My Seatmate is a Master (3) - The Start of Our Friendship

Over the next two days, Shira and Kiba spent their time growing closer, forging a genuine friendship that had been a rarity in Shira's life. It was a new and thrilling experience for her, something she had never understood in her previous social encounters.

However, Shira was taken aback when Kiba, one day, expressed his desire to return home alone. Though not one to pry, Kiba had already become a cherished friend, a sentiment she had never truly experienced in the real world.

This novelty of friendship stirred her curiosity, so without alerting Kiba, she surreptitiously trailed behind him. Kiba's path led him to the basketball court, where he carried water and snacks for his elder brother, Hiro.

Shira thought, 'Will he get bullied again?' 

However, Hiro's actions were far from brotherly.

'His brother is really not a thing!' Shira's hand clenched in hate.

He did not spare a glance in Kiba's direction. Hiro's teammates, equally indifferent to the bond of brotherhood, seized the snacks and subjected Kiba to a cruel display of mockery.

"Fatty, you're begging for attention again!"

"How many times did we tell you that athletes can't be fat?"

"You can never enter this game!"

"Go home, pig!"

"Shh, fatty brought us food!"

"Thanks, fatty!"

"Leave before it disgusts us!"

Laughter and taunts were heaped upon the young man who had been their source of amusement for too long, his weight and defenselessness making him an easy target. The derisive words they hurled at Kiba stirred a well of anger in Shira's heart.

'These kids really need some discipline!' Shira was too pissed that she called out Lemolemo.

[Milady, do you want to ask something?]

"Can you record this bullying?"

[That's very easy, Milady. Do you also want me to send this to the academy's forum? Or to an organization bigger than the academy's Office of Student Affairs?]

"Hmm. Don't forget to send a copy to Kiba's parents."

[Will do, Milady.]

As another slap loomed menacingly over Kiba's head, Shira intervened with a swiftness born of righteous indignation.

She caught the teenager's hand before it could land, her grip firm and rigid. "Do you think bullying someone looks cool?" she asked, her voice brimming with anger and empathy. Her grip left visible marks on the offender's hand. "It's pathetic."

In her frustration and disgust, Shira released her hold on the teenager's hand and retrieved a wet tissue from her bag. She wiped her hands meticulously as though ridding herself of the contamination of cruelty. "It's always disgusting to touch surfaces with brain-damaging bacteria."

Having wiped her hands clean, Shira casually tossed the used tissue into a nearby trash bin five meters away. Her aim was unerring, and the tissue landed gracefully into the receptacle with a satisfying thud.

Shira's actions were not just a testament to her anger but also a declaration of her refusal to accept cruelty and her readiness to stand up for those who needed it, like her friend Kiba.

"You keep bullying him, but can you look at yourself in the mirror?" Shira's mocking grin pierced through the tension on the basketball court.

She casually retrieved the nearest ball and, with a nonchalant air, took a shot. The distance to the hoop was considerable, but the ball sailed through the air with precision and landed cleanly in the net.

The collective shock was noticeable.

Every jaw on the court dropped in disbelief.

Shira continued her taunts, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Skill issues. You can try your hardest, but you will never be able to make that shot. And you think you're still worthy to bully others?"

With her back turned to them, she added, "People are not only pathetic but also unskilled."

Her words hung in the air, a poignant reminder that their own inadequacies were reflected in the cruelty they inflicted upon Kiba. With a final glance at her friend, Shira reached out and firmly took Kiba's hand, leading him away from the basketball court.

"Let's go. I'll treat you to a meal," Shira insisted as she led Kiba out of the school, where a bustling row of shops awaited them. The vibrant cityscape surrounded them, its pulse felt in the myriad of people weaving in and out of stores and the tantalizing scents of street food wafting through the air.

Kiba followed Shira through the crowd, a hint of a smile slowly unfurling across his face as he observed the determined sway of her back, the embodiment of a newfound friendship pulling him deeper into the throng of people.

With a hint of hesitation and traditional courtesy, Kiba attempted to assert himself. "Let me pay for it. A man can't ask for…" His words trailed off, colored by the embarrassment he felt about accepting a woman's gesture of kindness. He felt it his duty to reciprocate.

But Shira, with her unwavering determination, firmly grasped the bill before he could complete his sentence. "It's my treat, remember?" Her smile was a testament to her sincerity, a warmth that seemed to wrap around Kiba like a protective shield.

She extended a bag of sweets toward him. "You can only eat three per day."

"Thanks," Kiba replied, his gratitude for Shira's friendship and kindness evident in his eyes. At this moment, as the city bustled around them and the simple exchange of sweets passed between them, a unique bond between these two unlikely friends continued to blossom.

"Would you like to study at my house tonight?" Shira offered, her voice inviting and warm.

Kiba's heart skipped a beat, the prospect of such an offer leaving him momentarily stunned. "Wouldn't it be inappropriate?" He stammered, his anxiety threatening to give him a heart attack at the mere thought.

Shira shook her head reassuringly, her eyes filled with understanding. "No, I'm currently alone with the servants at home. My parents went on a business trip together. I'll even ask for my Dad's permission so you can stay with me openly."

With a sense of relief, Kiba finally managed to find his voice. "Okay..." He replied, a blush creeping onto his cheeks. The idea of studying in someone else's home, let alone Shira's, was an entirely new experience for him, and the mix of anticipation and nervousness made it a moment he would remember for a long time.

[Milady, aren't you moving too fast?]

"No, in fact, I am only helping him avoid the trouble at home. His parents might have violent reactions when he returns home, and his brother might force him to bear all the blame."

[Will the Master agree to your proposal?]

"My Mother will, so it's pointless for Dad to argue. My Dad is a wife-control..."

As the day drew to a close, Kiba found himself walking alongside Shira, anticipation and a touch of anxiety mixing in his stomach.

They approached Shira's impressive family home, its grandeur evident in the architecture and lush gardens that adorned the property with the absence of flowers. The imposing mansion stood as proof of her family's affluence, and Kiba couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed.

'This is just next to my house...' Kiba breathed deeply as he tried relaxing his trembling nerves.

Shira led him through the grand entrance and into the spacious foyer, where a warm, welcoming atmosphere enveloped them. The echoing footsteps of the servants could be heard in the distance, a reminder that they were not alone in this prosperous domain.

"Kiba," Shira reassured him, "you're welcome here. Make yourself at home."

He offered a shy smile and nodded, acutely aware of how out of place he felt in such a warm atmosphere. They made their way to a cozy study, where Shira had prepared study materials and a large, comfortable desk with ample space for both of them to work.

The evening passed in a blur of books, notes, and shared laughter. Shira's home was filled with an air of familiarity and warmth, a stark contrast to Kiba's previous perception of isolation. It was an experience he'd never imagined, an opportunity to be himself and focus on their studies without judgment or ridicule.

As the night deepened, Shira and Kiba decided to take a break from their studies. They moved to a sitting area adorned with plush, velvety sofas and a crackling fireplace. The ambiance was cozy, and the soft glow of the fire cast flickering shadows on the walls.

Kiba felt his shyness gradually giving way to a newfound sense of comfort. Shira's companionship was a balm to his soul, and he began to open up about his hopes, dreams, and the challenges he had faced throughout his life.

Shira listened with empathy, her presence serving as an anchor that helped him navigate the stormy seas of his emotions. As the night progressed, their bond deepened, and Kiba found himself experiencing a connection he had never known before.

The night was far from over, and with Shira by his side, Kiba's sleepover held the promise of more than just academic progress. It was an opportunity to discover friendship, acceptance, and a new chapter in his life that had been long overdue.

[Milady, you are truly fast! The Villain has finally accepted you in his life.]

"Entering his life wasn't so hard, Lemolemo.

[Are you preparing for the heroine's arrival tomorrow, Milady?]

"I am. That's why I've been slowly brainwashing Kiba to choose warmth. I am giving him what he needs the most, so it'll be easier for me to help him avoid his brother's troubles."