Price… huh.
I did some quick mental math.
I had around 5k leftover from the nurse exorcism…
…and about 1k tucked away in my savings.
6k total, then.
Should be enough… right?
"How much do you usually charge?" I asked, sounding casual, trying to gauge the price.
Toji eyed me for a moment, silently sizing me up.
"It depends on the student…" he drawled, scratching the back of his neck. "Average… around 2k."
No wonder he doesn't have any students.
Because two grand is way too much for a shabby gym like this.
But… that's only if you don't know who Toji actually is.
For someone like him? It's completely worth it. Even ten times the price would have been worth it.
…Assuming I had that kind of money, anyway.
Since I don't, I'm just extremely relieved it actually fits in my budget.
"I'll pay you that amount, then," I said quickly, unable to hide the joy in my voice.
Toji looked at me, stunned.
Then, his gaze slowly shifted to Shizuku-san.
Her eyes had widened too. They looked at each other for a moment, then he smiled slightly.
He blinked at her.
BLINK.
...clearly sending some hidden signal.
She blinked back.
BLINK
... then shook her head slightly.
He blinked twice.
BLINK–BLINK.
She sighed, giving a small nod.
Immediately, both of them put on dead-serious looks.
I looked back and forth between them.
I am still here, you know. 😑
"For an average student, sure," Toji started. "But your foundation is garbage… so it's gotta be higher."
Excuse me? 😑
"…2.5k?" I asked, my previous joy instantly vanishing.
"You're physically weak, too," he added without missing a beat. "I have to build your muscles from the ground up, so it's gotta be higher than that."
Hey, hey, what's with me having so many flaws all of a sudden?
Didn't you just say I had good instincts?!
He crossed his arms and eyed me… just waiting for a higher number.
"…3k?" I tried offering. "Hey… you should really look around your gym before you start jacking up the price."
He let out a long sigh.
"Seems like we're not reaching an agreement…"
Whatttt?!
Panic completely took over.
"4k," I said quickly, trying to salvage it.
A wide smirk broke across his face.
"Make it 5k. And you can start tomorrow."
Imaginary tears gathered in the corners of my eyes.
How did it go from 2k to 5k in the blink of an eye?! 😭 I am so stupid…
Then I gritted my teeth.
5k… fine.
But you better not regret it. With that price, I'm going to practically live at your gym… your dojo… the whole damn time.
Hell, I will insert myself into your family.
"…5k then," I muttered in defeat.
Finally… a huge, satisfied smile appeared on his face.
He patted my back.
The impact nearly sent me shaking to the floor.
"Alright, kid. Although your foundation isn't much… you've got huge potential. I'll make a Khabib out of you. Don't worry."
Oh, so now you're praising me.
Shizuku clapped her hands beside me, bouncing like crazy. "Don't worry, Emiya-kun! Toji-kun is the best teacher around! Your tuition will be totally worth it!"
You don't get to talk.
I was completely fooled by her earlier. I actually thought she was a pure-hearted angel, but she's barely one percent better than he is. No wonder they are married.
Miko, on the other hand, just stared at me.
Her eyes were filled with pure pity.
Like she had just watched me willingly step into a bear trap… and get robbed blind.
"You can come tomorrow evening… but get here a little earlier than this," Toji added lazily.
We talked for a bit longer, then finally bid them farewell.
Stepping outside, the sky was already dark.
"You know you got robbed, right?" Miko said.
"I know." I was still gritting my teeth just thinking about it.
"You're way too easy to fool," she sighed.
😑
I gave a nervous laugh and rubbed the back of my head. I quickly changed the topic.
"Have you informed your mom you'll be out this late?" I asked.
She froze.
"Crap… I forgot."
We hurried toward her home—thankfully, it was close. Toji's gym was right in her neighborhood.
As we approached her street, she came to a stop.
She looked down the familiar road, then turned back to me.
"I can go on my own from here."
I turned to look at her, letting the silence stretch between us for a long moment.
"I'll bring my friend tomorrow," I blurted out, finally breaking the quiet. "He can see how much cursed energy you have…"
Miko didn't answer immediately. She just stared down the dark street, the faint glow of a streetlight reflecting in her eyes.
"And also…" I added, "give me your answer about joining Jujutsu High in a week. We need to discuss your admission with Yaga-sensei."
She finally gave a small, solemn nod.
"Hm. I will hurry. And… thank you. For your trouble. And your time."
I scratched my cheek, feeling the heat creep up my neck.
"No problem," I said, waving it off. "We generally don't have that many classes anyway… so I'm free most of the time."
…Wait, what am I saying? Why am I putting myself down like that? >
I winced internally. I made it sound like I had absolutely nothing better to do than follow her around. Like I was some kind of professional loiterer.
I cleared my throat.
"Then… see you tomorrow… Miko-chan."
"…Bye… Emiya-kun."
I watched her walk toward her house until she reached the door. Only then did I turn around to head home, my mind already drifting to everything that happened today.
Miko-chan…
Toji…
And Shizuku-san.
I couldn't help but let a smile break across my face.
Miko-chan really must be my lucky charm.
Just after meeting her… she managed to find me the best coach in the world.
Although I got a little scammed, but whatever.
Miko-chan… hehe.
(Author's Note: Check out my other work, Not Right Now. It features Maru, a reluctant protagonist who wants nothing to do with being a "hero" or his new world. He's determined to find a way back home—no matter what.)