Our Stories

Something Worth Fighting For [Shirasu Azusa]

Vanitas vanitatum, et omnia vanitas.

The vanity of vanities, all is vanity... or something along that line. You heard her mutter those words every so often back then. A belief from her old academy, now naught but a whisper in the wind.

Those were matters of a not-so-long-ago past. A turbulent dream that ended beautifully for those you cared about. But for a certain group of masterminds... heh...

"How can you be so cute, Mister Peroro?"

Her voice brought you out of your musing. Your lips curved upward as you saw her hold the plushie you just bought for her so dearly. She hugged the white plushie so close to her that you might start to get jealous, you jokingly thought.

She took a huge liking to the... well, to be honest, they're an odd-looking series of plushies, no thanks to one of her friends. But every time you pointed that out, she would nag at you and say that you didn't get their charm and cuteness.

For someone who used to say that life has no meaning to say that...

"Heh..." You let out a chuckle, catching her attention. She cutely pouted as she stuffed the plushie into your face. "Don't tease me, Sensei."

"Mmf... I didn't even say anything yet." You slowly pushed the plushie down with a chuckle. "Like it?" You asked her. You saw the doll on one of your shopping trips and you instantly thought of her.

"Uhn." She nodded as she clung to the plushie again. "But is it really alright for me to receive this...?"

"Of course. It's a thank-you gift."

"But I'm not sure if I was helpful enough..."

You let out a wry sigh as you gently pinched her cheek. "I've told you a thousand times, and I'll say it again..." You let go of your hold on her face as you moved to rustle her snow-white hair. "You've done more than enough for me."

"Even you staying by my side is more than enough."

"That's why don't be too hard on yourself." You slowly flicked her forehead, causing her to pout again. You chuckled as she hit you with her plushie a few times.

She retracted the doll close to her face. Beneath her usual icy expression, a beautiful smile bloomed on her face. She rarely smiles, but when she does, boy oh boy, there are no words that could describe it. "Thank you for taking care of me, Sensei." She mumbled, causing a soft smile to appear on your face.

Ah... that smile...

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"Hm?" Your eyes were drawn to a shop by the street. In particular, two items caught your attention. You neared them as they stood at attention beneath the afternoon sun.

They were a small pair of plushies. One was in the form of a duck, and the other was a penguin. Without wasting another second, your mind started remembering your memories with Azusa.