≡;- ꒰ °𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙏𝙄𝙈𝙀 ꒱

➷ 𝐒𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍

What should I do now? Should I ask them to stop the fight? No, I can't. They'll definitely disagree with me. I can't let those kids die, and I can't let them die either! What am I supposed to do? Before this, my plan was to avoid anything involving fights. But I know that won't last. I need a new plan. What would it be?

Echiko put her head on her table as she thought hard.

"Hey, Tsurimi Echiko," Akkun knocked on her desk, and she looked up.

"Here," he offered her a meal, but she pushed it away.

"I don't want to eat. I'm on a diet," she replied.

"Forget your diet. Eat this," he insisted, and Echiko reluctantly took it.

"Thank you," she said.

"Where are the others?" She asked, looking at Akkun and pulling a chair for him to sit in. "Over there," he pointed to the others walking into the classroom.

"Sorry we're late," they apologized before grabbing random chairs. "Where's..." Echiko began, but Yuki interrupted her. "Ryo has important things to take care of," he answered quickly.

"AGAIN?! It's been more than five times, including today. What's so important, bro?" Mitsuya sighed.

"Can we just leave him alone? He has his own personal matters. It's not like we can't function without him," Rina said, rolling her eyes, though Sora nudged her elbow, silently communicating, 'Do you realize who you're talking about?'

"I mean, it's... not like... we can't eat without him," Rina stuttered.

They all ate in silence until Echiko broke it. "Can I ask you guys something?" She inquired.

"You already did," Mitsuya replied, rolling his eyes annoyingly.

"Do we... have to fight the Devil's Eyes?" Echiko asked.

"Why would you ask that? Of course, we have to," Yuki replied.

"What if we don't fight? What if we talk to them? Find out what they want and ask them to leave Shibuya. We could negotiate," Echiko suggested, eliciting a blank reaction.

"Echiko-chan, you're one of the leaders of the Manshi Gang. Your subordinates were beaten and killed by them. Were you expecting us to negotiate with people like that?! They attacked us with sharp weapons, Echiko-chan!" Mitsuya said incredulously, his face filled with disbelief. Mitsuya might seem foolish in other situations, but when it comes to matters of the Manshi Gang, especially regarding fights and discussions, he is always serious.

"That's what's giving me more anxiety, Mitsuya-kun! None of us know how to use any sharp weapons. What if one of us gets hurt? I don't want to lose any of you again!" She emphasized. They all fell silent for a moment.

"Echiko-chan, I understand your feelings. I don't know if I can handle those feelings either. But we have to do this. You know, no one questions Ryo's decisions," Yuki said, patting her back.

"I will! I'm going to ask him to reconsider his plan," Echiko insisted, and they sighed.

»»——⍟——««

"Nope. I don't agree with you, Echiko-chan," Ryo said through gritted teeth.

"Ryo-kun, none of us know how to use those things! How are we going to fight them? Where will we even learn to use them?" Echiko shouted at him.

"Don't you dare raise your voice at me, Echiko-chan. I'm being patient with you. Don't make me lose my patience this time," he warned, stepping closer, his face near hers.