Chapter 351: Sister? (3k)

Looking at the dazed young lady with misty eyes, a hazy gaze, her face slightly tilted upward, and her pink lips so close, Amamiya involuntarily held his breath.

What's with this behavior of yours?

It was obvious. She was asking for a kiss.

Her dazed expression after waking up was completely unlike her usual demeanor.

Amamiya couldn't help but recall what had happened in the ghost town. In that dream-like scenario that kept repeating, he had kissed this silly young lady to wake her up and had even bullied her a little.

Wait… does she think this is still a dream?

His guess was spot on.

Kaguya, freshly woken and still groggy, was unable to distinguish between dreams and reality. Her lingering memories of the ghost town, where she had been "bullied," were vivid and persistent. Perhaps that was why she subconsciously sought a kiss now.

The faint fragrance of orchids and musk lingered in the air, growing stronger and more intoxicating.

Amamiya stood frozen, only inches away from her. For once, hesitation overtook him.

If this silly young lady realizes I took the initiative to kiss her after waking up, she might lose her temper and sink us all into Tokyo Bay…

Suddenly, a sharp thud! broke the moment.

The sound of a drink falling to the ground snapped both of them out of their daze.

A bottle of 100% strawberry juice rolled to a stop at Amamiya's feet.

Startled by the noise, Kaguya quickly turned her head, her dazed expression giving way to clarity. She glanced at the bottle, then at Amamiya, who was still close enough to be holding her.

"…"

Across from them, a classmate named Komi sat stiffly. Her wide eyes trembled as she straightened her posture, hands firmly on her knees, visibly unnerved by what she had witnessed.

Kaguya withdrew her gaze from Komi and glanced at Amamiya. Memories of what had just happened flashed through her mind, and her face turned bright red.

Forcing herself to act as though nothing had occurred, she released Amamiya, sat up straight, folded her hands neatly on her knees, tilted her head slightly, and smiled. Her voice, soft and melodic, carried an unsettling undertone:

"Komi-san, did you see everything just now?"

"…"

The black-haired girl shook her head frantically, like a rabbit cornered by a predator. Her instincts screamed at her to avoid provoking the person in front of her.

Amamiya, still recovering, spoke up, "Komi-san really didn't see anything?"

Komi shook her head even faster, understanding full well the wisdom of feigned ignorance.

Kaguya continued smiling. "Don't worry, it's okay if you saw. I'm not a demon."

At that, Amamiya glanced at Kaguya, his inner voice dripping with sarcasm.

You're not a demon? The smile on your face is scarier than one! Look at Komi—she's practically trembling in fear!

Before the tense silence could stretch further, another voice broke through.

"Um… what are you guys talking about?"

Sajuna sat up groggily, her tone sleepy and unclear. It was obvious she hadn't witnessed anything.

"It's nothing," Amamiya reassured her, reaching out to gently pat her head. "Go back to sleep."

"Stupid Amamiya! Don't touch my head—it'll stunt my growth!"

"…"

Once Sajuna had settled back to sleep, Amamiya turned to the now-flushed Kaguya, her cheeks still burning with embarrassment. He leaned closer and whispered, "Just now…"

"That was just an illusion!" Kaguya exclaimed, crossing her arms over her chest in protest. "Nothing happened!"

Don't admit it! No matter what, I won't admit it!

Her thoughts spiraled as she wrestled with her pride. I actually took the initiative to kiss him?! That's completely unacceptable! Even if I was just waking up, only the weak would do such a thing!

Her internal turmoil only deepened, but outwardly, she maintained her air of composure, refusing to acknowledge what had transpired.

Amamiya leaned closer and whispered, "So… I don't need to turn myself in?"

"I never said you should," Kaguya replied, lightly biting her pink lips. Then, with a soft voice, she asked, "Do you still remember something that happened so long ago?"

Amamiya's expression turned serious. "Of course. It was the very first thing you ever said to me. How could I forget?"

Kaguya fell silent, her lips pursed.

The two, having just woken up, were not yet sleepy again and spoke to each other in low voices.

Outside the car window, sunlight poured through in soft beams, scattering under the Tyndall effect. The warm light created a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.

Kaguya's gaze shifted subtly to the young man beside her. His quiet profile, illuminated by the sunlight, stirred an inexplicable emotion in her heart. If only time could freeze this moment forever.

The journey continued in silence.

At five in the afternoon, the Shinkansen came to a stop at Shinjuku Station.

"Finally home! Let's get off the train!"

A wave of excitement swept through the group. Even the usually composed Kaguya seemed relieved.

After spending seven to eight hours in transit, anyone would feel exhausted.

The moment they stepped outside the station, however, their excitement was dampened by the sound of rain.

The smile on Chika's face faded as she groaned. "Ahhh, it's raining again! I want to go back to Kagoshima!"

Sajuna frowned slightly and muttered, "It's been raining since yesterday."

"Rainy days are the worst." Umi placed a hand on her hip and sighed. "My good mood is ruined just like that."

"Miss, it's time to head home," Hayasaka said calmly, holding an umbrella over Kaguya's head.

A sleek black luxury car was parked nearby, the one Kaguya usually used to commute to school.

Kaguya nodded slightly, folding her hands neatly over her abdomen. In a soft, elegant tone, she said, "Everyone, get in. I'll have the driver drop you off."

"Yes! Let's get in!"

Chika, having taken Kaguya's car many times before, was quick to climb in without hesitation.

"Thank you, Shinomiya-san," Umi said politely, following suit. "No more crowded trains for me—this is great!"

Only Komi lingered hesitantly.

"Stop overthinking and just get in," Amamiya urged from behind.

Startled, the black-haired girl obediently got into the car without another word.

After everyone had shared their addresses, the driver smoothly started the car, and they disappeared into the rainy twilight.

The route was planned to drop off Umi first, followed by Sajuna, and then Komi.

When they reached Komi's home, Amamiya suddenly spoke up. "Wait, I'm getting off here too."

"Eh?" Chika turned to him in confusion. "Why here? Why not ride with us?"

Amamiya explained, "It's because after dropping everyone off, the car would have to head in the opposite direction to take me home. It'd take too much time. I'll get off here and take the tram back instead."

Kaguya's sharp instincts picked up on a detail. Turning to Amamiya with a half-narrowed gaze, she asked, "How do you know where Chika lives?"

Amamiya froze, but only for a moment. Of course, I know. Not only do I know where she lives, I even know what her room looks like.

But instead, he replied, "That's because—"

Before he could finish, Chika interrupted brightly, "Oh, that's because I told Amamiya before! It was a while back. One night, there was an evil spirit at my house. Since he still didn't have the couldn't copy and paste skill back then, I called Amamiya for help. That's all!"

Of course, she conveniently left out the part where she'd been cornered in her room by her sister, transformed Amamiya into a sheep to hide on the bed, and accidentally stripped of all his clothes. 

There's absolutely no need to share those details!

"Amamiya, if you're getting off, then hurry up already!" Chika waved him away impatiently, her eyes signaling, Quick, quick!

Amamiya nodded, then turned to Kaguya. "See you tomorrow."

Kaguya responded with a gentle nod. "See you tomorrow."

Amamiya shifted his gaze to Chika. "See you tomorrow, Chika."

"See you tomorrow," she replied, waving casually.

Finally, Amamiya looked at the ever-composed maid, Hayasaka. "Tomorrow…"

"Hmm?" Hayasaka tilted her head slightly, her sharp gaze locking onto him.

"I don't think we'll meet tomorrow," he said nonchalantly, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Goodbye, Miss Hayasaka."

"…"

Hayasaka narrowed her eyes slightly, suspicion flickering in her mind. Did he just say 'see you tomorrow' and then 'goodbye'?

Without lingering, Amamiya stepped out of the car.

By now, night had fallen, and the streetlights on either side of the road illuminated the path with a soft, warm glow.

Though the rain had lightened, it still fell steadily, as if determined to continue indefinitely.

Opening his school bag, Amamiya realized he had forgotten his umbrella. Just as he sighed at his oversight, a clear umbrella was quietly opened beside him.

"Thank you," Amamiya said, turning to see the shy, blushing face of Komi, her long black hair cascading over her shoulders.

Komi-san's pink lips parted slightly as if to speak, but no words came out. After a brief hesitation, she simply shook her head.

Amamiya smiled faintly. "I forgot my umbrella. The tram station isn't far. Can you walk me there?"

Komi-san nodded quickly, her movements stiff but earnest.

"Great. Lead the way," he said, stepping aside for her to take the lead.

The two walked side by side toward the station, the rain pattering lightly against their umbrella.

"Oh, by the way," Amamiya suddenly said, turning to Komi with a playful glint in his eye. "Do you want me to copy the Evil Spirit Repellent skill on you?"

"…"

Komi's delicate face showed a hint of hesitation, her expression conflicted.

"That's a yes," Amamiya declared confidently, his hand reaching out to clasp hers.

If she didn't want it, she would've shaken her head instantly. Hesitation was as good as consent.

Komi's body stiffened momentarily, but she didn't resist. Her face flushed a deep red as she allowed him to hold her hand.

Habit was indeed a powerful force.

From the initial overwhelming shyness of holding hands to gradually becoming accustomed to it, Komi had unwittingly grown used to Amamiya's gestures.

However, as they approached an intersection, Amamiya felt her grip suddenly tighten. Her arm tensed, and her wide eyes locked on something across the street. She trembled slightly, as though she had seen a terrifying creature.

"What's wrong?" he asked, following her gaze.

Across the street, a woman carrying shopping bags walked with an umbrella in hand.

As the umbrella tilted slightly, it revealed a charming face—one strikingly similar to Komi's, albeit with livelier eyes and a warm, cheerful smile.

"Oh my, Shouko's brought her boyfriend home. What a pleasant surprise!"

The woman's voice was as sweet as her smile.

Steam practically rose from Komi's head as she shook her head frantically in denial.

"There's no use denying it," the woman said with a teasing grin, resting a hand on her hip. "I saw you two holding hands just now. Clear as day."

Komi trembled and remained silent, her head shaking in frantic denial.

"I'm Amamiya Natsuki," he introduced himself calmly, bowing slightly. "Thank you for your guidance. May I ask if you're Komi-san's sister?"

The woman's eyes sparkled as her smile widened. "Why, yes! I'm her sister."

Komi quickly shook her head, as if trying to refute her sister's words.

"I approve of your marriage!" Komi's sister declared cheerfully, delivering a decisive blow with her words.

"M-Mom…!"

Komi's wide eyes filled with panic as she looked at her mother, trembling visibly. Desperate, she continued shaking her head, hoping against hope to undo her mother's words.

Mrs. Komi smiled warmly and said, "I just picked up some groceries from the supermarket—beef, salmon, and other ingredients. Amamiya-kun, why don't you come over to our house for dinner?"

Amamiya glanced at Komi-san and asked, "What do you think, Komi-san?"

"…"

Unable to bear the situation any longer, Komi thrust the umbrella into Amamiya's hands, placed both hands on his back, and firmly pushed him toward the tram station.

"Goodbye, Mrs. Komi," Amamiya called out, stopping briefly before stepping inside. He added casually, "Let's have dinner together another time."

"Sure thing," Mrs. Komi replied, her laughter growing even more delighted. She covered her mouth with her hand, her shoulders trembling as she chuckled. With her charming smile and graceful demeanor, she appeared to be an enhanced version of Komi. "We'll be waiting for you!"

As Amamiya walked toward the train platform, he reflected briefly. From Umi to the silly young lady, none of them had managed to faze him. For the first time, he understood the expression, so content you'd never want to return home.

Twenty minutes later.

Amamiya stepped off the train and began walking home under the shelter of the umbrella.

At an intersection, he noticed a girl waiting at the red light ahead. Her silhouette looked strikingly familiar.

Standing beside her was an enormous evil spirit, its grotesque face bent low and uncomfortably close to the girl, as if studying her.

Amamiya approached quietly, lifting the umbrella slightly to get a better look. It was unmistakable—the girl was Miko, her teeth biting into her lower lip, her eyes rimmed with unshed tears. She looked pitiful and vulnerable, clearly distressed.

"You… can see me?"

A hollow, menacing voice echoed through the rain.

The pedestrians nearby, oblivious to the spectral entity, simply saw Miko trembling, her eyes clouded with fear.

Breaking the tension, a calm voice cut through the rain: "Yes, I can see you."

"…"

Both Miko and the evil spirit turned toward the voice simultaneously.

"You can see me!!"

The spirit's tone shifted to wild excitement. It abandoned Miko without hesitation, lunging straight at Amamiya.

As it approached, Amamiya's skill activated. Invisible flames burst into existence, consuming the spirit instantly.

Turning his attention back to Miko, Amamiya smiled gently. "I'm back."

Miko's wide eyes glistened with relief and joy. "You're finally back," she murmured.

She hadn't realized just how much she relied on him until he left for Kagoshima. When they were together every day, it felt ordinary. But in his absence, the loneliness had been unbearable.

She had barely been able to sleep on her own, plagued by a terrifying evil spirit that lingered beside her bed, watching her, its presence unrelenting. No amount of distractions or reassurances could ease her fear.

"Miko-chan, we're back!"

Shimizu appeared suddenly, her cheerful voice cutting through the emotional reunion.

Miko took a deep breath, quickly wiping at her eyes. "Sister Shimizu, welcome back."

"Thanks!" Shimizu replied with a bright smile, though her expression quickly turned coy. "There's something I'd like to discuss with you, Miko-chan."

"What is it?" Miko asked curiously.

Clasping her hands together and holding them in front of her chest, Shimizu said wistfully, "It's been so long since I last saw Hana-chan. I really, really miss her. Could you call her over to hang out?"

Miko: "…"

You don't miss Hana; you just want to cling to her!