Chapter 9: Date With Danger (and an Awkward Audience)
"Alright, I'll admit it. I might've underestimated just how insane my life was going to get when I decided to reincarnate. But honestly, what's the point of being overpowered if you don't get to cause a little chaos along the way?"
---
The morning after the frying pan incident, I wake up to Reina standing in my room, arms crossed, looking like she's contemplating murder.
"Morning, sunshine," I say, stretching. "What brings you to my humble abode?"
"You don't get to act like everything's normal," she snaps. "You just fought a literal shadow demon last night!"
---
I yawn, rubbing my eyes. "Yeah, and? That's, like, my Tuesday."
"Akira, I'm serious!" she says, glaring at me. "You can't keep brushing this off like it's no big deal. What if that thing had hurt you? Or me?"
I smirk. "Aw, are you worried about me?"
She throws a pillow at my face. "I'm worried about myself, idiot!"
---
Narration Mode Activated
"Note to self: Reina's default response to stress is violence. Good to know."
---
After Reina's mini therapy session (read: yelling at me for 20 minutes), we head to school.
The moment we walk through the gates, I know something's off. People are whispering again, but this time, it's different.
"Is that her?"
"Yeah, the girl Akira's always with."
"Do you think she's his girlfriend?"
---
I freeze. "Oh no."
Reina hears it too, her face turning bright red. "Akira," she hisses, grabbing my arm. "What did you do?"
"Me?!" I say, offended. "I didn't do anything! People just have overactive imaginations."
"Fix it," she growls.
"Sure," I say, flashing her a grin. "I'll announce to the whole school that I'm single and ready to mingle. That'll totally help."
She punches my arm. "Idiot."
---
As we head to class, I can't shake the feeling that someone's watching me. Not the normal kind of "school gossip" watching—something darker.
Selene confirms it during lunch when she drops into our usual spot with her signature smirk.
"You've got a stalker," she says, munching on an apple.
"Thanks, Sherlock," I say, rolling my eyes. "What gave it away?"
"The murderous intent," she replies casually.
---
Reina looks between us, confused. "Wait, what? Murderous intent?"
"Relax," I say, waving it off. "She's exaggerating."
Selene leans in, her expression turning serious. "No, I'm not. Whoever it is, they're strong. You should be careful."
"Careful is my middle name," I say, grinning.
Selene snorts. "No, it's not. Your middle name is 'Troublemaker.'"
---
Narration Mode Activated
"Okay, fine. She's not wrong. But in my defense, trouble finds me, not the other way around."
---
The rest of the day is uneventful, which is honestly more concerning than comforting. By the time school ends, I'm on edge.
Reina insists on walking home with me, claiming it's "for safety." But let's be real—she just doesn't trust me to stay out of trouble.
Halfway home, my phone buzzes.
Unknown: "Let's play a game."
---
I stop in my tracks, staring at the message.
"Akira?" Reina asks, her tone wary. "What is it?"
Before I can answer, another message pops up.
Unknown: "Turn around."
A chill runs down my spine. I glance over my shoulder, and sure enough, there's someone standing at the end of the street—a tall figure in a black cloak.
---
Narration Mode Activated
"Alright, mysterious cloaked figure. We get it. You're spooky. Can we skip the theatrics and get to the part where I kick your ass?"
---
Reina follows my gaze and freezes. "Akira…who is that?"
"Trouble," I say, stepping in front of her. "Stay behind me."
The figure starts walking toward us, their movements eerily smooth. As they get closer, I notice the faint glow of runes etched into their cloak.
"Akira Aizawa," they say, their voice distorted. "The Council sends its regards."
---
I groan. "Do these guys have, like, a script or something? You're the third one this week!"
The figure stops, clearly not amused. "You've made quite a mess, Dragon God. It's time for you to pay the price."
Reina grabs my arm. "Akira, what do we do?"
I glance at her, then back at the figure. "We run."
---
Without waiting for a response, I grab Reina's hand and take off down the street.
The figure doesn't waste time—they're on us in seconds, their cloak billowing like something out of a horror movie.
"Akira!" Reina shouts. "This is your plan? Running away?!"
"Yup," I say, grinning. "It's called 'strategic retreat.'"
"Strategic retreat my ass!"
---
As we round a corner, I spot a convenience store and duck inside, pulling Reina with me.
"What are we doing here?" she asks, panting.
"Buying snacks," I say, grabbing a bag of chips. "I'm starving."
She glares at me. "This is not the time!"
Before I can respond, the door jingles, and the cloaked figure steps inside.
---
Narration Mode Activated
"Okay, I'll admit it—this guy is persistent. But seriously, who fights someone in a convenience store? This is sacred ground!"
---
The cashier, a bored-looking teenager, barely glances up. "Welcome," he says, popping his gum.
The cloaked figure points a glowing hand at me. "Your time is up, Dragon God."
I sigh, setting the chips on the counter. "Do you mind? I'm trying to make a purchase here."
---
The cashier raises an eyebrow. "You guys LARPing or something?"
Reina facepalms. "Akira, do something!"
"Fine, fine," I say, turning to the figure. "Alright, buddy. You want a fight? Let's take this outside. I don't want to get banned from this place—they've got great instant ramen."
---
The figure hesitates, clearly confused by my casual attitude. Before they can respond, I snap my fingers, summoning a gust of wind that blows them out the door.
"Come on," I say, grabbing my chips and Reina. "Let's finish this."
End of Chapter 9