( Arata's POV )
Arata: izz ouch could you be more delicate, Chisaki?
Chisaki: That's what you get for getting involved in unnecessary fights, now stop complaining so I can treat you.
After what Chisaki called a reckless and dangerous fight against Linuma, we returned home and she began treating my wounds, but she used too much alcohol and tightened my bandages too much.
I think this was a small incident because she could only watch while I ended up getting beaten up, but this definitely wasn't something senseless, defending the girls was important, but there was also an important discovery.
Linuma had no special training, and the fact that he awakened spiritual power right in the middle of our fight could not be a coincidence.
Arata: Hey Sagiri, how common is it for someone to awaken spiritual powers when they come into contact with another person's?
Sagiri: None, that would only happen if someone already had high spiritual power and it was about to awaken; if Linuma had that level of power, I would have noticed.
Arata: Ok, so what else could I be, are my powers something different?
Sun: If that were the case, all those people in the abandoned building that you defeated would have awakened spiritual power.
Sagiri: True, but it's clear Arara is the key element here; Sun's mother seemed to think the same.
Arata: Yes, I suppose we'll have to wait and see what she finds-ouch.
Chisaki: Okay done, you'd better not get into another pointless fight, or I won't be so careful next time.
Yes, I hope I don't have to receive Chisaki's treatment and care for a while.
When Chisaki finished his medical treatment, we went to our rooms, my body was tired, but I stayed awake. I couldn't stop thinking about what happened to Linuma, I feel this is an omen of things to come, I don't know if they will be good or bad.
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The next day at school I could barely stay conscious; the side effects of my powers combined with the sleeplessness I had last night left me in a half-asleep state all day, but I'm sure nothing interesting happened.
After another day of school, I walked to the school gates with the girls by my side, and to our surprise, there was someone waiting for us there.
That someone was Linuma; he wasn't with his friends, and when he turned around and saw us, he raised a hand in a casual greeting.
The girls were wary of him, and Ranna and Chisaki were even glaring at him; I was the only one who remained calm.
The expression on his face was softer, less conflicted, completely the opposite of before. I didn't hesitate to go forward, but Chisaki grabbed my hand before I could move away.
Chisaki gave me a worried expression; she must have thought I was looking for trouble, but I gave her a reassuring smile and she let me go after a moment of hesitation.
I approached Linuma and, trying to match his energy, spoke casually.
Arata: Hey, were you looking for me?
Linuma: Do you want to eat ramen?
Arata: ...yeah, sure.
The first thing Linuma did was throw me a strange invitation; I was already curious about his sudden change of attitude, so I didn't question that and accepted.
Arata: I'll see you girls at home.
Linuma started walking without saying anything else, and I followed behind him, telling the girls I'd be fine on my own, but technically I couldn't be alone, so surely one of the girls was secretly following us.
Chisaki: What was that about? Weren't they fighting just the other day?
Urara: Let them be, that's just how boys are, one day they're at each other's throats and the next they're eating together.
Chisaki was somewhat confused by what had just happened, but the other girls understood a little better, but that doesn't mean they were happy about it.
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Linuma and I walked in silence along streets that not many people used, and the restaurant he took me to had a peculiar atmosphere, the interior of the place was clean and presentable, but there weren't many customers.
It felt a bit like the old man's supernatural shop, like you were uncovering a secret just by walking in there.
Linuma: Just so you know, I'm not going to be paying for your food.
Arata: Geez, what's the point of your invitation then?
Linuma: You won't be complaining when you try the food.
Arata: whatever, it's not like I came here for free food.
After placing our order, we sat down at a table and I stared intently at Linuma; he knew exactly what interested me.
Linuma: You know, I was wrong about you. You're not a coward.
Arata: Is this your way of apologizing?
Linuma: I didn't say sorry, I said I was wrong.
I think this is the most I could expect from someone like Linuma, a little irritating but I understand, I shook my head a little and at that moment our order arrived.
The food looked normal but its taste was completely out of the ordinary. I immediately immersed myself in my food, but someone soon snapped me out of my trance.
???: Good day to you, Linuma-san!
A group of five boys appeared next to our table; they were younger than us and they were looking at Linuma with great respect.
Arata: Someone's popular, are they your fan club?
Linuma: Don't say stupid things, they're just classmates from my old school, what are you waiting for, take a seat and eat.
Our table suddenly filled up and the atmosphere became more lively, and soon we were joking around like old friends, I must admit that I didn't think Linuma's ways would be so effective.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw Urara at a distant table, also enjoying her meal and trying not to be noticed, but when our meal was over and I looked again she was no longer there.
I left the restaurant quickly and I saw Urara just leaning against a wall while I waited, I don't know why seeing her at that moment made me think that she was even prettier than before.
Yuuki: I'm sorry, that took longer than expected.
Urara: Oh, this is nothing. I've been waiting much longer during our missions.
After saying that what she was doing wasn't a big deal, we made our way home, but I kept her in the back of my mind, thinking I should find a way to thank her for everything she does.
This day had its surprises, but before we got home I knew there was more to come when I saw Sun's mother's car parked in front of our house.