Seraphim is a Bystander

The Last Year of Elementary School
(A return to Sera’s perspective.)
 

It was early April. Aoi was 11 years old.
It hadn’t even been half a year since he completed his first protection mission and experienced his first true defeat. Now, nearly two years had passed.
Since then, Aoi had been training harder than ever. He frequently visited his master, and when she wasn’t available, he would hone his skills in the virtual combat space. His determination was evident.
"Good morning, Aoi-kun!"
"Morning, Runa-chan. You're full of energy today."

Despite all his duties and training, Aoi still attended school regularly. This year marked his final year of elementary school.
He would be turning 12 in a month, and he had already begun going through puberty earlier than most. Though still beautifully androgynous in appearance, he had grown quite a bit taller — now reaching the average height of an adult in Akatsuki.
With his long, glossy hair tied in a single ponytail behind him, he often drew attention just walking down the street.
"Aoi-kun, aren't you giving the student welcome speech at today's entrance ceremony?"
"Yeah… The teacher asked me to."
Aoi wasn’t ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ just physically gifted — he was academically outstanding too.
As a child born to be a hero, his intelligence matched his prowess. Even at school, he earned the respect of teachers and classmates alike.
Naturally, this made him a go-to choice for representing the school during events like the entrance ceremony.

"Sounds like a lot of pressure."
"It is… but since they’re counting on me, I want to give it my all."
"I see… then do your best, Aoi-kun!"
"Thanks, Runa-chan."
It wasn’t that Aoi sought attention. But when others relied on him, he just couldn’t turn them down.
Because of that, he often ended up leading others — even without intending to.
…Of course, because of that same tendency to avoid rejecting people, he’d found himself unable to commit to anyone romantically. Despite the number of people who clearly liked him, Aoi hadn’t chosen a single one yet.

Even Runa Nishizono — his childhood friend from before kindergarten — had never heard him clarify their relationship.
"Good morning, everyone."
"Oh, good morning, Aoi-kun!" "Morning~"
As he greeted his classmates and made his way to his seat, Aoi noticed the one next to him was still empty.
He sighed lightly and sat down, calmly reviewing the speech script in his hands.

Ten minutes passed. The time for the teacher’s arrival was nearing when suddenly the sound of rushed footsteps echoed from the hallway.
"Morning! Woo! Just made it!"
A boy burst into the room, panting and sweaty, then plopped down in the seat beside Aoi.

"Ken… I keep telling you to give yourself more time."
"Yo, Ao! That a speech draft?"
"Sigh… Yeah. It’s for the entrance ceremony. Here, use this handkerchief."
"Thanks! You're a lifesaver."
The boy named Kenta Katsura, whom Aoi called "Ken", had grown very close to him over the past year.
Ken was one of the few people who interacted with Aoi casually, without treating him like something special.
Aoi, while always acting a bit annoyed, actually appreciated how Ken didn’t expect anything from him. He saw him as a genuine friend.
As the two joked around, the teacher finally arrived, and the last year of Aoi’s elementary school life began.

Soon after the morning assembly, they moved to the gym for the entrance ceremony.
After speeches from various guests, it was finally Aoi’s turn to give his address as a representative.
"On this day, as we welcome our new students…"
With his striking appearance and clear voice, Aoi captivated the audience. More than a few of the incoming students found themselves smitten at first sight.

Once the speech was done and he stepped off the stage, Aoi returned to his seat…
Only to find Ken fast asleep next to him.
"…Ken, wake up!"
"Mmgh… Huh? Wait, Aoi, did I miss your speech?"
"It just ended."
"Ah, man! I missed your big moment!"
"Geez…"
Though exasperated by Ken, Aoi felt the tension drain from his body. The rest of the ceremony passed peacefully.

"…zzz"
"Hey! Ken, seriously?!"
And so, a rare, peaceful day in Aoi’s life — one without battle or responsibility — passed quietly by.