ꪻ᭙ꪮ ᧁꫀꪀꪻꪶꫀ ꫝꫀꪖ᥅ꪻᦓ

The next day, Cross Academy experienced nothing out of the ordinary in its routine.

In another universe, the silvernette would have been transferred to the Night Class and spiraled down into a pool of self-hatred and depression. But in this universe, Zero Kiryu had experienced nothing of the sort.

His day had started with Yuki pounding on his door, compelling him to make their breakfast. Then, he had to endure a rant about "Kaname this" and "Kaname that..."

And then, his ears were assaulted by the squealing of those Day Class girls—girls Yuki could never manage on her own.

Aish... This girl had training, and he knew from personal experience that if she wanted to, she could handle them. But no! She just had to be obsessed with Kuran instead of paying attention to her duties.

And then, as always, Kuran would swoop in, helping Yuki like she was some helpless maiden—completely ignoring the fact that his attention was isolating her. Ughhh!

The only change that happened today was that Zero actually paid attention in class.

Normally, he would either skip or sleep through it because he already knew everything. But today, he just didn’t feel like skipping.

He could hear the whispers from students and see the frowns on the teachers’ faces when they thought he wasn’t looking.

Urghh! He should have skipped class.

When the teacher arrived, Zero actually listened. His sensei had a way of making a boring lesson interesting. He even noticed some students who usually took remedial classes taking notes.

He debated whether he should approach his teacher or not, but that choice was taken from him when he heard his name.

"Kiryu-san, please wait here after class ends."

Zero tensed but nodded, assuming his sensei wanted to talk about the "incident."

He waited until the classroom emptied, watching as Yuki hesitated before finally running out at a glance from the teacher.

His sensei then pulled out a stick and waved it in an unfamiliar motion.

‘Wand,’ his mind supplied, and he smirked slightly, trying to lighten the atmosphere.

"Kiryu-san, it has come to my attention that you have already surpassed the curriculum."

He raised an eyebrow at that. He hadn’t expected the conversation to go this way.

"Yes, Sensei."

"But you still haven't graduated from the academy?" It was now Sensei’s turn to raise a brow.

Zero took a moment before responding, his expression turning serious. "I have my own reasons for staying here."

His sensei furrowed his brow, sensing there was more to Zero’s decision than met the eye. "And what might those reasons be? Wouldn’t it be safer for both you and the students?"

"Didn't you say that I wouldn't have bloodlust?" Zero countered.

"I know what I said, but there’s always a chance that someone won't see it that way and will decide to take matters into their own hands."

It was true. He was only allowed to live and study here because of Cross and Yagari-sensei, despite the complaints and protests. The Hunters’ Association wouldn’t dare harm him, but this place was as much a prison as it was a shelter. He wasn’t expecting to live past this year, and Sensei should have known that. Was he mocking him?

But before Zero could snap, his sensei surprised him.

"Say, Kiryu-kun, since you can graduate from the academy, I was wondering if you’d be interested in a position as a teacher’s assistant?"

"A teacher’s assistant? What would that entail?"

"You would assist me with various tasks such as grading papers, preparing class materials, and monitoring students’ progress. Nothing you haven’t already done before, but this time, you would have actual authority that no one could debate. It would be a great opportunity for you to further your education while also ensuring your safety. And if you wish to advance further, you could still study whatever you want."

"Eh?" Was this even possible?

"Yes, it is," his sensei said, smiling.

"Kiryu-san, you’ve always displayed intelligence that others could only dream of in all subjects. Your papers are always well-written, and you have never once failed an exam. This academy can no longer offer you anything new to learn."

"Please think about it, Kiryu-san," and with that, the teacher was gone.

"A teacher’s assistant, huh?"

Could he really be something? Perhaps he should give it some thought.
____________________________________________

That thought ended up consuming his entire afternoon, spent with White Lily.

But could he really do a job despite being a Level E?

"Zero!"

And what about the other students? Wouldn’t they cause chaos over this?

"Zero!"

Would the Hunters’ Association really not argue?

"ZERO!"

"What?" He was not in the mood for one of her tantrums.

"Zero."

"Yes?" he drawled.

"Where were you? Why didn’t you find me? What did Sensei want from you? And why are you lazing around? When will you start your prefect rounds? And will you help me make chocolates for Kaname?"

This girl—did she ever stop talking?

"As you can see, I am thinking, not lazing around. And Yuki, what I do in my free time is none of your business. Also, no, I will not help you make chocolates for that bloodsucker."

"Zero, you! Kaname is diff—"

"If that’s all, see you later, Yuki," he replied lazily, not wanting to hear more about that damned vampire.

Hah! He should really take Sensei’s offer—if only to rid himself of this drama.

Totally unaware of the sad eyes frowning at him.