The Accidental Rumor (1)

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The high and frantic activities of the harvest festival finally drew to an end on the third day. This was a time when all teachers met up at the popularly known Brawl Inn, famous for its great sound of revelry and strong drinks. This feasting-together tradition was as old as the school itself, down the line, where each teacher took turns playing host. But this time, the host happened to be Robin, which was what got on Kalego's nerves. Kalego always found Robin's energy and enthusiasm excruciatingly annoying, but that did not matter; this was tradition.

By dusk, more and more teachers started coming in, chattering and chuckling along, the tinkle of their glasses and the clatter of their dishes mingling into one thoughtless hum. He noted there were some absentees and inquired of Buer and Murmur, the two longer-serving members of the faculty, as to the whereabouts of the missing. Buer explained that Orias never joined in because he couldn't abide drinking alcohol, and Kalego would most definitely avoid this type of party unless he was under compulsion. Balam was probably just late.

Just as they finished speaking, the inn doors swung open, and in walked Balam, dragging a very disgruntled Kalego. The room fell silent. Kalego's presence at these events was so rare that the last time any of them had seen him at one was either when he hosted or was forced to attend by the Chairdemon.

Caught him sneaking home," Balam chuckled, patting Kalego's shoulder. "Had to drag him here. Dali insisted."

The room burst into laughter, and the celebratory mood was immediately restored. Kalego, still grumbling, ordered a glass of "Daikoku Makyu," The Thousand Years' Drop of Evil, the hardest and most expensive liquor on the menu, knowing full well that the chairdemon was footing the bill tonight.

After a few hours had gone by, nearly all the teachers were tipsy, slurring and stuttering their words as they staggered, continuing with the celebration. Others, too drunk to stay any longer in the house, went back to the dorms, while a few of them, including Balam, Robin, Dali, and Suzy, wanted to stay longer and continue the celebration. The remaining fell into a subdued discussion of a gamut of topics with full and half-eaten plates strewn across the table in front.

It was in this free-flowing discussion that Kalego, a tad more than tipsy from his drink, blurted out, "I've been courting Iruma for almost two months now."

Those words just hung in the air, heavy with shock. The other teachers froze, trying to process what they'd just heard. Dali was the first to recover, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "The Lord of Darkness, in love with the innocent little bean? Never thought I'd see the day!

While Dali teased, the other teachers exchanged glances with wide-eyed incredulity. Was Kalego out of his mind serious, or was he too drunk to understand what he had said? Balam, who knew Kalego the longest, nodded subtly to confirm the admission of Kalego as true. It eased the tension, turning the realization into Kalego's being in love, and the changes recently noticed in him suddenly made sense.

"Well done, Kalego," Robin finally said, now with much sincerity. "You have found one worth waiting for.

Kalego blinked, his eyes flickering with confusion. Well, that was a reaction he hadn't expected. The evening wore on, the conversation continuing, but as it did, Kalego said less and less, lost to his thoughts about the confession. Had he just said that out loud? Could he trust these demons to not gossip? Would Iruma be angry with him? Doubt chewed in his stomach, even as he fell asleep later that night in one of the dorms.

The Next Morning

The sun rose over the dormitory; its light filtering into the windows. Quiet groans and the smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as some teachers nursed hangovers, while others, now recovered, gathered for breakfast, laughing at their antics from the previous night.

Kalego had intended to leave immediately, but Robin quickly intercepted him. "Why don't you join us for breakfast?" he asked with a sly smile.

Kalego's eyes narrowed. "I'm not in the mood, Robin."

"Oh, come on," Robin said, hunching closer as he whispered, "If you don't, well. I might just mention your little confession to a few more people."

Kalego's expression darkened at the thought that rumors of him courting Iruma would spread like wildfire if Robin did do as he threatened. He let out a deep sigh, defeated. "Fine. I'll stay.

Meanwhile, an overhearing teacher tells on their chat. By afternoon, rumors had spread across the whole school. The news spread like no one could ever have foreseen. Iruma had no idea how it all started, and out of nowhere, students and staff lined up to congratulate him or thank him "for taming the Lord of Darkness" as he passed down the hall.

Iruma blinked, confused. "What... do you mean?" he asked.

One of the students grinned. "We've all been noticing how much more mellow Kalego-sensei has been recently, so we thought he was planning something, but now we know it's just because he's in love!"

Iruma's cheeks blushed a bright red at the mix of relief and embarrassment. He had been expecting criticism over his relationship with a high-ranking teacher-not this odd sense of approval and gratitude. Rounding the corner, he ran into Kalego.

"Kalego-sensei," Iruma whispered, still red-faced, "Did you hear about the rumors?

Kalego sighed deeply, absently rubbing the back of his neck. "Yes. I may have... let it slip while I was drunk."

Iruma's eyes widened in panic for a moment before softening into a small smile. "Well, at least it wasn't done on purpose.

They moved further to the Royal One classroom together and discussed how they would deal with the consequences with their own family and friends. They had just entered the classroom when, at once, they were met with snide comments from the misfits.

"Congratulations, Iruma-kun!" Clara shouted, giggling. "Who knew Kalego-sensei had a soft spot for you!"

Then everyone else began to join in, and the teasing continued well over several minutes until it subsided. Iruma felt the tension lift off his shoulders; no matter what, they had people behind their backs.

But not all were pleased.

Two demons withdrew to themselves, their faces contorted with jealousy at the events unfolding before them. And they had plans-plans of driving Kalego and Iruma apart without an eyebrow being raised.

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