The wind howled through the courtyard, carrying with it the chill of a winter morning. Elsa stood motionless in the grand entrance of the manor, her blank face betraying none of the turmoil she felt. Before her, Subaru adjusted his scarf, his usual stupid grin plastered across his face as if this was just another casual morning.
"You're leaving already?" she asked, her voice steady, though a slight tremor slipped through.
"Yep," Subaru replied, tossing the scarf around his neck with a theatrical flourish. "The break we students get during Solstice is over—time to head back to the academy!"
The words hit Elsa harder than they should have, and before she even realized what she was doing, she interrupted him. "You can't just abandon me here," she said, her voice sharper than she intended.
Subaru froze mid-motion, his hand still on the scarf. He blinked in confusion, turning to her with a raised brow. "Whoa—Elsa, what're you talking about?"
But Elsa wasn't done. Before she could stop herself, her hand shot out, grabbing the sleeve of his coat. Her grip was firm, but her fingers trembled slightly. "You are leaving," she insisted, her voice cracking just enough to betray the emotion she was trying to suppress. "Don't lie to me."
The courtyard felt impossibly still, the only sound the faint whistle of the wind against the stone walls. Subaru stared at her for a long moment, his grin gone, replaced by a look of concern. He scratched the back of his head, clearly uncomfortable.
"Hey, hey—um…" Subaru hesitated, searching for the right words. "Look, I'm not good with these things…"
He paused, his brows furrowing in thought, before he straightened and spoke again, his tone softer but more resolute. "No, Elsa. Listen. I'm not leaving you."
Elsa blinked, her grip on his sleeve loosening slightly. She didn't reply, but her silence begged for more.
Subaru sighed, the tension easing from his shoulders as his grin returned, softer this time. "I'll be back. It's not like I'm disappearing forever. Whenever I'm in Glacia, or if you're ever in the capital for some reason, we'll see each other again. I promise."
His sincerity caught her off guard, and for a moment, all she could do was stare at him. Slowly, she stepped back, releasing his sleeve and lowering her gaze. Her hand fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve as she shook her head. "I… I'm sorry," she said quietly. "I'm not good with these types of things either."
Subaru chuckled, the sound breaking the tension like a fresh breeze. "Hey, no big deal. I get it. You've been through a lot, and I probably didn't help by springing this on you so casually."
Elsa glanced up at him, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "Just… don't forget your promise, okay?"
Subaru gave her a playful thumbs-up, his grin widening. "Of course not! I'm a man of my word!"
The dragon carriage awaited, its driver looking impatient as the cold wind continued to whip through the courtyard. Subaru adjusted his scarf one last time before turning to leave. Subaru leapt into the dragon carriage, his carefree laughter carried on the cold wind, Elsa stood motionless in the courtyard. She stared at the ground, lost in her swirling thoughts, until a firm but gentle hand landed on her shoulder.
She glanced up to see Clind, his enigmatic smile offering some measure of comfort, though his sharp gaze seemed to pierce through her.
Clind's expression shifted subtly, his eyes narrowing as they trailed after the carriage now disappearing down the snowy path. His demeanor changed, a hint of suspicion creeping into his posture as he watched the raven-haired boy leave. The corners of his lips twitched downward, and though Elsa didn't notice, his gaze darkened. There was something about that boy—something no one else seemed to understand.
Clind gave a slow, almost imperceptible shake of his head. His monocle caught the light as he turned his face skyward for a brief moment, his thoughts veiled in mystery.
The moment was interrupted by the sudden clatter of footsteps on the icy stone. Guini burst out of the manor, a bathrobe hastily thrown over his shoulders, his hair still damp from a recent bath. His eyes darted frantically around the courtyard. "Where is that reckless boy?!" he bellowed, his voice echoing into the snow-laden air.
Clind, unbothered by Guini's outburst, raised a gloved hand and gestured gracefully toward the carriage disappearing into the distance. "The young master is well on his way, I'm afraid," he said, his voice calm and almost too composed.
Guini turned sharply, his face contorting in frustration. "That brat! Always rushing off without letting me know! Just wait until I get my hands on him!" he growled, stomping his foot and muttering curses under his breath. His robe billowed behind him as he stormed back inside, slamming the door with a resounding thud.
Clind's gaze lingered on the carriage, his smile fading into something indecipherable. For a brief moment, his eyes held a gleam of something more—something hidden beneath his polished demeanor. Then, with a subtle shake of his head, he turned his attention back to Elsa.
The girl remained silent, her eyes downcast. Clind gave her shoulder a light pat before stepping away, his usual composed air returning as he disappeared into the manor.
The scene shifted upward, the snowy sky stretching endlessly into the horizon. Flurries of white danced in the air as snow wyverns soared gracefully through the clouds, their distant cries echoing faintly. The vast expanse of winter seemed to hold its breath as the carriage carried Subaru farther away.
The carriage rattled gently as it made its way toward the capital, the sound of wheels crunching against the snow-covered path filling the silence. Subaru sat alone inside, chin resting in his hand, staring out at the blur of icy trees rushing past. With a sigh, he leaned back and rubbed his temples.
"Man, this is boring," he muttered, glancing at the empty seat across from him. "Guess it's time for some company."
Reaching out his hand, Subaru closed his eyes and muttered a quick incantation. Almost immediately, a swirling blue orb of light appeared before him, rippling like liquid in the air.
"Aha, there you are," Subaru said, grinning at the water spirit. The orb twirled playfully around him, sprinkling tiny droplets of water that evaporated before hitting the carriage floor. "At least you're here to keep me entertained."
The spirit hummed faintly in response, its tone teasing as it bobbed up and down. Subaru laughed and leaned forward, poking at the orb with his finger, only for it to dart away and circle around his head like a mischievous child.
Their playful exchange was cut short as the carriage suddenly slowed to a halt, the faint sound of voices outside catching Subaru's attention. He blinked, the water spirit dispersing into a faint mist as he turned toward the door.
"An outpost?" Subaru guessed aloud, peering through the window. Sure enough, they had stopped near a small checkpoint just outside the capital. A few guards milled about, and the faint outline of other travelers could be seen in the distance.
Before Subaru could make sense of the situation, the carriage door swung open abruptly, letting in a gust of frigid air.
"Yo! Subaru!"
The familiar accent was unmistakable, and Subaru immediately groaned. "Oh no."
Tekka stood at the door, grinning widely, his breath visible in the cold as he climbed into the carriage. The boy's wild, sandy hair was tousled from the wind, and his Kagaragan accent was as thick as ever as he plopped down beside Subaru.
"Man, what're ya doin' sittin' all by yer lonesome, huh? Ain't no way to travel! Thought I'd keep ya company!" Tekka announced, talking a mile a minute.
Subaru sighed, running a hand down his face. "Tekka, do you ever not have something to say?"
Tekka smirked. "Nah. Silence ain't in my blood."
Before Subaru could respond, his attention shifted to the figure standing just behind Tekka. It was a girl, small and quiet, lingering near the door as if unsure whether to step inside.
She was striking in an unusual way. Her pure white hair shimmered faintly in the light, and her crimson-red eyes, though downcast, gave her an almost otherworldly aura. She clutched a small satchel to her chest, her petite frame barely taking up space as she stood there awkwardly.
Subaru tilted his head. "Uh… Tekka, who's that?"
Tekka blinked, turning to look over his shoulder. "Oh, right!" he said, slapping his forehead. "Totally forgot. She's a transfer student or somethin'. I dunno the details."
"A transfer student?" Subaru asked, his curiosity piqued. "Do you even know her name?"
Tekka shrugged. "Nah. Didn't catch it. Doesn't talk much."
Subaru frowned but didn't push the matter further. Instead, he turned his attention to the girl, offering her a warm smile. "Hey there," he said, leaning forward slightly. "I'm Subaru. Natsuki Subaru. Nice to meet ya."
The girl didn't respond at first, her eyes flickering up to meet his before darting away again. Her grip on her satchel tightened, and she nodded faintly, barely acknowledging him.
Tekka scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Yeah, she's, uh… kinda quiet. Don't think she's used to all this yet."
Subaru leaned back in his seat, still smiling despite her lack of response. "No worries. I've got plenty of time to make new friends. Welcome aboard… uh, mystery girl."
The girl glanced at him again, her expression unreadable, before stepping inside and taking a seat near the corner, as far from the boys as possible.
Tekka elbowed Subaru with a grin. "Guess ya made an impression, huh?"
Subaru rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath, "Yeah, sure, Tekka. I'm a real charmer."
The carriage door closed with a soft click, and they were on their way again, the snowy landscape blurring past as the curious new addition to their group remained an enigma.
As the carriage rolled into the capital of Glacia, its towering spires and frozen streets gleaming like glass under the midday sun, the grandeur of the academy's courtyard came into view. The massive open space, framed by intricate icy archways and bustling with returning students, buzzed with excitement. The carriage slowed to a halt at the grand steps leading into the academy, the sound of the wheels crunching against the frosted stone echoing through the air.
Inside the carriage, the energy was anything but poised. Subaru and Tekka, both itching to be the first to step out, had devolved into a petty shoving match.
"Move it, Tekka! I'm clearly the more graceful one!" Subaru grunted, pushing at his friend's shoulder.
"Graceful, my foot!" Tekka shot back, his thick Kagaragan accent only adding to the comedy as he wedged himself closer to the door. "Yer just scared I'll beat ya out there and look cooler!"
The two continued their childish struggle, elbows flying, each trying to outmaneuver the other. When they finally reached the door, their combined momentum caused them to stumble and, with a loud thud, both face-planted onto the icy ground in front of the carriage.
The sharp sound of laughter immediately rang out. Renwald Kerrigan stood a few paces away, his icy blue eyes full of judgment as he crossed his arms. His perfectly combed blond hair glistened in the cold light as he sighed dramatically. "Really? You've been back for less than a minute, and you're already embarrassing yourselves."
Subaru groaned, lifting his face off the frozen stone. "Good to see you too, Renwald. Really missed that sunny personality of yours."
Renwald raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Logic wins battles, Subaru. Not bravado. Maybe remember that next time you decide to wrestle on your way out of a carriage."
As Subaru scrambled to his feet, dusting off his coat, another voice cut through the cold air, sharper and louder. "Ah, if it isn't the academy's finest fools."
Johnan Belvoir strode toward them, his pristine black hair slicked back and his gray eyes gleaming with amusement. He was flanked by his usual posse of lackeys, their smirking faces echoing his condescending tone. "I suppose even clowns have to attend school," Johnan added, sneering as his gaze swept over Subaru and Tekka.
"Yeah, well," Tekka started, puffing out his chest, "at least I don't need a team of lapdogs to bark at my jokes."
Before the exchange could escalate, the carriage door creaked open once more. The white-haired girl, silent as ever, stepped out onto the frosty steps. Her small frame looked even smaller compared to the chaos surrounding her. She moved carefully, her hands gripping the railing as she descended. But at the threshold of the carriage, she paused.
The wind picked up, tousling her snow-colored hair and ruffling the hem of her uniform. Her crimson eyes lifted, scanning the courtyard with a quiet intensity. She didn't speak, didn't make a sound, but her gaze seemed to linger on the academy's towering spires, the icy sculptures, and the shimmering windows. It was as if she was seeing it all for the first time, drinking in the sight like it was something she'd longed for but never thought she'd experience.
The bustling courtyard fell oddly still, the chatter and laughter dimming as the wind rustled through. Even Johnan and his lackeys paused their mocking, their eyes briefly drawn to the girl's quiet, enigmatic presence.
Subaru, brushing snow off his sleeves, noticed the shift in atmosphere and turned to look at her. He tilted his head, a curious expression crossing his face as he watched her. For a moment, he almost forgot the chaos around him, his gaze locked on the girl who stood so still amidst the storm of students.
Tekka, oblivious to the sudden tension, jabbed Subaru in the side with his elbow. "Hey, what's up with her?" he whispered.
Subaru shrugged, his lips curling into a faint smile. "Beats me. But I guess we're gonna find out soon enough."
The girl finally stepped forward, her movements slow and deliberate as the moment passed. The wind calmed, the noise of the courtyard returning as the other students began to move again. But something lingered—a strange sense of anticipation that none of them could quite place.
As the group lingered awkwardly near the carriage, the sound of a sharp, energetic voice cut through the chilly air.
"Well, well, what do we have here? Two aspiring mages… practicing gravity spells on the ground, are we?"
Subaru groaned and turned his head just enough to see the familiar wild-haired figure of Professor Thaddeus Elron striding toward them. His mismatched coat flapped in the cold breeze, the many pockets stuffed with scrolls and trinkets jingling as he moved. His thick glasses sat precariously at the edge of his nose, and his wild hair seemed even more chaotic than usual, sticking out in every direction as if it had never seen the touch of a comb.
"Come on, lads, up you go! You're making a scene, and I'd hate to have the academy's reputation tarnished by a pair of snow-covered loons," Thaddeus said, gesturing dramatically toward Subaru and Tekka.
Subaru sat up, brushing snow off his coat. "It's not my fault! Tekka wouldn't let me through the door!"
"Not true!" Tekka shot back, rolling to his feet. "Yer just mad 'cause I'm faster!"
Thaddeus chuckled, shaking his head. "Boys, boys, save the excuses for the lecture hall. I hope you both studied the material over the break because today's lessons are going to be shocking." He punctuated his sentence with a dramatic waggle of his fingers, small sparks of lightning crackling at his fingertips.
Subaru froze, his face paling slightly. "Uh… study? Over the break?"
Tekka blinked, looking equally dumbfounded. "Wait… there was material we were supposed to study?"
Renwald, standing a few paces away, let out a long, exasperated sigh. "You two are unbelievable. There were clear instructions before we left, and neither of you bothered to open a single book, did you?"
Subaru rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "I mean, I opened a book… just not the right one."
"Does 'BinBin's Big Book of Spirit Lore' count?" Tekka asked with a hopeful grin.
Renwald groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "We're doomed."
Thaddeus clapped his hands together, the sound echoing through the courtyard. "Well, no time to cry over spilled mana, boys! Chop-chop! Inside with you all! It's time to see who paid attention and who's going to spend the next week catching up!"
Subaru and Tekka exchanged a panicked glance before bolting toward the main doors of the academy, slipping and sliding on the icy path in their rush. Renwald followed at a slower, more dignified pace, shaking his head as he muttered something about "natural selection."
Thaddeus brought up the rear, his enthusiastic voice booming as he encouraged the students to hurry. "Remember, magic waits for no one! Especially not those who slept through their break!"
As Subaru rushed inside, he muttered under his breath, "Great, just great. This is gonna be painful."
Beside him, Tekka grinned despite the panic in his voice. "Painful? This is gonna be legendary! Let's just wing it!"
Subaru shot him a glare, muttering, "That's the worst idea I've ever heard."
The warmth of the academy hallways enveloped the trio as they made their way to the classroom, brushing snow off their coats and scarves. The faint hum of chatter and the scratch of quills against parchment greeted them as they entered. Subaru, Tekka, and Renwald made their way to their usual joint desks, settling into their spots as the bustle of the morning began to settle down.
Subaru glanced around the room, catching glimpses of a few of their classmates. A girl near the front was surrounded by a small crowd, proudly showing off a green orb hovering above her palm. It was a lesser earth spirit she had apparently contracted over the break, and the room buzzed with excitement. She was the talk of the class, and whispers about her feat echoed from desk to desk.
"Big deal," Tekka muttered under his breath, flipping through a book. "Bet I could've done that if I wasn't stuck dodging snowstorms."
Renwald, seated beside him, raised an eyebrow. "If you'd bothered to read even a fraction of what you're flipping through now, you might actually stand a chance."
Tekka snorted, shoving a handful of Renwald's meticulously organized notes in his direction. "Yeah, yeah. Thanks for the help, by the way. You're a real hero."
Renwald sighed but leaned in to correct a glaring mistake Tekka had scribbled into his notebook. "It's not heroism. It's pity."
Meanwhile, Subaru sat at his desk with his chin resting on his hand, staring out the frosted window. The sky above Glacia was a pale, icy blue, and the sunlight reflected off the snow-covered rooftops of the academy grounds. He sighed, his thoughts drifting as the classroom buzzed around him.
The break went by way too fast, Subaru mused to himself. Feels like I was just back at the manor…
His mind briefly flickered to Elsa. He wondered how she was holding up under Clind's watchful—and creepy—eye. He could still see her hesitant smile when he told her he'd come back to visit. Subaru frowned slightly, realizing he hadn't written to her yet as he promised.
Before his thoughts could drift further, the classroom door creaked open. The sound drew the attention of the room, and the chatter quieted down as Professor Thaddeus Elron stepped inside. His wild hair looked as chaotic as ever, and his mismatched coat jingled with every step.
"Good morning, class!" Elron announced, clapping his hands together as he strode to the front of the room. His energy was as infectious as always, and a few students muttered their greetings in response.
Behind him, however, was a figure that immediately caught Subaru's attention. The quiet girl from the carriage—the one with white hair and piercing red eyes—stepped into the room. Her movements were measured and deliberate, and she carried herself with an air of detachment.
Elron paused at the front of the class, gesturing to her with a wide grin. "Class, allow me to introduce our newest addition! This is Algol. She'll be joining us starting today. Be sure to make her feel welcome!"
Algol's crimson eyes scanned the room briefly before she gave a polite nod. She didn't say a word, but her presence alone seemed to hold the room in an odd kind of silence.
Subaru watched her closely, his curiosity piqued. What's her deal? he thought. She's even quieter than Renwald… if that's possible.
Elron clapped his hands again, breaking the moment. "Alright, Algol, you'll take the seat over there," he said, pointing to an empty spot near the side of the room. Algol nodded again and moved gracefully to her assigned desk, sitting down without a sound.
As the lesson began, the classroom slowly returned to its usual rhythm. Tekka continued to scrawl through Renwald's notes, earning the occasional glare from the blond boy, while Subaru found his gaze drifting back to Algol. There was something about her—something strange and unreadable. But for now, he kept his thoughts to himself as Elron launched into a chaotic lecture about mana flow and the importance of precision in channeling.
As class wrapped up, the buzz of conversation filled the air, students gathering their things and heading off in different directions. Tekka slung his bag over his shoulder and nudged Subaru.
"Oi, let's hit the training field," Tekka said, his Kagaragan accent thick with enthusiasm. "I've been sittin' too long. Gotta stretch the ol' muscles!"
Renwald sighed, already organizing his notes into a neat stack. "You're hopeless. You still need to catch up, remember? If you don't, you'll end up as clueless as you were before break."
Tekka waved a dismissive hand. "Ah, I'll be fine! A little fresh air and some swordplay never hurt anyone."
Subaru, only half-listening, watched as the other students filtered out of the room. The hustle and bustle around him felt like a blur as he stood there, hands shoved into his pockets. He hadn't decided what he wanted to do yet, but something—or rather, someone—kept tugging at his thoughts.
As Tekka and Renwald prepared to leave, Subaru started to drift toward the back of the classroom.
"Hey, where are you going?" Tekka called out, his voice carrying above the chatter.
Subaru didn't respond immediately. He stopped in front of Algol's desk, where the white-haired girl was still seated, quietly gathering her things. Subaru cleared his throat, catching her attention.
"What's your story?" he asked, his tone casual but his curiosity clear.
Algol's crimson eyes flicked up to meet his, and for a moment, there was a flicker of something in her expression—surprise, maybe? She hesitated before answering, her voice quiet but firm. "You're bold, aren't you?"
Subaru smirked and shrugged. "I get that a lot."
The girl shook her head slightly, her lips curving into a faint, practiced smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "There's nothing much to tell. I'm from the far north. My family…" She trailed off, her gaze dropping to her desk. "…scraped together every holy coin they could to get me here."
Subaru raised an eyebrow, unconvinced by the way her words sounded rehearsed. "Huh. Is that so?"
Algol stood abruptly, smoothing out her uniform with deliberate care. She bowed her head politely. "I'll be taking my leave now," she said, her tone measured.
Without waiting for a reply, she walked past Subaru, her footsteps light and steady. Subaru watched her go, a thoughtful expression on his face.
From the other side of the room, Tekka's voice rang out, loud and teasing. "Oi, Subaru, did ya just get rejected?!"
Subaru spun around, scowling. "Shut it, Tekka!"
Renwald shook his head, his tone as dry as ever. "Maybe you should focus on people who actually want to talk to you, Subaru. Tekka and I are heading to the library. You know, to study. You should consider it."
Subaru waved them off, his mind still on Algol. "Yeah, yeah, I'll catch up with you guys later. I've got… an itch to scratch."
Tekka snorted, leaning toward Renwald. "That's what he always says when he's about to do somethin' dumb."
Renwald sighed, adjusting his bag. "Let's just hope it doesn't get him into trouble this time."
Subaru moved like a shadow through the academy, his steps deliberate and quiet as he made his way through the familiar halls. His head tilted downward, avoiding the gaze of passing students and staff. The courtyard stretched before him, a wide expanse of stone and frost-kissed grass. The pale sun hung low in the icy sky, casting long shadows across the ground.
He tightened his scarf around his neck as his eyes scanned the area. Across the courtyard, near the eastern wing of the academy, stood a formidable figure—Ms. Maera Vess. Her sharp eyes seemed to pierce through the air as she inspected a group of older students practicing their mana techniques. The teacher's mere presence sent a shiver down Subaru's spine.
Nudge, nudge, Subaru thought to himself. Just keep moving.
With careful precision, he slipped behind a low stone wall, keeping his movements fluid. He crouched as he made his way to the other side of the courtyard, barely avoiding Ms. Vess's line of sight. Subaru let out a breath of relief when he finally made it to the opposite hall.
The corridor stretched ahead, quiet and empty. Subaru's lips curled into a sly grin as he glanced at the ornate double doors at the end of the hallway—the entrance to the upper-grade library. It was a place brimming with advanced tomes on magic theory, ancient artifacts, and records of legendary spirit arts. A treasure trove of knowledge that Subaru wasn't technically allowed to access.
"Time to bend a few rules," Subaru muttered under his breath.
He raised his hands and softly summoned two glowing orbs. One burned a vibrant red—the Yang spirit. The other was a dark, ethereal shade of purple—the Yin spirit.
The Yang spirit flitted around him excitedly, circling his head. Subaru smiled and whispered, "Alright, buddy, here's the deal. I need you to find me the book. You know the one I've been thinking about. Go on, do your thing."
The red orb swirled in delight before darting off, zipping through the air toward the upper-grade library.
Subaru turned his attention to the Yin spirit, whose faint glow flickered ominously. "And you… You're on stealth duty. Cover me. No sounds, no mistakes, got it?"
The Yin spirit hovered silently in agreement, its dim light pulsing softly. Subaru immediately felt a shroud of stillness wrap around him, muffling the sound of his footsteps and even his breathing. He gave the spirit a small nod of approval.
With his companions assisting him, Subaru pressed onward. The grand doors of the upper-grade library loomed closer, their intricate carvings glinting faintly in the frosty light filtering through the windows. Subaru's heart raced as he reached out for the handle.
"This better be worth it," he whispered, a mix of excitement and nerves tingling in his chest.
As he pushed the door open ever so slightly, the faint hum of the Yang spirit reached his ears, signaling that it had already begun its search. Subaru slipped inside, the Yin spirit's protective veil ensuring his entrance went unnoticed.
Inside, the air was dense with the smell of old parchment and ink. Rows upon rows of shelves stretched toward the high ceiling, their contents practically glowing in the dim light. Subaru couldn't help but grin.
Subaru's heart pounded in his chest as he tucked the book safely into his bag. The thrill of his success had him grinning like a fox as he slipped out of the library's forbidden section, weaving through the hallways with quiet precision. His spirits had done their job perfectly, and the Yang spirit zipped around him in triumph before fading away.
When he reached the quiet corner of the school courtyard, Subaru let out a relieved sigh. The frosty air bit at his face, but the excitement buzzing inside him kept him warm. He plopped down onto a low stone ledge, his bag in front of him, and giggled mischievously to himself.
"Got it," Subaru muttered, opening the bag and pulling out the worn book. The title was etched in faded gold across the leather cover: Vampirism: A Study of History and Genealogy.
He traced the letters with his fingers, his thoughts drifting back to Elsa. He'd overheard the adults whispering about her supposed vampire blood, and while Subaru didn't know much about vampires, he couldn't just leave it at that. If there was any truth to it, he wanted to understand. He wanted to help.
"Alright, let's see what we're dealing with," Subaru murmured, flipping the book open with a sense of purpose.
But just as he leaned in to start reading, a sharp voice cut through the quiet air like a knife.
"What are you doing?"
Subaru froze, the book slipping from his hands for a moment before he scrambled to catch it. He whipped his head around, his eyes narrowing as he spotted the tall, stiff figure of Johnan Belvoir standing behind him.
Johnan's piercing gray eyes bore into him, his sharp features twisted into a smug smirk. The noble crossed his arms, his pristine uniform practically gleaming in the pale winter sunlight.
Subaru quickly shoved the book into his bag, zipping it up with haste. "Nothing," he said, trying to sound casual but failing miserably.
Johnan's smirk widened as he stepped closer, like a hawk circling its prey. "Nothing, hmm? Doesn't look like nothing. In fact," he leaned in, his tone dripping with condescension, "it looks like something very suspicious. Perhaps I should bring this little situation to the teachers. They might find it… enlightening."
Subaru felt his stomach drop, but he forced a grin onto his face. "Oh, come on, Johnan. No need to get dramatic. I was just doing a little reading, that's all. No harm done."
Johnan scoffed, his eyes gleaming with malicious curiosity. "A little reading? In a restricted section, no less? You're either incredibly bold or incredibly stupid, Natsuki."
Subaru clenched his fists, feeling a flicker of heat rise in his chest. "Hey, how about you mind your own business for once?"
Johnan's smirk didn't falter. "Oh, but this is my business now. You see, I have a reputation to uphold. Allowing some… commoner to break the rules reflects poorly on the school. And on me."
Subaru's mind raced. He needed a way out, and fast. "Alright, alright," he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "You got me. But let's be real, Johnan. Do you really want to bother the teachers with something as small as this? You'd just be wasting their time. And yours."
Johnan tapped his chin, pretending to think it over. "Hmm. You make a point. But then again, seeing you squirm might be worth the trouble."
Subaru groaned internally, his fingers inching toward his bag. "Look, I'll make you a deal. You forget this ever happened, and I'll…" He paused, searching for something, anything to offer. "…I'll owe you one. How about that?"
Johnan raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying Subaru's desperation. "You? Owing me a favor? Now that's an amusing thought."
Subaru forced a grin. "I'm a resourceful guy. You'd be surprised what I can do."
For a moment, Johnan seemed to consider it. Then, with a dramatic sigh, he stepped back. "Fine. I'll let it slide. For now. But don't think for a second that this is over, Natsuki. I'll be watching you."
Subaru let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. "Yeah, yeah, thanks, your highness. I'll try to stay out of your way."
Johnan turned on his heel, his cape-like coat swishing behind him as he strode off. Subaru watched him go, muttering under his breath, "What a pain in the ass."
As soon as Johnan was out of sight, Subaru grabbed his bag and stood up. He needed to get somewhere quiet—somewhere he could read in peace.