Afternoon – Team Meeting (Team Black)
Room 2-C had been claimed for the temporary Team Black.
The moment Ren stepped in, silence fell.
Tsubaki gave a short nod. The two normal students—a boy from the track team and a girl from the choir—looked like they were trying to shrink into their seats.
Sona sat at the head of the desk, papers in front of her, ever the calm strategist.
"You're late," she said plainly.
Ren smirked and took the seat beside her. "Wasn't trying to be on time."
Tsubaki cleared her throat. "The team formation is stable. Each of us will participate in either the talent showcase or the combat exhibition."
"We've assigned the track student, Hiroshi, to the relay race. The girl—Minako—to the duet piece." Sona adjusted her glasses. "Akeno and I will handle the magic demonstration."
"And me?" Ren asked casually.
Sona's gaze lingered on him, trying to read something behind those oddly calm eyes.
"…You're in the solo match."
He chuckled. "Of course I am."
After the Meeting – School Grounds
Ren stayed behind a moment.
The normal students didn't leave right away.
Minako, the choir girl, turned to him nervously. "Um… Ren-san?"
He looked at her. "Hm?"
"W-We saw you training the other day… behind the gym. You… broke a sandbag in half with your bare hands."
Hiroshi nodded, voice low. "It didn't even look like you were trying."
Ren tilted his head, eyes soft with that easygoing cheer. "You scared of me?"
They flinched. But after a pause… Minako shook her head.
"N-No. I just… wanted to say you looked kind of cool."
For a second, he blinked. Then laughed.
"Thanks," he said, patting her shoulder. "Don't worry. I won't bite."
As they left, Ren turned back toward the classroom window—where he caught sight of Sona still inside, watching him with that unreadable stare.
Their eyes met.
She didn't look away.
Neither did he.
That Evening – Student Council Room
Tsubaki glanced at Sona, who had been staring at the same page for five minutes.
"You're thinking about him again."
Sona blinked. "He's… unpredictable."
Tsubaki smiled faintly. "You're intrigued."
"…I'm cautious."
Tsubaki didn't argue. But the small curve of her lips said it all.
Meanwhile – Ren's Dorm
[System Notice: Observation Complete — Human Bonding Progress +3%][Cosmic Garou Template Sync: 28%]
Ren stared at the number, towel draped over his neck, body still glistening from training.
"…I don't care about bonds," he muttered.
But he didn't close the interface.
Instead, he stared at it a while longer.
And smiled.