episode_0025

Time passes even if I don’t want it to. Also, one of the truths I don’t want to face is that the day of the written exam has finally arrived.

Tick, tick. With only the steady sound of the second hand ringing out, I held the quill pen tightly and shook my arms.

‘I don’t know a thing.’

Because I didn’t know anything. I just knew that the white thing was paper and the black thing was letters.

I tried to solve the problem somehow by applying my limited knowledge, but it didn’t work out as I wanted.

Theory is a weak point from the beginning. Just as there are magicians who reach high levels of skill without understanding the spells and only rely on intuition, I was one of those oddballs.

There is no inconvenience in using the method, and there are no separate defects in power or composition.

Why do I have to study theories in such a case? It may sound a bit childish, but I am confident that I can figure out most things without using my head.

“Hoo… … .”

Finally, I let out a deep sigh and marked all the multiple choice questions that I could think of on the 3rd option, then took my hands off the test paper and pen.

Let’s take a quick look at the clock. There are about 20 minutes left until the test ends.

Judging by the fact that others are busy with their hands, this feeling of loneliness is probably unique to me.

At this point, there were two types of people who covered their exam papers. Either they had already gotten over it like me, or they had solved all the problems so quickly.

And as far as I know, even the most theoretically savvy Lethe couldn’t finish everything already.

In fact, she was sitting quite a distance from me in front of me… … and her expression was serious the whole time as she moved her pen in a neat posture.

Perhaps she will take first place in the written test this time too, but at least for now, she is focused.

I turned my head away, feeling a little embarrassed that someone might notice my gaze.

The weather was so beautiful and sunny, and the sun that rose in the blue sky was truly splendid.

Even if I failed this exam, my position wouldn’t be in great danger. Even so, the written exam and the reflection rate were far inferior to the practical exam.

As long as I don’t fail, there’s no problem, and it’s not like I’d get a failing grade.

I guess I’m just feeling a little uneasy.

So, before I felt bad about the test results, I had no choice but to think more seriously about the cause and effect that led to this situation.

It was exactly four days ago. The day I, who had been studying quite diligently for several days, decided to drop the written exam.

‘What can I do? The only person who can help me study is Toraj, and he doesn’t even talk to me.’

That day─. Late in the evening, when I was entangled with other candidates, like Kazan and Elijah, who were unusually close.

-You said something to make me react sensitively… … .

After saying those last words, Lethe never looked at my face again.

Naturally, the study session fell through, and judging by the fact that we haven’t properly met since then, it seems like he’s intentionally avoiding me.

I’ve argued and fought with her many times before, but this was definitely the first time something like this had happened.

Since glaring at each other every time they met was the default… …. No matter how they growled, couldn’t the emotional rift deepen?

It was the first time that this petty cold war with that Lethe guy had lasted this long.

There have been many times when we didn’t see each other for a few days because we were both busy with our work, but I can’t remember a time when we were so hurt that we didn’t say a word to each other.

As such, I became increasingly concerned about how to wrap up this matter. I couldn’t think of any way to handle it.

At times like this, I realize anew that I am truly lacking in interpersonal skills.

Since I couldn’t think of a single plausible solution, my thoughts naturally drifted toward examining cause and effect.

Before we can even begin to determine who is right or wrong, where and to whom does responsibility lie?

‘… … Did I do something wrong?’

It was an issue that should have been addressed first, but even this could not be done with certainty.

I pressed my eyes together with a serious expression. Of course, the expression ‘don’t be annoying’ at that time was not very appropriate.

Because the tone and nuance of the words were clearly expressing annoyance and showing a clear sense of annoyance.

From the listener’s perspective, it’s enough to be offended, and it’s not strange to feel hurt…

‘… … Everything was fine until now.’

The part that I didn’t understand was from now on. In the four years that we’ve known each other, how many harsh words have I spit out at Lethe?

Up until now, I have never once expressed any regret or disappointment about that part.

Why was he reacting so weakly now? Even at this moment, the wounded expression on Lete’s face back then lingered in his mind.

Really, there wasn’t anything I liked.

Lete Heresia turned her head with a tearful expression without answering, and I, too, watched her reaction like a child, feeling a prickle.

‘ha.’

I silently swept my bangs upward. As the black hair that had been slightly covering my eyes was swept away, my vision felt a little clearer.

And then, with perfect timing, ding ding ding. The bell shook and a loud bell sound rang out.

The supervisor on the podium closed the book he was reading with a ‘thud!’ sound and blurted out.

“Exam is over. Everyone, please take your hands off your desks and do not touch the test papers. You may leave.”

As soon as that businesslike announcement was over, people everywhere started to stand up and pull back their chairs.

The same goes for the Lete guy. For a split second, whether by coincidence or intention, he turned his head and met my gaze just once… … . That was all.

He wiggled his eyebrows as if he was really angry, then turned around and left.

I also got up and followed her as she left the testing room.

It wasn’t just my intention to chase after him.

‘Do whatever you want, bitch.’

It was a really petty thought, but I also didn’t like the words and actions of that woman who didn’t know what she was thinking. Who doesn’t know how to be upset?

After glancing at the test paper one last time, I left the testing room.

Now, for some reason… … I felt like venting my anger.

Of course, the target was also set.

As I stepped through the threshold, I saw a purple-haired figure running away down the opposite hallway.

*****

Evan jumped up, lightly stepping on the ground and folding the space, and quickly grabbed Elijah by the nape of his neck.

“… … Huh!?”

It seemed like he was running as best he could, but it was only a quick pace. If he made up his mind and used his divine power, there was no reason why he couldn’t catch him.

Eventually, her escape attempt was foiled, and she was left dangling from Evan’s grasp, crying.

“Why, why are you doing this to me? I didn’t do anything… … !”

“Then why are you running away? Are you hurt?”

“You ran away because you knew you’d do this!?”

Elijah tried his best to escape from that clutch. No matter what he did, he couldn’t do anything more than struggling in the air.

Even with simple brute force, or even with divine power, it would be difficult to defeat Evan by force.

After struggling for a while, Elijah finally realized the truth. It didn’t take long for her to give up her rebellion and give in.

“Okay… … . If you want to kill me, then kill me. But I won’t reveal the location of the secret base.”

“… … What kind of concept is that?”

Evan let out a breath of disbelief, but he obediently released the strength from his grip on her.

Elijah didn’t lift it that high, and he landed smoothly…

“I’ve been thinking about it, Evan.”

She glanced at Evan as she fussed over her disheveled clothes.

An expression that was clearly one level more prickly than his usual crooked personality.

The reason why he found himself like this was also obvious. Was it just a pointless way to vent his anger, or a person he reluctantly sought out to talk to when he was frustrated and couldn’t stand it?

Elijah continued, smiling broadly.

“You seem a little stupid.”

“What the heck, you bitch?”

“… … Okay, stop raising your fists!”

Elijah flinched at the fist that came up as a spinal reflex and threw up both his hands. He didn’t want to leave any more red marks on his flawless forehead.

Evan lowered his arms with a displeased expression, and Elijah wiped his chest with a cold sweat.

Are you saying that you can’t even say a single word properly? Regardless of his origins, such thuggish behavior is what determines Evan Lane’s reputation.

Elijah spoke calmly, trying his best not to show that he was thinking that way.

“Listen to me first. Don’t get so angry, let’s talk like an intelligent person.”

“… … The way you speak as if you’re trying to calm the dog is really annoying, but what are you trying to say?”

Evan listened to her words with his arms folded. Although he felt a little uncomfortable inside that she was the one who started this series of events─.

But isn’t it just plain ugly to vent your anger like that?

Objectively speaking, it was difficult to hold Elijah responsible for what happened four days ago.

Perhaps he had come to her because he had no way to relieve his frustration. After all, she was the only third party and person involved in this situation.

“I might get hit again… … . No, even if I get hit, I have to say this.”

And the words Elijah spoke the next moment pierced Evan’s lungs.

“You idiot.”

“… … .”

“At least for now, you should have followed Lete instead of chasing me. Apologize, have a conversation… … . First of all, you got the wrong number.”

Elijah said that first, then glanced at Evan.

I was worried that he might actually raise his fist, but fortunately, he didn’t show any signs of doing so. Instead, he just bit his lip with a look of displeasure.

You probably knew it yourself. That you weren’t the one who needed to be caught right now.

In addition to building up empty pride by not wanting to admit the fact, they are hesitating and avoiding it because they are not confident in their guesses.

What kind of disgusting behavior is this?

He may be a bit violent, but he was originally a normal man in other ways. Who would have thought that he would become such a coward just because he got into a relationship with a man and a woman?

‘I don’t even know why I’m helping with this anymore. Seriously.’

What the hell is this, you’re not even Cupid of love, you’re just stuck in between the two of you.

Strangely, I felt bad, but what could I do? If I continued to watch both sides struggling like this, it wouldn’t be strange if I got sick.

“You know vaguely, right?”

Elijah deliberately poked Evan in the chest hard enough to sting a little.

“Why was Lete suddenly grumbling like that? It was all written on her face, so she wouldn’t be so stupid as to not notice that… … .”

“… … .”

“I don’t know how serious your feelings are, but at least you should apologize to the girl who likes you for calling you ‘annoying’. Evan.”

Elijah’s pale purple eyes stared at Evan with great seriousness.

From Evan’s perspective, it was a sight he had never seen before. It was also quite embarrassing to be scolded in return by the girl he had always bullied.

Elijah glanced at Evan’s complex expression and let out a small laugh.

It was a smile that seemed to say that he could clearly see what you were thinking right now.

“Why, it’s so strange that a kid who always throws a tantrum and asks to sleep with me says something like this?”

“… … Hmm. That’s it.”

“My friend is worried, so I’m afraid I won’t be able to give him some advice. How rude, really.”

Elijah, smiling broadly, lightly kicks Evan’s ankle.

puck!

“Oh?”

Even Evan, who would normally have avoided it without difficulty, accepted it obediently this time, and Elijah lifted his head with a short exclamation.

A gaze that wanders without making eye contact, lips that tremble with a sour look somewhere.

He never thought that Evan would be so flustered against him. Elijah felt a refreshing shock as well as a tickling sense of satisfaction.

I would have liked to take advantage of this rare opportunity to tease Evan more persistently, but… … .

“… … Go quickly. Do you know? Maybe Lete is also anxiously waiting for you right now.”

Elijah neatly brushed aside his playful ambition and nudged Evan’s chest.

I felt a little disappointed, but, well, I decided to be satisfied with this for now. For now, just seeing Evan’s expression like that was enough for me.

However, even though I pushed him from behind to tell him to go quickly, Evan still looked hesitant.

Elijah twitched one eye and frowned. It was more like he felt a sense of debt to me than that he was still struggling with some stupid problem.

“Sigh.”

Naturally, I couldn’t help but let out a blatant sigh. If it was going to be like this, then I should have treated him better in normal times… … He was such an ambiguous and affectionate man.

I was very tempted to grumble, but now was not the right time.

Elijah had no choice but to lift his chin slightly and put his head near Evan’s lips.

As the distance between them narrowed to the point where their breaths could touch, Evan finally flinched a little.

Looking at him up close, he really was a handsome man. Elijah whispered, pushing aside such vulgar sentiments.

“If you’re grateful, just say thank you honestly. You little bastard, don’t look at others’ faces and be petty.”

“… … .”

“If you care that much, why don’t you give me a kiss to say thank you?”

And then he brings up a proposal that is difficult to accept, with a deliberately grumpy smile.

Because I was sure that after saying this, you would probably get scared and back off.

At least that’s the Evan Elijah knew. It doesn’t matter at all that she was objectively quite cute and attractive.

A person with an unconventional sense of morality who is suspiciously self-conscious.

Normally, if you mix in some coquetry like this, most men would fall for it.

Evan wasn’t. Knowing that, I decided that I had to send this annoying guy to my friend as soon as possible, even if it meant looking a little embarrassed.

“… … Hmm?”

That’s why Elijah─. Suddenly, he realized that Evan was gently pushing back his bangs, and he couldn’t help but notice it a little too late.

A completely unexpected skinship. The words spoken impulsively resulted in a rather unexpected contact.

‘Side’, and so on.

She didn’t come to her senses until Evan put his lips to her forehead.

I just feel something soft and unidentifiable touch and fall between my eyebrows.

Soon Evan pulled his head away again, and Elijah looked up at him with a bewildered expression.

The man’s hand gently caressing her forehead with a somewhat embarrassed expression.

“… … in… … ?”

Elijah let out a stupid voice with all his heart. He had no choice.

There were two things she hadn’t anticipated: one, that Evan’s image of her had softened considerably through their previous conversation.

And the second is… … . The psychological barrier to ‘kissing’ was considerably lowered for Evan because of Lete and Israfil.

There was a high probability that he could not even guess 10% of Elijah’s feelings at this moment.

A set of values that are completely contrary to the common sense of the priests of the Solar Church.

“I’m sorry for always hitting you, Ruben. No, Elijah. Honestly, I never thought you’d take it this seriously.”

“Uh, huh? Nope?”

“I can’t promise to be kind to you in the future, but I’ll tell you how grateful I am.”

After that, I patted Elijah’s head as if he was a little child, who was reacting in a dazed manner as if he had lost his mind.

Evan added a final word of thanks before turning around and leaving in a rather hurried manner.

It was probably inevitable that he would go out in search of Lethe, but that was not important to Elijah right now.

I just stare blankly at Evan’s back, overcome by an indescribable, cheeky feeling.

That was the best it could be. Soon, when Evan was finally out of sight, Elijah silently and silently went out, his face turning bright red.

He put back the crow’s feet that he had raised awkwardly. His two eyes shook in a dazed manner as if he had lost his mind.

“Huh, huh… … ?”

She stood there like a statue, stumbling and touching her forehead.