CHAPTER 37 - Second Special Exam. Part 2.
Naima and I arrived at the school cafeteria. I still feel eyes on me, but I'll ignore them. It doesn't affect me, and I don't care.
Eating with a girl like Naima is something new for me. I wonder if I'll do it right.
Talking with Naima while we wait in line is pretty relaxing. I mean, Naima talks about things I find silly, like clothes, movies, blah, blah, blah, but there's something about her voice that, despite talking about silly stuff, doesn't bore me. It's actually quite entertaining to talk with her.
I try to speak in an interesting way so she doesn't think I'm a boring guy… Well, I am boring, but I have to pretend I'm not.
"Alright, it's our turn."
Though her change in attitude toward me bothers me. I would've liked to earn her trust little by little, not so quickly. But oh well, I can't control people's mindsets. If she already considers me trustworthy, there's nothing I can do.
"Here."
She handed me a sandwich.
"Bye, I'm going to eat with my friends."
Huh?
"Free food. Thanks."
I walked away from her, and she went to her friends, who were waiting for her at a table.
I was completely ignored, and she didn't even ask me to eat with them.
"Thanks."
For a moment, I thought Naima already considered me her friend, but I'm still just a classmate to her. Yes, I'm interested in her, but I don't want to gain her friendship so quickly either. It's better to move slowly so our relationship can be stronger.
Alright… So, where will I eat? Hmm… In the classroom. I prefer eating alone, but since Yuki isn't here, I'll eat in the classroom.
•
•
(Pov- Sylphie.)
Saik went to eat with Naima… They get along… so well… Ahhh! Why didn't I invite him to eat first?!
Ugh… I sound like a creepy, perverted stalker. Saik doesn't always have to eat with me.
Though…
"I really wanted to eat with him."
I feel calmer with Saik. His presence relaxes me a lot.
"What's wrong, Sylphie? You look sad."
"Huh?"
I looked up. Oh… U-Uwa… Uwaaaah! S-Saik?!
"H-H-Hi, Saik. I-I thought you'd eat with Naima."
"Nah, she just bought me a sandwich. You never turn down free food."
He grabbed a chair and sat across from me.
"Hmm… I don't detect pain… Hmm… I give up. Why are you sad?"
That sadness disappeared when I saw you, Saik… B-But I can't tell him that!
"I-I was just thinking about… A-About… T-The camp. Being with Ram will be awkward. And she forced me to spend 800 points."
"Oh… Now that I think about it, we made the mistake of spending points before the special exam ended."
"T-That's true! I-I'm sorry, Saik, I forgot."
"I forgot too, don't worry. Besides, we still have the point advantage. Don't worry. No need to stress."
He took a bite of his sandwich, and I opened my lunch. E-Eating with Saik really makes me feel happier… N-No, calm down! Not happy, calm! Ugh, Sylphie, don't be so easy!
"Here's the mistake."
"Mistake?"
He showed me his phone screen. A panel from my manga?
"Here, look. The protagonist has black-painted nails, but you didn't paint them here."
But… That drawing of the protagonist is small, almost unimportant. How did he notice that? Oh, I almost forgot how amazing Saik is.
"Saik, you've got a sharp eye."
"Not that sharp if I need glasses. I'm just good at noticing details. I must admit, I really liked the story. And since I have the author right in front of me, maybe I'll get lucky and snag some spoilers."
"Fufu. Nope. No spoilers."
"Ugh, at least I tried. I wonder if I'd look good with black-painted nails."
Saik with painted nails… H-He'd look so cool! Saik likes dressing in black, so I think one day I'll see him with black-painted nails too. Hope is the last thing to die!
"By the way, Sylphie, can I give you some advice?"
"Sure."
"Right now, the main characters are just friends. Since it's a romantic comedy, I'm 100% sure they'll end up together. Please develop the characters well before they fall in love. There needs to be decent development so the couple doesn't feel forced. Got it?"
"Yes, don't worry, I've got it all planned out."
"Then I wish you good luck. I'll always like and share your chapters… Though all my followers are your followers too."
Getting support from my… C-Can I call him my best friend? I-I mean… Naok, Bell, and Ludius are my friends too, but Saik feels more like a friend to me than they do… Yes, Saik is my best friend. And getting his support feels really good. It inspires me to keep chasing my dream.
"Thank you so much, Saik."
"Are you ready for the camp?"
"Oh… Yeah… I guess. Ram is a very smart girl, so being on her team is great… Though she forced me to spend a lot of points. What about you, Saik? You'll be on an island for three weeks. Are you ready?"
"With everything I spent, Naima and I won't have any issues. Though I wish they sold lighters and an extra tent. I could only buy one. Sharing it will be awkward, considering Naima thinks I'm a weird, perverted guy. Why does she think I'm a pervert? Do I look like a pervert, Sylphie?"
"O-Of course not! You're not a pervert at all, Saik…"
Wait… A-Are they…?
"W-Will you sleep together in the same tent?"
"Yeah. I could only buy one. And neither of us wanted to sleep outside."
"I-I see."
…Ahhhhh! Why didn't I get paired with Saik?! Life hates me! I wish we could switch places!
"Saik, come with us."
Ram and Saoto? What do they want with Saik?
"Oh… Alright. Sylphie, if I disappear and they find me dead in a trash bag, blame Ram."
Saik made a joke! Sylphie, remember your mom's advice! He needs to know you enjoy talking to him! Laugh at his joke and smile!
Alright.
I laughed a little and smiled at Saik.
"Stop saying stupid things and come."
"Yes, yes, I'm coming. Bye, Sylphie."
"B-Bye, Saik."
They left the classroom. A-Alright, I did it! It was a small step, but even if it was small, it was a huge step for me! K-Keep it up, Sylphie.
•
•
(Pov- Saik.)
I finished my sandwich. Food tastes better when it's free, huh?
"So, what do you want from me? I haven't gotten into any trouble… Not that I know of."
"Come in."
We entered an empty classroom. I think this is the art club room. Well, well. The paintings are really good. What you'd expect from an elite school, huh? The members of this club are probably kids of people who work in something art-related.
"Alright. Should I kneel, or are you using a rope?"
"What?"
"You're not going to kill me with a shot to the head or hang me to make it look like suicide?"
"What nonsense are you talking about?"
"We're not going to do anything to you, Saik."
"Oh… I see. Since you brought me to an empty classroom and rich people tend to make annoying people disappear, I thought you wanted to kill me."
"Tch. My family is wealthy, but we don't do that."
"Same here."
Well, well, well. I think I'm getting better at my jokes, huh? I'm starting to seem like a normal student… Right?
"By the way, Saik, does your family do that?"
Oh, Saoto, you don't know anything about me? I thought you'd investigated me.
"I'm not wealthy."
"You're not?"
"No… Well, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't before. My mom was an important doctor, and my dad was a professor at a private medical school. We had money, but unfortunately, they died, so I sold my old house, paid off pending debts, and came to live here. I have savings to survive a couple of years, but technically, I'm poor; I don't have a job."
I even went to fancy rich people parties. They were so boring, so I always refused to go.
Oh, now that I remember, my parents wanted to marry me off to the daughter of a friend of my mom's. I never met her or knew who she was. I threatened to kill myself if they forced me to marry. I only did that because I planned to never marry or have kids. If I got married, I'd be obligated to have children. I don't want them to suffer the same way I do. I don't know if my ability to see ghosts is hereditary.
"Oh… I see… Well, whatever, we want to talk about what we'll do from now on."
"What we'll do?"
"We need to make sure we earn the class points."
"And why am I here? I'll be on the island test. I can only assure you I won't give up, but that's all I'll do. I can't help those at the camp or the ones going to the Capital."
"Teamwork is necessary to reach Class A."
"Oh… And why me? Can't you call another guy who's more sociable or smarter?"
"You're the smartest in the class."
"Then find someone more sociable. Helping you means staying longer at school. No, thanks. With the new behavior rules, I can't sleep in class anymore. I don't want to waste more of my time. Get to Class A without me."
I started walking away, but Saoto grabbed my arm.
"Stop being so selfish."
"I don't work in teams; I work better alone. Bye, I already have enough problems with the student council; I don't have time for this."
He let go, and I left the classroom. I don't have time to worry about other people. I already have enough with Sylphie; I don't want to add more people to my problems.
I just want a peaceful school life. Is that too much to ask?
•
•
Classes ended, and Sylphie is walking beside me.
"It's starting to get a bit cold. Aren't you cold, Saik?"
"A little, but I'm used to it."
Oh, Kaeyko. A girl is talking to him, but his face is expressionless. He's not enjoying talking to that girl. That guy interests me.
"Hey, Saik!"
Someone grabbed my arm. Huh?
"I know we started off on the wrong foot, but I really want to be your friend."
It's the girl who gave me that supposed love letter.
"No, thanks, and tell Tanya I won't fall for her tricks."
"Tch. Your loss."
She clicked her tongue and walked away.
"W-Who was that?"
"A girl I rejected. Who would date someone they don't know? Only perverts."
"S-She asked you… t-to go out with her?"
"Yeah, though I suspect Tanya used her to get me to switch classes. Whatever, let's go to the movies."
"Y-Yes!"
•
•
(Pov- Kaeyko.)
Classes ended. Ugh, finally free. It's been years since I enjoyed coming home. I'll get to my apartment, eat something, and laze around all day. What more could I ask for?
Oh, the neighbor arrived at the same time as me. I'll greet her like the good neighbor I am.
"Good afternoon, Miss Sylvie."
"G-G-G-Good afternoon!"
I admit that stutter is weird and scary, but it's also kind of cute.
We started climbing the stairs together.
"H-How was s-school?"
I'm still not used to that terrifying stare she has.
"Fine, I guess. The school changed its rules, and it's annoying. But aside from that, I guess it went well. How was work?"
"I-I work from home. I-I just went to pick up some drawing supplies."
Oh, right, she's carrying a bag.
"I see. Well, see you…"
Oh, I tripped over something.
My face was about to hit the ground, but Sylvie caught me in her arms, and now her face was too close to mine. I look like a princess being rescued by a prince, don't I? I look pathetic.
"A-Are you o-okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks."
She helped me stand, and I looked at the floor… No, there's nothing.
"That's weird. What did I trip over?"
"I-I-I have to go!"
She ran into her apartment. I guess she's in a hurry.
I entered my apartment and left my things on the table.
Alright… Now I need to think about what I'll do.
Surviving in the Capital will be easy. The school will give us jobs, I'm sure of that. I don't need to worry about it. I just need to survive three weeks.
The Capital is too easy. Ugh, I wanted to go to the island… Huh?
"What's this?"
I bent down and picked up a notebook. This notebook isn't mine.
Hmm… It's full of drawings. Oh, Sylvie was here yesterday; she probably forgot it.
I'll return it to her.
I left my apartment and knocked on her door.
"Kya!"
That scream… Did she fall?
She opened the door and… Oh, there's something on her face. Blood.
She hurt her forehead.
"H-H-Hi!"
"You forgot your notebook yesterday. And you have some blood on your forehead. You've got a cut."
"D-Don't worry, I heal fast! T-T-Thank you so much for returning it."
"You're welcome."
I handed her the notebook.
"Bye."
"Y-Yes, bye."
I walked away… The neighbor is weird, but she's nice.
•
•
(Pov- Sylvie.)
H-He's gone. I-I hope he doesn't think I'm a clumsy woman.
"Fufu. That guy is Kaeyko. Our little toy."
"Huh?"
I turned to look at that stupid brat. That old woman with the appearance of a little girl. She disgusts me.
"So? Will you join us?"
"W-W-What do you m-mean by t-toy?"
"Hmm? Is that guy your romantic interest?"
"N-N-No, I barely k-know him, but he's a good person. H-He doesn't judge me for m-my appearance. I-I want to be his friend."
"I see… Well, I'll tell you; it won't affect us anyway. Our master manipulated that guy's life to make him cold and emotionless."
"Huh?"
B-But Kaeyko doesn't seem cold. He's very kind to me. He even laughs.
"H-He's not cold. W-What do you m-mean by that?"
"Yeah, the result was disappointing. Our master read a novel and tried to replicate its protagonist. He manipulated Kaeyko's life to resemble the protagonist's as much as possible. The protagonist was considered a pervert due to a misunderstanding, and so was Kaeyko. The protagonist hated his family, and so does Kaeyko. Our master thought everything was going well, but Kaeyko decided to exercise and fight back against those who mocked him. Unlike the novel's protagonist, who was calm and liked to write, Kaeyko chose to defend himself with violence. Oh, and the novel's protagonist had an average appearance, while Kaeyko is attractive."
"S-So he did it just for… f-fun? H-He played with Kaeyko's life… for fun?"
"Yup. Our master was bored and did it for fun."
"…Get out."
"Can I take that as a yes?"
"I'll never join you. Get out now."
"Ugh, you'll regret that decision in the future. Bye."
She turned to dust and dispersed.
"Tch."
Manipulating someone's life just for fun. So disgusting… Kaeyko, how much have you suffered in life? I wish I had the power to protect you, but I can't even control the ghost that's always behind me.
"I-I want to be your friend."
And help you move forward.
•
•
(Pov- Saik.)
After watching a movie with Sylphie and studying with her for an hour, I said goodbye to her and got home.
"Welcome back, Saik! What do you want? A bath? Dinner?"
Yuki winked at me.
"Or me?"
"You."
"…What?"
I approached her, and she backed away from me.
"W-W-Wait! I-I was joking! Pervert!"
"Huh? Did I say something weird? I need your help, that's why I said I wanted you."
"Idiot!! You scared me! I thought you'd turned into a pervert! Idiot, idiot, idiot!"
Oh, she's stomping the floor with her feet while giving me that angry, yet adorable, expression.
"Oh… Sorry?"
"An apology won't cut it! Give me a candy, and I'll forgive you!"
"Yes, yes, but let's have dinner first."
Food will calm her down. Full stomach, happy heart.
I made dinner. Burgers. A double burger for me and a triple for Yuki.
"Delicious!"
Yuki looks as cheerful as always. Nothing bad happened while she was at school.
"And what happened with Sumi?"
"She's like you, but the female version. No one approaches her. They think she's a weird girl who brings bad luck. But don't worry, no one hits her…! Though being ignored is bad too."
"I see… Her life will change for the better, so she'll be able to make friends in the future. She just needs to change schools and start over."
She's still very young; she has a long life ahead. And her mom now knows ghosts exist, so they won't think she's a weird kid anymore. She was incredibly lucky to meet me. Though if Yuki weren't with me… If I had found Sumi instead of Yuki, Sumi would be dead. I didn't kill her only because I don't want Yuki to see me as a monster.
But I really wanted to kill her. She can see Yuki. How powerful is she? She's dangerous, but she's still a little girl. I can manipulate her so her existence doesn't bother me.
"The food is as delicious as always, Saik! Fufu. You'll make a great wife."
"Thanks. It's one of my possible futures."
"Huh?! You want to be a wife?!"
"The idea of being a househusband doesn't sound so bad. I can laze around all day and just have to clean, cook, and satisfy my wife sexually. Oh, and if I have kids, take care of them. It doesn't sound so… Oh, I was going to say it doesn't sound so hard, but I think that would be disrespecting the effort of housewives."
"Saik… Saik… Hmm. How do I put this…? Don't you have any shame?! Don't you have aspirations or dreams?! You just want to be a househusband?! It wouldn't surprise me if your future wife cheats on you with her boss or a coworker."
"I cook well, I know how to clean, you say I'm cute, and…"
Oh, better not say anything about sex in front of a little kid like Yuki.
"And I think I'd do a good job as a househusband. If she cheats on me, well… Honestly, I don't think I'd care. If I love her, it would hurt, but I'd probably marry someone without feeling love and just marry to be supported."
"Is that really what you want?"
"Don't you realize I'm joking?"
"Ahhhhh!"
Yuki grabbed her hair and screamed. Did she get mad?
"Why do you joke at the weirdest times?!"
"Sorry…? I don't really have any specific dreams. Maybe I'll just become a doctor like my mom. I have contacts who could help me get a job in that."
Oh, sorry, Yuki, but my only future is to die when I kill myself. Don't worry, you won't be alone; Sumi will take care of you for me.
"A doctor, huh? Fufu. You'll have all the nurses chasing you. Don't become a womanizer."
"Getting romantically or sexually involved with work staff is wrong. I shouldn't mix my personal life with work."
"Ugh, you're so weird, Saik… Well, changing the subject, what do you want me to do? You said you needed my help."
"Oh, yeah. I'm going on a trip. Will you stay here with Sumi, or come with me? I won't be able to talk to you if you come with me, so it'll be kind of boring."
"You're going on a trip?! Yippee! Vacation! Let's go to the beach, Saik! No, let's visit the Capital! I've never been to the Capital!"
She seems way too excited about the news. Well, considering she was alone in this house for five years, it's obvious she's bored of always being in the same place and wants to visit other places.
"Don't worry, Yuki, we'll go to the Capital during winter break. But this time, we're not going to the Capital; we're going to an island."
"An island?"
I told Yuki about the upcoming special exam. If she comes with me, I won't be able to talk to her because I suspect the protection bracelet will record our voices to prevent students from doing inappropriate things on the island. Obviously, they wouldn't leave two teenagers on an island without ensuring they don't do anything improper.
But if she stays here, she won't be able to touch or eat anything. I don't have time to teach Sumi how to control Yuki. It took me years to learn how to control ghosts. Sumi is more powerful than me, but that won't help her learn quickly.
"I see… Hmm… It's a tough decision. If I stay, I won't be able to eat or bathe, but if I go with you, I won't be able to talk to you at all… Hmm… Can I swim and eat?"
"Yes."
"Then I'm coming with you! And so I don't feel alone, answer me by nodding your head."
"Sure, sounds good… By the way, as you know, Naima will be my partner on the island. Don't do anything weird, got it?"
"Yes, yes, I know."
I was going to feel lonely without Yuki.
•
•
Friday arrived. Unlike other school days, this week was pretty calm. My daily routine is to go to the store to buy something, talk a bit with Iris, and at school, I just study and talk with Sylphie. It's been very peaceful days.
"The results of the special exam are as follows."
I have 52,016 points.
Sylphie has 9,243 points.
Naok has 112 points. He's terrible at assignments and only got 70 positive points in basketball. I thought it'd be easier to earn points, but I was wrong.
Bell has 58 positive points.
Ludius has 161 points. He earned 75 points with his participation in the soccer game.
In total, 61,590 positive points.
First place.
Second place, Ram's team, with 573 points.
Third place, Danna's team, with 515 points.
Fourth place, Saoto's team, with 492 points.
Earning points without betting is really hard, huh? An average of 100 points per student. From what I've seen, an average studious and smart student earns 5 points a day through participation and assignments. 25 points earned per week, plus the points they get from board tasks.
"Congratulations to Saik's team for taking first place. The 500 points will be split equally. 100 for each."
"Yes!"
"Thanks!"
Bell and Naok are the most excited. Sylphie and Ludius are happy with the results too, but I already knew I was going to win.
Ever since I discovered I could bet, I knew getting first place wouldn't be that hard.
"Out of the 100 class points you could earn, thanks to Saik, you earned all 100. Congratulations."
Well, well. I feel important.
That means we currently have 200 class points.
That means…
"We'll be in Class A if our exam results are good."
Exactly, Ram. If no one fails, we'll be in Class A.
"On Monday, September 22, the exams will begin. There will be 100 class points at stake. If the average is above 95, the class will earn 100 class points. If the average is 80, you'll earn 80. If it's 70, you'll earn 70. And so on."
Ram looked at Bell, one of the worst in the class.
Naok, Bell, Evelyn, and Sylphie are the weakest. They could drag us down.
Sylphie might be an exception. She's had good results when we study together.
Today is September 12. We have over a week to study. I guess that's enough time. I'll cheat, so I'm not too worried about it.
Yeah, there's nothing to worry about.
"By the way, I don't know if you already knew, but the passing grade is 60. If you score below that, you'll be expelled."
Oh… I thought it was 50, not 60.
I felt eyes on me. Bell, Naok, and Sylphie are looking at me.
No, no, no. Sorry, but I won't waste my time on you… Well, only with Sylphie because I promised her dad, but I won't help Naok or Bell.
Maybe…
I raised my hand.
"Will we lose class points if someone is expelled?"
Yes, it's obvious we'll lose points, but I want to know how many.
"Yes. You'll lose 50 class points for each student expelled."
"I see. Thank you."
I turned to look at Ram.
"If you don't want to lose points, help the worst in the class study. I'm helping Sylphie; you help the others."
Ram looked at me.
"Why only Sylphie?"
"Because she's just one person. I feel uncomfortable with a lot of people."
"We'll see."
•
•
At the bottom of the dark sea, where nothing can be seen, there's a cave.
No water enters that cave because it's protected by something called "magic."
And the one responsible for that magic is…
"Great Goddess of Ghosts, we are gathered."
The Goddess of Ghosts.
Five people are kneeling before the statue of a girl. Among them are the man who tried to kill Saik and the girl who met with Sylvie. There's another girl, but she looks like a life-sized wooden doll, except for her head, which is 100% human. She has long black hair and empty, dark eyes.
The other two are twin siblings, a man and a woman. Both have blue hair and hide their faces with completely black masks.
"Saik is not an ordinary enemy; he's powerful, more than all of you combined. If he doesn't agree to join us, we must kill him. Be patient and wait. I already know how to kill him."
The voice comes from the statue, whose eyes are glowing red.
"Tch. Is it really necessary to have him on our side? We can just kill him and take the legendary ghosts."
"Don't underestimate Saik. He's not just a pretty face. Don't bother him. Goodbye."
The statue's eyes stopped glowing.
"We mustn't bother him, brother. Let's go home."
"If our Goddess says so, it must be true. Let's go, sister."
Both turned to dust and dispersed.
"Our master is so much fun. I hope Saik meets my expectations."
The little girl disappeared.
"Tch. That damn brat."
The man disappeared, and the human doll licked the palm of her right hand.
"Saik… I want to meet that human."
•
•
(Pov- Sylphie.)
A-Alright. Sylphie, it's been three weeks since you and Saik became friends; leave your shyness behind and go to him!
Y-Yes… H-Here we go.
I approached Saik with my lunch in my hands.
"S-Saik, would you like…?"
"Saik, have mercy!"
"Help us study!"
W-What? Naok and Bell interrupted me. Just when I'd overcome my shyness!
"Sorry, I can't. I don't know how to teach. And I don't have time, sorry… Hmm…"
Saik stood up from his seat and approached Saoto.
"President, could you help those who need to improve their studies? Naok and Bell need help."
"Oh, sure, gladly."
"Thanks."
He turned to look at Naok and Bell.
"Saoto is smart too; he'll help you. Bye."
Saik grabbed his lunch. Sylphie, this is your chance!
"S-Saik, would you like to eat with me?"
"Sure, sounds good."
I did it!
We left the classroom together. A-Alright, my shyness is fading more and more with Saik. I-I can talk to him now without getting so nervous… Huh?
Why do I feel scared…? No… It's gone… That's weird. What's going on…? Oh well, never mind.
"The second chapter of your manga was really good. Though the part where the protagonist's mom cheats on her husband with another man was painful to read. I hope the protagonist's dad finds someone better. I like his character."
"T-Thanks."
"By the way…"
Saik took out his phone and showed me something. A drawing of one of my characters? Wow… It's an excellent drawing.
"I didn't know you could draw, Saik."
"I spent the whole week studying drawing. Do you like it?"
"I love it!"
"Can I post it? I'll tag you."
"Y-Yes, of course!"
T-The first fan art of my manga. It's such an honor that Saik is my first fan! Saik is a great friend… Though I wish he could be more than a friend to me… N-No, Sylphie, you have to wait longer! Don't be desperate!
B-But there are couples who start dating after just two weeks of knowing each other.
Idiot, those couples always break up quickly! If you want something serious with Saik, you have to move slowly!
Y-Yes… That's true. Slow but steady… Huh?
I felt scared again. That's weird.
•
•
(Pov- Hanako.)
That slut… That disgusting bitch… She's getting closer and closer to Saik.
Just today, when I finally gathered the courage to invite Saik to eat, she beats me to it and invites him first.
Look at that bitch, walking next to my future boyfriend. He's mine, Sylphie. Mine alone.
"That bitch needs to die."
I agree. She needs to die… I'll kill her.
"Fufufu. I love that look, Hanako 2."
"When?"
"Not yet. We don't know if Shadow is here. If we kill her, we'll draw some attention. We need to kill her at the same time we kill Shadow. She'll be there when we launch our attack."
"We just need to be patient."
"Fufufu. Exactly, darling."
I just have to wait… I just have to wait.
•
•
(Pov- Sylphie.)
The rooftop door was open. Eating here feels so nostalgic.
This is where I met Saik. He was just as lonely as I was… And right here, he protected me from the girls who were hitting me. He defended me… And here, we became friends… It's the perfect place for a confession.
"Saik, I…"
No, idiot, you have to go slow!
"W-Want some of my food?!"
"Oh, meatballs. Thanks."
I-I'm such a coward… No, you're not a coward. It's common sense to get to know someone before dating them. We need to know each other better if I want any chance of him accepting me as his girlfriend.
Saik isn't interested in romance. I-I need to use my feminine charms to make him fall for me!
I picked up a meatball with my fork.
"S-Say 'ah.'"
I'm dying of embarrassment! T-This is something only couples would do!
Huh?
He ate it?!
He swallowed the meatball.
"I didn't know friends did that. I thought only couples did. I need to research more about what friends do together."
Saik offered me his sausage… N-No, idiot! I-I mean a sausage. Don't be a pervert, Sylphie!
"Say 'ah.'"
I don't need a mirror to know my face is red from embarrassment. S-Saik is feeding me!
"A-Ah…"
He put the sausage in my mouth… Ahhhhh! I mean a food sausage, not his sausage! Don't imagine anything weird, Sylphie!
"I-It's delicious."
E-Eating like this makes us look like a cute couple, doesn't it? It feels really nice.
•
•
(Pov- Yuki.)
Hmm… I know I told Saik that friends share food like that, but… Why does my heart hurt?
Seeing Sylphie eating with Saik like they're a couple makes me feel weird.
Am I getting sick? I don't know.
I feel really bad… Why?
(Extra.)
Legendary Ghost Number 1, the Ghost of Illness.
Its appearance is that of a weak, sickly old man, with a gray, slimy aura.
"Legendary ghost? What's that?"
Saik, at six years old, while visiting his mom at her job in the hospital, encountered Legendary Ghost Number 1, who was worsening the health of a child with cancer and preventing the medications from having positive effects on the boy.
"Fufu. Your son knows how to have fun alone, Doctor."
While others thought Saik was pretending to fight someone, he was actually fighting someone.
Saik hit the ghost and was about to destroy it, but the legendary ghost told him not to and explained that he was a legendary ghost.
The ghost told him about the legendary ghosts and the possible wish he could get if he collected them all.
Saik, out of simple curiosity and fun, decided to capture them all.
He captured Legendary Ghost Number 1, and his adventure began.