Chapter 40

Back inside the teaching building, the students went to change their clothes, while Tsukasa returned to the lounge, where Saten Riko and the others were waiting for him. They had never seen Tsukasa like this before; usually, he would create small ice crystals to cool down and had never been seen sweating in front of them, let alone being drenched by the rain. This sudden change made them feel more at ease with him.

Although his usual demeanor was authoritative, it always gave them a sense of distance. In fact, ever since he used Frost's Sorrow, Tsukasa's expressions had become even fewer. How could they describe it? Even if he tried to adjust his mindset, he was still slightly affected. But now, seeing Tsukasa like this, they felt a bit more relaxed.

"You have superpowers, right? Why don't you use them?" Saten Riko asked, wiping Tsukasa's hair with a towel while complaining.

"It's better not to use my powers in front of them. They are all poor souls who have come to this so-called land of dreams." Tsukasa's words made Saten Riko pause, but she pretended nothing was wrong.

A few months ago, she was one of those so-called poor souls. Meeting Tsukasa changed her life. Now, all she wanted was to live a happy life with him.

However, Tsukasa's recent behavior clearly showed that he was hiding something from her. His words were always slightly dark, as if preparing them for something. Adding to that, the information about Kiyotaka Misaki and the pursuit of Amai Shiriko, which Mikoto Misaka had told her, and the human experiments and the Level 5s being hunted. Although Amai Shiriko was vague, the fact that a Level 5 was being hunted was undeniable, yet there was no information to be found. All of this was chilling.

But what could she do? She could only silently support Tsukasa, praying that he would return safely to their little nest every night.

Mikoto Misaka and Kuroko Shirai also felt troubled after hearing this. Knowing that Tsukasa had driven away the security guards, they were even more worried about his words. How many unknown things were happening in Academy City? And how much did Tsukasa know?

Shizuri Kagari, on the other hand, was carefree, just blushing a bit at the interaction between Saten Riko and Tsukasa.

Soon, it was time for the last class. Tsukasa didn't need to attend the summary lecture by Tsukasa Komoe, so he took out two movie tickets.

"Huh?" Saten Riko was puzzled about when Tsukasa had prepared the movie tickets.

In fact, Tsukasa had bought the tickets long ago, originally planning to go on a date today. However, he was pulled away by Tsukasa Komoe. Since Saten Riko came to see him today and could leave early, why not go?

Although it was raining outside, it meant nothing to Tsukasa. He was just waiting for Saten Riko's answer.

Seeing the expectation in Tsukasa's eyes, Saten Riko nodded. The other three had long been ignored.

While Tsukasa Komoe was giving a lecture to the others, Aizawa Aiho saw Tsukasa leaving with Saten Riko. As a teacher, she was a bit worried about Tsukasa, but since he had someone to rely on, he probably wouldn't fall into darkness.

Kuroko Shirai, Mikoto Misaka, and Shizuri Kagari, feeling abandoned by their friend, joined the FFF Club! (Just kidding.)

In the end, the three of them waited for the rain to stop and then went to the "Seventh Fog" to hang out.

On this side, after watching a horror movie, Tsukasa felt disheartened. "Those seniors are all liars. Liars!"

Why?

What is the purpose of a boy and a girl watching a horror movie together? But for someone known as "Tear King," what is a horror movie? During the movie, Saten Riko even discussed the ending with Tsukasa...

In short, Tsukasa's plan to use the horror movie to create an atmosphere and achieve his secret goal was completely foiled.

After the movie, seeing Tsukasa's dejected look, Saten Riko smiled. She knew what he was thinking. Recently, Tsukasa had been mentioning the day of the Void Burst, which was interrupted. She had been prepared, but Amai Shiriko's appearance made her uneasy.

Every girl has a bit of this worry: What if he gets what he wants and doesn't need her anymore?

Saten Riko was determined. Last night, while Tsukasa was sleeping, she called her mother for help, briefly explaining her situation, including the near-incident and the general status of her rival. She received a hint: "What you can't get is the best."

She immediately took it as a command.

If Tsukasa knew, he would probably be furious.

However, Saten Riko also knew that when feelings accumulate enough, everything would naturally fall into place, so she went with the flow. But compared to horror movies, she was more afraid of snakes and insects.

In the end, seeing Tsukasa's dejected look, Saten Riko, knowing it was an act, still wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

Sometimes, being a bit vague is better for men and women.

Returning home late at night, Tsukasa realized his plan had failed, but he was indeed a bit anxious, being single for two lifetimes.

Quietly watching Saten Riko fall asleep, he had actually heard her phone call last night. She wasn't a good actress when it came to pretending to sleep in front of him.

So, Tsukasa knew about Saten Riko's worries. He wanted to tell her that he would be faithful to her, but the image of Amai Shiriko's smile and tears flashed in his mind. Out of a man's bad instinct, he said nothing.

If he really had to choose, who would he pick?

He didn't know.

Amai Shiriko was the first girl to enter his heart, and Saten Riko had been his girlfriend for months. Could he really let go? But there was another choice, one that neither of them might ever accept.

The choice that every man dreams of, which is usually just a dream.

In the end, Tsukasa still had no solution and went to sleep.

Actually, the saying "When the boat reaches the bridge, it will naturally straighten out" has some truth to it. Who knows what will happen in the future?

That night, Tsukasa had a dream. He dreamed of living in a palace, a dreamy crystal palace.

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