kscans

Chapter 15 - The Warmth Of It

Magicians, sorcerers, onmyoji, demon-possessed individuals, half-youkai, psychics, and shamans - the supernatural world is home to people of various origins.

Though I've mastered various techniques now, making clear distinctions difficult, I'd primarily classify myself as a psychic. But even among psychics, there are many different types. Some developed abilities through human experimentation, while others awakened to their powers through near-death experiences.

Delving deeper into classifications, I fall into a category of psychics known as "Star's Fallen Children." There was once a period when Earth's energy was abnormally active. Children born to mothers affected by this heightened energy were often gifted with supernatural abilities. These children became known as Star's Fallen Children. Chika-san is also one, though in terms of rarity, we're as different as the moon and a turtle.

My story revolves around these Star's Fallen Children...

"Curse you... Thwarted again!? The righteous world! The true dawn!!"

These appear to be remnants of organizations we once fought against.

(Which group are they from?)

We mainly faced two hostile organizations: "True World" and the "Chaos Army." Judging by their apparent age, they were probably too young to have been key members back then...

(Well, it doesn't matter which)

If they intend to harm Chika-san and Rika-chan, I can't ignore them. Disregarding their shouting, I immediately knocked them unconscious. I carefully packaged them up with a detailed note and sent them to the chairman. Best to leave this to the professionals. If force becomes necessary, they'll request my help.

(Better get out of here)

After teleporting outside and walking a bit, I let out a heavy sigh. The teenage hormones from last night have completely subsided. Instead, I feel relief. I'm truly glad I could detect the impending danger to Chika-san and the others before it struck. Though I can't be sure if we've prevented everything without seeing the full picture, just knowing about their movements is crucial. We can respond quickly if we stay alert.

(What a relief... wait...)

As I was about to open my coffee, a thought struck me.

(Did I just... destroy the next generation's story?)

It's been over a decade. This might have been the beginning of a story focusing on the next generation of Star's Fallen Children. That would explain a lot. I'm essentially in the previous protagonist's position - well, I missed being the actual protagonist, but position-wise. It's pretty common for the previous protagonist to be outmaneuvered. They seemed to be planning something like that.

If there was meant to be a next-generation story, with someone chosen by fate... it must have been him. Akatsuki Hikaru. They were talking about dawn, after all. The one to bring the new daybreak...

(Oh no, oh no...)

First the potential flag with Rika-chan, and now this!? While I never became the protagonist myself, at least I had the opportunity. I may have passed it up, but no one took that chance from me. It might be good that the young ones avoided trouble, but...

(We never know what's truly best until it's all over)

Did I just needlessly destroy an opportunity? I can't shake this thought. Troubled by guilt, I found myself wandering into a shopping district. The appetizing smells made my stomach growl.

(A bento shop...)

Following the scent, I found what appeared to be an independently-owned bento shop. Like a kid who can't resist hunger, I drifted toward it. I decided to fill my stomach before thinking things through further.

"Welcome! Oh... Satou-san?"
"H-Hikaru-kun...?"

There was Hikaru-kun in an apron, appearing from the back of the shop.

"Ah, I work part-time here."
"I see..."

What are the chances of meeting here... it feels like fate...

"What would you like? Everything's good, really."
"Well..."

As I was browsing the bentos, feeling too tired to think,

"Hikaru-chan, I'll take over from here! Your sisters are waiting for you!"
"Ah, yes."Hiro came out from behind the counter and started selecting a bento.

"Dinner?"
"Yes. It's just me and my mom at home."

He explained that his mother was a nurse who often worked night shifts, so when he had his part-time job, he'd buy bento to take home.

...Geez, what a tough life... It makes me want to cry thinking about my own carefree high school days...
But I guess that explains why he's so mature for his age.
No wonder he doesn't want to get mixed up in the supernatural world.

"Let me treat you then."
"Oh no, I couldn't..."
"Don't hold back. I make good money, you know. Use what you save on the bento to buy yourself a dessert or something."
"...Thank you very much."

His shy smile was dazzling... piercing straight through this grimy middle-aged man's heart...
What the hell... Getting worked up like a hormonal monkey first thing in the morning, I must be an idiot...

"Hmm... I had fish last time, so maybe meat today..."
"Feel free to get some side dishes too."
"Thanks!"
"Oh, and I'll walk you home."
"Huh? No need for that - I'm a guy, and it's not far..."

I would've said the same thing if it weren't for recent events.

"...There's been some suspicious activity around here lately."

When I whispered this, Hikaru's face tensed up, but he nodded in understanding.
We may have stopped the enemy's initial move, but they knew about Rika.
Given how they got involved, they likely know about Hikaru too.
We need to make sure there aren't any strange eyes or ears around.

"Shall we go?"
"Yes."

After buying the bento, I started walking with Hikaru who had gathered his things.

"...About that suspicious activity you mentioned?"

Prefacing that I couldn't go into much detail, I gave him a brief explanation.

"There are some people plotting something bad not far from here."
"!"
"Don't worry. We roughed up their leaders and stopped them before they could do anything."
"I see... but then..."
"We don't know their full plans, or how many people are involved."

We're waiting on the results of the interrogation.

"Since we captured their leaders, nothing should happen right away, but..."
"Better safe than sorry, right? Sorry for the trouble."
"It's no problem."

From there, our conversation shifted to casual chat as we walked for about ten minutes.
After buying some sweets at a convenience store near his home, we arrived at his apartment building.

"...Doesn't seem to be anything suspicious around here."

Hikaru's shoulders relaxed in relief.
Still, we can't let our guard down. I told him to contact me if anything seemed off.

"Well, I'll be going then."
"Um!"
"Yeah?"
"Would you... like to come in and eat with us?"
"Huh?"
"Well, if you go home now, your bento will get cold... Of course, only if it's not a bother."
"No, it's not a bother... But wouldn't I be imposing? Won't your sisters be uncomfortable?"
"It's fine! They're not shy at all!"
"Hey, wait..."

And that's how I ended up having dinner at the Akatsuki household...

(Ah... the warmth of this modest but loving home is piercing this salty old man's heart...!)

I wept inside.
By the way, I learned later that he'd invited me because I seemed troubled and he thought it might cheer me up.