Chapter Text
“Where are we going Lord Phaethon?” Vivian asked
“To one of the senior classes, I have something I need to get” Wise said
“From your sister? I could have gone in your place” Vivian said
“It’s fine, I don’t want you overexerting yourself for my issues” Wise gently rests a hand on her shoulder
“You’re too kind to me” Vivian gushes
‘I don’t want her to feel used or anything’ Wise thought as they continued down the corridor
“We should hurry or we’ll be late for briefing” Vivian said
‘I need to make my territory known to those monkeys’ Vivian thought with a dark look in her eye before she perks up to see Wise’s sudden stoppage
“Lord Phaethon what’s wro-” Vivian’s eyes drift down the hall to see none other than Evelyn standing there dumbfounded with widened eyes breaking her stern demeanor
‘H-He’s here....’ Evelyn gulps as her heart races
‘Evelyn is there’ Wise thought
‘Should I say something? What if he runs away again? I don’t want to scare him’ Evelyn steadily composes herself
“Hello Evelyn” Wise sheepishly smiles at her
‘Ehh, he made first contact, stay calm, don’t scare him off’ Evelyn clears her throat
“H-Hi” Evelyn mutters before her eyes land on Vivian who is slightly behind Wise’s right side with a thousand-yard stare on her face
‘What is wrong with her?’
“I haven’t seen you around in a bit” Wise approaches
“Y-Yes” Evelyn nervously looks to the side
‘I hope I’m not being too weird, can’t mess this up’ Evelyn slowly glances back over at Wise but in the corner of her eye she notices Vivian’s eyes still locked onto her with intensity
‘Is she glaring at...me?’ Evelyn’s brow raised
“I didn’t see you yesterday so I thought maybe I could come over and say hello” Wise said
“Don’t push it” Vivian mouths to Evelyn discretely before Wise turns to see her with a flowery smile on her face
“I-I see”
‘I need to see Astra, right now’ Evelyn thought
“I won’t keep you from work” Wise said as he walks off with Vivian
Vivian looks back with narrowed eyes at Evelyn and her finger points back at her
“Something wrong?” Wise looks at her
“Nothing” Vivian returns to her normal outward appearance as they walk up to a class door
“You can wait here for a bit” Wise said
“Yes” Vivian nods as she twiddles with the bracelet on her wrist
‘Mh’ she puffs her cheeks as Wise opens the door
Wise walks into the class silencing it for a moment as he scans the faces inside before he spots familiar individuals gathered in the corner
‘Great, is he here to nag us again?’ Yuzuha rolls her eyes and pouts as Wise approaches
“That’s Belle’s brother, is he here for Spook Shack?”
“I never knew he was that brave, Belle’s brother is so cool”
Some students murmured
The man stood in front of the group of the school's biggest delinquents with a neutral expression. At that moment Manato stood up
“Oh crap, Manato is pissed, look at his ears”
“Is he going to hit the T.A? He can’t be that evil, can he?”
Manato cracks his neck
“Sup teach, need something?” Manato casually spoke
“What? Manato is being respectful? What kind of T.A got that hooligan to greet him?”
Manato looks over at the murmuring students making them look down in fear
“Here to nag us again? You said you hated us so why are you here?” Yuzuha confronts
“Yuzuha...” Yidhari taps the girl’s arm
“My taser” Wise holds out his hand towards Lucia who looks at it for a few moments
“Oh, the great protection spell” Lucia squats down and digs in her bag
“Protection spell?” Yuzuha’s brow raised as Lucia perks up with an object held out towards Wise
Wise’s eyes widen as he looks at the changed appearance of the item
“Is that a taser? I told you they’re up to no good” a girl mutters to her friends in the background
“No wonder nobody messes with them” another girl spoke
“You put stickers on it?” Wise slowly takes it from her and rotates it in his hand
“What the hell is that?” Yuzuha
“I added my charms and incantations, for reinforcement of your spell” Lucia said with a thumbs up
“Oh, it looks so pretty” Yidhari appeared at Wise’s side scaring him back a step
“Hm?” Yidhari rubs her chin
‘Don’t tell me he is also afraid of me?’ Yidhari thought
Wise tucks in his lips as he looks at the stickers on his taser
‘This cannot be real; it was only for a night’ Wise sighs and turns to walk
“Tch” Yuzuha kisses her teeth as she puffs her cheeks
“Don’t” Manato reprimands prompting Yuzuha to roll her eyes
“Lucia, why do you have a fed’s shit?” Yuzuha turns to the girl
“I met him on my nightly adventures, and he gifted me his taser to protect myself from enemy duelists” Lucia spoke
“We told you not to sneak around New Eridu at night” Yidhari said
“You know who I am, I am the Night Emissary, only I can navigate the darkness of New Eridu safely and return to my humble abode” Lucia said
“Listen here Night Emissary, we don’t associate with feds, they all hate us so best to keep away from them” Yuzuha said
“Mr. Wise doesn’t seem that bad” Lucia said
“He literally told us he didn’t want us in his class yesterday and you’re here taking handouts from him” Yuzuha spoke
“You’re wrong” Lucia said
“What?” Yuzuha and the other Spook Shack members look at Lucia with confusion
“If he didn’t like us he wouldn’t have given me that spell last night”
“Stop being in fantasy land for 5 minutes and think logically, he probably gave it to you out of responsibility or something, totally irrelevant to liking”
“Yuzupepper, you’re being mean” Lucia said with crossed arms
“He was mean first, an eye for an eye” Yuzuha crosses her arms
“You better not try something; I need my grades up or I’m done for” Manato warns
“All of you” Manato reiterates
“Komano, pointing fingers is rude you know” Yidhari said
“Stop with the nagging, you’re such a mom” Yuzuha said
“Who are you calling a mom?” Manato scoffs as he plops back down on his seat
“Anyways, you heard Shitflower when we got back, he needs just one reason to give us the boot, the rest of those feds share the sentiment, even that “Great Sage” you’re talking about” Yuzuha said
“Correction, they’ll give you the boot, I’m on a safer side” Manato said
“Because you’re a snitch” Yuzuha said
“Call me what you want, I’m not getting expelled from another school” Manato looks off to the side
“I think we should all take a breath, what matters is we can still salvage the year” Yidhari said
“With every fed on our asses? I think not”
“He’s not after us Yuzuha, how many times do I have to tell you” Lucia said
“One time isn’t enough to prove anything, you just met the guy yesterday, he told you he didn’t like you to your face and you’re here defending a fed” Yuzuha argues
“Spook Shack is mad”
Yuzuha looks back silencing the students
“I told you not to speak about them when they’re here, Sea Monster and Manato are there”
“Lucia, use your head here” Yuzuha said
“I am, and it’s telling me you’re wrong” Lucia retorts
“I’ve explained this to you; you were there with me when he told us that and you keep repeating stuff like a broken record, get it through” Yuzuha taps her temple with her index finger
“Stay away from the feds, it’s for your own good” Yuzuha finishes off
“Hmp” Lucia buries her nose back into her book with a furrowed brow
CREAK!
Yuzuha looks back to see a familiar rabbit thiren walk into the class. They meet eyes momentarily before the girl averts her gaze and sits on the other end of the room.
‘Still not allowed to talk to us huh?’ Yuzuha sighs before looking away
--------- LATER ON THAT DAY --------
“Remember what I told you, stay away from the feds” Yuzuha said
“Stop calling him that, he’s nice” Lucia said
“Lucia stop being stubborn” Yuzuha said
“I think if she’s formed an opinion different, it’s nothing bad” Yidhari said
“About a fed, remember he’s not our friend” Yuzuha reminded
“Day 2 of a boring class” Yuzuha sighs as Spook Shack make their way into the classroom with the other students already present
Upon their presence being acknowledged, the room got quieter.
“Try not to make the hate obvious” Yuzuha drops her bookbag on her desk
“We’re not hating on anybody, w-we just...” Orphie tries but goes silent mid-sentence
“Spin us a story, I’m interested” Yuzuha stands with a mean mug
“Let’s just sit down” Manato said
“Yeah, listen to your one braincell” Ellen said
“Watch your mouth you fish” Yuzuha snaps back
‘Give me a break, it’s the second day’ Manato rolls his eyes as he gets to his desk
“Who are you calling a fish?”
“You stink like a fish, it’s obvious who I’m talking about”
“You’re testing me”
“Can you guys relax? Mr. Wise will be here soon” Fufu spoke up
“Tch, you’re lucky Mr. Wise is coming” Ellen turns her back on Yuzuha
“So, he’s keeping you on a leash now? Big bad Ellen scared of a T.A” Yuzuha mocks
“Are we going to stop this?” Orphie looks at Seed worried
“Nope, I wanna see a fight” Seed smiles casually
“Who is on a leash? I’m not scared of anyone”
“So you’re not scared...” Yuzuha playfully looks up in thought
“Let me guess.....you’re into him” Yuzuha mocks
“This feud is perpetual” Yidhari sighs
“I don’t think anything is going to stop it” Manato said
“I’m not into him...” Ellen responds with a scowl however a blush rests on her cheeks
“Red faced? Are you mad or lying?” Yuzuha said
“That’s none of your business”
“Ellen Joe getting a boyfriend is world ending news, of course it’s my business”
“Are you insinuating something?”
“Yeah, what kind of dude would take you?”
“You’re busy attacking me about boyfriends but last I checked you got turned down in junior year twice” Ellen crosses her arms
“By a small dick loser and a douchebag”
“Still got turned down”
‘This is good inspiration; my fic could take some elements here’ Yidhari’s tentacle started writing on a notepad
“Watch it”
“Alright, break it up” Manato steps between the two
“You’re lucky Manato is here, I’d have smacked you” Ellen said
“Yeah, keep yapping” Yuzuha said
“Yapping?” Ellen turns back
“Yap session, yappity yap yap” Yuzuha mocks
“You’re such a bitch” Ellen said
“You’re the bitch” Yuzuha shot back
“I’m so done with you” Ellen rolls up her sleeves
“Square up, come on” Yuzuha unbuttons her cardigan and tosses it onto the ground nearby
“FIGHT! FIGHT!” Seed chants with excitement on her face
“A squabble on the second day, the fight scene in all action manhwa adaptations has come” Anby turns her head to watch
“Yuzuha, it’s the second day” Manato intervenes and stands firm
“Move it, I want to pummel this shark” Yuzuha attempts to push past Manato but he stood his ground and cemented his placement
CLICK!
Heads snap towards the door to see Wise stood there with a tired expression with his bag slung over his shoulders. His eyes locked on the scene, Yuzuha’s cardigan on the ground with her fists up and Ellen with rolled up sleeves stood on guard.
In a swift moments Ellen immediately straightens out her uniform and assumes a casual stance.
“Ohhhh” Seed looks back and forth from Wise and back to Yuzuha
‘Second day? I told them literally yesterday’ Wise sighed
Wise casually walks over to his desk and drops his bag onto the surface meanwhile Yuzuha dusts off her cardigan and hangs it around her waist. Wise silently walks over to an unoccupied desk and grabs the chair and places it at the side of his.
“Sir...” Manato starts
“Come here” Wise looks at past Manato
Yuzuha’s nose scrunches up
“Huh?”
“Come here” Wise points towards the empty chair
“What for?”
“I don’t want you over there anymore, you’re sitting here with me”
“They started it, I’m not going-”
“Just go” Manato urges
“Tch” Yuzuha takes her book bag and walks over to the desk
She gives Wise a scowl before sitting down with a pout
‘She took my spot’ Fufu growls under her breath
“And Ellen I want to see you after this”
“S-Sure...”
‘Why does he never want to see me after class? Should I also cause trouble?’ Fufu thought
‘I lost my cool, I embarrassed myself in front of him’ Ellen sits down with shame written on her face.
‘Putting me here at the front like some kid’ Yuzuha rolls her eyes as Wise takes a seat at the desk
“I think we should start off with a physics exercise then we’ll go over it after you’re all done” Wise said
“Open Page 134 and start with Section B” Wise instructs
“Yes Mr. Wise” the class said as they began their work
“Can I go back?” Yuzuha speaks to the man
“No” Wise said as he looks down on his phone
“Come on, Ellen and friends started it” Yuzuha said
“You're not going anywhere, sit there and do your work” Wise said sternly
“But teach, who’s sleeves were rolled up when you got here?”
“Stop talking and do your work” Ellen calls out
“You’re just defending your man crush”
“Y-You...” Ellen looks down at her book with a blush and furrowed brow
“Yuzuha, we talked about this yesterday, I said no trouble”
“I was defending myself”
Wise sighs as he turns off his phone
“What’s so hard about taking out your book and doing your work?” Wise said
“My book is out already” Yuzuha points at the open book in front of her
“So do your work”
“Teach, I can’t work here, I prefer my desk”
“Not happening, you’re sitting here”
“For how long?”
“What do you mean?”
‘At least it’s just her causing trouble on her own but it’s not 100% certain he won’t turn on us’ Manato looks back down at the questions
“I mean how long are you going to keep me here with you, 30 minutes? An hour?”
“This is a permanent thing”
“What?” Wise’s original group perk their heads up at the statement
‘Permanent? Mr. Wise can’t keep her there permanently, it’s not fair’ Orphie’s grip on her pencil shakes
‘Damn delinquent is on the spot I wanted so bad, why is she so good at ragebaiting?’ Ellen grumbles
‘No, you can’t invade Mr. Wise’s space, it belongs to me’ Seed thought
‘A new barrier in my quest of romantic affections, this part of the film is always the worst’ Anby thought
“Mh” Fufu pouts as her ears droop
‘Yuzuha has been bound by the great sage’ Lucia pulls out her personal book and starts writing in it
“I don’t want to be a teacher’s pet” Yuzuha said
“You’re not my pet; you’re just sitting here so I can watch you”
“You like me or something? You want to ogle a pretty face while you teach?” Yuzuha mocked
Wise pinches the bridge of his nose
“Listen here, we talked yesterday and you know what I said, don’t be difficult” Wise said in a low whispering voice
“I just don’t understand why I have to sit here with you” Yuzuha said
“Because you’re problematic, I can’t have you back over there” Wise said
“What do you mean by problematic? I’m the one getting provoked”
“Yuzuha, we’re not arguing when you have work to do”
“Just let me go back to my seat and I’ll get it done”
“No, get it done here”
“You’re being such a plank”
“I don’t care, get it done here” Wise takes out his phone once more
Yuzuha rolls her eyes and clicks the pen to allow the tip to protrude from the end
‘Total stiff, problematic my ass’ Yuzuha thought as she discretely glanced at Wise who was on his phone scrolling without much care for the external world.
“Tch” she kisses her teeth under her breath and starts writing
‘Seems like my words flew over their heads’ Wise’s eyes drift over to Yuzuha who had her own eyes locked on him before she looked back down at her book
‘This one is another story entirely; do I have the strength to keep her under control?’ Wise looks at Yidhari who is razor focused on her work, her tentacles slowly curling about behind her
‘That one scares me, but I haven’t needed to confront her seriously yet’
He turns his attention over to Manato
‘Compared to the others he seems somewhat normal, I don’t know if it’s an act to hide some bullying background or something’
Wise looks over at Lucia who was scanning him intensely before sketching in her book
‘What is she even doing?’ Wise sighs before shaking his head
‘It’s feels like it’s been a week, but they’ve only been here for two days’
--------- LATER ON ----------
“So that’s what happened” Ellen finished off
“Sorry” Ellen looks down bashfully kicking her foot
“Look Ellen, I get you’re not in good books with Yuzuha, I’m not either but I think we should do the best thing and compromise to keep the peace”
“She runs her mouth a lot, it pisses me off”
“Ellen please, just try to keep the peace”
“I don’t know if that’s possible with that girl”
“Please try” Wise places a hand on her shoulder
Ellen’s view completely transforms to a pink background with twinkles by Wise’s face as he looks down at her
“U-Uh, no prob, I-I'll try” Ellen mutters nervously
“Thank you for this” Wise said
“S-Sure”
“I hope you’re not late for the bus” Wise said as he opened the door for Ellen to walk out
“I-I’m not late” Ellen said with a blush
The two of them walked across the parking lot together as they chatted for a short time but in the distance.
“Evie...”
“I know” Evelyn spoke
“H-He’s messing with other girls”
“Ms. Yao we aren’t sure if we can approach him carelessly, we don’t want to scare him away like last time” Evelyn said
“B-But he’s with another girl Evie, doesn’t that bother you too?”
Evelyn remains quiet for a moment
“I-It does” she murmurs with a blush
“But we can’t just do anything big, we don’t know where we stand” the two of them watch from their vehicle
Back with Wise....
“Watch out for strangers” Wise warns
“I’m 18, I can notice this stuff”
“Just making sure” Wise said as they part ways
RING! RING!
The man reaches in his pocket and pulls out his phone. The Caller ID reads a familiar contact to Wise, it does not take him longer than a second to answer the call.
“Mom”
“GOOD NEWS!” Wise recoils from the sudden scream
“You burst my eardrum” Wise swaps the ear his phone sat on to the left as he rubbed his right ear
“Sorry, I was just so excited”
“About what? You got a promotion?”
“No, you did” Carole said
“Mayflower promoted me?”
“No silly, Mr. Thymefield did or he might but regardless it’s still a promotion”
“What did he do exactly?”
“He came into my office today and asked about you as a tutor” Carole said
“What?” Wise’s phone nearly slips out his grasp, but he maintains his grip
“For Alice?”
“Yes”
“W-What did you tell him?”
“I told him you’re available for a meeting whenever”
“Mom, you don’t do that randomly, ask me first”
“Hey, this is a Top 0.5% man the business world, turning him down is the equivalent of saying you don’t want a job in future” Carole said
“Mom...” Wise groans
“Relax, I gave him your number so make sure you keep yourself vigilant” Carole said
Wise sighs
“Fine”
“Good, now make sure you stay safe till you get home” Carole said
“I will” Wise said
“Say it” Carole said
“I love you”
“Love you too my little boy” Carole cooed as she cuts the call
“You cannot be serious, how the hell am I going to deal with so many things? Tutoring Orphie, my class and now a tycoon’s daughter might be joining the fray” Wise slips his phone in his pocket