Jude's Initial 4* Hero Story

[gyaxa]

"Moments of Bliss"
Characters: Jude, Bianchi, Sage, Nico, & Robin

Jude: ......

Sage: Did you get a message from Bianchi-san, Jude-kun?

Jude: Yeah.

Sage: Hehe, it's written all over that happy face of yours. Did they finish up their work?

Jude: Seems like it. They said they're coming over once they clean up.

Nico: *chew*... Were we gonna eat dinner together?

Sage: We were. You already dug right in, though.

Nico: Don't worry, this isn't dinner.

Sage: Ahaha… you always look so happy when you're eating. It's like you're in bliss.

Nico: Can't say I'm not. When do you feel like that, Sage?

Sage: Let me think…

When I'm running, I guess? It's enjoyable, and it makes me feel like my worries are flying away.

Nico: Hmm…

Sage: Ah, what about you, Jude-kun?

Nico: I don't think you need to ask tha—

Jude: Whenever I'm with Bianchi, of course.

Sage: Ahaha… well that was a dumb question.

Jude: It truly was.

Sage: Ah… In that case, are you happy when you're with us, too?

Jude: As long as Bianchi's around, I suppose so.

Sage: Um… so then… right now…
 

Jude: ……

Sage: Wait, don't tell me! I'm not ready yet… 

Nico: Don't you remember what he was like when we first met, Sage?

Sage: Huh?

Nico: He was super hostile towards us to make sure we didn't go near Bianchi.

But after Bianchi told him to get along with us, he grew a little more friendly.

Sage: That's true…

It's been so long that I forgot all about that, but is that still why you're friendly to us?
 

Jude: ……

Sage: Urgh…

Nico: You probably shouldn't ask that.

Sage: Y-You're right…

Jude: Everything Bianchi tells me is "absolute" to me.

That's why I'm still honoring their words, but well… it's not like I hate you guys.

Sage: …!

So then, Jude-kun thinks we're—

Jude: I don't think I need to tell you this, but there are two categories of people to me: "Bianchi" and "Not Bianchi".

"Not Bianchi" includes anyone I don't care one way or the other about.

Sage: Huh… So are we just one of those people to you?

Jude: ……

Let me think… I guess you two would be the "and"?

Sage & Nico: The "and"...?

Bianchi: Just what are you being so uppity about?
 

Jude: Bianchi…!

Bianchi: You should be grateful to Sagie and Nico-chan for entertaining someone like you for the past 3 years.

Jude: I see… it's just as you say.

Sage, Nico, thank you for getting along with me all these years. I can't thank you enough…!

Sage & Nico: ……

Bianchi: Speaking of, you're actually rather self-absorbed, aren't you?

What on earth do you mean "Bianchi" and "not Bianchi"? No single person is that clear-cut…

You're acting like you have no interest in anyone besides me, but there's one exception, isn't there?

Jude: What?

Bianchi: Robin. It's obvious you can't stand him.

Jude: ……

Sage: That's true… I always wondered why Jude-kun doesn't seem to like him.

Bianchi: I can't tell you how many times I've told Jude to get along with him, but he just doesn't listen.

Sage: Isn't that pretty incredible?

Jude: ……

Nico: *chew*

Jude: Why are you concerned about me hating that man, Bianchi?

Bianchi: Wha…

Jude: Are you… concerned about me?
 

If you're concerned, I'll tell you… but are you???

Bianchi: Q-Quit that! Would you please not make gross misassumptions like that?!

Jude: So you're not?

Bianchi: Of course I'm not!!!

───

 

Bianchi: Having a nice meal with everyone was a good change of pace, wasn't it?

I was at a loss of what to do for a little, but now I think I can make some headway…♪

Hmm~ I wonder if this fabric fits the look more? But this one also looks lovely…

Jude: ……

───

Jude: (—Today's training went pretty well.)

(Well, that's to be expected. Not only am I on the same team as Bianchi, but we're sharing a room too, after all.)

(I knew in my heart it would work out, but luck was really on my side… No, it was fate for everything to turn out like this.)

(Alright then, what to do? Bianchi said they'd head back first—)

Bianchi: Thank you so much, Robin.
 

Jude: …!

Robin: There's no need to thank me. All I did was lend an ear.

Bianchi: But I'm feeling a lot better now.

… I'm sorry for complaining to you out of nowhere. I'm sure I just wanted to talk with someone.

Robin: You can reach out to me if you ever want to have a chat.

Bianchi: Really?

Robin: Of course. I'm your mentor, after all.

Bianchi: Thank you, Robin… It's really reassuring to hear you say that.

Jude: …… Bianchi…?

 

───

Jude: ……

???: — … Hey.

Hey, Jude! Are you listening?
 

Jude: …!

What's wrong, Bianchi?

Bianchi: Nothing, really… It's just impossible to focus when you stand there and stare at me like that.

Jude: Haha, sorry about that. Should I move farther away, then?

Bianchi: The problem is that you're watching me…

Whatever, just sit on that work stool. I'm not using it right now.

I want to see how the shimmer looks when it moves, so I'll need you to be my mannequin later. That body is the only thing good about you, after all.

Jude: Of course, Bianchi. Call me whenever you need me.

Bianchi: Goodness gracious…

Jude: (... Moments like these are definitely when I'm at bliss.)

 

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