Episode 21 - Shadows of the Past
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Scene 1: Tanji's Unusual Cheer
The episode opens with Tanji, still grinning from his encounter with Ryu, walking through the academy corridors. His usual composed demeanor has melted into something lighter, even carefree. Students passing by exchange surprised glances, whispering about his unusual mood.
Student 1: "Is that… Tanji? Smiling?"
Student 2: "I didn't even know he could smile!"
Tanji ignores the whispers, a soft chuckle escaping as he recalls Ryu's flustered interruptions earlier in the day.
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Scene 2: The Unexpected Visitor
As Tanji enters his dimly lit room, the atmosphere shifts. Shadows gather unnaturally in one corner, and the air grows heavy.
Suddenly, a small figure steps out from the darkness—a short, shadowy man with sharp, angry eyes and an emotional intensity that fills the room.
Shadowy Figure: "Master! How dare you not tell me you were here!"
Tanji's grin fades, replaced by a look of mild exasperation.
Tanji: "Ah, here we go."
The shadowy figure stomps closer, his voice quivering between anger and hurt.
Shadowy Figure: "I feel so bad! So abandoned! You didn't even think to inform me? I had to find out on my own!"
Tanji sighs, running a hand through his hair.
Tanji: "Zhai, calm down. It's not like I forgot about you."
Zhai(glaring): "You didn't forget—you ignored me! That's worse!"
Tanji pinches the bridge of his nose, trying to keep his patience.
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Scene 3: A Strange Relationship
As Zhai paces around the room, gesturing wildly, his emotional eyes glisten.
Zhai: "You're so harsh, Master. So cold! I thought we were… connected."
Tanji (deadpan): "Connected? You're literally a shadow. You're part of me."
Zhai stops pacing, crossing his arms with a dramatic huff.
Zhai: "That doesn't mean you get to treat me like I don't exist! Do you know how lonely it is, waiting in the dark while you wander around with your new 'friends'?"
Tanji finally softens, shaking his head with a small smile.
Tanji: "I didn't mean to upset you, Zhai. I just… forgot how dramatic you can be."
Zhai (sniffling): "I'm not dramatic. I'm devoted. There's a difference."
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Scene 4: A Warning
Zhai's tone shifts suddenly, his sharp eyes narrowing with concern.
Zhai: "But, Master… I don't understand. Why are you here? You're powerful enough to be in this academy. If someone catches you, then...
Tanji's expression darkens, his earlier amusement disappearing entirely.
Tanji: "I have my reasons. And I don't need your approval."
Zhai: "It's not about approval.
For a moment, silence hangs heavy between them.
Tanji: "I know."
Zhai: "Then be careful. These people won't hesitate to turn on you if they find out what you are."
Tanji nods, his usual confident smirk returning, though it doesn't reach his eyes.
Tanji: "Don't worry about me, Zhen. I've got everything under control."
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Scene 5: A Sudden Thought
As Zhai begins to fade back into the shadows, he hesitates, his voice softening.
Zhai: "Master… you've changed. You're… laughing. Smiling. It's strange. Almost like you're…"
Tanji: "Don't finish that sentence."
Zhai smirks, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Zhai: "Oh, I won't. But you know what I'm thinking, don't you?"
Before Tanji can respond, Zhen disappears, leaving only the faintest into snake on his hand waist ".
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Scene 6: The Mask Returns
Left alone, Tanji sits by the window, his gaze distant as he looks out at the moonlit academy grounds.
He murmurs to himself, his voice barely audible.
Tanji: "You're wrong, Zhen. I haven't changed. Not in the ways that matter."
But as the corners of his lips twitch into a small, involuntary smile, it's clear even he isn't entirely sure of that.
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End of Episode 21