The Heart of Zero

"Hmm? Yahageshii?" Shingin tilted his head, his tone laced with surprise.

Standing in the sunlight was Yahageshii, Shingin's cousin—a towering figure like an unshakable wall. At 185 cm tall, his broad frame and confident stance radiated charisma. His voluminous pompadour glistened under the sun, like stars in the night sky. Despite his charming and sunny demeanor, his aura carried a hint of mischief: his school uniform collar was undone to reveal a silver chain, sleeves rolled up carelessly, and his sagging pants gave him a laid-back, almost delinquent vibe. If not for his sly, self-assured grin, passersby might easily mistake him for a troublemaker.

"Huh? You didn't immediately talk back to me this time?" Yahageshii teased, his eyes glinting with mischief.

"It's not that... I'm just surprised to see you here," Shingin said with a shrug. "Why aren't you competing in the race?"

"Pfft! If I joined, they'd all just leave the track in shame! Hahaha!" Yahageshii's boisterous laugh echoed, his confidence unabashed and unrestrained.

Shingin sighed, shaking his head. "Your shamelessness never ceases to amaze me."

Suddenly, Yahageshii's tone shifted. His laughter ceased, replaced by a weighty seriousness as he leaned in slightly. "But, Shingin, the world isn't as peaceful as it seems."

Shingin froze for a moment, startled by his cousin's abrupt change in demeanor. "What do you mean?"

"Don't treat me like some kid," Yahageshii said, narrowing his eyes. His playful façade faded into a grim expression. "I've been keeping an eye on the changes in this... world."

Shingin didn't answer immediately. He sensed the gravity behind Yahageshii's words and silently pondered their implications. After a brief pause, he finally spoke, "Someone named Rayl approached me. He called me the Eighth Successor."

"Oh? And why wasn't I chosen for that honor?" Yahageshii quipped, punching Shingin's arm lightly, his voice dripping with mock indignation.

"Hey! Let me finish!" Shingin chuckled, brushing his cousin off. "Apparently, my other soul has drawn some attention."

Yahageshii's expression grew even more serious, his sharp gaze locking onto Shingin. "I figured as much. This isn't just some coincidence. Looks like you won't be getting any peace."

Shingin felt the weight of Yahageshii's words and nodded slightly, the gears of his mind turning as he began to piece together a plan. A moment later, Yahageshii's playful demeanor returned. "Alright, I won't disturb you while you ogle your goddess. I'm out!"

"Wait, wha—what?! Where are you going, Yahageshii?" Shingin stammered, caught off guard.

Without looking back, Yahageshii waved dismissively and strode away. Shingin didn't notice the fleeting shadow of unease on his cousin's face, nor the steely determination in Yahageshii's steps as he marched toward a purpose known only to him.

As Shingin watched him disappear into the distance, his mind was a whirlwind of questions. Before he could make sense of the exchange, a familiar voice called out from behind him.

"Shingin!" The voice was deep and tinged with weariness, as though the speaker had been waiting a long time.

Shingin turned slowly, frowning slightly. Ryuosho was trudging toward him, every step heavy as if his feet were weighed down by lead. His messy hair and half-lidded eyes gave him the appearance of someone perpetually on the verge of collapse. His school jacket hung loosely from his shoulders, and he'd swapped the uniform pants for a pair of casual track bottoms, completely ignoring the school dress code.

Shingin couldn't help but smirk. "Ryuosho, are you trying to join the track team with that outfit?"

Ryuosho lifted his gaze lazily and muttered, "I'm hungry. Came to find you for food."

Shingin glanced around. The field was nearly empty, save for a few students jogging back and forth. The gentle breeze rustled the leaves, and the usual clamor of the school seemed oddly distant. He turned back to Ryuosho, raising an eyebrow. "It's not even lunchtime yet, and you're already this desperate?"

Ryuosho shrugged, unbothered. "Class doesn't matter. My stomach already made its decision."

Shingin sighed, laughing softly at his friend's shamelessness. This guy's laziness was unparalleled, to the point where even attending class was secondary to his hunger. Despite his complaints, Shingin followed Ryuosho toward the back gate of the school—their usual escape route.

The two walked side by side. The sunlight was blinding, and Shingin instinctively raised a hand to shield his eyes. He glanced at Ryuosho, who strolled along nonchalantly with his hands in his pockets, occasionally kicking small stones out of his path. Shingin chuckled. "Keep this up, and you'll turn into one of those rocks yourself."

Ryuosho smirked faintly and gave a stone a lazy kick. "Rocks aren't so bad. At least they don't have to go to class."

Shingin burst out laughing, shaking his head. "You really take slacking off to an art form."

They walked in companionable silence for a while, Shingin musing about how Ryuosho's laid-back nature always managed to draw him in. He wasn't one to follow the rules too strictly himself, but compared to Ryuosho, he felt almost like a model student. Yet, despite his better judgment, he couldn't resist getting pulled into his friend's carefree world.

As they approached a quiet grove near the back of the school, Ryuosho suddenly stopped, his eyes narrowing. "Crap, the homeroom teacher's over there."

Shingin froze. "You're too lazy to move most of the time. Why the sudden urgency?"

Ryuosho's eyes sparkled with unexpected energy as he grabbed Shingin's arm. "Lazy doesn't mean suicidal! Run!"

Before Shingin could protest, Ryuosho yanked him into a sprint. Shingin stumbled to keep up, cursing his friend under his breath as they dodged trees and raced down the narrow path. His heart pounded in his chest, and his breathing grew ragged, but Ryuosho didn't slow down.

Finally, they ducked behind a corner, panting heavily. Ryuosho leaned against the wall, his casual demeanor returning as he grinned. "See? Skipping class is way more fun."

Shingin shot him a glare, still catching his breath. "Fun? You almost gave me a heart attack!"

Ryuosho shrugged nonchalantly. "Come on, you've had it easy. A little excitement won't kill you."

Their banter filled the air with lightheartedness, but beneath it, Shingin's mind was churning. He couldn't shake the feeling that his life was about to change drastically. Yet, amidst the storm of uncertainty, Ryuosho's easygoing companionship was a constant—a rare beacon of calm in a turbulent world.