-senpai let out a quiet squeal from across the table, her grin wide. "Ahhh~! That's it, Mashiro-chan! Capture that warmth! The readers will feel it too!"

Jin-senpai chuckled under his breath, reaching over to flick Misaki's forehead lightly. "Calm down, director. You're going to scare her with your enthusiasm."

Nanami-senpai gave a small smile, though there was a faint stiffness in her eyes. "Still… it's amazing, Mashiro. You've been working so hard on Nanairo Drops… even though you're also helping Sorata-senpai with his game lately."

My gaze shifted slightly. Game, huh… I knew about the project they were developing, so I stayed silent, listening. They'd tell me the details when they were ready.

Mashiro-senpai hummed again, almost inaudibly, before leaning her shoulder against Sorata-senpai's arm. Her movements were small, deliberate, almost mechanical.

Sorata-senpai just chuckled softly, giving her head a light pat. "It's fine. You're doing great."

Across the table, Misaki-senpai and Jin-senpai shared a quiet smile – the kind adults gave when watching something sweet unfold. Nanami-senpai's smile remained, though her chopsticks paused mid-air for a second before she resumed eating.

I breathed out softly. That was enough for tonight.

Dinner continued with casual chatter, the clink of chopsticks, and the faint breeze drifting in through the balcony curtains.

-------------------------

There's something strangely peaceful about nights like that. But even now, my mind drifts back to her. To Mashiro.

The way she's been these past few weeks… whether it's when we walk to school together, or when we're just sitting in the common room with Sorata-senpai or Nanami-senpai. Even at dinner – especially at dinner.

Three weeks since I showed Mashiro-senpai Undertale.

Finally, she wasn't avoiding me anymore. She still stuck close to Sorata-senpai most of the time, that part hadn't changed, but… it felt different now. Sometimes I'd catch her just sitting quietly in the common room while I cooked, pencil moving across her sketchbook without looking up.

It wasn't like the first days where she'd immediately leave if I entered or needed Sorata-senpai by her side every second. Now, it felt like she didn't mind my presence. Maybe… she even chose to be around.

She also seemed more comfortable being left alone. Most of the time she'd be focused on her Nanairo Drops manuscript, her pencil scratching across paper in that quick, deliberate way.

At that dinner, Sorata-senpai told me that she'd met her editor recently. Apparently, Sorata-senpai still went with her to Tokyo for those meetings.

It made sense, I guess, since Mashiro-senpai wasn't exactly the best with daily formalities… though, honestly, I felt like if she really tried, she'd be fine on her own. Someone as sharp as her – with that genius memory for shapes, places, and tiny details – directions couldn't really be that hard.

But maybe… it wasn't about whether she could.

Maybe… she just felt normal with him there.

So I kept going with the small gestures. Like when I'd sit at the table with my laptop and sketchbook, sketching out Undertale sprites in pixel art. Not the main characters, just the quiet background monsters.

Monster Kid with his cute and naive face, lazy guard dog that kept dozing off, a random water cooler in Hotland, The grizzly bar owner, and Gerson, the old but wise turtle.

Whenever I did that, I'd catch Mashiro glancing over, her pencil pausing mid-line as if she was trying to see my screen without moving closer. And then, without a word, she'd turn her sketchbook to a new page and start drawing too.

Her own monsters.

Tiny pixel outlines filled with quick colors.

It quickly turned into quiet routine between us. Whenever I finished a small sprite, I'd print it out and slip the paper between the pages of her sketchbook when she wasn't looking.

And when I opened my own notebook later, there'd be a folded sheet tucked inside. No words. Just drawings.

We never talked about it directly. But somehow, it felt like… a silent agreement. An unspoken way of saying: I see you. I'm here.

And, that time, In my sketchbook, I found the drawings of:

"Queen Slime. Can split into many but hates being apart. Likes milk tea."

Just a simple note. No deep meaning. But somehow, it felt warm.

And like that, time kept moving.

------------------------

The sun was already leaning west by the time I packed up my things. Outside, students rushed about, some clutching papers in their hands, their footsteps quick against the hallway tiles.

Tomoya let out a small snort from where he sat slumped over his desk. "Finally decided where you're going, Jack of all trades?"

I glanced at him, chuckling softly. "Don't call me that."

He raised an eyebrow, a lazy grin on his face. "Why not? It fits. Cooking club, basketball team, movie club… pretty sure even the science club wants you to join."

I just shrugged, slinging my bag over my shoulder. "I was just helping out."

"Yeah, yeah." He waved a hand dismissively, still smirking. "Anyway, I already turned mine in this morning. Literature club."

I set my bag down for a moment, tilting my head as I looked at him. "You still joined your first choice huh?"

Tomoya scratched his cheek awkwardly. "Well… yeah. Remember what you said the other day? About how if I love games and anime so much, maybe I should try making my own stories too?"

I blinked, then chuckled softly. "I didn't think you actually took that seriously."

"Yeah, well…" He shifted, his mouth twitching up at the corners. "You're annoying when you're right, you know that?"

I just smiled at him. "It'll suit you."

He snorted, rolling his eyes before holding out a fist across the desk. "Anyway, thanks… I guess."

I bumped my knuckles lightly against his, his grin widening as he looked away, trying to hide how relieved he seemed.

He glanced up at me again, amusement flickering in his eyes. "So, what about you? Don't tell me Mr. 'I can do anything' is lost on the last day."

I let out a small laugh under my breath. "I'm not lost. Just… taking my time."

"Right, right," he said, his grin widening. "Well, hurry up before Kagami-sensei kicks you out for being late."

I gave him a small wave as I stepped into the hall. "I'm going."

I stepped out into the hall, the late afternoon sun filtering through the windows in slanted gold. My footsteps echoed softly as I walked towards the teacher's office.

Honestly, I didn't expect Tomoya to actually listen to me. That off-handed comment about making his own stories… it wasn't advice, not really. Just… a nudge, I guess. But whether it's this new world or back in my past life, I don't think his love for anime and games would ever fade.

It's part of who he is. At least now, he's taking a step forward instead of drifting with the current.

I shifted the strap of my bag higher on my shoulder, feeling the faint weight of my laptop inside. It felt heavier these days – or maybe that was just everything else on my mind.

Helping people, lending a hand here and there, giving small pushes in the right moments… it wasn't like I was trying to be a hero or anything. It was for selfish reason.

I exhaled softly, turning the corner towards Kagami-sensei's office. Clubs, competitions, responsibilities – I knew I couldn't tie myself down right now.

Not when I had Sakurasou to take care of, Undertale's development still crawling along, Tomoya's growth to keep an eye on, and… Mashiro.

I'd keep helping where I could. Honestly, I liked it – seeing people smile, watching things run smoother just because I was there to lend a hand. But tying myself down to a single club? That wasn't for me. Not this year.

If I really needed to join one, then… I'd just be a ghost member. Show up when they needed an extra set of hands, disappear when I had other things to handle. That was why I was walking here now, ready to negotiate.

I reached Kagami-sensei's door, pausing to glance at the faint smudges of chalk dust along my sleeve.

"It's showtime," I murmured under my breath before knocking lightly.

"Come in~," came his lazy voice from inside.

I slid the door open to find Kagami-sensei sprawled across his chair, legs propped up on the desk, eyes half-open behind his glasses as he scrolled his phone. The usual sight.

"Oh? Natsuki-kun," he drawled, flicking his gaze up for a second before returning it to the screen. "Last-minute club submission, huh? You know it closes in fifteen minutes."

"Yes, sensei," I said calmly, stepping forward with a small bow. "I wanted to discuss my registration… and my conditions."

That caught his attention. He lowered his phone just enough for me to see one raised brow above the rim of his glasses. "Conditions? You're a first year, you know. Not exactly in a position to negotiate."

I smiled politely. "I understand. But… if possible, I'd like to register under the general volunteer support category, or as a 'ghost member' in any club willing to accept me. I'll assist whenever needed, but I can't commit to regular mandatory meetings or competitions this year."

His brow twitched as he finally set his phone down with a sigh, leaning back in his chair. "So basically, you're saying you want the benefits of club membership without the responsibilities."

"No," I corrected softly, meeting his gaze. "I just want to keep helping everyone without giving them false hope that I can join them fully. I have other commitments outside of club activities, but… if anyone needs an extra hand, I'll always be there."

Kagami stared at me for a long moment, eyes narrowed, as if trying to read something between my words. He set his phone down fully this time, leaning forward with his elbows on the desk.

"Natsuki Ren… you're a really interesting student, you know that?"

I stayed silent, meeting his gaze calmly.

"In these few weeks alone," he continued, voice lower and steadier now, "I've heard quite a lot about you. From teachers, club advisors, even students in other years."

He ticked his fingers off one by one.

"'Diligent kouhai.'"

"'Polite first year.'"

"'A miracle helper.'"

"'Jack of all trades.'"

He let his hand drop, watching me with an unreadable look.

"Tell me," he said, his tone almost quiet. "Are you planning this so you can dodge responsibility? So you can abandon all those connections you've built up and just… drift around without any strings attached?"

I shook my head slowly, my expression remaining composed. "No, sensei."

"Then what is it?" he pressed, eyes narrowing again. "Even though I'm lazy, rules are rules. Suimei is a prestigious school. The principal enforces this strictly – club members need commitment. You want me to bend that, you better give me a reason that's worth it."

I drew in a quiet breath before answering.

"I'm not avoiding responsibility," I said softly, each word careful but certain. "But… I have responsibilities that go beyond what a club can ask. People who need me, projects I need to finish, promises I intend to keep."

Kagami studied me for a long, silent moment, his gaze sharp under the messy fringe of his hair.

Then I drew in a quiet breath. "If you need proof… I can show you what I've been working on."

His eyebrow rose slightly. "Oh~?"

Without another word, I reached down and unzipped my bag. The faint hum of the laptop fan broke the silence as I set it gently on his desk and opened it. My fingers moved quickly, typing in my password before the familiar dark pixelated title screen lit up.

Kagami-sensei leaned forward, his interest clearly piqued now. "What's this supposed to be?"

"Sensei," I said, meeting his gaze calmly, "you like games, right?"

His lips twitched, almost into a smirk. "Depends on the game."

"Then…" I let out a small exhale, feeling the weight of this choice settle in my chest. "What if I leave my laptop here for today? Play it when you're free. Just… keep it secret, please."

For a second, the only sound in the room was the faint ticking of the wall clock behind him. Kagami's eyes narrowed as he studied the simple 'UNDERTALE' logo flickering across the screen, then flicked back up to me.

"You're trusting me with this?" His tone was quieter now, almost serious despite his usual laziness.

"I trust your judgment, sensei," I said softly.

Kagami hummed, tapping his fingers lightly on the laptop's edge. "Since you're giving me something interesting, I'll give you something back, I'll tell the admin office to hold off processing your club registration form for a bit."

My eyes widened slightly in surprise.

He continued, tone turning casual but his eyes still sharp. "If this game passes and impresses me, then we'll talk more about your ghost member idea. But if it flops… well, you'll get a nice little detention from me. And you'll have to join a club properly. Out of principle." His grin widened. "Also, system32 goes."

I let out a quiet breath, feeling the faintest flicker of relief. "Understood, sensei. Thank you."

He waved his hand dismissively, already turning back to his phone with the other hand opening a paperwork file on his laptop. "Alright, out. I've got forms to process and a game to judge. Take your time heading back, kid."

I bowed again, deeper this time. "Thank you for your time."

"Yeah, yeah," he muttered, eyes already on the screen. "Close the door behind you."

I stepped out, the soft click of the office door closing behind me echoing faintly down the quiet afternoon hallway.

As I walked out into the quiet hallway, I let out a small breath I didn't realize I was holding.

Well… it seems I won't be able to work on Undertale for a few days. The laptop's out of my hands now.

But it's fine. What I left him is just a demo build until after the Undyne fight in Neutral Route. That's enough for Kagami-sensei to judge the gameplay, the mechanics… the soul of the game.

I let out a small, wry smile. Honestly… he's probably going to try hacking into the files to unlock the rest. He could do it too, if he really wanted.

He's not a genius teacher for nothing – under that lazy exterior is a hardcore gamer and otaku with curiosity sharp enough to tear apart anything that catches his interest.

But… sorry, Kagami-sensei. Even if you comb through every folder, you won't find the rest because the full build is hidden away safely in another storage drive back in my dorm.

I'll give him the completed story eventually. After all… he'd probably guess some of it just by playing the demo. But even if he figures out half, the other half…

I exhaled softly, feeling a faint anticipation stir in my chest.

The other half is something entirely new. A story and game design that breaks every wall players think exists.

Fourth wall breaks, moral accountability, player memory, narrative subversion… In 2014, no one has truly seen this yet.

I adjusted my bag on my shoulder, a small determined smile tugging at my lips.

That's fine. I can wait. Because when it's ready… the world won't forget Undertale.

But what I didn't expect… was the next day.

It was just lunch break. I was sitting with Tomoya and a few classmates, quietly eating while listening to their chatter about club activities and upcoming quizzes, and well... everything felt normal.

Then the PA system crackled to life.

"Natsuki Ren, class 1-B. Please come to the principal's office."

The entire classroom went silent.

I paused, chopsticks halfway to my mouth. Slowly, I set them down.

Tomoya gaped at me, eyes wide. "Ren… what the hell did you do?!"

In my heart, I let out a resigned sigh.

'Welp… it seems Kagami-sensei speedran the game last night.'

…And probably told the principal, too.