Chapter 22: Chapter 22

After I went inside the May Queen cafe, a girl my age welcomed me with a sweet smile on her face. From her tone alone, I knew right away that it belonged to a gentle girl. I shifted my gaze to get a good look at the girl and Deja vu hit me hard in the feels.

Another character from the show!

A hint of happiness bubbled up inside me. It's not every day I can meet with the cast of the show. Shit, this is not good, I'm getting a bit too excited. I must suppress my grin from leaking out less I scare the poor girl.

I sat down on a stool right by the counter and she flashed me hello with a smile. It must contagious because I feel the wrinkle on my brows gradually faded.

"Can I have a coffee, please?"

"Do you want a recommendation?" Ochako clasped her hands together. How can she be so cute? I shook my head. I already had a girlfriend.

"Sure, give me the cafe's bestseller, the hot one please."

"Understood, please wait a moment. It will be ready soon." She flashed me another smile and started to brew something for me.

The comforting furnishings, and the wonderful coffee scent. This is a nice cafe. It should be nice, but... Something is not right with this situation. I feel something amiss... What is it... My gaze shifted to her outfit and a lightbulb immediately lit up in my head.

Of course, it's about school. She's about my age but why is she here and not at school? Don't tell me she doesn't go to school... I was baffled. Surely she won't be so poor that she can't afford to go to school.

Hmm...

I stared at Ochako as she went about in front of me. Looking for clues.

Clumsy

That was what I got after watching her for some time. Her motion is a bit awkward, and although she doesn't make a mistake, It's painfully clear that this is unfamiliar territory for her. She just recently learned how to brew coffee. A newbie then.

Then I took in the surrounding. 

There are only three customers. Two guests sitting in the corner. Next to them is a woman playing with her phone. I glanced at the employee-only room. Behind the panel door, I managed to see the kitchen, but there was no sign of other workers beside Ochako.

How is that possible? There's no way they leave the cafe in the hand of a newbie.

I smell it, a delicious story.

"Hey, you're... Ochako, right?"

"Huh? How do you know my name?"

I glanced at the name tag.

She caught my gaze and a sheepish smile formed on her lips, with a cute gesture she said, "Oops, I forgot about that."

"Don't be. Sometimes I also forgot to wear clothes when I go to the dojo."

"...no, I think that's a bit too much even for me. Are you sure you're okay?" She gave me this worried look that make me tingle inside.

"It's a joke." there, it should take care of it.

"...Ah, thank goodness. For a moment I thought you had a memory disorder." She patted her chest. "Well, I should have known. You're such a joker." 

I laughed it off, "Are you alone, Ochako? Where's your colleague?"

"Something happened to them, so I'm here as a replacement today." 

"Ah, so that's why you don't go to school."

"Uh, you're right. Morning shift is definitely not for me,  I ended up skipping school because of this..." Even while feeling down, she never lost that smile...

She's pro at this.

"Ah, right. You should be from Seigakuin high, right? Are you sure you should be here right now? You're going to be late."

I waved my hand, "It's fine, I'm waiting for my ride."

"That's good. At least you're not skipping." She sighed, she looked so disappointed that she missed a day of school. I clear my throat with a cough to hide my amusement.

"Don't feel so bad. You know the saying, an equivalent exchange. At least the money will be nice." It got a chuckle out of her.

"Yup, It has to be good, or they're gonna regret it. Ah, here's your coffee."

She placed a steaming cup in front of me, filled to the brim with foam. I don't even need to take a sniff to taste the aroma. It's that good.

"Thanks."

"Sure, but you better hurry or you're gonna be late."

I sipped the cup of coffee, "Ochako, you're getting tired of me already?"

"Nope, I don't think that's even possible." She tilted her head, "You're a delightful company..."

"Joey, just call me Joey." I raised the cup and took a sip, hiding my smile. She's a nice girl.

We talked about school and her hobbies. It got heated when the topic shifted to heroes. She didn't peg me as a girl who was interested in such a thing. It's kind of a pleasant surprise. 

But then the door dinged with a clear chime as another customer emerged from the entrance and interrupts our pleasant conversation. It took her attention away from me.

I glanced at the clock hanging on the wall.

"It's nice meeting you today, Ochako. I'll take my leave now."

With her back on me, Ochako waved her hand, "Be careful out there, Joey."

I took out my wallet and put all of the cash I had on the counter.

Outside the cafe, I saw a yellow cab parked by the sidewalk. I gave some valid from my pocket to the cab for then trouble and walked to the black BMW 760Li behind the cab.

Besides the car, I saw a familiar maid in her black white dress and white stocking. "I'll be accompanying you today, young master." The maid bowed to me. She should be Himiko's replacement while she's unavailable.

I gave her a slight nod, "Hn, let's go. Take me to the school."

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"...Understood."

They never change, always on time. And here I was hoping to spend alone time a little longer.

Before the car dashed away, I saw the reflection of Ochako in the mirror. She emerged from the cafe, holding a stack of paper money in her right hand. She looked bewildered.

Heh, her face looked so funny. But seriously, I hope that will lighten her money problem, even if it's just for a little bit. 

Seeing that the car was out of her reach, Ochako could only look at the stack of cash with mixed feelings, her lower lips quivering. The tip Joey, a random boy gave her is way bigger than her income from toiling in the cafe for months. She wanted to return the money but had no idea where to start.

She then saw something stick out between the stack of cash in her hand, she pulled it out and saw a torn paper, it was blank.

"Hm? What is this all about?"

Ochako then flipped the paper and saw childish handwriting on it. Her mouth curved into a smile as she read the content.

'I love the coffee. Consider it a tip.'

°°°°°

I rested my head against the headrest as the car took me to school. Thinking about Ochako. I know she would be able to go to U.A. High in the canon MHA. But what about in this world? Many things already went off the rail with the existence of a dungeon and stuff.

Do we have to pay to go to school? I know Junior High did, but what about heroes school? Considering that it was an obligation for the citizen with quirks to become a hero, I reckon they're not required to pay. At least most of them should be free.

I can feel the result of my ignorance right now. It was caused by my lack of interest in these... mundane things. I guess some people just don't take interest in something that had no relation to them.

I stared out the window, watching the people bustling about in myriad shops and entertainment buildings as they flickered in and out of my sight. Time-wise, they're about the same as his previous life, around 2020? Even the cars are not that different. On the technological side, they're about the same too with the exception it was not powered by electricity but rather magic stones. Whether it's mana batteries, mana generators, or other complicated devices, everything is all about magic stones.

As I daydreamed about random things, time passes quickly and before long, I reached the school. A boring daily life of a 7th grader. Nothing unusual. That should be the case...

But when the car passed the gate, I saw an unusual life force leaping from the wall. I blinked, not sure what to make of it. Did I doze off just now? I deactivated the [Vision of Life] and then activated it again, and sure enough. It's not a dream. I saw the figure walk deeper into the school area.

I know sometimes students who come late would jump the wall to avoid the punishment of the teachers. But there are still a few minutes left before they close the gate. 

Suspicious...

And I smell it. 

Trouble.

But what is this... I put my hand on my chest. I wonder why my heart is beating so much, is this excitement? I want to deny it, but I have gone too far to deny it. I've been trying to suppress the grin from leaking to my face but by the weird look I'm getting from the maid beside me, I must be doing a poor job of it.

I glanced at the garden from the window, but the figure could no longer be seen, he must have gone beyond my range. I'm assuming it's a he since the silhouette had no boobs and curves.

This side of the wall is in the part that was a bit secluded from the public, the flower garden, no students would go there in the morning. So it's kind of empty. There are more than five minutes left so there is no need to sneak into the school by jumping from the wall. If by chance a teacher or security guard saw it, they would get into big trouble. So it's not worth it to jump just to take a shortcut. And that life force emanated from the figure is stronger than mere students.

What about a teacher?

It's possible but there's no need for faculty to jump the wall, even if they're late. That leaves someone who was not supposed to be in the school, someone without a permit, an intruder.

Would you look at this... Such intriguing development. I can't miss this one.

After parting with the maid, I head to the main building. I greet Momo and the girls as I dropped my backpack on my desk. 

On the way to the class, I failed to find the trace of the trespasser. Yup, I have lost sight of the guy, It's too late to catch the creep who sneak into the school. He had gone to who knows where. The school is too big for my skill to cover. For all I know, he might have left the school perimeter.

But just in case, I activated [Vision of Life] now and then while spending the time listening to the teacher droning in their speech they called lessons. Just in case, you know, if he was back. But no luck so far.

I also had lunch together with the girls. Chatting about things we found hilarious. Though the twin always managed to steer the conversation into the lewd territory. Tione's teasing gave rise to something which make Momo feel frisky. A bit of touching and it escalated into a make-out session in the middle of the classroom. Turning a lot of maiden faces red with embarrassment and passion.

Of course, we didn't get away scot-free. Not only I was cursed by the boys, but Momo and I also got a scolding from the teacher. But who told the teacher? 

Not only did I fail to find the trespasser, someone is trying to mess with me... Even a Saint would be pissed, not to mention me. But I bear with it and let the math teacher do his scolding. He seemed so fond of hearing his voice. As a good student, I must not disturb him. It was 10 minutes of hell.

After excusing myself to the teacher, I went for the exit. I open the door and then close it, loud enough to reach the teacher's ears. Giving an impression that I was leaving the room.

Silently, I creep into the teacher's back without being seen. A gentle chop to the neck made him slump to the desk, droll trickled down the pristine white paper, and blurring the words. I apologized to him in my mind. I'll make it up to him someday.

I feel a bit bad but I must do this.

There's no way my mischief with Momo would react to the teacher's ears that fast. Someone must have told the teacher about what we did in the classroom and I must find out who did it and why. It should be a trivial matter as it was bound to reach the teacher's ears, but only as a harmless rumor. 

This whistle-blower, by the speed alone, feels like someone with direct access to my class. In other words, my classmates. And this leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. I don't like it.

I searched the whole place for the key to the surveillance room. But who would have thought they placed the entire key together with the other keys to various facilities right on the keyholder by the board, right beside the doors. There are even notes saying what room the key is supposed to unlock.

They're too carefree. 

No, that's not quite right. They don't have to watch out for something. So, I guess this much is acceptable. It's making my life easier, so no complaints from me.

I picked up the key and was ready to leave the room, but then I saw someone through the walls. She was right outside the room! Without time to think, I crouched inside the table just as someone opened the door. 

Whew, that was close. Thankfully I had my skill turned on just in time.

I perked my ears, and sure enough, this is a female teacher. I stayed still as the sounds of heels clicking against the floor resounded in the empty office. It moves further away from my hiding place, and I started to appreciate my luck. But the clicking suddenly stopped. So does my heart.

Why? I shifted a bit to the side, enough to get a visual of the situation from the corner of my eyes. She's that strict science teacher, and she's looking into the fainted teacher's room!

Did she see him through the window? This is not good. Unlike my quirkless homeroom teacher who fainted like a dry fish, She looks stronger than him by a bit, she's definitely had her fair share of dungeon delving before stopped abruptly due to some issue, maybe injury? By her life force alone, I think she should be at the peak Level 1. 

But even so, I doubt I could knock her out as I did with my homeroom teacher. There's a high chance that she will find out something amiss with the situation. Two sleeping teachers at the same time? She's bound to realize that someone had knocked her out. That's not a good thing and had the potential to make things messy.

What should I do?

°°°° 

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