Chapter 1: System Greets User!
Chapter Text
Swish!
“GOAL!”
[Today’s match ends in a 2-0 victory for Matsukaze Kokuo! Matsukaze Kokuo High has secured its spot in the National Championship!]
Amidst the bent figures of high school boys choking back sobs, a solitary figure stood. Sapphire eyes looked around passionless, a soft breeze fluttering blue-black locks and cooling the sweat on his skin.
An incessant whirring sound, like the low murmur of an old film reel turning, played in his ears until it was all he could hear. His mind replayed the scene again and again and again .
The ball at his feet.
The goalkeeper blocked his path.
Tada-chan, the coach, the team hollering at him to pass the ball.
In the split second of hesitation, just before he relinquished his possession of the ball, he had thought–
What have I been doing these past 2 years?
While everyone wasted their tears, Isagi had long realized this fact: Ichinan didn’t have what it took–will never have what it takes–to make nationals with their weak philosophy.
“One for all, all for one!”
How many times has he been forced to chant the same childish phrase? Had been pressured to play along like they were kindergarteners learning to share?
Too many to count.
This was only a pretty way to say that they were too weak to win on their own. Isagi had never understood such gutless football. Why did he have to cooperate with teammates who missed a goal from 5 meters away? Why was he forced to pass when he could’ve made the shot on his own? When did he start throwing a tarp over his head just so it would level the playing field?
When did football become so dull?
He followed the slumped backs of his teammates to the locker room. Before he walked through the door, he took one last look at the field behind him.
The crowds were still cheering. Kira Ryousuke, the ‘Crowned Jewel of Japan’, was being interviewed while his adoring fans swooned at the stands. They made eye contact for the briefest of moments, curious hazel against indifferent sapphire.
Isagi was the first to break it.
His 2 years were wasted just like that.
Alone, away from the teary and defeated forms of his soon to be former teammates, in a voice that was small,
quiet,
unheard,
thus unspoken–
“I wanted to win…”
Click.
“Yocchan! Welcome home!” Iyo poked her head from the kitchen. Her smile could melt glaciers, and just her presence was enough to chase away the dark cloud hanging over Isagi’s head. “How was the game, dear?”
Isagi slipped his shoes off, carefully placing them in the shoe box.
“We lost.”
He shrugged his bag off and laid it on the couch as he passed by the living room. His hand brushed over his father’s shoulder, giving it a soft squeeze in greeting, before heading to the dining table.
Iyo pouted, placing a hand on her cheek. “Aw, that’s too bad. My katsudon will cheer you right up, dear!”
The table was expertly set. Atop the aged wood were three steaming bowls of pork cutlet. The mouthwatering aroma filled the room, and Isagi’s stomach let out a traitorous rumble.
“We’re supposed to eat katsudon the day before the game.”
Issei followed behind his son. He rubbed Isagi’s hair good-naturedly and sat down, digging into the foot with gusto. “Does it matter? It tastes delicious either way!”
Of course it did. Iyo was, in their humble opinion, the best cook in the world. Isagi’s been trying for years to replicate his mother’s dishes. At some point, he had to admit to himself that it was just a God-given talent.
“The secret ingredient is love for my boys!”
“Mom…” Isagi stuffed a pork cutlet into his mouth, trying to hide his embarrassed flush at her exclamation.
Issei placed his chopsticks down and wiggled his eyebrows. “Oh? Then I guess I’ll be falling head over heels for you.”
“Darling!” Iyo slapped Issei’s shoulder playfully, her face bright with affection.
Isagi groaned into his rice. “ Mom, Dad! Please, I’m trying to eat!”
The couple glanced at each other before falling into a fit of laughter. They interlocked their fingers and gave Isagi a knowing look.
“You’re saying that now, but in the future, you’ll understand.”
Isagi’s eye twitched.
He imagined it–him in the place of his father throwing cheesy lines and making googly eyes at a faceless woman. Him on his knees with flowers, opening his lunch box to find a sweet note from his partner, waking up to the same person he sees when he falls asleep, looking into the eyes of someone who knew what he was like unraveled in his entirety and still chose every single day to love him –
Goosebumps broke out all over his arms.
“No thank you!”
A steady chatter of clicks and clacks filled the room. The only light came from the PC, casting shadows that swallowed the various nicknacks and posters decorating the space. Isagi rested his chin on one knee while the other was folded beneath him.
On the screen, a 2D girl with large eyes and blonde hair styled in pigtails poked her fingers together. She was shyly looking back and forth between the ground and the player.
[I-idiot… Fine, I-I’ll go out with you… But only because you look so pathetic that I feel sorry for you! D-don’t you dare misunderstand, okay!]
“Hah, got you.” Isagi cracked his knuckles and leaned back, the picture of smug satisfaction. “You act so stubborn, but the truth is you were waiting for someone to break past your walls and take care of you. My eyes see all .”
He was playing Whispers of the Heart , a new dating simulator that had taken the market by storm.
It was a typical romance game where you have targets to ‘capture’ with many plotlines and endings for whichever girl you fancy–or all of them if you want. While there wasn’t anything in the story or mechanics that made it stand out from the others, it blew up due to the extreme difficulty of capturing the female love interests.
Isagi had spent a whole month grinding in his free time, but he’s finally accomplished it. He managed to capture the last girl he needed to fill the requirements of the harem ending!
“Should I post it? I don’t think anyone else has managed to get this ending.” He pinched his lower lip with his fingers.
This was definitely a momentous occasion, a victory that should be shared with the rest of the dating sim otaku community. It was frankly a crime if he didn’t post it.
“At the very least, HaruDrops will appreciate it,” he decided.
Isagi opened WeTube with the fake account, OreWaYocchama, he’d made several years ago. There were already some gaming videos dating back to when he was in middle school. Most of the videos were posted in the last year, though.
After attending Ichinan and joining the football team, Isagi had grown more and more indifferent to the sport that had once been his life blood. It wasn’t anything big that caused this change like an injury or bullying.
He just realized that… he wasn’t having fun anymore.
The only reason he stayed on the team was because the coach asked him for one more year. One of the regulars got into an accident and Isagi was the best out of the remaining, or so the old man said. Personally, Isagi thinks it has more to do with that one video that got viral–
No, it’s best not to think about it. Give it a few more years and soon no one will even remember some random first-year from a fallen football school.
Ichinan has been outclassed against Matsukaze Kokuo for years even before Isagi joined. Their fame is more so the consistency of making it to the preliminaries. Now that they have Kira Ryousuke on the team, Ichinan has less of a chance than ever to make it to the nationals.
Wait, that’s not entirely true. The fault wasn’t in the opponent’s strength but in Ichinan’s weakness.
Isagi sighed, clearing his head from trivial thoughts. It didn’t matter anymore. On the bright side, the free time he’ll gain from quitting the football club could be better used to play video games.
He finished his shoddy editing, which was basically just cutting out a huge chunk of the first 2 arcs, and then pressed the post button.
Click.
“Ah… Well, it is over 12 hours long…”
Isagi swiveled his chair in a circle, staring at the glow-in-the-dark stars his father had helped him set up when he was 6. While waiting for the video to upload, he was thinking hard about what to do now that he finally completed Whisper of the Heart .
He had some games on the shelf, but they all seemed boring compared to the challenge Whisper of the Heart had given. Those other games had such obvious choices. There was no thrill of victory when the girls were basically being handed over with a bow.
Should he try the RPG game that’s been making rounds? He’s mostly been avoiding it because it’s a gacha game which was just another way to say money-grubbing. What was it called again? “Something” Clash…
DING!
Isagi blinked when a notification appeared on his screen. It was a nondescript rectangle with a simple message:
[TO OREWAYOCCHAMA,
I JUST FINISHED WATCHING YOUR PLAYTHROUGH OF WHISPERS OF THE HEART, AND I WAS EXTREMELY IMPRESSED BY YOUR ABILITY TO CAPTURE SUCH DIFFICULT TARGETS!! YOU ARE THE FIRST PLAYER I’VE SEEN ACCOMPLISH THE HAREM ENDING. I WONDER IF IT WAS PURELY LUCK OR SKILL.
THERE ARE A FEW TARGETS THAT I’D LIKE YOU TO CAPTURE. IF YOU’RE CONFIDENT IN YOUR ABILITIES, THEN PRESS THE REPLY BUTTON.
[[[REPLY]]]
P.S. IF IT’S IMPOSSIBLE, PLEASE DON’T PRESS THE BUTTON! THIS IS YOUR ONLY WARNING!
SYSTEM CHU~♡]
The first thing that went through Isagi’s mind was how this person managed to watch a video that hasn’t been uploaded yet. And even if it did, barely 5 minutes have passed. There’s no way they could have finished a 12+ hour long video in that time.
The second thing, a much stronger thought that admittedly caused all logic to leave his brain, was the audacity of this person to challenge him like this.
Isagi knew he wasn’t the best out there, but he was pretty darned good. He worked hard for this victory. Whoever this System Chu~♡ was–what kind of loser would choose a cringy name like that, anyway–they made the mistake of provoking Isagi.
“I’ll show you!”
Isagi clicked on the [reply] button with no hesitation. At first, nothing happened. And then–
Whoosh!
The letters from the message burst from the screen in a frenzy, whipping around Isagi’s frozen form like a hurricane.
“Wha–!?”
The words coalesced into a blank, inky mass that wrapped around Isagi’s neck. The wind quieted down to a whisper as the ink solidified.
Isagi’s hand trembled as he reached up, feeling the strange collar that now wrapped snugly around his slender neck. It was sleek and solid. No matter how much he tugged and pulled, it wouldn’t come loose.
“What is going on!?”
[System Chu~♡ greets OreWaYocchama-sama!]
“Ah!”
Isagi choked on a scream, falling off his chair when a blue, transparent holographic screen appeared before his eyes.
[Thank you for accepting the contract! Let us proceed to capture demons!]
Arms grappled around haphazardly, long fingers wrapping around the slender neck of the bedside lamp. Isagi held his weapon over his head. “What are you!? What’s going on!?”
[Ah! Don’t be afraid! ヾ(｡ꏿ﹏ꏿ)ﾉﾞ]
[I’m System Chu~♡, and I’ve been assigned to be your guide! ٩(^ᗜ^ )و ´-]
Isagi slowly lowered the lamp when the strange thing didn’t immediately do anything to harm him. In fact, this situation was strangely familiar. He’s sure he’s read of situations like this in those novels his mother likes to read.
A strange System appears and forces the poor guy/girl to do things they would never otherwise do. Sometimes, it was romance related. Other times, it was filling in plot holes to ‘save the world’ or whatever.
None of those situations were any that he wished to experience.
“My guide for what ? And what did you mean about ‘accepting the contract’?”
[By pressing the ‘reply’ button, OreWaYocchama-sama sealed the contract between us! I’m so excited! This is my first time having such a beautiful Master! ✧｡٩(ˊᗜˋ )و✧*｡]
Isagi cursed himself.
He knew the message was strange. He shouldn’t have allowed his pride to cloud his judgement. This time, it was some strange demon possessing him, but it could have very well been some attempt to hack his computer.
“Okay… So what’s this contract about?” He paused. “Also, just Isagi is fine…”
[As Isagi-sama commands!]
[ Isagi-sama’s mission is to purge the world of demons that have made their homes in unsuspecting hearts–filling them with darkness and sucking their life!]
“Pft!” Isagi snorted, covering his lips with his hands to hold in the laughs. That was the most ridiculous mission he’s ever heard. Who knew that the computer, creature, weird holograph thing could joke.
His chuckles slowed to a stop when the System didn’t say anything.
“You can’t be serious.”
[System Chu ~♡ would never joke about such a serious matter! ( •̀ - •́ )]
“Can I refuse?”
[Of course!]
Isagi’s sigh of relief got stuck in his throat at the System’s next message.
[But a contract is a big deal! You see that collar around your neck? If you refuse, your soul will be harvested directly! ( ˶ˆᗜˆ˵ )]
“Don’t say something scary with such a happy look on your face!”
Isagi dropped on his bed, his whole body numb from this new revelation. By ‘his soul being harvested directly’, it most likely meant that , right? The collar was a guillotine wrapped around his neck.
In other words, he didn’t have a choice but to play along.
He bit his lip and sent the System a wary look.
“Why me?”
[Isn’t it obvious? Of course it’s because Isagi-sama has the highest compatibility rating with the capture targe–ahem–possessed victims! ٩(^ᗜ^ )و ´-]
[It makes sense. After all, with Isagi-sama’s looks and pure maiden heart, you can even conquer this system. (*ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ*.ﾟ]
Isagi’s honest reaction: “...”
He slumped, exhausted. There was no use fighting this System. In such a short time, he could already tell that it was a losing battle. He should use his time to get more information.
“Can you tell me more about these ‘demons’?”
[They’re evil spirits that have somehow escaped from hell. Even though they are just lowly beings, they are difficult to capture due to their unique hiding place.]
[They hide in the gaps within the heart!]
“The gaps… within the heart…”
[Yes! However, if that gap is filled, the demon won’t have a hiding place anymore! Everyone knows the best way to fill the heart is…]
[LOVE જ⁀➴ ♡]
“...”
[W-why does Isagi-sama have that expression on his face?! =͟͟͞͞(꒪ᗜ꒪‧̣̥̇)]
[System Chu ~♡ is telling the truth!]
“That’s what I’m afraid of…”
Isagi felt his temple throbbing violently. How did he go from losing the preliminaries to being forced to romance ‘targets’ to save them from a demon possession? Even his wildest dreams never reached this level of tomfoolery. He’d almost think he was on drugs if he wasn’t 100% certain he'd never even touched Aspirin without his parent’s supervision.
He wishes he was on drugs.
“How am I even supposed to identify a possessed person?”
[Isagi-sama need not fret! (˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ ) ✧]
[They have already been gathered! The higher-ups pulled some strings to make the process smoother since the targets are scattered all over the globe!]
“All over the globe !?” Isagi didn’t think anything more could surprise him, but he was proven wrong. An overwhelming feeling of dread pooled in his gut. “How many are there!?”
[Erm… The number keeps fluctuating.]
[But don’t worry, someone else has been chosen alongside Isagi-sama to help split the load!]
Finally, some good news.
[𖧋𖧋-sama will handle the female targets, while Isagi-sama has the males! ヾ(˃ᴗ˂)◞ • *✰]
“Heh…”
Black fog oozed from Isagi’s slumped frame, and his arm snapped out to grab the lamp he’d set down earlier.
“If I’m going down, I’m dragging you with me.”
[I-Isagi-sama, what are you–]
CRASH!
[AH! ΣΣ(っﾟДﾟ;)っ]
“Don’t dodge!”
When Isagi finally calmed down, he resentfully spent 30 minutes cleaning up the mess in his room. All his projectiles just passed through the System screen uselessly.
It was a mystery how his parents slept through all the noise…
The next day, Isagi woke to find a white envelope on his bedside table.
He rubbed his eyes, squinting at the print. Did his mother leave it for him that morning? He doesn’t remember seeing it last night, and he knew for sure that his parents went to bed before him.
[It’s here! o(≧∇≦o)]
“Ugh, so you were real?” Isagi grumbled.
There had been the faint hope that it had all been some hallucination his tired mind had cooked up.
[Isagi-sama… (╥ᆺ╥;)]
He ignored the System’s tears the way one would wilfully become part of the wall when something uncomfortable was happening. The letter was swiftly opened and read. Isagi had to scan through the document 3 times before he finally comprehended what he was seeing.
“A special player training program? From the Japan Football Union?”
[Interestingly enough, the capture targets are all football nuts! Funny, right? ( ˶ˆᗜˆ˵ )]
Isagi’s eyes narrowed dangerously.
[( ˶°ㅁ°) !!]
“That’s one way to put it.”
Isagi worried his lip, the pink deepening to a cherry red. He felt conflicted about the invitation.
He had no choice but to accept or literally lose his head, obviously. However, without that threat hanging over his head, he couldn’t decide on what to feel.
A part of him felt excited. Though football had gotten boring in Ichinan, this program could prove to be the spark he needed to bring back his passion for the sport.
The other part of him was apprehensive. If he goes through the program but is disappointed again, like he was at Ichinan…
The pain of growing to resent something that you once loved is a unique kind of pain. It’s not a sudden loss. It’s a slow, agonizing unraveling.
It starts with disappointment, the faintest cracks on a precious jewel that once seemed unbreakable. You polish it every day with careful hands, but those cracks continue to spread and grow. Soon, they become too large to ignore. Once a source of joy and pride–now it was only a reminder of what once was.
Even with this growing indifference, Isagi still felt the phantom warmth that he felt once upon a time. He still remembered the thrill of his first goal, the chills he got when faced with a competent opponent. The wisps of joy that he could faintly grasp onto but was rapidly slipping through his fingers like fine sand.
Isagi was afraid that, if he faced one more disappointment, he wouldn’t even have that .
[Isagi-sama, are you alright? You look sad… (´• . •`)]
“... It’s nothing.”
There was no use in having such thoughts. Regardless of what anxieties Isagi has, it won’t change the fact that he can’t refuse the invitation.
At the very least, this whole demon thing will keep him occupied.
The building looked overhead. On the gate was a plaque that read [Japan Football Union]. According to the information, the meeting place should be on the 3rd floor.
DING!
[I can sense it! The capture targets are concentrated in there! (૭ ｡•̀ ᵕ •́｡ )૭]
“How useful even is that sensor of yours? Of course they’re in there…”
[Isagi-sama, your beauty can only be matched by your ruthlessness… (╥ᆺ╥;)]
Isagi rolled his eyes, already used to the System’s antics. It had too much personality to be just a program.
After Isagi had accepted the invitation, System Chu~♡ had revealed its main functions.
One: it can sense the presence of a target and provide basic information.
Two: it could tell when Isagi reaches certain affection checkpoints with the target. There were apparently 3 – acquaintanceship, friendship, and love.
Three: When the target is captured, it will absorb the demon and send it back to hell.
These gave Isagi more questions than answers, but he wasn’t sure he had the mental endurance to hear more. It was bad enough that he was supposed to romance other men–not that he had problems with homosexuals.
Isagi didn’t care much for the gender of the other person. Bottom of the line is that he wasn’t interested in anyone .
The reason it was such a big deal that his targets were men was because he’s only ever played romance sims where he wooed female targets. The most experience he’s had with otome games is Mystic Letters, and he didn’t get to 100% the game due to his sleep schedule being completely destroyed.
However, let it be known that Isagi was no quitter.
He clenched his fists in determination–and to hide the trembling.
Whatever challenge lay ahead, he would face them with–.
“Isagi? Is that you?”
“Eh?”
Kira Ryousuke beamed. “I thought you looked familiar. It is you!”
Isagi flinched when Kira took his hands and shook them. The guy was a lot friendlier than he thought. It was almost off-putting how excited he was to meet a stranger. Was he always like this?
“Erm… it's good to see you…?”
That seemed to make the other boy happy. “I know, right?” Kira's smile became more blinding. “I can't believe we were both chosen for this special program!”
Isagi weakly tugged at his hands, but Kira had a strong grip. “I'm surprised you even know who I am.”
“Of course I do! You have an amazing game sense. The whole time we were playing, I was thinking that you'd give some crazy good passes if we were on the same team!”
Isagi felt blood rushing to his cheeks at the genuine compliment.
“Oh, thanks.”
Maybe he wasn’t that bad…
[No! Stay away from Isagi-sama! ლ(ಠ益ಠლ)]
It took every bit of strength in Isagi's body to hold back his flinch. He'd almost forgotten about the System.
[How dare he flirt so shamelessly?! A bug like him… it's like throwing a diamond in cow dung!]
Ew.
That mental image was unnecessary.
“We should enter soon,” Isagi said awkwardly, finally freeing his hands from Kira's slackened grip.
The other guy blinked out of his daze. “Ah, yes, of course! Before we’re late!” He fluttered his hands about, cheeks a pale pink.
It was a strange contrast to how he usually appeared in magazines or TV.
Isagi lagged behind Kira, side-eyeing the System.
“What is it? He's not a target?” He made sure to keep his voice low. The last thing he needed was a diagnosis.
[Well, he isn't not necessarily a person of interest if I were to say right now with some certainty of knowledge when it comes to whether he's a person that requires a level of scrutiny from Isagi-sama.]
“... What ?”
“Isagi? Why are you so far back?”
“Coming, coming.” Isagi coughed into his fist and rushed to catch up.
Scratch what he said earlier. Maybe he needs a diagnosis after all. The amount of mental damage the System just inflicted must have at least dropped his IQ to the single digits.
Kira opened the door to the meeting room and–
DING!
DING!
DING! DING! DING!
Isagi screwed his eyes shut. He barely noticed Kira taking his hand and pulling him to a quiet corner.
It took a whole minute before the loud notification sounds finally stopped.
[I-Isagi-sama! Are you alright?! .·´¯`(>▂<)´¯`·.]
“Isagi, what's wrong?” Kira rubbed his hand between the shoulder blades. It was a warm, steadying gesture.
“Just… migraine,” Isagi grit out. “I get them often.”
Kira’s brows furrowed, but fortunately, he let the matter drop. His hand continued to absently rub Isagi’s back.
[Grrr… Why I oughta!]
The lights shut off suddenly, and Isagi finally revealed the murderous glare he’d been trying to hide beneath his bangs.
Shouldn’t that be my line? Next moment I’m alone, I’m gonna…
[Eek! W-what are you planning for me? ΣΣ(っﾟДﾟ;)]
Isagi blinked.
Can you hear my thoughts?
[Of course!]
[Heh heh, after all, Isagi-sama and I are soul bound by the contract. (*ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ*.ﾟ]
[Hm? What’s this noise?]
[E-eh? It’s, hum, it’s a bit…]
[Isagi-sama, please, make it stop!! (˚ ˃̣̣̥⌓˂̣̣̥) ‧º]
Isagi relaxed, his lips turning up smugly as the System continued to wail. Finally, sweet revenge.
He can’t believe it took this long for the System to reveal such vital information. Was it having fun watching Isagi desperately biting his tongue before he said something scandalous in public? Even worse, when he was having dinner with his family only to choke on something at the System’s shamelessness?
Whatever suffering the System was experiencing now was only what it deserved.
Though, Isagi wasn’t sure why “My Little Apple” by the Chopstick Brothers would have such destructive power.
“–but I can’t agree with what you said.” The crowd parted around them, and Isagi was suddenly assaulted by the peripheral attention of the room. He surreptitiously stepped further behind Kira, thankful for the height difference.
What happened? What was Kira protesting exactly? Isagi had been distracted and missed the whole entrance speech.
“For most of us, our team is our main priority, particularly those of us who’ll participate at Nationals. There’s no way I can accept those kinds of terms. I… I will not throw away my own team!”
That got an eye-roll from Isagi. He already began the process of throwing away his own team. Can’t relate.
Kira’s words seemed to have a better audience with the crowd as the other players began protesting.
“He’s right!”
“Yeah! Why should I abandon nationals…”
Ego, and Isagi finally got a good look at the man, spread his arms. “I see. You guys… are seriously fucked in the head.”
That wasn’t at all what Isagi was expecting to hear.
“A sport where you try to score goals in teams of 11 members? ‘Our bonds are important’? ‘I will play for my teammates’? Well that’s wrong. That way of thinking is exactly why Japan lacks football skills. I will show you what it's all about…”
“Football is, at its core, a sport about scoring goals even at the expense of your teammates. ”
“The best player is the one that scores the most goals. If you want to play pretend football instead, then get lost already.
“... Noel Noa… in his words: I feel better losing 3-4 after scoring a hat-trick than winning only by 1-0 with an assist! Whaddya think!? Awful aren’t they, but they can say it because they’re the best! All of them are revolutionary strikers! Their extraordinary ‘egoism’ is the one thing Japan’s football lacks.
“You will not be the best striker in the world unless you have the biggest egos for it as well.”
In spite of himself, Isagi found himself enthralled by the man’s speech.
A sport where you score goals… at the expense of your teammates? You rely on yourself and your own strength on the field. To suppress others with your own will. A kind of individualistic, selfish, egotistical football.
Isn’t that what Isagi was missing from Ichinan?
“If you desire that rebellious ‘egoism’... then step through the gate.” The large double doors slid open. Ego stood with a challenging glint in his eyes. “Your greatest joy is striking points and nothing else. You live for the excitement of that very moment. Now that’s a ‘striker’, don’t you think?”
When was the last time Isagi had felt joy playing football?
When did football become so dull?
Isagi has been chasing that excitement for the past 2 years, that moment where he truly felt satisfaction at making a goal.
Isagi sprinted forward, ignoring the shocked exclamation from Kira. Bodies moved aside as he put one foot after the other in one direction.
[That’s the spirit! Let’s go crush those demons! ＼＼\(۶•̀ᴗ•́)۶//／／]
“H-hey, move out the way!”
“I’m going, too!”
“I won’t lose to anyone!”
Let this be Isagi’s last gamble.
He didn’t want to hate football, a sport that had once been the center jewel in his life. Cracks can be filled. Chips can be smoothed over.
One day, that dimness can be polished back to full luster.
Chapter 2: Tag Game!
Notes:
Yeah... Who could have seen this coming?
That being said, I did have a lot of fun for this chapter. Again, I don't know if this will be something I'll update (anytime soon), but I might occasionally add to it until I get a next chapter (whenever that may be).I turned my brain off to write this, so please turn your own off to read it.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“What a coincidence that we’re on the same bus, huh?”
“Yeah…” Isagi cleared his throat uncomfortably, shifting further against the window. Kira just scooted closer until their thighs touched.
Isagi felt his cheeks burning at the close proximity.
He had a tendency to blush easily, an annoying quirk that he never managed to grow out of. It led to a lot of misunderstandings in the past. Isagi can’t count the number of times he’s been rejected because people assumed he had feelings for them.
Rejected!
Was there something wrong with Isagi that they couldn’t see him as a love interest? He wasn’t ugly . At least, he didn’t think so. His personality was also… fine. Maybe he wasn’t the best conversationalist, but he was nice! A great listener!
Isagi was a catch!
That wasn’t on the market, but that was beside the point.
[Exactly! Isagi-sama is the most beautiful, talented, magnificent Master I’ve ever had! (❀´ ˘ `❀)]
No matter how much you try to butter me up, I still won’t forgive you.
[I-It just slipped System Chu~♡’s mind! (｡>﹏<)]
Isagi just crossed his arms and stared out the bus window. Trees blurred into green streaks. The road was mostly smooth with bumps here and there.
“Nervous?” Kira bumped their shoulders together. “Don’t worry. I don’t think that Ego guy actually has the power to end our football careers if we fail this program.”
“ What? ”
What the hell did Isagi miss? Wasn’t this a training program? Since when were their football careers on the line!?
Did he really miss such vital information while arguing with the System!?
No wonder the atmosphere in the bus was so tense.
If Kira noticed the incredulity painting Isagi’s tone, he didn’t show it. “He was probably just trying to scare us. That guy looks like the untrustworthy type.”
Kira’s… not wrong.
Isagi slumped in his seat, unintentionally pressing their shoulders together. He didn’t notice the way Kira stiffened beside him. Instead, he was thinking deeply about this revelation.
It… shouldn’t change anything.
He already said that this would be his last attempt at football. It would either reignite his passion or snuff it out forever. The only difference was that there was now a permanent stipulation in the contract that would cut that avenue off forever.
What was this unease for…
[Don’t forget your mission, Isagi-sama! You must pass the program or you’ll lose access to the capture targets! ( •̯́ ₃ •̯̀)]
Oh right.
“A-anyway,” Kira coughed, recapturing Isagi’s attention. “I hope we’re placed in the same area.”
“I guess it’ll be more comfortable with someone we know.” Isagi pursed his lips when Kira chortled. He tugged at the hem of his shirt subconsciously, feeling a pang of uncertainty. “What’s so funny?”
“Ah, no, it’s just…” Kira mimed wiping a tear from his eye. “It’s not just ‘cause we know each other. Didn’t I tell you already? I really want to try receiving one of your passes.”
Poof!
Isagi covered the lower half of his face with his hand. What the heck was this guy saying? It was fine enough the first time he said it. There was no need to send him such an earnest look, like he genuinely couldn’t wait to play with Isagi.
“Yeah, yeah…”
“What’s wrong? Shy?” Kira poked at Isagi’s hand, grinning when even those pale knuckles had a red tint to them. “You’re a lot cuter in person, huh.”
“Who’s cute!?”
[Grah! I can’t take it anymore! Square up, Kira Ryousuke! (ง ͠ಥ_ಥ)ง]
In the end, Kira and Isagi were placed in the same locker room. The National Treasure was spouting something about fate and how they must have been meant to play together.
Isagi was too busy reading the profiles that had jump-scared him upon opening the door.
Name: Bachira Meguru
Age: 17
Height: 176cm
Blood Type: AB
Favorite Food: Canned Pineapples
Least Favorite Food: Mozuku
Favorite Season: Summer
Favorite Animal: Dolphins
Fetish: Eyes
F-f-fetish!?
[This should be a piece of cake! Isagi-sama has the most captivating eyes! (⸝⸝⸝• w •⸝⸝⸝) ♡]
Gross .
[(╥ᆺ╥;)]
Isagi unbuttoned his shirt, throwing subtle glances at this Bachira Meguru person who was his first target. He was currently… sleeping? What the heck. Talk about carefree.
He seemed normal enough. His hair was dark brown with golden tints on the edges, and it was definitely a… unique style that would cause heads to turn. If Isagi squinted, he could even admit that the other high schooler was attractive.
Isagi was mostly just relieved that he could choose to focus on one target at a time.
The System’s sensor showed that there was another person that had a demon in their heart in the team, that pretty guy with pink hair. Isagi was overwhelmed thinking about dealing with one person let alone two people at the same time.
By the way, what does capturing their hearts and filling it with ‘love’ mean exactly? It’s not that easy to fall in love in real life, you know.
[Hm… Well, you’ll be surprised. (ᐡっˉ͈̀꒳ˉ͈́ ᐡ)]
[But since Isagi-sama asked, the fastest way is with a kiss~ (˵˘ ³˘˵)]
Isagi hid his choke by throwing the uniform over his head. His eyes were wild with disbelief. He hadn’t even had his first kiss, and now he was expected to give it away willy-nilly to some random guy because they had a demon inside their heart!?
Also.
Is that why you’re called System Chu~ ♡?
[Eheh, Isagi-sama is so smart! As expected of my Master! ♡(˃͈ દ ˂͈ )]
Isagi mentally slapped the heart to the dirt. He didn’t have time for the System’s playful flirting. He was having another crisis.
Why did this System never give him important information like this!?
Isagi’s gaze to the sleeping high schooler turned from faint interest to intense scrutiny. He looked at the slightly parted lips, drool dripping from the corner, and imagined pressing his own against them…
He violently shuddered at the mental image.
No! There must be another way!
[Just fill his heart with love! Like praise and positive attention!]
Is he a dog?
But Isagi could do that. He didn’t know if being a decent human being was enough to make someone fall in love, personally. These all seemed like basic things that a friend would do. However, it was better than locking lips with a stranger!
“Isagi, are you liste–?”
Kira was interrupted when Ego’s face appeared on the monitor.
“Are you done changing, unpolished gems?”
Everyone’s head snapped to attention.
Ego waved his hand around. “The people in the room with you will be your roommates… and your rivals. We have estimated your potential based on my judgement and my peers’ calculations. Represented by your ranking. It’s the number attached to your uniforms. With it, you can gauge your position among the 300 players in this facility.”
Isagi glanced at his shoulder. Rank 299… So low!? Did he lag that far behind compared to the rest?
“Your ranking will change based on several factors. For example, going up or down based on your training or the results of your games. And unconditionally, the top 5 players will participate in a certain tournament six months from now. They will become the selected strikers for Japan’s U-20 National Team playing at the World Cup.”
The U-20 National Team? Most high school players could only dream of being chosen for the team, and now they were being offered a position like this?
Ego continued. “Those who are defeated at Blue Lock will be permanently barred from Japan’s National Team. We are looking for one crucial component here, ‘Ego.’ That is what we will measure as you live here in this facility. Well now…”
A hidden compartment from the ceiling opened and dropped a soccer ball in the middle of the room.
“It’s time to play tag. The time limit is 136 seconds. The player with possession is ‘it’. Whoever is ‘it’ when time runs out can get the fuck out of here. And of course, no hands. Those are the rules.”
The screen changed.
Rank 300, Igaguri Gurimu, ONI.
“What the fuck!?”
“Is he insane!?”
Some guy tried to open the door, but it remained tightly shut. They were effectively trapped in the room.
“What the hell… Is this a prison or something!?”
A guy with a buzzcut stepped on the ball. Sweat dripped from his temple and he gulped audibly. “Last place is ‘it’ huh…” He glanced around the room. “I’ve got no choice, so… no hard feelings alright?”
Isagi flinched when Igaguri’s eyes focused on him–specifically, the number on his shoulder.
Bam!
“H-hey!” Isagi dodged out of the way when the ball came flying his way. It bounced off the wall and nearly hit another guy.
“Damnit! Ah, ball!” Igaguri chased after the wayward ball.
There was a concentration of players in the corner. They shrieked, shoving at each other to move when Igaguri kicked the ball in their direction.
“Move!”
“Fuckers, out the way!”
Slam!
Wham!
“Stay still!” Igaguri clenched his teeth, heart nearly pounding out of his chest.
“In your dreams, Baldy!”
Kira clicked his tongue. His form was alert, but his eyes held nothing but disgust at the desperation painting the room. “That Ego guy… As expected, I can’t accept his philosophy.”
Isagi’s ears twitched. While he could see where Kira was coming from, he still felt the lingering chills from Ego’s talk about ‘egoism’. It was the first time he’s heard anyone say that they should be more selfish.
He remembers that match between Ichinan and Kira’s team, when everyone yelled at him to pass the ball. He’d known then, too, that passing would lead to a loss, yet he still did it anyway because that’s what they’d taught him to do. He had to put the team before himself.
What if he had been more selfish?
The ball bounced off the walls, but it touched no one. Isagi had taken to hiding behind Kira. At the 50 second mark, though, he wondered if it was even necessary. Everyone seemed to realize it, too.
Igaguri’s aim sucked.
Looks like he was ranked last for a reason.
It was looking like no one else would be ‘it’ until…
[Oh no! The target!! Σ(ﾟДﾟ；≡；ﾟдﾟ) ]
“Hah! Sleeping? You only have yourself to blame!”
Tap.
“Isagi!?” Kira gaped in disbelief when Isagi, who had been safely behind him, was suddenly standing in front of the sleeping guy. “What are you doing!?”
Igaguri flinched when Isagi’s eyes pierced him, holding him in place.
“What kind of dirty tricks are you trying on a defenseless person?”
“This is a matter of life and death! Anyone would do the same in my position!”
Igaguri wasn’t wrong. In any other situation, Isagi would have left it very well alone. He wasn’t keen on going out on a limb to save others, especially when it came with such high risk… Probably.
It was just Igaguri’s luck that he targeted the wrong person.
Isagi grit his teeth, ready to slam it straight into that monk’s face. He faltered when the familiar sensation of the ball beneath his feet vanished. His head spun around and sapphire crashed with molten amber.
“Thanks for the save~!”
Bachira stole the ball from Isagi. He moved with an effortless rhythm, like he was dancing to a tune only he could hear. His footwork was quick and precise.
“O-oi!”
Why did he grab the ball!? What was the point of Isagi’s save if the guy was going to become ‘it’ anyway!?
Bachira hummed. Despite his smile, his eyes were filled with a silent threat. “Don’t run, little bug~!”
Igaguri stumbled in his attempt to run away from Bachira. Just before he could get hit by the ball, he pushed a tall orange-haired guy in front.
Wham!
“Why you…” The orange-haired guy growled lowly, eyes severe. “I hate this kind of dirty shit the most!”
BAM!
“Ah!”
“Duck!”
The guy had a powerful left kick. The ball slammed in a random pattern around the room, causing people to push against each other to avoid its path. Kira pulled Isagi to his chest when the shorter one was nearly bowled over by some guy with sharp teeth.
The timer hit 20 seconds and no one else was hit.
Isagi sighed. Well, at least the targets weren’t caught.
[No! You can’t let Kunigami lose! \(˚☐˚”)/ ]
[He’s a potential target!!]
Seriously!? What even is that?
Isagi tried to pull away from Kira to catch the ball, but a tight grip around his arm like steel bands held him in place. He was about to bite a retort only to choke when he saw the danger radiating from Kira’s eyes.
“You are not doing that again.”
“But–!”
Tap.
“Got it~!”
Bachira grinned playfully. Everyone pressed against the wall, and that’s when Isagi noticed Igaguri lying prone on the floor. He was holding his ankle which had already begun to show signs of swelling. He must have twisted it during the chaos from earlier.
Igaguri’s eyes darted around. They were wide with a silent plea for anything–anyone–to help him. His shoulders slumped with defeat when everyone looked away, refusing to meet his eyes.
However, to everyone’s surprise, Bachira didn’t aim at him.
Those wild orbs scanned the room before landing on his prey. “The strongest player here,” he sang, pointing directly at his target. At the end of his gaze was the bewildered Kira. “Is you~.”
“What?”
Isagi yelped when Kira pushed him to the side. The ball slammed in the newly created space between him and Kira.
Time slowed.
[No! 5 seconds! Ahhhhh! Σ(ﾟДﾟ；≡；ﾟдﾟ) ]
Then, Kira–
[Urk! No, he’s a potential target, too!]
ARGH!
This System was causing Isagi’s brain to go crazy.
3.
There was no time for thinking. Right now, Isagi knew he only had one option left. If Kira couldn’t be eliminated, and Bachira was his first confirmed target, Isagi just had to–
2.
–go for the most obvious choice.
Slam!
1.
Beep!
Rank 300, Igaguri Gurimu.
LOSE.
“No! This was supposed to be my chance!”
Ego’s face appeared on the screen again. He was saying something important, something about ‘egoism’ and the size of the room. Isagi couldn’t hear him above the rush of blood in his ears.
It was only 136 seconds, but that was the most stressful 136 seconds of his life.
What did I say about telling me important information!?
[T-that’s… Wel…]
What!? Why didn’t you tell me that Kira was important!? Or that potential targets are a thing!?
[Ahem… I did tell Isagi-sama… before…]
Isagi pinched the bridge of his nose. This was getting ridiculous. Was that brain-melting gibberish the System had spouted at him before they entered the meeting room supposed to have meant something?
Don’t hide anything from me anymore. Or else.
[Eep! System Chu~♡ promises!]
Isagi watched as Igaguri dragged himself out the room. He felt a pang of guilt for the other guy, but there was nothing Isagi could have done. It was either let Bachira get kicked out, eliminate Kira, or be eliminated himself.
He had no choice but to end someone’s dream…
Wait.
Isagi turned to Bachira who had his hands folded behind his head and whistling a discordant tune. “You… If I hadn’t kicked the ball at Igaguri, you would have been eliminated. Why did you do that?”
The guy rocked on his heels. “Hmm…” He grinned. “I just thought that you’d kick it!”
“Huh!?”
“You saved me that other time, right? I figured you wouldn’t let me lose this time, too. I won by trusting you~!”
Isagi felt light-headed. All that stress because this guy had a screw loose up there.
His vision blurred, and it took him a second to realize that Kira had grabbed him. Kira’s breath came out in uneven gasps, shoulders trembling with barely contained fury.
“What were you thinking?!” His voice shook with anger, but Isagi could hear the underlying anxiety. “If you missed by even a millimeter, you would have been eliminated! Why did you do that!?”
Isagi blinked quickly. He placed a hand over Kira’s own and patted it awkwardly. “I wasn’t really thinking. My body just… moved on its own.”
“Moved on its own?” Kira dropped his forehead on Isagi’s shoulder. “You’re a handful, aren’t you?”
“Excuse you.” Isagi frowned, feeling mildly offended. It wasn’t his fault. If it weren’t for this demon contract, he wouldn’t have interfered.
Probably.
“Alright, while you’re all celebrating your mediocre success, true strikers tread the path of winning and losing every single day in order to keep surviving.”
Ego’s voice interrupted the small conversations. He was still there?
“How was it? Since you were born, wasn’t this the first time you felt true danger? Were you scared? Shocked? That’s just a taste of Blue Lock’s essence. You understand this much, right? The football you’ve been playing all your lives is for weaklings!”
Isagi felt a shiver go up his spine.
Now that he thought about it, this was the most his heart has ever beat in a long time. He clutched the fabric of the uniform over his chest.
“That’s the feeling of ‘victory’! So shove it in those brains of yours! Develop your egos, nurture that feeling, and eventually you’ll climb to the top of the world! Congratulations, remaining eleven, to Blue Lock!”
[Congratulations Isagi-sama! ヾ(๑ㆁᗜㆁ๑)ﾉ”]
[The real challenge starts here!]
Tell him about it…
Isagi splashed water on his face, using the hand towel to wipe away the droplets.
Potential targets. Explain. Now.
[Potential targets are people who are most likely to get possessed by a demon. For example, Kira Ryousuke would have been possessed had he lost the tag game today.]
Isagi was pleasantly surprised by the clear explanation. He was half-expecting a riddle or something convoluted.
What makes someone more likely to be possessed, anyway?
[Appearance.]
…
Come again?
[Demons are face cons. They choose their targets based on how attractive they are.]
Isagi held the sides of the sink, the cool porcelain the only thing keeping him standing. His head throbbed incessantly.
So Igaguri’s dream was crushed because he was, what, not attractive enough?
[He also sucks at football.]
Okay, that’s fair.
However, Isagi had hoped there was something more that would be the deciding factor between those who are possessed and those that aren’t. Were demons so shallow?
Actually, scratch that. It checks out.
Isagi pursed his lips, a pang of uncertainty in his heart. He made sure that the bathroom was empty before leaning forward. He turned his face this way and that, examining his reflection.
Then, I…
[My beautiful, magnificent Isagi-sama is of course the most beautiful of all! Isagi-sama can’t imagine the war I had to win to have the privilege of being your System! (˶ˆᗜˆ˵)]
Isagi’s eyes dulled. He turned away from the mirror and headed out back to the dormitory.
[Eh?]
[Isagi-sama?]
[What’s wrong? Was it something I said? (｡>﹏<)]
Notes:
Kira's lucky he's good looking, I guess.
-
Confirmed Targets: Bachira, Chigiri
Potential Targets: Kunigami, Kira
Chapter 3: Bachira - Friendship Heart, Acquired!
Notes:
Hello again... :D
I ended up writing a new chapter after hitting a bit of a writer's block in CBNT. My original plan was to update last week or beginning of this week. That... didn't happen. Forcing myself through wasn't working at all, so I thought I'd get some freshness from another work and try to get into the groove of things.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy the chapter!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
It’s been three days since the tag game.
Isagi sat on the bench in the training room, watching the others working on their physical abilities. Raichi was killing it on the treadmills–and killing everyone else with his foul mouth–while Kuon was undefeated in the high jumps.
He himself had just finished warming up his muscles. However, he wasn’t just sitting still wasting time.
Sapphire eyes scanned the room.
Aha!
Isagi grabbed a water bottle and rushed to the last treadmill, catching Bachira just as the other stepped off. “Good work! Here, you should hydrate yourself.”
“Erm, t-thanks!” Bachira accepted the bottle. His eyes flickered to the side, unable to hold Isagi’s gaze for long. His cheeks were flushed, a faint pink creeping up his neck as he swallowed. “You didn’t have to…”
“Don’t mention it! I, uh, wanted to make sure you didn't push yourself too hard…” Now it was Isagi’s turn to become flustered.
While outwardly he was smiling, internally he was screaming. This was so awkward!
His throat was constricting around all the cringy, cheesy lines from the dating games he’s played. It could’ve been worse. He’s seen dialogue options way, way worse than the stuff he’s been spouting the past few days, but…
It was too much to ask him to embarrass himself like this!
The incredulous and judging looks from the other players were heavy. Can they mind their business please?
Isagi felt his soul fly out his body when he felt a hand on his shoulder.
“Isagi.” Oh. It was just Kira, but he looked a bit different than usual. His smile was more like a wolf baring its teeth. Dangerous. “It’s mealtime. You want to go together?”
Isagi gulped. “Sure!” And because he’s a diligent guy, he looked over at his target awkwardly. “Uh, you want to join us, Bachira?”
“M-me? Ah, yeah!”
Isagi sighed in relief. He walked ahead, not noticing the sharp looks clashing like blades behind his back.
What checkpoint am I on again?
[You’ve already reached the Acquaintance checkpoint!]
[Fighting! ＼＼\(۶•̀ᴗ•́)۶//／／]
So despite his efforts, Isagi hasn’t even reached friendship level with the other guy.
According to the System, Friendship would be when the target feels close enough to reveal their “heart demon”– sigh –to the User. Most friendships were like that. There was a hurdle of closeness that can’t be overcome just by getting along.
Basically, it was the culmination of trust.
Isagi personally couldn’t do that, so it was unreasonable to expect Bachira to lay his soul bare to someone he barely knew for 3 days.
When they reached the meal room, Isagi scanned his badge on the dispenser. His meal thus far was a bowl of rice, miso soup, and natto.
[Grrrr… How dare he treat my Isagi-sama like this!? <(ꐦㅍ _ㅍ)>]
Kira glanced over Isagi’s shoulder and winced. “Same old, huh? You want to share?”
Kira’s entree was stir-fried leek. Usually, Isagi would refuse the offer, but after 3 days of nothing but fermented beans, he was losing his mind. The aromatic scent of pork, veggies, and soy sauce caused his mouth to water.
“If you don’t mind–.”
“I-Isagi, you can share mine!”
Both boys turned to see Bachira standing stiffly. He was clenching the side of his tray hard enough to turn his knuckles white. Upon closer inspection, Isagi noticed the faint tremors in his fingers.
Kira clicked his tongue. “Hey, didn’t you notice that we were talking?”
The way he flinched back at the rejection made something in Isagi’s chest ache.
“That’s…”
Isagi instinctively shot a hand out, grabbing Bachira’s elbow. “Why don’t we all share?”
He flinched when two pairs of incredulous eyes burned the side of his face. No need to let him know that it was a silly suggestion. Isagi was saying ‘share’ as if he had anything to offer. He just panicked. It’s just… the way Bachira looked, so uncertain and anxious…
He didn’t like it.
Isagi worried his lip when the silence persisted.
“Or… not?”
“Sure.” Kira’s smile was cold. “Let’s go find a table.”
They sat down at the end of an empty table. Isagi found himself sandwiched between both boys. Kira had scooted his chair closer, and though they didn’t touch, Isagi felt the heat radiating off him.
Kira picked some pieces of meat with his chopsticks and placed them on Isagi’s rice. “Here, make sure to eat plenty. Natto for every meal isn’t good for your health.”
Bachira’s utensils clattered on the metal tray as he rushed to scoop some curry. “Have some of the curry! It’s really good!”
“Thanks. Um, you guys want some?” Isagi held the plate of natto in his hand, glancing at the two nervously. He didn’t know why he was even asking. In their shoes, he would have probably just said not to bother. It was like exchanging dirt for gold.
To his surprise, both Kira and Bachira reached for the plate at the same time.
“Me!”
“I want some!”
“Er, okay.” Isagi split the portions into 3, placing some on the others’ plates. “I didn’t realize you guys liked it so much…”
He liked it well enough himself, but after days of natto for every meal of the day, well… He wouldn’t wish that on his greatest enemies.
Kira made a point to shove the natto into his mouth, finishing it in one bite. “Done.”
Isagi gaped.
Before he could even formulate a response, Bachira, not wanting to be outdone, did the same. Not even a second later, he bent over with his hands clamped over his mouth in a physical attempt to keep it in there. His golden eyes glistened with unshed tears as he forcefully swallowed. “I’m d-done too!”
“...”
Isagi was in so much shock he didn’t notice the smug smirk on Kira’s face.
[They really like it. (ᵕ・ᴗ・)]
That’s one way to put it…
The rest of lunch was filled with tense silence. The rice was warm and fluffy, but it might as well have been chalk with how difficult it was to swallow down. Isagi couldn’t even enjoy his first taste of meat in so long.
He finished his food in record time. Kira and Bachira jumped when Isagi slammed the bowl on the tray and stood up, his chair screeching.
“I’m gonna continue training. See you!”
“Ah, wait!”
“Let’s walk together!”
That night, Isagi couldn’t sleep. It was the last night to determine their new rankings, and he wasn’t sure what to expect. From what he’s observed so far, he fell behind when it came to physical abilities.
His body was thrumming with excess energy. There was no way he could fall asleep like this.
With a frustrated sigh, he got up. The restlessness was better used to train.
[As expected of Isagi-sama! So diligent! (❀´ ˘ `❀)]
Isagi ignored the System with practiced ease. It was actually a growing concern of his. That he was, ugh, getting used to the System’s antics. Unfortunately, this adaptability was an act of survival as the darned thing had access to him 24/7 without any respite.
He trudged down the hall in the direction of the practice field when he felt it. The familiar sensation of being watched.
It started with a faint prickle on the back of his neck, like a bug crawling over his skin, before sharpening into something that was impossible to ignore. His shoulders tensed instinctively. Sapphire eyes were trained ahead with an almost stubborn determination.
H-help!
Opposite to his relatively calm exterior, Isagi was panicking on the inside. He was sure there was no one else awake except for him. Not to mention, Ego made it clear that they weren’t allowed to visit other teams’ areas. At least not yet.
Which meant…
[G-g-g-g-ghost?!?! ∑(゜Д゜;)]
Isagi’s pace visibly quickened at the System’s unhelpful input.
The practice room was just around the corner. If he just hurried, he could–.
“Hey, Isa–.”
“AHHHHH!”
“–giiiiiiAHHHHHHHHH!”
Quick as a whip, Isagi spun on his heel and swung with all his might at whatever entity had just grabbed his shoulder.
Smack!
Flesh met… flesh?
“H-hey, what’s the deal?!”
That voice!
Isagi slowly opened his eyes, having shut them earlier from fear. His vision blurred before finally revealing the bewildered face of one Bachira Meguru.
Immediately, he felt his whole body sag in relief.
“Oh, thank god.” As he sank, his forehead unintentionally bumped against Bachira’s shoulder. However, the crash from the sudden surge of adrenaline left his whole body numb. Instead of pulling away, he used the other boy to help keep him on his feet.
“Eep!”
“Don’t scare me like that again…”
After a few seconds, he frowned. The body beneath him had turned as rigid as a rock–admittedly, not the best cushion–and Bachira hadn’t responded.
“Are you okay?” Isagi pulled back, swaying slightly on his feet.
That’s when he noticed that the hand he’d used to attack Bachira was still held loosely in the other boy’s hand. Fortunately Bachira acted quickly or Isagi might’ve gotten in trouble for assault.
“You…” Bachira’s face burned as red as a buttered lobster roasting under the sun’s glare. The blush stretched all the way from the tips of his ears down into the collar of his shirt. Really, it was a wonder steam wasn’t coming out of his ears.
That can’t be healthy.
Isagi’s brows furrowed with concern. His free hand reached up to cup Bachira’s cheek and pulled the slightly taller boy down enough to bump their foreheads together.
Impossibly, Bachira’s face exploded even brighter. It wasn’t hot enough to be a fever–.
[It’s close!!! I can feel it!]
[Just a bit more, and you’ll achieve Friendship! ☆(≧▽≦)☆]
Oh.
Fwoosh!
Now, it was Isagi’s turn to be flustered. He hastily put space between them and averted his eyes.
How could he forget? It must have been the fear from earlier messing with his head.
He and Bachira weren’t just teammates in this prison of a football program. Isagi’s job was to exorcise the demons within the other boy’s heart. Through wooing! And Isagi just put his paws all over him like it was nothing!
Embarrassed, Isagi fiddled with his fingers. “My bad, I didn’t realize…”
“No!” Isagi’s head snapped up at the outburst, meeting Bachira’s wide eyes. “Ahem, I mean, no. I didn’t mind.” He sounded almost disappointed.
The conversation dropped there. Both of them shuffled around a bit more before Isagi finally broke the silence.
“Erm, I couldn’t sleep so I was gonna get some practice in. Do you,” he cleared his throat, “want to join me?”
Bachira’s lips parted. It was a strange expression, almost but not quite awe. He was staring at Isagi like he wasn’t sure he existed.
Then, his face split into a large grin. “Yes!”
–
Isagi rubbed his chest, right over his rapidly beating heart.
What is happening to me? Nerves?
[... Heh.]
[CURSE YOU BACHIRA MEGURU! (ง ͠ಥ_ಥ)ง]
In the practice field.
Isagi stretched a few feet away from Bachira. He was gnawing on his bottom lip as he reached down to his toes, trying to think of a conversation topic. This was the perfect opportunity to strike. He can’t miss it!
But what should he talk about? Football? They were already practicing, so that seemed the most logical. Should he ask–.
“Hey, um, Isagi.”
Too slow. Bachira was the one to break the silence this time.
The other teen’s tone was stable, but there was a hint of uncertainty. “I’ve been wondering for a while now, but…” He took a deep, steadying breath. “Why are you so nice?”
“Sorry?”
“I mean, to me specifically?” The more he spoke, the more confident he became. “We barely know each other, but in the tag game, and then after, you were… But you’ve got Kira with you. He’s… cool, I guess? You’re way cooler, though! And better at football than him even though your rank is #299!”
This was going from weird towards offensive territory.
Isagi raised a hand to stop Bachira’s word vomit.
“Look, I’m nice to you cause” I’m trying to save your heart.
That’s what he wanted to say, but his mouth closed tight before the words could leave him. Those lines were too cringe for him to say no matter how true they were. Also, without context, it just sounds like the heaviest come-on to receive from someone they barely know. Isagi didn’t want to scare Bachira off.
He cleared his throat and tried again. “I’m nice to you cause I want to be your friend.”
There. He said it.
Among all the other reasons he could have cited, this was probably the most harmless one. And, he admits to himself, the truth. He approached Bachira initially because of the System, but the guy wasn’t bad.
Awkward, sure, and silly in a childish kind of way. A good guy.
Isagi still felt weird inserting himself forcefully into Bachira’s life like this, but he genuinely wanted to help Bachira out now.
Something about the way the other boy hesitated to join in conversations, or the way he wilts at any hint of rejection like he was expecting it… Isagi feels like that wasn’t the real Bachira.
Probably.
Whatever the reasoning, his answer seemed to be what Bachira wanted to hear because he lit up like a Christmas tree.
“I want to be your friend, too!”
[It's happening!!!!!]
The transparent screen popped in front of Isagi's eyes and blocked Bachira's face. Fireworks of sky blue pixels exploded passionately into star dust. Right above Bachira’s head, a gray heart shimmered before filling with a bright yellow color.
The friendship checkpoint!
It took all of Isagi's self-control to not flinch. Couldn’t you do that somewhere else?!
[S-sorry (• ▽ •;)]
[But don't get too excited, Isagi-sama! We're not set yet! Look at the heart.]
As subtly as he could–fortunately Bachira was skipping off to grab a ball thus unaware of Isagi gawking at the space above his head–he took a good look at the heart.
It's… not completely full.
He had to squint to see it. At the very top, there was a sliver of space that remained gray.
[That's right. This is a critical moment.]
[Whatever happens next, Isagi-sama needs to be careful. You just need to push a bit more to secure his friendship. ( •̀ - •́ )]
It was weird to see the System so serious, especially when there was nothing to worry about. Isagi had already decided that Bachira was a good guy. He really couldn't think of any reason why it wouldn't work out.
Isn't it just hearing the guy's heart demons?
Unless Bachira was some serial killer or genuine nutcase, the former of which Isagi was only mildly convinced and the latter slowly changing from being a deal breaker into an exception, then there shouldn't be any issue.
“Think fast!”
Isagi snapped out of his thoughts just in time to catch the ball with his leg. It wasn't a perfect trap, but it was enough to pause the ball's momentum.
“Give a better warning next time,” he huffed. It was half-hearted at best. He juggled the ball between his feet, using his heel to drive it back to Bachira.
“It's my turn to ask you something.”
Bachira blinked owlishly. “Ye~s…?”
“Don't worry, it's nothing crazy. It's about the tag game, actually.”
Bump.
Tap. Kick.
Thump.
They passed the ball between themselves.
Isagi continued. “You were like a completely different person then.”
That's something that had bothered Isagi for a while. A small thing. It's just, during the tag game, Bachira seemed a bit more playful and confident. In fact, Isagi had been nervous when he initially approached the other teen after the game. Though, to be fair, that had more to do with his motive.
It was all fine and dandy when all of a sudden, Bachira burst into flames–metaphorically of course–and ran off.
Isagi was baffled to say the least.
Again, it wasn't a big deal. The only real issue was that seeing Bachira get so flustered made Isagi flustered as well, and that would have happened anyway with how nosy the other Team Z players were.
“Oh, that.”
Bachira stopped the ball with his heel. His focus shifted to Isagi's shoulder with an intensity that could turn sand to glass. “I guess it's ‘cause…” He took a deep breath, shoulders tensing up like he was bracing himself for a blow, before finally meeting Isagi's eyes.
“You're just like me.”
… Pardon?
[Blasphemy! As if someone susceptible to a demon’s influence could compare to even a hair on Isagi-sama’s head! (¬益¬)ﾉ Ptui!]
“You've got a monster inside you.”
Isagi gasped with emotion. Wait, he knows about the System?!
[I-Isagi-sama… (╥ ω ╥)]
Seeing the recognition lighting Isagi's eyes, a remnant of tension drained from Bachira’s shoulders. Isagi hadn't even noticed it. Not until it was gone.
Somewhere in the back of his mind, he realized that Bachira had never truly dropped his guard around him, not fully, until now.
Isagi… didn't know how to feel about that.
“How–?”
“–do I know?” Bachira was grinning from ear to ear now.
He tapped the ball. It rolled slowly towards Isagi, dragged down by the fake grass. Just before Isagi could take it–
Whoosh!
–Bachira was right there.
“My monster talks.” He whispers close like he was telling a secret. “It's only when I'm playing soccer, saying things like ‘steal the ball’ or ‘dance some more’.” Each word was punctuated with a slide of the ball.
Isagi stumbled as he clumsily put up a defense. His focus was concentrated on Bachira's words.
“When I look at you, my monster tells me: ‘He’s like you. He’s got a monster, too.’”
Don't tell me… Isagi grit his teeth as he narrowly stopped Bachira from breaking past him. The demons are talking to him? Did they blow my cover?
[Impossible!]
The System exclaimed with vehemence.
[Those lowly beings do not hold the same power that I, a chosen, have! They can possess their target, but that's it. It’s the same as getting a tapeworm! A parasite whose mouth's only purpose is to absorb your energy!]
Then what?
[It's obvious isn't it?! This guy’s a genuine nutjob! ⁽⁽(੭ꐦ •̀Д•́ )੭*⁾⁾]
Hey! Don't call him that! The flash of protective anger took Isagi by surprise, but he rolled with it. Maybe he's a bit strange, but that doesn't mean you get to call him names! You take that back right now!
[... Isagi… sama… *sniffle*…]
[It's as they say. You can't understand a beauty’s fickle heart… ಥ﹏ಥ]
The whole interaction with the System distracted Isagi too much. By the time he checked back into the game, Bachira had already ducked under his arm. With a flick of his foot, he sent the ball flying across the empty field.
Bam!
Swish!
“Heh.” Bachira swiped his nose and tilted his head back with a smug grin. “That's my win~.”
Isagi was helpless against the answering smile that bloomed on his face. “Way to be a graceful winner,” he huffed. There really was something about Bachira. This lightness, that wildness and freedom, suited him way more than hesitation.
“Ya know, guys like Messi, Ronaldo, and Noel Noa–those amazing guys must have monsters inside their hearts, too. I bet that’s the sign of a striker. That’s what I believe.”
A soft chime only Isagi could hear rang out, impossibly clear, like a bell. The yellow heart which had been flickering faintly the whole match began to emit a bright glow, warm like a candle flame, before blazing out into a wildfire of color.
“Bachira…”
“That’s why Isagi, I’m glad I came to Blue Lock… since I could meet you.”
Isagi’s chest swelled with something like awe.
It wasn’t just because he reached the second milestone, only one left to go before he completed the mission. It was the fact that, somehow, Isagi had gained Bachira’s trust. Enough that the other teen would open his heart to him. To leave a space open for a piece of Isagi to reside.
Of course Isagi’s had friends before. Even in Ichinan, he had a group of people he hung out with outside of school, and he had a friendly relationship with the other football club members. They were just that, though.
Going to the arcade together. Karaoke. Talking about video games, the latest football news, or sharing complaints about homework.
He’s never felt this warmth before.
[Friendship Heart, Acquired!!!]
Aaaaand. The moment was ruined.
[The fastest I’ve ever seen in my existence! Truly magnificent!! As expected of Isagi-sama! +｡:.ﾟヽ(´∀`｡)ﾉﾟ.:｡]
Quiet you.
Whatever warm, fluffy atmosphere Isagi was basking in before had shattered with the System’s untimely simpering.
Still.
“Is that so?” Isagi leaned forward and met Bachira’s gaze full on. He wasn’t going to run away from such a declaration. No, quite the opposite.
Bachira was amazing at soccer. Isagi didn’t really understand what he was saying, nor could he comprehend all the crazy things that the other did. However, somehow, seeing the courage Bachira had in taking the first step… It gave Isagi courage, too.
His lips curled gently in a tender arc, sapphire eyes as soft as morning sunlight filtering through curtains.
“I feel the same way.”
“Hic!”
Bachira suddenly hiccuped. His eyes were blown wide, and a flood of color rushed into his face like he’d been slapped. His cheeks blazed crimson, ears burning hot, and a look of lost confusion on his face.
It was just like when Isagi had spoken to him three days ago, after the tag game. Except, this time, Bachira didn’t turn tail and run.
“Geez, you’re a dangerous guy,” he grumbled under his breath. His right hand covered the lower half of his face, and he used the other to point accusingly at Isagi. “It’s unfair! Cheater! Scoundrel!”
“Why?!”
[YOU DARE, BACHIRA MEGURU?! ლ(ಠ益ಠლ)]
Ping-pong! Pang-pong!
[[ The tallies for the 3-day athletics test are done. Return to your rooms at once. We’ll be confirming the new rankings. ]]
“Saved by the bell! Time to go back! Last one there’s a rotten egg~!”
“H-hey!” Isagi rushed after Bachira’s retreating form. Once again, he was being dragged by that guy’s pace. “Who's the real cheater here?!”
–
“Isagi, you’re here!” Kira cheerfully greeted, blatantly ignoring Bachira.
It was the unholy hour of 3 in the morning, and somehow his hair was perfectly styled. Isagi swears he could see sparkles around Kira’s face. It should be illegal to be this perky–not even this early, but just ever.
Isagi resented him. Just a little bit.
“I’m here, too,” Bachira interjected. He stepped in front of Isagi like he was trying to hide him, though their heights were a bit too close for him to be successful. “Where’s my greeting?”
“Is that something I need to do?”
“Wow, rude much! Don’t tell me… Is it ‘cause you’re jealous?”
Kira scoffed, but the strain in his jaw showed how affected he was. “As if. Why would I be jealous of you, leech?”
“Pest!”
“Bug eyes!”
“Monkey brain!”
Both teens glared darkly at each other. If someone were to listen closely, they would hear the crackle of electricity between them.
Unfortunately for them, the person whose attention they were fighting childishly over had long lost interest in their squabbling.
Isagi was much more engrossed in his new rank. 274? Isagi quickly did the math in his head. He did it again, and then again for good measure before finally resigning himself to reality. If I factor in the eliminations, that means I’m still second to the last…
Looks like he’ll continue eating natto for the foreseeable future.
“Yo, nice work, unpolished gems. How are you enjoying Blue Lock?”
Ego’s voice boomed through the speakers, drawing everyone’s attention to the large monitor. He stared down his nose at them.
The moment Raichi opened his mouth, Isagi turned off his brain. It was a force of habit. The other guy was a boisterous, crude guy whose vocabulary consisted of numerous variations of ‘shit’ and ‘piss’. For his own sake, Isagi learned to tune him out in much the same way he does with the System.
“Let’s talk about Blue Lock.”
Isagi’s ears twitched. He raised his head with some anticipation.
“Simply put, teams are split based on the order of rankings. 1-11 are Team ‘B’, 12-22 are ‘C’, so on and so forth. The block you’re currently in is the 5th Block. Even worse, from the weakest block, your team is made up of the lowest ranked players.”
…
[No, Isagi-sama, don’t listen to that human beanpole! You are definitely the best! A-at least, in this humble System’s heart–!!!]
Yeah, yeah. I know.
“The higher the ranking, the better the food, the training, and quality of life. If you want to live the high life, start winning! This is Blue Lock.” Ego’s face split in a maniacal grin.
“Let the First Selection begin!”
Isagi lay on his back. The room was silent save for the peaceful snores of the team Z players. They had all dropped onto their bedding like corpses after Ego finished his announcement, all too eager to resume their rest.
Exhaustion weighed Isagi’s eyes, but there were some things that were bothering him.
Oi.
[Yes, Isagi-sama? (˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶)]
What did you mean when you said I had to be careful? Earlier with Bachira?
[Oh, that?]
[Don’t worry your pretty head about it. It wasn’t anything serious. ( ⸝⸝´꒳`⸝⸝)]
[The Friendship Heart is just delicate–more so than the Love Heart, actually. Users have to be careful when completing the final step. Either you can seal the deal and secure the checkpoint, or, if Isagi-sama had rejected him, cut off any chance of saving the boy. ( ⸝⸝´꒳`⸝⸝)]
What.
Isagi shot up, accidentally dislodging the arm that had been thrown over his chest. Bachira simply curled up until he resembled a ‘C’ around Isagi’s now sitting form, smacking his lips without a care in the world.
Unaware that his soul could have been condemned to hell had Isagi…
[Isagi-sama did everything perfectly! Of course, that’s a given!! All’s well it ends well. ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂)⸝♡]
No. No, I refuse.
[Isagi-sama?]
I’ve had enough of this. Isagi roughly ran a hand through his hair and pulled. The sharp pain helped him organize his thoughts. It was my fault for lowering my guard. It’s because your personality is like this. I forgot you were a demon , too.
He exhaled sharply.
Tell me everything. Leave anything out, and I don’t care how or even if it’s possible. I will rip you to shreds until there won’t be even a code of data left to be scavenged.
[Oh.]
[Oh!]
[Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh!!!!!!!!!!]
[Isagi-sama, you really are the BEST!!! ✧｡٩( ♡ᗜ ♡ )و✧*｡]
[O-of course!! Anything for you!!! ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡]
-
Isagi read carefully as the System compiled a list of information. Some of these… it was ridiculous that the System hadn’t made him aware at all. Was the goal not to free the victim’s hearts of the demon?
Why wasn’t Isagi made aware of such important information?
Alright. He sighed. It’s been less than 10 minutes, but he felt more exhausted than before. Other than the obvious need to ‘fill their hearts with love’, there are also potential targets. Then, I need to be careful when getting the Friendship Heart because it’s the first, real intimate milestone. Any sort of rejection or misunderstanding could trigger the target to spiral, thus making them more susceptible to the demon. Is that right so far?
[Yes!]
Isagi nodded and continued. His hand absently stroked Bachira’s hair like he was a lap cat. Additionally, even if I can focus on just one target at a time, that doesn’t mean my actions don’t affect them… This information caused a particularly painful throbbing in his head. Isn’t that the same as taking on multiple targets?
[Not at all. You can’t gain hearts unless you choose a target.]
Isagi was unimpressed. But I can push them into despair?
[Yup! They wouldn’t have become vessels for demons if their spirits were strong!]
…
[Oh, and don’t forget, Isagi-sama. You still. Need. To get. Bachira Meguru’s Love Heart.]
Despite being words on a screen, the System did a great job in expressing its reluctance. Whatever. Isagi didn’t care about the demon’s comfort–especially after hearing that he could have doomed Bachira to eternal damnation.
He looked at the peaceful, sleeping face of the other teen.
No, not Bachira. Just because his heart was a little weak, beaten down until all the positivity inside had all but dried up leaving space for a demon to sneak inside, didn't mean he deserved any of this.
Are you going to tell me I should kiss him?
[That’s the easiest way. "( – ⌓ – )]
[But! I know that Isagi-sama isn’t comfortable with–]
I’ll do it.
[HMMM?!?! Σ(ﾟ口ﾟ;)//]
Isagi steeled himself. It was just a measly kiss. Who cares if it was his first? He’ll have to lose it eventually, and there were definitely worse options out there. At the very least, he liked Bachira. Maybe not romantically, no, but that didn’t matter.
He’d do it if it meant saving him.
[Wait, Isagi-sama! Are you really?!]
Maybe not now, Isagi concedes. He wasn’t going to force a kiss on Bachira unawares. Maybe tomorrow? Before their first match, if he could catch the other teen alone, or even afterwards. He didn’t need to rush it now that he’s past the difficult part.
How do I convince him to kiss me, though? Should I use practice as an excuse? I think I heard some of my classmates mentioning doing that for their future partner. I just hope he agrees to it…
These were the thoughts running through Isagi’s head as he slowly drifted off. Whatever was keeping him awake before had left his body. Within seconds, he had slid down–Bachira’s stomach making a rather hard pillow–and fell into the blissful arms of sleep.
The System was not so lucky.
[*Sniffle*]
[DAMN YOU BACHIRA MEGURU! (ง ͠ಥ_ಥ)ง]
Rankings:
265–Kira Ryosuke–Stir-Fried Leek
266–Bachira Meguru–Curry
267–Kunigami Rensuke–Stir-Fried Vegetables
268–Chigiri Hyoma–Salt-Grilled Mackerel Pike
269–Kuon Wataru–Deep-Fried Chicken
270–Raichi Jingo–Bacon and Eggs
271–Imamura Yudai–Gyoza
272–Gagamaru Gin–Salad
273–Naruhaya Asahi–Fried Egg
274–Isagi Yoichi–Natto
275–Iemon Okuhito–Pickled Radish
Notes:
It's getting a bit more serious now. I wanted the tone to stay light-hearted, but it sort of just ended up this way on its own. The System is a demon after all. It's also got some crazy mood swings.
Also, the focus this chapter is Bachira so we don't really see much of anyone else. Just a note: Kira is definitely sleeping on Isagi's other side. It's just that his sleeping habits aren't as audacious so he's not throwing limbs all over Isagi.--
Next chapter:
Kiss kiss fall in love!
Chapter 4: Kiss You, Kiss... Me?!
Notes:
New chapter's out! It's getting darker and darker as the System begins to show its true colors. Or, more accurately, Isagi gains more awareness on how ruthless demons can be.
Also, warning that there might be some spelling errors and other mistakes. I was running on an hour of sleep and wrote around 4k words in a delirium.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Rock-scissors-paper-SHOOT!”
“Fuck!”
“Damnit!”
[That’s my Isagi-sama!! ✧｡٩(ˊᗜˋ )و✧*｡]
Isagi stared down at his fist with a complicated expression.
Due to the clashing personalities in the team–ahem, Raichi–they had a rock-scissors-paper tournament to determine who the forward would be. Isagi had zero expectations for himself. Even if they used football skills as the deciding factor, he wasn’t in the top 5. Which means…
Yep, it’s over.
No one would respect him as the main forward.
It was nothing personal. Probably. Simply, right now they had no way of knowing each other’s level outside of their rank and physical stats. An unknown like Isagi who was also ranked second to dead last wouldn’t even be considered in normal circumstances.
“What position do you want?” Kira lightly bumped Isagi’s shoulder with his own. His smile curved higher when he caught the shorter teen’s eyes.
Isagi’s face grew warm at the sight, and he quickly averted his eyes. Darned pretty boys.
[<(ꐦㅍ _ㅍ)>]
Somehow, the System’s silence made him feel more awkward. He cleared his throat and faced the rest of the team who had been watching them with various levels of irritation and disgust.
The usual, then.
“I want to be the forward.”
As expected, groans of protest immediately followed his declaration.
“Ain’t no way I’m putting my future in the hands of some shitty rank 274!” Raichi snapped his teeth aggressively. Veins popped on his temple as he rudely thrust a finger in the direction of Isagi. “Hand the spot over to me and I’ll consider not chewing you out!”
Isagi stepped back out of the danger zone with a grimace. “Say it, don’t spray it.”
“HAH?!”
“Wait, if he’s the forward and screws up… we’re all going down with him!”
Naruhaya side-eyed Iemon and snorted. “Yeah, alright, Isagi is at least better than two people here.”
From the corner, Gin was poking around the ground with a storm cloud over his head. “Scissors…” It seems he was still depressed about losing the tournament.
“I don’t see the issue.” Kunigami stepped up with his arms crossed. He’d been watching the proceedings in silence since losing in the third round, taking the loss gracefully compared to some people. At least, Isagi had thought so until the guy continued. “Anyway, Isagi’s not playing alone. We’ll be there to pick up the slack when he messes up.”
‘When’? Isagi felt the first stirrings of irritation. Et tu, hero?
[Grrrr…. (งﾟ益ﾟ)ง]
[Who do these rancid, worthless piles of flesh dung junk script think they are talking to my Isagi-sama like this!?]
[Why I oughta–!!!]
Clap.
“Alright, quit it all of you.” Kira’s voice carried over the noise. Though his face still held the ever-present pleasant expression, there was something in his voice that had the room falling silent. “Isagi won fair and square. If he wants to be the forward, then he’ll be the forward. Any complaints?”
“... Tch.”
“Ugh, fine. We’ll play along.”
Imamura narrowed his eyes, looking between Isagi and Kira with intense scrutiny before looking away with a scoff. He muttered something under his breath that they couldn’t pick up. “...darned homos… women… better… don’t want to understand…”
The rest shuffled around, but no one was protesting anymore. Well, except for Raichi, but Isagi had learned to tune the guy out.
With the order semi-restored, Isagi felt a bit lost. He had been slowly gearing himself up since Raichi opened his big mouth. Actions speak louder than words, yes, but he should defend himself when being put down–even if he didn't care about their opinions. He didn’t expect that Kira would stand up for him.
“Um…” Isagi tugged at the bottom of Kira’s uniform shirt. He felt his throat closing up when the taller teen glanced down at him, heat creeping up his neck, but he powered through. “You didn’t need to do that. I’m not some damsel in distress. I can take care of myself, you know? But, uh.” He cleared his throat when he felt the words beginning to clog it up. “T-thanks.”
Isagi startled when Kira let out a heavy sigh.
“Seriously…” Kira covered his face with his hand. Fingers pressed against the bridge of his nose before sliding down just enough so that they could meet eyes without an obstacle. “You seriously don’t know anything, huh?”
Isagi hesitated. “Know what?”
Kira shook his head. “Nothing.” He was smiling again, the fond one that softened his features and got Isagi feeling like he had indigestion. “Anyway, do your best. I’ve got your back.”
Wow. Isagi had to squint at the onslaught of sparkles. Handsome guys sure are different.
[K. I. R. A. R. Y. O. S. U. K. E. ლ(ಠ益ಠლ)]
–
Bachira leaned against the locker. The metal was cold against his back, spreading a chill that crawled down his limbs until he was almost numb with it.
His throat was sore from all the words he didn't say–couldn’t say.
He wanted to! He really did. Every nerve in his body pushed him to speak up and defend Isagi, but something held him back.
They're going to turn on you, too.
See how much of a freak you are.
Nobody likes you. No one wants you around. They're all pretending. It's fake. The only thing that's real is me. I’ll never disappoint you or leave you. I'll always be by your side.
You and I are bound. Together forever, isn’t that what you promised? Give yourself completely to me. I will give you the love and comfort you crave. Blue-eyes lied to you. He’s laughing inside for having fooled you right now. It wouldn’t be the first time. Remember?
But I can help you. After all, where have I once led you wrong? All you have to do is listen to me and…
S U R R E N D E R
Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Surre–.
In the end, it was Kira who saved Isagi.
All Bachira could do was stand back and watch. Nails bit into his palm as he watched the two of them interact.
The way Kira looked at Isagi, the way Isagi tugged on Kira's shirt, the cute confused flush on his face…
The picture was all wrong.
Isagi should be looking at him.
After all, weren't they fRiEnDs?
The System was quiet. Suspiciously so.
What's wrong? Isagi poked surreptitiously with his mind. He was standing off to the side of the field watching as the others stretched while waiting for Team X to arrive.
After a few seconds of no response, Isagi's brows furrowed with concern.
System?
[Ah, apologies, Isagi-sama.]
The coil of tension loosened in Isagi's chest. However, it was quickly replaced by irritation.
Why did it take so long to answer?
[Well…]
[I was upgrading.]
Upgrading? It was a System after all. Were all demons like this or was the System a special kind? Isagi had never asked.
That's… good? What are the new features?
Eagerness lines his thoughts. At his heart, he was a teenager through and through. A System upgrade promised something interesting. Maybe… cool skills? Abilities? Or even a power up!
[That's actually what I want to talk to Isagi-sama about. It's–.]
“They're here!”
Hold that thought.
One-by-one, members of Team X slowly streamed out of the hall into the field. It was a bunch of guys with scowls twisting their faces. Rather than a football team, weren’t they more like delinquents? That guy in the front looked like the type to constantly borrow money with promises of paying it back only to pretend he doesn’t remember anything later!
However, the thing that got Isagi’s attention was the large glaring profile hanging over that same delinquent’s head like a red flag.
Barou… Shoei? He’s a target? Isagi blinked slowly. I thought you said they were selected by appearance? I mean, I guess he’s handsome, but…
[Each demon has their own taste.]
That makes sense… Doesn’t that mean everyone has a chance of being a potential target? Then, that bald monk guy–.
[Don’t be silly, Isagi-sama. I would have stopped you if there was a chance. ( • ̀ω•́ )✧]
“...”
In the end, Isagi didn’t comment any further. He felt that he might bring upon more curses to himself by allowing a demon to disparage a monk so blatantly.
[[To assist with determining fouls, a VAR system will be used for this game.]]
VAR system? That’s convenient.
[[Now, it’s time for the first 45 minutes of the Fifth Stratum’s very first game!]]
[[Team X vs Team Z!]]
[[Kickoff!]]
Before he knew it, the game had already begun.
“...”
“...”
The locker room was blanketed by a heavy silence.
The match against Team X might as well have been a walk to the gallows. It was a public execution, a humiliation ritual that showed off the difference between them and the third best in the stratum. That King Barou was especially nasty both in words, expression, and skill.
Isagi was certain that, had he not had the System, he would have developed his own heart demon after that horrendous first-half.
With a score of 3-0, everyone was feeling the pressure.
[Don’t take it to heart, Isagi-sama! (ᵕ • ᴗ •)]
[You’ll definitely catch up in the next half! W-we can use bonuses from my upgrade!]
Oh yeah, you did mention something about that. Isagi’s brows furrowed.
After the game started, he had no time to think of anything but survival. The other team really were delinquents. If that was all, it may have been doable, but unfortunately they had their own delinquent who didn’t waste time turning on their teammates to steal the spotlight.
Raichi. It was Raichi.
What do you mean by benefits?
[Now that you’ve achieved your first Friendship Heart, I’ve received a surge of energy! I used the points to upgrade. ٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و]
[For 1 minute, Isagi-sama will gain a power up that will heighten all physical and mental attributes. The cooldown timer is 1 day.]
Isagi’s brows furrowed even deeper. Fortunately, it wasn’t out of place with the depressing conversations happening around him.
Isn’t that cheating? I want to win, but I’m not going to do it by using some supernatural force.
[Ah, please don’t misunderstand, Isagi-sama! This isn’t supernatural at all! It’s, hm… Basically, you’ll be in a state of 100% for that 1 minute. In other words, it is still your own abilities, but rather than being consciously triggered, it’ll be artificially recreated.]
Sapphire eyes were strangely blank. Huh. So this is something I’m already capable of? Just… not consciously?
[Yes! As expected of Isagi-sama! (ㅅ´ ˘ `)]
[But there’s a drawback. Because you haven’t technically ‘achieved’ it yet, there will be a strong physical and mental backlash. I don’t recommend Isagi-sama to use it recklessly. (˘ŏ_ŏ)]
Hm… strange.
The System was generally careless and callous when it came to others while treating Isagi with utmost care. If this ability’s backlash was that severe, it would have been more in line for it to hesitate to share the information. Maybe reveal it after some forcing. However, this time, it freely gave the information, simultaneously assuaging Isagi’s hesitance about cheating and telling him to be cautious.
It was crafty. Secretive. Good at deflecting and only revealing information when it suited it or when Isagi made a demand.
Then… was this related to the Hearts?
If he could be sure about one thing, it was that the System didn’t need him to win. After all, a comeback with only 1 minute was simply unrealistic. Then the reason for announcing the skill after the critical first-half wasn’t to create a miracle, but… to get Isagi to use the skill in the first place.
What are you planning? He wasn’t the best at uncovering others’ hidden intentions. Rather than worrying about it on his own, he might as well directly ask the System. The skill is necessary for the mission, right? Tell me already.
[Σ(⊙ロ⊙)]
[Isagi-sama… Your beauty is only matched by your intelligence… (╥﹏╥)]
… Enough with your nonsense. Get on with it.
The timeout was almost over. If this was important for the mission, he couldn’t afford to be distracted in the middle of the game because he was communicating with the System.
[Alright. It’s as Isagi-sama says. However, perhaps not in the way you think.]
[Between achieving the Friendship Heart and filling up the Love Heart, the demon within the target gains a burst of strength. You can say it’s the last desperate twitch of a dying animal.]
[The target becomes unstable. There’s no telling when the demon will decide to strike, or how. In that case, the user must have some means to defend themselves. Because this is a low-level demon, its danger levels are quite low. They’re more likely to harm their host than anyone else, but gaining the Friendship Heart has revealed your existence as a user. In other words…]
[They will attempt to get rid of you.]
A shiver ran up Isagi’s spine and his head snapped up. Suddenly, he was very aware of the pair of eyes that hadn’t left him since the rock-paper-scissors game. Isagi had chalked it up as Bachira being conscious of him after they formalized their friendship.
But now…
[Worry not. As I mentioned, it is a low-level demon. The worst it can do is a physical attack. In that case, Isagi-sama can use the skill to defend himself!]
How do you know it’ll be during the game? Didn’t you say you don’t know when or how it’ll strike? And then, as an after thought, I told you no more secrets.
[Hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh]
[It’s my fault as an unworthy System to Isagi-sama! (>皿<)]
[I was unaware of this mechanic of the demon until the upgrade. This particular one has been attached to Bachira Meguru since childhood, thus its hold on his soul is much tighter than originally anticipated. I haven’t encountered a case like this until now!]
Since childhood…
[As for how this humble System knows it will strike, it is simple.]
[Look at him!!!!]
There was an almost hysteric tone in the words flashing on the screen like neon lights.
[You can tell that the weak bag of flesh has designs on Isagi-sama by that dark glint in his eyes! (≖_≖ )]
Don’t call him that, Isagi defended weakly. Slowly, like he was a protagonist of a horror movie about to have their first encounter with the killer, he glanced over his shoulder. Bachira caught his gaze instantly. A large smile bloomed on his face and he waved enthusiastically.
Stiffly, Isagi returned the smile.
F*ck.
The Heart over Bachira’s head was already half filled with syrupy, red liquid. After filling completely yellow, it disappeared in a burst of glowing pixels and was replaced with a new vessel. Between early that morning and now, it had been steadily filling even without Isagi doing anything.
That’s actually the reason Isagi had stayed away. It was a bit embarrassing to have a visual model of someone else’s romantic feelings for you.
However, what used to resemble cherry candy syrup now sloshed around, viscous red like blood staining the walls of the vessel almost like it was trying to break out. The light that once surrounded had dimmed considerably like a bulb with faulty wiring.
Isagi wiped his palms on his pants.
What happens if the Heart breaks?
[That's the best case scenario for you, Isagi-sama. After all, if the target chooses to take their life instead, you’ll be safe! ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡]
Sick.
This was making Isagi physically ill. He’s glad he was sitting because his legs had lost all feeling.
This was only his first target. What are with all these pits that he has to leap over to ensure that Bachira doesn’t die? Were all the rose tinted training days they spent together the calm before the storm? Did his efforts matter at all? And, worst of all…
Were the other targets going to be this difficult?
I’ll deal with you later. Without Isagi noticing, his whole body had gone unnaturally still. It was almost like, in the space around him, time had stopped. Dust particles pausing midair, hair hanging still like a painting, and his lungs ceased their function. Within his eyes, a dark spark began to glow until it nearly enveloped the blue.
This is what we’re going to do, you shoddy lump of shit. Listen closely. If you’re even a second late, well… You already know the consequences, right?
.
.
.
[ I S A G I - S A M A ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ₍₍⚞(˶˃ ꒳ ˂˶)⚟⁾⁾ ]
[You’re wish is my command!!!!!]
The second-half began with a bang.
After the initial rough-housing, it was more like a game of hot potato than football–except the ball was being stolen away the moment someone else touched it instead of the other way around. Reverse hot potato.
Potato hot.
Isagi was losing his mind.
He’s been on edge since the System’s reveal. This was more than he originally agreed to. If it weren’t for the imminent threat of death, he’d rip the invisible collar off his neck and toss it right into the System’s dumb interface.
Unfortunately, he still wanted to live a long and good life. He wanted to finish school, get a job, earn money, and spoil his parents in their later years.
And… He was starting to want that for Bachira, too. That meant he was absolutely not going to let that glass Heart shatter.
Easier said than done.
Team Z was still in a game that they were badly losing. Isagi had to split his attention between Team X, his own team, and Bachira to see if the other teen was making any suspicious movements. Thus far, nothing.
However, he didn’t let his guard drop.
Time ticked down. Eventually, it was already the last 10 minutes of the game with Team X leading with a score of 0-5.
Unlike Team Z, they had slowly found order in the chaos. There was a clear superior in their ranks who they naturally began to orbit. Barou Shoei, the King. Now that they were actually playing together and syncing up, Team Z had lost any chance of turning the tables.
“Hey, Isagi!”
Isagi held back a flinch at the sound of Bachira’s voice. He took a deep breath, plastered a smile on his face, and turned to greet Bachira. “What’s up?”
Sweat dripped down Bachira’s face, bangs sticking to his forehead and stray strands clinging to his neck like vines. He wiped his chin with his collar. Despite the desperate situation, there wasn’t a hint of panic on his face.
On the contrary, he seemed… relaxed? No, that’s not the word.
“We’ve only got 3 minutes on the clock. With them running circles around us, there’s no way we’re getting 6 points to win this. But…”
Ah. Isagi recognized it now.
“We might be able to get one. You and I.”
Resolve.
Golden eyes stared at the other team with a focus that, though Isagi had never seen before, didn’t look out of place on the other teen’s face. “They’re probably cruising on those 5 points right now. With their defenses down, we should be able to get a score in as long as we don’t get held up defending.” Those eyes then turned back to Isagi. “You in?”
This is it.
“Yeah!”
–
“We’ve got a small opening. I’ll draw their attention and then pass the ball to you. All you have to do is run all the way up, Isagi.”
“Got it.”
[[Kickoff!]]
Isagi had the ball this time. At the whistle, he immediately passed to Bachira.
They drove the ball up-field in quick, controlled bursts. The other team could sync up, but so could they. No, they were better. Somehow, it was like Bachira could read Isagi perfectly, passing to the best spots and keeping the forward momentum.
“You useless idiot! Don’t just stand there!”
“Shut up, Banku! They got through you, too!”
“Hey, watch it!”
As Bachira predicted, they’d completely lowered their guard. They were like stumbling toddlers compared to their earlier sharpness.
Thump!
Once more, Isagi received Bachira’s perfect pass. The timer ticked. Get ready. It’s almost time.
That’s right. Isagi played along not because he wanted to get a goal. That was only a bonus. The real reason was because he noticed–as the seconds ticked down, the red liquid within the Heart grew more turbulent.
This was a critical moment.
He only had a minute of the System skill to use. If he did it too early, he’d basically be useless for the rest of the game. Too late, and Bachira’s heart would have shattered without any chance to save it.
In his chest, his heart fought against his ribcage.
He wanted to throw up, but he couldn’t. He needed to hold it in.
Right now, Isagi needs to focus on Bachira. He needs to see it, the moment just before the cracks. That was his one and only chance to save Bachira.
Bam!
Thump!
Isagi caught the ball, but instead of continuing forward, he stopped in place. The sound of stomping footsteps like a stampede shook the ground. Closer and closer. Still, he didn’t move.
Almost there…
“Oi, Isagi! What are you chickening out for?!”
“Move it! Hey!”
“Damnit!”
“Hey, Number 11. Trying to show me up?” Unexpectedly, Barou was the first to get to him. “I already told you. The King of this field is me. Try to get past me, loser.”
Now!
[Ding! System Skill: Love-Love Surge Activated]
[Time remaining: 59 seconds]
Isagi drew in a slow breath. He could feel the effects instantly. His muscles coiled like tempered steel.
When he opened his eyes, the world seemed to slow–every movement dragging like they were swimming through sludge. Thoughts flowed as one with motion. All at once, he could see the field in its entirety. Puzzle pieces clattered on the board, falling into their place to create a picture of the goal.
There was no time to waste. The moment the skill activated, Isagi burst into motion.
Whoosh!
With a few movements, he maneuvered around Barou.
“He broke through!”
“How did he do that?!”
“That donkey,” Barou seethed. Veins bulged on the back of his hands. “How dare he disobey the King?”
It wasn’t a matter of skill or a sudden jump in physical abilities. You could even say that Isagi hadn’t really changed much at all.
It was the way he moved that was different.
It was almost like he could read every move Barou would make before the teen could even conceive it. There was no hesitation or thought. In the most efficient way, he defeated the strongest player on the field like it was nothing.
Some had stopped to gape. Number 11 hadn’t shown anything close to that level of skill the whole game.
“Was he holding back?”
“That shitty–!”
Isagi didn’t pay them any mind. Instead of rushing to the goal, he had changed trajectory.
“W-where’s he going?! This is our chance!”
A crack. Isagi thought grimly, but also with some relief. That meant there was still time. He hadn’t guessed wrong.
The System was knowledgeable about some things, but its logic lacked a key element. Understanding the human heart. As a demon, it is well versed in the ways of its kind, but when it came to people, it seemed to fall short.
[They will attempt to get rid of you.]
That’s not quite right, is it? Bachira’s Friendship Heart was directly connected to gaining a friend. It couldn’t get more straight-forward than that. If that’s the case, what reason would he have for targeting Isagi?
No, he wouldn’t.
Isagi may be naive in some things, but he wasn’t stupid. Kira and Bachira have been fighting for his attention since day 1. He’d tried hypnotising himself that it was just a clash of personalities. The reality was that they were fighting over him.
Add that with the earlier scene in the locker room…
The true target wasn’t Isagi. It was Kira.
Crack.
The small fracture was beginning to spread.
Standing to the side, Kira watched with growing confusion as Isagi grew closer. He threw his hands up protectively in front of him. “H-hey, slow down! We’re going to crash!”
Kira didn’t need to worry. Isagi’s target was the one standing behind him.
Amber eyes dull. Arms outstretched, vines invisible to everybody else spreading across Bachira’s forearms almost like chains.
Isagi grit his teeth and increased his pace.
[Time remaining: 5 seconds]
The horde behind him had grown to include the whole team. In front of him, Kira and Bachira as well as a few Team X members are ready to steal any pass.
Isagi needed to get this right.
[Time remaining: 3 seconds]
Bam!
Isagi stepped over the ball and used the heel of his right foot to lob the ball back and propel himself forward.
Everyone’s eyes were immediately directed with the ball’s trajectory. Slowly it flew in an arc… right into Kunigami’s foot.
“Nice pass, Isagi!”
Slam!
Bump! Smack!
Whoosh!
[GOAL]
[1-5]
[Time’s up! Blue Lock Wing 5’s first match is a 1-5 victory for Team X!]
Isagi pressed a hand to his bleeding lip. Tears welled up in his eyes at the sharp sting, but pain was the last thing on his mind. His eyes were completely focused on the space above Bachira’s eyes.
The glass shimmered.
The red liquid grew tranquil, and after a tense moment, it began to fill at an unprecedented rate. A bright light shone from within that stung his eyes, but Isagi didn’t allow himself to blink. He needed to see. He needed to know.
The cracks began to close. Up and up and up…
[Love Heart Acquired!]
Unlike the Friendship Heart, this one didn’t explode into pixels for the System to absorb. Instead, it glowed brighter and brighter until Isagi was finally forced to avert his eyes lest he be blinded. Then, like magic, the light disappeared.
I… did… it….
Exhaustion hit him all at once. Isagi felt his brain throb, an intense pain that seemed to travel across his whole body as though he had been struck by lightning.
With relief lightening his heart and mind, he allowed himself to fall into sleep’s embrace.
–
Bachira’s hand shakily raised to his face. They brushed lightly against his lips, and all at once he was reminded of the feeling of another pair against his own.
Poof!
His whole face exploded red.
Memories of what occurred shuttered like snapshots in his mind. Isagi had tripped after making the pass, and Bachira just happened to be in the way. Fortunately his arms were already up to catch Isagi–why was he…?–and he cushioned the other teen’s fall.
However, on the way down, their m-m-mouths brushed against each other. Hard. It was more of a crash than anything, and he was sure his lips were bright red from the impact, but…
That still counted right?!
Right?!
His first kiss!
And now, Isagi was lying in his arms. From the soft breath fanning against his forearm, he was asleep. Maybe the stress of the game had gotten to him. Well, not like Bachira was going to complain.
It felt nice. Really nice.
He quickly controlled his face when the others took notice of them.
“Erm, is he alright?” Kuon asked hesitantly.
“‘Course he is,” Raichi scoffed. “Sleeping Beauty over there's getting a niceeeee long rest after holding out on us the whole game!”
From the gathered crowd, Kira stiffly walked forward. “He must be heavy.” Each word was tightly squeezed through clenched teeth. “Here, hand him over. I can–.”
“No!”
Bachira felt his ears let out steam at the bewildered looks. “Ahem, I mean, he's not heavy at all. I don't mind being his, uh, pillow until he wakes up.”
A sound like glass shattering rang in the room. An ominous premonition, like a ghost’s chilly hand, clasped around the members of Team Z’s hearts.
“How. Kind. Of. You.”
“Hey, did you notice?”
“What?”
“Bachira's lip looked a bit red. Kinda like…”
“Get your mind out of the gutter, idiot. Who has the time to do something like that in the middle of a game?”
“Ah, yeah, that's true…”
The road to wakefulness was a long, arduous process, especially when Isagi felt like he'd been run over by a freight train.
Long lashes trembled, casting faint shadows over pale cheeks. Silky raven hair framed his small face as though they were brushstrokes from a master penman.
[NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!]
[STOP! I COMMAND YOU!!!!!!!]
Beneath the tightly shut lids, there was movement. Petal pink lips twitched at the corners before smoothing out.
[GAHHHHHHH!!!!! ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!!]
[ISAGI-SAMA PLEASE I BEG THEE TO WAKE UP!!!!!!]
[ヘ（。□°）ヘ(⊙_◎)(ʘ言ʘ╬)]
Unfortunately for the poor System, its notifications had been muted. Without sound, it had no way to communicate with its host.
[H-H-Holy…. F-F-F-Fa… ther… Just this once… I ask you….]
The bedding beside Isagi's head suddenly sunk down as though a weight had been placed on it. His head tilted to the side, only to be caught. Calloused fingers held his cheek with faint tremors as though they were holding something precious.
The shadow of a breath brushed against parted lips.
[OKAY OKAY I BEG YOU TO STOP THIS!!!!!! _(´ཀ`」 ∠) _]
In an instant, Isagi's eyes snapped open.
[THANK YOU!! I WILL NOW DEDICATE MY–]
Smack!
[...]
[... ༼;´இ இ ༽ ]
Isagi reared back. His vision spun and a sharp pain like needles pierced his head. “Ugh…” He groaned.
That System skill… it was definitely poisonous! It's only for 1 minute and yet his whole body was crumbling at the edges. How was this a fair trade?
No. Isagi grit his teeth. He made the mistake of expecting a demon to be fair at anything.
[No, Isagi-sama I–!]
“Y-you’re awake!”
That voice. “Bachira?” Isagi's voice came out scratchy as though he hadn't spoken for some time. The next moment, he felt something plastic touch his lips.
“It's water. Drink.”
Isagi had no reason to refuse. The moment the water wet his tongue, he felt his body beginning to rejuvenate.
After some time, he finally mustered enough strength to open his eyes. The first thing he noticed was, of course, Bachira's bright red face.
“...”
He had a premonition. Wait, there's something more important than that.
The room was like any other in Blue Lock, but there was only one bed–an actual one rather than just a mattress. There was also a bedside table and a cabinet pushed to the corner. Through the glass, he could make out some medicine bottles and bandages.
Since it's obvious that he was in an ‘infirmary’, the most pressing question would be, “How long have I been out?”
Bachira scratched his cheek. “Not that long, actually. Maybe an hour or so? I haven't paid much attention…” His face impossibly reddened even more.
“...”
Feeling the awkwardness in the air like a second skin, Isagi opened his mouth to say something only for a sharp sting to give him pause. His tongue swiped across his bottom lip and he winced.
Ah.
That's right. He’d-.
A memory blinked to life in his mind. The game. Desperation fueling him as he forced himself forward step by step. With his clear view of the whole field, he saw the only way to get a score was to pass. Pretending to trip.
K-kissing Bachira...
“S-sorry about that!” Isagi bowed as best he could on the bed. The words spilled out of his mouth faster than he could think of them. “It was a total accident! Anyway, it wasn't even a real kiss if you think about it. Not to mention we're both guys. Right, who even cares about something like these when it’s between men? Let's just agree to forget about it!”
“Forget about it?”
There was something off about Bachira’s tone. Isagi peeked beneath his bangs and flinched when he saw those golden eyes boring into his own. It was the same expression Bachira had on the field when he suggested they team up.
“So the first one didn’t count because it was an accident?” Bachira licked his lip.
That… Wasn’t it the same place where Isagi’s injury was? Actually, it was weird right? It should have been a few hours since the match ended and his lip hadn't scabbed over, and Bachira's own had seemed like...
Ahah, no way! He was overthinking it!
Unfortunately, Bachira’s next words completely shattered his fragile delusions.
“Then this second one. Does it still not count? If it doesn’t…”
Second?! That means-!
They were around the same height. Bachira only had a few centimeters over Isagi, yet right now he seemed to loom over him. In some unknown period of time, Isagi had been pressed back against the hard infirmary pillows with Bachira hovering over him, arms caging Isagi from both sides.
“Then,” Bachira murmured. Each word sent a hot puff of air against Isagi’s face. “I’ll make sure this third one counts…”
Isagi’s vision went black. What was going on? Why was Bachira acting so… smooth? Confident? Aggressive? Just a few seconds ago, he was the same blushing mess he usually was. And now, it was like he was about to swallow Isagi whole!
[ISAGI-SAMA! SNAP OUT OF IT!]
Gasp!
Quick as a whip, Isagi ducked around Bachira’s arm and rolled off the bed. “Oof!” The floor was just as hard as the rest of the facility. He glared at Bachira over the edge of the mattress and hissed, “What do you think you’re doing?!”
“Kiss you? I thought it was obvious.”
“Stay back!” Isagi’s heart seized in his chest when Bachira made a move to crawl over. At the panic in his voice, the other teen paused. There was genuine confusion on his face which somehow pissed Isagi off even more. “Why are you trying to kiss me?!”
The confusion deepened. “Because I want to.”
“We’re friends! Friends don’t kiss each other!”
“Oh.” Just when Isagi thought that Bachira got it, the other teen’s face broke out into a bright grin. “Let’s become lovers then!”
[#$%—ERR::SYNCH—//∆∆9x00… 01101001//incomplete>system//—*#]
[#$%—ERR::SYNCH—//∆∆9x00…01101001//link>broken//—*#CURSE YOU BACHIRA MEGURU#*—//system overheating]
Notes:
Actually, the reason for the shift from comedy to dark is because I've been reading this amazing novel lately!
Nightmare Live on NovelUpdates if anyone's curious! The main character is a cowardly conman who was taken by a Nightmare System to complete instances, and honestly, it's genuinely terrifying and thrilling. The first instance is kind of typical for these stories, but it really picks up from there. My favorite so far is the Amusement Park with a close second being the Changsheng instance. Just remembering it sends shivers down my spine (the good kind)!AH! But don't worry, this isn't going to become some kind of horror fanfic all of a sudden. I'm not great at that genre. However, as some of you guessed, the characters have been hosting demons for some time so therefore they may exhibit certain behaviors in line with them (the System included, of course).
Next Chapter: Notice Me, Chigiri!
Chapter 5: (Don't) Notice Me, Chigiri!
Notes:
Chigiri is a menace!! But so are the other Isagi simps, so that checks out.
The wiki page didn't list a fetish, so I just went ahead and made something up that felt possible :DHope you enjoy!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Escaping Bachira hadn’t been an easy feat. That’s because Isagi had to coax him first before he was allowed to leave.
On the bright side, he managed to convince Bachira to drop the whole ‘lovers’ conversation.
They were in a do-or-die program with their careers–and in some cases, their lives–on the line. Talks of romance and such were only going to become a distraction in the long run. Right now, they should put their focus on surviving Blue Lock “because I want to keep playing with you, Bachira.”
Those words were what convinced him in the end.
“Ugh…” Isagi’s face burned just remembering it.
He pressed his head against the cool metal of the cafeteria table and sighed. It was late in the afternoon, the period after lunch but a long ways off from dinner, so the room was empty. If the match against Team X was in the morning, then this confirms that he was out for around 4-5 hours.
The System hadn’t lied. Love-Love Surge had a ridiculous backlash. Even now, exhaustion pulled on his limbs like he was dragging weights with him. The cool down time was 1 day. So basically, he was going to suffer this much for that long?
Hey, System.
It took a few seconds too long for the demon to respond.
[Isagi-sama…]
…? It didn’t even use one of its faces to show Isagi how it was feeling.
Granted, the System didn’t need to. After days stuck with the demon, Isagi had become a sort of expert on the System’s feelings. Sort of. Around 60% accuracy.
Did something happen? His eyes flashed with epiphany before narrowing into slits. It better not be another threat to Bachira’s life or–.
[That–that human is completely healthy!]
This was… the System reassuring him?
[The demon has been completely expelled from his heart! Isagi-sama did a perfect job as always! He needs not fret for Bachira Meguru any longer!]
Here’s the typical praise. Perhaps he had imagined the strangeness from before? The System seemed completely normal.
That’s a relief, he sighed, shoulders slumping as he buried his face even deeper into the table. At least he tried to. By the way, now that I got Bachira’s Love Heart, what happens next?
[What does Isagi-sama mean?]
Well, it was all for getting rid of the demon. The whole Heart thing is the method, so there’s no way Bachira is really in love with me, right? There was a hint of hope in his thoughts.
Vzzt.
[He’s in love with you.]
It’s been less than a week since we’ve met. That’s impossible–.
[It’s 100% certain he’s in love with you.]
Is it because of the k-k-kiss thing earlier in the infirmary? That was very convincing evidence, but Isagi refuses to believe that true love could be achieved after a few days of praise, ignoring personal space, and an accidental lip-on-lip action.
He knew love. Nevermind his hours of playing romance games–he’s already accepted that the strategies (tricks) he’d used to woo those 2D PNG images were basically unusable in reality. His confidence didn’t come from that.
It came from all 16 of his years of sitting in the front row seats to its very form.
A quiet presence, a steady flicker of a flame, the comfortable weight of a blanket, the present decision to choose the same person every second of every minute of every hour by the virtue of being themself.
That's his parents.
Isagi doesn't know what other shape love could possibly have. Love like that took effort, daily effort, and most of all, time.
What Bachira felt for him was at most puppy-love!
[Whatever Isagi-sama is thinking about… It’s wrong.]
Again, the System stated firmly as though there were no doubts.
[Remember. The Hearts are a visual manifestation of the target’s own. I as the System can show you its form, but only Isagi-sama can influence it. The Love Heart acquired means that the target has completely fallen for you.]
But you said that kissing would be the fastest way to fill it up! That’s like some sort of game mechanic? A quick-love skill?
[Is that not what you humans do to show affection? From the information I have gathered, kissing can increase romantic feelings… or make the target aware of their own. In that case, breaking through the final mental gap and completely filling their heart.]
No way… Isagi had completely misunderstood.
Then…
His chest burst with coldness and he sat up ramrod straight. That… If that’s true, then if Bachira didn’t already have romantic feelings for me, then that accidental kiss on the pitch…
[It would have failed.]
...
Heh.
Hehehehehe…
So what if they’re men? Isn’t it just fine?
Bachira was a good guy–that’s something Isagi was already aware of. He was cute, too. Not at all like the monk from the tag game or, ugh, Raichi. They also played well together in football. There were evidently worse people to be in love with him.
Isagi stared bleakly at his bowl of natto. His already awful mood plummeted.
[Now that Isagi-sama has gained Bachira Meguru’s Love Heart, it’s on to the next target. Don’t waste any more time on that human.]
Aaaaand he doesn’t even get a chance to rest. As expected of demons. The way they work makes the worst black companies look like vacation resorts.
Can’t he take a moment to properly feel anxious? His first kiss could have been wasted for nothing!
[After successfully consuming the demon, I have upgraded again.]
Isagi perked up. Oh?
Suddenly, the holographic screen in front of him began to change. Nothing big. It seemed to grow more solid, as though Isagi could touch it if he reached out, and on the bottom of the screen appeared an icon of some kind. Isagi leaned closer to get a better look.
A puzzle piece?
[That is Isagi-sama’s Essence tab. Would you like to take a look?]
His breath caught in his throat. This was starting to resemble a game more and more! Open it!
Physical: 200/999 – C
Mental: 350/999 – C
Soul: N/A – ?
Heart: 1
[When a human loves, they share a piece of their heart. I consumed the demon, and Isagi has received a part of Bachira Meguru’s Love Heart.]
Come to think of it, the acquisition was different from the Acquaintanceship and Friendship Heart. The green and yellow hearts had burst into pixels, but the Love Heart had glowed ridiculously bright before disappearing. Isagi had been too out of it to care.
What’s up with my soul? He’s watched enough an*me and played enough video games to guess what ‘soul’ meant here. But why was he unknown?
[Isagi-sama’s soul has been bound by the contract. As Isagi-sama completes missions and uses his skill, the soul quality will undergo various changes. Both have been accomplished within a short span of each other, thus the System is unable to capture the accurate numbers at this time.]
[As Isagi-sama rests and heals, the numbers should begin to stabilize.]
Oh, okay. That was a relief. He was worried there was something wrong with him. So my physical and mental stats are only ranked C? It was one thing for Ego to place him second to last in the Blue Lock rankings. It was another to see proof of why.
[These are the improved stats. In fact, Isagi-sama has shown prodigious growth in the past few days, going from D to C.]
He sucked now, but he sucked worse before? Is that it? That didn’t make him feel better at all…
On the bright side, from what the System said, that meant that with training and hard work, he could improve himself. The level cap was 999 which should be around professional standards. Thinking of it that way, it made sense for him to be that low.
Still, assuming the other players in Stratum 5 were also around his level, then he could hardly imagine what kind of monsters Stratum 1 held…
[Isagi-sama…]
Hm?
[.·°՞(っ-ᯅ-ς)՞°·. ue .·°՞(っ-ᯅ-ς)՞°·. ue .·°՞(っ-ᯅ-ς)՞°·. ueeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!]
The half-lidded eyes snapped wide open and his pupils shook. H-hey, what’s the deal?!
[You won’t really date Bachira Meguru, will you!?]
Isagi felt like he’d been thrown into outer space without any protection or preparation. Where did this even come from?!
[Isagi-sama! You can’t!]
[ A B S O L U T E L Y N O T ! ]
[R-remember that there are many targets! If Isagi-sama dates Bachira Meguru, then y-you can’t put the attention you need on the targets! So!! SO!! Isagi-sama won’t do it, right!?!?]
What the heck. This darned, spoiled demon… What’s the point of being possessive now after everything’s been said and done?
Obviously…
[YES?!]
Isagi felt the corner of his eye twitch.
… I won’t…
[ I ]
[ S A ]
[ G I ]
[ S A M A AAAAAAA! ! ! ! ! ! ! .·°՞(¯□¯)՞°·.]
[THIS IS THE TRUTH RIGHT? NO LIE?]
[... Promise? (つ╥﹏╥)つ]
It twitched more violently.
Will you SHUT UP ALREADY!
After finishing his depressing meal, Isagi went to the practice field where everyone was gathered. Even though they’d just finished their match against Team X, they were already making preparations for their next game.
Kira had very naturally taken the captain position.
Right now, he was drawing on the white board they’d taken from the monitoring room and suggesting possible strategies. Compared to the ‘prince’ image he portrayed in interviews, Isagi thought he looked much cooler here.
[Ptui! ლ(ಠ益ಠლ)]
From his side, Bachira leaned close with a hand cupped around his mouth like he was going to share a secret. “What a nerd,” he snickered into Isagi’s ear.
The pale skin flushed red from the sudden stimulation. Isagi forced himself to remain in place and not flinch out of his own skin. “Ah, yeah,” he laughed nervously. “I didn’t even know some of those terms. He must be really passionate about football.”
Bachira turned his head. It was only slightly, but from their already close position, his lips lightly brushed against the soft skin of Isagi’s cheek. “Do you like smart guys?”
Warm.
Why was everything so warm all of a sudden? This was–.
[(ﾉಥ益ಥ）ﾉ ┻━┻ ┻━┻ ┻━┻]
Snapping out of it thanks to the System’s timely tantrum, Isagi pushed Bachira’s face away and took several steps back.
“Shhh,” he hushed. A finger pressed against his lips and he furrowed his brows. “Just pay attention. We need to win our next game, remember?”
Bachira’s eyes lingered on Isagi’s finger like he wanted to replace it. “Aw, fine. But you owe me a reward for being good later.”
“...”
Acting all cool but his face was bright red like a lobster. Who was Bachira trying to fool?
Isagi shook his head. He tried to focus back on Kira’s speech, unaware of a particular gaze burning a hole into the side of his face.
Because they lost, Team Z was now in a precarious situation. They couldn’t grab hold of the advantage at the start meaning they had to play catch up to the other teams. If Team X was that strong, there was no telling what kind of monsters were in Team W or Team V–let alone the rest of the program.
Everyone’s dreams were on the line here, but no one was more anxious than Isagi.
If I get locked off…
He’ll lose access to the mission targets which was as good as signing his death warrant. The System favored him, maybe a bit too much if he was being honest, but Isagi wasn’t going to rely on that to save his soul.
Not to mention…
From the corner of his eyes, Isagi took a peek at the information floating in front of his next target's chest.
Name: Chigiri Hyoma
Age: 16
Height: 177cm
Blood Type: A
Favorite Food: Karinto Manjuu
Least Favorite Food: Ginger
Favorite Season: Winter
Favorite Animal: Black Cats
Fetish: Hands
Isagi didn't know anything about him outside of that. Chigiri had mostly stayed silent and kept to himself so far. Even in the match with Team X, he never stood out. Almost like he was purposefully hiding his presence–.
Wait.
Fetish????
Isagi had forgotten about that. Bachira also had one listed, didn't he? It was… eyes.
Is that why he kept getting flustered whenever I looked at him? And then, so that's why he kept running off before!
[Isagi-sama does have the most beautiful eyes.]
[It would have been better if they were ugly… then…. Only I can appreciate them…]
Keep your fantasies to yourself next time, Isagi dead-panned mercilessly.
“–will be our formation for the next game. Any questions?” Kira’s voice dragged Isagi’s attention back to the situation at hand.
After their atrocious match against Team X, Ego had given them a little hint. To identify their ‘weapon’ and capitalize on it. Some weapons were obvious like Bachira’s dribbling or Kunigami’s strong body. Others were a bit more obscure like Raichi’s so-called ‘sexiness’. Isagi doesn’t know what that means, and he doesn’t care to know.
When it was Isagi’s turn to share, he had frozen up.
He was never a stand-out player in Ichinan. If it weren’t for that one midfield play that caught a sport’s magazine’s attention, he was sure the coach would have allowed him to resign without a fight. Otherwise, he was just another nameless mob to fill up the slots in the machine. No individuality.
Now, after using the System’s skill, he seemed to have grasped something.
That awareness of the field that transcended vision, the way he could predict Barou’s next move and counter, or the way he knew without a doubt that Kunigami would make the goal–
He didn’t know what to call it yet, but that was it. His weapon.
After gathering their information in the beginning of the meeting, Kira quickly developed a plan of action to maximize their strength.
It was simple. They would divide the team into small groups based on how compatible their weapons were and then do a rotation during the game. This way, everyone gets a chance to ‘show-off’.
Isagi looked over at the board again.
Team 1 was Bachira, Imamura, and Naruhaya. With Bachira’s dribbling, he could destabilize defenders while working with Imamura whose weapon is ‘speed and technique’. Naruhaya will assist with his off-the-ball movement.
Team 2 was Kunigami, Raichi, Gagamaru, and Kuon. This team leans more towards brute force. Gagamaru claims to be great at close plays and Raichi’s stamina makes him a relentless pest on the field. Kuon, the jumping specialist, will be useful during pinches to get the ball moving. This is all to get the ball to Kunigami who will be the finisher.
Team 3 was Kira, Isagi… and Chigiri.
[How convenient for Isagi-sama! ✧｡٩(ˊᗜˋ )و✧*｡]
[Now you can approach the target naturally!]
Yeah. A bit too convenient.
Isagi eyed Kira behind the curtain of his lashes. After just barely dodging all the landmines on the way to capturing Bachira, he had developed a healthy paranoia. There must be a pit here somewhere.
Isagi was so deep in his thoughts that, when he felt something brush against his hand, he nearly jumped out of his own body. Sapphire eyes snapped to the side to find Bachira had closed the space between them again.
“That stinky guy,” Bachira puffed his cheek out. “He definitely split us up on purpose so he could keep you for himself!”
In the middle of this heavy tension, this was what Bachira was worrying about? Isagi side-eyed him with an unfathomable gaze.
How about you self-reflect instead of projecting your feelings on other people?
[Grrrr….]
[Bachira Meguru is right, Isagi-sama! Don’t let your guard down around that slimy guy! ლ(ಠ益ಠლ)]
First stinky, and now slimy…. Kira was being attacked from every direction.
Isagi refrained from rolling his eyes. Give it a rest already. He's just–.
“I have a question.”
Everyone turned at the unfamiliar voice. Even Raichi who had been throwing a tantrum of being sidelined as a supporting actor for Kunigami paused mid-curse.
The pink-haired teen slowly lowered his hand, eyes never leaving Kira. “Why are the three of us a team? Didn’t you say this was based on our ‘weapon’ compatibility?” His eyes narrowed. “I don’t recall revealing mine.”
Kira met Chigiri’s gaze calmly. There was something about it. Almost… knowing.
“That’s why we’re teamed up. Because you refuse to share, it’s best to place you with Isagi and me. My ‘perfect form’ allows for efficiency on the field. That paired with Isagi’s ability to sniff ‘where the best chance will appear’, and we’re covering almost all the bases.” Kira was smiling, but there was no warmth in his eyes. It was like he was a completely different person compared to how he is around Isagi. “Last game, you mostly stayed back. That doesn’t need to change the next game. Just keep your eyes out and keep obstacles from coming our way. You can do that, right?”
Was that really Kira? Helpful and kind, an easy smile on his face, always watching out for Isagi?
Right now, he was almost… cruel.
“So that’s how you run things?” Chigiri’s voice was hoarse. With his back facing Isagi, he couldn’t see the pink-haired teen’s expression. “Guess you can’t rely on magazines to tell the whole truth.”
The smile on Kira’s face could only be described as sardonic. “As opposed to you, right?”
“Tch!”
By this point, everyone was looking at various points on the ground, desperately pretending that they weren’t there. Raichi was quickly looking between Kira and Chigiri like doing that will somehow kick his brain into gear so he could understand what was going on. Even Gin had turned over in his sleep to face the other way.
The first to break the standoff was Chigiri.
“Whatever,” he huffed under his breath before spinning on his heels and storming off. They were supposed to practice their new formations, but Kira made no move to stop the other teen from leaving.
After all, what was there to practice if he was just going to ‘stand around’?
The sour and acrid taste of bile burned the back of Isagi’s throat. He swallowed hard, and before the nausea could set in, Isagi shot after Chigiri. He needed to hurry. The other teen had already disappeared behind the slide doors.
“Ah, hey, Isagi?!” Bachira’s jaw hung loose in bewilderment.
“I’ll catch you later! Got, uh, something to do!” He threw a non-explanation over his shoulder.
Because his head was turned away, he didn’t see the way Bachira’s eyes darkened in a way reminiscent of when he’d been under the demon’s influence, nor the way that look was mirrored on Kira’s face.
It took some trial and error, but Isagi finally found Chigiri holed up in the monitor room. The lights were shut off with only the screens as illumination.
“H-hi.”
He gulped when Chigiri turned a glare his way. The only thing that pushed him to continue was that, beneath the threat those eyes carried was a fragility that Isagi recognized. He’d seen it recently after all.
“What do you want?”
Isagi took a hesitant step forward. The next one was easier. “Nothing much,” he lied. “I just thought it was a good idea to watch Team Y’s match with Team V. Gather data on our opponents and all that.”
He dropped down beside Chigiri. Not too far, but also not close enough to touch. There was 5 inches of distance between their knees.
[Isagi-sama! Y-you don’t need to sit that close to the target… (╥﹏╥;)]
The System was ignored.
Isagi stared at the video already playing on the screens, gasping when he saw his own face staring back at him.
“You’re watching me?” He stuttered. His cheeks were already heating up, and he quickly checked the Heart meter over Chigiri’s head.
“...”
The green of the Acquaintance Heart stared back at him, barely filling the sharp point of the heart’s bottom. Well then, let him apologize for thinking too much. In Chigiri’s eyes, Isagi was barely even an acquaintance let alone a teammate.
It made sense. Outside of Bachira and Kira, Isagi hadn’t made an effort to get to know anyone else. He kind of got a single-minded focus.
For him to suddenly approach Chigiri must seem suspicious.
Chigiri immediately proved his point the next second. He rolled his eyes and gave Isagi a look filled with distaste. “I don’t know what games you’re playing, but I’ll tell you right now.” He raised his hands in front of him in the shape of an ‘X’. “I’m not gay.”
“Okay?! Me, too!?!?”
“...” The narrowed eyed look filled with suspicion was particularly painful. To add salt to the wound, Chigiri scooted further away and even hugged himself like he was protecting his virtue.
“I’m serious!” Isagi insisted vehemently. “I like gir–... hum, well, I don’t actually know. I’ve never thought about it much.” He shifted uncomfortably under Chigiri’s scrutinizing stare. “But I am definitely not interested in you like that!”
The guarded expression melted into offense. “Are you saying I’m not attractive?”
That was a trick question if Isagi has ever heard one. Sweat prickled at his temples and down his spine.
[Go ahead, Isagi-sama! Tell him! (ง'̀-'́)ง]
Isagi cleared his throat. “Ahem.” He averted his eyes. “ You’re not my type.”
Apparently, that was the wrong answer.
“I’ll have you know that I was confessed to by my entire class in first grade! Every year, I get a minimum of 50 chocolates–from girls and guys!”
“F-fine then! You’re attractive!”
Chigiri reared back from when he’d leaned in to press his point. “I knew it! You are interested in me!”
“What the heck?!” Isagi threw his hands in the air and felt his sanity fly through the roof.
He must have been crazy choosing Chigiri as his next target. As terrifying as Barou was, he looked easy enough to deal with. Just call him King a few times, feed into his delusions, and then bam! Queen.
Cringey, yes, but at least he wouldn’t have to lose all his brain cells trying to understand him.
“Pft!”
…?
Isagi slowly lowered his arms. Blink.
Chigiri was clutching his stomach, muffled laughter spilling through his palm pressed against his mouth. Even with the cover, Isagi could still see the wide curve of Chigiri’s lips.
“No seriously, what’s going on?”
[Mental instability? (ᵕ•_•)]
After a few minutes of chortling, Chigiri finally quieted down. He wiped the tears from the corner of his eyes. The way he was looking at Isagi now was much different than before. If Isagi had to say how, then it would be…
Relaxed.
Above Chigiri’s head, the green had filled up to half.
“Hah~... I needed that.” Chigiri scooted back to his previous seat as though the earlier scene was just some mysterious hallucination. He punched Isagi’s arm lightly with an easy smile. “You’re pretty stupid, huh.”
“Stu–?!?!”
[YOU DARE?!?!?!? ლ(ಠ益ಠლ)]
[I will remember your crimes, Chigiri Hyoma!]
Isagi scowled darkly. Without thinking, he pinched Chigiri’s thigh in retaliation. “Takes one to know one!”
Silence.
It took Isagi way too long to realize what he’d done. He quickly pulled his hand away, sputtering out a flustered, “S-sorry!”
To his surprise, Chigiri snatched his hands back. He raised them up to his face and hummed thoughtfully, carefully inspecting the shorter teen’s digits.
The target information flashed through Isagi’s mind in a split second.
That’s right! This guy has that kind of fetish, doesn’t he!?
Isagi didn’t think his hands were anything special. A healthy color, long fingers and neatly trimmed nails. They weren’t ugly, but he wondered if they were Chigiri’s type–what is he even thinking about right now?
“Come to think of it, you’re that painful sparkly guy’s friend right?”
“Painful sparkly–wait, Kira?”
“Whatever.” Chigiri’s grip on Isagi’s fingers tightened. “Don’t you think that friends share the burden of a crime?”
That was the dumbest thing Isagi had ever heard. “No. What kind of question–.”
“I’m glad we’re on the same page!” Chigiri bulldozed him with a bright smile on his face.
He really was quite pretty. It’s too bad his personality was kind of twisted. This was hitting Isagi like a wrecking ball considering all he knew about the pink-haired teen before all this was that he was an introverted loner…
Chigiri turned his back to Isagi. With one hand, he pulled his hair over his shoulder while the other patted the cleared area. “To make up for it, give me a massage.”
In any other situation, Isagi would have resolutely refused. Who would agree to massaging a guy who just called them stupid after forcing him into dizzying mental gymnastics? But Chigiri was a target.
The Acquaintance Heart was filling so much just from these brief interactions. If massaging him would quicken the progress, then…
“Prepare yourself.” Isagi cracked his fingers. “I’ll give you the best massage of your life!”
–
[My dear Isagi-sama! (っ˃̣̣̥ -˂̣̣̥ς)]
Chigiri poked at Isagi’s twitching fingers, an amused smile lighting up his features. “It’s barely been 5 minutes. Don’t tell me that’s it.” He slid his pointer along the lines of Isagi’s palm. “Weren’t you going to give me the best massage ever?”
“...”
Isagi held the curses spilling from his heart back. Don’t cuss out the target. Don’t cuss out the target. You absolutely can’t do that even if that jerk deserves it…
Massaging someone while his body was still suffering the effects of the System skill wasn’t the smartest idea, but Isagi refuses to admit that Chigiri might have been right about something. Wasn’t it the pink-haired teen’s fault in the first place? Why were his shoulders so muscular?!
It wasn’t for nothing…
He comforted himself. The Acquaintance Heart had already nearly filled up. Of course, you wouldn’t let a stranger touch you so intimately, so that meant Chigiri was already feeling familiar with him.
“Are you done resting? There’s still a spot I need you to work on.”
Maybe he can afford to act less familiar!
“Isagi! There you are!” Kira waved enthusiastically from one of the cafeteria tables.
On the other side, Bachira stood up with a clatter. “Over here! I saved you a seat!”
They had spoken up at the same time. It would have been funny if they weren’t currently sending some intense looks at each other.
Kira was smiling, but it felt similar to the one from the meeting earlier. Bachira wasn’t hiding his displeasure at all. He was much more childish with it, though, sticking out his tongue and tugging on the bottom of his eyes.
[...]
Yeah…
Isagi felt something warm pressing against his lower back. He would have jumped out of his skin if he wasn’t already aware of whose hand it was. Chigiri stepped beside him, pressing uncomfortably close, with a mischievous smile playing on his face. It only widened when he met Kira’s scathing glare.
It didn’t take a genius to know what he was doing. Obviously, this was payback.
“That’s a scary expression, don’t you think so Isagi?” Hot breath brushed against Isagi’s ear, almost identical to what happened with Bachira in the field.
Itchy…
“Don’t talk so close like that,” Isagi grumbled. He didn’t make a move to push Chigiri away. The consequences of doing that in front of Chigiri’s current enemy number 1 wasn’t something he cared to experience.
They went over to the food dispenser and got their food. Isagi with his pitiful natto and Chigiri with a mouthwatering salt-grilled mackerel pike.
Politely, Chigiri refrained from commenting. “Let’s sit over there?”
Clueless as he was about the System, the pink-haired teen was smart enough to realize that Isagi had turned those sapphire eyes his way. Whatever the reason was, he was going to take full advantage of that.
From his side, Isagi hesitated a second. His lips pursed as though he had just swallowed a lemon before smoothing out.
“Let’s sit with Bachira,” he suggested. “If we eat by ourselves, I-I’ll feel shy…” The confidence in his voice faded to an almost whisper at the last word. From the tips of his ears to the nape of his neck, he was as red as a boiled lobster.
“Pft!” Chigiri snorted inelegantly. He might have misjudged Isagi at first. The shorter teen was much more entertaining than he first thought.
They ended up joining Bachira at the table. The moment they sat down, Isagi’s chair was tugged close to the bee-like teen. He nearly lurched onto Bachira’s lap. Only his quick reflexes saved him from that embarrassing fate.
“Hey, careful!” He scolded. “We could have gotten seriously hurt. I don’t want to go to the infirmary so soon again.”
Bachira wasn’t listening. Over Isagi’s head where the other couldn’t see, he was giving Chigiri a chilling glare. It lasted only a second before melting into a goofy grin.
“Ehe, sorry, I was just so happy that you chose me.” He used his spoon to split the curry in half, scooping that portion onto Isagi’s plate. “Here, have some!”
Isagi couldn’t stay angry at Bachira for long. At the kind action, he felt himself melt. “Thank yo–.”
Clatter!
“Here, have some mackerel. Fish is good for the body.” Chigiri met Isagi’s incredulous look with a simple flick to the forehead.
“Ouch!”
“If you keep your mouth open like that, I’ll think you want me to feed you.”
“No thank you!” Isagi shut his mouth shut and leaned back as though afraid Chigiri would pull through with his threat. “Y-you just eat your food. Don’t worry about me!” He snatched his overflowing rice bowl and started stuffing his face.
Chigiri hummed. Whether he was disappointed or not at the missed opportunity was unknown.
He tilted his head, expressionlessly meeting Bachira’s gaze. To the left, he could also see the way the metal chopsticks bent under Kira’s grip.
“Heh…” He turned his attention back to Isagi. Noticing something, he reached out to wipe a piece of rice off the soft cheek.
“Fwaht?”
Keeping eye contact, he brought the finger to his lips and licked the rice off. “Slow down. You eat like a pig.”
“At least I don’t look like one!”
Crack!
Chigiri’s eyes curved. How fun.
Truly, Kira has only himself to blame. Who asked him to provoke Chigiri?
–
Deep red drops beaded from the cut. Kira stared unseeingly at his palm. Only half of a metal chopstick was there, the other having long fallen to the cafeteria floor.
There was a static sound at the back of his head. The metallic hum grew louder and louder until his ears were ringing with it.
“Heh…”
First Bachira Meguru. Now, Chigiri Hyoma.
More and more flies were gathering around Isagi.
–
[Hm…]
[Hm!?]
What’s wrong? Isagi paused from shoveling food into his mouth. The System screen was a light blue color, but now, black pixels began to spread from the corners. The sight immediately put him on high alert.
However, as fast as it appeared, it was gone.
[Phew…]
Hey, don’t ignore me. What was that!?
[Just a false alarm, Isagi-sama. Don’t worry! ε-(´∀｀; )]
[We almost had a crisis there. Fortunately, whatever it was seemed to resolve on its own!]
That was basically a none answer. What alarm? Crisis? How did it resolve itself?
Before Isagi could interrogate the System, he was distracted again by Bachira and Chigiri. It’s fine. He’ll just ask the System later, if he remembers.
It should be fine…
Notes:
Finished! Poor Kira... As a non-target, he's being neglected. Looks like he'll have to hurry up and get possessed to get some Isagi love hehe
Next chapter: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
We'll see the match with Team Y and start filling up that Friendship Meter. (Also, something that the System failed to mention because they're silly like that)-
Quick question: Would you guys prefer shorter chapters with faster updates, or longer chapters with slower updates?
In terms of pacing, I do have certain checkpoints I like to reach per chapter. For example, Bachira's Friendship Heart for one, and then Love Heart for another. Chigiri's will be quite long, and the original plan is for 3 chapters (1 for each Heart). The problem with these goals is that, of course, I won't update until I reach them.
Downside of short but frequent updates... cliffhangers? Dissatisfaction of it ending too soon?
Just asking because having a whole month or more between updates makes me sad haha... (looking at my bookmarks which haven't changed in the past 3 weeks)
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Myyzza on Chapter 3 Sat 23 Aug 2025 06:43AM UTC
Last Edited Sat 23 Aug 2025 06:46AM UTC
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