【 ʙʟᴀᴄᴋ ꜰᴇᴀᴛʜᴇʀ 】

- 08 -

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BONDING

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After receiving the teacher's permission for a day out, Kurono escorted Aki and Inei to the popular establishment known as Dumphy's. As they entered and took their seats at a table, a woman approached the trio and greeted them politely to take their order.

Kurono was evidently a frequent patron at this establishment as she appeared to have an intimate relation with the establishment's namesake, Lia. The two engaged in playful banter, with Kurono attempting to convince Lia to succeed her and take over the business. "How's Dumphy, Lia?" Kurono asked, displaying a casual demeanor. "Like always. Still wanting me to take over this place" Lia responded curtly, rolling her eyes in irritation. However, Kurono refused to take no for an answer, playfully teasing her. "You should, Lia. It's a great place."

Kurono listed their order, requesting a variety of delicious items from the menu. "Give us mush catterpax, grilled kiso and bougue pie. For drinks, we want piana" she specified. Lia wrote down their order and confirmed their choices. "Alright, your food will arrive shortly" she informed them and quickly departed the table to relay the instructions to the kitchen. "Thanks, Lia." Kurono nodded her head in acknowledgment as she took note of the confirmation.

Upon finishing their interaction with Lia, Kurono turned her attention towards her younger teammates. "She's pretty, isn't she?" she inquired, lifting her eyeshadow while pointing at Lia. Aki awkwardly nodded. He felt a hint of jealousy as he realized that she had a good rapport with the establishment's namesake. He had feelings for Kurono but deep down, he knew he was not her equal. He perceived himself as inferior to her and believed that he did not deserve her affection.

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As Aki was being subject to harassment and degradation by the pair of military trainers for his perceived shortcomings, Kurono stepped in and took action. She emerged from the shadows in a sudden and unexpected manner, startling the two figures and causing them to stop their abusive behavior towards the young student. She quickly placed her arm around both of their shoulders to display her presence and prevent them from causing any further harm to Aki.

"You two are seriously picking on an attractive young guy like this? That's so sad. Listen, if you try bullying anyone else while I'm around, I'll personally ensure that the both of you are whisked away for a "little trip to the graves." Kurono whispered softly into their ears while maintaining a gleeful expression, indicating that she was not bluffing in the least and was dead serious about her threat.

As the soldier trainers realized they were facing the wrath of Kurono, they decided to flee for their survival. She smirked at their pathetic attempt to run away and approached the traumatized boy. "Are you alright?" she inquired politely, showing concern as she looked into his eyes. Aki was completely awestruck by her presence and perceived her exactly as if the hero he so desired. He regarded her with adulation and gratitude, viewing her as his savior in his vulnerable state.

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Finally the long-awaited meal had arrived, Kurono addressing both Izumi and Baji with a pleasant yet simple greeting as he placed the food in front of them. "Enjoy. I hope you like the food" he said cheerfully, his welcoming attitude reflecting his generosity in offering the meal.

There was a sudden shift in the atmosphere, as Aki was jolted out of his trance-like state by Kurono's words. His face reddened with embarrassment as he realized he had been staring at her, his gaze shifting downward in an attempt to hide the flush of his cheeks.

"That's so embarrassing! I hope she won't notice that I've been staring at her!" Aki exclaimed internally, feeling deeply embarrassed by his actions. He felt his cheeks burning with the intense heat of humiliation, as though everyone could see how caught off-guard he had been by Kurono's statement. Aki was desperately hoping that the object of his secret staring wouldn't note his behavior and think of him as a weirdo.

Without Aki's knowledge, Kurono had indeed noted his actions and was fully aware that he had been staring at her. However, she maintained her aloof and playful demeanor, acting like she was oblivious to it all. In fact, she had known all along that Aki had feelings for her, but chose to keep it that way out of amusement and enjoyment. Kurono was adept at making her own fun and engaging in mischievous behavior, even when it involved others.

"Noir, I hope you get used to being here. With your amazing abilities, I'm sure you can be one of the best Black Feathers. Of course, not as good as me" Kurono laughed, displaying her usual playful demeanor and superior attitude. She had a tendency to be conceited and egotistical, often boasting about her own prowess and abilities as a way of establishing her dominance and making others feel inferior to her. It seemed like nobody could outmatch her and her impressive skills, according to her own assessment.

"Are you sure you are comfortable showing us your face? I mean we can turn away if you want" Kurono inquired politely, showing genuine concern and consideration for Noir's feelings. It was an unexpected change from her former cocky and superior attitude, which had caught Noir off-guard. The sudden switch to concern was jarring, but also welcoming and reassuring, as she had displayed care for his comfort and well-being. It appeared that despite her usual overconfidence and pompousness, there was a caring side to Kurono that was brought out by Noir's presence.

"It's fine" Inei replied calmly, displaying maturity and composure despite the uncomfortable and difficult situation he was in. After years of being a reclusive outsider and being ostracized by the world, the opportunity to connect with others in a welcoming and accepting environment was certainly something he found comforting and appealing. He slowly and gradually opened up to Aki and Kurono, beginning to see the potential for acceptance and friendship that was being offered. It was the first time in his life that he had felt like he was part of the group and allowed to be himself without fear of condemnation or ostracism.