Chapter Text
A loud whoosh can be heard in the quiet night.
Bright stars sparkling in the dark sky.
A peaceful atmosphere here.
You can’t get this atmosphere if you’re in the city.
The wilderness is always a peaceful place to live in but usually birds don’t live here.
Mostly humans….?
I don’t know any other humans who live in the wilderness except for my junior, Tohsaka Hiyoko.
She resides in a cave.
She’s peculiar… and interesting.
She carries a kusari-fundo around with her despite being a normal student.
I guess she uses it to hunt for food?
That’s a possibility.
It is odd to think about it…
That humans used to live in a house while birds live in the wilderness but now, it’s the opposite.
I sighed as I got lost in my thoughts.
Thinking about the evolution of birds is interesting.
Interesting yet scary.
Which is odd because I’m a bird.
Ishikawa Kiku, a female American Goldfinch.
My type was usually known as the most vulnerable birds due to our size but now that the predators are no longer ruling the throne, all birds are safe from their violent tendencies.
Well, sorta.
There are attacks that human extremists would carry out on birds but us Dove party agents will try our best to eliminate those threats.
Oh, right.
Yes, I’m part of the Dove party.
An agent and… a bodyguard for another Dove agent.
“Hey, senpai. You’ve been staring at the sky for a while now. Are you okay?” Asked the blonde human sitting next to me, Hiyoko. My junior, my friend.
We’re the only females in St Pigeonation. That is how we quickly became friends. Only women would understand women. We only had each other and we always made sure to support each other.
I turn to the blonde as I blink. My yellow starry eyes glimmer, “Yes, I’m fine. I was thinking about the past.”
“The past? Like the history of birds?” Hiyoko tilts her head. She then gasps after asking her question, “Were you doing a monologue to the readers about the history of birds?” She asked enthusiastically.
Wait, huh?
What is she saying?
Monologuing to the-
What? Readers?
Huh?
I just let it slide. This girl has been known to say some silly stuff. Sometimes, she acts like she’s a main protagonist in a certain visual novel which leads to her breaking the fourth wall.
This is why I describe her as a peculiar girl.
“Sure… Anyway, what were we talking about?” I shook the topic off. It’s not worth dealing with anyway…
“Oh, right.” Hiyoko nods, sitting up straight as she looks at me in the eyes. A serious expression appears on her face. That’s a rare occasion.
When she does that, I know too well that she really means what she’s about to say.
“I don’t know if it’s acceptable… Because ya know, we’re both different species but like uh, I have to admit… I do have feelings for Ryouta,” Hiyoko admits.
Kawara Ryouta, a rock dove. Hiyoko’s classmate and childhood friend.
I figured this would happen. Hiyoko and Ryouta are inseparable.
Even though Hiyoko has a lot of friends in St Pigeonation, she would always find Ryouta and be with him.
She never showed her true feelings to Ryouta, not yet but I could always tell that something is going on between those two.
I can totally tell that Ryouta has feelings for Hiyoko but it’s best for me to not tell her about this.
“And? What’s stopping you from confessing?”
“The fact that I’m human and he’s a bird. I don’t know if he’s okay with that…” Hiyoko fiddled with her fingers as her brown eyes focused on the rocky floor of the front part of her cave.
“You could always talk to him,” I replied. “You are always straight to the point and confident with voicing out what you believe in.”
“Yeah, but that’s different from a love confession! What if things change after I talk to him about it?” Hiyoko asked. I can tell that she’s feeling troubled. Trouble and uncertainty.
“I don’t think Kawara would push you away. You’ve known him for years. He has always been by your side no matter what, am I correct?” I questioned.
“Yeah, but-”
“No more buts, Hiyoko-chan. Take your time and confess to him once you’re ready. You might lose your opportunity if you keep delaying it.”
Hiyoko went silent. She’s probably thinking about what I’ve said to her.
“You gave good advice, senpai… Have you had an experience with romance before? I assumed you do.” Hiyoko said.
“Why would you think of that?” I raised an eyebrow.
Do I look like someone who has dated someone before?
“I don’t know… You’re pretty and mature and you give good advice about romance…” Hiyoko pouts, “That made me wonder if you had a significant other.”
I ppke my chin with a finger, “I never had anyone. My life has been hectic. It stops me from thinking about romantic relationships and attractions.”
Hiyoko gasps, “You’re lying!”
I’m… not and why is that so surprising?!
Pretty and mature do not indicate that a person had an experience before and plus, I don’t think I’m beautiful. I’m just me. Plain.
Nothing special about myself.
“I’m not lying.” I shake my head.
“Then, if that’s the case… have you had a crush on someone?” Hiyoko questions.
“I have told you that my life had been hectic for me to focus on romantic attractions or relationships-”
“I don’t believe in that! I bet you thought of it at least once.” Hiyoko pouts again.
Ah…
She’s so persistent.
…
Have I ever thought of it?
Do I have feelings for anyone?
A crush?
I was never given the chance to think of something like that.
Ever since that day, I’ve dedicated my life to becoming a weapon. I’ve decided to get rid of all of my emotions and set one purpose in life.
I’m nothing but a Dove agent. I’d sacrifice my life for my missions. I’m nothing but an agent.
I’m not like any other birds.
My only purpose is to serve my superiors, even if it involves dying.
My mission now is to keep an agent safe.
To keep Sakazaki Yuuya safe from Iwamine Shuu.
Sakazaki Yuuya…
He’s weird. He’s so different compared to the other agents I knew.
Is it because he’s from France? People tend to say that French people are friendly.
I don’t believe in that because when I was in France, I was treated horribly all because I couldn’t speak in French and because I’m a bird from the US.
But Sakazaki Yuuya is different. Something about him… is different.
He’d talk to anyone with a carefree expression. According to some agents I’ve met, they were charmed by him.
They told me he’s charismatic.
I guess that is true about him.
Charismatic, kind and cheerful…
Kind.
He was so kind to me when we first met.
We were only 16.
We first met when I was transferred to Japan for the first time, being assigned as his bodyguard.
His agent handler told me that Sakazaki can be really reckless. He needed someone to look after him.
His agent handler also added that he was expecting an older agent to be his bodyguard. He didn’t expect me to do the work.
Honestly though, the job was first assigned to my colleague, Lia but my agent handler told me that she assigned the mission to me for my own good.
Like, what?
She mentioned something about giving me the chance to get close to my father’s background.
My father was from Japan. He’s Japanese.
His name was Ishikawa Asahi.
He moved to the US hoping to become a successful singer…
And that’s how he met my mother, Eleanor Jones.
Anyway, I’m going off tangent now.
I told my agent handler that it’s unnecessary. I told her that Lia was more suitable for the job compared to myself.
I was only 16 after all.
But my agent handler was adamant about her choice. She also added that Lia agreed with transferring the mission to me.
Both of them believed that I’d make a good choice.
While I thought it would be perfect for Lia… Being in Japan would help her to find her long lost cousin.
Till to this day, she still hasn’t found him yet.
What an awful fate.
The day when I arrived at St Pigeonation’s, I expected that Sakazaki was going to treat me like how my superiors used to treat me.
Treating me like garbage. Looking down at me just because I’m a woman.
Thinking low of me because I’m a female American Goldfinch.
I’m a woman and a tiny bird.
All the reasons for them to think that I’m useless.
But Sakazaki,
He greeted me with a smile. He was being flirty at first but his kindness illuminated the dim hallway we were in.
Sure, I was disturbed with his flirts at first but afterwards, he showed nothing but respect whenever he talked to me or when he talked about me to his agent handler.
He’d remind me to not call myself his subordinate. He never saw me as his subordinate.
“You’re my friend. I will always call you, ‘mon amie’.”
For some reason… That made me happy.
I’m happy that I was respected and never looked down upon anymore.
I thought all guys were the same but Sakazaki has proven me wrong.
Sakazaki, his agent handler Leone, both of them are kind people.
I told myself numerous times to not fall this easily but I can’t stop admitting to myself that I’m happier here.
I’m happier here in Japan because of Sakazaki…
Because… of… Sakazaki…?
Huh?
“Senpai?” Hiyoko’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I looked at her, wondered why she called out for me. Did something happen? Did a Hawk member break into her cave? What’s going on?
“Your face is red… Are you okay?” The blonde points it out.
My eyes opened wide.
I touched my right cheek as I stared at her with a surprised look.
Am I… blushing?
Hiyoko blinked rapidly before she snapped her fingers, “You started blushing after I asked you if you had a crush on someone! You DO have a crush on someone!!” She pointed out excitedly, almost cheering for me.
I just stood there silently. What on earth is she saying? I don’t like anyone-
Hiyoko shuffled next to me as she nudged her elbow to me, “Tell me! Tell me! Don’t deny it because it’s written all over your face!”
I tried to push her away, “You’re mistaken. I’m just- feeling a bit warm, that’s all!”
She won’t budge. She still sat close to me, our shoulders touched. “You’re denying it, senpai!! I can see it. Your face says it all! You like someone!”
“Stop it, Hiyoko-chan. I’m not.”
Hiyoko backed away and put hands on her hips, “Why are you in denial? Liking someone is not a bad thing.” She pouts.
“It is if it distracts you from life!” I pointed it out. I mean, I guess so? I’ve never experienced love before. I have no idea how it feels.
“What do you mean it’ll distract you from life…? Oh.” Hiyoko looked at me with wide eyes as she tilted her head to the left.
What’s with that look?
Her eyes are glassy now.
What’s going on?
God, she’s scaring me.
“You… You like one of our teachers, right?”
That made me drop my jaw. How did she think that far?!
“I’ve seen you with Iwamine-sensei a lot… You like him, do you? Senpai, I wouldn’t mind if you like Uzune-sensei but Iwamine-sensei is a bad choice and um, he’s someone else’s part-”
“Do you really think I’m that degenerate?” I cut her off.
“Liking a teacher is forbidden and plus, Iwamine? Do you really think I would stoop that low?” I asked her, feeling so offended.
“I mean, I’ve always seen you around him and you always had your eyes on him… So…” Hiyoko fiddled with her fingers.
“That doesn’t mean I liked him. I was only looking out for myself… and Sakazaki.” I sighed.
“Ah-” Hiyoko looked at me and nodded.
“Anyway, I’ve said this again and again, I don’t like anyone.” I said, being firm with what I have said.
I don’t like anyone. I don’t like anyone.
I DON’T LIKE ANYONE!!
Hiyoko grumbled, “Why do you keep denying it…” She folded her arms as she leaned on my shoulder.
“Because I’ve said it a million times. I don’t like anyone and I would not like to repeat that again and again.” I huffed from frustration.
I’m looking away, not facing Hiyoko but I could feel her glaring at me, hoping to make a hole in me with her glare.
“If you keep denying your feelings, someone will steal your guy away from you.” Hiyoko said.
What guy? I don’t like anyone!
“What if I make a deal with you?” The blonde said as she moved to sit in front of me with her brown eyes looking at me with a fierce and serious look.
“I will confess to Ryouta but in return, I want you to wholeheartedly accept that you like someone.” She said with a determined look.
“What if I’ve been telling the truth then?” I raised an eyebrow.
“You’re not. I can tell. Senpai, you think you can hide it from me but I know that you’re lying. You never had that expression on your face before.”
“What expression? I wasn’t showing anything.”
“When we were talking about crush, you spaced out like you were thinking about someone and your cheeks turned red. Tell me if I’m wrong but that does look like someone who likes someone!”
I stayed silent.
Yeah, I was thinking about someone. I was thinking about Sakazaki but it was only because he’s kind to me.
It’s only because he made me happy and I felt respected.
It’s not like I like him.
… I don’t, right?
Crap. I’m so bothered by this.
I need to consult someone about this.
I know someone who’d listen to me. Someone who is rational.
I know she’ll drag me out from high school fantasy and put my feet back in reality.