My Seatmate is a Master (10) - The Villain is Changing

'Who would have thought I'd stay this long in this world?' She stared at the morning sky. "Good morning, Lemolemo."

[Good morning, Milady.]

Weekend mornings became a time for Shira and Kiba to embark on their mixed martial arts training journey.

[Milady, do you really need to accompany the Villain at all times?]

"Support is very important in developing his confidence. He can't grow like a brain-dead beauty with no willpower like his older brother. We can't have a clumsy Villain."

[But aren't we working hard to stop him from becoming a Villain?]

"Only fate would tell, but I'm sure to make it worthwhile, Lemolemo."

They would spend their time at the club, with Shira serving as a good sparring partner and a guide to Kiba. The differences between them were very big. Shira was a master of the art, while Kiba was a complete beginner.

As they stepped into the training area, Kiba couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the unfamiliar surroundings and techniques. Shira, on the other hand, moved with grace and precision, demonstrating her expertise with every move.

The club's trainer, a burly and experienced martial artist, assessed Kiba's condition. "Before we begin, young man, I have to say you need to shed some weight. It's essential for your mobility and overall performance."

Kiba, a bit disheartened but determined, looked at Shira for reassurance. She gave him an encouraging smile. "Don't worry, Kiba. We'll work on it together. I'll support you every step of the way."

The trainer began with the basics, starting with warm-up exercises. Kiba struggled to keep up with the rigorous routine, but Shira was there to provide guidance and encouragement.

During a water break, Kiba expressed his frustration to Shira. "I feel so out of my element, Shira. You make it look so easy, and I can barely keep up."

Shira's voice was filled with empathy. "Remember, Kiba, I was trained for this. It's normal to struggle at first, but with dedication and practice, you'll improve over time. We'll take it one step at a time."

As they continued their training, Shira and Kiba pushed themselves to their limits, determined to grow and develop their martial arts skills.

Over the course of the following month, Shira observed Kiba's remarkable transformation as he dedicated himself to losing weight under the guidance of the trainer.

She watched as he committed to strict routines, dietary changes, and rigorous exercises, turning himself into a healthier version of his former self. 'Something has changed with the way he looks at me.'

Shira couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and admiration for Kiba's determination and progress. She noted the way his energy levels improved and how he was starting to regain his confidence.

In quiet moments of self-reflection, Shira considered the weight of the secrets she carried and the sacrifices she had made. Her telepathic conversations with Lemolemo became a channel for her thoughts.

"Lemolemo, Kiba has come a long way in such a short time. It's incredible how dedicated he's been to losing weight and improving his health."

Lemolemo's response conveyed a sense of understanding. [Yes, Milady. The Villain's progress is truly admirable. He's shown resilience and tenacity, which are qualities that will serve him well in his journey.]

"It's time for us to focus on finding the murderer, too. I need to make him interested in me and lurk. So we can catch him."

[Milady, you can't put yourself in danger at all times.]

"Heroes bear responsibilities and make hard decisions, Lemolemo. Being in danger and walking at the tip of the knife ain't something new to me. Sometimes, being in danger helps me remember childhood memories that I never wanted to recall. I am the mafia's daughter in the real world, after all."

For the next fifteen days, Shira found herself unable to accompany Kiba during their mixed martial arts training. Instead, she embarked on a nightly journey, teleporting to the various locations linked to the victims of their investigation.

Every night, she delved deeper into the mysteries surrounding each case, trying to piece together the puzzle of the seemingly connected murders. 'This life is not as easy as it seems. Now, I'm slowly understanding why my mother would never let me dive into a superhero's world without superpowers.' 

Despite her absence from their training sessions, Shira's efforts yielded promising results. She was making significant progress in understanding the intricate details of the cases. Her telepathic conversations with Lemolemo were filled with a sense of accomplishment.

"Lemolemo, we're getting closer to unraveling the truth behind these murders. The patterns and connections we're discovering are astounding."

Lemolemo's response was filled with enthusiasm. [Indeed, Milady. Our investigation is progressing rapidly, and we're gaining valuable insights. Soon, we may be able to identify the mastermind behind all of this.]

'Making myself the bait is still a must, however.' Shira knew that their work was far from over, but she couldn't help feeling a glimmer of hope. With each piece of the puzzle they unearthed, they moved one step closer to solving the mysteries that had gripped the lives of many girls.

The next phase of their journey held the promise of uncovering the truth and putting an end to the cycle of tragedy that had haunted the girls for so long. 'If I could finish the side task, the mission might be over sooner. Kiba has been changing, and he's becoming more and more like a normal teenager than a destined Villain.'

Shira, lost in thought, suddenly remembered, 'Why did Lemolemo hide that the original Shira is sick? Ah... I shouldn't bother more and just review my keynotes.'

As Shira sat in the peaceful playground, engrossed in her reading, a sudden embrace enveloped her from behind. The warmth and strength of the embrace took her by surprise. She could feel the hardness of the young man's muscular body against her back.

"Why are you here?" Shira questioned, her heart pounding with a combination of shock and curiosity. The young man's warm breath fanned her neck, making her feel a different kind of tingling sensation.

The young man's voice, filled with a hint of amusement, whispered softly into her ear, "I missed you, Shira. I wanted to see you in person. I'm clearly counting the days and wondering why you never accompanied me anymore."

Shira's mind raced as she turned around, her eyes meeting Kiba's. She hadn't expected him to find her here, in a place she thought he would never guess her to be. Their noses were only inches apart. 

Kiba gazed at Shira with a genuine, longing expression as if the weight of her secrets and the challenges they faced had drawn him to her. 

"Lemolemo, what's wrong with Kiba?"

[He must have fallen this time for you, Milady, right?] Lemolemo answered without much thought as he munched some popcorn while watching a drama inside Shira's space.

Shira thought, 'If the Villain has finally fallen for me, this means my initial mission is successful, and I can only wait for his confession. But what will happen to him when I'm gone?'

'No! I couldn't think this way. I am only living someone else's life. What does it matter if he finds the true Shira to be so much different than me?' She continued, 'Besides, who cares if he finally falls for Shira? I'm just a writer of fate anyway.'

Shira kept convincing herself that she felt no reciprocation of feelings for Kiba. But her beating heart can't hide her real emotions. "This means my mission is initially accomplished, right Lemolemo?"

[Yes, Milady. And we can finally return back to our world.]

"That's great, Lemolemo." Shira looked away from Kiba and slipped away from his embrace.

"What's wrong?" Kiba asked. 

"Nothing. I suddenly remembered that we needed to study for the upcoming exams. Have you been preparing?" Shira asked without meeting Kiba's gaze.

Kiba sat on the swinging chair beside where Shira sat. "Are you sure it's not me who should ask you that?"

Shira chuckled dryly, "Well, let's make a bet. Whoever has a higher score can make a wish."

"That's great!"

After their surprise reunion at the playground, Kiba and Shira decided to unwind by watching a movie together. Kiba proposed the idea, suggesting they take a break from their intensive training and investigations to enjoy a relaxing evening.

They settled into a cozy corner of the cinema, and as the film began, their focus shifted from being seatmates and neighbors next door to simply being friends. Kiba was grateful for these moments of connection, and Shira's presence brought a sense of warmth and intimacy to their bond.

However, it wasn't just Shira who appreciated Kiba's presence. As the movie played on, it became evident that Kiba's charismatic charm was capturing the attention of several young women in the theater. Their occasional glances in his direction left no doubt about their admiration.

Shira couldn't help but tease Kiba about it. She leaned over and whispered with a playful grin, "Seems like your fans are more interested in you than the movie, Kiba."

Kiba chuckled, feeling a bit bashful but also flattered. "Well, can you blame them, Shira? I am quite the catch, you know."

Their light banter and shared laughter created a delightful atmosphere, strengthening the bonds of their friendship. At that moment, they enjoyed the simple pleasure of being in each other's company.

Kiba thought, 'Am I falling for you, Shira? Because even when everyone wanted my attention, it was still yours that I wanted to get the most.'