Rinne eased the door open, barely enough to slip through, hoping to go unnoticed. Wrapped up like some kind of ancient mummy, she knew her bandaged form would be impossible to miss, but that didn’t stop her from trying. She darted inside with quick, quiet steps, hugging the wall as if hoping the shadows might swallow her whole. She held her breath, eyes fixed firmly on the floor, willing herself invisible.
The classroom sounded with quiet murmurs, the sound of chatter rising and falling. For a second, she thought she might actually get away with it. But then she felt it—the prickling sensation of eyes locking onto her, one pair after another, as classmates slowly registered her presence. Rinne felt her cheeks grow warm, a flush of embarrassment mixed with irritation.
Can’t they mind their own business? she fumed silently, keeping her gaze low and face carefully blank, ignoring the looks that followed her.
She slipped into her seat, fingers trembling as they curled around the desk's edge. Every part of her body ached—hands, head, muscles—and it took all her willpower not to wince. She could feel their stares burning into her: some filled with pity, others with curiosity, and a few even tinged with awe. All she wanted was for them to look away.
Why did I even come today? She forced a scowl on her face, desperate to hide any trace of vulnerability. The last thing she needed was for them to see her like this—wounded, weakened, wrapped in bandages like some tragic heroine from those stories she used to read.
Stupid, stupid Rinne. Her bandaged fists clenched involuntarily. She'd pushed too far last night, forced her sorcery past its limits until it finally broke. Like a muscle torn from overuse. That's what sorcery was, after all—a power that grew stronger with practice, but one that could shatter if stretched too thin.
Just heal already, she silently commanded her body. She needed to get back to work, back to training. But even as she tried to shrink into her seat, to become invisible to the curious eyes around her, fate had other plans.
"Rinne."
The sound of her name, spoken in that unmistakably familiar voice, sent a jolt through her chest. She didn’t have to look up to know who it was. Blonde hair that caught the light like spun gold. Piercing blue eyes, sharp and clear, that seemed to see through every wall she ever tried to put up. Levi.
Before she could protest, he was at her desk, his hand closing around hers with the kind of decisiveness that made her breath catch. His touch was warm, steady, and far too familiar for her liking, especially with the entire class quietly watching. She panicked, her cheeks flushing as she tried to pull away, but his grip held firm.
“What happened?” he asked, his voice low but laced with unmistakable worry. His eyes flicked over her bandages, his brow furrowing in frustration. “Rinne, you’re wrapped up like a—like—” He shook his head, biting back whatever metaphor he’d almost said. “Are you okay? How did this happen?”
She felt her pulse quicken, her face burning at their proximity. His hand was still on hers, his thumb brushing gently over the bandaged knuckles as if trying to soothe an ache he couldn’t possibly feel. The tenderness of the gesture made her heart do an irritating little flip.
“It’s nothing,” she muttered, her voice uncharacteristically soft. She glanced away, trying to appear indifferent, though the warmth in her cheeks betrayed her. “Just… overdid it last night.”
“Overdid it?” Levi’s voice rose slightly, exasperation creeping in. He finally let go of her hand, but only to cross his arms over his chest, his eyes narrowing in that annoyingly protective way of his.
“How many times have I told you? You need to quit Nightguard. It’s dangerous, Rinne! You’re going to get yourself killed!”
His words hit her harder than she expected, and she shrank under his gaze, her usual retorts dying on her tongue. She hated when he got like this—so serious, so concerned. It made her feel small, like she wasn’t capable of handling her own choices. But at the same time… it made her feel seen, and that was even worse.
“I can take care of myself,” she said, a little sharper this time, though her voice wavered at the end. She risked a glance at him, only to find those blue eyes still locked onto her, unwavering and intense.
Her stomach flipped again, and she quickly looked away, fiddling with the edge of her sleeve.
Levi sighed, running a hand through his hair. “You always say that,” he muttered. “But then you show up looking like this.” His voice softened, and he leaned in slightly, his tone almost pleading. “Rinne, I just… I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
Her breath caught at his words, and for a moment, she forgot how to respond. She hated how easily he could throw her off balance, how his concern could make her feel both flustered and warm at the same time. She glanced at him from beneath her lashes, her heart pounding in her chest.
Levi had always been like this—overprotective, stubborn, and infuriatingly kind. She’d known him since they were practically in diapers, back when he was the boy who’d pull her pigtails one minute and defend her from bullies the next.
“I’ll be fine,” she said finally, her voice quieter now, almost shy. She tried to inject some of her usual confidence, but it came out soft, uncertain. “I’ve got this.”
Levi didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t push further. Instead, he let out another sigh, shaking his head as if she were the most frustrating person in the world. “Just… be careful, okay?” he said, his voice dropping to a gentle murmur. “I don’t want to see you like this again.”
Rinne nodded, her heart still racing as he finally stepped back. She let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding, her hands fidgeting nervously in her lap. The classroom slowly returned to its usual rhythm, the weight of the moment easing but not disappearing entirely.
The soft noise of chatter and clatter of trays filled the air as students milled about the cafeteria and spilled into the outdoor courtyard. Rinne walked quietly, her hands clasping her lunch tray a little too tightly, painfully aware of the figure trailing just a step behind her.
Levi was following her again, his presence an ever-present weight she couldn’t shake. His piercing blue eyes were locked onto her, watching her every move like she might fall apart at any second.
Her cheeks burned.
Doesn’t he have anything better to do? she thought, trying to steady her breathing.
Stolen novel; please report.
She finally stopped near a shaded corner of the courtyard, placing her tray down gently before turning to face him.
“How long,” she asked, her voice quiet but pointed, “do you plan on following me?”
Levi’s expression softened, his blonde hair catching the midday sun, turning the strands almost golden. “As long as I need to,” he said, his tone gentle yet firm.
“You’re injured, Rinne. What if you push yourself too hard? What if you fall or reopen your wounds?” He leaned in slightly, his voice lowering.
“Do you blame me for being worried? I was away for just a few days, and I came back to find you like this.”
Rinne blinked, her face growing warmer at his words. His concern was disarming, even if it made her heart race uncomfortably. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, a familiar figure appeared in front of her.
“Shigure?” she whispered, surprised. His presence stole her attention completely.
Shigure stood with his usual slouch that made it seem like he was too cool to care, but even his loose clothes couldn’t fully hide the bandages wrapped tightly around his chest and arms. His head was wrapped as well, a thick layer of gauze peeking out from under his messy black hair.
“What are you doing here?” Rinne asked, frowning. “Shouldn’t you still be in the hospital?”
Shigure smirked, brushing off her concern with a dismissive wave of his bandaged hand. “I couldn’t just lie there while you’re out and about on your own,” he said with that typical dramatism. “After all, it’s my fault that the Heroine is hurt.”
Well…that boy had to be the last guy that she thought would be considerate.
“Shigure…” she began softly.
But before she could finish, a firm hand rested on her shoulder, gently pushing her aside. Levi stepped forward, placing himself between her and Shigure. His usual calm demeanor was gone, replaced with a dark emotion that made the air around them feel heavier.
“You’re responsible for this?” Levi said, his voice low and tense. Lower than Rinne had ever heard of. His eyes narrowed as he stared Shigure down. “Explain.”
Shigure didn’t flinch. “I was under our enemy’s sorcery,” he said plainly. “They forced me to fight her. ”
Levi’s jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides. “And you just let that happen?” he shot back, his words cutting. “I’d never let myself lose control like that. You call yourself a man? You’re pathetic!”
The insult hung in the air and Rinne’s eyes widened. “Levi—” she began, but he wasn’t done.
“You attacked her,” Levi continued, his voice rising slightly. Though they were already loud enough already. “If you cared about her at all, you’d never let that happen! You’d protect her, not hurt her!”
Shigure’s smirk faded. His eyes narrowed dangerously, and he took a step forward, standing just inches from Levi. “Protect her?” he asked, almost amused.
“You’re not even part of the Nightguard. All your talk about protecting her, and the best you can do is follow her around like a lost puppy.” He crossed his arms. “I bet you couldn’t even pass the Nightguard physical exam. So don’t act like you’re better than me!”
The air around them grew tense, in a way that was almost suffocating. Rinne looked between them, her chest tightening. “Shigure!” she said sharply. “That’s enough!”
But before she could say more, Levi lowered his head, his blonde hair shadowing his eyes. “Don’t bother,” he said quietly, his voice strained. “I’ve heard enough.”
He turned on his heel, his footsteps heavy as he walked away without another word, leaving Rinne and Shigure standing in awkward silence.
Rinne walked quietly to the Nightguard headquarters. It had been a few weeks since that scene in the schoolyard—since Levi had confronted Shigure and then vanished from school.
He hasn’t been to class at all. She noted as she stared at his empty seat.
I hope he’s not too hurt by Shigure’s words. She sighed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. She had tried to scold Shigure afterward, but his response had been as predictable as it was frustrating—a shrug, an indifferent glance, and a dismissal that stung more than it should have.
He never listens, does he? She shook her head, pushing open the heavy door to the headquarters.
Inside, a high-tech environment greeted her.. Rinne took a breath, steadying herself as she entered the familiar room. Her eyes immediately caught sight of Shigure, leaning lazily against the wall, his katana strapped at his waist, his expression relaxed.
He looked over at her as she entered, his gaze barely lingering before he nodded once.
“Yo,” he said coolly, then turned his attention back to the Captain, who was standing at the center of the room.
Rinne bit her lip. Things have been… awkward between us.
She couldn’t shake the tension that had settled between her and Shigure. Maybe she’d been too harsh when she scolded him. Or maybe he just didn’t care enough to take her words seriously. Either way, the distance between them felt heavier than usual.
The Captain cleared his throat, drawing both of their attention. “Glad you’re here. I have a new assignment for you two.” He gestured to the map laid out on the table. “There’s a village, far to the north, that’s been plagued by a Genju for the past few weeks. The reports say the villagers are terrified and the village head’s daughter has even been kidnapped. I need you two to investigate and handle the situation.” The captain looked more serious than usual for a moment. “Do be careful though. The Genju has already wiped out the Nightguard unit that was stationed there.”
Rinne nodded, her expression growing serious. The weight of the assignment settled over her, a familiar sense of duty taking hold.
Shigure, as expected, only grinned. “A Genju, huh?” he said with his usual arrogance. “Shouldn’t be too hard. Sounds like a piece of cake.”
The Captain’s eyes flickered with faint amusement, but he didn’t comment. Instead, he added, almost as if it were an afterthought, “Oh, one more thing.” He paused, glancing at both of them. “We have a new recruit joining today. I’d like you to show him the ropes. I’m sure he’d prove to be useful in this assignment”
Rinne blinked, her eyebrows raising in surprise. A new recruit? She hadn’t expected that.
The Captain gestured toward the door. “You can come in now.”
Footsteps echoed in the room, and both Rinne and Shigure turned to look. Rinne’s eyes widened, her breath catching as she saw the newcomer step through the doorway. Blonde hair, blue eyes—Levi.
“Levi?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Shigure straightened, his casual posture giving way to something more guarded. His eyes narrowed as he took in the sight of Levi standing there, wearing the Nightguard uniform, looking both familiar and out of place.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Shigure muttered, his expression tightening.
Levi’s gaze was steady, meeting Rinne’s eyes first, then shifting to Shigure.
“It’s been a while,” he said.
Rinne’s heart pounded, confusion and surprise mixing in her chest. What is he doing here?
Levi was the last person that she expected to see in a Nightguard building. But here he was, standing before them, in the flesh.
The Captain clapped his hands, the sharp sound breaking the silence that had settled between them.
“Alright, now that introductions are out of the way,” he said. “I’m trusting you two to show Levi how we operate. Let’s get moving. You have a Genju to deal with.”
Rinne exchanged a glance with Shigure, then looked back at Levi. She forced a small smile, nodding at Levi.
“Welcome to Nightguard,” she said, her voice soft, unsure.
Levi’s lips quivered upward in a faint smile. “Thanks, Rinne.”