(Please leave comments :') I finally got a drawing of Number 31, please leave comments!)
CHAPTER 49 - Cleaning Up After the Disaster
After falling asleep, Number 4 and Number 31 emerged from Saik's body.
"Tch. I feel like a regular ghost just because this idiot keeps his stupid promise to never use his spiritual power again. I should kill him right now…"
Number 31 placed her index fingers in front of Number 4's eyes, and her expression and bloodlust were enough to make Number 4 tremble unconsciously, a ghost accustomed to seeing horrible things and reveling in human pain.
Number 31 doesn't have the malice or cruelty of Number 4, but insulting someone important to her is never a good idea.
Emotions have a tremendous influence on a ghost. If a ghost becomes enraged, others will notice, even without seeing it, that it's angry.
Number 4 feared Number 31 because of her intense bloodlust. Those who know Number 4 fear her and don't dare challenge her. Number 31 isn't afraid of her and is willing to kill her.
Number 4 didn't see Number 31's attack, and having her fingers in front of her made her feel something she had only ever felt for Saik. Fear.
"If you even dare to think about it, I'll destroy you."
"Fufu. Like you did to Number 1?"
"But this time, Saik won't be able to stop me."
"Hehe. Go ahead, try it, cutie."
"Silence, both…"
Number 4 and Number 31 stared intently at Rosemary. Number 4's sadistic grin and Number 31's fury left Rosemary shocked with fear.
"… of you…"
"You dare to silence us?"
"Don't forget your place, old lady. We're still superior to you, don't forget that. Now that I've reminded you, repeat what you said, but with more polite words this time."
"… Please, could you stop fighting and listen to me?"
"That's better. Was it so hard to be more polite, old lady?"
Number 31 lowered her hands and licked her lips.
"What do you want?"
"Will Saik do 'that' again?"
"What do you mean by 'that'?" Number 4 asked.
Number 31's eyes welled up with tears as she nodded, looking at Saik.
"… Yes, but it'll take two more days. Come up with a cover story in the meantime."
Rosemary lowered her gaze to look at Saik.
"He really doesn't want to live, does he?"
"Yes… Unfortunately, he's always been like that."
And while they watched Saik, he was dreaming of something he often dreams about.
"You did great, son. You defeated the wooden doll," said Saik's beautiful mother, stroking her son's head.
"That's my champion! You defeated a monster that could destroy humanity in the future. You're a hero, Saik," said Saik's kind father, patting him on the back.
Saik dreamed that his parents hugged him while telling him how proud they were of him. Whenever he had a normal day or his teachers praised him for his excellent assignments, Saik had this same dream.
The only thing Saik wants in life, his sole reason for living, is to do something that would make his parents proud.
Saik knows perfectly well that he doesn't deserve the words his parents say in his dreams, but he doesn't complain or anything; he simply enjoys the moment.
"We're proud of you, son," they both said at the same time.
"… Thank you."
•
•
(POV - The Goddess of Ghosts)
Fufu. Well, well. Saik, even without needing to use his immense spiritual power, managed to defeat Nancy, and he didn't even fight her himself. I was quite surprised that it wasn't him fighting Nancy—it was Number 31. Number 31 managed to hold her own against Nancy… I think I underestimated the abilities of the legendary ghosts and Nergio. I know perfectly well not to let my guard down with Saik, but now I know that Nergio and his family are also a danger, a danger I must eliminate.
"Well, that bitch lost. Number 31 weakened her, and Saik delivered the final blow. It was quite unexpected that Number 31 was the one fighting the whole time," Mike said.
"The fight entertained me, but the ending… Well, I admit I loved witnessing Saik's cruelty, but the ending didn't convince me. Nancy transformed into a dragon; I thought she'd put up more of a fight, but she didn't attack Saik while he was falling. Why?"
"Because she underestimated Saik's Berserker Mode."
It's very likely that she planned to die alongside Saik. She thought that attack would kill him, which is why she didn't strike at him. Besides, she couldn't keep fighting. She may have had all that negative energy, but exhaustion drained her both physically and mentally.
Nancy died for underestimating Saik's power. Her master plan was ruined by the legendary ghosts' Berserker Modes. Her Plan B, Faye, was defeated by Nergio. She never had a chance from the start. Saik is a true monster, and I'm the only one who can tame that monster.
•
•
(POV - Nergio)
Faye turned out to be more powerful than I imagined, even more than the former wielder of Legendary Ghost Number 58. The so-called Goddess of Ghosts really gave him too much power, which is why she thought he'd kill me. I don't blame her. The reason I was able to defeat him was because the master lent me one of his legendary ghosts.
If Faye was just a minion who can be easily replaced, I don't even want to imagine the future that awaits us.
And without the master's help, our chances of achieving victory diminish. I trust my master. If he found a worthy replacement, I'll trust his decision. I don't know the girl my master chose as his replacement, but I imagine she must be very powerful.
… Ow… Ah… Thinking so much hurts. Using just one legendary ghost was too exhausting for my body and soul. How could my master endure so many legendary ghosts when he was just a little kid? I know the answer, but I keep asking myself because the answer to that question is hard to believe, even for someone like me, who has known the master for a long time.
"Do you really have your arm and leg bones broken? Wow. At least you're in better shape than Saik."
My little sister crouched down and placed her finger on my chest… My… chest… Ah… Hold on… Hold on… I can't hold on anymore!!
"Get your finger off me!!"
"Fufu. Don't try to act tough, idiot. Crying and screaming will make you feel better."
My body took too much damage; even the feeling of clothes touching my skin burns. I need a hot bath and to hug my son. He should congratulate me; his father managed to be useful this time.
The last time I saw my master, I wasn't helpful—on the contrary, I was a hindrance during the fight with Legendary Ghost Number 100. I promised myself I'd become someone useful, and I did. I held my own against Faye. The Shadow Paradise members finished him off, but I was the one who weakened him. I won.
"I was really useful this time, master… Ah… That's right! María, how's the master?!"
"… He… You know him… He overdid it, but he'll be fine. He always recovers, don't worry. Right now, he's in the hospital, asleep."
"And my mother?"
"She's cleaning up the mess."
•
•
Rosemary lit her cigarette while looking at a globe.
"He really wants to die."
And while she thought about Saik's decision, he was with Sylphie, watching her sleep.
"I'm feeling better already, Sylphie. I hope you recover soon… Ah… Well… This is my first time visiting someone in a hospital… Get well soon? Or something like that… Oh, and I brought you some candies."
"You're feeling better already, Saik?"
Ram stood beside him, and he nodded.
"Yeah, I think the dinner messed us up, or the water was contaminated, I don't know."
"Did you have family in the city?"
"I don't have any living relatives. You?"
"Fortunately, all my relatives live abroad… Want to talk about something else? This topic is uncomfortable. Are you ready for your showdown with the president?"
"I'm not sure I can beat her, but at least I know I won't be expelled… I need to go, I need some air."
"Can I tell you something?"
"Sorry, I have to reject your feelings. I barely know you; I can't go out with you."
"Stop saying nonsense. What I meant was, don't make the president angry. You're not just hurting yourself; you're hurting us too."
"I'll do what I want, don't give me orders… Oh, yeah, want a candy?"
"You're hard to convince."
•
•
(POV - Sylphie)
Huh? W-what? Why am I lying down? I don't remember lying down. The last thing I remember is being with the doctor who was attending to Saik. Did I faint or something?
"Finally awake, Sylphie."
"Huh? Ram? What happened to me?"
"You got a fever and fainted. The doctor said you'll be fine; you just need to rest. The fever's gone now."
"And Saik?"
"I don't know, he just left."
"H-he was here?"
"He came to check on you. Oh, and he left you a bag of candies. He said some sugar would prevent your fever from coming back, though that doesn't make sense."
A fever…? That's weird, I was sure I felt perfectly fine.
"Ludius got sick too, but he's recovered. I brought you dinner."
"Oh… Y-yeah, thank you so much."
I wonder if Saik's feeling better too.
•
•
(POV - Saik)
I sat on the edge of the rooftop, looking at the disaster I caused. Eighty-five percent of the city is now a crater… I killed again… I guess I don't feel any remorse because I'm used to doing these things.
… I feel nothing… Nothing.
Mother, Father, what am I really?
"Saik… A horrible scene, isn't it?"
Yuki sat beside me and rested her head on my right arm.
This… feels… nice… Having company… Someone who doesn't hate me.
"They say it was a bomb, but I think it was Shadow. María says that guy's crazy. It's possible he destroyed the city to take out the demons."
"… And what do you think about what he did?"
"Well… I guess it depends on the context. If he did it to defeat a demon that could kill millions of people, this would be a small price to pay to save millions. But if he did it just to quickly eliminate demons and not waste time, that would make him a monster."
Was the wooden doll a danger to the world? No, she was only a danger to me. She wanted me dead for what I did to Hercules… But if I died, the Goddess of Ghosts' chances of victory would increase dramatically, ensuring her absolute triumph. I can't die yet. Not until I pass my legendary ghosts to Sumi. I have to stay alive and keep my promise.
I did what was necessary to stay alive… I only did it to survive.
"Yeah… I guess it has to do with the context…"
I stroked Yuki's head.
"I'm glad you're okay."
I'm really glad Yuki's safe… I've grown so used to her presence. I don't know what I'd do if she left my life.
Since my parents' deaths, Yuki has been the only person who's truly supported me and helped me move forward with my life. I owe her so much, more than she realizes.
If she weren't in my life, my life would be dull, and I'd just live a routine of studying. With her, I have fun and enjoy living my life… She really… makes me happy being by her side.
She's the only important person I have… The only one left… I couldn't bear to lose another person important to me. I already lost my parents; I don't want to lose her too… I'll do whatever it takes to protect her.
"Thank you for being with me, Yuki."
And thank you for putting up with a weird guy like me.
•
•
(POV - Yuki)
T-this… Ah… W-what? I mean… Ah… I said before that I wanted to see a natural smile from Saik, but… Ah… He's not smiling, he's crying!
"S-Saik, is something wrong?"
"No… It's nothing, but thanks for worrying."
He wiped his tears.
"I couldn't help but think of my parents. Besides you, they're the only people who put up with me. Thanks for putting up with a weird guy like me, Yuki."
… Yes, I understand you, Saik. I miss my mother so much too. I know I can see her whenever I want, but… I don't know… I'm scared to see her in person. I don't know if she'll still be the loving mother I loved.
"Want to go? I don't think we can see more of the city."
"Ouch. That was harsh. But yeah, I want to go. The special test is coming up soon; you should prepare."
"And my first showdown with the student council president."
"Don't worry, Saik, we'll cheat and beat her!"
"No, I'll face her without cheating. My pride won't let me cheat for that."
"I see."
Even though demons and a bomb ruined our little vacation, today I saw something I never imagined I'd see. Saik crying.
His parents' deaths affected him more than I thought.
Saik is an expressionless guy, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have feelings.
"Don't worry, Saik, the beautiful Yuki will always be with you! I'm part of your family, don't forget."
"Yes, I know, you're my family, and I'm so grateful for that."
He kept looking at the crater… Yes… Compared to the Saik I first met, this Saik has started to show his feelings. Is he changing, or was he always like this? I don't know, but what matters is that Saik considers me part of his family. As long as we have each other, we'll always get through anything, no matter the circumstances.
•
•
Night fell, and Nergio stood in front of a window, looking at the disaster.
With a glass of wine in his hand, he sighed and took a sip.
"The Goddess of Ghosts… Master, I really don't know what we'll do without your help."
"If you keep insisting, I'll join the Goddess of Ghosts."
"Uwaaah!"
Nergio fell to the floor when he realized Saik was behind him. He didn't notice his presence because he's so weak after the fight with Faye.
"M-Master, don't scare me like that!"
"I came to say goodbye; I'm leaving. And I have one last favor to ask."
"Y-Yes, of course. You can ask me anything."
"Don't talk to me again. I don't want anyone from your family near me. I won't get involved with you anymore."
"W-What?"
"I want to keep living my normal life. I won't get involved with you anymore. If you approach me, I'll kill you."
Saik left the room, leaving Nergio alone. He knew he couldn't convince Saik, so all he did was cry.
His hopes that Saik would help him defeat the Goddess of Ghosts died that night.
•
•
(POV - Kaeyko)
"It's estimated that the approximate death toll exceeds 250,000, a number that continues to rise. The president has declared war on the terrorist group responsible for the attack."
I turned off the TV… Ugh, just what I needed, now we're at war.
"Woof, woof!"
"Yeah, I agree, Kaey, I'm hungry."
Thinking about it will make me uncomfortable.
A terrorist group destroyed nearly an entire city with a bomb. What do they want? The president's head… Ugh… Well, I don't care. Why do they want him dead? I don't care.
I could die, I know, and millions of people know it too. In that city, people were living a normal day, but an explosion ended their lives. That could happen right now… I could die…
"Yeah… I figured."
I still don't care. Do I not want to keep living? No, I'm pretty sure I don't have suicidal thoughts. I know I seem like a lonely, depressed guy, but I'm just lonely. I don't have any sad thoughts, nor am I interested in killing myself. I grew up being hated, even by my own family, so instead of becoming a depressed guy for not having anyone who loves me, I decided I'd.ignore people and focus only on myself. That's why I don't feel anything for my mother, I don't feel anything for my sister, and I'm not interested in feeling anything for anyone. I only need my own company to be happy.
"Woof!"
He started licking my face… Yeah, I get it.
"Now I have you, huh? A spirit only I can see. A pet will be good company for me."
Well, I'll go enjoy the rest of my life.
"I'll go spend my savings."
Maybe I'll buy some new video games, we'll see.
Kaey jumped onto my head, and I left my apartment… Ugh… Damn it. I need to get used to his presence. He appeared out of nowhere in front of me. Was he waiting for me at the door? I guess it was just a coincidence. I'm so used to girls approaching me with ulterior motives that I can spot them. Sylvie isn't in love with me, she's not a stalker; her being at my door was just a coincidence because even she got startled.
When she saw me, she backed away and almost tripped again. I had to catch her with my arms. Ugh, I think something like this happened before, but the other way around.
"Be careful, Sylvie."
I helped her stand.
"Were you looking for me?"
"Y-Yes. I-I got two n-new video games. W-Want to play with me?"
Hmm… I still don't detect any ulterior motives. Well, I don't have anything to do. I can accept.
"Sure, thanks for inviting me. I think we'll need some chips. I'll go to the store."
"I-I'll clean up a bit!"
I watched her head to her apartment. She tripped again but managed to keep her balance and laughed a little, smiling nervously… She's not in love with me; she's just a lonely girl who wants friends.
Judged for her appearance… Yeah, I know exactly what it's like to be judged without people really knowing me.
Well… I could die at any moment. Being her friend wouldn't be bad.
Since I was a kid, I haven't had a single friend… Giving friendship a chance might be good. Trying it before I die is worth it.
Anyway, I'll go buy those chips.
From what I saw the other day, I know there's a store near the school that sells family-sized bags of my favorite brand of chips. I'll buy those to save some money.
"Woof, woof!"
"You want something too?"
"Woof!"
"Alright, I'll get you something."
Ugh… I really hope loneliness isn't driving me crazy.
•
•
Alright, I made it to the store. I walked in and grabbed a basket. I'll buy chips, drinks, and… Oh… Wow… Flavored condoms. I'd heard about these, but this is the first time I've seen one. I'm a virgin and have never had a girlfriend; I'm far from needing a condom, but I find it interesting that flavored condoms exist. Do women taste the flavor with their private parts, or is it for oral sex?
I picked up the pack. I won't buy it, but maybe the instructions explain how it works.
"Buy regular ones; the flavored ones are more expensive and do the same thing."
"Uwaaah!"
Saik?! Damn, he caught me off guard.
"Don't just appear out of nowhere!"
And because of his hairstyle, I thought he was a ghost.
"Sorry, I just wanted to say hi."
… Huh? Is Kaey growling at Saik? Don't worry, he's… Well, harmless isn't the word… I don't know if he's a good person, I don't know him… Whatever, don't growl, though it doesn't matter, he can't see you.
"It's fine. Hi."
"Do you have a girlfriend?"
"Huh? Oh, no, I don't. I was just curious about how these flavored condoms work. I'm not buying them."
"I see… Is it normal to have sex with people you don't love?"
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"I was curious about that. Would a normal person have sex with someone they don't love?"
"Well… It's possible, yeah, it's possible. Mostly for pleasure."
"I see… And is it very common?"
"Actually, not that much. It happens, but not often."
"Oh… I see… Thanks for the info, Kaeyko."
He grabbed some chips and walked away from me… Yeah, that guy's definitely weird. Why did he ask that?
Whatever, I'll buy and leave.
•
•
(POV - Saik)
So… it's normal, but not that common… Though it's not normal to have sex with a ghost.
… Ugh… Well… I'll have to do it, whether I like it or not. I made a promise to Number 31, and I'll keep it.
"Hahahahaha! Lustful guy. You could tell he wanted to buy them. Well, he's handsome, probably popular with women. But for me, you're hotter, Saik! Don't get jealous."
I don't think Kaeyko is… Hmm… Well, yeah, he does seem like the type who'd have sex with a girl without feeling love. Whatever, it doesn't matter.
I placed the chips on the counter.
"Good afternoon, Iris. How are you?"
"Very well, thanks for asking, Saik. How was your trip? Though I know it wasn't great."
"Yeah… Sorry about that."
"Don't apologize; you didn't know that would happen. Sylphie and your friends are alive, and that's all that matters."
I was the one responsible. Sylphie and the others almost died because of me… I know I should feel at least a little guilty, but I still don't feel sad or guilty… Yeah… I think a part of me is a monster.
"How's Sylphie?"
"She's fine, actually quite healthy."
"I see."
Don't worry, they'll forget this soon… Everyone will.
I paid for my candies and left the store.
The trip is over; tomorrow we go back to school. I couldn't enjoy the trip… I've always known I'm doomed to not enjoy my life, but I won't give up.
But… I'll forget everything.
I'll erase my memories and pretend nothing happened. First, I need to prepare… And do that.
•
•
Night came. Yuki fell asleep while we were playing video games… It's time.
I left Yuki in her room and headed to mine. I know what I'm about to do is wrong, but I made a promise… And I'll keep my promise.
I opened the door to my room and…
"Fufu. You're late, darling."
Number 31, sitting naked on the floor, turned to look at me and smiled.
Her naked body doesn't provoke any reaction in me, but I can get erections without any issue, so that part shouldn't be a problem.
Her nipple… Her exposed chest doesn't provoke any reaction either.
I… really don't want to have sex with someone I don't love. She's not even my girlfriend or wife… What I'm about to do isn't normal. It's not normal for a human to have sex with a ghost, but I have to do it. I made a promise, and I'll keep my promise.
"Let's get this over with quickly."
•
•
(POV - Number 31)
I've been waiting for this moment for years. Saik is 17; he's no longer a little boy, he's a full-grown man now. We can finally do adult things!
S-Saik took off his shirt. It's really happening. He's really going to keep his promise!
"Let's get this over with."
He took my hands and started kissing me. A-Am I being dominated? Is Saik dominating me?! I thought Saik would just let me do whatever I wanted with him, but he's dominating me! This is so much better!
H-He lifted me in his arms and laid me on the bed.
"I'll… put it in."
Huh? This… This… This feeling coming from Saik… Sadness?
Saik is… sad.
"Oh… Right, there's foreplay or something first… Oral sex… I've never done it, so I might do it wrong."
He's still willing to go through with it despite feeling so sad… Sadness…
He really wants to be normal… He really… wants to be.
"I'm sorry, Saik."
"What? Why are you crying, Number 31?"
Despite promising to help you achieve your dream, look at me, taking advantage of you… I don't want this… Not like this.
I love you, Saik. I want to do it with you, but… I don't want to do it if you don't want to.
… A normal person… Sometimes I forget why you sacrificed your childhood.
All that pain and horrible things you had to see at such a young age. Things that would leave any adult traumatized for life.
All that sacrifice… I can't let all that sacrifice be in vain.
"… When you graduate, let's go on a date."
"A date?"
"You'll fulfill your dream of having a normal life… I love you."
With one last kiss, I said goodbye to him.
It hurts to have to do this, but more than anyone, I know how much Saik fought for this life… I'm his best friend, and he's my best friend. What kind of friend would I be if I take advantage of my friend?
If he fails, he'll kill himself. I don't want to lose my only friend… I want to stay by his side.
I have to support him and not steer him away from his goal… I have to be a good friend.
•
•
(POV - Saik)
Number 31 returned to my body… She… Yes… I understand.
"Thank you so much for understanding. I'll make it up to you someday. I promise."
I can keep being a normal person… Someone normal… Yes… I'll keep being one.
You're truly someone I can trust, Number 31… I didn't make a mistake with you.
"Thank you."
•
•
(Flashback)
"Delicious! Your mom's an amazing cook, Shadow!"
"Thanks, but my dad made it."
Saik, at 7 years old, was sitting with Number 31 under a tree, enjoying a pleasant picnic.
She had her head on Saik's lap, looking into his eyes.
"Fufu. Why don't you try to capture me? Have you given up?"
"I'll capture you someday, but that day isn't today. I just want to enjoy a picnic… Is that what it's called? I don't know. I think one of my classmates called it an 'outdoor picnic.' Though I think a picnic is outdoors… Whatever, it doesn't matter."
"Hmm… Hey, Shadow, yesterday we went to the movies, and the day before we played video games… Every time you invite me somewhere to do something, you mention you decided to do it because your classmates did the same. Why do you imitate them?"
"Because they're normal, so they do normal things."
"Normal? Hahahahahaha! You want to be normal? I know you, Shadow, and you're far from normal."
"Yeah, I know, but one day I'll be normal, and when that day comes, my parents will finally be proud of me."
"But being normal is boring."
"I'd rather be boring than a freak… That's my dream. What's yours? Do you have a dream? My parents are rich; if you need money to make your dream come true, you can ask me."
"My dream…? I guess… I guess it would be… Kya! I can't, it's too embarrassing!"
"More embarrassing than dreaming of being boring and normal?"
"Oh, no, not that embarrassing."
"Then tell me."
"… I… I… I want to have friends!"
"That's not a dream."
"It is! Every day, those damn ghost hunters try to capture me! I can't rest for a moment! I can't stay in one place for long… I feel… You know… Lonely. I don't have company… I want to have friends and have fun!"
Saik took a sandwich from the basket.
"Having true friends to keep me company, that's what I want. I guess loneliness has driven me crazy. I wonder if, when I was alive, I had lots of friends. That would explain why I want friends."
"That's no longer a dream, because you already have friends… Well, just one, and a really weird one. Something's better than nothing."
Saik took a bite of his sandwich, and Number 31 just stared at him, surprised by his words. She knew those words were honest because Saik didn't lie.
"Shadow… Do you consider me your friend?"
"Well, we've been playing and talking together for almost a year. Being with you isn't boring, and I have fun… Yeah, I think that's more than enough to consider you my friend. Don't you consider me your friend?"
"… Can I consider you my best friend?"
"I don't have any competition, so that title was easy to get, huh? Sure, you can consider me your friend, even your best friend, but I don't know the difference."
"Thank you… Thank you!"
She hugged Saik tightly for several seconds.
"Oh… Uh… You know I could attack you right now, right? You shouldn't let your guard down."
"Friends don't attack each other! I trust you!"
"I see… They don't attack… Thanks for the info."
She truly became a fundamental presence in Saik's life. The person who supported him the most in achieving his dream.
And though Saik doesn't admit it, she's his best friend.
•
•
(POV - Saik)
I left my dirty clothes in the basket and checked my body while looking in a mirror… No physical wounds… A full year without being able to use them… I'll be defenseless.
… Do I have an erection? Yeah, it still hasn't gone down… I really am a teenager, huh?
Teenagers masturbate a lot; it's very normal. Should I do it too…? No, I won't. Mainly because I live with Yuki; it'd be rude to do it under the same roof.
"So, are you ready?"
Legendary Ghost Number 97, the Ghost of Time, appeared in front of me.
"This time, it'll be 50 years. You've already lost 30. Are you sure?"
"I don't need the others… I won't need them."
"Alright. Initiating manipulation."
"And modify my memories too. A normal vacation."
"Yes, I know. Initiating manipulation… Now."
It snapped its fingers, and my vision darkened.
•
•
"The vacation in that forest was amazing! Animals everywhere, we even saw a bear! Hahahahaha! It was so funny watching you wrestle a bear, Saik!"
"But it's over now; classes have started again."
The vacation we had in that forest was so relaxing… But those memories are fake.
I can't use my legendary ghosts, and my soul is very weakened. Whatever happened, it has to do with the meteorite that fell on Solerk92… The memories of us planning to go to that forest are fake too.
Did I have something to do with that meteorite? Did I cause all that? Why? Who did I fight?
Whatever it was, I'll never know, and that's for the best. If I even modified my own memories, it means it was a way to keep living a normal life. I won't try to find out what really happened and will enjoy my life.
"Oh…"
I stopped, and Yuki shook my shoulder.
"Something wrong?"
Naima painted her nails black. It suits her really well.
… Wow… Is this what it feels like to like someone? It's a weird feeling.
I took a deep breath and walked toward her. She's talking with her friends… I have to do it.
"Good morning."
I walked past her.
I felt her gaze, but she didn't return the greeting. I continued on my way, satisfied with the result.
She ignored me.
"My deepest condolences. Having to be on an island with that weirdo must be torture."
"Well, at least being with him guarantees me a good grade, so it's not that bad."
… Not that bad? Did she say it wouldn't be that bad to be with me?
Wow… Whoa… My heart raced.
I really like Naima.
"Hey, Saik, can I hit her?"
"No."
Naima treats me badly, but someday she'll be my girlfriend… Or so I hope.