Overpowers: Life Is Magical

As the school bell rang, signaling the end of classes for the day, students promptly exited the school grounds. Nozomi and Yoshino walked side by side past the school's gate, which displayed a sign that read "Unmei High."

"So... what do you think of the new teacher? You needed him to call your name a few times. It's almost like you had a... what's the word exactly... dreamy-eyed?" Yoshino teased, her voice dripping with smugness. Meanwhile, Nozomi tried in vain to hide her blushing face behind her school bag, which only widened her friend's grin.

"Okay, I'll admit it. The teacher was kind of charming. But to be fair, he looked more like a movie star than a teacher and... stop smiling at me like that!" Nozomi demanded, her face a deep shade of red. She unsuccessfully tried to hide her embarrassment, which only intensified when she peeked out from behind her school bag and saw Yoshino's ever-growing smile. Her friend let out a laugh, quieted only by a few playful punches from Nozomi.

"Heh, alright, alright. I'll stop. Anyway, I heard there's a new arcade machine at the game center. Do you want to check it out?" Yoshino suggested, her teasing smile softening into a normal one.

Nozomi sighed in relief, grateful for the change of subject. "Okay, if it's a fighting game, I'll make sure to beat you to a pulp!" Nozomi declared, punching the air in a mock display of martial prowess. While a trained martial artist might take offense, Yoshino simply rolled her eyes and smiled at her friend's antics.

They walked to the city's commercial center, bustling with various stores. Their destination was the game center where they often spent time after class. As they approached the automatic doors, they noticed a poster for a new arcade machine. The poster featured gameplay images and the name Shiny Constellation Guardian Sagittarius. On the left side, a young teenage girl with pink hair, clad in a fancy pink dress and visor, posed with a bow and arrow made of energy.

"Oh, so this is the new game. It might not be a fighting game, but it still looks fun. Want to give it a try?" Yoshino suggested after examining the poster.

It took Nozomi only a few seconds to decide. "Sure, we can still compete to see who gets the highest score!" With their plan set, both girls entered the game center.

Inside, they were greeted by the usual array of flashing lights and sounds from various arcade machines. After asking a staff member for directions, they found the new machine halfway across the game center, set against the left wall. It appeared to be a single-player game.

"So... rock, paper, scissors to decide who goes first?" Yoshino suggested.

Nozomi nodded, though she suspected Yoshino would likely win again, as she often did. But even if she lost, she could learn the game by watching her friend play first.

"Alright then... rock, paper, scissors!" They both revealed their hands, and Yoshino's 'Rock' crushed Nozomi's 'Scissors.'

"Yes! I guess I'm going first~" Yoshino smiled smugly, raising her victorious hand.

Nozomi stood by her side, watching carefully as Yoshino played. The game proved more challenging than anticipated, with Yoshino only lasting a few seconds in the first level before losing. Nozomi let her friend take as many tries as she wanted, hoping to learn from her mistakes.

Eventually, Yoshino gave up, looking frustrated. "Yeah, no... I'm done. Your turn," she said to Nozomi, her expression showing she was one loss away from punching the game-over screen.

Taking a deep breath, Nozomi sat down and started the game. She quickly realized she was having a much easier time than Yoshino. Although she had observed her friend's attempts, the game felt strangely natural to her. Time seemed to blur as she played, her focus entirely on the screen. When she finally snapped out of it, the credits were rolling. She had beaten the game. "W-what?" she muttered.

"Wow! You finished the game without spending more money? I thought it was broken..." Yoshino sighed in defeat, knowing Nozomi would boast about it.

Nozomi turned to see her friend holding a can of her favorite soda. H-how did I not notice her leaving? Did I really zone out that much?

She waved the thought away, dismissing it as nothing. It wasn't the first time she got too engrossed in a game. "Y-yeah, I'm amazing! But I think I've had enough for today. How about we call it a day?"

"Hmm, okay. But do you want to grab a soda first? To celebrate your victory?" Yoshino suggested, still slightly worried.

Nozomi considered for a moment. A soda would give her the energy to get home. "Sure, lead the way."

Outside, each holding a can of soda, they were greeted by the afternoon sun slowly giving way to evening. As they walked, Yoshino examined a peculiar prize she got from a promotional offer with her soda. It was a round, black rock. "I know promotional prizes aren't always the best, but a literal rock? Really?"

"Well, maybe it could work as a decoration for your room or a paperweight," Nozomi suggested, trying to help.

"I guess..." Yoshino considered, still puzzled by the odd prize.

As they neared the crossroads where they would part ways, they said their goodbyes. Just as Nozomi was about to turn the corner, Yoshino called out.

"Oh, and try not to be late again tomorrow, okay? You wouldn't want to face the 'Oni's Wrath,' right?" Yoshino said, raising a finger to her forehead in a playful imitation of an oni horn. Nozomi rolled her eyes and smiled at her friend's joke.

"No promises!" she replied, turning the corner and walking a bit faster thanks to the soda's boost.

Unbeknownst to them, someone had been watching from the shadows of a nearby alley. Cloaked in darkness, with only yellow slit eyes visible, the figure focused on the black rock Yoshino held. It followed them, waiting for the right moment to strike. As Yoshino and Nozomi went their separate ways, the figure knew what it needed to do. Its eyes closed, and any trace of its presence vanished.

Not far from there, Life calmly walked down the street, his steps confident. However, his mind seemed elsewhere.

Okay, as first impressions go... I'd say it was adequate for someone like me. Although... it'll take some time to get used to so many eyes staring at me! He shivered a little.

As he walked, Life glanced at the shops and restaurants he passed. One restaurant, in particular, caught his attention not for the place itself but for the couple inside, enjoying each other's company. Continuing his stroll, he felt the urge to whistle an upbeat tune, a small smile forming on his face. I wonder how you're doing, Death? You're probably just as busy as I am, if not more. You always worked the hardest between us... not that I'd admit that to your face!

He discreetly extracted some silvery liquid from his pocket, forming a cell phone. The wallpaper showed a skeleton in black robes wielding a scythe, accompanied by a younger Life posing for the camera. I should probably call her when I get back to my temporary home, just to check in. After a moment, Life chuckled to himself. Who'd have thought I'd care about someone else? If anyone had told me that a few thousand years ago, I'd have laughed my ass off!

As he was about to turn the corner, Life was snapped out of his thoughts by bumping into someone head-on. Thankfully, the impact wasn't enough to knock him over, but it did surprise him. W-wait, what? Who... oh.

There she was, Nozomi Nakagawa, the 14-year-old girl whose story he was meant to guide. She was about to fall backward, an open can of soda slipping from her hands. The liquid inside threatened to spill onto her uniform. Time seemed to slow down for Life as he assessed the situation.

With a resigned sigh, he shook his head. Well, this isn't the best second impression, but it's not the worst. At least personal introductions will be easier! A rejuvenated smile grew on his face.

He caught the falling can with his left hand, managing to scoop up the airborne droplets before they could stain her uniform. Then, he grabbed her by the left hand, steadying her. Time resumed its normal pace, and Nozomi, now inches from the ground, found herself held upright by Life. "Whoa, that was close... are you alright?" Life asked, feigning concern.

When Nozomi snapped out of her confusion, her eyes followed the hand that held hers, leading to the piercing sapphire-blue eyes of her teacher. As she processed what had happened, her face turned beet red.

Life noticed her face turning an unnaturally deep red, with hot steam seemingly emanating from her ears. Huh... Why is her face so red? Is that steam coming out of her ears?! Is she okay?! His fake concern turned to genuine worry.