Disclaimer: I do not own Eyeshield 21.

Summary: As a freshman, Mamori didn't want to be associated with the devil in any way. For Hiruma, the self-rightous discipline committee member was useless in his eyes. Both perspectives will soon change as their paths will cross again a year later, leading them to their turning point. Multiple canon and headcanon scenes through the perspective of Mamori and Hiruma. Rated T for language.


"Alright. Let's do this."

15-year old Anezaki Mamori opened the door of her assigned room in Deimon High. Excited and slightly nervous for her upcoming entrance exams that will happen in a few minutes. As much as her mother wanted her to be in high school that suited her intellect, the pink-haired junior high school student only considered a handful of schools that were nearer to her. Mamori promised her mother that she would go to a top university as she graduated from high school instead.

Mamori was always the early bird for important events like this, so she was surprised that three male students arrived earlier than her. The male student that looked like a round eggcorn was easier to notice than the other two students. The other male student looked too old to be in high school, while the last student -albeit the loudest out of the three- looked like some devil incarnate. Mamori didn't give much thought about the three when she immediately noticed the overall decorations of the room, slightly surprised by its unmatched design for an event like entrance exams.

If she was right, those decorations were all American football-related. Mamori didn't remember an American football club in the Deimon pamphlet.

Mamori decided to let her suspicions slide out as she needed to focus on the incoming entrance exams. She decided to take a seat at the front.

A few minutes later, the room was full. Chatters from everywhere scattered across the room, which majority of them were topics about the weird room decorations.

"Good morning, everyone." The proctor entered the room holding the pile of papers on one hand.

Then in the blink of an eye, the proctor was pushed out of the room by the blonde student that Mamori noticed a few minutes ago. Mamori blinked in surprise yet again as if the day didn't get any weirder.

It didn't take a while when the same blonde student walked in with the proctor a few steps behind. Murmurs began to arise once again when the proctor is now using an American football outfit, which matches the decorations in the room. The proctor told everyone to go to the sports' tryouts soon while he was shivering in fear.

Mamori couldn't believe what she just witnessed, it's as if she is still absorbing what has happened a few moments ago. She gets that there are still people who would like to go bully others even at a high school level, but to think that there would be a student so cruel to harass an actual staff in school amongst everyone in the room.

A menacing laugh can be heard from behind. It was no doubt from the student that forced that proctor to wear the American football uniform. She glared at the hysterically laughing suspect, who was two seats behind her.

"I won't tolerate such behavior. When I get into Deimon, I'll join the disciplinary committee."


Hiruma Youichi finished his entrance exams in less than 30 minutes.

Now waiting at the school's hallway, he leaned on the wall, which was across the room's door. He lifted his rifle onto his shoulder and closed his eyes. Hiruma knew that Musashi would pass, so there's no use to think of other options for the blonde to do. It was Kurita he was thinking more about. True, Hiruma put up those American football decorations in their room to motivate Kurita (besides to market the sport to would-be deimon students), but the chances of big comrade to fail still resides. Hiruma has no choice but to use his little black threat book if such a scenario will happen.

The sound of the door opening made Hiruma open his eyes. He wasn't expecting anyone to finish until the next thirty minutes.

A female student with pink hair emerged from the room. Just when she silently closed the door, the student stared at Hiruma, then at his rifle.

She wasn't the first person to stare at his firearm, which he nonchalantly holds all the time. Hiruma gave a scary, devilish grin in hopes the girl would just runoff. Her stare was oddly distracting him from strategizing.

However, Hiruma didn't expect what was coming after.

The blue-eyed female simply glared at him back, giving a scoff before she left with a confident stride. Hiruma blinked in amusement and watched the girl walk away.

She was the first person to scowl at him in response to his scary intimidations.

Based on her cool exterior a moment after she finished the exam, and on how fast she finished it, Hiruma knew he would be seeing her more in Deimon in the future.

Hiruma made a mental note to research the girl soon. He didn't want any extra potential inconveniences along his way to the Christmas Bowl.


Today's the first day of school at Deimon High.

Mamori stood along with her fellow first years at the school's gym as the principal and the teachers gave an orientation for the new students. Mamori loosely clasped her hands at her front, eagerly waiting for the closing speech, which is to be given by the 1st placer of the entrance exams.

Even after weeks have passed since grade results, Mamori still couldn't believe that she placed 2nd in the entrance exams. As if that couldn't get any more surprising, she was among the three that scored at least a 97% average of the overall exams. The 4th placer got an 89% average and the rest was history.

Mamori already acquainted herself with the 3rd placer, Yukimitsu Manabu, who was easy to get along with. While talking to Yukimitsu a few minutes before the orientation started, she heard someone whisper along the lines of 'Deimon's Brainy Trio' to a group of people, which in return looked at their direction. Mamori suspected that the title did mean her, Yukimitsu, and the 1 placer.

She couldn't wait until the closing speech started. She wanted to know who was the student that had an overall average of 100% on his entrance exams.

The principal cleared his throat before speaking, Mamori noticed that he started to sweat more than usual. "And now, for the closing speech, please welcome Mr. Hiruma Youichi."

Mamori couldn't help but smile as she clapped along with the others. She looked around for someone to change in position and to walk up the stage. Maybe the first place was as nice as Yukimitsu. Maybe the three of them can get along together and uphold the new title, 'The Deimon Brainy Trio' together. Maybe she and the first placer can be great friends.

But after a few seconds, no one went up the stage.

A few chatters began when the first placer didn't go up the stage after a few minutes. Mamori noticed the principal pulled out a towel from his suit and started to wipe out the sweat on his forehead.

"Could he be late?".

Then smoke started to emerge from the stage, which silenced the murmurs of the students. It didn't take long when sounds of rifle gunshots erupted from the stage, causing screams and panic in the gym. Mamori stood in her place, surprised at what was happening while some students were running to the exit.

"YA-HA!"

Mamori's blue eyes widened at the silhouette emerging from the smoke. For the nth time in this school, she couldn't believe what was happening.

It was no doubt that the figure that appeared on the stage is none other than the spiky blonde haired student she encountered after she took her exams. Mamori felt like she can faint anytime soon from all the surprises this school has.

And this was her first day.

On second thought, maybe befriending the first placer was a bad idea.

"Calm the hell down, fucking wimps!" The first placer shouted as he reloaded his automatic shotgun.

The loud sound of the reload paralyzed the students who were running about. They slowly looked at the person on the stage, the first placer gave a devilish grin and grabbed the microphone.

"The name's Hiruma Youichi - the commander from hell! Better remember my name, fucking losers. Kekekeke!"

Mamori never heard a laugh so menacing as Hiruma's. And judging by the reactions made by her fellow first years, she wasn't the only one.

"Stand in my way, and I swear you'll regret it."

His evil smirk made the students gulped in horror. Although Mamori couldn't blame them - she too felt a pang of fear as the devil spoke. However, the fact that Hiruma Youichi literally threatened the whole batch of first years, with the principal and teachers as their witness, made her more angry than scared. "How horrible!"

This was worse than what happened during the entrance exams. Mamori clenched both fists while giving the same scowl she did to him a few weeks ago.

"You'll never get away with this, Hiruma Youichi."

"Keh! Don't forget to join the American Football Club this year. Your life depends on it. YA-HA!"


Hiruma couldn't believe what he's reading.

If there's anything worth using as blackmail, someone choosing a creampuff that's 5g heavier doesn't cut.

Hiruma crumpled the paper with such information given by a student. "Damn slave. A fucking slacker."

But he knew that his slave wasn't at fault - Hiruma too tried to dig some dirty information about Anezaki Mamori, but the pink-haired student was too pure that he wanted to throw up.

The devil scoffed as he leaned back at his usual chair at the clubhouse, remembering how Mamori never flinched during his epic speech. She gave the same glare she did weeks ago. He knew that she'll be a pain in the ass soon.

Then again, why would he get so worked up over a girl who does nothing but eat cream puffs all day? Did he even need blackmail material to shut her down? Mamori's power comes from her new position in the disciplinary committee, which has members with far more blackmailing material than the rest of the organizations in Deimon. The probability of her successfully standing up against him is close to zero.

Hiruma stood up and walked out of the clubhouse to practice. Thinking about a girl who is as useless as she isn't worth his time.


Another day, another disciplinary committee meeting.

For Mamori, it's another appeal rejection.

For several months, Mamori did her best to collect proof to penalize Hiruma for his terror acts in Deimon, which will be used to report it to the disciplinary committee. It wasn't even hard for her to collect the proof, knowing that the self-proclaimed "Commander from Hell" did his antics for the whole world to see. And yet, after countless tries, the committee still finds ways to reject her appeals.

She even tried to talk to the school administrator and the principal just to get their support. Mamori explained to them how important it is for the school's safety if they do something about Hiruma's wrongdoings, but they quickly dismissed her when his name was mentioned.

Perhaps the rumors about Hiruma controlling the school in the shadows were true. His having heavy blackmail material for both students and staff of Deimon made sense why they don't want to touch him in the first place. She let out a heavy sighed.

Mamori exited the school building, drained and miserable after their meeting. For the first time in her life, Mamori felt her grit running thin. She hates the feeling of being powerless in the midst of a great time of need. And the fact that she can't do anything about it makes it even worse.

There is no other choice but to do the discipline herself without the help of others. Just the thought of it made Mamori feel like her stress is getting heavier by the second, but there are no excuses on this one. She has to do it alone. She NEEDS to do it.

Just when she nearly exits the school gate, Mamori suddenly hears gunshots nearby.

"Hiruma."

Mamori stopped and looked at the direction where the noises were heard. Another loud round of gunshots started again. Mamori's eyes widened.

It felt like the time stopped.

She wanted to go home, rest, and eat as many cream puffs as she could on her bed. She wanted to unplug from whatever's happening related to the devil. And yet, hearing those gunshots paralyzed her. Mamori halted not because of fear, but because she would lose it if she were to move an inch more.

Mamori tried to calm down, keeping her rationality in check. The stress is getting into her. The pressure is devouring her. She needed to clear her mind.

All she needs to do is to ignore whatever is happening in that direction and to walk out of the school. As simple as that.

But then she heard a faint sound of male students screaming in the same direction. It didn't take long for Mamori to hear a menacing laugh too distinct for anyone to replicate.

"Kekekeke! Keep up you fuckers!"

Hiruma's voice. His annoyingly vile voice - was filled with threat, which was obviously because of him terrorizing the poor students.

To imagine that with his usual happy psychotic face just made Mamori's sanity come crashing down.

That's it. She couldn't take it anymore.

Mamori ran to the school field, just knowing that the devil was practicing with his fellow teammates. She could feel an overwhelming anger flooding through her as the gunshot noises got louder. She didn't know exactly what she'll do once she confronts Hiruma, but Mamori didn't care. Pent-up emotions have finally been released, overflowing, and numbing her sanity.

And there he is - Hiruma shooting his rifle to the sky. He was threatening his teammates, who are mostly borrowed from other sports teams, to run the extra mile.

She could feel her blood boil at the sight of Hiruma enjoying what he's doing. With both hands clenching so hard that it's shaking, Mamori closed her eyes and inhaled deeply.

"HIRUMA YOUICHI!"


Hiruma's ears twitched as he heard his name being called out nearby. He instinctively turned his head to the direction of the call while his other teammates stopped and looked as well.

The cream puff monster.

Mamori stood just outside the field bounds, giving him the usual scowl whenever she walked past him.

But unlike the usual, Mamori stomps inside the field, walking towards Hiruma - angry and fed up.

Kurita ran to Hiruma's side, shivering on what's to come. "Wahhh Hiruma-kun… she looks really mad! What should we do?"

Musashi walked and stood at the other side of Hiruma, calm as ever. "I know that she has the power to appeal for team disbandment, but for her to walk up to you, Hiruma is pretty interesting."

"Che. What is she gonna do? Feed me her leftover creampuffs? She's useless. She can't do shit." Hiruma responded, looking at the approaching pinked haired student with disgust.

But in return, what can Hiruma do with this confrontation? He never dug up new dirt about Mamori because she has no contentious secret, to begin with. And clearly, his scary antics never affected her in any way.

Worst comes to worst, he'll have no choice but to physically do something to a girl nagging him in the middle of their training for the Christmas Bowl. Yet, he isn't a sissy as someone that hits a girl for any reason. Hiruma always thought that hitting a helpless person was more of a wimpy move than a vicious one.

"Fucking pain in the ass." Hiruma though, never leaving Mamori's icy stare as she is now right in front of him. The fact that he needed to think of a way out of this issue is annoying him to no end.

"That's enough of you terrorizing your fellow teammates. Please hand over the rifle." Mamori scowled at Hiruma as she put her hand out, gesturing to him to give the firearm to her.

For a second, Hiruma had looked at her incredulously only to blink back to his usual expression a second after. "Is this fucking woman nuts?"

"Has the sugar from eating sweets making you insane, fucking creampuff head? There's no way in hell I would do as you say." Hiruma tried as hard to tower over her, to give her the most menacing stare he can do at the moment, but Mamori was unaffected as she still held her ground.

"I'm warning you, Hiruma-kun. I know you've paralyzed the people at Deimon High, but you can't stop me from putting an end to your monstrosity! Now, give me the rifle!"

Her talk about oppression and justice irked Hiruma more by the second. If there's anything that Hiruma hates in people, besides their uselnesses, it's their strong sense of self-righteousness.

Unfortunately for Hiruma, Mamori has both.

Still, he can't take his current situation seriously because it isn't his priority at the moment. What he needs to do is train for the next match they have that will happen soon. Besides, he couldn't take someone who's a joke like Mamori.

Hiruma lowered his head to meet Mamori's eye level, just a few inches away from her face. "Make me. Kekekeke." He smirked.

It's as if Mamori's eyes changed a second after. As if she has snapped even more than a few moments ago. Her eyes had nothing but sheer anger in it.

Hiruma blinked in bewilderment as Mamori grabbed the rifle herself, trying to pull it out of his grip.

Hiruma could tell that Mamori was using all her strength to get the rifle from his hand. Giving all her efforts as if the rifle was the only firearm Hiruma has.

He couldn't help but commend her for doing something unexpected, but there's no doubt that she's losing it.

"Ah… give it to me!" Mamori said, struggling to get the firearm from Hiruma.

If anything, both of them looked like a bunch of kids arguing over a toy. Hiruma scowled at the thought of it, ignoring his borrowed teammates staring at them with a frightened look. Hiruma didn't like where this was going.

"We're wasting time. We need to train for the fucking match."

Just one strong push, and it'll be over.

As much of a sissy move it was for Hiruma, he couldn't think of another way to let Mamori back off. She needs to know her place. They don't have much time.

He didn't care anymore. "To hell with her."

As Hiruma raised his other arm, Musashi walked toward Mamori and grabbed her by the shoulders - as if knowing what the devil will do to her.

"Anezaki, please stop. You're only making it more difficult than it is." Musashi said as calmly as he could.

Mamori didn't bulge as she was still pulling the rifle from Hiruma. "I won't! No one can stop him but me! I… I..." Tears started to fall at the corner of her eyes while she continued to pull the rifle out. "I have to do this!"

Hiruma couldn't help but stare at the crying Mamori with amusement. It occurred to him on how many times Mamori had to go through to defend her plea to penalize him for his actions, but was rejected at the end. It must have been a lot, considering that doing cruel things is Hiruma's way of life.

He then realized that perhaps Mamori's tenacity was her redeeming factor. And for him, that's the most powerful trait one can have.

But still, he didn't care about what's currently going on. Even if Mamori was in the midst of a breakdown that it was affecting her rational behavior, Hiruma is more annoyed at how she's letting out her stress by wasting everyone's time.

With an ounce of struggle, Musashi finally released Mamori from gripping the rifle. "Anezaki, please."

"No! I… I have to…" Mamori tried to squirm out of Musashi's grip, but eventually gave up once she knew he was too strong - her head hung low as she continued to cry.

"You're a nice guy, Musashi-kun, but why?" Mamori croaked as she turned her head to Musashi, who was still holding her shoulders. "Why do you associate with someone like Hiruma-kun? He does nothing but terrorizes the whole student body. He's the devil!" Mamori turned to Hiruma, giving an infuriated emphasis on the last word.

Musashi looked at Hiruma, who seemed to lose every bit of his patience with everything, then he looked back at Mamori. "Anezaki, can I talk to you for a moment? Alone."


Musashi is a nice guy.

Despite his older physique and blunt personality, the students at Deimon knew that Musashi was a person with good intentions. He was someone that they can rely on.

And after the heated argument weeks ago, Mamori knew that the devil himself trusted Musashi as well. Hiruma surprisingly didn't stand in the way of Musashi doing his way to stop the childish bickering.

Yet Mamori still couldn't fathom what Musashi saw in Hiruma - even after their one-on-one session, she still couldn't comprehend that he was defending the devil.

'Anezaki, please look at the bigger picture. Hiruma isn't as evil as he nor everyone perceives him to be.'

'But Musashi-kun, he is terrorizing everyone in Deimon!'

'More like he does things with a bit too much force and intimidation.'

'It's still unacceptable!'

'Anezaki, please trust me on this. I'll make sure that Hiruma wouldn't take things too out of hand.'

It wouldn't be difficult for Musashi to find another group he can befriend since he gets along with everyone. But Musashi still chose to hang out with the devil and to resolve any issues he has with anyone.

Musashi is a complicated guy - but he is still nice.

Which is why Mamori's heart sank when she arrived at the scene where people crowded over. A crouching Musashi was in the middle of it, wearing his carpentry outfit and smoking as if he was not in an academic area.

"Musashi-kun…"

"Ah, Anezaki. It's good that you're here." Musashi puffed his cigarette. "Can you report me to the disciplinary office? Pretty sure my parents would let me drop out of school anyways."

"But-!"

"Oi, what the hell are you doing, fucking old man?"

Both Musashi and Mamori turned to the person speaking. Hiruma was leaning sideways on the wall while blowing his gum. Kurita was also there at the back of Hiruma, looking as worried as Mamori.

Hiruma narrowed his eyes more on Musashi, not noticing Mamori nor their conversion they're having. "Let's chat.". He walked away with Kurita behind. Musashi stood up, turned to Mamori, and nodded at her, signaling her goodbye before he followed the two guys.

With that, the crowd dispersed when the three men disappeared from their sight - leaving Mamori standing in the middle of the hallway.

Mamori knew that Musashi had financial and family problems, but for him to be so reckless as to smoke inside school grounds made her realize how much it affected him greatly. Mamori started to walk in the direction where Musashi and the others headed.

She wanted to talk to him. Mamori wanted to let him know that maybe they can resolve his issue in any way she can help.

Mamori stopped outside an empty class when she heard a loud and frantic voice inside. "It's Kurita's voice." She thought.

Peeking through the slightly unclosed door, Mamori could see Musashi, Kurita, and Hiruma inside. Kurita and Hiruma's faces were clearly seen through the narrow space, while Musashi was at the opposite side facing them, so his back was only seen by Mamori. Judging by the heavy aura and the crying face of Kurita, the three men looked like they're having a serious conversation.

Even if Mamori values privacy, there was something in their expression that made her continue to peak at their conversation - especially Hiruma's. Mamori noticed that Hiruma's expression was dead serious as he looked at Musashi, but his eyes were different than usual.

Mamori couldn't believe what she was seeing.

Hiruma's eyes were softer - almost as if he was about to get teary-eyed.

"If I took over the company now, it's the only time my father can focus on resting and healing," Musashi said. Mamori didn't get to listen to the whole conversation by the time she arrived, but she knew that Hiruma and Kurita were talking to Musashi for the same reason she wanted to talk to him.

"Is there no other way?" Hiruma responded.

"There's no other way," Musashi answered sternly.

After a few moments, Mamori stepped back and walked away from the classroom quietly. She didn't need to know how their conversation ended, but she felt as if she witnessed something drastic happen among the three men. Like a dream on the brink of destruction.

It is then Mamori realizes that Hiruma does his evil antics if it benefits his American football team. Whenever his foul mouth opened, it would usually be related to the sport or to the Christmas bowl.

Hiruma's expression from a while ago popped up again in Mamori's thoughts. She didn't expect that the devil would wear such an expression and she couldn't believe that it was because of Musashi's predicament.

'Anezaki, please look at the bigger picture. Hiruma isn't as evil as he nor everyone perceives him to be.'

Mamori's heart twinged as she remembered her talk with Musashi.

Maybe Hiruma does have an ounce of soul for him to bond with Musashi and Kurita. And maybe he was still human enough to dream big such as going to the Christmas Bowl.

But with Musashi out of the picture, the American Football team of Deimon will no doubt be disbanded soon. No team, no Christmas Bowl.

As much as Mamori still sees Hiruma as a devil incarnate, she can't go and stand still while he and his friends' dream gets taken away from them. Mamori does have a heart to genuinely help others after all.

Mamori watched something that she shouldn't witness, but at the same time, Mamori was glad that it made her decide to do something she can help.


To join the Tokyo and Kanto Tournament, the team should have at least three regular members. Borrowed members from other sports teams are not included.

Hiruma was informed that Musashi already filed a Student Withdrawal Form to the administrator's office a few days ago. With Musashi dropping out, the Devil Bats only has two regular members in the team. Hiruma scoffed at the possible outcomes that may arise after the process of Musashi's withdrawal has been completed. The federation can disqualify their team anytime from now.

It was against Hiruma's values to threaten a student to join the team. He may force some people to participate at times but to completely intimidate someone so that he may never quit the team is not how he rolls. The number one factor that Hiruma considers is the most needed in the team is tenacity - people being forced to do something are lacking that.

He has no other choice but to threaten the principal to keep his mouth shut. As long as the team's issue doesn't reach the federation, then the team can still have the chance to play. Technically, the team is still qualified to play since they were approved before the tournament began.

Hiruma hated it. He hated every angle of it. Deceiving the federation to keep on playing is the most despicable and the pettiest thing one can do. But he and Kurita needed to play at the Christmas Bowl. It is their dream.

He had no other choice.

Or at least, that's what he thought.

Hiruma was taken aback from what the principal just said to him a few seconds ago.

"Say that again one more time, shitty principal."

The principal wiped the sweat off his right side of his temple. He was standing before Hiruma, who was sitting by his desk on his chair. "Takekura-kun didn't drop out. Or at least that's what the administrator told me."

Hiruma aimed the revolver at the principal. "How the fuck did that happen? Care to explain why?"

"Based on what the administrator informed me, Takekura-kun did submit a student withdrawal form. However, Anezaki-chan requested them to revise his status as a student." The principal gulped before he continued. "A student can go and submit a withdrawal form, but at the end of the day, it is still the administrator's decision to approve the request. And in rare cases, it's also up to them if they should revise the student's requested status."

Hiruma knew that the disciplinary committee and the administrators have strong ties, but for the creampuff addict to go all her way to use their network and convince them still baffles him.

"So what's the status of the fucking old man now?"

"He is considered an LOA student. A Leave of Absence."

Hiruma couldn't help but stay silent for a moment.

With Musashi still being a student, but on leave, this still makes him a member of the team. Through that sense, the team technically still has three regular members.

They are still qualified to play in the tournament.

Since there's nothing else to do or request at the principal's office, Hiruma exited the room and halted as he closed the door behind him. Staring at the floor, he tried to digest the information given to him and the realization that occurred to him.

He was outsmarted. Not just by anyone, but by a cream puff monster no less.

Hiruma silently cursed at that thought. He needed to know why Mamori would do such a thing. "Is she doing it to get back at me for letting her breakdown weeks ago? Did she want something in return? Will she use it to threaten me?"

"No, that's not it." Hiruma thought as he closed his eyes to think deeper. He knew that Mamori was too pure to take advantage of the Devil Bat's issue for her gain. If anything, it made more sense that Mamori did it just for the sake of helping. She's such an angel that she would help the devil sometimes. How ironic.

But whatever her reason is, it isn't worth Hiruma's time to think about it. Now that the Musashi issue has been temporarily resolved, Hiruma needs to continue on planning plays that don't require a kicker on hand. It's like planning on a rock, paper, scissors game - only to have rock and paper at one's dispense. He needed to finalize the strategy fast since their next game will come soon.

As if on cue, the school bell rang with students scurrying to their respective rooms a moment after.

Hiruma started to walk to his classroom too. Despite his urgency to plan for the next game, he hasn't been in class for the past couple of weeks. Going to class just to plan his gameplan on his laptop sounds productive enough for him.

When Hiruma arrived at his classroom, the class was already starting. The people inside the classroom turned their heads to the sudden sound of the door banging, which to their dismay, didn't expect Hiruma to enter. The classroom suddenly became quiet as the tension rose.

"Ah, H-Hiruma-kun. Glad for you to attend to m-my class today." The teacher laughed nervously as if he was trying to hide something.

Hiruma ignored the nerdy teacher and started to walk towards his empty seat, which is at the back closest to the window. As he was about to sit down, Hiruma caught a glimpse of a certain pink-haired student.

Mamori is seated in the front row at the middle - and like everyone, she was also looking at Hiruma because of his sudden attendance.

As Hiruma settled on his seat and typed on his laptop, the students started to face the front again to listen to their teacher, who was now drenched in sweat.

While typing, Hiruma can still sense someone still starting at him. He glanced up from his laptop. As expected, Mamori was still staring at him, but in amusement rather than her usual glare.

Both of them locked eyes for a few seconds - for Hiruma, it felt longer than that. "That's the only acknowledgment you get." Hiruma thought as he put a strip of gum into his mouth, turning to look at the window.

Hiruma can see in his peripheral view that it didn't take a long time for Mamori to turn back to the teacher. Although, he did notice a small smile that crept to her face before doing so. Hiruma realized that Mamori also knew that she outsmarted him, hence her smile of victory before she listened to class.

Hiruma would be lying if her indulging in her win didn't irk him, but he let it go for the sake of her resolving their issue and for the sake of focusing on the Christmas Bowl.

Besides, it was refreshing for Hiruma to have a classmate like her anyways.

She is still a pain in the ass for Hiruma, but Mamori is no doubt an interesting classmate to have.

Hiruma chuckled as he turned back to his laptop and typed away.

A year will pass until they will confront each other again.

Both will live their own lives. Not one bothering the other.

But when the next school year starts, their paths will cross again.

From there, their turning points will begin.


AN: Hello everyone! This story has been in my thoughts for a while since I have a lot of free time thinking during the pandemic. Might as well write the whole story down so that I can be at peace already.

For those who don't know what a turning point is, it's when one undergoes an important change or perspective in life. The term is very suiting for the story's title since it perfectly describes Hiruma and Mamori's view on each other. The subtle change of their relationship throughout the story is what I like about the ship the most! Hence, I would like to make a story that follows both the anime & manga, but through their relationship's view.

So yeah, I'll try my best to not make the characters from the series OOC. I want it to feel like this story to be like a spinoff of the series, so please forgive me if the story wouldn't be as romantic as you would prefer! I'll try to think of ways to make it feel subtly romantic since the ship is somewhat subtle in the series as well haha.

I hope you guys enjoyed the story so far.

Stay tuned for the next chapter! Reviews are highly appreciated.

Thank you.