Not Best Friends, but a Twisted Bond

Since Cid became a suspect in the kidnapping of Princess Alexia and was detained by the knights, it has been five days.

During this period, I tried my best to negotiate for Cid's release, but to put it simply, it was all in vain.

I pleaded with the knights in charge of the Princess Alexia kidnapping case, and I even explained the situation to Iris Midgar, the first princess of the Midgar Kingdom and Alexia's sister, but I was turned away. I had some acquaintance with Princess Iris as a promising special student, and I had the opportunity to talk to her, but my request was not granted. It's understandable considering that her sister, Princess Alexia, was kidnapped.

After three days of feeling helpless, Cid was granted temporary release. Although all students affiliated with the academy were prohibited from going out, I was given special permission to pick him up as Cid's friend. I suppose it was a small favor from Princess Iris towards me.

(...She's really kind, that person.)

Grateful to Princess Iris, I lean against the fence surrounding the headquarters of the knights, Crossing my arms. As I wait, looking up at the evening sky, I hear a heavy sound and the gate opens. And the man roughly thrown out from there was the man I came to pick up.

"Hey there!"

"Hehe, let's go quickly!!"

The two knights who left Cid with a despicable face that didn't look like knights. While glancing sideways at their retreating figures, I call out to the leader who was dumped in his underwear.

"You look great, Cid."

"Yeah, exactly. The epitome of being a mob."

"...Hmm. Your mental state is abnormal. I'm relieved that you seem healthy."

Despite being tightly bound with ropes, beaten with batons, and even stabbed with a knife, he's still energetic. It seems that this idiot doesn't even flinch at that level of torture.

"Here, I'll give you the sword, so put on some clothes. Let's go back."

"Yeah, you're right. Just wait a moment."

I pick up the luggage and sword that were thrown alongside Cid, and I take out clothes from the luggage and hand them to him.

If he doesn't put on clothes soon, he'll be treated as a suspicious person walking around with almost no clothes on. Even now, people passing by are looking at us. Hey, what are you looking at? This isn't a sideshow.

(...So this is the knights' way. Not much different from thieves.)

Cid, who is shamelessly unaffected, may be fine, but I'm just an ordinary person. I feel embarrassed about things that are embarrassing and annoyed by things that are irritating. It's one thing to toss him out roughly, but there's no need to send him out in just his underwear.

"Takumi~, I've changed. Shall we go home?"

"...Yeah, you're right."

"Why do you have such a scary face? Did something unpleasant happen?"

"It's nothing. Let's just go home quickly. I'll take you to the station."

"Sorry about that. Even though you came to pick me up."

"It's best not to say things you don't mean."

Despite being treated so recklessly, he doesn't get angry. He probably just thinks, "Well, he's just mob-like." He might even be grateful to the knights who tortured him.

"...You're really annoying, you know that?"

"That's a sudden insult~"

As expected, I dislike him.

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"...Sigh. I'm exhausted."

After dropping off Cid at the station, I returned to the dormitory of the academy. The dormitory, where even members of the royal and upper noble families reside, exudes a luxurious atmosphere that is among the best in the country. It's one of the points that make me glad to be a special student.

I hang my coat on the hanger and dive back-first onto the plush bed. My whole body is enveloped in softness, and a sense of relief washes over me for completing the task.

"...That idiot, Cid. Who told him to come to my room at night? Who does he think I've been bowing my head for these past few days? Stupid, incompetent leader."

I recall the words he said just before boarding the train, and it irritates me. It's frustrating when someone laughs and takes advantage of me without even healing their wounds because they don't look like a mob. I don't really care if he's injured or not. His head was already messed up to begin with.

"It's just... he's so messed up in his priorities."

As I mutter those words with my eyes closed, a very pleasant scent tickles my nose. Without even lifting my body, I slowly open my eyes.

And there──

"She's so adorable."

There was an angel.

Wrapped in skin as white as snow was a white uniform that matched perfectly with her shining golden hair. She exuded a beauty that could be admired for hours.

Since her skirt was short, her thighs were visible, and there was an overwhelming attractiveness that instinctively drew my gaze. This is a healthy reaction as a man, and it's not just me who feels impure about it. If anyone could remain calm with such a beautiful girl appearing right above them while lying on a bed, then they're not human anymore.

"Why are you wearing a uniform, Alpha?"

My words seemed to embarrass her a little, and Alpha blushed slightly. She probably wanted to tease me, but I'm not one to be taken advantage of. Thanks to being confessed to by girls since I entered the school, I've developed some resistance. It's time to give back what I've been feeling all this time.

"It suits you well. You look beautiful, Alpha."

"W-Wait... stop that."

"I won't stop until you tell me."

A push and pull game begins. I don't usually have a hobby of teasing girls for fun, but it's different when it comes to this. As they often say, when you like someone, you feel like teasing them. ...Am I in elementary school?

"Alright, I got it! I got it, so stop messing around with my ears... mmm."

A suppressed voice escapes from Alpha. What kind of voice was that? It sounds incredibly seductive. It seems that teasing a beautiful woman who usually keeps a calm expression can make you want to torment her. While thinking such thoughts, I listen attentively to the reason why she's wearing the uniform, which Alpha is about to reveal.

"...It's because of you. ...Because you were confessed to by female students."

"Huh?"

"...I won't say it again."

In other words... jealousy? She found out that I was being confessed to by female students and came to my room dressed in a uniform out of jealousy. Isn't she too cute? Even her act of hiding her face with her hands is gap moe, and it's adorable that she's actually explaining the reason.

"...Sigh."

"...Takumi? ...Ah."

If I continue any further, my sanity might break, so I'll stop the playful act here. I move Alpha off my body and let her sit on the bed. It's quite destructive how a girl in a short skirt sitting like this has such an impact. I feel a bit out of breath, but I managed to stop myself.

"That... unexpected counterattack."

"You've surrendered already? I win."

"...Fine. I give up. I've lost."

Alpha raises her hands as if she's resigned. I stop patting her head, satisfied with my complete victory.

Alpha, it's unfair to make a slightly lonely face when I stop patting your head, you know?

"Hm... Hm! So, what's the matter? Why did you come?"

After clearing my throat, I see Alpha changing her expression. She's truly Alpha in that regard. The de facto leader of Shadow Garden is not just for show.

"I thought I should talk to you about the Princess Alexia kidnapping incident."

"I see, thanks. What about Cid?"

"Beta is taking care of him. It's her support duty as of now. It's scary if I snatch it away."

"Beta really loves Cid, after all."

"Oh? Are you jealous?"

"No, not at all. It's because I like you, Alpha."

"...I-I see... Thank you."

She's so damn cute.

"Actually, Cid called for you. We're supposed to gather in his room tonight."

"I see. As expected. You and your group always seem to be one step ahead of us... It always feels like you're far ahead."

Well, I just got called, that's all.

"It's a coincidence. Shadow Garden has become this big because Alpha and the Seven Shadows have been working hard."

"Hehe, thanks. I'm happy."

I'm sure she thinks half of it is just flattery. But it's all completely true.

"After this incident is over, let me treat you to McDonald's. I want to have a meal with you again after a long time."

"...Of course, I'd love to."

"Thank you. See you."

We made an undeniable promise for a date that I couldn't refuse, and Alpha left through the window. Even though the academy is under strict surveillance, I don't think she can be found. I also plan to leave after sunset, so I need to prepare.

"...Tch, who is she calling a close friend?"

I know who Alpha was referring to in that context. That's why I have to object. That incurable chuunibyou is my close friend? That's a joke, right?

──Not a close friend, but a damn annoyance.