"Miko!"
A short-haired orange girl ran up to Miko, proudly swinging her arms as she moved—mouth stuffed with bread.
"… …"
Miko glanced at the evil spirit trailing behind the girl. As it approached, the black crystal pendant on Miko's neck flashed with a faint glow.
"Gyaaaa!!!"
The evil spirit shrieked. Instantly, it disintegrated into ash.
"!!!"
A wave of relief washed over Miko. The protective charm Rei Ao had given her was unbelievably useful—no evil spirit could get within its range. Thinking back on what she "traded" for it (and the rather embarrassing event that happened), she now felt it had been well worth it! Plus, Rei Ao was handso, so overall she didn't feel shortchanged in the slightest.
"Miko, heh heh, I figured you'd be waiting for here."
The chesty, sowhat dopey girl before her was Yurikawa Hana, her best friend. Miko cast a surreptitious glance at the bread in Hana's mouth, then asked matter-of-factly,
"Hana, didn't you eat breakfast?"
Hana's face darkened at once.
"Of course I did! My mom made delicious sandwiches, and I stuffed myself 'til I was full. But then, not long after leaving ho, I got hungry again. Sigh, I'm kinda used to it by now."
Having an enormous appetite was normal for Hana. Her parents had taken her to a hospital, only to find no problems. In the end, they wrote it off as her having an unusually strong digestive system.
Naturally, Miko already knew the real cause—just as Rei Ao had explained. Hana had incredibly strong life energy, which unconsciously attracted spirit beings. Though Hana couldn't see these evil spirits (no "spirit sight" like Miko), her powerful life energy both drew them in and protected her. If any harmful spirit got too close, it would consu so of her life energy in the process. Once that energy was used up, Hana would be in serious danger. Fortunately, she could rapidly replenish her life energy by eating—hence her huge appetite. And, well, Hana did enjoy her food…
"Hana, I have a protective amulet that might help you," Miko said, handing her a small black crystal pendant.
"Eh? An amulet?"
Hana inspected the black crystal necklace curiously. Could it really help with her "digestive powers"?
Miko realized it must seem odd, so she opted for honesty.
"Hana, your appetite problem is caused by evil spirits."
"E-evil spirits?!"
Startled, Hana gaped at her friend.
Now that Miko had both the protection for herself and for Hana, she could afford to reveal the truth about evil spirits and life energy. Before long, Hana—fully trusting Miko—didn't write her off as a weirdo.
Instead, she shuddered in fear, glancing around.
"Miko, are there…evil spirits around right now?"
She believed Miko's words instantly. Seeing how much faith her friend had in her, Miko smiled in gratitude.
"Hana, don't worry. With my spirit sight, I saw an evil spirit following you just now, but my amulet wiped it out. So here—you wear one, too."
"Thank goodness!"
Hana patted her ample chest, relieved. She promptly put the charm on.
"Heh heh, I feel more secure already."
Still, Hana asked curiously, "Miko, where'd you get this amulet? So shrine?"
Miko shook her head.
"No, Rei Ao-nii gave it to , and he said to give you one as well."
She spoke the na "Rei Ao" without thinking.
"Rei Ao…?" Hana's eyes lit up with a suspicious glint.
"Miko, is this Rei Ao maybe your…boyfriend?"
"Ugh…"
Miko blushed. In all honesty, calling him her "boyfriend" might not be entirely correct, but they had done what couples do—things both permissible and not—and even t each other's families. Rei Ao had promised to take full responsibility for her. She was just too shy to give him a clear answer yet.
Observing her friend's red face and hesitation, Hana sensed there was more to the story. With a big grin, she leaned closer.
"Miko, spill the details! Who exactly is this Rei Ao-nii? Co on, tell ."
"…"
Miko felt embarrassed. But indeed, she wanted soone to confide in about how to proceed. Who better than Hana, who trusted her completely? After a while, she began her explanation.
At first, Miko tiptoed around the biggest secrets—like the group chat and crossing worlds—giving only a vague, edited version. But Hana's skill in prying out gossip was formidable; bit by bit, Miko ended up divulging the main points (minus the truly unspeakable parts).
"You actually gave up your…first ti?!" Hana exclaid in shock.
"Ugh…y-yeah…" Miko mumbled, hanging her head shyly.
"Gulp." Hana's eyes glead with curiosity. Her "gossip soul" had now fully awakened.
"Miko, tell —what was it like, your first ti? I'm sooo curious!"
"…"
Miko couldn't bring herself to say a word about it.
"Ugh, we'll be late for class! Let's go!"
Miko fled.
"Hey—Miko!!!"
With that, Hana hurriedly gave chase.
…
Ti marched on, and the next day or two were relatively peaceful. Furuhashi Fumino and Ogata Rizu had settled on coming to Rei Ao's place in the evenings to study.
By now, Mafuyu Kirisu didn't bother supervising—they were plenty motivated on their own, and the sessions were going great. Each ti they finished, they still wanted more, enthralled by the sense of really absorbing knowledge.
anwhile, it wasn't unusual for them to see Rei Ao engaging in lovey-dovey behavior with various girls in the house. It confused them at first, but they had the good sense not to bring it up—just watching from the sidelines, cheeks burning whenever they witnessed a kiss.
"Thank you for having us!"
Just like always, Furuhashi Fumino and Ogata Rizu finished up, bowed in thanks, and said farewell at the door. The two had barely left when soone erged from next door—a disheveled figure clutching a laptop. It was Gabriel. She waddled over to Rei Ao's doorstep with deliberate slowness, feigning composure.
She asked, "Those girls who just left—who were they?"
"My classmates—they co here for tutoring," Rei Ao answered briefly, eyeing her with amusent. "But you're not here just to ask that, right? Don't tell …you're here to borrow money again?"
"Tch!"
Gabriel stomped her foot, cheeks reddening as she glared at him. "You pervert!"
He'd uttered "borrow money," and that look in his eye told her he was imagining what sort of "interest" he'd demand. In Gabriel's mind, Rei Ao equaled a shaless lecher!
"Heh heh. So why are you here? Or is it just that you need more money?"
Rei Ao folded his arms, smiling mischievously at her. Gabriel's behavior obviously ant she wanted a favor.
"…"
"I…I was wondering…could I stay over at your place tonight?"
~~~
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