Random Drawing Urge (3)

Sun Tzu is so fucking funny to me because for his time he was legitimately a brilliant tactician but a bunch of his insight is shit like "if you think you might lose, avoid doing that", "being outnumbered is bad generally", and "consider lying."

Sun Tzu is so fucking funny to me because for his time he was legitimately a brilliant tactician but a bunch of his insight is shit like "if you think you might lose, avoid doing that", "being outnumbered is bad generally", and "consider lying."

i'm begging you guys to start pirating shit from streaming platforms. there are so many websites where you can stream that shit for free, here's a quick HOW TO:

1) Search for: watch TITLE OF WORK free online

2) Scroll to the bottom of results. Click any of the "Complaint" links

3) You will be taken to a long list of links that were removed for copyright infringement. Use the 'find' function to search for the name of the show/movie you were originally searching for. You will get something like this (specifics removed because if you love an illegal streaming site you don't post its url on social media)

4) each of these links is to a website where you can stream shit for free. go to the individual websites and search for your show/movie. you might have to copy-paste a few before you find exactly what you're looking, but the whole process only takes a minute. the speed/quality is usually the same as on netflix/whatever, and they even have subtitles! (make sure to use an adblocker though, these sites are funded by annoying popups)

In conclusion, if you do this often enough you will start recognizing the most dependable websites, and you can just bookmark those instead. (note: this is completely separate from torrenting, which is also a beautiful thing but requires different software and a vpn)

you can also download the media in question (look for a "download" button built into the video window, or use a browser extension such as Video DownloadHelper.)

TWST Story Idea (11)

Yuu= He/Him cuz its people pov

The coffin did not contain a single person but instead two people, stuffed in together uncomfortably: a boy and a girl whose appearances mirrored each other as expected of twins.

Crowley did not know this when he first declared Grim and one of the twins to be two in one package students because one wandered off when this happened. Once united, the twins realized that if they admitted there was a third person, it would either be the other twin or Grim, who might not be able to go to NRC.

They had made the decision to fool everyone that there were only two beings instead of three living in the ramshackle dorm, just so that no one could separate them.

The twins became one person, exchanging places every day and making sure they detailed their day down to the specifics in case someone asked them.

Since they had different genders and personalities, naturally, their behavior didn't match up, so they tried to create another persona mixing some of their characteristics instead of creating a new one, which would be hard to play the role.

The way they moved was easy to mimic because they were twins who had done everything together, but sometimes it was easy to forget who they were supposed to be, leading to the image falling apart. So, the persona must have a certain gait made from a mix of them.

The same goes for the rest of their characteristics. They took the differences between them and mixed them into one. The soft-spoken girl and the hot-tempered boy became a person who was well-mannered but wouldn't be afraid to retaliate. The brain and the brawn combined to be a competent person.

This person was Yuu, a persona which the twins must become so that their secrets are safe.

It was hard to maintain this persona, but the twins got to rest some days when it wasn't their turn, and the paperwork dropped by Crowley was done much faster with two people. In addition, one could even go to school while the other did some errands outside of school. This meant easy money stockpile, although it dwindled slightly since there were three living beings now.

They were certain that their secret was safe, even though some had cast suspicious looks at them, but no one had ever spoken out loud about it, so that was fine.

However, being seen as something not entirely human did not crossed their minds.

-

Everyone thought Yuu was strange. Almost all who paid more attention would notice that there was something wrong with him.

Yuu's voice couldn't stay the same tone. It changed frequently and subtly. It would be low and high-pitched, like a normal male voice trying to sound a bit like a woman, and another would resemble a young boy trying to imitate a man's voice by deepening it.

They thought Yuu was messing with them or it was just his way of talking. Not that they fully believed it, but it was better to ignore things, you know?

Often, Yuu spoke politely, and then the next moment, he would send a glare or speak with a hardened tone to someone who managed to offend him in some way. People didn't really get scared at that, seeing as it was just a mild scolding.

Another day, he would do the same, but it was different. This one seemed forced when speaking softly, yet when he was mad, that's when it was the most genuine, and it scared most people.

Someone once caught Yuu looking at a mirror and practicing his expression.

The said person thought it was funny until Yuu said, "My facial muscles are too stiff. I can't get it right."

They all thought Yuu was similar to Floyd, but clearly, this was a different case.

And not to mention, Yuu's movements seemed calculated, as though he was scared of making a mistake. Sometimes they were too stiff, and other times there were too many sways or the steps were irregular, and so on. Some noticed that Yuu's eyes widened slightly before assuming a certain gait that the others had seen plenty of times.

"I almost forgot how to do this…" his murmurs could still be heard, and it made everyone break into cold sweats rapidly.

Some beastmen thought they smelled the scent of a female on Yuu, but the next day it was male. It was different every day, and sometimes it happened in a row. He confronted Yuu one day and was met with a blank face, and then a rather tight smile.

He did not get an answer, but the next few days, the scent of a male on Yuu continued, and Yuu's gaze bore into his soul with a vicious glare.

His mind had come to a conclusion that Yuu was not human.

Some say they witnessed Yuu's doppelganger in some random place before stumbling upon another Yuu, which frightened most people because Yuu denied having seen them, and he had an alibi with Grim.

Yuu's friends, the first-years, thought that Yuu and the ramshackle dorm were weird and creepy. Often, they would hear Yuu talking to himself or loud noises coming from a different room or sudden shuffling when they looked back.

Yuu had them all convinced to announce their presence before opening a room because of ghosts or something. Yuu would also cook plenty and then eat and leave one serving behind, telling them not to touch it.

Yuu would then leave the room and return after a couple of seconds to eat that one serving, much to everyone's confusion and surprise. After all, Yuu usually ate little, and sometimes the plate was full, but this time, there were two plates.

When asked, Yuu who devoured the food almost like a starving animal simply replied, "I'm hungry."

Seeing his everyday strange quirks, the meaning simply changed into something else.

New world, new scars (pt1?)

Tried to make a short story with Grim's pov. sorry if its ooc. this is an au. this yuu is not the same as "uncanny and unknown Yuu"

-

Once upon a time, Grim had a dream. He wanted to be the greatest mage in the world. He waited for the black carriage, but it never came for him.

He waited and waited, but there was no sign of them coming, so he came to the night raven college himself.

-

Grim got himself into trouble on the first day he got there. He knew that the people there wouldn't accept him, so he tried to snatch a robe from one of the students in the coffin.

He didn't manage to, and now he was chasing after him, which led to getting caught by the headmaster.

The next thing he knew, he was in the mirror chamber, and the student he wanted to steal his robe from was declared magicless.

"A mistake"

"You weren't supposed to be here."

Grim thought he saw how the magicless student tried to make himself smaller when murmurs began, but Grim never cared about him. What Grim cared about was that there was a vacant spot. He will take that spot. He will replace him.

To do that, he has to show how much he is worth.

In an instant, the whole room was full of bright blue flames, sending people into frenzies. no doubt because they were in awe at the huge flame he made! It means he's powerful!

He heard a painful yelp and something cooking somewhere in the crowd, but he was too busy to care about something like that. He looked at the rest, waiting to be validated and ready to be acknowledged as a new student.

That's how it goes, isn't it? the strong over the weak? He had shown them what he was capable of.

That didn't happen. He was collared and kicked out of the school.

-

Grim slipped in again, and he saw a house so dilapidated that there couldn't possibly be anyone else living there. only, there is someone there.

The magicless student. His robe singed, and there was an unmistaken scent of burnt flesh and blood. He was standing in the middle of the room, looking lost, tired, and downright miserable.

He decided to come in.

-

So many things happened after that. That guy is a stupid thing. He's more scared of his fire than the ghosts! It should be another way around, but Grim isn't complaining that much when he helped him shoo the ghosts away.

And then the headmaster came. One thing led to another, Grim, and that new henchman of his had become a janitor.

He managed to get into the school, but not as a student. It was not his ideal position, but he had no choice, even if he complained loudly. His henchman could only nod, helpless and weak.

The only good thing he does is give Grim food and a place to sleep, and that just made his new life with the magicless henchman a bit bearable.

-

The morning comes, and Grim has a job to do. Well, not him, but his henchman. He would rather watch than do this stupid useless work. His henchman said something, but Grim is the boss in this relationship, so he doesn't need to listen to him.

His henchman quieted down, meekly sweeping the pavement with the broom given to him while Grim entertained himself with the statues and that newcomer who introduced himself as Ace Trappola.

He was nice, until he wasn't.

Cruel remarks left Ace's mouth, a mocking sneer etched on his face. Grim anger grew. His henchman tried to talk and make peace, but he was an idiot.

His henchman wasn't helpful at all. Words won't do anything. He needs to fight back!

He doesnt. And so Grim takes the lead, sending a bunch of fireballs at Ace. Ace retaliated even more, sending the flame away and everywhere with his wind magic.

His henchman took a few steps back, hiding behind the statue. Away from sight, away from mind. Grim disliked his choice and personality.

One of the flames is heading to Grim's direction. He didn't see his henchman reach out from behind him, and Grim dodged at the last minute while complaining.

"Why do I have to be stuck with a magicless guy!?"

Said person froze in place, and then the fireball hit his face.

The smell of burning intensified. His henchman swallowed his scream by gritting his teeth. And yet, somehow, it pierced the silence as Grim and Ace stood still while watching him curled on the pavement. His bloody hands cradled half his face.

The headmaster came, and he was understandably furious, but the henchman unexpectedly begged not to suspend them.

"It was my fault. This is what I deserved."

They both tried to protest when the headmaster punished them before leaving to guide the poor henchman into the infirmary.

-

When his henchman came back, half his face was covered by bandages, his smile was tight, and his hands trembled when he approached Grim.

"The headmaster said to look after you, and you shouldn't ditch your punishment," he said after a while, never looking him in the eye.

Grim defended himself, "It was not my fault. You said it was you. You should do it instead."

Grim ran off before he said anything. He does not want to be stuck all day doing janitor work. He is the great Grim after all. He must not stoop so low.

Grim heard his henchman chased after him. It goes from one pair of feet to two to three pairs of feet. His henchman somehow managed to drag Ace into chasing after him and involving a random guy by the name of Deuce.

Grim jumped on a chandelier in an effort to escape; Deuce threw Ace at him, and both fell down along with the chandelier.

There was a crash, Grim's vision fading in and out. He thought he smelled blood wafting in the air, but when he was brought to reality, everyone was fine. They got caught by the headmaster again, but fine.

The scent still lingers in the air, and it took him time to realize it was there because the source was following him.

Grim told his henchman to wash up because he smelled dirty. The henchman winced in response. He murmured sorry with his head down and took a step back.

-

Because of his henchman and those two idiots he brought with him. He was forced to get involved and find the magestone in a dwarf mine to compensate for their mistake in destroying the chandelier.

He did not like ghosts, nor did he like the dark, but he wouldn't admit that. He is the great Grim after all. He doesn't have weaknesses!

His paws slowly reach out to cling onto his henchman's pants, only for the henchman to flinch away from his touch. One eye blown wide opened in fear and mouth slightly ajar before it snapped shut.

Blue eyes met his in confusion, and the henchman immediately averted his gaze.

-

There's a monster in the mine. More fearsome and powerful than him. Grim is scared, but he fights back even as they all dash to find a way out.

He's not like his henchman, who only knows how to hide, run, and attempt to talk to calm things down; this is why he must fight.

When they escaped, the two idiots fought. One wants to leave, and another wants to go back and take the magestone, so they cannot get expelled.

His henchman tried to settle them down after their heated argument. He gets pushed, and he falls down so easily. His palms grazed by the tiny sharp rocks. He's so weak that his body shook like a leaf blown by the wind, and his eyes were filled with fear, but he was awfully adamant about getting that magestone.

He begged to be heard, and they listened, even though they were unwilling.

-

The plan succeeds. The monster died, and they cheered. Everyone is relieved, but no one is more relieved than the henchman.

Grim didn't point that out. He has something important to take care of.

Grim gobbled up the black magestone he found on the dirt, and everyone watched as he did so. Only those two idiots said something about it.

-

Their troublesome tasks were rewarded much to Grim's delight. He is a student now, though he shares the same position as his henchman but that is bearable. His dream is getting closer!

Grim wanted to brag about the magestone the headmaster gave him to his henchman, so he approached him so he could take a look at it as well.

His henchman took a step backward, and he didn't meet his eyes.

Grim huffed at his expression and bragged it to the others instead.

-

That night, Grim ate a hearty meal while the henchman ate a little. He could smell a strong flowery scent on him when he finished showering, and when it was time to sleep, the henchman decided to sleep on the floor while Grim slept on the bed.

Grim looked down at him from the edge of the bed. The henchman was curling up in his sleep with no blanket or pillow.

Grim didn't say anything and decided to settle himself on the other side of the bed.

If there was a subtle scent of salt, he didn't mention it in the morning.

-

That was the first two days when he met Yuu, his henchman. It was also one of the most memorable moments he had with Yuu.

He had the weirdest name that sounded like you, and he was more trouble than he was worth.

Sure, they are all trouble, but his henchman makes it worse.

It was not their fault that he was hurt. He was simply too weak and too slow; he couldn't avoid the attack. Yuu can't say no to odd jobs that the headmaster gave or to anyone in particular.

And if Grim said no and then changed his answer, then that just means he's good at negotiating.

Overall, Yuu just don't belong here. That was Grim's thought, and it will always be every time the henchman gets picked on and returns back with bruises, blood, and a limp.

Yuu was useless and pathetic, as well as an idiot who always tried to talk their way out of a fight when it should be clear that they needed to be dealt with fighting.

If his henchman were in the wild, where Grim used to live, he wouldn't survive at all, so it was a good thing you had Grim beside Yuu and fought back for him. He is the Great Grim's henchman, after all.

-

Grim always peered down from the bed every night and watched Yuu fall asleep. There were tears streaming down Yuu's cheeks, and this doesn't surprise Grim anymore.

But Yuu were always quiet when he shed tears. Too quiet that Grim wouldn't know he was crying if it weren't for his scent of salt wafting in the cold air.

His figure started looking smaller and smaller as the night went on.

Grim always wondered why he cried.

-

He tried to sleep on the floor with Yuu one night. It was very cold that night, he reasoned with himself.

The floor thumped lightly under his weight, and his henchman suddenly jolted awake and recoiled away from him in a matter of seconds, like an instinct.

Grim saw the same thing in his eye.

Grim frowned and said, "Whaddya get scared for?"

"I'm sorry" was Yuu's response.

-

Ace and Deuce were Grim's, and also his henchman's friends. Thats what Grim thinks, but Grim thinks friends is not what Yuu would call them since he barely opened up with them.

Yuu dislike Ace's terrible pranks and his hurtful jabs that ace said were jokes.

Yuu dislike the violent tendencies that pop up once in a while and sometimes accidentally on the receiving end.

Still, Yuu followed them even as his hands trembled against his will. They are both rough with Yuu, but Yuu won't speak up about how ugly bruises began to decorate his whole body.

Yuu would rather hide it and shut up. And if asked, he lied.

Grim didn't say anything to the two idiots, but he joined in the fun, and they received scratches.

-

Grim remembered the time when they all got stuck together, which eventually got dubbed friendship. It was when Ace got collared and they met Riddle, the teapot tyrant, along with Trey and Cater.

His henchman looked a bit comfortable with Trey, but it was the opposite for Cater. Yuu didn't really trust him, but he still couldn't say no to the suggestion to take a picture together.

Yuu's smile is rather ugly, and he was so out of place. His henchman apologized many times for making the picture ugly. Cater said it was fine, but Yuu still think about it.

-

Yuu's behavior toward Trey shifted when they needs his help to make a chesnut tart. Trey tricked and lied about the simplest thing. He then talked about his unique magic, and Grim witnessed that his henchman's face suddenly went even more pale.

Yuu suddenly acted like everything he was walking on were eggshells in a matter of seconds. He had a hard time eating the food Trey made, so he gave it Grim.

Grim ate his treats with a full belly.

He heard Yuu's stomach growled loudly that night.

-

If Yuu had magic and a dorm, there's a high chance that he might be Riddle's favorite person. Yuu submitted too easily when he was confronted by Riddle. Yuu apologized like his whole life depends on it, and said he would make up for it. For himself and for Ace and Deuce.

Yuu said he would do anything. Just let them go.

When Riddle left, pleased at Yuu's groveling, Ace gets mad, and his voice is loud as he berated Yuu. Deuce looked at Yuu in disapproval and concern and Grim wanted to yell at his henchman.

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

His henchman cried out, "I'm sorry. im sorry. im sorry."

His henchman is really weak. He decided to cry instead of fighting back.

-

There was an overblot. Things are never peaceful with the idiots he was forced to get along with. Some days are fun, but this was not one of them.

It was just like before. The monster is stronger than him. Grim is scared, but he still fights back, even if it doesn't affect him.

Yuu still hides, tempting to run away.

Grim, and the other two kept an eye on him.

-

The monster disappeared. They managed to save Riddle. Everyone gets out of this fight with a mild scratch, bruises, and dirty clothes.

His henchman didn't do anything, and he came out with a broken arm and a small branch stabbed into his side.

Yuu was out of view, like he didn't want to be found. His cries are quiet as always, and his face is weary as he lets out a stuttered breath while nursing his wound.

Grim heard what Yuu murmured underneath his breath when he approached him.

"He has friends… How nice… How nice that someone cared for you."

Grim called for Ace and Deuce instead of confronting whatever he meant.

-

Going to the infirmary would be the norm if it weren't for Yuu actively avoiding it.

When one urges him to go, he will be hesitant to drink the limited healing potion, preferring to find the simplest first aid and bandages.

Grim remembered asking why, and his henchman replied that he didn't want to be more in debt with the headmaster.

"And be more of a baggage? How's your going to run with a twisted ankle? You know I can't always protect you." Grim had replied sassily back then.

He almost missed the way his henchman stood rigidly with a terrified expression. The healing potion held tightly in his grip.

Grim didn't see Yuu taking it, but Yuu looked okay after that. Yuu can run even though he is slow and almost falls.

Yuu's face had been wincing in pain, but he can still keep up with Grim, and that's all that matters.

but Yuu was here again, terribly hurt than before. The blood gushed and Yuu wanted to go back while they treated him. Yuu didn't want to trouble them, but Ace and Deuce protested that he should rest here.

Grim saw that Yuu struggled to say something, but the words died down in his throat. Yuu nodded hesitantly.

They leave him there to recuperate that night.

-

The next day, Yuu was in an even more terrible shape. The blood soaked through, and the makeshift splints and bandages are all ruined. A new bruise bloomed on his face and peeking out of his wrinkled shirt.

There was even blood coming out of his nose that smeared on the lip's area, like Yuu tried so hard to erase it. But even if he did succeed, the blood on the collar would tell them.

"I fell. I'm sorry for troubling you," he said with cracks in his voice. He sounded ashamed, afraid, and so on.

They don't believe that, of course. They all knew what a bruise from falling looked like.

Ace and Deuce told Riddle, who wanted to mend their relationship and be a better person, and now those bullies got punished and collared. Ace and Deuce didn't pass the chance to beat them up in their own ways. Brutally.

Grim thinks he finally knows why Yuu follow them of all people.

Random Drawing Urge (10)

i drew Jinx! And I have a problem. How does one render? Especially in Arcane style? I did my best but honestly it doesnt even come close however I still like all of them especially the 2nd and 3rd one. Theres something about it being messy fit her vibe so well and pleasant to the eyes. The final result is acceptable but i feel like its missing something.

Yuu = gn, They/Them.

I heard Rollo Flamm has a card and I thought that he had attend NRC as punishment or like, exchange student stuff or etc and then I just had an idea.

What if RSA is in this?

Crowley didn't offer such invitation but he cant exactly said no to RSA's wanting to visit NRC so said student can have experience what's it's like in another school. Afterall, his whole reputation is on the line!

And no, it's definitely not because the other headmaster praised him for being such a thoughtful person to his students that the students flourish under his guidance and kindness like flowers or something. Definitely not.

But the problem is, NRC students absolutely despise RSA that upon seeing one popping up in the school, a manhunt immediately got issued and all dorms alike would chase after RSA like a bloodhound.

So it goes without a doubt that RSA student cannot stay with any of the dorms or else they got mauled.

Crowley thought hard and long enough (not really.) and he finally came to a conclusion!

Why, there is one person who is capable of reigning those bloodhound and making them behave with each other.

Yes, Crowley can only thought of a single person who can babysit–ahem, take care of RSA and so on. There is no one, no one that is more capable than that person.

Introducing Yuu, barely hanging on for dear life as they got assaulted by this thing called misfortune and chaos, that is also the very thing that they are holding on, which is life.

And also, trauma.

Yuu can feel their sanity and patience slipping away when Crowley just dumped someone from RSA (can be Neige, or Chenya or etc) and expect them to take care of him.

Yuu is poor and theyre living in a ramshackle dorm while being accompanied by a bottomles pit for a stomach of a cat and they have to take care of this guy that Yuu was pretty sure have more money than them.

But Yuu being Yuu have no other choice, Yuu have to take care of him until that program finish and the guy can finally go back. They just have to be patient and—

— "no, Vil. stop poisoning him. I'm not blind.", "Riddle, please refrain from using your unique magic on him just because I decline the invitation.", "Ortho, please stop. You cannot use your beam on him. did Idia tell you to do this?", "Azul, you cannot swindle him into your contract, goddammit!"

…Right. It's going to be better once everything over. Yuu also had lost count how many times they got into a fight with other students or their friends just because Yuu accompanied RSA dude. It doesn't make Yuu feel any better when the guy look at them like Yuu was a knight in shining armour.

On the side note, the RSA dude is being real helpful and nice and kind as well. Ramshackle dorm is looking a bit less mess than before. Grim is fine with him and maybe that's because he feed him or something.

Actually, Yuu got feed as well. They forgotten how to go the bed with a full belly. How nice of him even though Yuu is the host. Oh well, Yuu can rest early now.

And then life pick Yuu from the dangerous flowing river and throw them into a stormy sea and said "swim".

Yuu hadn't noticed the guy is pretty much obsess with them and just assumed every thing he had done as the RSA's typical good students.

How are they supposed to know he's that kind of guy anyway? He keeps proposing and do that kind and helpful stuffs that decent people should do, as a proof of a husband material. What should they do?

It also escaped Yuu's notice that their NRC friends aren't actually friends but rather suitors that are equally obsess with them which explained why they want to smite RSA for taking Yuu's attention.

Warning: mild spoiler(?)

What are your thoughts if the Minecraft's End poem is applied to the Omniscient Reader's viewpoint? I thought that some parts of the poem just hits hard and would inspire a new story due to their similarity. I just thought it fits the Yoohankim vibe, you get me?

That part of the poem is this one:

And the universe said I love you

And the universe said you have played the game well

And the universe said everything you need is within you

And the universe said you are stronger than you know

And the universe said you are the daylight

And the universe said you are the night

And the universe said the darkness you fight is within you

And the universe said the light you seek is within you

And the universe said you are not alone

And the universe said you are not separate from every other thing

And the universe said you are the universe tasting itself, talking to itself, reading its own code

And the universe said I love you because you are love.

And the game was over and the player woke up from the dream. And the player began a new dream. And the player dreamed again, dreamed better. And the player was the universe. And the player was love.

You are the player.

Wake up

I had a thought and suddenly, I found myself drawing my Yuusona. I wanted to make Yuu so unsettling to people they couldn't tell if Yuu is human or not so I had my Yuu's resembled one of my most favourite mangas: Phantom Tales Of The Night. You guys should check it out cuz its underrated.

I drew them with pencils and a terrible camera quality, sorry if its messy and blurry (and dont pay any attention to any inaccuracies in clothes or etc. )

(WARNING: SLIGHTLY DISTURBING SIGHT INVOLVING TEETH)

'Owner' from Phantom tales of the night:

I even made a short comic to show what kind my Yuu is.

If you cant tell whats going on, Eels have another jaw inside so Yuu wanted to show that 'they' have one too, except, its just rows and rows of teeths and sharp canines inside their mouth like a leech or some sort.

New World, New scars (pt 3)

The exam month had come. Yuu was in the living room with books and papers scattered on the table.

His injured hands, which were finally healed by a healing potion, held a pen in a strange manner, slowly dragging it across the paper, stopping for a few seconds before continuing. The hands noticeably became shakier and stiffer.

It seems that the healing potions don't heal everything. The crooked fingers are proof of that.

Still, Grim watched how Yuu struggled before the boy sighed and decided to abandon it to read the notes instead. In Grim's opinion, the writings were pleasing to his eyes, and he could understand them in one glance in comparison to the scrawling from before.

It goes without a doubt that Yuu was very smart and also hardworking. Even that two-toned haired teacher praised Yuu, occasionally giving him candies.

Grim looked at Yuu's hands and decided that he didn't want Yuu to ruin their first exam, so Grim would take the lead. They both are, after all, two-in-one student. It would be awful if Yuu didn't manage to score anything with those hands.

-

Grim noticed Yuu roaming around the room where he was at like a ghost haunting the place. Yuu usually doesn't stay in the same room, and if he does, he usually tries to erase his presence.

So therefore, him hovering around and gazing at him from a certain distance became annoying.

"What are you movin around for? You're botherin me," Grim huffed, looking away from the notes he obtained from a certain someone.

Yuu kept looking at him nervously, his sweat dripping and fidgeting with his fingers lightly.

"Are you sure you're going to do the exam instead of me...? I can do it," Yuu said softly, almost carefully.

"No! I can do it. I'm not that dumb! If anythin, you're goin to make us fail with those hands of yours."

"Oh, I'm sorry..."

Grim saw Yuu glanced at his hands for a short moment before hiding them behind his back, expression down as though he's shameful.

"So sit down! I'm gonna ace this exam all by myself!" Grim huffed once more after he said those words as if it would calm Yuu down.

-

Despite not doing anything troublesome like the exam, Yuu grew even more nerve-wracking just watching by the sidelines, fearing that Grim would mess it up, to which Grim assured confidently and exasperatedly that he won't.

His confidence only soared higher when he received high scores and he shoved it to Yuu, who flinched at the sudden action.

Grim dismissed it. After all, he did a very good job of it, so Yuu will definitely be impressed by it, so he held it up with pride.

"85...?" Yuu's voice trembled, and his eyes widened with horror. Grim heard Yuu mumbling from underneath his breath how the teacher won't accept this and will be angry.

Yuu began to shed tears when he saw Ace's and Deuce's marks but not from happiness as he expected. His expression looked frightened and alarmed.

"Hey, it's closer to 100. That's fine, isn't it?" said Ace, trying to comfort Yuu, who is not participating in the exam yet was unusually upset at their marks. "That's not a terrible mark at all!"

"Yes, it is... Master Crewel is going to get angry..." said Yuu with certainty and fear.

Grim thought that the three of them definitely have the same idea in mind at that time, but none spoke them out loud.

-

Contrary to Yuu's words, Professor Crewel does not punish them, but he does look at them all suspiciously.

And now, it's their turn to be scared. Grim didn't expect that all of them actually made a deal with Azul, that scammer!

Upon learning of this fact, Yuu's expression turned to be even more horrified. He hugged himself, and he began to bite the flesh between the thumb and the wrist, almost piercing through them and drawing blood.

Yuu seemed to be in his own world that his words became incoherent, but some managed to understand a few of what he's saying.

"Cheating, lies, not allowed, punished, beaten, angry, apologize..."

A story formed in their head in an instant, but Grim doesn't understand why they would get beaten for that alone?

His question remained unanswered because everyone who managed to strike a deal with Azul sprouted an anemone on top of their head and began to march to the Octavinelle dorm.

Yuu, despite trembling like a shaky leaf, remained still amongst the moving crowd, looking hesitant, as though he will end up in a terrible situation if he followed them.

-

Grim, Ace, and Deuce didn't see Yuu that much after they started working in the Mostro Lounge. Grim did meet Yuu at the dorm, but he hardly gave any attention and just dropped on the spot and snooze.

He had never worked so hard in his entire life, and that made Grim think that it's not worth making a deal with the devil.

But then he thought of the reason why he accepted, and he can only grumble loudly as his tiny paws washed yet another dirty dish.

Surely... this isn't as hard as...

He yowled as the water splashed on his face.

-

They met again during lunch after who knows how long, but Grim is exhausted that time seemed to blend together. The same thing goes for Ace and Deuce as they all dragged their feet to find their table, resisting the urge to sleep.

Yuu, who is somehow accompanied by a very decent Savanaclaw student by the name of Jack, easily spotted them and carefully sat right next to them. His eyes flitted across all three expressions as though he's looking for something, only to slacken the tension in his shoulders.

It did not last long when the Leeches twins invited themselves in, but Grim no longer took notice of this the moment the twins suggested that there is a way for them to be free.

Yuu needed to make a deal with Azul.

It did not last a minute; Yuu buckled instantly under their pleadings to save them. They all cheered, ignoring Jack scolding them.

"You know, for the first time, I think I'm ready to recognize you as our prefect," said Grim, feeling elated at Yuu for the first time.

The smile on Yuu's face immediately went strained, and his gaze was lowered. Grim saw his still injured fingers clenched tightly on his pants as though it wasn't hurt days ago.

"I'm... glad I'm useful," Yuu said.

Maybe Grim should have shut his mouth.

-

Grim still stayed on the bed, and Yuu on the floor.

Grim slept to the scent of salt and the quiet sobbings accompanying the cold night.

-

Grim sneaked out of the kitchen to the VIP room on the day Yuu came to make a deal, a trail of wet spots formed on the carpet as he made his way over there.

He heard voices, and he, who at first wanted to recklessly barge in, suddenly out of character, stopped to lean on the door so he could listen in.

"...You see, prefect, my understanding is that you have no innate magical power." Came Azul's voice.

"You're not gifted with a beautiful voice, nor are you heir to any kingdom. You also do not possess any outstanding and useful skills. You're an utterly run-of-the-mill human in every possible way. Considering the big ask you're making of me, I would need considerable collateral."

It was insults, no matter how many different angles and how many times he tried to listen. If it was Grim whom Azul had told that face to face, he would no doubt be blown up with rage and yell back.

However, Yuu only replied with two words, spoken softly and without stuttering as though he had known that a long time ago and had long accepted it.

"I know."

-

Since Yuu had put the ramshackle dorm as collateral, they both were kicked out of their only shelter into the cold night.

Ace, Deuce, and even Jack offered to help them. The Adeuce insisted Yuu go with them instead of Jack; after all, Jack is from Savanaclaw, and Yuu and that dorm don't mix well together.

Except that didn't happen.

Yuu followed Jack, and he let Grim follow Ace and Deuce.

-

His sleep that night was filled with snores, the rustling of someone moving in their sleep, and a faint smell of roses that was enough not to irritate his nose.

It felt strange that Yuu was not here.

He was awake for hours and he doesn't remember what time it was when he had fallen asleep.

-

Grim does not know what happened to Yuu that same night. But the next day, he spotted bruises blooming all over Yuu's body that Grim suspected some of his ribs might have broken. There were also a few band-aids here and there, and even the face was not spared.

Grim suddenly went mad over this, yelling at Jack, who followed Yuu guiltily. Even Ace and Deuce joined as well, occasionally scolding Yuu lightly for even choosing the place where most students beat him up.

"I'm sorry... I... didn't want to bother you," Yuu murmured, the injuries making him look even more pathetic.

Their anger didn't last long upon seeing this and told him to come to their dorm instead.

Yuu merely shook his head, "I won... fair and square. I'll do my part well."

Nobody knows what he meant by this.

-

They cornered Jack when he's alone after their attempted to steal the photograph failed.

"What does Yuu mean?"

"Why is he hurt like that?"

"What did you do?"

Plenty of accusations were thrown at him that Jack's stern expression twisted into something complicated.

What left his mouth only stunned them even more.

In exchange to live there, Yuu had to be a gopher and also fight and win. And win he did, even as his body is blue and black and his form is close to a deathbed.

There's no benefit in living there and winning said fight if being beaten up and being a gopher awaited him there.

Grim was right when he said that Yuu was a coward and an idiot.

A coward because Yuu cannot say no so he does what Leona said and an idiot for not realizing that there's nothing good that will bring to him in that place.

-

Despite everything, Yuu still went there.

But Grim supposed that there's another reason why he needed to get what Azul wanted to get the ramshackle dorm back.

-

Yuu came up with a plan on the last day when everyone is starting to lose hope. It was simple. Too simple just like the time he came up with in the Dwarf mine, yet it proved to be effective.

The day they initiated the plan also went smoothly that not even the closed museum could ever obstructed said plan with the help of Ace.

Grim rather liked a smart Yuu rather than an idiot, but it is too bad that this showcase of intelligence is very limited and not available most of the time.

But it was on this very same day that Grim realized just how truly smart Yuu is.

Grim had learned Yuu had done something to Leona for him to join his plan, a second plan that no one in the group knows. Yuu and the rest were simply bait, but who would have thought that both plans succeeded anyway.

Grim wondered why it's only time like this that Yuu started to take the lead when he's usually the one who is following and endured.

-

Azul overbloated after that; his lower half became that of an octopus and Grim thought that everything can be handled since they've beaten Riddle and Leona before.

This proved to be a bit difficult seeing as Azul had stolen half of their magic and used it against them. Offensive and defensive, he had it all much to Grim's displeasure.

Azul, just like Leona before, reached out to Yuu with one of those octopus legs the moment his eyes laid on him. Eyes dilated with anger and hatred, only to replace with malicious glee when he caught Yuu who stood still like a sacrifice.

Again with that.

Grim thought he imagined it last time but he really did it again.

Yuu cried and gasped for air as Azul choked the life out of him while everyone is screaming for his name.

Grim thought Yuu hated being beaten up, thought he's scared of it.

So why is he smiling?

-

Grim never got his answer, feeling quite lost and confused with how Yuu acted. The others seemed to know, seemed to understand what Yuu is thinking even if it's just snippets.

But Grim is not as smart as Yuu, so Grim could never understand what goes through Yuu's mind.

The moment the monster got defeated, Grim quickly ate the black magestone the monster left behind to distract himself.

Yuu was currently knocked out cold on the floor, surrounded by his friends who have disheveled appearances. No doubt, they will scold him when he woke up later.

-

They did scold him when he regained consciousness.

Yuu apologized pathetically and said that he was scared he couldn't move his feet. He shed tears and trembled upon being stared upon.

But that's not what Grim saw earlier. Yet, he kept his mouth shut anyway.