As Maya opened the door with a big smile, happy to welcome any curious faces, a black object flew into her face and released a putrid smell, quickly filling the room with a noxious odor.

Maya staggered back, her expression shifting from surprise to a mix of desperation and disgust. Flecks of foul substance clung to her hair and clothes, but despite the humiliation, she didn’t make a sound. She probably was too much in shock.

Watching Maya’s happiness fading away, Linus' knuckles whitened as his fists clenched at his sides. An immediate idea of who was responsible for this jumped through his mind. It filled him both with fear and anger. His jaw tight with anger, casting shadows over his face, his teeth grinding.

“Marlon…” he muttered furiously. Without a second thought Linus raised from his seat, stepping toward the door, willing to make Marlon pay for this.

But a firm grip on his arm halted his impulsive reaction.

Leopold's eyes held a silent warning that made Linus stop in motion.

"I will kill them," echoed a voice through the tense atmosphere, as Linus turned his head around to its source.

Beyza's expression was deadly serious, more than ever before. As she rushed across everyone the disgusting smell mixed with the one of bloodlust.

“N-no, it's fine,” Despite being targeted herself, Maya intervened, her voice firm as she restrained Beyza, who looked like about to jump at Maya for saying this.

Seeing through the facade of normalcy, a whirlwind of emotions churned within Linus.

No, it's not fine. Not at all...

Time seemed to stand still as Beyza observed the intruders dart away, all laughing and giggling. Fueled by anger, she kicked the black bag that had fallen to the ground, sending it flying.

Time stood still for a moment, as everyone just stood there.

Linus looked down at the ground, feeling ashamed.

"And who's going to hold my hand now?!" asked Akira in a hurt voice, wearing a sad expression, drawing all attention to himself.

Leopold and Maya, each still holding onto another person's arm, looked at him in confusion.

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Akira pouted. "Am I once again the fifth wheel, or what?"

Feeling judged, both their grips softened, as suddenly, laughter erupted.

A joyful, unrestrained laugh.

Initially, everyone seemed puzzled, as the situation didn't offer much to laugh at, but then it dawned on Linus.

I see...

Then he looked at Maya's face that filled with happiness af if nothing had happened.

All the sadness just washed away.

Just like that.

No matter the situation, Akira is always so lighthearted...

That's why she likes him, and not me...

*

As the hour came to an end, Beyza glanced at the clock and gestured towards it, reminding Leopold of their agreement.

"Well, unfortunately the time is up… You guys have to leave now," Leopold said, glancing over at Beyza to see if she was satisfied with it. Or maybe he was just scared of her. Understandably.

"What a shame, it was sooo much fun," sighed Akira, grabbing a random teacup from the desk and taking a sip, only to immediately spit out the liquid.

Leopold blinked at him in confusion. "I don't know what's wrong with you... And I think I don't want to know," he said, almost sounding disappointed.

"Maybe at some point, you will be cured of your... specialty."

"Whoaa! Careful with what you say," said Akira, acting surprised. "You might hurt my feelings. Eventually."

"Yeah... I'm sorry," said Leopold, as he pushed Akira towards the door until finally reaching it. For someone who didn't enjoy being here, Akira sure was a tough guest to shake off.

As Linus and Akira walked through the door, Leopold and Maya waved goodbye.

"Get well soon," said Leopold, referring to Akira, having a soft grin on his face.

"I'm looking forward to next time! UwU!" added Maya in a cheerful tone.

Then, the door closed.

"Oh man, finally free," said Akira, stretching contently.

Waiting for a response, Akira glanced over at Linus, who didn't seem to even listen.

"You know... you don't have to come..." said Linus in a low voice.

Akira breathed in heavily, but didn't respond, their footsteps being the only thing filling the silence.

"…I mean, if you don't enjoy it there," added Linus with a hint of regret.

Akira suspiciously eyed him. "Heyyy, Linus-Minus, you don't suddenly have something against me, do you? Or did I do something wrong?"

Linus looked at him for a moment, pondering. As he opened his mouth, Akira already kept going.

"Well, then again, I'm always doing something wrong. If you don't like me anymore because of that, then you never really did." He smugly rubbed his nose, being proud of his smart conclusion. "No wonder all the girls are into me. Not only do I look good, but I'm also as smart as I appear! Hehehe."

Suddenly, Linus stopped walking as Akira continued. It took him about 3 seconds to realize. Then he turned around, looking at him. "Linus-Minus?"

Linus looked down at the ground. "I'm going home," he said, then looked up at Akira with a forced smile. "I've got some things to do... Sorry."

Akira scratched his cheek as he pondered, but Linus had already started walking away.

Pensively, he raised his hand. "Y-yeah, no problem. See ya tomorrow then!" he called out at him.

Leaning back with arms behind, he rested his head slightly backward.

"…Man, now I'm all alone again. That's so boooriiing..."

Then, as if being reminded of something, his eyes shifted towards the door of the Literature-Club, his expression growing serious.