The moment Subaru pushed open the front door, he called out without hesitation, his voice echoing down the hallway and filling the entire house: "Mom! I'm home!"
From the kitchen came the gentle bubbling of a pot, the hiss of steam, and the steady, rhythmic clink of a metal spoon against a pan. Naoko's voice followed, warm yet tinged with a subtle fatigue. She peeked out from beside the kitchen door, eyes softening at the sight of him. "Ara… Welcome back, Subaru. Where's your father?"
Stepping into the kitchen doorway, Subaru leaned in to plant a quick kiss on his mother's cheek and pulled her into a firm hug. It was more than a simple greeting—there was longing in that embrace, an unspoken warmth, and a quiet relief as though being here grounded him again. "He said he wanted to take the long way home. Said the air felt nice and he needed to clear his head."
Naoko blinked, briefly surprised at her son's unusually tender mood. Then her eyes brightened, and she returned the hug with a soft squeeze. "I've missed the old, confident Subaru… Thank you for letting me see him again, my boy."
Subaru tilted his head with a faint smile. "Anytime, Mom. Always."
When he reached his room and turned the handle, what he saw inside made him stop mid-step. Flugel lay sprawled across the bed, one arm draped over his eyes, motionless. His stillness carried a weight, a fatigue that seemed carved into his very being. Subaru felt the heaviness settle into his own chest but didn't linger on it; instead, he moved straight to the wardrobe.
His school uniform still hung there, untouched for months. Dust clung to the shoulders, and when his fingers brushed the fabric, they left a clear trail. He changed quickly, the familiar feel of the uniform strangely alien after so long. Facing the mirror, he inhaled deeply and whispered to himself: "Hmm… Natsuki Subaru, student mode… engaged!"
He stuffed notebooks and pens into his bag, the sound of paper and metal zippers oddly loud in the quiet room. As he turned toward the door, his gaze drifted back to Flugel. Something inside him tightened—a recognition of pain mirrored back at him. Flugel wasn't just a companion; he was a reflection of Subaru's own scars, multiplied.
Stepping closer, Subaru spoke with a touch of firmness, trying to keep it light. "Oi, old sage. Quit sulking and come with me. Our family's here—try to let yourself be happy for once. Sitting here moping isn't going to change anything."
Flugel slowly cracked one pale eye open, and there it was—that fragile look, raw and unguarded.
"I just… really miss them. And sometimes, keeping up this calm, collected mask… it's so damn exhausting."
Subaru extended a hand toward him, his grin small but genuine. "Guess that's why I never bothered with the whole emotionless act. C'mon, up you get."
For a moment, Flugel just stared at the offered hand. Then, with a quiet exhale, he laced his fingers with Subaru's and rose to his feet. Subaru's eyes flicked to the black-and-orange robe draped over him. "That outfit's a little… conspicuous around here. Hang on, I'll find you something more fitting."
Before he could move, a soft snap rang in the air. In an instant, Flugel was dressed in Subaru's school uniform—only the shirt was black, the tie a striking orange. His white hair caught the light, almost glowing against the darker tones.
Subaru shook his head, smirking. "Alright, that works. Let's move.",
He pulled the door closed behind them with deliberate care. A strange tightness gripped his chest, as though something unseen pressed down on him. The hallway felt longer than usual as they made their way toward the kitchen.
Naoko was still there, hands busy kneading something on the counter. She glanced up from the corner of her eye, her smile warm and knowing. "Nervous, Subaru?" she teased, then reached for a small yellow bottle on the counter. "How about some mayonnaise with your mom? Might help you loosen up! I just made it fresh."
Subaru's chuckle was soft but sincere. "Sure, Mom. Not exactly my favorite condiment, but I don't have a reason to turn you down."
Naoko's lips curved into a sweet smile as she scooped a spoonful and offered it to him. "I know. You only ever joined in because your father and I liked it. And Hikari too, of course…"
He took a breath, the corners of his mouth lifting. "Yeah, I suppose you're right. I mostly do it because you all enjoy it—but I can't say I hate it either. Besides, if you made it yourself, that's reason enough for me."
Her gaze lingered on him, her expression thoughtful. "That uniform… Are you heading to school? It's been so long. Are you sure it won't take more out of you than it gives back? Are you certain it's the right call?"
Subaru nodded, a determined glint in his eyes. "Heh! Your son will find a way to make it through! I've decided—I'm done being a NEET like before! I'm going to change, and I'll do whatever it takes to make you proud of me!" he declared, raising his hand toward the sky as if grasping an invisible promise.
Naoko chuckled softly, her expression caught between pride and playful teasing. "If you'd truly been like that all along, your dear mother wouldn't have had to put up with so much trouble…" She suddenly clapped her hands together with a spark of enthusiasm. "Ah! Subaru! Why don't we walk together? I'm heading to the market. I can walk you close to the school—just like I do for Hikari! And don't worry, I'm not about to walk you inside. That would be mortifying for someone your age, wouldn't it?"
Subaru tilted his head slightly, a faint blush on his face. "I can't really say no to you, Mom. Let's go."
Naoko reached out to gently fix his hair, her eyes glowing with motherly warmth. She didn't say another word before turning toward the front door. Subaru followed, pulling it shut behind them.
Outside, spring had painted the streets in shades of pink and white. Cherry blossoms swayed lazily on the breeze, petals twirling through the air like drifting snow. The scent of flowers mingled with the faint smell of fresh earth, and with each step, the gentle crunch of blossoms beneath their shoes stirred old memories. For a moment, Subaru imagined himself as a child again, holding his mother's hand as they walked home.
Naoko broke the silence first. "It's been far too long since we've walked together like this, hasn't it, Subaru?" she said with a tender smile. "Ah, I'm curious… what exactly did you talk about with your father?"
Subaru's lips curled into a sly smile, his voice light. "Oh, just whether or not there's a girl I like…" Then, his expression shifted, becoming more serious. "And… we talked about the mistakes I've made. The big ones."
Naoko slowed her steps. "Hmm? So it was that conversation with your father that pushed you to go back to school."
Subaru nodded thoughtfully. "Pretty much. Looking back, I saw a lot of things I couldn't ignore anymore. I realized I have to start changing, piece by piece."
Naoko crossed her arms, studying him out of the corner of her eye. "So you've stopped trying to mirror your father in every way? You always pushed yourself to keep up with him—throwing yourself into everything just because he could master it all so easily. That must have been exhausting."
Subaru let out a sheepish laugh. "It's… surprising how much you've noticed about me."
Naoko stepped ahead of him, turning so her gaze locked onto his. "Subaru… parents watch their children far more closely than they think. I've been watching you for a loooong time—since the day you were born." She sighed, the sound carrying both fondness and regret. "The whole mayonnaise obsession… the school refusal… If there had been something I could do to fix it all for you, I would have, without a second thought. But some changes… they have to come from within."
She hesitated, then softened her tone. "Still… someone else besides me and your father helped you, didn't they? That's a rare and beautiful thing. Whoever they are, be grateful. People like that don't come around often."
Subaru nodded firmly. "Yeah… I used to think I didn't deserve them—but that was before. Now… even if I'm not worthy yet, I'll work until I am. I'll keep moving forward."
Naoko's smile deepened. "You really are a my child… You've always wanted to be as cool as your father, but even half of him would be enough, Subaru. After all, I made half of you myself!" she said with mock pride.
She turned and began walking again, her voice carrying back to him. "Half is enough—but keep working, keep growing, and maybe you'll surpass him one day. I believe you can, my son."
They walked in a comfortable silence until the crossroads came into view. The market's colorful awnings were visible in the distance, while the school's gates stood further down another street.
Naoko was the first to speak. "Your dear mother has to get to the market now. Think you can handle the rest of the way on your own, Subaru?"
Subaru smirked, shrugging casually. "Of course I can."
Naoko gave him a soft smile, her voice filled with quiet encouragement. "Is that so? Then go on—do your best, Subaru. And remember… I'll be watching, even from afar."
Subaru hugged his mother—a hug that felt tinged with a deep, unspoken sorrow. Every instinct in his body screamed for him to stay there, in her warmth, holding onto that moment forever. But he knew he couldn't. This was something he had to do, no matter how much it hurt. His arms loosened, his fingers lingering on her back for a heartbeat longer before he stepped away. As he turned and began walking off, her voice called after him:
"Oh, right! Subaru, Subaru! I forgot something!" Naoko's voice rang bright and familiar, cutting through the ache in his chest.
He turned, catching sight of her waving with the same cheerful energy she always carried. "Goodbye, Subaru!"
He smiled faintly, raising his hand to wave back in the same exaggerated motion she used. "I'm off, Mom!" Then Naoko spun around and began walking the other way, her figure slowly blending into the crowd.
Lowering his hand, Subaru's gaze dropped to the pavement. "I wish… I could have told her that back then…" His voice was barely above a whisper. Tears welled in his eyes, blurring the edges of the world, but he swiped them away quickly, unwilling to let them fall.
When he finally looked up, he noticed dozens—no, hundreds—of students heading toward the school gates in a steady stream. The chatter, the footsteps, the rush—it all came from nowhere. "Huh? What's going on?"
Flugel, who had been watching quietly from a distance, let the shimmer of invisibility fade from his form. In the blink of an eye, he was beside Subaru. "About five seconds ago, they just… appeared. Like someone flipped a switch. So, I figured I'd reveal myself. No idea why, but… they're giving us strange looks."
Subaru glanced at the passing crowd, then at Flugel. "They're staring at you! I mean, sure, you look like me—but with white hair. Of course you'd stand out! You look like I've got some lost albino twin from a soap opera."
Flugel only shrugged, flashing a lazy grin. "Can't help being this handsome. Anyway, let's go to school. Been ages since my last visit." Without waiting, he strode ahead, and Subaru followed.
At the gates, a small group of girls broke away from the stream of students to approach Flugel, their voices bubbling with interest as they asked for his number. He turned them down politely, telling them he already had a girlfriend. Once they were out of earshot, he muttered, "If she heard about this, Satella would probably end me." The weight in his sigh made it sound like he meant every word.
Subaru trailed close behind into the school grounds. The air, the walls, the faint scent of chalk—it was exactly as he remembered. Not just the building, but the entire world felt solid, authentic. Not like a trick or a dream.
Leaning toward Flugel, Subaru whispered, "Oi… what's actually going on? We were supposed to talk to Echidna inside, weren't we?" His voice wavered between unease and curiosity. A tight, invisible weight pressed on his chest, making it harder to breathe. Around them, students laughed, joked, and moved about as if it were just another normal day—but Subaru knew better. The scene felt like a perfect stage set, painted in colors that didn't belong.
Flugel glanced at him with a sly smirk. "Guess the test isn't over yet… but honestly, who cares?" His tone carried an almost reckless playfulness. "Think of it like we're in an otome game. Every person here? Just an NPC. You're the player."
Subaru frowned, sighing through his nose. "I just hope there's no romance plot… Emilia would kill me." He pictured the scenario in his head: Here lies the idiot who died from jealousy carved into his tombstone. In his mind's eye, Emilia stood by it with her arms crossed, her gaze cold enough to freeze stone. The image made him shiver.
Flugel chuckled under his breath. "Same here."
They reached their classroom before long. The hallway noise faded into the background, replaced by the softer hum of the room. Subaru spotted an empty desk near the back and tilted his head toward it. "That one's free. You can take it."
Flugel arched a brow at him, as if to say Thanks, Captain Obvious. "I don't need your permission."
Subaru rolled his eyes. "Just sit down, wise guy."
One by one, students filled the room, each one casting a glance at Subaru, then at the unfamiliar white-haired figure behind him. Quiet murmurs began to ripple through the rows.
"Isn't that the guy who skipped school for, like, three months straight?"
Up front, a girl leaned toward her friend, whispering with barely contained excitement. "Girls! Who do you think that hot white-haired guy in the back is? He's gotta be European or something!"
Some students tried to ignore the scene, but most couldn't help following the two of them with their eyes, as if watching a theater performance unfolding in real time. Murmurs drifted through the classroom until the sharp ring of the bell cut through the noise. The teacher stepped in, her heels tapping out a steady, deliberate rhythm—each step carrying the unmistakable weight of authority.
She moved to the desk at the front and began roll call in an even, measured tone, pausing just long enough between each name to give the room a sense of order. When her gaze reached Subaru and Flugel's desk, her expression shifted ever so slightly.
"You… must be the student who hasn't shown up in three months. I've read your letter to the principal. Regardless, it's good to see you here at last, Natsuki Subaru."
Her eyes slid to Flugel, seated behind Subaru, and narrowed with curiosity. "And you are?"
Flugel raised his hand lazily, as though even the motion was beneath him. "New student. Oh, and I'm this idiot's twin brother." His casual, almost bored delivery carried such misplaced confidence that no one even questioned the absurdity.
Subaru's eye twitched violently. Internally, he screamed, We are not twins! But experience had taught him that correcting it would only lead to a hundred more headaches.
The teacher arched an eyebrow, her voice cool. "Then you can introduce yourself properly. The floor is yours."
Flugel rose, unhurried, walking to the front with a poise that suggested he owned the space. "Flugel Natsuki. Transfer student," he said simply.
From the back, a girl with black hair raised her hand. "Flugel-san, if you don't mind me asking… why is your hair white? Is it due to an illness?"
Flugel's grin widened in a way that seemed both inviting and infuriating. "I dyed it."
The bluntness of the reply silenced the room for a beat. A couple of students snickered; others exchanged baffled glances.
The teacher clapped her hands once, snapping the atmosphere back to order. "Alright then, Mr. Flugel, please take your seat. We'll begin the lesson—History!"
Flugel returned to his seat with the same easy calm, as if the brief exchange had been entirely for his own amusement.
Subaru leaned back slightly to whisper, "Seriously, how do you come up with such convincing nonsense?"
Flugel's eyes narrowed a fraction, his tone low and measured. "That's called experience, Natsuki Subaru. Show some respect."
Subaru rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress the faint upward curl of his lips. Whether he liked it or not, this man's presence shifted the entire room's energy.
Within ten minutes of the history lesson starting, both Subaru and Flugel were slumped in their seats, fighting the pull of sleep. For men used to chaos, danger, and technical detail, history class—delivered in a voice so monotone it could level cities—was a slow-acting poison. Pale sunlight streamed through the windows, warm and heavy, and the faint scratching of pens became a soft, hypnotic hum.
When the bell finally rang, Subaru groaned, straightening in his chair and jabbing an elbow into Flugel's side. "Oi, wise man… wake up. Do you realize we just slept through the whole thing?" His voice carried the lazy irritation of someone caught between waking and dreaming.
Flugel cracked one eye open, stretched until his joints popped, and yawned like a lion. "I hate history. Especially when it's served cold like that. Pure torture."
They drifted into the hallways, walking at a pace too casual for people in a school building. Oddly, the usual midday chatter was absent. The halls, normally bursting with energy during lunch break, felt half-abandoned.
Flugel's gaze sharpened as it swept the corridors. "You notice it? NPC count's dropping." His tone made it sound like he was stating the time of day.
Subaru scanned the area, his frown deepening. "Yeah… Earlier it was packed. Now? Barely anyone."
Flugel shrugged, though his eyes stayed alert. "Means we've hit another stage in the test. Probably some cliché like, 'Confront your past failures.' Pathetic."
Subaru's lips twisted in mock protest. "Eh… this place isn't so bad. Honestly, I'm starting to miss Emilia-tan. And Hikari, Rem, Beako… all of them."
Flugel said nothing, lost in thought. The silence stretched until they reached the stairwell. Without a word, they began to climb, step by deliberate step, until the rooftop door came into view.
The sight before them was enough to confirm every trace of unease that had been gnawing at their thoughts. Beyond the school's gates, the world outside had been devoured by a vast, rolling blanket of white mist. It moved slowly, but with an inevitable persistence, as though pushed forward by unseen hands. From the courtyard, it slithered across the ground toward the main building, curling and weaving like a living thing. The faint calls of birds in the distance were dulled, swallowed whole by that suffocating whiteness until even the air seemed to be holding its breath.
Flugel lowered himself onto a weathered bench, his movements deliberate and calm. "This trial is going to end soon," he murmured, eyes fixed on the creeping haze. "Do you see that mist? In just a short while, it'll cover every inch of this school. Everything will be erased… except for the classroom where Echidna is." There was no doubt in his voice—only a quiet authority that left no room for argument.
Subaru, unsettled by the certainty in his tone, sat beside him, leaning forward with a furrowed brow. "Do you even know exactly where we're supposed to go?"
Flugel turned his head just enough to give Subaru a flat, almost pitying stare. "Are you stupid? Of course I know."
Subaru let out an exaggerated sigh, rolling his eyes. "Yeah, that's on me for asking."
The minutes dragged on, turning into nearly an hour, during which everything played out exactly as Flugel had foretold. Students began to vanish without warning, their conversations cut short, their footsteps erased from the hallways. Desks stood abandoned, chairs slightly askew, schoolbags left behind as though the owners had simply evaporated. Each corridor grew quieter, the air heavier, until entire floors blurred and faded, swallowed by the ever-thickening fog.
By the time the last remnants of the school dissolved into pale nothingness, only one place remained—a single classroom at the end of a dim corridor. Subaru and Flugel stopped before its closed door. From within, there was a presence, unmistakable and heavy, pressing out through the air. It was like standing at the edge of an unseen tide, the silence so deep it carried the sensation of a slow, measured breath.
Subaru reached toward the doorknob, fingers brushing against the cold metal. But before he could turn it, Flugel's voice came from just behind his shoulder.
"I'm going invisible now. Do whatever you want in there, but I won't let Echidna see me. I already told you—she can't sense me as things are, because I'm suppressing it. But if her eyes land on me, even for a second, the whole concealment breaks."
Subaru nodded once, understanding. In the span of a heartbeat, Flugel's outline began to shimmer, his form distorting like ripples on water. Then, in complete silence, he vanished entirely, leaving only the faint impression of the space he'd occupied.
Drawing in a long, steady breath, Subaru pushed down the tension building in his chest and carefully eased the door open. The hinges whispered in protest but made no sound loud enough to betray him. Inside, leaning with a poised stillness against the old radiator, was a woman with hair as pale as snow—Echidna, the Witch of Greed herself. Her gaze snapped to him instantly, sharp and unyielding, holding him in place like a predator that had just spotted its prey.
Her lips curled upward into the faintest, most deliberate of smiles.
"Ah, dear…" she said softly, her voice wrapping around the air like silk. "Just in time."