(WHAT IF?) THEIR JOURNEY BEGINS PART 1

*This is an alternate timeline of Volume 1 - THEIR JOURNEY BEGINS*

YUMI

Yumi just spent so much time with Benny that she was late for her meeting with Aki. She hurriedly and stealthily navigated the deserted hallways of the morning. But soon enough, the little bit of guilt she had felt quickly left her. For the simple reason that her lack of panties beneath her tight leggings only intensified the friction against her sensitive folds, reigniting her lust.

Each step she took sent shivers of pleasure up her spine, her body reacting to the tantalizing pressure and teasing sensations. Her face flushed with a mixture of anticipation and need, her mouth slightly ajar as she took deep, ragged breaths. Soft moans escaped her parted lips.

Feeling a surge of desperation, Yumi halted, her back pressed against the cool wall. Her eyes glazed over with a haze of unfulfilled longing. She scanned her surroundings, the need in her gaze almost tangible. In that moment, she was willing to take any chance, seize any opportunity for gratification.

"Anyone," Yumi whispered, her voice trembling with an urgency that bordered on desperation. Her gaze fixated on the empty hallway, her plea echoing through every corner. "Anyone at all!"

"What are you doing up, miss Yumi?" a raspy and high pitched voice called out to her.

Turning sharply towards the sound of the voice, she observed Professor Alkhart clutching a stack of hardbound books, the history instructor at the academy. He was an exceedingly slender elderly man with receding hair, thick glasses that gave his eyes a fish-like appearance, and a perpetually pouting and protruding mouth, which contributed to his overall fish-like resemblance.

Perhaps one of the most unpopular professors in the academy, he had a knack for turning every history lesson into a tedious affair. His unpopularity was exacerbated by his discomforting habit of perspiring and emitting an unpleasant musky odor whenever he engaged with any women, be it a fellow professor or a student.

Rumors had once circulated about his inappropriate advances towards students when he was new to his teaching role. An investigation took place, but due to the lack of evidence, the rumors subsided. Following that incident, he seemingly abandoned his questionable pursuits and transformed into a lackluster professor who lacked passion for his work but relished the sound of his own voice.

Even Yumi, who had encountered her fair share of the male population in the school, kept a safe distance from him. He exuded an aura of creepiness that repelled even her.

As Yumi stared at him with vacant eyes, Professor Alkhart returned the gaze, looking somewhat puzzled. "Why are you still here, Miss Yumi? I saw Aki at the entrance arch."

Color returned to Yumi's face upon hearing the news. "You saw Aki? How? Were you there?" she inquired, seeking confirmation.

The professor shook his head once more. "My office is situated in the highest tower, allowing me to observe far and wide. I spotted him before coming down to collect these books." He raised an eyebrow and added, "Don't you remember my classroom? I distinctly recall having you as my student."

"Oh! Then I must hurry, Professor," Yumi replied, turning away and heading toward her room.

It was at that moment that she overheard Professor Alkhart muttering under his breath, "Another beautiful lady swayed by the same old charmer." Bitterness was evident in his tone.

Slowly turning back towards the professor, Yumi grinned at him as she rubbed her thighs together. The tone in his voice caught her attention. "He'll do," she thought. "After all, I've never been involved with a professor, and by this time tomorrow, I'll be gone, never to return."

"What was it you just said, Professor?" she inquired, her lip lightly caught between her teeth.

Professor Alkhart's eyes widened, and he vigorously shook his head. "Did—did I say something? You must have been mistaken, Miss Yumi. Perhaps you misheard me..."

Yumi straightened up and walked towards Professor Alkhart. "Maybe I did. I couldn't sleep after the party last night," she said sweetly. "Do you need any assistance, Professor?"

The professor gazed at the beautiful blue-eyed blonde with a puzzled expression. He sniffed the air. "What's that smell?" he asked, his gaze flicking to inspect Yumi's appearance. "What's in your hair?"

Yumi checked her hair and discovered Benny's dried cum sticking to it. Professor Alkhart looked at her with a dawning realization. "Oh, it's nothing, Professor," Yumi smirked. "Why don't you let me help you? I can carry those for you."

Professor Alkhart took a quick step back, his head shaking vigorously. "No need, Miss Yumi. It's really not a big deal," he said with a somewhat timid smile.

Yumi noticed the professor's defensiveness and suspected it was related to past investigations. Nevertheless, a mischievous plan had taken root in her mind, and she was determined not to accept "no" as an answer. However, she wanted to ensure her efforts weren't in vain. Fortunately, she had mastered a technique that had yet to fail.

With a warm and charming demeanor, Yumi laughed playfully. "Oh my, it seems like you're having a bit of trouble with these," she added, fluttering her eyelashes.

She moved closer to the professor and elegantly bent down, drawing attention to her cleavage. She observed the professor for any sign of interest. As expected, there was a quick glance at her chest, a subtle gulp, and a discreet lick of the lips.

"Another success!" Grinning, Yumi gently took the books from his hands while he remained momentarily transfixed.

The books weren't particularly heavy, but the professor visibly sighed with relief once Yumi took them. He dusted off his robes and smiled at her, about to express his gratitude when his jaw dropped. Like an excitable schoolgirl, Yumi began to sway her body, all the while pushing her arms together to further accentuate her massive bust.

"Well, thank you, Miss Yumi!" he stammered, almost stumbling over his words.

Yumi's grin widened.

AKI

Aki found himself lost in contemplation. Yumi was, yet again, tardy for their scheduled meeting, a puzzling occurrence he couldn't quite decipher. The previous evening, their conversation had left him with the impression that she was headed back to her room.

"Could it be that Yumi got caught up in some impromptu gathering with the girls who had accompanied her?" Aki mused, considering this as a plausible explanation.

His gaze shifted upwards to the deep orange sky, the sun now peeking from the horizon. With a sense of patience, he opted to linger a few moments longer, allowing the warmth of the morning sun to bathe his face. He wanted to give Yumi a bit more time before contemplating the idea of venturing to her room to rouse her from slumber.

YUMI

She couldn't contain her excitement. Never in a million years would Aki have imagined that she'd be on her way up the tower, with a rather unconventional agenda - to seduce his most despised professor. Yumi's mind raced back to their initial days at the Academy when Aki had been so eager to learn about the great knights and heroes of the country. After two lessons, Aki had given up on the classes.

During a conversation, Aki had vented her frustration about Professor Alkhart, saying, "He managed to make a battle between two great knights incredibly dull. All he told us was that one knight won and the other lost then the rest of the class he went on about how the families the inheritance."

Glancing back, Yumi discreetly observed Professor Alkhart, his eyes widening and a gasp nearly escaping his lips before he quickly averted his gaze to the ceiling. Yumi couldn't help but smirk; she had anticipated this very reaction. She took the lead as they ascended the tower, lifting her shirt slightly to reveal her shapely figure beneath her tight leggings.

"This one should be easy to seduce," Yumi mused.

With a sudden burst of energy, she sprinted up the stairs, book in hand, letting her hips sway seductively. At the top of the staircase, she turned around and called out, "Professor, let's not keep Aki waiting, shall we?"

Professor Alkhart could do little more than nod, completely flustered by Yumi's unexpected boldness.

In the tower where Professor Alkhart conducted his classes, Yumi entered the room with purpose, swiftly crossing the space to reach his table. Once her stack of books was in place, her gaze wandered, eventually settling on a window offering a view of the village's entrance arch.

Her heart raced as she rushed toward the window, her excitement evident when she spotted Aki waiting patiently beneath the arch. A hint of concern flickered across her brow as she thought she detected a shadowy figure lurking behind the arch.

Dismissing the unsettling thought, Yumi shifted her focus to more immediate matters. Aki was still within her line of sight. Returning her attention to Professor Alkhart, who had just entered the room, she elegantly perched herself on the windowsill and cast a seductive glance his way.

Professor Alkhart, noticing Yumi's unconventional vantage point, voiced his concern, "Miss Yumi, I am aware of your remarkable strength, but please, come down from there."

Yumi responded with a sultry smile, "Oh, the breeze from this window is simply delightful. You must experience it for yourself."

Professor Alkhart smiled and began reminiscing, "Ah, yes, that particular spot holds a certain charm. Sometimes, when I wish to relish the privilege of teaching in this esteemed Academy, I stand there and let the wind caress my face. Even in dark days in fact, I just stood there and think of..."

Yumi maintained her composure, though Professor Alkhart's prolonged speech tested her patience. She discreetly glanced back at the entrance arch, where Aki was in the midst of rising and stretching his body.

A faint scowl crossed Yumi's face as she glanced back at the still-talking Professor Alkhart. "Aki could leave at any moment to come and fetch me!"

Yumi interrupted him, her voice laced with a hint of mischief, "Oh, I think there might be a misunderstanding, Professor. Please, come here." She extended her hand, gesturing for him to approach.

Professor Alkhart found himself in an utterly perplexed state, like a fish abruptly pulled from the water, his mouth moving wordlessly as he grappled with the surreal situation before him. The radiant and capable blonde knight, whom he had observed growing up, was now seemingly attempting to seduce him. While the notion intrigued him, he had never entertained the possibility of such an encounter ever since he was investigated. One of the driving factors behind his commitment to teaching was the stark lack of female attention in his life. He had hoped that a position of authority might change this, but his thinning hair, slender frame, and a tendency to break into a sweat in the presence of women seemed to deter them. Now, an enchanting and confident young woman stood before him, leaving him utterly...

"Professor!?" Yumi's exasperated shout snapped him out of his reverie. He had been lost in thought, staring into the distance.

The professor remained frozen, a rare sight for his students who had never witnessed him in this state. Yumi collected herself and sought to regain control of the situation. Her intent was to entice him, not unnerve him.

She flashed a seductive grin and allowed her tank top strap to slip from her shoulder. "Come closer and feel the breeze."

As if under a spell, Professor Alkhart inched closer to the captivating blonde, his lower lip trembling with a blend of fear and exhilaration.

Yumi awaited his approach with bated breath, then took his arm and guided him toward the window, placing him exactly where she wanted.

With her delicate grip on his arm, Yumi leaned in slightly, her bosom brushing against him. She whispered provocatively, "Do you see Aki out there?"

Alkhart gulped, struggling to avert his gaze from Yumi's décolletage. "Yes, I do. He's been waiting for over an hour," he stammered.

Yumi bit her lip, her heart racing. As anticipated, Aki remained faithfully waiting for her. "Really?" she purred. "What are your thoughts on Aki?"

"A diligent student, if a bit... well, it's evident he's deeply devoted to you," Alkhart replied, attempting to create some distance, though she held him firm. He glanced down at the enticing blonde, his brow furrowed. "What are you getting at, Miss Yumi? I must express my discomfort at being toyed with. When I was younger-"

"Oh, a bit of this and that," Yumi interjected swiftly, fearing another protracted explanation. "But it depends. Please, tell me your honest thoughts about Aki."

Alkhart hesitated for a moment, then continued, "A fine young man, but truth be told, he appears somewhat full of himself. Like many who have been blessed with everything they desire by the gods, he seems to regard himself as above them. His focus is solely on..." Alkhart paused abruptly, a look of concern crossing his face as he glanced at Yumi, fearing he had ventured too far.

Yumi leaned in even closer, her heart racing as she heard his words, her lips near his ear. The unmistakable musk of sweat filled her senses, yet rather than repelling her, it seemed to have a different effect. "Would you be interested in seeking a form of retribution? Not just against Aki, but against all those men who deemed themselves superior to you?"

Alkhart's voice quivered as he whispered, "Yes."

AKI

"Time's up," Aki muttered.

The sun had risen fully into the sky, and while Aki's fellow graduates likely still slumbered, the younger students were likely already bustling about, preparing for their classes. Aki sighed, his hope for Yumi's enthusiasm on their first journey together now replaced by a lingering sense of disappointment. It seemed that he alone anticipated this day with such eagerness.

As he walked back toward the Academy, his gaze drifted upward to the imposing structure. 'I suppose I'm returning a bit sooner than I'd expected,' he mused, having bid his farewell only a few hours earlier.

It was then that Aki spotted Professor Alkhart peering down at him from the distant window of his classroom. The professor's expression remained inscrutable from that distance, but there was something unsettling about the broad smile on his face.

A chilling sense of foreboding swept over Aki, causing him to unconsciously bite his lip. When he'd reported Professor Alkhart's inappropriate advances toward other students to the Academy, he'd expected the professor to face dismissal. Instead, he'd learned that the professor held tenure and had influential family ties in the capital. The outcome was a mere warning, a 'don't do it again' directive that left a bitter taste in Aki's mouth.

Aki came to an abrupt stop, his eyes narrowing as he locked gazes with Professor Alkhart. While it was reasonable to assume that the professor wanted him gone, there was an unsettling quality to that smile, something almost malevolent, like a victorious grin.

Frowning, Aki shook off the disturbing thoughts forming in his mind. Instead he head inside the academy, making his way towards the dorms.