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Late-afternoon sunlight slanted in through the windows of Kuoh Academy's old schoolhouse, illuminating the first-floor lounge.
It was the last few minutes before the final class of the day ended. Rias Gremory, who had skipped every class so far, sat on the sofa with her legs crossed, resting her chin on one loosely clenched fist—staring blankly at the floor.
Anyone could see she was zoning out. The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the novel-fire.ɴet
"President… President? Rias?"
A gentle call came from nearby, but it was as if Rias had muted the entire world. She just kept gazing at the floor without reacting.
Akeno had no choice but to speak louder.
Jolted by the sudden shout, Rias snapped back to reality, blinking and turning her head toward the voice. She found her friend looking at her with concern.
"What's wrong, Akeno? Why do you look so worried?"
Rias tried to give her usual breezy smile, but her lips barely moved at all.
Akeno placed the back of her hand against Rias's forehead.
"You sure you're okay, President? I already got you an official leave from all your classes today—but if you're not feeling well, you need to speak up. If something's really wrong—"
"I'm fine, Akeno," Rias said, shaking her head to dodge her friend's touch. She mustered a small, reassuring smile.
"I—I'm just… well, don't worry about it… I'm fine…"
But her eyes flickered with uncertainty. She trailed off, unable to form a coherent sentence, let alone reassure anyone.
Akeno straightened, frowning. She wanted to say something but hesitated.
It wasn't the first time she'd seen Rias .
Since last Friday—more precisely, since Saturday morning—Rias had been this way. Two whole days spent sitting alone on the sofa in the lounge, staring off into space. If anyone asked what was going on, she clammed up like a locked treasure chest.
That was what made it so frustrating.
In the end, Akeno sighed and changed tactics. She took out her phone and held it up for the zoned-out Rias to see.
"All right, then. I'll text Bokue and tell him you're not feeling well and that there's nothing urgent—so he doesn't need to come by the clubroom today, okay?"
That question was more of a test than an actual inquiry—she was deliberately trying to provoke a reaction.
Sure enough, Rias responded quickly. She snapped her head up and parted her lips, as if to protest.
But after hesitating, she breathed out slowly.
"Oh… yes, tell him that."
Definitely suspicious. Akeno knew something was off. But since Rias herself wasn't talking, all she could do was nod and do as asked.
Meanwhile, in the second-year classroom of Kuoh's main building, Bokue Keikain was packing his bag. He'd just finished the last period of the day.
Standing next to him, an eager Asia was also tidying up. She chirped:
"School's finally over, heehee~ That means we can go see Rias-senpai next, right?"
"Uh-huh. Once we're done here, let's—"
Before Bokue could finish, his phone buzzed in his pocket.
He glanced down—Akeno was texting:
—[President's feeling under the weather today, so no club activities. Take the day off.]
Club activities cancelled? That was so unusual it felt almost fake. They rarely treated the Occult Research Club like a normal after-school group…
He tapped out a quick reply:
—[Is she okay? Do I need to bring any medicine?]
Within a few seconds, Akeno answered:
—[No worries—she said she just needs a couple days' rest. Nothing major.]
That obviously sounded official and unhelpful, but there was no point pushing it further. Bokue typed "Got it" and put away his phone.
He turned to Asia, who was now staring back, head tilted in confusion.
"That was Akeno," he said. "Apparently, Rias isn't feeling well, so the club's canceled. We'll just head home early. See you tomorrow?"
Asia's eyes flickered with disappointment, but she perked up again, smiling as brightly as ever.
"All right, then. Tomorrow it is, Bokue."
"Tomorrow it is, Asia."
Back at the old schoolhouse:
"Rias, I told Bokue not to come," Akeno said, setting aside her phone. "He should be heading straight Home now."
She'd half-hoped it would provoke Rias into a reaction. But all she got was a small nod. Then Rias stood, stretching her arms.
"Thanks, Akeno. I'm heading out for a little walk. You, Koneko, and Asia can go eat dinner together; I'll grab something later once I feel better."
"…All right," Akeno muttered.
Offering a quick grateful smile, Rias left the lounge and walked out of the old building.
Then… after confirming nobody else was around, she hurried toward Kuoh Academy's main gate...
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