What was that sound? It was the groans of a child who was in a meadow, jogging at his own pace, since he had been running around and around on a track that had suddenly appeared, made of stones. How can I put it? That child had to push himself because he had a promise to keep, even though, looking at him, he was already running out of breath... Ahhh... He had already fallen to the ground.
Cea walked over to him and looked down to see how M was doing. All she could see was a sweaty child who was breathing as if there were no tomorrow. Seriously, with all the training he does personally, is he running out of energy? Well, it's one thing to strengthen your legs, and another to try to experiment, or whatever he's doing with Suu and the synchronization he's looking for.
『I think we'll take a break, Koki! Koji!!! It's time for a break!』
The brothers were also at Cea's training session. Koki was doing push-ups, and for some reason, ever since he started, he couldn't stop laughing out loud. Meanwhile, unlike M, Koji kept jogging and didn't seem to stop for a single moment.
I could only watch them, trying to get up with what strength I had left. Seeing them continue to push themselves made me feel that I really wanted to be as persevering as they were. It seemed that they didn't pay much attention to what Cea said, so she had to get more serious and raise her voice so that this time they would obey their teacher's orders.
Koki ended up falling flat on the grass, laughing for some reason. Koji just told him that he was still very sensitive to tickling.
『Was the grass tickling you? Is that why you wanted to laugh? If you ever see my brother Koki getting really annoyed, just tickle him on the waist and stomach, and you'll win, although you'll probably make him pee himself too.』
『Hahahaha!!! You didn't have to say that. What you just said is a lie. Don't believe my little brother!!!』
『I'll let the evidence speak for itself. Here I come, Koki-nii. You're going to have to deal with me for calling me a liar.』
『EH!! NO NO NO!!! OKAY!! Yes!!!!! It can happen if you tickle me for a long time!!!!』 - 『Why are you still coming closer, Koji!!!』
At this, Koji stopped at the last moment. Koki was worried. His brother didn't have to exaggerate and say those things, but anyway, he didn't trust Koji when he got like this... Quickly, as if he had his target in his sights, Koji lunged at his brother to tickle him. All we could see were two brothers having a good time together. Cea was embarrassed that the brothers had to bring up topics like that, but I nodded in agreement.
『I understand you. Sometimes it's inevitable when faced with strong emotions *red*.』 『But that's why we're training, so we don't tremble with fear in the face of greater danger! Right? Koki! Koji!』
At this, I raised my voice and raised my fist to cheer us on, and when they saw us, they followed my lead and shouted, "Yes!"
『Yes!!! To get up again and again!!!!』 『To be helpful!!!! Although I've never peed myself, I ask you both, how does it feel to humiliate yourself like that? Can't you control your bladder?』
Koji had no reason to say that. Koki and I were just embarrassed, because just remembering those moments is very shameful. Koji seemed to continue with the same thing.
『Eh? Do you suffer from prostate problems? I can understand it for you, Koki-nii, because you're getting to that age, but you, kid, young people today are such wimps...』
『『WHO SAYS WE SUFFER FROM THAT!!!!!』 』
After an altercation we had, a basket of food was opened, and our faces were surprised to see that there was food inside. Koki and Koji weren't expecting this, as it was the first time we had brought food to training. This was thanks to Miia, who, seeing that I was going to train with Cea, was concerned about our nutrition and hydration. Every time I told her I was going to train with the centaur, she said she was going to make sandwiches and lemonade for everyone.
『I'm also going to prepare something for the Centorea guys, since they all eat a lot too. Ah! I've got it! I'll put everything in a basket. Please wait a moment until I'm done, okay? Next time, let me know a day in advance so I can be ready and prepare the food ahead of time. Although it would be best if I knew the dates you're going to train, if I prepare the food in advance, it might go to waste... Yes, Little M, let me know if you're going to train, and you too, Centorea, let me know which days you're going to train those two boys, so I can prepare food for them even if Little M isn't going *smiles*.』
I was fine with this. Seeing Miia act this way was normal for me, but it seems that Cea was surprised by it. She just thanked her for caring about her and said that if she needed anything, she would see how she could help her.
『That's normal, helping each other. We're family after all *smiles*』
That's what Miia said. Centorea was taking a bite of her sandwich and realized that it was filled with vegetables, and ones that she liked at that. You could tell from the baskets that some had tuna, others had ham, and others had only vegetables. It was clear that she had thought of everyone.
She saw that Koki was really enjoying the ham sandwich, while Koji was wondering how his teacher was capable of making such good food. He swallowed it in a few bites and quickly grabbed another tuna sandwich.
『I make them, Miia, and seeing which ones are your favorites, I'll let her know to make more, because I see that even though this is a lot, you two really eat a lot.』
『We're training, it's normal for us to be very hungry, we have to recover the calories we've lost.』
『Miia? Your mom, kid?』
This reminded Koji of what happened that day, and Koki also remembered it, and they could only imagine how strong Lamia must have been to defeat those lizards. Koki commented that my mom is very strong, that he would like to reach that level.
『Your mother, M-san, was incredible!! She seemed so used to fighting, the way she defeated them!!!』
『Even when they became invisible, Miia was able to defeat them with a single blow. The Species are on another level. It's clear to us humans that we are no match for them.』
『We're no match... But I think if I get stronger, I'm sure I can beat one of the Species!』
『Koki-nii, I don't want you to be humiliated again and see you in a pitiful state, I couldn't bear it.』
『Koji... you don't have much faith in me, do you?』
Koji just took sips of the lemonade he had poured himself. Koki understood this. He had made up his mind with that fight. He wanted to defeat those species and be the one to save the day, but in the end, he couldn't do it. He wants to be stronger, even though he is human and of course has disadvantages when facing those species... but... but...
『Someone has to take responsibility for people's wrongdoings. If I can't stop those who make bad decisions, how can I even think about saving everyone, that person or that species in front of me? The weight of whether or not to continue being a good person falls on me.』
At this, Koki stopped eating to comment on that, while Koji continued drinking his lemonade as if nothing had happened. I'm surprised at how uneven these situations can be, although it's understandable. They complement each other. While Koki is at the forefront, giving his all to solve problems, Koji is also doing the same, covering his back and looking for the best way to solve the problem.
『You don't have to say anything, kid, teacher. Koki-nii has been like this since what happened that Christmas. He doesn't want anyone else to suffer if he can help it.』 -『Besides, I think I already said this before... you too, Koki-nii, don't drag the mood down with your...』
When Koji looked at his brother, what he found was a sea of tears. This surprised us all, and Koki quickly threw himself into the arms of his younger brother, who continued to lament that he hadn't done anything even though they were in charge of the area. Koji could only rub his back...
『You're all sweaty and you're covering me in snot... *sigh* As you can see, this guy thinks he has a responsibility to save everyone. If you ask me, I admire him a lot, because I couldn't do the same thing.』
This made Koki very emotional, and it even reminded me of a certain person who I'm sure would also start crying... Better not to mention it and let my cell phone ring. Time passed more quickly, and when we finished eating, Koji wanted to continue training, and he kept looking at me. This guy really remembers our promise. Which, at that moment, came out of nowhere.
『So, M-san, is it true that a girl likes you?』
Koki, in a better mood, asked me that question. I was about to get up, but I wasn't very keen on confirming it. You could see from my face that I was hesitant to answer, but in the end, I said yes...
For some reason, this also surprised Koji, who couldn't believe that what he heard was true.
『And she's going to confess her feelings to you soon?! *excited*』
Koki was very excited about this, his eyes shining brightly, indicating that he wanted to talk about this topic. Centorea then commented that this was what both Miia and Rachnera had told him. He knew that somehow they must have found out, and since this guy is more focused on finding a partner, he is very excited that his acquaintances have found theirs too.
『Well, I hope it's soon. I already have my answer ready for him... ahh... (this is really awkward) We were going to train together, right, Koji? So...』
At this, Koji quickly sat down seriously next to Koki, poured himself another glass of lemonade, and stared at me as he sipped it. Eh? What was that look for? Hey, hey, even though this guy is small, his behavior is very intimidating.
『What do you mean they're going to confess to you? Are you going to beat me at love too!!!! *serious*』
I didn't understand why Koji was saying that, but he was sipping his drink and his gaze pierced my soul. From what I can see, everyone is excited about the topic, so I guess the break is going to last a little longer.
I told them that some time ago I met a girl, who at first I thought was a boy, but after getting closer to her, she even hugged me, and in that embrace I could feel her breasts and...
『What!!!!!! *surprised* Ahhhh... Like, what... but... you're still a kid...』
It was because we wanted to get through a crowd of people, so she couldn't think of a better idea than to hug me and carry me through the crowd. Although now that I think about it, Arami can fly, so wouldn't it have been easier to pick me up, fly, and get to the volleyball court that way?
『Those are signs, keep going, kid *serious*』
Yes... so we exchanged cell phone numbers, and from the very first moment, I could tell he was interested in me. He texted me a lot, and on many occasions, he asked me if he could come visit me and where my house was located. To be honest, because of his insistence and my fear, I didn't tell him in the end, but he sent me more and more messages...
The more M talked, the more noticeable the contrast was. While Koji seemed to be suffering and putting his hand on his face, Koki was excited and asked me what else had happened. I told them about the day I ran into her by chance, and in the end, thanks to her sister Draco, I found out that yes, she did.
『Arami likes me... and it's not something that makes me happy, to be honest...』
『It doesn't make you happy?』
『Well, yes, I like Papi, and I plan to make him notice me more! I already have someone special in my heart, so I'm not interested in anyone else right now...』
At this point, Koji started pointing at me from where he was sitting. I didn't understand what was going on. He had been looking at me seriously for a while, so I asked him if he had a problem with it, to which he just yelled at me.
『That's unfair!!! You're still a child!!! *serious*』
I looked at Koki to see if he could explain Koji's behavior to me. Seeing him like this, it really is very strange. Koki then went on to explain that Koji...
『My little brother is very excited about his first love *smiles*』
Koki commented as he stroked Koji's head, and at that moment I could see Koji blush for the first time. I was surprised and confused. Koji interested in love? I understand Koki, but Koji? I thought it would be the opposite, although if I think back...
『Eh? Your first love? But... isn't it too late for that? Koji, you're like 2X.』
『Ah! Yes! I'm already 2X!!! And I still don't have my first love!!! I'm just like Koki-nii in that sense!! I'm excited about it, but I'm not running around looking for it. I agree with you, kid!!! First love is something very precious and pure!!!』
This really threw me for a loop. I didn't expect it, but at least it was something we could talk about, and in fact, we could take advantage of it. I gave him a playful look while Koji said shyly at first.
『I don't mind you knowing, it's something you can freely hear about... ahh... but it's really embarrassing to talk about it.』
Centorea also commented that she didn't know about it either, sitting on his lap in the grass, even her tail wagging with excitement.
『You don't have to worry about age, Koji! Whether it's sooner or later, the important thing is to live love if you can! There's nothing better than staying true to your feelings! *excited*』
Cea looked happier than before, as if she had wanted to talk about this topic for a long time. Seeing her with such charisma made the situation pleasant.
『Just like Koki, you have my full support in your thinking, Koji *smiles*.』
『...Thank you, Teacher...*blush*.』
Koki then told us a little bit about Koji's life, that even though he always seemed uninterested in the subject, especially because his brother was so involved in it, he was looking for the ideal partner. He thought that, in contrast, Koji would be the complete opposite, as he had never shown any interest in women before, or at least not in a way that would make you say, "Oh, he's interested in her." No, nothing like that. Koji was just living his life quietly like anyone else, but he was always watching his brother, and every time he saw him talking about love like that, he would always ask him about it.
『Why are you so obsessed with finding a partner, Koki-nii? Is it important in your life? Is it that valuable? Is it---------』
He always asked him about it, where a young Koki who lived his life as liberally as possible in those days, when he liked something, he threw himself into it, he was very into going to parties and going out with friends, and of course, when he met a girl he thought something could happen with, he threw himself into it. To this, a young Koki, before having a fixed purpose in his life, would only respond with,
『Well, for me, at that moment, it's valuable. What do you want me to say? If I care, then I do it. If I'm not interested, I'll surely leave at any moment. It's just that, I know that with that person I'm having a good time with, it makes me want it to be forever *smiles*.』
『That's just acting on impulse, it won't get you anywhere, Koki-nii *sighs* When will the day come when you really put your effort into something productive?』
『Well, for me it is productive. I'm just living my life. I'm still young. As I grow up, I'll have to deal with all the other problems that adulthood brings. You too, Koji, enjoy your youth as much as you can *smiles*.』
Despite what Koki said, Koji continued to live his life without anything that really excited him. He did the things he did well, but as soon as he realized he wasn't going to like something, he quickly gave it up, unlike his brother Koki, who tried thousands of things before deciding to become an officer. He always threw himself into things, thinking that if he kept doing them, he would end up liking them, but in the end, that wasn't the case. Becoming a police officer was just a simple thought that popped into his head. It's silly, but he got into it just because he wanted to save young girls, and in the end, whether it was because of the courage he learned from his own experience, his reason for living now is to try to save lives...
『Although that makes me feel more relieved, that I won't have to watch over and take care of you for the rest of my life.』
『*laughs* Sorry for worrying you so much all these years, but there's still one little thing that bothers me, Koji. Why didn't you enjoy your student days more?』
『What are you talking about? I lived it like never before.』
『You always say that, and I trusted you and thought you were telling the truth, but I should have seen more through you. If I had known you were the serious one in the class, the one who sat at the back, I would have gone into the classroom myself and promoted you as the most fun guy on the planet!』
『That's exactly why I lied to you. I knew you would be capable of putting on a show, but what for? It would only get in the way. I was fine and... that stage is over now...』
『You missed all the big events. Although 'missed' sounds exaggerated, you didn't take advantage of them and you didn't live as you should have. The school festival, the senior trips, the marathons, the sports festival, the bonfire in the center along with the dances』
『I was present at all of them, and I would say I enjoyed them.』
『Tsch tsch nah nah nah little brother, it's one thing to be present and another to believe you enjoyed it, but when you're studying, there's no better feeling than making all the events incredible and wonderful, making you experience a thousand and one emotions!!! Having someone you like!!! Feeling love!!! If only you had forged a friendship and felt that way about someone, I bet your whole student life would have been better!!!! Look at me! Talk to me!! I'm going to dance with her! Let's perform together!!! Let's dance together!!! Eh? Who is that guy or girl!!! I mustn't lose!!!! That's what was missing in your life, Koji! Falling in love! Love! Ahhh... I also feel very responsible for only looking out for myself and not for you in that regard』
I understand the message Koki wants to convey, that life is more exciting if you have someone you like. It's a bonus that makes your experiences more different than normal. According to Koki, Koji had a very basic student life, just going to school, studying, eating, and coming home. Huh? Now that I think about it, does Koji have any friends? I only ever see him with his older brother, huh? I don't see him going out much either, he always says he prefers to spend his time either at home or training. The expression he always has is that of someone... who is content with what life has given him!!!!!!
『Come on, Koki-nii, can you shut up?.....? And now what's wrong with you? Don't copy me.』
I found myself touching my face with my hand, while I couldn't stop whispering that.
『Now I understand the position I was in... I could have ended up like that... angry at life, repressed, conformist, believing that my life is right. Thank you very much, life, for opening my eyes.』
『You're asking for a good punch with those insults *annoyed*.』
At this point, Koji was already preparing his fist, but Koki seemed to calm him down by telling him an even bigger secret.
『But now you're turning your life around, you like a girl, don't you, Koji? *smiles*』
At this, Koji, who was preparing his fist, calmed down and lowered his arms. With his brother hugging him affectionately, Koji stopped blushing and said decisively.
『That's right, now that I'm 2X years old, I've finally discovered and felt what first love is in my whole life, and I'm very sure of it.』
The confidence with which he said this took Cea and me by surprise. Unlike us, this guy said it with a confidence that made us hope everything would turn out well. Centorea commented that she was very happy for him and that she was too.
『And may we know who she is? Or what is this first love like? Is she human? A species?』
『Come on, Koji, you have to answer that yourself *smiles*.』
This gave his younger brother some space, and Koji took a deep breath, not going to hide any of it.
『It happened a year ago, when my brother and I were on an operation in a city. At first, we thought it was just a crime committed by humans, which is why we intervened, but the conflict escalated so much that in the middle of the fight, we found out they were associated with Species. We couldn't do anything when the Species attacked. I'm not much of a front-line fighter, so when I did fight, I always stayed behind and tried to take out the enemies where they didn't see it coming.』
But before Koji could even act, he saw a huge Orc appear in front of him from behind, catching him off guard with a surprise attack. Now he had a huge creature in front of him, and Koji quickly wanted to grab his weapon to defend himself, but the Orc, despite also having firearms, seeing a small human, only needed a single blow with his arm to send Koji flying into the wall.
『What is this? Do they accept children in the police now?』
At that moment, a shot grazed the Orc's ear, and he could feel it. He quickly took cover from Koji's shots, who, wounded, could do nothing but defend himself. Koki was in front, so when he realized that they were also attacking from behind, he tried his best to get back to his brother, knowing the danger he might be in.
Koji realized this and continued shooting over and over again. He was in danger. It was the first time this had happened to him. Fear played against him, and he used up all the bullets in his gun. With his body aching, he wanted to get up and stand guard, but at that moment, he realized the huge difference between a human and a species. He knew this, which is why he was always on guard, but the blow he had just received, although surely not with the full force of the Orc, was enough for him... His arm... his leg... his whole body told him... that he could not defeat this Orc. The moment he ran out of ammunition, his hand fell to the floor and... His face showed only fear... As he looked up, the Orc was already ready to finish him off. Seeing how huge it was again, seeing the small scratch he had made, and being completely finished...
『(Help... Koki-nii... please... help me... Koki-nii...)』
Koki was scared for the longest time in his life, he couldn't even blink, he was going to see clearly how with a real fist that is half his body, he was going to crush him. Koki rushed as fast as he could, but his companions were also trying to make their way through the crowd of Species that had come and...
Without saying a word, the Orc clenched his fist and was going to kill him without thinking twice. At that moment, a loud noise was heard. Koki thought the worst, that his brother... but as we all know, Koji is here with us, so it's clear that someone saved him at that moment, and that person was...
Quickly, someone similar in size to the Orc appeared with a shield to protect Koji from the blow. This confused the Orc, who didn't see it coming. He tried to grab his weapon, but the shield quickly served as a push that left him open to a hard blow that...
POMM!!!!!
With his fist stronger than ever, he landed a blow to the Orc's stomach, so hard that now it was the Orc who flew across the arena and crashed into the other side. Faced with this attack, the other Orcs did not hesitate to use their weapons and open fire, but the big guy quickly went to defend Koji with his shield. At that moment, a Zombie agent appeared from above. It was Zombina, who, with her agility and freedom of movement, didn't care if she was hit by bullets, she stopped the bad guys with her shots.
『Okay!!! We're done here!!! Although some are already starting to escape, Manako!!!!』
From above and in a good position, Manako, with her sniper rifle, already had those who were escaping in her sights, and with rapid shots, she quickly took them out of action. She saw that there were even more Species and fellow officers who needed support up ahead, where Zombina stepped forward and said to her partner.
『Hey, Tio! They need support up ahead! Hurry up if you're done!』
Zombina headed to the front, where Manako was also helping with her steady shots. Koki was worried when he saw that the Species were helping him. From their radio communication, he could hear from the base of operations that Smith was also there with his M.O.N. group.
『You don't have to worry anymore, comrades, we're going to win.』
Koki was relieved to see that his brother was safe, but he still had to go with him. Tionishia turned around and tried to calm the officer she had saved, and realized that.
『Ah! Why are you crying? It's understandable, you must have been very scared. It's good that we arrived in time *smiles*.』
At this, Tio lifted his helmet to show his smile and reassure the person he had just saved. This was because Koji was crying without being able to blink, unable to say a single word, while Tio waited for a response.
『Hey, are you okay? Ahh... looks like he's in shock. I know! When I'm done with the bad guys, I'll come back for you to see how you are!』
『Koji! Koji!』
『It looks like more help is on the way for you. Hey, could you take -------』
『Koji! Ahh! Koji! I'm so glad... I'm so glad you're okay! I'm sorry I couldn't get here in time!!! Koji... Thank you so much for saving my little brother!!』
Koki hugged his brother tightly, who, upon being hugged, started screaming in pain and complaining that he should stop hugging him, that it only made his whole body hurt even more. Koki couldn't stop crying as he watched Koji complain about receiving affection. This made Tionishia feel good.
『So you are family, you really do look alike *smiles*』
『Koji!!! Koji!!!!』
『Get away!!! You're embarrassing me, Koki-nii!!!!!』
『Take him to the infirmary, like I told you. When I'm done, I'll come see how you're doing, little one *smiles*』
Tio lowered his mask and went to support the front with his shield. Koki quickly picked up his brother and carried him as fast as he could to the infirmary, moving further away from Tionishia, where he could only watch as he went to support his teammates. Koji could only remember that when he thought all was lost, someone came to save him. That moment left a mark on him, and when he saw the person who saved him, that concern, that smile...
『I fell in love... *blush* 』
Koji commented seriously in front of us. He was serious but his cheeks were red. I can't believe that really happened. It's literally like a story of a prince and a princess, only it was the other way around! Koki commented that his brother was more bitter and serious than usual.
『This is because the M.O.N. group, to which Ogro Tionishia belongs, left the country for an operation, which is why he has a long face and mostly looks serious. But when he finally fell in love a while ago, you should have seen him. He's a very motivated guy, and you can tell when he's serious and when he's sad.』 -『Look, look! Here I have a before and after photo!!!』
Koki then showed us a photo of him with his brother Koji, when they celebrated Koji finishing his police training. Looking at the photo, he literally has a serious expression on his face, he wasn't happy or anything, it was more like an expression of "Well, I did it." And when he showed us the other photo, which I guess was after he fell in love with Tionishia...
『I don't see the resemblance...』
『I can see a little difference... Can we take a closer look?』
At this, both Cea and I couldn't see the difference between the before and after, so Koki tried in a thousand ways to make us see that in the after photo, he looks more fun and even bursting with love for Koji, which...
『(Why are we looking at this? We just saw Koji get embarrassed and blush...)』
At this, Koji stood up, pointed his finger at me again, and said decisively...
『So!!! You're not going to beat me in love either!!!』
『Since when are we competing in that too?』
『Get up, kid!!! We have to run right now!!!』
This motivated me for some reason, so I stood up, my stomach full and rested, and was going to train with Koji on the track we made. We got ready and were jogging at the same pace. This made Koki even happier, commenting that when they return from his operation, Koji will surely be in a better mood, while Centorea, already knowing the group and also Tio, seeing him as he is, perhaps...
『Well, we'll see what happens.』
While we were jogging, Koji turned to me to say.
『A person's first love is precious, I understand that very well. Arami, you are that first love, so I'm not going to decide for you, that's not my place, but what bothers me is that you're not taking it seriously enough, that it's a nuisance to you. Think about it carefully and give her an answer that is on the same level and of the same importance that Arami expects, even if it's a rejection.』
Koji then told me the reason why he was angry with me. Like Koki, he has his own way of seeing love. I guess Draco saw this too and gave me time to think about it better. He was more direct, so...
『All right, when the time comes, I'll give an answer that he'll understand right away.』
When I said that, Koji smiled at my attitude, so in response he told me that we would do about 10 laps around the track. No!!! About 20 laps!!!!...
Ahhh...I can already see myself lying on the floor trying to breathe for my life. By the way, it's been days since Papi started his classes, and right now he must be having a good time.
-------------------------------------------→ To be continued