Chapter 13 - A true hero flexing his power
{I'll try a different way to write dialogues in this chapter, since in the future there will be more characters than Ren. The objective is to make it clearer and easier to understand. If it works well, I'll keep it from here onwards.}
—
Ding~ Dong~ (schoolbell.mp3)
As the bell rang, starting the morning break, Ren slouched back in his seat.
Ren: 'I'll have to put in a little bit of effort to keep my grades up high. It's been a while since I studied these things.'
He could still keep himself above most students, since he excelled academically in his past life, and even maintaining the third place in rankings could be done easily, but the last time he refreshed his knowledge of these basic topics was a few years ago.
Ren: 'If my grades drop, I could end up with Ella reducing my allowance.'
He felt it had a high probability of happening, so he resolved himself to pay a little more attention so as to not fall behind his previous self's level.
While he was lost in thought, someone was looking at him from the corridor, watching closely his every move.
A few minutes later, another figure approached, whispering something. Right after, both of them went away, while Ren remained oblivious to their behavior.
Soon, the bell rang once more, another teacher arriving a few moments later. Ren corrected his posture and focused, trying to remember what he learnt in the past.
[...]
Once the lunch break came, Ren intended to get something to eat in the cafeteria, but was stopped by a girl from his class.
???: "Ashikawa-kun, do you want to eat lunch together with us?"
A young woman with brown curly hair and eyes approached, pointing at a group of girls. It was Natsui Mahana, a friend of Tatsuki and Orihime, from what Ren remembered. She had quite the pair, and from the way her uniform was a little unbuttoned, it seemed she didn't mind showing off a little cleavage.
Mahana: "We are going to eat on a clearing in the middle of the trees. It's pretty nice."
Other than her, in the group were Kunieda Ryou, Ogawa Michiru, Honshou Chizuru, Inoue Orihime and Arisawa Tatsuki. They were looking at him at the moment while standing near the door, lunchboxes on hand.
Michiru: "Hana-chan, w-what are you doing?" She was a little panicked.
Michiru was a shy girl with dark eyes and short brown hair with her bangs clipped back so as to not cover her eyes. It made her look more neat and arguably girlier.
Mahana: "It's fine, right? I wanted to ask Ashikawa-kun about what went on the news. There were too many people around yesterday." 'Hana-chan' pouted.
Ren was a little surprised with the invitation. He expected to eat alone, or maybe with Ichigo and the others, since they started getting along.
Before Ren could answer, however, another girl spoke.
Orihime: "Okay~ I think Ashikawa-kun is nice." She accepted without much thought.
Orihime had brown eyes and long burnt orange hair reaching her waistline, with a full fringe parted in the middle covering her forehead. She was a kind and friendly girl with a bubbly personality despite her high grades, and while slender, she had a very curvaceous figure most evident by her large breasts.
Tatsuki: "If Orihime's fine with it, I won't complain." She was a tomboyish girl with a leaner figure, with short black hair reaching her nape, a little spiky, and black eyes. Perhaps from her experience as a karate practitioner, she was usually laid back and calm, unless provoked. Tatsuki was a childhood friend of Orihime and was normally quite bold and extroverted in comparison to her friend.
Chizuru: "I concur. Since he treats Hime well, I also think he's nice."
Chizuru was a thin teenager with short red hair and purple eyes, her bangs parted on both sides of her face. She also wore red framed glasses and usually looked happy whenever you saw her, not much being able to shake her composure. She was a little bit of a pervert too, and her tastes went the other way, commonly translating as trying to hug Orihime at almost every chance they got, trying to cop a feel.
Ryou: "Sometimes I really fear your way of judging people, Chizuru… But I have no problem too."
Ryou was a bright girl who excelled academically. She had long black hair and eyes, with a mole under the left one. Her comments and observations usually struck the point, and she could become a little competitive sometimes, though it would depend on the subject.
Seeing that everyone had agreed, Michiru was a little surprised, but nodded shyly as well.
Ren: "Um, thank you for inviting me. I'd be happy to join you all for lunch, but the thing is that I woke up a little late and didn't prepare any…" He smiled wryly at the group of girls, rubbing the back of his head.
Orihime: "It's okay, Ashikawa–kun. I have extra!" She held up a slightly transparent plastic bag holding a very big piece of bread and a thick tube that seemed to have cream cheese inside, judging from the label.
Ren was momentaneously surprised by the size of the bread, but someone called out to him.
Tatsuki: "Hey, don't be so surprised. Today's one is actually normal, so consider yourself lucky to have escaped yesterday's taiyaki with ketchup and mustard."
From her deadpan stare, Ren could infer it was a dreadful combination. He silently decided to not doubt his luck again.
Ren: "Okay then, my humble self will join your ladies's gathering." He made a mock bow.
Mahana beamed and they left the classroom, following behind the rest of the group . As they walked to the clearing, Ren noticed how the girls interacted with each other. Orihime and Tatsuki walked side by side, with the latter occasionally nudging the former playfully. Chizuru kept trying to get closer to hug Orihime, only to be swiftly blocked by Tatsuki's well-timed elbow.
Michiru, on the other hand, seemed a bit nervous, glancing at Ren and then quickly looking away when he caught her eye. Ryō walked slightly behind the group, her book in hand, though she occasionally glanced up to make sure she didn't fall behind.
Once they reached the clearing, they all sat down in a circle, unpacking their lunchboxes. The atmosphere was lively and cheerful, with the girls chatting animatedly about various topics.
Ren: "This is a nice spot. Do you come here often?"
Mahana: "Yeah! It's peaceful and has a nice view. Plus, it's away from the crowds."
Orihime: "And it's a great place to daydream!" She smiled, her eyes sparkling with excitement, a little bit of cream in the corner of her mouth.
Chizuru: "Orihime, you always find a way to make everything sound magical." She moved closer to Orihime, only to be blocked by Tatsuki again.
Tatsuki: "Alright, enough of that. Focus on your food. Ashikawa, you said you woke up late? I think that's the first time it happened."
Ren blinked: "Really? How do I usually behave, from you girl's point of view?" He had little knowledge about Ren's actions and relationships before his reincarnation. Any info he could get would be a nice profit already.
Orihime: "Hmm, kind of like… a cat? Like, a serious and cool one." She attempted to make a serious face, but it seemed more of the comical type.
Tatsuki: "What she is trying to say is that you usually seem distant and keep to yourself. You had no problem talking or working together with other people, but didn't mingle with anyone in particular too often."
Michiru: "It's a little surprising to see you being so approachable, Ashikawa-kun. You used to be quiet and aloof, but it wasn't like Kurosaki-kun or Ishida-kun who almost never smiled."
It seemed Michiru had opened up a bit after spending time together.
Hearing their words made Ren feel more curious as to what could have led to him becoming like that. From the family photos and other information he had gathered, the previous Ren didn't seem like this type of guy.
Ren: "I hadn't noticed it before, thanks for telling me."
He then smirked, before asking in a teasing tone, doing a pose while framing his chin between his thumb and index finger.
Ren: "Well, which one do you girl's like the most? I think my dashing looks have improved these few days."
Michiru blushed when Orihime widened her eyes, saying in an obvious tone.
Orihime: "Of course this one is better, else we wouldn't be able to talk with you here, Ashikawa-kun."
Mahana nodded while Tatsuki facepalmed, sighing.
There was a brief silence, before Chizuru moved and blocked her from Ren.
Chizuru: "Hey, stop trying to charm my Hime with your looks. Just 'cause you got famous lately and look a little handsome, you still have to get past me!"
She tried to use this opportunity to hug Orihime again and cop a feel, but was interrupted midway by Tatsuki grabbing her.
Tatsuki: "And just how did Orihime suddenly become yours, huh?"
Chizuru was thrown away as the rest of the group laughed at their interaction. Somehow, she flew in Ren's direction, causing him to catch her by reflex, falling on his back. He looked at her as she got her bearings.
Ren: "Are you okay? That was quite the distance."
He could smell a flowery fragrance coming from her, and decided not to comment on how soft and light she felt.
Chizuru: "I'm used to it. One day, Tatsuki will accept and bless our-" She froze, noticing she was actually in Ren's arms, lying on his chest.
Mahana: "Whew~." She whistled.
Ryou: "Heh. Even a 'proud lesbian' only goes so far, huh?" She made an offhand comment, chuckling behind her book.
Chizuru, still frozen, now had a tinge of red spreading across her face. She quickly got up, almost stumbling. In the process, she stomped on his abdomen, making Ren let out an 'Oof'.
Chizuru: "S-so-sorry!" She stuttered, moving up her hand to fix her glasses, only to notice they weren't there.
Ren grabbed them from the ground while sitting up, cleaned the lenses with his sleeve and handed the glasses back to her, with a smile, still wincing slightly.
Ren: "Here. You know… you look cute without glasses too, Honshou-san." He complimented, trying to help her calm down.
Tatsuki: "Whoa."
Ryou: "He dealt the finishing blow. She's dead."
Mahana: "Yep. He's good."
With her blush deepening, Chizuru grabbed her glasses and put them on, ignoring the other's comments as she went back to her previous seat, plopping down silently. Tatsuki, Ryou and Mahana followed her every moment with their eyes, while Michiru and Orihime were blushing for another reason, which didn't help Chizuru in the slightest.
Ryou, looking up from her book, asked, "Ashikawa-kun, about what Mahana mentioned earlier… What really happened yesterday? There were so many rumors going around."
This was the question Ren knew was coming up eventually. He had long decided to own up to it, since there was no way he could tell the complete truth without exposing the existence of Hollows and the spiritual world.
Ren took a moment to compose his thoughts. "Well, it wasn't as dramatic as some of the stories. I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time and ended up getting involved in a small incident. Nothing too heroic since I still managed to get injured."
Mahana: "But didn't the girl in the news say you only got injured because you protected her and her little sister? Was it not true?"
Ren: "Well… Haah, it is true. One of the guys who had a wakizashi got angry and tried to attack them after I defeated a few of their men. Maybe it was his friend or something like that. The whole thing was kind of confusing, since I don't really get why those two gangs would involve the girls in their scuffle."
Crafting a believable story on the fly was something he didn't normally do.
Ren: "I managed to get in between them in time, but the blade ended up hitting my arm. If I was a little faster, maybe the little one wouldn't have to see me getting injured. I don't think I looked like a hero at that moment."
He made an embarrassed act, rubbing the back of his head with a wry smile, and it seemed everyone had bought it.
Michiru: "That's still amazing! Helping out like that takes courage."
Orihime: "Yeah, I think it's really brave. You're kind, Ashikawa-kun." She smiled warmly at Ren.
Ren: "Thanks, haha. I just hope they didn't get traumatized." This time he was actually a little embarrassed.
Mahana: "I don't think you need to be so worried. If I was saved like that I'd be head over heels for the guy. Right, Chizuru?" She said with a sly smile.
Chizuru: "Wha- w-why are you asking me?"
Ryou: "Incredible. So this is a hero's true power…" It was hard to know if he was talking about her book or Ren.
Ren himself didn't know what to say, but his instinct told him to keep silent, and trusting his instincts has been helping a lot lately.
Tatsuki: "Anyway, the teacher said you should be resting at home instead of coming to school. I don't know what you're thinking, but it's important to let your body recover properly, even if you're already healing." She had her own share of injuries from fighting, though none were this serious.
Ren: "Thanks, Tatsuki. I'll try to stay out of trouble."
He continued talking about various topics as the lunch break flew by, and before they knew it, the bell rang again, signaling the end of the break. They all packed up their lunchboxes and headed back to class, still chatting and laughing.
Ren: "Thanks for inviting me. It was a lot of fun."
Mahana: "No problem! You're welcome to join us anytime."
As they walked back to the classroom, Ren felt way more relaxed than before. Though unexpected, this was a nice change of pace. He smiled to himself, thinking that apart from the danger, this new life wouldn't be so bad after all.
[...]
After the day's classes ended, Ren was making his way to the school library once again. He wanted to return the book on meditation he borrowed on the previous day and take a second look for anything that could assist him regarding Reiatsu control, mainly suppression. Today's target would be eastern theories about internal energy.
Ren walked down the quiet hallways, the ambient sounds of students chatting and lockers clanking becoming more distant as he approached the library. Entering the serene space filled with the smell of old books, he felt a sense of calm wash over him.
The library was quiet, its silence punctuated only by the occasional rustle of pages or the soft thud of books being placed on tables. Ren approached the librarian's desk, where a quiet girl with braided black hair and glasses was busy organizing a stack of returned books.
Ren: "Good afternoon. I'm here to return this book." He handed over the meditation book with a polite smile.
The librarian looked up, her gaze meeting him briefly before she took the book from his hands.
Librarian: "Good afternoon. Did you find the book helpful?" Her voice was soft, almost a whisper, as she placed the book on a cart behind her.
Ren: 'She's talking today.' He noted.
Ren: "Yes, it was quite informative. I was wondering if you have any books on eastern theories about internal energy. It would be even better if they were about the control and sensing aspects of it."
The librarian adjusted her glasses and thought for a moment. After seeing Ren's "peculiar" choices the previous afternoon, she was now unfazed.
Librarian: "We do have a section on Eastern philosophies and martial arts. You might find what you're looking for there. Follow me, please."
She led Ren through the rows of bookshelves to a quieter corner of the library. The section was filled with books on various topics, from traditional martial arts to ancient philosophies and spiritual practices.
Librarian: "Here we are. If you need any specific recommendations, feel free to ask."
Ren nodded his thanks and began scanning the titles. He picked up a few books that looked promising: "The Art of Qi Manipulation," "Secrets of Chi" and "Tai Chi and Kung Fu for Newbies"
Ren: "These look perfect. Thank you."
The librarian gave a small nod before returning to her desk. Ren found a quiet corner and settled down with the books. He took a notebook from his bag and separated a different section for today's research.
Ren: 'I'll also look on the internet once I get home. I have to find a way to control my own Reiatsu.'
He flipped through the pages, absorbing the information and making mental notes of the most useful parts to read. Then, he calmly visited them one by one, jotting down citations and his own observations in the notebook.
Time passed quickly as Ren delved deeper into the texts. He didn't mind the boring process at all. Being a master's degree student in his past life, he had already finished taking the mandatory classes and had already started working on his thesis by the time he died. The research methods were still ingrained in his mind, and it helped that he was more than passionate about the subject this time as well.
He was particularly intrigued by a section in "The Art of Qi Manipulation" that discussed the importance of breath control and mental focus in suppressing oneself. The book described various meditation techniques and physical exercises that could help one achieve a state of inner calm and control.
Ren: 'Though this internal energy probably doesn't exist, the theoretical process itself is interesting. The mentions regarding the role of the mind and focus affecting the ability to make the energy flow make sense, at least in paper.'
Ren: 'Breathing exercises are an area I have a lot of mastery in already, since I did a lot of them as a wind instrument performer, and I can understand these suggestions should have the calming and focusing effect they describe.'
After finishing with the first book around an hour later, Ren moved to the next. He continued making observations using his knowledge from the Bleach series.
Ren: 'From what I know, spiritual pressure or Reiatsu is an application of one's own spiritual power. In that sense, since everyone has some level of the latter, the former is a given.'
Everyone had Reiryoku, but using their Reiatsu to do things was what differentiated the special beings from the common people.
Ren: 'But pressure and energy are different things. If I want to suppress my Reiatsu, I need to feel it, compare it with normal people's, and somehow find a way to control the power itself that exerts the pressure, so that I regulate the output and limit it to the same amount of other's.'
This was Ren's theory about the way to achieve his objective. The problem was that he wasn't able to feel the thing yet, holding everything else back as a consequence.
Ren: 'Looking at it from the perspective of these eastern theories, it would be like power is static while pressure is the movement or circulation of that power.'
He noted this observation, but dismissed it in his mind.
Ren: 'Still, it is quite a stretch to think about it this way. The series itself didn't specify in clear terms how everything works, or if it did, I don't remember it well, but it didn't go this route. I'm grasping at straws here…'
Ren: 'In many moments, the characters would be able to defeat someone with more Reiryoku than them, and would be able to flare or suppress their Reiatsu. This once again indicates that they are not the same thing. It was also said that Reiatsu itself was virtually infinite as long as they were alive, even though it was used for attacks like Getsuga Tenshou.'
He continued reading, occasionally jotting down notes. After finishing the third book, he got up, grabbed a few more and continued.
A few hours later, still lost in his studies, he didn't notice the time until the librarian approached him again.
Librarian: "Excuse me, but the library will be closing in ten minutes."
Ren looked up, slightly startled. He hadn't realized it had gotten so late.
Ren: "Thank you for letting me know. I'll put these back."
He put the books back on the shelves and left the library. On the way home, he passed by the Karakura Community Park. He looked around, seeing no one nearby.
Ren: "Let's make a detour."
Chapter 14 - Truck-kun feels a disturbance in the force
Ren stepped off the sidewalk and onto the soft, well-trodden path that wound through the park. The late afternoon sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow over the landscape. Long shadows stretched from the trees, creating a patchwork of light and dark on the grassy fields. The air was filled with the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant presence of people getting their things to leave or taking a walk through the landscape.
The park was a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling city of Karakura. Tall, ancient trees lined the pathways, their branches swaying gently in the summer breeze. The scent of blooming flowers mingled in the air, creating a calming, natural fragrance.
Ren walked slowly, taking in the serene atmosphere, albeit in a different way than that of the library he was just in. Birds chirped melodiously from the branches above, and the occasional flutter of wings could be heard as they flitted from tree to tree. He noticed a family having a picnic on a blanket far away, their cheerful chatter adding a layer of warmth to the scene. A couple strolled hand-in-hand along the path, lost in their own world.
As he ventured deeper into the park, Ren's search for a quiet spot led him to a small, secluded clearing surrounded by a dense thicket of bushes and trees. Ren approached it, appreciating the sense of solitude it offered. Here, the sounds of the city were muted, replaced by the harmonious symphony of nature.
He sat down on the ground, feeling the sensation of grass beneath him. The sun's rays filtered through the canopy above, creating a dappled pattern on the ground. Ren closed his eyes for a moment, allowing the peaceful ambiance to wash over him. The gentle hum of insects and the soft rustling of leaves created a soothing background melody.
Ren: "I think I can understand what it meant now. This is very peaceful…"
He took a deep breath, filling his lungs with the fresh, clean air. Ren felt a sense of calm settle over him, the worries and stresses of the day melting away. This was the perfect place to begin his meditation, according to the book's suggestions.
His thoughts drifted to the lunch break, where he had sat with the girls on a similar clearing. He reminisced about his interactions and their varied personalities, a smile forming on his mouth.
Ren: "Yep, I wasn't wrong. This world definitely has great girls."
For him, it was a great surprise to have been invited by them. He enjoyed the time and secretly hoped they would call him again in the future.
Ren: "Okay, let's focus." He prepared to meditate a second time.
Ren took out his notes and followed the parts he had surmised would work to improve his focus and calm down his mind. He silenced himself, closing his eyes.
Ren: 'I'm trying to feel the presence of an energy that didn't exist in my past life. Maybe that's what has been holding me back.'
Ren: 'The human brain does a lot in the background to filter irrelevant information coming from the senses. I shouldn't keep being skeptical regarding this anymore, since I am indeed able to see spirits, Shinigamis and even Hollows here. The recent encounters have more than proved that.'
He thought, trying to convince himself of this reality.
Ren: 'I should think of this as trying to look at my own soul inside me, and then feel the Reiryoku inside of it. That's what I'm looking for.'
Remembering his knowledge from the way things worked in this world, Ren now referred to them as truths instead of mere fictional concepts.
Ren: 'Here, the soul is not some sort of elusive concept. Everything has a soul, and individuals have spiritual power stemming from their own existences. Those that are able to generate spiritual pressure can see spirits and access it. It can be felt, used, increased… and controlled. I have it, and can do the same too.' He affirmed in his mind repeatedly.
Ren: 'If it's hidden inside me, I just have to coax it out, gently.'
Ren started using the breathing techniques he knew mixed with the ones in his notes. He was trying to minimize his own self and become a part of the nature surrounding him.
After some time, his heartbeat started slowing down, and his breaths became deeper and longer, following a certain pattern, almost a rhythm. His thoughts became more sparse, and though he seemed close to falling asleep, he was very much awake.
Sounds in the environment felt increasingly more prominent, and Ren could even discern slightly what was happening around him through it, creating a mental image of the ambiance which surrounded him. The leaves swaying, the wind breezing by slowly, the distant sounds of people. Everything felt more present, even the sound of his own breathing and heartbeat.
The seconds turned into minutes, and soon these minutes became an hour. Ren sat peacefully on the grass, cross legged, imagining the existence of his own soul inside his body.
As the sun closed in on the horizon, the last bouts of light traveled through the trees and reached the clearing, slightly illuminating the figure of a crimson haired young man so silent it would be hard to even know if he was alive if not for the slow, quiet breaths he exhaled occasionally.
This time, there weren't any interruptions, and a melody started making his way to Ren's ears, but he remained calm, only trying to appreciate the slow sound of the piano once again.
Ren: 'It's a different song this time. This one is definitely me.'
A smile unconsciously formed on his face as Ren listened to the various nuances he liked to insert in his performances. The very small changes in harmony and strength were a thing he enjoyed using to make each of them unique to him.
Ren: 'This is from the time I learned one of Ravel's Pavanes. Such a melancholic tone, so delicate…'
He felt as if he was hearing himself play to his side, looking into the past through the lens of a distant memory.
Soon, while entranced by the song, Ren felt something.
Ren: 'W-what is this?'
There was something gigantic inside him, like an aura. He felt like it was always there, despite never showing itself before.
Ren: 'Is this my Reiatsu? Or maybe the Reiryoku itself? Some of it is leaking outwards through these small spots…'
Ren started getting excited after feeling the presence of this aura-like energy, and he lost his focus from the meditation. In the last moments, he had the impression to have seen something radiating from him, but couldn't be sure.
The mysterious power vanished from his perception, as if it never existed. Ren wasn't sad, however, excitement bubbling inside him.
Ren: 'I did it! Finally, I was able to sense it!'
Ren felt ecstatic, almost shouting in happiness, but was able to restrain himself. He opened his eyes, and looking around, he noticed it was getting dark.
Ren: "Let's go home. I can think on the way."
He muttered as he got up, patting the back of his trousers to remove any dirt and debris that might have gotten stuck. After putting his notebook back inside his bag, he grabbed his things and made his way out of Karakura Community Park.
[...]
Since he was already halfway there, it didn't take too long for Ren to enter the Minamikawase district once more, crossing the bridge over Karasu River. On the way, he couldn't stop thinking about what he felt during the meditation session a short while ago. He had a grin stuck on his face for quite some time already.
Ren: "Hahaha, I actually have spiritual pressure! Well… that's what I think it was, anyway…"
Ren felt giddy inside. He didn't understand how to differentiate between Reiryoku and Reiatsu yet, but could make an educated guess.
Ren: "The most plausible explanation would be that the energy inside was the power, and the part that was radiating, or moving outwards, if I felt it right, would be the pressure. It's a little confusing…"
Ren mused as he walked, the sound of his steps echoing in the darkness of the streets illuminated only by the occasional light pole.
Soon, he saw the shape of the Kurosaki Clinic in the distance. His own house stood a little further, a two-story building with a balcony facing the street, and a window on the side overlooking the neighboring clinic. The design was pretty neat and modern, and he could see the gray curtains behind the glass door from where he was.
He approached the gate, unconsciously humming a tune from one of the popular songs he liked. On the wall beside it there was an intercom and a plaque with the name "Ashikawa" being displayed. After entering through, Ren made his way to the front door and got inside, going upstairs to his room.
Ren closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He remained silent with a serious demeanor for an unknown period of time and then, suddenly, a creepy smile spread on his face and he started laughing maniacally, like some sort of crazy villain.
Ren: "HAHAHAHAHA! SUCK ON DEEZ, 'TRUCK-KUN'! YOU CAN'T STOP ME NOW!"
He confidently threw a finger to the air, as if it would cross dimensions and reach his target. Then, he stared at his right hand, closing it into a fist while proclaiming smugly.
Ren: "I, YOUR DADDY, HAS POWERS!!"
[...]
Some time later, Ren calmed down a little after feeling hungry, and went downstairs still in his happy mood. He almost hopped over to the kitchen, making his way to the fridge. After opening the door, however, everything was lost as he fell silent and grimaced.
Ren: "Shit."
The good times were over. Ren had completely forgotten to visit the shopping district.
Inside the fridge were only a few eggs and some cheese. Nothing to drink except the bottles of cooled water from the filter. Feeling stumped, he looked in the cabinets and found one cup noodle package.
Ren: "This will have to do the job as today's dinner."
He grabbed the eggs and cheese from the fridge and the noodles, proceeding to prepare a makeshift meal while grumbling.
Ren: "There's no delivery app making life easier over here. Should I create one or maybe ask Ella? It seems like a profitable business idea…"
Ren scrambled the eggs in a sour mood. He could only blame himself for this situation, since he had quite a lot of time on the way home to remember his previous plans, but was too caught up in the fact that he felt what he assumed to be his Reiatsu earlier.
Ren: "I'm in the perfect condition to be a hero: dead parents, some unknown power and humble meals for dinner. Is this a conspiracy to make me one?" He was so salty it might affect the food.
[...]
A few minutes later, Ren sat down by the table with a bowl containing seasoned noodles, eggs and cheese, with a bottle of water nearby so he could fill the cup next to him.
Ren: "Not my most proud recipe, but it's not that bad." He consoled himself with this thought.
As he ate, Ren's phone rang suddenly from inside his pockets. Taking it out, he saw a familiar picture of himself and a young woman in a formal suit with golden blonde long hair and vibrant purple eyes, calling once more.
Ren felt a pang of worry as he saw Ella's name on the screen. He had a feeling this wasn't going to be a casual conversation. He took a deep breath before answering.
Ren: "Hey, sis. How's it going?" He tried to sound casual.
Ella: "Ren! What on earth happened to you? Why are you on the news? And what's this about fighting gangsters and getting injured protecting some girl?!"
Ella's voice was sharp, a mix of anger and concern, and Ren could even picture her pacing back and forth, with a hand pinching between her eyes and her brows furrowed in frustration.
Ren: "Oh, that... yeah, it's a bit of a long story."
It seemed she had just caught wind of the news.
Ella: "A long story? Ren, I called you two days ago, and you didn't say a word about any of this! One of my staff called me today saying there was something I should see and, lo and behold, there was "Ashikawa Ren", in all his glory! They showed a video someone took of you near the park, walking towards Karakura High School while battered, cut and bruised with a gruesome slash near your left shoulder, bleeding so much your sleeve was drenched! I- Oh my God!"
He could infer that the sight must have been very shocking for her, going from her words and trembling, shaky voice. Ren felt bad. She sounded hurt and distraught, yet even more angry, breaking the stoic and composed businesswoman image he had of her from their previous conversation during his first day in this world.
Ella: "The way you talked made it seem like it wasn't that big of a deal and that your injuries weren't that serious! I had to find out from the news like everyone else. What were you thinking?"
Ren sighed, rubbing his temples. He knew he couldn't tell her the full truth about Hollows and Shinigamis. He had to stick to the story that had been crafted by Kuchiki Rukia's memory substitution tool.
Ren: "Ella, I can explain."
Ella: "You better." She replied, trying to calm down. "This story is blowing up on Japanese national TV, and even some news channels over here mentioned it recently. They're saying you fought off over thirty people to save a young woman and her sister? And instead of going to a hospital, you went to school afterward like it was nothing?"
Ren: "The school was closer and had an infirmary, and it all happened so fast. I was just trying to help someone in trouble." Things did happen very fast back then, and he did go to school first because of the infirmary being closer than Karakura Hospital.
Ella: "Help someone? You took on thirty gangsters by yourself! Thirty! Are you out of your mind? You could have been killed, Ren!"
Ren: "I know it sounds crazy, but even if I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, I couldn't just stand by and do nothing. They were in danger." He tried to justify it somehow.
Ella: "You… Haah, why didn't you tell me? And how did you even manage to fight off so many people? You're not exactly... built like a fighter." She sighed.
Ren: "I know, I know," He said, his tone placating. "I didn't want to worry you. And honestly, it wasn't as dramatic as the news made it sound. There were some misunderstandings."
Ella: "Misunderstandings?" She echoed, incredulous. "You got seriously injured, Ren! The school called me and told me you were in the infirmary after falling unconscious in class, but I didn't see anything. I was so worried after seeing your state in the news. How bad is it really?"
Ren took a deep breath. "I'm okay, Ella. It looks and sounds worse than it is. I'm healing. But look, there were a lot of men, yes, but they weren't all on the same side, so I used that to my advantage. Things got exaggerated too, because they weren't that strong."
If they got battered so much from being caught in the aftermath, Ren surmised the folks weren't that big of a threat, probably.
Ren: "Remember the Kurosaki Clinic next to the house? I went there yesterday to get my bandages changed and buy more of the medicine prescribed by the school nurse before. They're a nice bunch, and the eldest son Ichigo is one of my classmates. I'm recovering well already, even faster than expected, so I'll be fine."
Ella: "...That's good to hear."
Ella's voice softened, but there was still an edge to it. She was silent for a moment, processing his words, regaining some of her composure.
Ella: "Ren, I need you to be more careful. You're all I have left, you know? I can't lose you too."
Ren felt a pang of guilt. He had made her get so worried and didn't even know about it.
Ren: "I'm sorry for worrying you, Ella. I didn't mean to scare you. I'll be more careful, I promise."
Ella: "You better be." She sighed, her demeanor returning to her previous stoic style. "I wish I could come see you, but things are getting busier here. I won't be able to visit for quite some time."
Ren: "I understand, it's okay," He said, trying to sound reassuring. "Take care of yourself, Ella. I'll be fine."
Ella: "I will, so you should too. And Ren… please, don't do anything reckless again."
Ren: "I won't. I promise."
Ella: "Also, don't forget to visit the market frequently week to get food and other things. You're the type to keep forgetting until there's nothing left at home. I could even bet your dinner today was some instant noodles with whatever leftovers were in the fridge."
Ren: "H-how did-" He felt some cold sweat on his back.
Ella: "Heh, figures. It's a woman's intuition~"
She seemed to have calmed down a bit, having even a bit of humor in her voice.
Ella: "Oops, I have to go now. Take care, bye."
Something must have shown up for her to do, since she ended the call suddenly.
Putting down his phone, Ren sat back and stared at his meal, his appetite diminished. He couldn't tell her the full truth about what had happened, but he hoped his reassurances would be enough for now. He needed to be more careful from now on, it seems, not just for his own sake, but his Ella's as well. Anyone would understand she loved and cared deeply about him, so he couldn't let her down.
With a heavy sigh, he finished his makeshift dinner and cleaned up, his thoughts a mix of relief and guilt as Ren took a quick shower. Finishing up, he headed back upstairs, determined to focus on his new reality and the challenges it brought.
Ren settled into bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind still buzzing with the events of the day, a rollercoaster full of unexpected happenings and emotions. He replayed his interactions with various people and the time in the library, the lunch break with the girls, Ella's concerned voice and the sensation of feeling that aura inside him when meditating in the park.
It was a small victory since he only felt it briefly, but it was enough to give him hope. As he drifted off to sleep, he promised himself that he would put in the effort to live a happy life here.
Chapter 15 - Touching grass is a life changing event
(A/N: I'm back, and a little refreshed with ideas. I used the weekend to think about it more so that I don't screw myself over many chapters in the future. It will probably still happen anyway, but it's fine...)
—
Ren woke up on time the next day. It seemed his body's biological clock was returning to its normalcy.
The cut in his upper left arm still throbbed with every beat of his heart. He could use some new bandages too, since there was some small amount of blood showing up on their surface. The rest of his body felt a lot better… Well, at least the fatigue was gone, but the bruises and cuts were still hurting a little.
Ren: 'Tomorrow there will be P.E. class. I wonder if I'll be in condition to participate or if I should just watch from the sides. The teacher is Kagine, so the answer's probably not.'
It would be fine if he couldn't participate, but Ren wanted to use every chance he had to train his body, just in case he needed it. He wasn't attacked again yet, but having no way to predict or sense Hollows yet, he was feeling a little paranoid lately.
Sitting up on the bed, Ren remembered his previous success in feeling spiritual pressure.
Ren: 'Even though I had only glimpsed it at that moment, knowing I have it is the biggest gain. At least now I feel confident I'll have a chance to grow.'
Ren: 'I still have over two months to prepare myself. There's no way I won't be able to learn how to feel and control it until then.'
He smiled and got up, starting his morning routine by grabbing his uniform and going downstairs to wash his face.
Ren: "Plans for the day: Survive the classes, Ask Aki-sensei to change my bandages, Go out for some shopping on the way home(this one's important, must not forget), Try to feel my own Reiatsu once more. I think that's all, as simple as it gets."
He made a mental note while also writing it down on his phone, just in case. After eating whatever was left and deciding to buy something in the school cafeteria for lunch, Ren donned his uniform and got ready to leave. He winced as his clothes brushed against his left arm, the pain a constant reminder of his current vulnerability. The thought of another Hollow attack sent a shiver down his spine, but he pushed it aside, determined to be ready.
He noticed he still had a few dozen minutes before he needed to leave and, deciding to do something to pass the time, he picked up the acoustic guitar from his room and sat on the couch inside the living room.
It felt slightly foreign in his hands, like holding a familiar tool with an unfamiliar grip. His fingers traced the strings, plucking out a few notes. The motions felt rusty, and his hands struggled a little before starting to find the fluidity they once possessed, albeit in his previous life. He played a few chords, softer and more hesitant than he remembered.
Ren strummed the strings of his guitar lightly, letting the notes ring out in the quiet of his living room. His fingers moved with a natural rhythm, but he quickly noticed the slight discomfort in his hands. The calluses he had once developed from hours of practice were nearly gone, and his fingers felt tender against the strings.
Ren: 'This body… it really isn't the same. No calluses, no muscle memory. I guess even the smallest things have changed.'
He began to play a simple melody, one he used to practice when he first learned the guitar. The notes filled the room, each one a reminder of the countless hours he'd spent mastering the instrument, the technique ingrained in his very being over the years. Getting more used to it, he changed to a different one, singing along.
His voice, too, sounded different— a little unfamiliar, with a slight edge that wasn't there before. It was a strange sensation to hear it emerge from his own lips. He hadn't paid much attention to these details thanks to being frequently on edge here.
Ren: 'Even my voice... It's like a constant reminder that this isn't the same body. I wonder if I'll ever get used to it.'
He then moved to some of his favorite songs to warm up more. The music filled the room, each note resonating with a sense of nostalgia.
As he played, Ren's mind wandered back to the previous afternoon's meditation in the park. The melody he had heard then, a soft, soothing one began to surface in his mind. Somewhere along the line, without realizing it, his fingers started to replicate the tune on the guitar. It flowed naturally, as if waiting to be played all along.
Ren: "This melody… It's the same one from yesterday. Why do I remember it so clearly after so long?" He wondered. 'It's like it's etched into my mind, everything comes up perfectly and I didn't miss a single note yet.'
His fingers were moving almost of their own accord. The music seemed to flow from deep within him, stirring memories he hadn't thought about in a long time.
As he continued, a vivid memory resurfaced, transporting him back to the day he visited an orphanage. It was over three years ago, yet it felt like it had happened just yesterday.
His father had called from his hometown a few weeks after visiting him with his mother, saying that Ren should go out more, since he was in a new city for almost two years already but didn't have many friends, from what he knew.
He couldn't argue with his father's observation. Most of his time was spent between college and home, where he either immersed in his projects, anime marathons, gaming sessions, or just played his instruments in solitude. So, on a sunny Saturday, Ren decided to heed his father's advice. He grabbed his guitar, slung it over his shoulder, and ventured out for a walk.
It was an acoustic guitar like the one he was holding at the moment, but that was one he had splurged quite a lot to get. It had a black shade over the lacquered dark brown wood, with 4 shiny metal strings on the lower end and three custom red nylon strings for the higher pitches. Among the guitars in his collection, this was Ren's favorite.
Wandering the streets, he stumbled upon an orphanage near the park he was initially heading to. The matron was a warm-hearted woman in her forties with burnt blonde hair. She and a few younger girls were playing with a bunch of kids in the yard to the side of the building. They sat in a circle on the grass, laughter filling the air.
Ren: "I remember just standing there, watching them for a while," he said softly, a smile tugging at his lips. "It reminded me of my own childhood."
[...]
Ren was silently looking through the gate with a smile, watching the scene inside the orphanage's yard.
He was lost in thought at that time, but his presence didn't go unnoticed, and the children saw him looking from the other side of the gate, making some noise right after. Their voices rang out, alerting the matron, who looked up and met Ren's eyes. Feeling awkward, he apologized, and was about to walk away when the matron called out to him with a warm smile.
Matron: "Why don't you come in and join us?" she had said, her voice gentle and welcoming.
Ren: "Oh, um, sure," Caught off guard, Ren hesitated but then replied, scratching the back of his head as he walked through the gate and sat down with them.
Seeing Ren plop down while putting the guitar case to his side, some of the kids got excited, their curiosity piqued, and wanted to know what it was, pestering him as the older girls tried to calm them down.
"What's that?" a little girl with golden hair asked, pointing at the guitar case.
"Is it a toy?" a black haired boy nearby already wanted to play with whatever was inside.
"It's so big, too." another boy with short brown hair added.
They continued asking until Ren, unable to bear watch to the older girls' predicament, relented and took it out, eliciting a few low sighs of relief.
"Whoa!" the little girl was surprised.
"It's a cannon!" a boy a little further away pointed.
"So cool! Let me fire it!" his friend got excited.
Hearing their words, Ren chuckled, his previous embarrassment diminishing a little.
Ren: "It's an instrument, not a cannon." Ren replied with a smile, his voice soft as he twirled it in his hands to show them. "It's called a guitar. You can make music with it." He positioned it in his lap and strummed a few chords, the familiar vibrations easing his nerves.
"Can you play it?" a girl with pigtails asked sitting to his side, her eyes shining with anticipation.
Ren: "I can. I'm a musician." He nodded with a smile.
The children's eyes widened in fascination. Encouraged by their excitement, Ren began to play a song he had been working on. The piece wasn't originally his but had been rearranged enough to feel unique already.
[...]
Ren's fingers got more and more used to his own technique, flowing between strings with fluidity, more natural than before. The sound of the guitar echoed from the living room to the rest of the house, and even a few passerby could hear it. Among them, two figures in particular who were making their way towards the Kurosaki Clinic had stopped to appreciate the beautiful melody being exquisitely performed.
Ren didn't know this, however, as the memory got more and more vivid, and he started to feel as if he was actually there once again. He could see their faces and look around, noticing details he wouldn't have paid attention to back then, but his mind still recorded. He was almost relieving it one more time, engraving the feelings and sensations anew.
Ren: 'That was a great day. If not for this encounter, so many things wouldn't have happened...'
He reminisced, as his left hand started moving rapidly through a series of chords compounding on each other in a complex progression, building up in a melancholic tone. It resonated on its own for a few moments, as if Ren was dragging them on purpose.
Ren: 'I would never create the project, wouldn't be as close to Henry or have as many stories to tell Anna... or meet the woman that would one day lead me to the fateful event responsible for my reincarnation.'
Thinking up to this point, he felt a little bittersweet, but seeing the many faces expectantly waiting to hear the next part of the song, with tension gripping their hearts as the resolution was still to come, his hands moved first, exactly like his own self in the memory. The both of them seemed to merge slowly as the two performances started to synchronize.
Ren: 'There's no need to be sad thinking about happy things.'
Hearing himself play a more uplifting passage, Ren was affected, feeling more upbeat as well. The two Rens became perfectly one as the songs perfectly aligned with each other, no difference noticeable anymore.
Ren: 'I'm here now, but this song wasn't left behind, really. Nothing was left behind.'
Approaching the climax of the piece, Ren delved deeper, immersing himself more in the memory so vividly resurfacing inside his mind. Unbeknownst to him, something was stirring inside his soul, moving in the rhythm resonating through his being in this very moment...
[...]
The children's enthusiasm was infectious, and Ren found himself smiling as he played. Their faces lit up, some of them with their bodies swaying to the rhythm.
Ren: 'I didn't expect something as simple as playing a song could bring this reaction from them.' He mused internally while smiling.
The afternoon passed quickly as he kept playing many songs they or he knew, with laughter and cheers filling the yard. The children gathered around him, listening intently, sometimes singing along, their eyes shining with delight. The matron and the older girls who helped her watched with gentle smiles.
He also participated in the games with them, resuming his playing once they got tired and plopped down around - and over - him while he leaned back against a tree. Some of them fell asleep while others enjoyed the songs.
Once the sky became tinged with orange, he put his guitar back in the case. One of the kids, a girl with long black hair whose name he learned was Liz — short for Eliza — noticed the song stopped, and sat up while rubbing her eyes, relieving Ren's left thigh from its job as a pillow.
Liz: "Why are you stopping?" It seemed she had almost fallen asleep, not sounding as clear as before when she spoke with a frown.
Mary: "Are you leaving?" The golden haired little girl also noticed Ren's movements and asked from his right thigh. She was a little more perceptive and seemed to have understood his intentions.
Sensing the feeling return to his numb legs, Ren smiled and explained.
Ren: "Yeah, I have to go home now."
Hearing them speak, the other children also got up and chattering soon resumed, breaking the silent atmosphere. When he got up, intending to say goodbye, Chris, the boy with black hair who asked if his guitar was a toy, grabbed his arm.
Chris: "Will you come again, uncle Renn?" He asked, looking at Ren with expectation.
Before he could answer, Ren felt a thud on his left leg, and glanced down. A little girl with light brown hair in pigtails had 'attached' herself to his leg. Chloe's pigtails had become a bit loose from playing, and were currently swaying left and right violently as she was shaking her head.
Chloe: "You have to come again, if not I'll go with you then!" She was adamant about it.
Liz: "I'll go too." She already counted herself in.
Initially, Chloe was a bit shy, but her clingy nature started showing up after opening up to Ren.
The other's ears also perked up and they started bickering.
"Hey, that's not fair!" one boy said.
"Yeah, I also want to go!" another one butted in.
One of the older kids, a girl, tried to calm them down. "Are you two going to leave everyone behind and go?"
"Ah-" The two exclaimed in unison, not knowing what to do.
Ren, now surrounded by somewhere around thirty children eyeing him and blocking his escape routes, was sweating coldly. He looked at the matron and her helpers. They were older girls who were raised in the orphanage but didn't want to leave or weren't chosen for adoption.
He hoped they would save him from his predicament, somehow, but the only thing he received were warm smiles, as one of the girls said "Of course he will come again, right, Mr. Walsh?".
The matron put a hand to her mouth, but failed to hide the smile while calming things down.
Matron: "Okay, okay, everyone calm your horses. Mr. Walsh is feeling troubled." She then turned to him and said "We would love to have you back whenever you have the time. The children really enjoyed your music," She added while smirking "even I and the girls did too."
Ren hesitated for a few moments before answering.
Ren: "I'll come again, then, if you guys don't mind. Also just call me Renn. I'm too young to be called Mr. Walsh yet." He turned to Chris "You hear it? Don't call me 'uncle', please. I'm not even 20 years old yet, so say 'big brother' in the future, okay?"
Chris: "I got it, uncle!" He had failed to understand the mission parameters.
The children cheered, but Renn sighed, and after managing to somehow separate Chloe from his leg, he parted ways with them and made his way home.
[...]
Back in his living room, Ren's fingers continued to play the melody from that day. The notes echoed through the room, mingling with his memories. He smiled, a soft, bittersweet smile.
Ren: "I wonder if they're all doing well. Maybe..." He felt a little depressed knowing he wouldn't be able to see them again anytime soon, perhaps forever.
Ren: "I went there so much since then that I had actually forgotten it started like this." He said to himself with a smile.
Ren thought: 'Even in a new life, some things remain the same. The memories, the music, the warmth... maybe things haven't changed that much.'
He finished the tune, letting the final notes linger in the air. With a deep breath, he set the guitar aside and stood up, ready to face the day. The memories of his past had resurfaced so clearly, but it wasn't a bad thing. It reminded him that no matter where he was or what body he inhabited, there were things that were his and his alone.
Ren: 'My memories are a part of who I am. So is my music, knowledge and skill.' He felt more determined now.
Ren: 'It doesn't matter if the body changes, since these things are always going to be with me. They're a part of my soul, in a sense, huh?' The thought was a little funny, considering his current situation and the world he was now a part of.
His musings were interrupted by the sound of his phone alarm. It was time to head to school. Ren carefully placed the guitar back in the bed upstairs, making a mental note to buy a case today as well.
Ren grabbed his bag and headed out, the melody from the park and the orphanage still resonating in his heart. He made sure to double-check his list for the day, and went towards the gate after locking the door.
Moments after closing the gate, he heard a voice.
???: "Yo! What's up, Ren."
Chapter 16 - Local tomato-head teases local carrot-head
Ren almost jumped after hearing a voice behind him, and turned quickly to see who was there.
Ren: "Who- Oh, It's you guys." — He let out a soundless sigh of relief.
Before him were two teenagers wearing the same gray blazer and trousers he currently donned. The one who called was a slim young man with brown eyes and brown hair almost reaching his shoulders, currently grinning at Ren's reaction. To his side was another youngster with short dark hair and eyes smiling calmly, also looking cheerful. They were Asano Keigo and Kojima Mizuiro, respectively.
Mizuiro: "Good morning, Ren. I didn't know you were a musician."
Ren: "Morning. Were you guys hearing earlier?"
Mizuiro nodded as Keigo also said, raising a thumbs up "Good work man, that was really good."
Ren smiled: "Thanks. Are you waiting for Ichigo?"
Keigo: "Yeah, we walk together to school sometimes. Wanna join?" — He nodded.
Ren: "Sure."
As they started walking, Keigo couldn't contain his curiosity.
Keigo: "So, Ren, how long have you been playing the guitar?"
Ren: "For quite a few years now. It's something I've always enjoyed."
Mizuiro: "You sounded really professional. Do you play often?"
Ren: "Not as much as I used to, but I try to find time for it. It helps me relax."
They stopped in front of the Kurosaki Clinic, the morning air still cool with a hint of the day's heat to come. After Ichigo popped his head from the window to tell them he was coming down soon, they resumed chatting.
Keigo: "So, what kind of music do you play, Ren?"
Ren: "A bit of everything, really. I like to experiment with different genres."
Mizuiro: "That's impressive. Playing multiple genres requires a lot of versatility."
Ren: "Thanks. I enjoy it a lot."
They continued their conversation, discussing their favorite bands and music styles. Ren found this a little relaxing, since the two were easy to talk to. Even though Keigo was a slacker, he was a good-natured guy and decently smart, though his grades would say otherwise. Mizuiro, on the other hand, was calm and composed while also being knowledgeable in various subjects.
Keigo: "By the way, Ren, do you know any love songs? Those always get the girls, right?" He said with a hopeful grin.
Ren chuckled: "I know a few. Maybe I'll play one for you sometime." — He made a teasing smirk.
Keigo: "Hell no! Just teach me some. I don't swing that way! I wanna be a hit with the girls, not men!"
Mizuiro: "Only if you don't scare them away first," he joined, causing Keigo to feign a hurtful expression.
Soon enough, Ichigo emerged from the front door, looking his usual serious self. He walked over to the group, greeting his friends.
Ichigo: "Morning, guys. Morning, Ren."
Ren: "Morning, Ichigo."
Ichigo: "I heard a guitar earlier. Was that you, Ren?"
Ren nodded: "Yeah, I was playing a bit before leaving for school."
Ichigo: "You're pretty good. Do you play often?"
Ren: "Whenever I can. Do any of you play?"
Ichigo: "I have an electric guitar. I like to play it when I have the time. Chad's got a bass, too."
Keigo: "So you're not just a grumpy gangster! Teach me a little, Ichigo~" — He said while jumping on Ichigo and rocking back and forth.
Ichigo: "I'm not a gangster, you idiot!" — He snapped while elbowing Keigo to get him off.
Mizuiro: "I've never learned, but I think it's a great hobby. Helps you relax and express yourself." — He was completely calm, used to the ruckus.
Keigo: "I want to learn! Imagine the fame, the fans! I'll be popular with all the girls!"
Mizuiro chuckled: "Keigo, you think everything will help you impress girls."
Keigo: "Well, it doesn't hurt to try!"
Ren laughed: "Well, we could play together sometime. I'm a teacher too, so I could show you guys a few things."
Keigo: "Wait, teacher? Aren't you the same age as us?"
Ren: "Yeah, but I used to teach music part-time before...well, before everything changed and I ended up coming here. It's something I did on the side." — He improvised.
'Whew, that was close. But it is technically true…' Ren thought.
Mizuiro: "That's really cool, Ren. I'd be interested in learning a bit."
Keigo: "Me too! Imagine, Ichigo and Chad on guitar and bass, and me as the star vocalist! We'd be unstoppable!"
Ren chuckled at their antics: "It's pretty fun. If you really want to, I can show you some basics occasionally."
Keigo: "Sounds like a plan! This is my time to shine, you hear it Ichigo?!"
Ichigo: "Don't get ahead of yourself, Keigo."
The group continued making their way towards Karakura High School. The morning sun was beginning to warm the air, and the streets were bustling with students heading to their schools.
On the way, the topic of the day finally came into the conversation as they approached the school.
Keigo was practically bouncing with excitement. "So, gentlemen, are you prepared for today's big event?"
It was about Valentine's Day. Keigo and Mizuiro were pretty upbeat about it, one hoping to receive chocolates from… any girl really, and the other from the mature type.
Keigo: "I hope I get chocolates this year. I know that this time it will be different!" — He clenched his fists in expectation, a fire lighting in his eyes.
Mizuiro: "I'm looking forward to it too." — He smiled with his usual calm demeanor.
Ren, having seen this type of thing in anime before but not remembering the details, asked: "So, how does this whole Valentine's Day thing work here in Japan?"
Keigo and Mizuiro exchanged confused looks.
Keigo . "Wait, you don't know? Have you been living under a rock or something?" — He looked at Ren, puzzled.
Ren quickly made an excuse: "I was living overseas for a while before moving here. I don't remember things like this very well."
This explanation seemed to quell their doubts, and Mizuiro began to explain: "During Valentine's Day in Japan, women give chocolates to some of the boys and men in their lives. These chocolates represent their feelings towards them. It's not always romantic, though. Family and friends can also get chocolates."
Keigo jumped in: "And the next month, during White Day, it's the men's turn to repay the women with gifts and sweets."
Ren: "I see." — He nodded.
Ichigo, who had been listening quietly, added: "I usually get some from my sisters, Karin and Yuzu, but I don't see the point of the whole thing."
Keigo: "You have no understanding of a man's dream, Ichigo! This is about more than just chocolates; it's about romance and youth!" —He looked at Ichigo, aghast, while Mizuiro nodded behind him, sharing in Keigo's dramatic enthusiasm.
Keigo: "If a girl gives you some of it, that means she likes you. It's a confession!"
They shifted their attention to Ren, who was listening to the explanation silently.
Mizuiro: "So, Ren, have you never received any Valentine's chocolates before?"
Ren: "I don't remember. Maybe I did, but I just don't recall." — He shook his head, smiling wryly.
Keigo: "Don't worry, Ren! Our youthful spring will soon come! We'll be swimming in chocolates and confessions!" — He tried to console him, ever the dramatic one.
Ren could only smile wryly, not knowing whether to laugh or cry at Keigo's antics.
[...]
As they approached the school gates, the morning sun cast a warm glow over the building. The air was filled with the chatter of students and the excitement of Valentine's Day. Now knowing what it was all about, Ren felt a strange mix of anticipation and curiosity, wondering how the day would unfold and if he would receive any chocolates himself.
Keigo and Mizuiro continued to chatter excitedly, with Keigo occasionally glancing around as if searching for someone. Ichigo, as usual, maintained his calm and somewhat indifferent demeanor, though Ren could tell he was slightly amused by the whole situation.
As the group made their way in, Ren couldn't help but comment on the school's atmosphere.
Ren: "The mood here feels a lot different from normal," — he said, looking around at the bustling students.
Inside the school, the mood was festive and also bittersweet. Girls were carrying small, decorated boxes and bags, whispering and giggling with their friends. The boys, on the other hand, were either pretending not to care or anxiously looking around, hoping to receive chocolates.
Keigo nodded eagerly "That's Valentine's Day for you! It's like the whole school's buzzing with excitement."
The group made their way to the shoe lockers. After changing shoes they walked in the direction of the stairs. They headed to the classroom, but when they approached the stairs, a voice called out,
???: "Ashikawa-kun!"
Ren turned to see a girl with black eyes and black hair tied in a ponytail approaching them. She held a small red bag with a few cookies inside.
???: "Here. These are for you." — she said, blushing and averting her eyes.
Keigo's jaw dropped in shock, and even Ichigo and Mizuiro had surprised expressions on their faces. Ren stood stunned for a moment before taking the bag from her hands and smiling.
Ren: "Thank you. They look great, did you make these?"
???: "U-un." — She nodded before suddenly running away, leaving a bewildered Ren behind.
After a few seconds, Ren realized what had just happened and facepalmed.
Ren: "Oh no, I didn't ask for her name."
He wasn't a virgin in his past life, so he didn't feel very shy about it, but it was still unexpected enough that he forgot to stop the girl and ask for her name.
Ren: 'I'll look for her later. If I'm going to give something back next month, I need to know who she is and what she likes.' — He made a mental note.
Keigo: "R-Ren, y-y-you... t-those... ch-choco-" — He pointed at Ren in disbelief.
Ren turned back to see the stunned expressions of his new friends.
Ren: "What? It's not that big of a deal, guys, just cookies. Why are you acting like a bunch of shy kids?" — He asked, tilting his head slightly.
Keigo grabbed Ren's shoulders and started shaking him.
Keigo: "You! That was no ordinary cookies, they were handmade ones! Do you know what that means?" — A glint flashed in his eyes as he glanced at the bag in Ren's hands.
Ren winced in pain when Keigo shook him before kicking him away.
Ren: "You bastard, can't you see I'm still injured?! Don't shake me like that!"
Keigo remained unfazed and asked, approaching again, "Sorry, but more importantly... l-let me try one, just one. I never tasted a girl's handmade chocolate before. Pleasee~"
Ren evaded with another kick, hiding the bag in his blazer.
Ren: "Hell no. I was the one that got it, and besides, letting someone else eat them would be disrespectful to the girl's feelings. No luck for you today, Asano-san."
Mizuiro: "That's right, Asano-san. Even for you, that would be a new low. We must protect girls' feelings." — He added.
Keigo hugged himself, squirming as he looked at them like he was just betrayed.
Keigo: "What's with you guys? So cold and stingy. Aren't we friends?"
Ren: "Didn't you just say the chocolate was more important than my well-being, huh?" — He commented with a deadpan look on his face and then turned to Ichigo.
Ren: "You too, Ichigo, say something as we- Why are you blushing?" — He stopped in his tracks after seeing Ichigo's face.
Ichigo: "Hah?! Who's blushing?" — He averted his eyes.
Ren put a hand to his mouth and said in a teasing tone, "Oh my~ Would you look at that. How cute~"
A vein popped in Ichigo's forehead, and he snapped.
Ichigo: "Heh, quite the courage to be calling me cute. You want a beating, huh?!" — He cracked his knuckles menacingly. Since Ren already had a number of bruises, he probably wouldn't mind a few new ones.
Ren remained completely composed, ignoring Ichigo's words as he walked up the stairs with a fake laugh.
Ren: "Ohohoho, don't mind me. I'm just a wounded patient, so you can't hit me, right? I didn't see anything~" He quickly added, "You know, the color of your face right now really suits your name, Ichigo-chan. I'll be going ahead, see you guys in class~"
Ren left quickly while cackling, and Ichigo couldn't take it anymore.
Ichigo: "Chan... Ren! You bastard! Come back here!!" — He yelled and proceeded to chase him, Keigo and Mizuiro in tow.
Ren laughed as he ran ahead, enjoying the look on Ichigo's face since he knew that he wouldn't do anything, at least not while he was still recovering.
Soon, he arrived in front of the classroom doors, and entered.