The Manifest // OC Light Novel

Chapter 9 - Night Out

- Wilbur -

'... the hell is this? ' I thought to myself. I've been following around that trio of kids for weeks now and I have to say, I didn't expect that cold and serious kid to be so... laid back?
After changing my appearance with some simple cosmetics, I was able to infiltrate the same school as them since I was told to keep an eye on them, but there has yet to be anything of any value to report on.
And even though I was told to not engage them in any way, I've been looking for an opening anyways. After the humiliation I went through there was no way I'd just stay to the side.

That being said, I didn't have overly high hopes of winning against that Zenji kid, let alone all three of them together. As much as it pains me to admit, I know that I'm outclassed in terms of power to any of them...
Well actually, I think I'd be able to take care of the orange haired one pretty easily.
...
That gives me an idea.

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- Zero -

Its been a couple weeks since our time at this school started and I've got to say, it was definitely a nice change of pace. A chance to get away from our usual action and the stress that always accompanies it these days.
"Hey Zoe!"
"Huh?" I said, slightly dazed as I was brought out of my thoughts. I turned my head to the side as my hand rested on my chin, bringing me face to face with one of our female classmates. "Sorry, were you saying something Rena?"
Rena, a girl on the shorter side with long brown hair tied into a messy bun accompanied with light brown eyes, smirked as I looked back to her, "You're not one to get lost in daydreams Zoe, what's on your mind? A boy perhaps?" She said, her hand over her mouth as she spoke.
I rolled my eyes, "Yeah right."
"Well anyways, I was asking you if you were gonna go on the class trip next week? I think you should, it'd be fun!"
I ruffled through my memory to recall any comments about a trip before it came to mind. Our teacher had mentioned something about a trip out of the city, to a mountainous area a few hours away.
"I'm not sure, I have to check with Sera and Zenji about what the plan is." I said shrugging.
Rena nodded along with what I was saying, "Hmm, say Zoe, since your always around those two, what exactly does Zenji like?"
I was a little taken by surprise at the comment, "Uh, cant say that I know very well what he likes... Why do you ask?"
"Well its no secret that a bunch of the girls think of him as a potential love interest, he's quite a looker no?" Rena said with another smirk.
"Looker? What are you, 30?" I said deadpanned,
"Come onnnn, are you saying that in all the time you three have been friends, you haven't had the littlest bit of a crush on him?" She said as she nudged me with her shoulder, I felt my face flush slightly.

Shaking my head 'no' vigorously only seemed to make her laugh more, "Fine fine, but even if you don't, that doesn't mean the rest of the girls share your lone wolf-ism."
I let out a sigh as I thought about her question before last, 'Well all things considered, I don't actually know what he likes... he always seems to be spending his time training for battle so maybe he's just some kind of battle fanatic? Best to not mention that to Rena though...'
I let another sigh pass my lips, "I guess you could get him something simple like chocolate, maybe try your hand at baking."
Rena nodded to herself as she pulled a little notepad seemingly out of nowhere and jotted my words down, I couldn't help but let a tired chuckle out as she seriously made her notes.
"Thanks Zoe, I'll pass this along to the other girls too, gotta keep competition fierce." She said with a determined gaze.
'Sorry Zenji.' I thought to myself.

[Zenji somewhere in class: '... Why do I feel so cold? ']

*Ringgg*
Hearing the bell, I stood up and grabbed my bag and headed towards the door. "See you tomorrow Rena." I said, waving behind my back.
"Hey wait up!" Rena called out as I heard her frantic scramble to pack up and catch up to me. "Want to hang out a bit? Knowing you, I can't help but guess that you don't do much fun in your free time so why not have some fun together?"
I raised a brow at her, "I have fun sometimes you know."
She chuckled, "Saying that just makes it even more sad yknow."
I couldn't exactly say no to her, but it'll be a little odd to explain this to the other two...