Episode 20 - Secrets and Interruptions
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Scene 1: The Morning Panic
The episode begins in Ryu's dorm, where she and Kai sit cross-legged on the floor, a mix of panic and exhaustion on their faces.
Ryu: "We're doomed. Do you hear me? Doomed!"
Kai (yawning): "Relax, he hasn't said anything yet."
Ryu: "Yet! What if Tanji tells Master Ju about our little… excursion to the Human World? He'll kill us! Literally!"
Kai stretches lazily, unfazed.
Kai: "Tanji doesn't seem like the tattletale type. Besides, even if he tells, I'll just blame you."
Ryu (glaring): "What? You were the one who wanted to go eat dumplings!"
Kai smirks, clearly enjoying her meltdown.
Ryu: "This is serious, Kai. If Master Ju finds out, it's the end of us. We'll be kicked out of the academy—or worse!"
Kai rolls his eyes but sits up straighter.
Kai: "Okay, okay, calm down. We'll keep an eye on Tanji. If he even looks like he's going to spill, we'll… I don't know, distract him."
Ryu: "Distract him? With what, your terrible sense of humor?"
Kai: "Hey, my humor is top-notch."
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Scene 2: The First Interruption
Later in the day, Ryu and Kai are walking through the academy courtyard when they spot Tanji speaking with Master Ju near the training grounds.
Ryu freezes mid-step, her face pale.
Ryu: "Oh no. It's happening. He's telling him!"
Before Kai can respond, Ryu dashes toward them.
Ryu (interrupting loudly): "Master Ju! I, uh, need your advice on… um… flight magic! Yes, flight magic!"
Master Ju raises an eyebrow.
Master Ju: "Flight magic? The lesson was yesterday, Ryu."
Ryu (nervous laugh): "I know, but I, uh, had a question! A very urgent one!"
Tanji, standing to the side, watches her with a faint smirk, clearly amused.
Tanji: "I'm sure whatever you need can wait, Ryu. Master Ju and I were in the middle of something important."
Ryu: "Nope! Can't wait! It's life or death!"
Master Ju sighs, clearly annoyed, and excuses himself to attend to other matters.
As soon as he's out of earshot, Tanji crosses his arms and looks directly at Ryu.
Tanji: "That was subtle."
Ryu (defensive): "I don't know what you're talking about."
Tanji chuckles softly and walks away, leaving her fuming.
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Scene 3: The Plan Fails
The rest of the day, Ryu keeps a close eye on Tanji, interrupting every conversation he has with Master Ju.
During a sparring session, she accidentally trips into Master Ju just to cut off Tanji.
At lunch, she purposefully spills her soup near them, forcing a cleanup.
While they discuss strategy during a lecture, she pretends to faint dramatically.
Each time, Tanji grows more amused, his smirk widening with every interruption.
Kai, watching from the sidelines, shakes his head.
Kai: "You're embarrassing both of us, Ryu."
Ryu: "What choice do I have? I can't let him spill the beans!"
Kai: "At this rate, he won't need to tell Master Ju. You're making it obvious."
Ryu groans but refuses to back down.
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Scene 4: Tanji Confronts Ryu
That evening, as the students are heading back to their dorms, Tanji corners Ryu in the library.
Tanji: "You're not very good at being subtle, are you?"
Ryu jumps, nearly dropping the book she was holding.
Ryu: "I… I have no idea what you're talking about."
Tanji (grinning): "Interrupting every conversation I have with Master Ju? Spilling soup? Fainting in the middle of class? Should I go on?"
Ryu's face turns bright red.
Ryu: "I was just… concerned. That's all."
Tanji leans slightly closer, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper.
Tanji: "You're worried I'll tell him about your little trip to the Human World, aren't you?"
Ryu's eyes widen, and she steps back.
Ryu: "You… You wouldn't!"
Tanji's smirk softens into something almost kind.
Tanji: "Relax. Your secret's safe with me—for now."
Ryu: "Why?"
Tanji: "Because I find you… entertaining."
Ryu stares at him, unsure whether to be relieved or insulted, as Tanji walks away.
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Scene 5: A New Dilemma
That night, Ryu recounts the encounter to Kai.
Kai: "Well, at least he's not going to snitch. For now."
Ryu: "Yeah, but why does he find me entertaining? Am I a joke to him?"
Kai: "Let's be honest, Ryu. You're kind of a walking disaster."
Ryu (throwing a pillow at him): "Not helping!"
As they settle down, Ryu can't sh
ake the feeling that Tanji knows more than he's letting on—and that their paths are more connected than she ever realized.
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End of Episode 20