The first-years were attending the club presentations. Javier, Makoto, Sekai, and Setsuna sat together in the front row. They watched the presentations with all their classmates. They applauded as another presentation that would soon take its place ended.
"Which club are you thinking of joining? You said you already had one in your sights.
"Yes, but I have to talk to Professor Tenma, since the club doesn't have any members, and Javier has stopped using 'san' at the end. I'd rather call him without honorifics."
"Seriously, since you didn't tell me anything, I thought it was okay, so… Sekai.
"....Hm, that's fine.
In a good mood Sekai, Makoto who remained thoughtful, murmured listening.
"I think I'll join the Hologram Club, it sounds like fun.
"You, really? In the hologram club, no, no.
"What's wrong? Why can't I?
"At most, you'll last a month, at most. Look how good I am at not even mentioning the first week, hehehe.
"Sekai you!
Not stopping to tease each other about the clubs Makoto was interested in, with their usual playful smile, Javier and Setsuna immediately intervened before it turned into a fight.
"Sekai, don't disturb him and keep your eyes on the podium.
"Yessss, mom.
"You too, Makoto. I haven't told you not to fall for his provocations.
"She starts, you just don't listen to her.
Setsuna and Javier intervened before Professor Tenma noticed them fighting, tempers dwindled so that next time one of them would get upset again.
"This concludes the presentation of the Holograms club, a round of applause!"
Applause!!!!
Now comes the programming club!
First showing a silver table on wheels, the programming club members came out, two men pushed the table, while two girls prepared their presentation with their laptops, a fifth member appeared with a microphone in hand, in front of her classmates who were almost ready.
"Good morning to all the first years, I don't want to make this long so as not to bore you. This is Stark Reí, president of the programming club. Enjoy our self-made presentation.
The programming chairwoman laughed with a beautiful bow. All the first-year students applauded, and she retreated behind the table with her classmates.
Soon, like the Hologram Club, this one projected a city surrounded by the sea. People lived their lives normally, until one day a meteorite lit up the sky, falling on the horizon. Soon, a giant wave swept away everything in its path, along with the city, dragging most of its inhabitants to the bottom of the sea.
The survivors, with their city destroyed and thousands of families missing, embarked on rebuilding the city.
Months after the tragedy occurred, when the pain and regret of having lost so many, an enemy emerged from the ocean, it was a puffer fish shooting its spines indiscriminately, barely winning with the weapons they had.
Shortly after, more attacks lived off the ocean just like the puffer fish, the inhabitants of the city fought fiercely, until the city was destroyed sinking into the sea now inhabited by the new species in it.
Suddenly turning off the projector, Reí's presence emerged with a proud smile of what she had achieved.
"Some might say this is something done by an expert, but no, we were students who wanted to improve our knowledge and ambitions. Anyone who has the ambition to improve their skills is more than welcome in our programming club. Thank you.
Applause!!!!
"Impressive, but it looks so difficult.
"True, I don't think anyone without skills can get into that club.
The first time Sekai and Makoto agreed, Setsuna and Javier didn't say anything, they just looked at the podium.
[I already have an idea of how to attract a believer to me, hehe, it will get interesting, as I thought it was not a mistake to be a student again.]
Letting his thoughts wander to his next moves, an unconscious laugh escaped his mouth, attracting Setsuna's gaze.
[The Programming Club? It seems delighted.]
Without even imagining that thoughts influenced the decisions of others, Javier had no idea that the wheels of destiny for many had changed, both before and after his interventions.
[Tokyo Center: 12:59 AM]
Somewhere in Tokyo, in Chiyoda Prefecture, a plain woman, dressed in a simple dress and looking gaunt for her age, was staring intently at a job posting.
"This is the fourth time I've stopped to look at her today… I'm tired, but I need to take food to Shio… I wonder if there's still a vacancy for the position.
Taking the pamphlet, the woman walked very slowly, sometimes stumbling, to a nearby public booth.
[Back with Javier]
"Uhm, mayu, mayu, mayu, delicious, you did it Setsuna.
"My mommy, is it delicious?"
"Hmm, very tasty, your mom has a good seasoning.
"Setsuna, why are you feeding him? They look like a lovey-dovey couple. Even I feel embarrassed just looking at them.
Stopping the chopsticks that had an octopus sausage on them, Setsuna looks at Sekai who is beside her and Javier who is in front of her looking at her with his eyes shining because of the octopus sausage.
"He doesn't have chopsticks... besides, I promised to give him some of my bento.
"But that doesn't mean you have to hit him in the mouth.
"Sekai, don't be jealous. Look at us, we're a super sweet couple, so don't interfere.
"No more.
"Setsuna, don't do that to me, everyone but that!
Not changing her expression even when Javier looked at her with puppy eyes, she looked at the octopus chorizo, and ate it.
"....
"Well done, Setsuna.
"...No more food.
"Ugh,.....tomorrow, I'll bring lots of chorizo octopus and I won't give you any, silly Sekai.
Unaffected by Javier's childish words, Setsuna continued to eat her bento calmly, while listening to Sekai talk about a bakery stall that was on TV, and Javier eating a pineapple bread.
Churu♪, Churu♪, Paya♪, Paya♪…..! (Ost Rosario + Vampire)♪
"Excuse me, I have to take the call.
"Javier has a peculiar corner, you don't believe it, Setsuna.
"...Glub, hmm, it certainly is, I think it's from an anime from fifteen years ago, but I can't remember its name.
"Seriously, hmm, I thought you didn't like anime that much.
"Not much, but they have aired some old anime on TV, I guess I heard about it there.
"Oh, but whoever I was talking to, the call sounds like good news.
"It seems so.
------
"Hey, who's there?"
"Y-yes, I-I'm calling about work… Are you still available?"
"Of course.
"W-what a relief, c-can do the interview.
"I won't be able to now. I'm busy, but I'll be available starting three, what do you think?"
"I-it's perfect, where I have to go, it just says Azumi Prefecture and I live in Tokyo.
"Oh, that'll be no problem, I can pick you up this afternoon…
"Ha-halo?
"Oh yeah, I was telling you we could meet at Kumiho Station. Do you know him?"
"I know him!"
"Okay, I'll be there around 4:30. You can reach me at this number or you can contact me.
"I'm calling from a phone booth… I'll call him back then.
"Okay, remember to bring a change of clothes, since you'll be on trial for one day, from this afternoon until the same time you take the position.
"...
"Hello, are you there, miss?"
"Hey! Ah! That's it.
"Any problems?"
"None… I am a single mother and I have a small child… I have no one to take care of her.
"No problem, you can bring her. There are four of us in the house: two cousins, a family friend, and me. I'm sure she won't feel uncomfortable."
"Y-yes.
"Okay, then I'll wait for your call, miss…
"Yuuna kobe.
"Miss Kobe-san, I'll be waiting for your call.
"Yes, thank you very much for the timely reply!
Smiling as he imagined he had leaned into the phone booth several times, the bell rang.
"I will wait for your call.
"Y-yes.
Hanging up, he returns to his seat and sees that Sekai was returning to her seat and Katsura was preparing for the next class.
"Will there be anyone?"
"More or less.
"Hmmm.
Without further interaction on his part, the physics teacher arrived.
[Somewhere in Tokyo]
[1:40 PM] April 18, 2028
Walking slowly for some time, leaving the center of Chiyoda, Kobe Yuuna muttered lost in her own world.
"A job… finally… I have to get home and get Shio… but if I leave… he won't be able to find me… who has to find me?"
Head down, staggering from side to side, not seeming odd that she would fall, she crossed a dark alley, already accustomed to crossing it, went out to walk three more blocks, arriving at a somewhat old two-story rental house, still habitable.
Opening the door to a second-floor apartment, Yuuna sees the shadow leaping towards her, hugging her waist and looking at her with a pure smile that only a child could make.
"Welcome Mommy!
"I'm back Shio.
Regaining clarity in her eyes, a motherly smile spread across her lips. Locking the door again, Shio stood to one side, watching her mother sit in the living room, which contained nothing but a table, a small kitchen, and a small but empty bathroom, just as empty as when she'd first arrived.
"Mommy, what happened? Shio thought she wouldn't be back until late.
Worried Shio saw a lost look in Yuuna's eyes, and she smiled at her.
"I got fired from my job, haha, but there's nothing I can do about it. I'm clumsy. But your mom got a new one, so we're going out.
"Get out, really! Wow! hehehehe. Finally, Shio will be able to find someone who can fix Mommy's jar.
Jumping with joy upon hearing the news Yunna gave her, Shio didn't notice a pitiful expression on Yuuna's face as she approached her.
"Shio, don't ever say that in front of anyone again, yeah.
"Hey, why?
"You can't, don't tell anyone, you promise.
"Alright.
"Good girl, so no one will listen to your nonsense about the silly jar... come Shio, help me put the clothes in... this backpack.
Shio was sad to see that his mother didn't believe him. His eyes looked at Yuuna's face as she prepared a change of clothes and he saw a small jar cracking to the point that it wouldn't be strange if a breeze broke it.
[3:00 PM]
Sakaino Institute
"There's no one here, sensei, are you sure it's the astronomy club?"
"He's been unemployed, so this is his status.
"So this is where you're going to come in, Javier. I didn't know you liked astronomy.
"Something.
"If you want to join, you already have the form to join the club. Come to the staff room tomorrow. I'll be waiting for you.
With Professor Tenma leaving, Sekai and Javier were left alone, unable to enter the club until they joined, the two walked back down the hallway.
"And you Sekai, why do you want to join the astronomy club? You don't seem like a girl who looks at constellations or stars.
"You don't look like the guy interested in the stars either. Well, the only reason I want to join is because I'll have the keys to the rooftop all to myself, so I can eat peacefully with Setsuna.
"Shameless.
"Thank you.
Teasing each other, they continued talking all the way to the shoe store at the entrance.
You, you, you, you!!
"Message from your girlfriend.
"Not at all, my little cousin sent me a message that she joined the Aikido club, look.
Showing her phone to Sekai, Rinka was smiling as she entered the club.
"I have a little cousin, I didn't know that, you must love her a lot, since she seems to be the first among her parents.
"....Well, we are close, just like Setsuna and you.
Finishing putting on their shoes, Javier and Sekai walk to the entrance, talking about the three members who make sure the Club runs smoothly.
"Wow, looks like they're already expecting you.
"Who?.
Fixing his gaze on the entrance of the building, Sayaka was waiting for him, Javier feeling strange that Sayaka was obediently waiting for him even further inside the building and not at the gate.
"Something happened with the Kendo club, I thought they were already teaching you the basics.
"They'll do it tomorrow, today we just introduced ourselves… and your friend isn't going to introduce us.
Not missing Sayaka's slightly more polite way of speaking, Sekai stepped forward before Javier introduced her.
"Sekai Saionji, Javier's classmate.
"Ah now I remember this morning when I entered the classroom I saw you.
"That's right, mmm.
"Sayaka Okino, Javier's cousin, a pleasure.
Greeting with a graceful smile in every movement of his, Sekai unable to say anything in the presence of a classy lady on Sayaka's part, Javier touches her shoulder.
"Sekai, see you tomorrow, I have things to attend to at home.
"Eh, ah, yes, yes, see you tomorrow Javier, goodbye Okino-san.
"Goodbye Saionji-san too, let's go Javier.
Sayaka left first, followed by Javier, Sekai in the middle of the door, a soft slap hit her side.
"Sekai.
"Kyaaa!
"... Did something happen?
Stepping back at Sekai's shriek, the person in charge turned to see it was Setsuna.
"It's you Setsuna, don't scare me like that.
"I should say that, did something happen?"
"Nothing... just that you'll have very tough competition.
"What are you talking about?.
"Don't pay attention to me, my mom and my aunt are waiting for us for dinner.
Talking without touching the subject again, the two cousins headed to the station, without knowing what Sekai was thinking.
[Who are you Javier?]
Curious, Sekai began to take an interest in Javier, due to his character, family, and the person himself, without realizing it until later.
----------------
Without speaking the entire way, Javier pulls out of the parking lot and looks at Sayaka in the rearview mirror, showing disinterest.
"Can you tell me what happened back there?
Knowing that Javier would ask her that, Sayaka crossed her arms under her breasts, highlighting them.
"A formal greeting.
"That was your formal greeting.
"That's right, just so you know before my father starts using me at that club, I was raised as an upper-class lady and it's normal to return my greeting.
"...
"Speak if you want to tell me something.
"It's nothing, if that was your greeting with no jealousy, that's fine with me.
With sarcasm in her voice, Sayaka, who heard it, raised her eyebrows and slammed her fist on the back of Javier's seat.
"Don't talk nonsense! I'm jealous of you, ha, dream.
The conversation stalled, and neither of them spoke until they arrived at Rinka's school thirty minutes later.
"Javier Onii-chan good afternoon, Sayaka Nee-chan good afternoon... what's wrong?" they argued again.
Watching the atmosphere between the two, Rinka looks intensely at Javier to get him to tell her.
"...We don't fight, we talk, oh by the way, they called me this morning for work.
Changing the subject and Rinka not wanting to butt in, laughed and said.
"Seriously then we won't have to do housework anymore.
"That's as far as your imagination goes, a useless lady, my house, my rules, they don't change.
"Hehehe just kidding Javier onii-chan, you'll never get a girl if you're too serious about that matter.
"Oh really?
"Yeah.
"So if the lady doesn't come, you'll have to clean her underwear, clothes, sheets, in addition to making the food. Of course, we'll divide up the chores, hehe.
The two girls were paralyzed, under Javier's words, who smiled happiest, for Rinka and Sayaka he was a demon.
"Hehehe, you know how to joke Javier Onii-chan.
"....
"....
"...S-someone is hungry.
Leaving the awkward atmosphere, at Sayaka's suggestion, Javier parks at a fast food store.
"We'll eat here, a barbecue place, then we'll go meet the job applicant.
"I love you Javier Onii-chan.
"How convenient.
"Hehehe, what are you saying Javier Onii-chan, but I always show you my love.
An hour quickly passed and Javier had gotten out of the car, while Rinka and Sayaka waited inside the vehicle.
"Javier Onii-chan, I'm sure you told him this way.
"I told him so.
"But you probably didn't tell him what you looked like so he could recognize you.
"Oh, well. I'm sure he'll call me. He has my number.
Leaning against the car, seeing that Yuuna hadn't arrived, Javier was about to use his powers when his cell phone rang.
"Hello, where is she? I can't see her.
"I'm standing in front of the station, next to a black car, now I'm raising my hand, he sees me.
"Mh.... I see it now.
Cutting the call, Rinka and Sayaka looked at him.
"He's coming.
"Javier Onii-chan is not that person coming our way.
Turning their gaze to where Rinka was saying, Javier and Sayaka saw a young woman in her 30s with a purse in one hand and a little girl, barely six or seven years old, in the other.
Blue-black hair that cascaded down to her lower back, with side strands falling below her shoulder and bangs straight below her thin eyebrows, dark sapphire pupils, along with fair skin, a small nose, and natural-colored lips. That was Yuuna Kobe, dressed in a white blouse and pants.
Turning his gaze to the little girl. Semi-long hair reaching her shoulders, strands of it falling below her blue-black eyes, blue irises highlighting her reptilian pupils, her still-childish facial features. That was Shio Kobe, wearing pants and a short-sleeved blouse.
"E-Excuse me, is it you who is speaking?
Yuuna said shyly upon seeing Javier, who was younger than she thought. Javier himself, a little surprised by the girl Yuuna was carrying, who looked everywhere as if everything was new to her, Javier saw something that made him angry.
"It's me, you're Yuuna Kobe.
"That's right, Mr. Valderrama.
"Sir, sir!!
Suddenly interrupting, the girl hugs Javier's leg, looking at him as if she had found a treasure.
"Wait Shio, it's rude to interrupt conversations anymore and it's very bad to hug strangers. I-I'm sorry for my daughter's behavior.
"Don't worry, it's normal at this age. What's your name, little one?"
"Shio Kobe.
Still looking at him with bright eyes, Shio, Javier gently stroked his slightly messy hair.
"Shio-chan, how old are you?"
"8 years.
"Then what do you need me for?
"Sir, you can fix Mommy's glass, the older sisters' glasses are slowly being repaired, you know how to do it!"
"..... Of course I know how to do it, but fixing it takes a lot of time, just like a flower, if you don't take care of it it will turn ugly and die, come from now on we will take care of it together.
"Will you really help me?"
Shio happily looks at Yuuna, who didn't know what to say about her daughter's behavior with a stranger like Javier.
"We've waited a long time, Yuuna-san got into the car, Shio-chan sits between Sasa-chan and Rinka-chan.
"I am in your care.
Unable to comprehend what was happening before her eyes, Yuuna leaned towards Rinka and Sayaka as she saw Javier getting into the car.
"Likewise, I am in your care.
"Hmm.
Being more sociable, Rinka shows her a friendly smile, Sayaka just nodded, while Yuuna let Shio sit between the two.
Shio feeling everything new, looked at Sayaka and Rinka several times before asking Rinka.
"Onee-chan, where are we going?"
"Let's go home, that place is big and you'll have a lot of fun.
"Seriously, amazing Onee-chan!
"So cute I always wanted to have a little sister.
"Don't scare her Rinka-chan, Yuuna-san fasten your seatbelt.
"I-I understand.
"Let's go then.
"Ooooo!!
"o-ooooooo!!
Repeating what Rinka did, Shio raised her hand and the car left the parking lot, with Sayaka and Javier laughing at the freshness that Shio brought them, on the other hand, Yuuna was nervous.
{5:55 pm} Outside Azumi City
(Valderrama Mansion)
Arriving at the mansion, everyone got off, Shio surprised by the size of the place, begins to run everywhere.
"This whole yard is his, incredible, incredible!! Wow, and this house is so big too!
"W-wait Shio don't run.
Feeling out of place, Yuuma runs to Shio who was ignoring him at all, not knowing what to do he was about to scream and a hand placed on his shoulder.
"Let the children play like children, now let's start their test so come with me, besides this place is safe, there's nothing she can damage, unless she falls on her own.
"I-I understand, with your permission.
"Relax, I'll explain what to do.
Javier enters first with Yuuna behind him looking around at the immensity of the Mansion.
"I'm going to change and do my homework.
Without saying anything else, Sayaka walks past him up the stairs.
"She's a little reserved, but don't worry.
"Y-yes, and that's what I have to do.
"Let's go to the kitchen, you'll make dinner tonight.
"Understood.
Yuuna, who was following Javier closely through the hallways, passed by the living room and saw Shio and Rinka running outside.
Tin! Tin! Tin!
Passing through the dining room, as the sound of spoons grew louder, Javier stopped at the door and looked at Yami, who stood up quickly, eager for her ice cream.
"We'll talk later and no more chocolate chip ice cream for a month, one more tantrum and I'll increase your punishment!
With a commanding voice, Javier continued down the hallway, hearing the sound of a spoon falling to the floor and a louder bang. Yuuna, who was watching everything, saw Yami on his knees before quickly heading over and catching up with Javier.
"O-okay..
"You don't have to worry, you'll be fine. You know you can't contradict yourself if you want your chocolate chip ice cream back.
"Ha.